Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson showed off a drastic new look while at Comic Con in Paris recently – including a number of cuts on his legs.

The actor, best known for playing Arthur Shelby Jr. in the hit BBC drama, has made headlines for his turbulent past outside of the show.

This began in 2023 with complaints of misconduct from a colleague – allegations which the star denied.

Then, on Boxing Day that year, he was caught in possession of crack cocaine and amphetamines after allegedly using drugs in a pub toilet.

Since pleading guilty to the charges, Anderson’s acting work has largely dried up, with his character even being omitted from this year’s spin-off film, The Immortal Man.

The actor has now shocked fans after appearing at a Comic Con event in France, where he showed up with bleached hair and scarred legs.

In pictures obtained by The Daily Mail, Anderson could be seen wearing a dark jacket over a white Casablanca brand t-shirt.

He also wore a pair of cropped trousers, which showed off a series of cuts and scars to his legs when he sat down to chat with the audience.

His hair had been bleached blond, in a stark change from his tightly trimmed Peaky Blinders look.

This is not the first time Anderson’s appearance has alarmed fans, after previously looking disheveled in London, weeks after he pleaded guilty to crack cocaine possession.

In February 2024, he addressed worried fans, sharing a selfie from the back of a car.

‘Back to business and back on set today’ he wrote in an Instagram story, adding: ‘Thank you for all your love and concern to everyone. I was and have been absolutely flattened by the flu. #nofilter.’

In June 2024, he shared another update, telling his followers in a video that there is ‘no story without struggle.’

He continued: ‘Take it from me, I have struggled, and I struggle today, the same way you do, and we deal with it.

‘If I can help you deal with your struggles, then let’s do it together, let’s make this the first of many conversations, because you can’t do it on your own, you need help.

‘And I will say this one more thing to you, you can help others, in turn, it will help you. It’s called service.

‘So turnaround my friend, look for somebody else who also is suffering, and hard as you may find it, help them, because you’ll find it helps you more, believe it or not.

‘Remember this, we are amazing. You are unbelievable.’

It’s where the best-loved, most re-bought, genuinely useful products are listed, and once you find it you’ll never go back.

It’s packed with smaller items that are perfect for getting you over the postage limit – if you’re a fiver short of that magic £50 free postage, it can be worth grabbing some staples to get you over the line.

It’s called “Lakeland Loves” – and it’s a secret page packed with star buys – those who’ve discovered it treat it like a shortcut to the good stuff.

This isn’t about trends or gimmicks. It’s about the items people rely on so much, they automatically add them to their basket without a second thought.

What are the best buys on Lakeland Loves?

Take the Daily Shower Spray. At £4.99, it’s one of those quietly transformative products: no scrubbing, no rinsing, no wiping.

Just spray after your shower and walk away while it gets to work preventing soap scum, water marks and mould. It’s the kind of low-effort habit that keeps bathrooms looking freshly cleaned for far longer.

Then there are the world’s best washing up gloves – a surprising favourite, perhaps. They’re extra tough, completely latex- and rubber-free, and lined for comfort, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Not the most glamorous purchase, but one people consistently come back for. I don’t buy any others since trying them.

Bakers, meanwhile, tend to stock up on Lakeland’s piping bags. Designed with a textured, non-slip exterior, they offer better grip and precision when icing — and they’re strong enough to handle more demanding kitchen tasks too. I first tried them on a baking workshop and never went back – it’s that rare mix of professional quality and everyday practicality. They’re £9.99, so the priciest thing on my list, but there’s 50 in a pack and they are worth every penny.

The Lakeland Loves products customers buy the most (Image: Lakeland)

Another staple hiding in plain sight is the Wrapmaster refill range. If you’ve ever battled cling film that refuses to cooperate, this is where things change. The cling film is strong and stays put, while the foil – around 30% thicker than most – is built to last. The foil is a must for jacket potatoes and the clingfilm wraps sandwiches like a dream.

For those with the dispenser, these refills are less of a luxury and more of a necessity, at £8.99 for cling film and £5.99 for foil you’ll never go back.

Cleaning essentials feature heavily on the page too, including the microfibre dual kitchen sponges, £4.99. With one soft side for non-stick pans and a tougher abrasive side for stubborn grime, they’re designed to tackle everything from delicate surfaces to heavy-duty scrubbing — and they can be machine washed and reused.

The Lakeland Loves products customers buy the most (Image: Lakeland)

Slightly under the radar, but no less useful, are the optical lens wipes, £3.99 – so popular they were brought back due to demand. Perfect for my glasses, they also cut through smudges on phone screens, camera lenses and more, making them a handbag essential for many shoppers.

The Lakeland Loves products customers buy the most (Image: Lakeland)

And for a quick bathroom refresh, the Vamoose cleaner, £4.99, has built a following of its own. Its deep-foaming formula clings to surfaces like sinks, showers and taps, breaking down soap scum with minimal effort – just spray and wipe. (Those in the know often pick up the kitchen version, also £4.99, at the same time.)

The appeal of the “Lakeland Loves” page is simple: it takes the guesswork out of shopping. These are the products people don’t just try – they stick with.

So next time you’re browsing Lakeland, it might be worth seeking it out.

Because once you find it, you’ll probably never shop there quite the same way again.

Pontyclun came out on top in a dramatic WRU Division 4 Cup final, winning 27-21 against Llangadog

Pontyclun edged out Llangadog in a dramatic WRU Division 4 Cup final on Sunday, winning 27-21 at the Principality Stadium.

Two tries from openside Josh Clarke and 12 points from the boot of Nicky Theaker laid the platform for cup success for Pontyclun, with player of the match Joe Williams pulling the strings.

Mid Walians Llangadog were a worthy opponent, with victory slipping through their fingers right at the end.

Wales flanker Harri Deaves had been up early on Sunday morning, having helped the Ospreys to a vital URC win over the Sharks the previous night, to prepare the bacon rolls for Pontyclun’s trip to the Principality Stadium.

Even after ascending to Test rugby earlier this season, the 24-year-old has remained a constant at his local rugby club – coaching, doing the laundry and helping out however he can. Almost immediately after he had won his first Wales cap against the All Blacks this season, Deaves was back in Pontyclun’s clubhouse to celebrate.

Along with the 37 youth players he coaches, Deaves would have been delighted as his hometown club won a dramatic final at the home of Welsh rugby.

In particular, the efforts of openside Clarke would have caught his eye.

“It’s unbelievable,” admitted Clarke afterwards. The flanker has played for Neath at the stadium before, but doing it for his hometown club “hits a little bit different”.

“It’s a surreal experience, this is my boyhood club. We’ve got over 1,000 supporters here. They’re over the moon!

“I think one or two of them had flares on the way in! The coppers drove past, so they were a bit lucky not to get stopped! The other coaches have come down from Pontyclun, from the juniors to the old people. You can’t fault that.

“I’m supposed to me in college on an electrical course on Monday. I did hint they might not see me until the afternoon!”

After a nervy start to the final, Llangadog settled sooner – with scrum-half Tom Bailey opening the scoring.

The 31-year-old support worker danced his way over from the back of a scrum to touch down.

Having not had much of a sniff, Pontyclun ended the half in fine fashion.

Fittingly, given Deaves’ presence, it was openside Clarke who turned the game in their favour with two scores before the break.

The first saw him, in a similar vein to the Ospreys back-row, burst through a gap and evade the final man to stretch over.

Then, after the delightful hands of fly-half and captain Williams put centre Theaker through gaps twice in quick succession to get the Badgers within touching distance of the line, Clarke burrowed over the line to end the first-half with his second score.

Pontyclun remained on top after the break, with full-back Adam Lewis finishing off a fine move out wide.

After Llangadog had dared to run it from deep, Clarke got over the ball for a penalty – which Theaker knocked over to build their lead.

However, Llangadog weren’t finished, with full-back Rhodri Davies latching onto a kick-pass after some red-zone pressure to score their second try.

Then, with 25 minutes to go, Deian Thomas took down a high cross-field kick in one hand to race away.

That score reduced Pontyclun’s lead to just three points, with the momentum having firmly shifted once again.

Ceri Williams had a chance to level the scores, but his penalty clattered the uprights.

Theaker made no mistake with a penalty of his own to make it a six-point game heading into the final 10 minutes.

Llangadog had chances in the dying minutes, throwing everything at Pontyclun.

With the clock in the red, it looked as though Llangadog would snatch victory – hammering away at the Badgers’ line time and time again.

However, a huge effort saw Pontyclun win a scrum against the head to seal victory.

Llangadog

Tries: Tom Bailey, Rhodri Davies, Deian Thomas; Cons: Ceri Williams x3

Pontyclun

Tries: Josh Clarke x2, Adam Lewis; Cons: Nicky Theaker x3; Pens: Nicky Theaker x2

Llangadog: Rhodri Davies; Iestyn Williams, Rhys Thomas, Kasper Anderson, Ben Morgan; Ceri Williams, Tom Bailey; Llyr Thomas, Daniel Morse, Telor Dyer, Rhys Evans, Owen Williams, Tom Davies, Ioan Hughes, Charles Handford.

Replacements: Ioan Lewis, Tom Llewellyn, Steff Thomas, Gruff Jones, Cian Thomas, Guto Price, Lewys Jones, Deian Thomas.

Pontyclun: Adam Lewis; Jacob Dennis, Luke Rose, Nicky Theaker, Morgan Stevens; Joe Williams, Morgan Lloyd; Henry Legg, Sam Barclay, Iestyn Herridge, Morgan Parsons, Morgan Rose, Evans Cooke, Josh Clarke, Dan Hemmens.

Replacements: Dan Ruggles, Simon Pilkington, Tom Fry, Jack Theaker, Gareth Hooke, Tom Harrison, Harri Deaves, Harri Stiff.

Hundreds of people descended on the city centre

‘Acts of violence’ which escalated during demonstrations in Manchester will be investigated further by Greater Manchester Police. It comes after the force was criticised by the Northern Police Monitoring Project for what it described as ‘thuggish’ tactics used against counter-protesters who rallied against Britain First supporters on Saturday (April 18).

GMP says around 1,000 people turned out for the two demonstrations combined. Supporters of the far-right political group were largely kept well away from anti-racism counter-protesters during a heavily policed afternoon in the city centre.

Hundreds of flag-waving Britain First supporters marched from Store Street to St Peter’s Square. Counter-protesters assembled in Piccadilly Gardens before heading to another part of St Peter’s Square, separated from Britain First by multiple fences and police lines, while officers blocked off multiple streets between the two demonstrations.

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Three people were arrested during the protests, which GMP said had attracted a smaller turnout than expected. One male counter-protester was arrested on suspicion of breaching a Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which allowed officers to require the removal of face coverings, while another male counter-protester was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

A woman was also arrested on suspicion of breaching the peace, with GMP unsure if she was part of either demonstration. In an update issued today (Sunday), the force said all three people had since been bailed.

Since the demonstrations took place, video footage has emerged online showing flashpoints involving GMP officers and counter-protesters. The Northern Police Monitoring Project, which had observers at the demonstration, criticised the force’s actions towards counter-protesters.

In a statement, the group said: “Officers behaved thuggishly, with consistent and serious aggression and violence – overwhelmingly directed at antifascist counter-protesters, not at the far-right fascist marchers they were facilitating. This included numerous punches, kicks and violent attempts to remove masks, in some cases causing injuries, as well as repeated use of batons and PAVA spray, and the deployment of horses against protesters.”

The group claimed GMP used PAVA spray ‘repeatedly, in significant volume, without warning, and without lawful justification’, while it also claimed officers were on occasion ‘blocking medical assistance’. GMP says it will further investigate specific incidents from the protest in the coming days, as it did following the previous Britain First demonstration and counter-protests in February.

A force spokesperson said: “During what was a very busy day in Manchester city centre, officers responded to several incidents and intervened in altercations between groups. On some occasions this spilled over into acts of violence and disorder, and these will be fully investigated.

“We will utilise a range of criminal and civil powers to bring offenders to justice, ensuring that those who wish to protest peacefully can do so. We would also encourage anyone with mobile phone or CCTV footage from the protests to report it to us as it could assist our enquiries. Our priority is always to protect public safety while supporting people’s right to protest peacefully.”

In a statement issued on Saturday evening addressing the use of force and PAVA spray, GMP added: “The vast majority of both sides caused no issues for our officers. Force was required when counter-protesters had tried to break police lines and attempted to throw punches.

“PAVA spray was deployed as a tactic instead of using further additional force. A small breakaway group of protesters had made their way down the side of the Town Hall. Officers were later met with resistance as they moved them away from the nearby counter group and some force was required.”

Police horses, riot vans and specialist units from police forces across the country were all mobilised to police Saturday’s demonstrations. A Section 34 dispersal order remained in place until 8pm on Saturday night. The number of arrests was fewer than the 11 made during the February 21 demonstrations, which had multiple flashpoints across a larger route.

GMP says it has a ‘duty to support people’s right to protest peacefully’. While accepting the march had to be allowed due to freedom of expression, both council leader Bev Craig and mayor Andy Burnham issued statements ahead of the protests, insisting that ‘racism and hatred have no place’ in the city.

Officers arrested the man in his 30s moments before the bout began at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium last weekend.

A well-known celebrity was arrested on suspicion of rape while he was attending Tyson Fury’s fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov earlier this month. Moments before the bout began, police swooped on Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium.

The man in his 30s, who has not been named, was arrested on suspicion of the rape and sexual assault of a female victim at a home in North London earlier this year. The man has since been bailed.

A Met spokesperson told The Mirror: “A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent on Saturday, 11 April.

“This relates to sexual offences which reportedly occurred at an address in Golders Green in January. A female victim is being supported by specially trained officers. The man has been released on bail as enquiries continue.”

Tens of thousands of boxing fans were at the London venue to watch The Gypsy King’s bout against Makhmudov. Fury, 37, came out of retirement to beat the Russian, 36.

Heavyweight champion Tyson has tried to give up boxing for good on a number of occasions over recent years, but he made his much anticipated return against Arslanbek Makhmudov last weekend.

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After defeating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, the Gypsy King first proclaimed he was ‘going out with a bang’, announcing: “I fulfilled everything I’ve ever wanted to fulfil. I will retire as only the second heavyweight in history, after Rocky Marciano, to retire undefeated. I was unbeatable at this game.”

However, his time away from the sport lasted mere months, and by December that year, the Manchester fighter was competing again, this time against Derek Chisora.

He then faced Francis Ngannou in October 2023 before suffering his first professional defeat in May 2024 after nine gruelling rounds with undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Tyson’s Dad, John, has slammed his son’s plans to restart professional fighting, saying:“I think he’s past his best. I’m a no-filter kind of guy – I say it how I see it.

“I love him, but there are too many people patting him on the back and telling him things that aren’t true, building him up like he’s invincible. He’s not and he hasn’t been for a while.”

John added that “boxing destroyed” their relationship. Tyson took his dad’s comments on the chin, saying in response, “I just take his comments as those of a concerned parent. My dad wanted me to retire six years ago, after a while, he said even two years would have been enough.”

However, Tyson admitted it wasn’t money or something to “prove” that led him back to the ring, but simply love for the sport.

“It’s about the love of the game and the love of this fight business that I’m in,” he said, adding, “As for the naysayers who say, ‘Oh, he might be finished,’ then obviously I want to prove them wrong.

“But more than that, I just want to enjoy it, have fun in there, and do what I’ve always done – enjoy it and have fun.” He also said he is ready to “put on a show” for his fans, “as always”.

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Emergency services were called to a collision on the A189 between Burradon Road and the Moor Farm Roundabout, north of North Tyneside, just into Northumberland, shortly after 1.30am on Saturday (April 18).

It was reported that, for reasons yet to be established, a pedestrian was on the northbound carriageway when he was struck by a white Seat Alhambra car.

Emergency services attended the scene and the pedestrian, a man in his 20s, was found to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

He was taken to hospital for emergency treatment, but his death was confirmed later in the day.

His next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported by police.

The driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene to assist with police inquiries, and an investigation was launched.

Officers from Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit today (Sunday) appealed for witnesses to the collision to come forward.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident itself, or the moments leading up to the collision.

 Sergeant Steven Chappell, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences following this tragic incident, and we will continue to support them in any way that we can.”

Sgt Chappell added: “A range of inquiries are under way as we look to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading to this collision.

“As part of this, we are keen for any motorists or witnesses who were travelling in the area at this time to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from those who may have dashcam footage which may have captured the collision or may show the man in the area of the A189.

 “I would urge anyone who has information about the incident, no matter how small you feel it may be, to get in touch with us if you have not yet done so.”

Anyone with information or footage should get in touch by sending Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, or by using ‘live chat’ and ‘report’ forms on the force website.

If anyone is unable to make contact in those ways, they should ring 101.

Callers are asked to quote reference number: NP-20260418-0078.

The 4,140 square-km bay is the largest estuary on the west coast of the US. Before 2018, this species of whales wasn’t known to stop seasonally or consistently in the bay, bypassing it on their migration route down to Baja California and back up the Arctic, said Josephine Slaathaug, who led a recent study on gray whale mortality in the bay.

More than 30 traders manned stalls selling their work, including ceramics, pictures, cakes, textiles and jewellery in Bishy Road car park.

Organisers Bishopthorpe Road Traders Association had hoped for between 300 and 400 visitors during the four hours the bazaar was open. Within 15 minutes of the bazaar opening, there were more than 100 people present.

Todd Lepage of the association said: “It’s fantastic.  It’s really, really good.”

Also from the association, Ruth Phillips said: “We are trying to create more atmosphere in the area, make it a bit more vibrant. It’s very much to showcase what people are doing and to bring more people to the High Street.”

All the exhibitors were from York.  Several artists from outside the city applied but were turned down.

In total more than 75 people applied.  Some of those who were unable to man stalls at this bazaar will be invited to exhibit their products at the next bazaar on Sunday May 24.

The association is planning to make the Bishopthorpe Road Bazaar a summer monthly event on the third Sunday of each month. Only York artists will be allowed to have stalls.

As well as the May date, future bazaars are planned for Sunday July 19 and Sunday August 23.  Sunday June 21will not have a bazaar as that is the same date as Bishy Road’s street party.

Jesy Nelson has begged the public for help after her car containing hospital equipment used to treat her twin babies was stolen.

The Little Mix star, 34, welcomed daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe with now ex-fiancé Zion Foster in May last year.

After being born prematurely, the girls were kept in hospital for three months, with Jesy going on to reveal earlier this year that they’ve both since been diagnosed with the rare genetic condition known as SMA, which causes progressive muscle wasting.

In a tearful video shared on social media, Jesy shared that medical professionals said that her daughters would have died without urgent medical care, but that they are still unlikely to survive beyond a few years.

Since then, she’s continued to share updates on their condition but has now revealed how their treatment has been thrown yet another curveball.

Posting on Instagram on Sunday morning, Jesy explained: ‘My car got stolen off my driveway in the early hours of this morning, if anyone sees a black Defender reg plate JJ73SSY.

‘Please, if any of you have seen or know of any information can you DM me or contact the police.

‘I have so much of my girls’ hospital equipment in that car that’s really needed.’

She went on to share another post that specified the car was stolen from Brentwood in Essex.

Jesy rose to fame as part of the girl group Little Mix, who were formed on The X Factor in 2011. However, she later left the band in 2020 due to ‘medical reasons’, later saying she’d begun suffering panic attacks when performing and wasn’t enjoying it anymore.

Just weeks after publicly revealing her twins’ devastating health diagnosis, it was revealed that she’d also split from her partner – whom she’d begun dating in 2022.

At the time, in January, a source said: ‘She and Zion remain friends and are fully focused on their daughters.

‘They are fully united in co-parenting. Their priority continues to be the well-being of their daughters.’

After speaking out about her daughters’ health condition, Jesy also admitted the past few months had been ‘the most heartbreaking time of my life’.

Not long after she gave a sit-down interview, in which she detailed how her mother actually noticed something was wrong with the girls, adding they were left facing a ‘life or death’ situation.

In an interview on Sky News’ The UK Tonight programme, the former girl band star explained how there were missed chances to pick up on symptoms during early check-ups of her daughters.

‘The fact that there were healthcare visitors around my house a lot and we took them to the GP and not one of them saw any of the signs,’ she shared.

‘Thank God for my mum, because I dread to think what position I’d be in now if my mum hadn’t have said anything to me.

‘It’s one of them things that I constantly go over, and I have to sometimes stop myself from doing it because I will drive myself insane.’

The singer then spoke about her heartbreak over concerns her daughters may not live a ‘fulfilled life’.

‘I don’t want people to think that if you’ve got disability that that defines you because it definitely doesn’t,’ she said.

‘But I’ll openly say if I could have it the other way, I definitely would. Why wouldn’t I want my children to walk and live a fulfilled life?

A few weeks earlier she’d also broken down in tears on This Morning explaining how she would ‘never be able to get over it or accept’ her daughters’ condition.

‘When you know that there is something that could be done about it and it’s life changing, that’s something I cannot accept,’ she shared.

‘I’m still struggling. I just want to be their mum, I don’t want to be a nurse.’

In recent months she’d been campaigning for the UK to include SMA screening in the routine newborn heel prick test, which screens for serious health conditions.

A petition she began then secured more than 100,000 signatures, which means it will be considered for a debate in the House of Commons.

Last month Scotland confirmed it would become the first UK nation to screen babies for SMA, however Jesy admitted it felt like a ‘bittersweet moment’.

‘I will never be able to understand why we still do not test for it here in England,’ she explained.

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MORE: Jesy Nelson shares ‘really sad’ update on twin daughters as they get leg splints