A woman with endometriosis has been left to feel like a “drug addict,” as she says she needs strong painkillers to make it through the day.

Laura Jones, who currently lives in Manchester, was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2019, but her pains began when she started her period at 12 years old.

Now, Ms Jones struggles to get by without taking Co-codamol, a higher-strength painkiller, to manage her daily excruciating pain.

Ms Jones told The Independent: “I asked my husband, ‘Am I a drug addict?’ There are days where I will try to push through and not take any, but I am left in so much pain. It makes me so sad.”

Endometriosis is a long-term, chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. It is common and affects one in 10 women.

Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with endometriosis, according to the Endometriosis UK charity. Symptoms vary from person to person and can be severe.

Ms Jones experiences debilitating pain across her back, hips, abdomen and down her legs. She cannot stand or sit for too long as it leaves her in extreme pain.

Walking has become difficult for the 32-year-old, so she now has to use a walking stick, something she “never thought” she would have to do at this age.

She said: “I feel like a broken person. I can’t believe people walk around not in pain. It is wild to me.”

‘More than a decade of suffering before I was heard’

Ms Jones was travelling in Australia with her husband in 2019 when she found herself “doubled over in pain” and “unable to get out of bed”. After seeing a doctor there, she was offered laparoscopic surgery.

“That was the first time someone asked, ‘Could this be endometriosis?’” she said. “I was 24 years old, and it was the first time I was listened to. It took 12 years of suffering.”

When she was diagnosed with endometriosis, she was also told she would not be able to conceive a baby naturally. Since 2019, she has undergone three unsuccessful IVF cycles and a miscarriage.

She said the process of IVF triggered PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a severe condition linked to the menstrual cycle, which leaves her feeling suicidal.

Despite sharing this with medical professionals, she claims she was not offered sufficient support or counselling besides being given the number for Samaritans.

Ms Jones advocated for herself to be given the Prostap injection every three months, which is used to treat severe PMDD. However, it places the body into a temporary chemical menopause, which makes fertility even more difficult. But Ms Jones said she would rather be in menopause at her age than “wanting to die all the time”.

She said: “Sometimes I wish I could have a different body, step out of my brain. But this is real. No one is coming to save me; I have to find my own way out.”

She had a second laparoscopic surgery in the UK three years later, in December 2022. The doctor then told her the shattering news that “nothing could be done” to help her while she was undergoing a fertility journey.

Although the option of a hysterectomy was put on the table, the major surgery would shatter her dream of carrying a child. As a result, she was only offered more nerve pain medication.

Last year reached a tipping point as Ms Jones was unable to get out of her bed for months due to the pain. Her parents then insisted she get a private MRI scan.

The £800 scan showed that she also has adenomyosis, a fibroid and a prolapse on her cervix – all of which were missed in previous investigations.

Now Ms Jones is seeking second opinions and treatment abroad in Zimbabwe and China.

“Talking about my story is a release; it’s a way to cope,” she said. “I am suicidal most of the time, and I find relief in sharing my story and hoping I can make a difference.”

Faye Farthing, head of campaigns at Endometriosis UK, said: “It is unacceptable that those living with endometriosis have to endure years of pain and uncertainty before receiving a diagnosis.

“Endometriosis care has been neglected for too long. The government must treat endometriosis as a common, chronic condition that requires systematic action, and we want an unequivocal commitment to reduce average diagnosis time to one year or less by 2030.”

An NHS spokesperson said: “The NHS is determined to do better on women’s health and ensure that women with conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis are given effective diagnosis, treatment and support.

“We are building more specialised services for women in the community, which can offer timely support for these conditions, and so we would strongly encourage any woman experiencing similar symptoms to contact their GP for more support and advice on how they can manage and treat their pain.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you

Stacey Solomon has admitted it ‘feels strange’ waking up in a new home after she revealed the family have moved out of their £1.3million Pickle Cottage this week. 

And after many much-loved years at Pickle Cottage, Stacey shared a second glimpse of their new house on Saturday, but explained she won’t be showing the outside of it for privacy reasons. 

Taking to her Instagram Story on Saturday morning, Stacey posted a snap of her daughter Rose, four, in a bare living room which featured an ornate white painted fireplace. 

She penned: ‘Happy Saturday. Feels so strange not waking up in pickle cottage but so excited taking it all in & wondering what to do with this place.’ 

The fireplace featured black and white marble while the white painted wallpaper suggested the couple’s new home is a lot grander than their previous cottage. 

Giving fans an update she wrote: ‘I can’t wait to properly have some days off work & show you all around…. I’m not going to show the outside of the house this time around. 

‘Just for security and privacy reasons… we had some issues at pickle cottage in the end & it’s safer to just not show the building itself.’  

Stacey posted a snap of her daughter Rose, four, in a bare living room which featured an ornate white painted fireplace and white painted wallpaper

She continued: ‘I am so excited though to take you into the rooms & get inspiration from you all. There’s so much to think about & so many fun things to do. I will need help with this project because it is huge. I need all your tips, tricks and ideas! 

‘I’m going to really take my tie and live here and work out what to do with each room because I don’t want to rush it!

‘But I can’t tell you how excited I am to sink my teeth into this project with you all.’ 

On Friday, the TV presenter, 36, and her husband Joe Swash, 44, took to Instagram to share a photo of the family on their new doorstep as she captioned the post: ‘Home is wherever I’m with you… Pickle Project, Here We Go.’ 

Stacey and Joe revealed they had decided to move out of their beloved home after falling in love with the new property, which is surrounded by acres of land.

Stacey told her followers her chickens, ducks and bee hive have all successfully travelled over to their new home. 

The Loose Women presenter said she has plans to build a huge vegetable garden and rescue more animals. 

It was previously revealed back in June the couple had fallen in love with the eight-bedroom Victorian mansion.

The property comes with a pool, sprawling gardens and enough bedrooms for all their children. 

They are proud parents to Rex, seven, Rose, four, and Belle, three. Stacey is also mother to sons Zachary, 18 and Leighton, 14, while Joe is father to his son Harry, 19, from a previous relationship. 

Joe said the property will be a huge renovation project for the queen of DIY.

‘We are leaving and moving out of Pickle Cottage imminently, which I never thought I’d say,’ she explained in an emotional video on Instagram.

Revealing why they kept the move under wraps, Stacey said: ‘Leaving Pickle Cottage was a massive decision for us, we had a lot of people we needed to speak to, we needed to get the kids around to the idea and speak to all our friends and neighbours in the area.

‘We have just waited until someone amazing came along and fell in love with the cottage.’

She wrote: ‘Just for security and privacy reasons… we had some issues at pickle cottage in the end & it’s safer to just not show the building itself’

On Friday, the presenter, 36, and her husband Joe Swash, 44, shared a photo of the family on their new doorstep as she wrote: ‘Home is wherever I’m with you… Pickle Project, Here We Go’ 

Stacey shared a montage of her favourite family moments at Pickle Cottage after moving out of their £1.3million home on Thursday 

She continued: ‘Pickle Cottage is our dream house, as soon as we moved here we fell in love with it and I still love it so, so much. It’s a really special place to us. I gave birth to both of the girls there, we got married there, it’s just so special to us.

‘But for a little while we have always wanted to rescue more animals, grow more vegetables so we have always been thinking if there was ever a chance to get a bit more land then we would consider it.

‘We saw somewhere and I was like, we could have a massive vegetable patch and we could offer our land to animals who need it and stuff like that. We could bring the horses back there, the ponies, and we went to see it and we fell in love.

‘It wasn’t an easy decision, we built our lives together at Pickle Cottage but now we have found somewhere where we can see our family growing and really flourishing and this is the place.

‘So it’s time to say goodbye to Pickle Cottage which feels so weird and basically move across to our new chapter.

‘It’s a project, we’re moving somewhere really really different and it does need a lot of love and I’m excited to do that all again.’

The fondly named Pickle Cottage is where Stacey and Joe’s reality series is based. They moved back in 2021. 

Stacey and Joe first met on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2010 and had their 2022 wedding on the grounds.

Stacey opened up about her love of interior decorating in an interview with House Beautiful magazine, as she responded to a question asking which design trend she wouldn’t be on board with.

She said: ‘I don’t think there’s such a thing. It bugs me that people have an opinion on someone’s house, like if there’s not enough colour or if it’s too garish.

‘Why have you got an opinion on someone else’s house? I don’t appreciate it. Let people be free with their own homes and do whatever the hell they want.

‘It might not be your style and it might not be your taste, but it’s not your house.

‘I feel passionately about people judging other people’s spaces. You live in that space. It has to support you in so many ways, whether that’s emotionally or through comfort. Who are we to tell anyone that their space isn’t what it should be?’

Aoife O’Brien died in Portugal last week

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Tributes have been paid to a “lovely, funny, down to earth” teenager who died last week while on holiday.

Aoife O’Brien, 19, from Gortgarralt, Fedamore, Co Limerick, died on Thursday, August 27, in Portugal, a place ‘very close to her heart’, her family said.

Aoife is the daughter of Joe and Mary and sister of Ciara, reports the Irish Mirror.

A death notice said: “Aoife will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of her parents, sister, grandmother Helen McCarthy, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and a large circle of friends.”

In a message shared on RIP.ie, the 19-year-old’s family expressed their “deepest appreciation” for the work of “paramedics, doctors, and staff at Ryanair, Shannon Airport, and Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for all their care and support at this difficult time”.

Aoife’s sudden death death has left her friends and family heartbroken, with heartfelt tributes pouring in for the “very kind and bubbly” teen.

One mourner said: “Sincerest condolences to Joe, Mary, Ciara and the extended McCarthy and O’Brien families on the heartbreaking loss of Aoife. A lovely young girl who was always laughing or smiling. May she rest in peace.”

Another person added: “My deepest condolences to Mary, Joe, Ciara, Aunty Helen and all the O’Brien and McCarthy family on the sad passing of Aoife. Aoife was such a lovely young lady, very funny and such a charming person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. R.i.p Cousin Aoife.”

A third person said: “Our heartfelt condolences to Joe, Mary & Ciara on the very sad loss of Aoife. May her gentle soul rest easy and may she rest in eternal peace. Aoife was so full of life and her smile was infectious she will be smiling down from Heaven forever young.”

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While a close pal said: “RIP Aoife such a lovely funny down to earth girl. You made a big impact rip love.”

Aoife’s funeral will take place at 11.30am on Saturday, September 5, at St. John the Baptist Church Fedamore. She will then be laid to rest at Taylor’s Cross Cemetery, Fedamore.

Aoife’s family have asked mourners attending her funeral to wear bright colours, “something yellow if possible”, to “signify Aoife’s love of colour”.

Her family have asked for donations, if desired, be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. The charity helps bring loved ones that have passed away abroad home to Ireland.

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Here’s how the players rated during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth

Cardiff City remain without a win in the Championship after going down 2-0 at the hands of Portsmouth.

Conor Shaughnessy’s first-half header gave the hosts the lead, before Marezi tucked home a second just after the interval.

Here’s how the players rated on the day.

Nathan Trott 6

Indecision led to the throw that ultimately cost his side a goal. Did make some good saves on the day, however.

Perry Ng 6

Worked hard to try and make something happen going forward. Forced a good save late on.

Krystian Bielik 6

Headed narrowly wide early on. Was put in a difficult position in conceding the throw that led to the opener, but perhaps could have done better. Subbed.

Gabriel Osho 6

Made some good defensive contributions, but nearly played his side into trouble with a poor back-pass.

Joel Bagan 7 – STAR MAN

Lovely ball in for Bielik’s early chance and made a couple of really intelligent runs down the left. Nearly set up Salech just after the break and made a couple of really important defensive contributions. Did pretty well on the whole.

Alex Robertson 6

Often had the right ideas, but the execution sadly wasn’t there for much of the afternoon.

David Turnbull 6

Lively early on. Linked up well with those around him and showed some neat touches on the edge of the box. Didn’t really do enough to open up the defence, however. Subbed.

Ollie Tanner 5

Lost the ball a couple of times, and wasn’t quite on the same wavelength as his team-mates on occasion. Missed a great chance to level too. Subbed.

Chris Willock 5

A couple of good runs, but just lacked the final bit of quality needed. Couldn’t get he ball out from his feet after Tanner’s effort had been saved after the break. Subbed.

Jack Moylan 6

Much of Cardiff’s best moments came through him. Made a couple of really good driving runs through the middle. Should have done more to challenge Shaughnessy as he headed home, though. Faded after the break.

Yousef Salech 5

A couple of good touches, but was suffocated by the Portsmouth defence for much of the afternoon. Denied by the keeper just after the break and came close to connecting to Bagan’s low cross.

Subs

Rubin Colwill (on for Willock 63) – A very quiet outing off the bench. Nearly cost his side with a mistake in midfield too – 5

Joel Colwill (on for Turnbull 63) – A slightly better cameo, but still did little to really impact the game – 6

Cian Ashford (on for Tanner 82) – N/A

Calum Scanlon (on for Bielik 90+1) – N/A

Psychic medium Craig Hamilton-Parker, known as the ‘Prophet of Doom’, who previously predicted Covid-19 and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, now claims Russia will launch a chemical attack

A man who claims to have previously predicted both the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of Queen Elizabeth II is now warning that Russia will launch a chemical attack on the UK within the coming weeks. His predictions, shared on his YouTube channel, emerge as Russia once again issued threats towards the UK over its ongoing support of Ukraine, with Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warning (September 3) that the UK was “playing with fire”.

With tensions running high, psychic medium Craig Hamilton-Parker, known as the ‘Prophet of Doom’, outlined what he believes the UK could face in the weeks and months ahead with regard to Russia.

Mr Hamilton-Parker has long used Nadi readings to forecast future events and currently addresses his 244,000 subscribers in a session called ‘Coffee with Craig’. Craig predicted: “I felt that Russia is going to take some hidden clandestine attacks on the UK, because they have threatened this.

“I’m feeling another similar type of attack, a bit like we had with those poison attacks that we had in Salsbury. I’m seeing a kind of chemical type of attack. Don’t read this as being chemical bombs or anything, but I feel they’re going to target a British brand…a brand that sells into the general public, a shop of some sort….one of the big stores.

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“I feel its going to have an attack on it in some form and that attack I feel is going to be coming by the way terrorists have tried to do in the past through blackmail. Dropping stuff into baby food, dropping poisons into milk, putting something on clothing that could be poisonous.”

“It’s as if they’re going to try to ruin one of your brands. I feel what they’ll try to do is target one of them, I don’t know which one it is, I can’t be sure what it is, but it’s a big name, it’s something that represents Britain very much.”

Craig suggested this could be in retaliation for Britain’s support of Ukraine, which has been striking Russia’s equivalent of Amazon, Wildberries, and its warehouses, causing significant disruption.

The psychic is not alone in raising the alarm over a potentially imminent threat to the UK. Speaking on the Defence Talks podcast, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy General Sir Gwyn Jenkins cautioned about Russia’s underwater capabilities and the danger they could pose to Britain.

Sir Gwyn expressed concern about “a number of possible scenarios in future that could lead to catastrophic events, with no certainty that we can avoid them”.

He added: “Let’s not forget that we are an island nation, we are utterly dependent on the sea for all our data, virtually all our trade, virtually all our energy.

“In the maritime environment, in particular with the Russian threat at the moment, I see a real growth in undersea capability that we are, if we’re really honest as allies, we are struggling to contain.”

Following Russia’s latest threats, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated: “Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin’s illegal invasion.

“Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies.”

Wilton Fest returned to the landmark site near Belmont on Saturday, bringing together climbers of all ages and abilities for a packed day of activities, coaching sessions, live music and community events.

Despite a damp start to the day, organisers and exhibitors said attendance picked up throughout the afternoon, with the quarry walls once again filled with climbers tackling routes across the historic venue.

Despite a damp start, the weather cleared up in the afternoon and people were in great spirits. (Image: Newsquest)

Alongside climbing demonstrations and taster sessions, visitors browsed dozens of stalls selling equipment including ropes, harnesses, chalk and specialist climbing gear, while food vendors served pizzas, hot drinks and refreshments.

Among them was Matt Lightfoot, founder of Fat Lad Climbing, whose brand grew from his own introduction to the sport.

He said: “Fat Lad Climbing started from my own experience.

“I weighed around 20 stone when I first tried climbing as a way of improving my mental and physical health.

“While I was climbing, I overheard some people joking and saying, ‘Look at that fat lad climbing.’

Instead of letting it knock his confidence, Matt decided to take ownership of it and turn it into something positive.

“That’s where the name Fat Lad Climbing came from,” he said.

Matt said the event showcased the welcoming nature of the climbing community.

Matt, founder of Fat Lad Climbing. (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “We’ve probably welcomed around 500 to 600 people throughout the day.

“The weather put a few people off this morning, but it’s definitely picked up this afternoon.

“We’ve had people of all ages and abilities coming along, and that’s what makes events like this so special.

“It’s a really welcoming atmosphere.

“The great thing about climbing is that everybody can do it at their own level.

“You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy it.”

For many, that sense of inclusivity is what keeps them returning year after year.

Louise, who has been climbing for around a decade and has attended the festival for several years, said: “There’s no body type for climbing.

“It’s a sport that’s open to everyone.

“This is one of the biggest climbing festivals of its kind in the UK, and it’s completely free to attend.

“There’s no entry fee and even the tea and coffee is available for a donation.”

The atmosphere war friendly and welcoming for everyone. (Image: Newsquest)

Fellow climber Mick, who has been climbing for around 30 years, praised both the venue and atmosphere.

He said: “The climbing centre is huge.

“There are four different sections and this is only one of them.

“It’s a really impressive venue.

“We’ve been coming to this festival for around seven or eight years.”

People of all ages and abilities were climbing throughout the day. (Image: Newsquest)

Away from the quarry walls, Bolton Mountain Rescue Team was on hand to demonstrate its capabilities and speak to visitors about its work.

Team member John, who has volunteered with the organisation for 25 years, revealed rescuers had even responded to an emergency during the event.

He said: “This morning, we actually had a call-out.

“We had to leave here under blue lights towards Pennington Flash after being contacted by the ambulance service.

“They initially thought they needed our assistance, but they managed to reach the casualty and deal with the situation themselves.”

Terrence, John and Jane from Bolton Mountain Rescue. (Image: Newsquest)

John added that the team’s volunteers remain a vital part of the outdoor community.

“It’s like having a very big family.

“We have around 50 operational members and everyone works closely together.

“Everything we do is funded by donations.

“Community support is vital and we’re fortunate that people across Bolton, Bury and Westhoughton support us in many different ways.”

As climbers scaled the towering rock faces throughout the day, Wilton Fest once again highlighted why the former quarry remains one of the North West’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure, while showcasing the strong community spirit that continues to draw people back year after year.

The likes of Venezuela Fury, Noah Price, Brian McFadden, Keith Duffy, Louise Redknapp and Rio Ferdinand are rumoured to be taking part

A pair of internet stars were spotted at the airport as they prepared to jet off to film a new I’m A Celebrity spin-off series.

It’s already been a busy year for the popular ITV franchise, with the second season of I’m A Celebrity South Africa airing in April. First won by Myleene Klass, the series sees past campmates returning to the Ant and Dec programme.

Former Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas’ win was surrounded by drama. Former boxer David Haye was criticised during his time on the ITV show for comments he said towards Adam.

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Since then, David went on to make various other comments, labelling the actor as ‘soft’ or ‘weak’. Adam opened up about the feeling of being bullied, but things exploded during the live final.

During the final, former football Jimmy Bullard also stated he had been determined to explain what really happened during filming as he put forward his version of events, claiming Adam dropped ‘c-bombs’ which were not aired.

Adam responded by saying he took ‘full responsibility’ for his actions, which he apologised for, and said he has ‘nothing but love for Jimmy’. Things got so tense that Ant and Dec had to step in to cool things off.

The regular version of the series is expected to begin as usual in November, with it being a staple of winter TV schedules. However, filming is about to begin on I’m A Celebrity…The Wild Frontier.

An ITV synopsis for the series reads: “Set in the untamed and rugged wilderness of Canada and in a big twist to the Australian version.

“This new spin off series will feature celebrities competing as pairs alongside relatives, loved ones or even fellow celebrities. The pairs will eat, compete and be eliminated together. Which pair will be victorious?”

Among those rumoured to be taking part is Venezuela Fury and Noah Price, Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, Louise Redknapp and Joe Nurding, and Rio and Kate Ferdinand.

On Saturday morning (September 5) Jeremy Lynch and Paul Olima were seen at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2 as they prepare to board a flight to Vancouver, Canada. The pair are rumoured to be one of the duo’s on Final Frontier.

Set to film later this week, Jeremy and Paul were all smiles as they made their way to their flight. Both men had suitcases in their hands as they prepared for the long haul flight.

Jeremy rose to fame as a semi-finalist on the second series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2008. He wowed Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan with his ball-tricks and dance fusion

Having trained with Arsenal at one point of his life, Jeremy joined Billy Wingrove to form the F2Freestylers YouTube channel. Working with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, the pair have nearly 14 million subscribers.

Paul is an Irish content creator, former professional athlete, and fitness model known for his fitness content and comedy sketches. The Dublin native, who has 3.8 million TikTok followers, has worked as a body double for high-profile athletes such as Mario Balotelli and Usain Bolt.

Alpine driver Pierre Gasly took a stunning pole position at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Frenchman, who took his sole Formula 1 victory at this race for Red Bull’s junior team in 2020, beat Mercedes’ George Russell by 0.060 seconds.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was third with the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton fourth and fifth despite an upgraded engine.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took sixth, and McLaren’s Lando Norris only ninth after a messy session for the world champion.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes qualified seventh but will start at the back because of a grid penalty for taking a new engine.

Gasly’s pole comes a day after he lost his third place from the Monaco Grand Prix because the FIA Court of Appeal reinstated a penalty he was given at the race in June.

The unexpected performance makes him the first Frenchman to take pole for a grand prix since Jean Alesi for Benetton at this race in 1997.

The result is a hiccup for Russell, who has a golden opportunity to make up ground on team-mate Antonelli, who has a 30-place grid penalty.

Alpine put a large upgrade on their car at the last race in the Netherlands, where Gasly could qualify only 11th. This result came out of nowhere.

The 30-year-old said: “It was amazing. Thank you to everyone. It was an incredible qualifying. From the first lap in Q1, I felt very good in the car, trying to chip away a bit every single session.

“It felt like a very good lap. It has been nine years trying to chase a pole position and to take my first win here and then my first pole here is amazing.”

Russell, who had been a strong favourite for pole in the light of Antonelli’s penalty, said: “Firstly, massive congrats to Pierre because that’s an incredible performance.

“We were finishing a game of chess 15 minutes before quaffing and he beat me there and I thought, ‘well, I will beat him in qualifying.’ But here we are. I am disappointed not to be on pole but Pierre was very fast from Q1.”

Piasstri’s result is a boost for the Australian, after a difficult few races, and it came with a time he set on his first flying lap.

He was leading the pack around, with Norris behind him, at the start of the final runs, not an ideal position given the importance of a tow at Monza, and locked up into the first chicane, going straight on into the run-off area.

“The first lap felt quite good,” the Australian said. “I tried to see if anyone wanted to go in front out of the pit lane but no-one did.

“It was always going to be difficult. I tried to be as late as possible into the first chicane and locked up so that was the session.”

Piastri’s mistake also hampered Norris, who was delayed at the chicane and was 0.4secs down at the first sector time. He could not recover the time, failed to improve and dropped from seventh to ninth.

Ferrari had looked set to be in the mix at the front before qualifying with their new engine that was believed to be worth about 0.1secs.

But the session did not go their way.

Hamilton made it through into the final session by only 0.001secs as Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto just failed to displace him, and let out an expletive over the radio when he saw the narrow escape.

And the red cars were just not fast enough in the final session. Leclerc was fourth on both his runs, while Hamilton, ninth on his first run, improved on his second but ended up 0.007secs behind his team-mate.

More to follow

Hayley Turner was speaking after the 2023 champion hurdler finished fourth of five in the Group Three William Hill September Stakes at Kempton Park on Saturday afternoon

An ITV racing pundit has suggested retirement could be best for Constitution Hill after he finished fourth of five on his highly-anticipated comeback.

The 2023 champion hurdler was outpaced in the final furlong of the Group Three William Hill September Stakes, which was won by 2025 Dante Stakes hero Pride Of Arras.

Constitution Hill’s trainer Nicky Henderson suggested some “lucrative handicaps” could be an option going forward.

However ITV Racing pundits Hayley Turner said she thought the best course of action would be to call it a day with the nine-year-old gelding, who was rated 175 at his peak over jumps.

“I wouldn’t be too fussed about running him again,” Turner said on the channel.

“He has done well. Do we want to keep running him in handicaps? Does he deserve turning out for what he has done? I’m sure that’s not what they are going to do but he has served so well and he is a very popular horse and it would nice to see him bow out nicely.”

And Mulrennan, whose husband Paul competes on the Flat, added: “I wouldn’t completely disagree with Hayley to be honest. I want to remember what he did over hurdles, he was fantastic. We loved watching him. Do I really want to see him running around on the Flat getting beaten in handicaps? Probably not.

“He just looked like he lacked a little bit of speed against those horses today so I suppose they will look to step him up in trip and see how he gets on. I think to myself, if he doesn’t win next time out in a handicap, do I really want to see him run again and again, watching him get beaten.”

Bookmakers cut the price of Pride Of Arras to 16-1 (from 66-1) for the Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 17, as connections of Constitution Hill digested the result.

Nico de Boinville, on-board for the jump racing star’s brilliant wins at the Cheltenham Festival in 2022 and 2023, was in attendance with owner Michael Buckley.

“He’ll sharpen up,” said Henderson. “He’s going to be eligible for a handicap mark and it’ll be interesting to see the reaction to that.”

Rider Billy Loughnane said a trip further than the 1m 4f the five runners covered could benefit Constitution Hill, who won his first two races on the level earlier this year.

“Stepping up in distance a little bit on the Flat might just suit him,” he added. “He’s got a very good rhythm and can maintain a good tempo for a long way.”