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Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson retires from international cricket

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Kane Williamson smiling and wearing a black New Zealand cap sits in front of two long black microphones

And so another one of the Fab Four exits the Test arena. Kane Williamson follows Virat Kohli in hanging up his whites, leaving only Joe Root and Steve Smith remaining.

With the landscape of the sport changing so quickly, it is not a stretch to wonder if such an era of Test batting will be replicated again.

Compared to the rest of the illustrious quartet, Williamson was an outlier. New Zealand do not play as many Tests as England, India or Australia. His career haul would have been much greater if he had the opportunities of the other three.

Only last week, in the days leading up to the first Test against England, Williamson said he was “towards the back end” of his career, giving no indication that this decision was close.

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When asked about the prospect of reaching 10,000 Test runs, he said he was “not in the game” for personal milestones. “When the day comes, it comes,” were his words. Instead, Williamson ends an agonising 485 runs short.

If Martin Crowe is the godfather of New Zealand batting, then Williamson picked up the mantle and became the most prolific of all the Black Caps. Playing late with soft hands, Williamson’s ability to somehow guide any delivery to the third-man boundary appeared to defy geometry.

Incredibly modest, there was a famous moment at the end of the 2019 World Cup final, when Williamson endured the heartbreak of being the losing captain in perhaps the greatest game of cricket ever played. He was told he had been named player of the tournament and could not hide his disbelief.

Two years later, it was Williamson who led New Zealand to their redemption, when the Kiwis were crowned the inaugural world Test champions, with victory over India in Southampton.

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Back to Lord’s, and the build-up to the first Test, ultimately Williamson’s last. In doing a round of media interviews, he said he was being held up from getting his hands on a famous Lord’s lunch. When he finally was done with the press, Williamson was delayed further by a routine drugs test.

He never did get to sit down to that lunch and now there will be no more international runs, either.

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How Zendaya wove Spider-Man into her entire press tour wardrobe as the actress continues to cement her status as the queen of method dressing

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How Zendaya wove Spider-Man into her entire press tour wardrobe as the actress continues to cement her status as the queen of method dressing (pictured in Madrid at the start of the press tour)

After hitting seven international stops, the star-studded promotional run for Spider-Man: A Brand New Day wrapped up on Wednesday in London.

Throughout the press tour, Zendaya has once again cemented her status as the queen of method dressing.

The actress, 29, has always channeled her characters and themes of the films she stars in while on her fashionable premiere runs – and the last few weeks have been no exception.

Directed by her beloved stylist and close friend Law Roach, she has worn a series of web-inspired outfits from designers such as Ashi Studio, Louis Vuitton, and John Galliano.

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And she looked every inch the style icon as she posed up alongside her new husband Tom Holland, whom she tied the knot with earlier this year. 

The Spider-Man promotional tour began in Madrid in mid-June, where Zendaya stunned in a black strapless gown by Christian Cowan.

How Zendaya wove Spider-Man into her entire press tour wardrobe as the actress continues to cement her status as the queen of method dressing (pictured in Madrid at the start of the press tour)

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The actress, 29, has always channeled her characters and themes of the films she stars in while on her fashionable premiere runs - and the last few weeks have been no exception (pictured in Ernesto Naranjo)

The actress, 29, has always channeled her characters and themes of the films she stars in while on her fashionable premiere runs – and the last few weeks have been no exception (pictured in Ernesto Naranjo)

The stunning ensemble featured a fringe skirt and brought a 1940s silhouette to the present day with a contemporary Spanish spin.

The dress was pulled from the designer’s Fall 2026 collection and completed with black pumps and accessories from Rolex and Stefere jewellery.

For her second look in Spain, Zendaya donned the famous Spider-Man red in a high-neck dress from Ernesto Naranjo.

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She teamed the 2026 Fall collection piece with matching pumps.

Next up, Zendaya was in Amsterdam wearing an ensemble from Nicolas Ghesquiere’s Cruise 2027 collection. 

The striking look featured a black jacket with white detailing and bright red shorts.

For another photocall in the city, she turned heads in a sheer slip dress with an asymmetrical hem and white floral appliqués. 

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The racy number from McQueen showed off her toned figure and was paired with a high-low black opera coat.

Directed by her beloved stylist and close friend Law Roach, she has worn a series of web-inspired outfits (Dressed in Nicolas Ghesquiere)

Directed by her beloved stylist and close friend Law Roach, she has worn a series of web-inspired outfits (Dressed in Nicolas Ghesquiere)

For a photocall in Amsterdam, she turned heads in a sheer slip dress with an asymmetrical hem and white floral appliqués

For a photocall in Amsterdam, she turned heads in a sheer slip dress with an asymmetrical hem and white floral appliqués

Next up was Berlin for a German fan event, in which she took inspiration from the college style, which features in the movie, with a red jersey-style top from Coach

Next up was Berlin for a German fan event, in which she took inspiration from the college style, which features in the movie, with a red jersey-style top from Coach

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After the fan event, she headed to the premiere in a black custom leather two-piece from Louis Vuitton

After the fan event, she headed to the premiere in a black custom leather two-piece from Louis Vuitton

Heading over to Rome, Zendaya caught the eye as she drove into Italian fashion history with a dazzling Swarovski-encrusted two-piece

Heading over to Rome, Zendaya caught the eye as she drove into Italian fashion history with a dazzling Swarovski-encrusted two-piece

Next up was Berlin for a German fan event, in which she took inspiration from the college style, which features in the movie, with a red jersey-style top from Coach.

She paired it with a plaid midi skirt and pointed-toe brown heels.

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After the fan event, she headed to the premiere in a black custom leather two-piece from Louis Vuitton.

It featured a small waistcoat top and low-rise maxi skirt with a long train.

Heading over to Rome, Zendaya caught the eye as she drove into Italian fashion history with a dazzling Swarovski-encrusted two-piece.

The red and blue colour block outfit, from Versace’s Fall 1997 collection, was teamed with white heels.

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For the night, the actress looked incredible in a vintage spiderweb gown from Giorgio Armani.

Stylist Law said of her outfit: ‘Zendaya only wears Italian when in Italy.’

She finished her striking look with jewellery from Tiffany & Co.

Next up was Rome, where Law shook things up with an oversized $35 Marvel tee from the early noughties.

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The effortlessly cool look was finished with Louboutin heels and a Rolex watch.

She then popped over to London for a photocall, where she stepped out in a celestial John Galliano dress from the Spring 1997 collection.

Next up was Rome, where Law shook things up with an oversized $35 Marvel tee from the early noughties

Next up was Rome, where Law shook things up with an oversized $35 Marvel tee from the early noughties

For the night, the actress looked incredible in a vintage spiderweb gown from Giorgio Armani

For the night, the actress looked incredible in a vintage spiderweb gown from Giorgio Armani

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She then popped over to London for a photocall, where she stepped out in a celestial John Galliano dress from the Spring 1997 collection

She then popped over to London for a photocall, where she stepped out in a celestial John Galliano dress from the Spring 1997 collection

After a couple of weeks spent promoting her other new film, The Odyssey, Zendaya returned to Spider-Man for a photocall in New York

After a couple of weeks spent promoting her other new film, The Odyssey, Zendaya returned to Spider-Man for a photocall in New York

For her second event of the day, the actress arrived in Mexico City in an incredible asymmetric black dress from Ashi Studio

For her second event of the day, the actress arrived in Mexico City in an incredible asymmetric black dress from Ashi Studio

Zendaya then stepped out in Shanghai in a web inspired dress

Zendaya then stepped out in Shanghai in a web inspired dress 

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Heading back to the US, Zendaya hit the Los Angeles blue carpet in a bold black dress from Ashi Studio

Heading back to the US, Zendaya hit the Los Angeles blue carpet in a bold black dress from Ashi Studio

On Wednesday, she headed to London for the final premiere of the press tour, where she turned heads in a plunging white gown from Tamara Ralph with a silver sequin web design

On Wednesday, she headed to London for the final premiere of the press tour, where she turned heads in a plunging white gown from Tamara Ralph with a silver sequin web design

Looking sensational despite the heatwave, the actress turned around to reveal an intricate silver spiderweb across her back, which was hung with different charms including hearts, stars and a four-leaf clover. 

Meanwhile, the main part of the dress was patterned like the night sky and scattered with the outline of gold cherubs.

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After a couple of weeks spent promoting her other new film, The Odyssey, Zendaya returned to Spider-Man for a photocall in New York.

She donned a full ensemble from the Vetements Spring/Summer 2027 menswear collection.

The stylish look consisted of a white blazer layered over a black shirt dress and knee-high PVC boots.

Dangling from her ears were a pair of dazzling spiderweb earrings – a stylish nod to the new film.

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For her second event of the day, the actress arrived in Mexico City in an incredible asymmetric black dress from Ashi Studio.

The ensemble featured a half silk, half intricate lace detailing with a body-hugging design. 

She finished her outfit with spider-shaped earrings from Jacob & Co.

Jetting off to Shanghai, Zendaya commanded attention with a new Cleopatra hair look and a daring ‘web’ dress.

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The actress looked sensational as she debuted another new hair look, styling her waist-long dark tresses poker straight with a short block fringe.

Giving another nod to Cleopatra, Zendaya wore a bold palette of makeup complete with a dark smoky eye shadow.

She also once again proved she is the queen of method dressing as she showed off her amazing figure in a web-themed dress from Atelier Versace.

Her gown boasted black glittering web detailing with white draping edging, with a dazzling silver brooch by David Webb added to the waistline.

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She completed the look with a Rolex and Christian Louboutin pumps. 

Heading back to the US, Zendaya hit the Los Angeles blue carpet in a bold black dress from Ashi Studio.

The sculptural design featured a dramatic ruffled skirt with a deep plunge.  

On Wednesday, she headed to London for the final premiere of the press tour.

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The actress turned heads in a plunging white gown from Tamara Ralph with a silver sequin web design.

Zendaya continued her stylish Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour alongside husband Tom Holland at Wednesday's star-studded premiere in London

Zendaya continued her stylish Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour alongside husband Tom Holland at Wednesday’s star-studded premiere in London

The new film follows the ending of No Way Home, in which a spell cast by Dr Strange caused everyone in the world to forget the existence of Spider-Man's secret identity, Peter Parker

The new film follows the ending of No Way Home, in which a spell cast by Dr Strange caused everyone in the world to forget the existence of Spider-Man’s secret identity, Peter Parker

The stunning dress featured sparkly straps and cinched her in at the waist before flowing out into a chiffon train. Her hair was styled in long curls by No98 Beauty.

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Zendaya looked flawless wearing Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic makeup and skincare and wore Mouawad earrings and a ring from the Maison’s Majestic Diamond Suite.  

Meanwhile Tom – whose performance in Christopher Nolan’s $250million epic The Odyssey was recently roasted by critics as ‘comic book basic’ – wore a dark purple Anderson & Sheppard suit and bespoke Pragnell spider brooch.

Tom steps back into the iconic suit as Peter Parker for the latest instalment – which is already impressing fans – taking on the role once played by Tobey Maguire.

Zendaya and Tom famously met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016.

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Fast forward ten years, and the pair are now married and back on the promotional trail for their latest Spider-Man film.

The new film follows the ending of No Way Home, in which a spell cast by Dr Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) caused everyone in the world to forget the existence of Spider-Man’s secret identity, Peter Parker (Holland).

Brand New Day picks up four years later, after Parker has largely given up on his connection to the world around him and has devoted himself entirely to fighting crime as Spider-Man, even as his former girlfriend MJ (Holland’s real-life wife, Zendaya, who stunned in a black arachnid-themed gown at the film’s premiere on Monday in Los Angeles) has moved on with a new love interest after forgetting that they were ever a couple.

Amid the turmoil in his life, Parker’s superpowers begin to undergo a sometimes disturbing evolution, which several critics compared approvingly to the direction taken by the original trilogy starring Tobey Maguire.

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Critics have called it one of the best of the iconic superhero’s films – and a return to form for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Critics had high praise for Brand New Day’s returning star, Tom, and they largely applauded the film’s move away from the confusing bloat of the previous entry in the series, Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The New York Post’s Johnny Oleksinski wrote that the current Spider-Man series is the only part of the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe that he still looks forward to.

Oleksinski called Brand New Day a ‘welcome reunion’ with Holland and Peter Parker, though he noted that it was ‘much darker’ than previous Spider-Man entries.

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He agreed with the comparisons to the Maguire years, writing, ‘Tonally, Brand New Day is a lot more like Tobey Maguire’s aughts films, which to my mind are not only the gold standard of Spider-Man movies, but Marvel films as well.’

Writing for RogerEbert.com, Brian Tallerico gave Brand New Day a middling 2.5 stars out of four.

The premiere comes as Tom and Zendaya’s latest movie The Odyssey has already set critical and audience review records.

Figures show that, from just under one week of The Odyssey’s wide release, July 17, the movie’s total haul is $303million worldwide, with likely another $15-20million coming in when Wednesday’s figures arrive.

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But with the couple’s upcoming Spider-Man movie set to be released in days, fans will have to see which film becomes the top-grossing film of the year, as Brand New Day is currently breaking ticket pre-sale records for the opening weekend and first week.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day – What do the critics say?  

The Telegraph 

Rating:

‘With Tom Holland on sparkling form and a mystery role for Sadie Sink, Brand New Day restores the gawkiness the franchise has been missing’ 

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The New York Post

Rating:

‘Taking into account the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s crises in recent years , and the long five-year gap since he was last onscreen, Spidey firmly remains the best thing they’ve got’

The Independent

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Rating:

 ‘Tom Holland’s web-slinger – finally New York-based and fighting on a street level – has never been more authentic to the source material than in his fourth solo go-round, and the entire franchise is better for it’

The Guardian 

Rating:

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‘It’s an entertaining spectacle, but really without the novelty of movie-iterations like the more experimental Spider-Verse animations. A more radical reboot is needed’

New York Times 

‘Nothing can erase the enjoyment of witnessing Holland’s performance, which remains winsome and wonderfully kinetic even if you know that’s got to be a computer-generated Spidey a lot of the time’

 

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal FC double deal close, Guimaraes update; Man Utd want Igor Thiago; Liverpool latest

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal FC double deal close, Guimaraes update; Man Utd want Igor Thiago; Liverpool latest

Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Igor Thiago, while they are also believed to be pondering a bid for Lewis Hall following Eddie Howe’s abrupt exit from Newcastle, where Matthias Jaissle will take over this weekend. Chelsea are set to confirm the arrivals of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck after unveiling Maxence Lacroix, while Liverpool are stepping up their big-money pursuit of Bradley Barcola amid new links to Japan star Kaishu Sano.

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Spiralling Lauren makes shocking demand of EastEnders’ Mark to prove himself | Soaps

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Spiralling Lauren makes shocking demand of EastEnders' Mark to prove himself | Soaps
Risking it all (Picture: BBC)

Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), who successfully exposed Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) affair back in the day, and the one Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) had with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), is very close to having a full-blown affair of her own in EastEnders.

The chemistry between Lauren and Mark Fowler Jnr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) has been brewing for ages, and viewers knew the will they/won’t they would eventually turn into a ‘will they’ due to how shifty the pair looked during the flashforward episode.

Next week, Lauren does her best to ignore her feelings for Mark, but is rattled when he attempts to make her jealous by flirting with one of Jack Branning’s (Scott Maslen) female colleagues.

Mark’s games are cut short when the woman takes an interest in one of the stolen cars. He later heads to see Lauren to tell her how he really feels, but Peter Beale (Thomas Law) arrives an interrupts the moment.

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Lauren tries to deflect Peter’s questions, but eventually admits that she and Mark have been dealing stolen cars.

Mark Fowler Jr with his hand touching Lauren Branning's chin, as they embrace as look into each other's eyes, in EastEnders.
The duo have been trying to ignore their chemistry for ages (Picture: BBC)

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As Lauren spirals in the aftermath, Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) pushes her to be honest about her feelings for Mark, but she isn’t sure what to do next.

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Lauren appears to make a decision though, and later meets up with Mark. There, she asks him to prove how much she means to him…but what exactly will Lauren say next?

As the week draws to a close, Lauren is surprised when Peter asks to meet up, and then reveals that Mark has told him the truth.

Has Mark really revealed his connection with Lauren?

Or is Peter referring to something else?

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Mark and Lauren in Walford in EastEnders
Who is more important to Lauren? (Picture: BBC)

Pondering over the different side we’ll see to Mark in these scenes, star Stephen Aaron-Sipple told us: ‘Nobody is tough all the time, so it’s been nice exploring a different side of Mark beyond his hard-man persona. We all have people we can let our guard down with, and for Mark, Lauren has become that person.

‘She doesn’t judge him for who he is, and that allows him to be more playful, open and vulnerable around her. Mark obviously has Vicki, and he had a similar relationship with Sam when she was on the Square, but since Sam left, Lauren has become that person for him.’

When asked about whether Lauren and Mark would make a good couple, Stephen said: ‘They already make a great team. There’s a lot of mutual respect between them, and neither of them judges the other.

‘They could make a great couple and, in another world, maybe they already would be. The problem is there are quite a few obstacles standing in their way right now!’

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Asda reassures shoppers after rumour of service being cut

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Asda reassures shoppers after rumour of service being cut

The reassurance comes after social media users claimed the service would only be available at weekends, sparking disappointment among shoppers who enjoy customising their pizzas during the week.

Users on X, formerly Twitter, said over the past two days that the service was being cut back, with one person writing: “ASDA make your own pizza down to weekends only”.

Others said “There’s literally zero reason to go to Asda now.” and described the rumoured change as “Just the start of a downward spiral.”

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A photograph appearing to show in-store signage backing up the claims was also shared online.

However, Asda has dismissed the rumours.

A spokesman for the supermarket said: “We know how much our customers love our pizza counters.

“They can be reassured that freshly made pizzas will continue to be available in all 464 of our stores as usual.”

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This is not the first time the future of the pizza counters has come into question.

Similar rumours circulated in April suggesting the service was being discontinued altogether.

Asda introduced a World Cup promotion offering half-and-half pizzas, priced at £3.98 for a medium and £4.98 for a large.

The pizza counters allow customers to choose their own base, sauce, and topping, making them a popular choice for families and individuals wanting a quick, customised meal.

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The reassurance means customers can continue enjoying their made-to-order pizzas any day of the week.

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Greater Manchester mayoral election LIVE results and updates as count begins following historic vote

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Manchester Evening News

Greater Manchester will get a new mayor on Friday following the historic vote to elect Andy Burnham’s successor.

Polling stations closed at 10pm on Thursday, with the count taking place from 9am on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of votes will be counted at Co-op Live, with the result not expected until at least early afternoon.

And it could be even later if no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the vote – meaning the second round votes will need to be counted.

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The election was held using the supplementary vote system, which meant that people were able to vote for two candidates, a first and second preference.

The by-election, the biggest ever held in the UK, is taking place after Mr Burnham had to stand down from the post after being elected MP for Makerfield.

Seven candidates were standing in the election: Sian Niamh Astley for Reform UK, Geraldine Coggins for Green Party, Bev Craig for Labour, Phil Eckersley for the Conservative Party, Marcus Jonathan Farmer – independent, Richard Kilpatrick for Liberal Democrats, and Marlon West for Restore Britain.

Whoever is voted in will have a direct say in setting budgets and priorities across the region, meaning the election will have a major impact on the future of housing, transport and policing for people across Greater Manchester over the coming years.

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Follow the latest updates in our live blog below as the results are counted.

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Unassuming Northumberland restaurant with ‘idyllic views’

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Unassuming Northumberland restaurant with 'idyllic views'

If you are looking for a spot along the Northumberland coast to relax in, you might want to try the Fishing Boat Inn.

Found in the coastal village of Boulmer, the restaurant might look like a normal pub from the outside, but it boasts “idyllic” views at the back.

The restaurant is just steps away from the sea and provides guests with a calming place to stay.

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What is the Fishing Boat Inn like?

The Fishing Boat Inn’s website says: “Whether you’re looking for a snack or a full meal, our restaurant is open five days a week, offering a selection of handcrafted dishes.

“Our Catering team is headed up of 2 very talented chefs, George & Alex.

“Together they have created a menu using fresh local ingredients and we include specials everyday, so each day there is something new.

“If you’re not hungry, why not visit our fantastic bar or outside decking area and enjoy one of the finest beer ‘garden’ views on the Northeast coast!”

The restaurant offers a lunch and evening menu with sandwiches, starters, and mains.

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The Fishing Boat Inn is known for its fish dishes from classic beer-battered haddock and chips to fillet of salmon and Asian-style sea bass.

There are also a few options for those who are not a fan of fish, including the rack of lamb and fillet steak.

The restaurant also offers a seafood tower featuring three layers of fish including cod goujons, scampi, and smoked salmon.

If you visit on a Sunday, you can enjoy the Sunday roast where you can choose from beef, pork, turkey, or a nut roast to enjoy alongside all of the traditional Sunday trimmings.

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The Fishing Boat Inn is not just a restaurant, but it also has a few rooms if you wanted to extend your stay.

There are a few different rooms to choose from with views of the beach where you can watch the sun setting over the coast.

What do visitors think of the Fishing Boat Inn?

Visitors on Tripadvisor have praised the restaurant for its “picturesque location” and “excellent” seafood.

One reviewer said: “This is the fourth time we’ve stayed at The Fishing Boat Inn and it won’t be the last.

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“The location and views are exceptional.

“They are matched by the friendliness and service offered by the staff and the food was amazing.



“If the chefs haven’t been recognised for quality, it’s only a matter of time.

“Wonderful place to be.”

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Have you ever visited the Fishing Boat Inn? Let us know in the comments.

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What to know about the conflict in Mali

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What to know about the conflict in Mali

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Mali is facing its most serious security crisis in years as al-Qaida-linked militants and separatist rebels join forces to intensify attacks against its military.

The partnership between the JNIM jihadi rebels and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) is the latest twist in a decades-long conflict in what is already the world’s most terrorized region.

It has resulted in some of the largest attacks Malian security forces and their partners have seen in years, analysts say.

The rebels and separatists launched massive simultaneous attacks across the country in April for the first time in a decade. Earlier this month, they partnered to ambush a Malian military convoy, capturing or killing dozens of soldiers, and mounting pressure on the ruling junta.

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Fatalities from militant attacks increased by 35% to 3,435 in the first seven months of this year, compared with 2,546 in the same period in 2024, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), an independent conflict monitor.

“The JNIM and FLA see the benefit of working with each other because they function as force multipliers for each other,” said Heni Nsaibia, a senior analyst for West Africa at ACLED.

Both groups, Nsaibia said, have the same goal of “finishing the common enemy,” which they see as being the Malian armed forces and its partner, Russia’s Africa Corps paramilitary group.

The relationship between the groups is “a form of tactical coordination” focusing on military operations, FLA spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane told The Associated Press.

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He said the groups had agreed that after securing independence of the northern region of Mali the communities would decide what version of sharia is applied.

The latest dimension to the Mali conflict began in 2012 with the northern Tuareg rebellion, which opened the field for jihadis, setting the country and the wider Sahel — a vast strip of semi-arid desert stretching from North Africa to West Africa — on a violent path.

Soldiers took over Mali’s civilian government in 2020, citing the security crisis, setting off a series of coups across the Sahel, which is considered the deadliest region in the world with a record of up to half of all terror-related deaths globally, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace.

The period of military rule has fared worse than previous civilian governments, analysts say, with armed groups increasing their footprint across the country and the Sahel.

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Here is a guide to the groups fighting in Mali and their goals:

Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)

JNIM is the most potent of the armed groups in the Sahel region and one of the deadliest local affiliates of al-Qaida globally, according to researchers.

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It was formed in 2017 after the merger of four separate al-Qaida-affiliated groups in Mali, creating one bigger entity. One of its stated goals was to drive out French forces which, at the time, were helping Malian forces to fight the jihadis.

The group is led by Iyad Ag Ghaly, a veteran of the Tuareg rebel group and a former Malian diplomat. It operates across much of Mali in the north, south, west and central axis. Last year, it imposed a blockade on fuel imports into the country, disrupting fuel supplies to the capital Bamako to date.

JNIM is also active in neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso, and has been expanding its presence to coastal West Africa.

Analysts say JNIM has forced the Malian military to disperse across wider territories, stretching its operational capacity on multiple fronts. Recently, it has been presenting itself as an alternative legitimate authority to the government.

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“JNIM has progressively expanded its influence, becoming an increasingly unavoidable interlocutor for some local communities and exercising de facto authority in certain areas where state institutions have only a limited presence,” said Beatrice Bianchi, an adviser for the Sahel-Sahara Security Strategies Centre.

Azawad Liberation Front (FLA)

The FLA, which was formed in 2024, is fighting for the independence of northern Mali. It is the latest iteration of the complex formations of several Tuareg separatist rebel groups that have emerged in the north.

Its roots date back to the 1960s following Mali’s independence from France, when it claimed that the central government marginalized the northern region politically and economically.

In April 2012, a coalition of Tuareg rebel groups under the Coordination of Azawad Movements declared independence and sparked a rebellion alongside Islamic militants.

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A 2015 accord signed in Algeria between the Malian government and the rebels led to a cessation of fighting between the group and government forces. In 2024, however, the Malian junta exited the accords as tensions flared between the junta and the rebels, leading to renewed hostilities.

Several officials of multiple rebel groups then came together to form the FLA.

Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP)

The Sahel-based arm of the Islamic State group, the ISSP was formed by defectors from al-Mourabitoun, one of the four al-Qaida affiliates that came together to form the JNIM.

In Mali, it is considerably less prominent compared to JNIM, and most of its operations are in the Menaka region, which borders Niger.

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The Islamic State group acknowledged the ISSP’s allegiance in 2022. Unlike JNIM, which tries to present itself as a better alternative to the government, ISSP’s stated goal is to build an Islamic caliphate in the region, and it’s considered more coercive in its relationship with civilians.

“Both organizations are responsible for significant violence against civilians, but JNIM has generally sought to combine coercion with efforts to build local acceptance, while the Islamic State has relied more heavily on overt violence and intimidation,” Bianchi said.

Both groups are also often at loggerheads as they violently compete for territories and differ on jihadi philosophies, reflecting the global rivalry between al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

Africa Corps

The Africa Corps is a Russian paramilitary group that succeeded the disbanded Wagner Group. After coming into power, the Malian military junta expelled French forces from the country in 2022, citing protection of national sovereignty and a worsening security crisis.

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Mali then turned away from its traditional Western partners to Russia — first to the Wagner Group, a private organization that acted as Russia’s diplomatic proxy.

Russia has since replaced Wagner with the Africa Corps, answerable to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The Africa Corps fights alongside the Malian army and has been accused of gross human rights violations.

Other pro-government forces

Other smaller ethnic auxiliary groups support the government.

They include the Dozo militias, former hunters that have become militarized, and some Tuareg groups, such as the Imghad Tuareg Self-Defense Group and Allies (GATIA) and the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA), in the Menaka region.

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The support can also be fluid. Dan Na Ambassagou, a militia group that fights against Fulanis, accusing them of harboring Islamist groups, was once embraced by the government but has now been denounced.

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Zendaya Spider-Man Premiere Makeup: How To Get Her Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Glow

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Zendaya Spider-Man Premiere Makeup: How To Get Her Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Glow

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Whatever Zendaya does, the whole world watches. From her acting career, to her relationship with Tom Holland, to the fashion she wears on red carpets, I know I’m certainly not speaking for myself when I say I am tracking her every move with baited breath.

So naturally, when she showed up on the red carpet for the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere with the most stunning face of makeup last night (and her new husband on her arm) social media erupted.

Thankfully, there’s no gate keeping here, and celeb makeup artist Ernesto Casillas spilled the tea on the products he used to create the look.

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The good news is, you can create it all at home, thanks to the entire look being done in Charlotte Tilbury products.

If you’re after a full face of makeup that’s just as glam – for a night out, or just for funsies – here are all the products you need to recreate Zendaya’s look.

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Revealed: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s secret escape to a tycoon’s idyllic Scottish isle

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Harry and Meghan, pictured on a previous holiday, visited the remote Scottish island of Tanera Mor with their children earlier this month

Prince Harry has not yet taken his children to Balmoral, the private royal estate in Aberdeenshire that he has described as ‘simply paradise’.

He has, however, secretly taken them to a remote Scottish island owned by a hedge fund tycoon.

The Daily Mail understands that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, stayed earlier this month on Tanera Mor.

The private island is said to have inspired The Wicker Man, the cult 1973 film starring Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland.

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Harry is thought to have previously visited the island, which was bought for £1.7million in 2017 by billionaire Ian Wace, co-founder of hedge fund giant Marshall Wace.

When Wace, 63, bought Tanera Mor, the largest of the Summer Isles, it had a population of just five, who were outnumbered by crofters’ cottages in various stages of dereliction. 

But the 800-acre island has since been transformed by Wace, who has poured £100million into it, planting 100,000 trees, restoring a dozen properties and laying three miles of roads.

He has also revived skills such as beekeeping. But perhaps the aspect which would have most appealed to Harry is that, by last year, more than half of the 1,000 guests Tanera had hosted were from the Taigh Mor Foundation.

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Harry and Meghan, pictured on a previous holiday, visited the remote Scottish island of Tanera Mor with their children earlier this month

Pictured: Ian Wace with his partner Saffron Aldridge. The island was bought for £1.7million in 2017 by billionaire Wace, co-founder of hedge fund giant Marshall Wace

Pictured: Ian Wace with his partner Saffron Aldridge. The island was bought for £1.7million in 2017 by billionaire Wace, co-founder of hedge fund giant Marshall Wace

Harry is thought to have previously visited the island, which as since been transformed by Wace, who has poured £100million into it, planting 100,000 trees, restoring a dozen properties and laying three miles of roads

Harry is thought to have previously visited the island, which as since been transformed by Wace, who has poured £100million into it, planting 100,000 trees, restoring a dozen properties and laying three miles of roads 

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It’s a charity which strives to bolster the wellbeing of those serving in the armed forces or emergency services. 

During their time on the isle, they restore buildings, harvest seaweed, fish for mackerel or work in the kitchens or gardens.

A noted philanthropist, Wace has been friendly with Harry and his brother, Prince William, for years. 

Wace’s then wife, former model Saffron Aldridge, 57, bonded with Meghan, 44, after the US actress moved to Britain to live with Harry. 

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In 2019, the year after Meghan married the prince, Saffron and Wace joined the couple for a Cirque du Soleil performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Meghan, it was reported at the time, appreciated that Saffron was ‘a straight talker’. The women’s mutual interest in fashion also helped. 

Wace and Saffron split in 2023 and have since divorced but remain friends.

The Sussexes are believed to have travelled to Scotland from Northamptonshire, where they stayed with Earl and Countess Spencer at his ancestral home, Althorp. 

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While there, they laid flowers at the grave of Harry’s mother, Diana. During the family’s trip to Britain, they also had tea with Harry’s father, King Charles, and stepmother, Queen Camilla, at Highgrove in Gloucestershire.

A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess said: ‘This is not something we would comment on.’

A spokesman for Wace also declined to comment.

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Fruit Fly May Soon Become A TV Show

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Fruit Fly May Soon Become A TV Show

On a recent episode of the Inklings Book Club podcast, The Odyssey star Anne Hathaway was given a copy of Josh Silver’s novel, Fruit Fly.

“I know you like Yesteryear,” podcast host Jack Edwards began, referencing the Caro Claire Burke novel about a tradwife influencer who wakes up one day in the 19th century.

“This is a book about a woman who wants to write a bestselling novel,” he continued, explaining that when she looks online and asks how to do that, her searches on the topic suggest, “go sad, go dark, go gay”.

With a huge grin, Anne opened her arms, saying, “Gimme, gimme, gimme! I can’t wait… I’m going to tear through this.”

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And now, it seems we might all be able to watch the story unfold on the small screen.

Deadline has shared that A24 has optioned the book for a TV show. They won the rights to adapt the novel after a “competitive” bidding process.

Author Josh Silver will executive produce the pilot, they added.

The story follows Mallory, a well-known literary star, who’s desperate to rekindle her career. Leo, a young homeless man, proves the perfect spark.

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“It’s been a surreal few weeks – I’m incredibly grateful and very excited,” Silver shared on his Instagram.

In the comments of his announcement, one Instagram user wrote: “This sounds amazing!! @annehathaway needs to be Mallory!”

“Couldn’t agree more,” a reply reads.

Only time will tell whether the Devil Wears Prada 2 actor really does make an appearance in the adaptation.

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