Japanese maples are a stunning addition to any garden, but they can be tricky to care for in summer.

Japanese maples, also known as Acer, are highly valued for their brilliant foliage, which transforms into a stunning deep crimson when properly maintained.

This tree gives any garden a more dramatic appearance from summer into autumn. However, while many gardeners attempt to nourish their trees during warmer months, doing so at the wrong time can leave Japanese maples under strain and severely compromised.

The issue is that Japanese maples are especially susceptible to heat. Their root systems lie near the surface, rendering them more prone to desiccation and more liable to respond adversely if fertiliser is applied during hot periods.

Numerous all-purpose feeds contain salts and chemicals which can singe roots and leaves when the ground is already warm, and the plant is experiencing stress.

Specialists at Mendocino Maples Nursery state that the final safe period to fertilise a Japanese maple is early May; beyond that, it’s preferable to concentrate on keeping the root zone cool and damp rather than encouraging fresh growth.

Instead, they advise adding one simple natural material to the ground: mulch. They explained: “Mulch is a good friend of your maple. Mulch protects the roots from the heat in summer, the cold in winter and reduces the frequency of watering.”

Why mulch helps Japanese maples in summer

Japanese maples naturally flourish in woodland environments where the earth is blanketed with fallen leaves. That covering functions as a protective layer, helping the soil retain moisture and safeguarding shallow roots from direct sunlight.

Mulching replicates those conditions within UK gardens. A layer of organic material helps the soil retain moisture, reduces temperature fluctuations around the root zone, and diminishes the risk of the tree becoming stressed during prolonged periods of warm weather.

Over time, organic mulch decomposes, enriching the soil and encouraging healthier growth without the need for additional fertiliser.

How to apply mulch to a Japanese maple properly

To mulch effectively, concentrate on protecting the roots while preventing moisture from accumulating against the trunk. Begin by clearing away any weeds, grass or debris from around the base so the mulch can sit directly on the soil.

Next, apply the mulch in a wide ring across the root area, leaving a gap around the trunk so that none of the material comes into contact with the bark, as trapped moisture can cause rot.

A layer approximately 5–8cm deep is generally sufficient to insulate the soil and help it retain water, and it should be watered thoroughly afterwards to help it settle and hydrate the ground beneath.

With the roots insulated and the soil remaining cooler and moister, Japanese maples are considerably more likely to maintain their foliage at its finest through late summer and into autumn — without the risks that feeding during hot weather can pose.

What else should you do?

The technique you use when watering is every bit as crucial as mulching. According to Japanese Maples and Conifers, when watering Japanese maples, it’s advisable to provide them with a thorough watering, which means several minutes with a hose or an extended period with a sprinkler for trees planted in the ground.

Thorough watering encourages roots to penetrate deeper into the soil, which can help render the tree more resistant to drought. For Japanese maples grown in containers, water until it flows from the drainage holes at the base, ensuring the complete root system receives adequate hydration.

The plant specialists added: “The time of day you water can also be important. Watering your Japanese maples early in the morning is ideal.

“This allows the trees to absorb moisture before the heat of the day sets in, reducing the risk of evaporation. Early morning watering also helps prevent fungal diseases, which can thrive in moist conditions during the cooler evening hours.

“When watering Japanese Maples, avoid using overhead sprinklers that wet the leaves if you can help it. Wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases and leaf scorch in the hot sun.

“Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to the root zone, ensuring efficient water use. Japanese maples are only going to drink water from the roots, so there is no benefit from watering the leaves.”

Engineers are currently on their way to the village

Nearly 400 properties have lost power in a Cambridgeshire village. A power cut affected around 390 homes in Stilton on Monday (August 3).

UK Power Networks believes there is an issue with an overhead network and engineers are on their way to the village. A UKPN spokesperson said: “We believe the issue is an overhead network fault that initially interrupted power to 808 properties.

“However, we have managed to divert power back to some properties, so 390 properties are still affected. Specialist engineers from our control room will continue to divert power remotely, so your power may come back on at any point.

“Sometimes we can’t restore everyone this way, so we’re also sending staff to check our equipment.” The problem is expected to be fixed between 1pm and 2pm.

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TOKYO (AP) — Japan needs to adapt to the new methods of warfare like drones and artificial intelligence used in Ukraine and the Middle East and strengthen its defense industry, the government said Tuesday.

Japan has bolstered its military capability and spending in recent years and has started deploying long-range cruise missiles as a deterrence to China’s military activity.

The 598-page defense paper adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday reiterated that China is Japan’s biggest strategic challenge. Japan is alarmed by the growing presence and frequency of Chinese warships in the Pacific Ocean.

Combat drones for new warfare

Inspired by the use of drones by Ukraine, Japan considers it is essential to adapt to “new ways of warfare,” the paper said.

With many countries racing to develop combat drones, Japan’s government prioritizes development of its own for a coastal defense, in combination with long-range missiles.

“Speed is key,” Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said in early July.

The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency recently selected four drone makers out of 38 applicants for a rapid development program and that they will advance to testing by Japan’s navy in early August before a final selection.

A number of companies are developing similar drones. Toshiba announced Friday plans to jointly develop combat drones with startup Pro Drone.

Uncrewed weapons could help Japan make up for its decreasing number of service members in a country with a shrinking population.

Experts say developing fully homemade drones while Japan’s commercial drone market is dominated by Chinese imports would be a challenge.

Alarmed by China’s activity in the Pacific, Russia and North Korea

Japan has strengthened its military forces on southwestern islands in recent years and has started deploying long-range cruise missiles, as it worries about a conflict in Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

The paper noted the growing presence Chinese warships and frequency of their activity in the Pacific as a major concern. The Defense Ministry has established a unit dedicated to study Japan’s Pacific strategy and strengthen its defense against China.

China has consistently increased its military spending without transparency and strengthened nuclear and missile capability extensively and rapidly, the defense paper said.

It noted that in last December Chinese aircraft locked their radars, considered possible preparation for firing missiles, on Japanese planes during Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southwestern Japan.

Two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted last June near the southern Japanese island of Iwo Jima for the first time. This triggered Tokyo’s worries about Beijing’s rapidly expanding military activity far beyond its borders and in disputed areas in the East China Sea.

Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have escalated since Takaichi said in November that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japan’s use of force.

China’s growing joint military operation with Russia around Japan, including joint bomber flights and warship operations, is also “a grave national security concern,” the paper said.

It says North Korea’s rapid development of missiles, including hypersonic arsenals, is an “increasingly serious and pressing threat” and that the North’s growing military ties with Russia and its backing for Moscow’s war in Ukraine are a grave concern.

Bolstering defense industry, weapons sale

Strengthening arms production and technology is essential to Japan’s military power, the paper said. The government has been expanding funding for startups and scientific research.

In a country that had maintained a pacifist pledge since the end of World War II, many established companies avoid ties to lethal weapons, but a growing number of startups are showing interest in converting dual-use technology for military use, officials say.

Japan’s recent scrapping of lethal weapons export ban could also help strengthen the country’s underdeveloped defense industry.

Weapons technology transfer and joint development and production strengthens both Japanese defense industry base and Japan’s ties with its defense partners, said Koizumi, whose travels to other countries have involved arms sales.

Japan recently made major deals, including the joint development and transfer of 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates to Australia. It is discussing a similar deal with New Zealand and has struck a deal to sell retired destroyers to the Philippines.

Many autistic Britons may not in fact have the disorder, a leading expert in the condition has warned – amid an alarming surge diagnoses. 

The definition of the problem with learning and development has become ‘too broad’, ‘vague’ and influenced by ‘misleading’ ideas spread on social media, according to Professor Dame Uta Frith. 

Prof Frith, from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, authored pioneering research in 1960s and 70s that defined the medical establishment’s understanding of autism, and its impact on daily life.

In a strongly worded paper published today, the psychologist remarked on the dramatic change in criteria for diagnosis of the disorder over the last 80 years. 

‘When it was first identified in the 1940s, it referred to a small group of children with severe difficulties in social interaction, communication and behaviour,’ Prof Frith wrote in the journal Psychological Medicine.

‘Over time, the definition has widened to include people with milder traits and no language or learning problems.

‘Today, anyone of any age or intelligence level can be diagnosed with autism if they meet certain criteria.’

She added that the term has become a ‘catch all diagnosis’ for other psychological problems that require different treatment. 

Recent figures show the number of UK patients awaiting specialist help for autism has tripled since 2021.

More than 200,000 people are now awaiting an assesment, equivalent to the population of Luton or Portsmouth.

Over the last 20 years, meanwhile, diagnoses have surged by more than 700 per cent, according to studies.

Experts have previously blamed increased awareness of the signs of the condition, fuelled by videos posted to social media, for the increase.

Autism is a lifelong disability that influences how people experience and interact with the world.

It commonly causes problems with communicating, socialising and learning.

Some also have a learning disability, and those with the disorder are at higher risk of a range of physical and mental health conditions including epilepsy, eating disorders and anxiety.

Charities now describe autism as a ‘neurodivergence’, rather than developmental problem. But Prof Frith says this further fuels misunderstandings.

‘While this helps reduce stigma, it also creates tension,’ she wrote. ‘If autism is not a disorder, why use a medical diagnosis?’

 The expert blamed social media for ‘spreading simplified ideas’ about autism. The diagnosis, she said, has ‘become part of popular culture’.

‘Social media, films, and online communities have helped people share experiences, but they have also spread simplified or misleading ideas.’

Prof Frith has called for medical professionals to identify other psychological problems that may be at play, and treat patients appropriately.

‘There are ways to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder and depression,’ she said. ‘There are also ways to build resilience in the face of significant social stress.’ She added that these approaches would not be appropriate for autism that’s diagnosed in childhood.

Meanwhile, therapies are available for problems that are known to be specific to autism, such as feelings of burnout and sensory overload.

‘Such a reorientation would signpost a new route toward correct support…and counteract the tragic neglect of those with the most severe impairments,’ she said.

It’s estimated that around three per cent of UK children have autism. 

Early signs include avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name, repetitive movements and reduced engagement in play, according to the NHS.

 Reacting to the essay, Mel Merritt, head of policy and influencing at the National Autistic Society, said: ‘Autism is understood as a spectrum. As the article points out, in the past people thought the spectrum was a straight line between ‘more’ and ‘less’ autistic, but this isn’t right.

‘Today we understand the spectrum to mean each autistic person has a unique combination of characteristics.

‘Terms such as milder traits may be misleading or unhelpful in reflecting the difficulties and impact of navigating daily life for so many. Autistic people can be very different to one another, each with a unique set of strengths and challenges. This should not take away from or ‘neglect’ people with high levels of support needs.

‘Autistic people need better access to quality autism assessments and tailored support.

‘The real debate about autistic people is how to address the chronic inequalities they face. It is unhelpful and a false choice to pit autistic people against each other – getting the right support early and better understanding makes a big difference to all autistic people.’

The owners of the Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World have praised the firefighters who stopped the fire spreading any further

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Three animals died after a huge fire broke out at a popular zoo on Monday.

The owner of the family-run Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World near Telford, England, confirmed three animals died in the blaze.

In a video update shared on Monday evening, owner Will Dorrell said: “Sometime around 7 AM this morning, a fire broke out in the building just behind us. That is the zoo office.”

He said the blaze was discovered around 30 to 45 minutes later by the owners and a member of staff. Mr Dorrell said: “Fortunately, at that time the fire was contained to within the building, but sadly, three animals did lose their lives, reports the Express.

“We lost some stick insects, a hedgehog, and a snake, all of which were personal pets ourselves and not part of the zoo. We are absolutely devastated about it.”

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Mr Dorrell also revealed that two of the zoo’s owners – his wife and father – were taken to hospital as a precaution after suffering smoke inhalation but were later discharged.

During the video update, Mr Dorrell identified the two owners taken to hospital as his wife and father.

He said: “They both ended up in hospital, but I’m very, very pleased to say that they’re both back now. They were just taken to be checked over for smoke inhalation… they’re both absolutely fine.”

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

Mr Dorrell also praised Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service for preventing the blaze from spreading to neighbouring buildings, many of which are made of wood.

He said the zoo office had been “completely gutted”, while the first aviary sustained only a small amount of damage, which he said was “hopefully rectifiable”.

He added: “Without Shropshire Fire and Rescue, that wouldn’t have been possible, and we probably would have lost significantly more, a lot more animals.”

The zoo is expected to reopen to visitors on Tuesday, with Mr Dorrell asking people to “bear with us” while repairs continue around the site.

READ MORE: ‘We all will miss you dearly’: Young man killed in Donegal crash named locally

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He also thanked those whose visits had been disrupted and said anyone with bookings would be contacted to rearrange them.

He said: “Those of you haven’t yet been in touch with us, we will be reaching out over this evening and into tomorrow… offering to rebook your tickets.”

The cause of the blaze has not yet been established.

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World was recently named Tripadvisor users’ second-best zoo in the UK for the second consecutive year and was also voted the ninth-highest rated zoo in Europe earlier this year.

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Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle

After a slow and somewhat disappointing first half of the summer transfer window, Arsenal are ramping up their pursuit of several key targets. Since the Gunners’ Champions League final defeat to PSG in May, Mikel Arteta has repeatedly stressed the need to add quality signings, especially in forward positions.

The Premier League champions’ underwhelming early business included announcing Piero Hincapie’s permanent move and signing third-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier. They followed that up by replacing the recently-departed Leandro Trossard with £34million Greek winger Christos Tzolis, who grabbed a goal on his debut against Girona last Saturday.

Arsenal’s first game of the 2026/27 campaign – a Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 16 – will soon be in view as the season draws closer. As such, sporting director Andrea Berta is expected to push hard in the coming days to bring in a defender, a midfielder and a forward – which Arsenal hope will be Vinicius Junior.

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Now, Mirror Football takes a look at two of the latest transfer stories involving the Gunners.

Second Bruno Guimaraes bid looms

Several reports claim that Newcastle United have rejected Arsenal’s first official offer for Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners’ opening bid fell short of the £80m valuation the Magpies have placed on their captain and star midfielder.

However, Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer for the 28-year-old, whose contract expires in June 2028. Guimaraes has emerged as Arteta’s most pressing target in recent weeks and has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the north Londoners.

The Brazilian has also made Newcastle aware of his desire to leave, with the Emirates Stadium said to be his favoured destination. It is understood that Guimaraes is not willing to force an exit, however. Arsenal had floated a £45m verbal offer at the start of the transfer window but they were immediately shut down by the Magpies.

Arteta’s private message to target

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Arteta has reportedly taken charge of Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius by directly speaking to the Brazilian winger on the phone. The Gunners boss, according to Spanish outlet AS, has told Vinicius he will base the entire Arsenal project around the 26-year-old, should he join this summer.

It emerged last month that all key personnel at Arsenal had decided to pursue the Real Madrid forward, sanctioning the move in spite of the enormous cost of getting a deal over the line. Despite Vinicius’ contract expiring next summer, a fee of around £130m has been mooted in order to convince Los Blancos to part ways with the two-time Champions League winner.

Real Madrid remain determined to keep Vinicius but will look to sell him if he refuses to agree to a contract extension. They are reportedly unwilling to adjust their most recent contract offer to Vinicius and the club believes the decision now lies with the player.

It has previously been said that Vinicius is not in a rush to renew his deal, but new boss Jose Mourinho was prepared to step in in order to keep his star players.

Countdown to Kickoff: The Ultimate 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

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Sky’s Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season with more than 1,400 live games across the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

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By CHARLIE SPIERING, US POLITICAL REPORTER

Published: 18:24 BST, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 03:51 BST, 4 August 2026

President Trump fired back against claims from Iranian officials that they were not negotiating a peace agreement with the United States.

‘Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!’ the President wrote on Truth Social. ‘They ask for a meeting, some would say ‘beg,’ talks begin, with more scheduled in the immediate future, and they say, openly and proudly, that they’re not having any discussions, that nothing is being talked about, and they’re only dealing with ‘Oman.”

The president reacted to remarks made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei who disputed peace talks during a press conference on Monday.

‘We are not currently holding negotiations with the United States,’ Baghaei said, ‘Our talks are with Oman.’

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Trump also dismissed Iran officials claims that they were controlling the Strait of Hormuz as ‘blather,’ insisting the United States was in control of the waterway.

‘Nothing gets through to Iran, unless we want it to, and nothing will get through, unless a Deal, or Total Surrender, is accomplished,’ he said.

On Sunday, Trump said he called off a ‘massive attack’ planned for Iran which would have been the ‘biggest attack since WWII.’

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Last night, Donald Trump (pictured) claimed to have called off the the ‘biggest attack since WWII’ planned for Iran over the weekend

Iranian missiles ‘Zolfaghar’ on display at the Azadi square in Tehran, Iran, July 30 2026

He said Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, had asked him to postpone the attack. 

‘When the allies asked to call it off, you gotta say, ‘Well, let’s see.’ And the reason why they asked is because I think there’s a deal.’

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The President repeated Monday that talks continued in the process to end the conflict with Iran.

‘It is very simple, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon!’ he added.

The President spoke about Iran as reports surrounding an email sent by US Central Command’s intelligence branch requesting new ideas to help pressure Iran.

‘We are looking for new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran,’ the email to military officials and service members read. 

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A CENTCOM spokesperson responded to the email’s contents and defended the message as part of the organizations ‘long history of thinking and working in innovative ways.’

Smoke rises after reports of multiple U.S. strikes on the city, as loud explosions were heard according to the Iranian state TV on Thursday

Trump has repeatedly claimed that his administration has control over the Strait of Hormuz

The president has considered a series of punishing airstrikes, including a dramatic attack on Pickaxe Mountain, where Iran is believed to be holding some of its enriched uranium.

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‘We’ll be hitting that area very probably pretty soon. And there’s not a thing they can do about it,’ Trump said last week during an Oval Office meeting.

But the President continues looking for a more peaceful exit from the conflict that began in February, frequently backing down from threatened attacks on the grounds of ongoing negotiations.

The Pentagon estimated that the war has cost $37.5 billion so far and eighteen US service members have been killed in the fighting so far.

LNER has applied to City of York Council to replace terrazzo flooring at York railway station on the inner and outer concourses and between platforms five and eight with natural stone.

The existing terrazzo flooring has been identified as a persistent safety hazard, particularly during warm and wet weather, due to its tendency to become slippery, the council planning documents read.

Recommended reading:

When the concrete flooring is cooler than the surrounding air, moisture can condensate on the surface which creates a significant slip hazard.

Design documents within the plans said: “LNER has sought to manage this risk over several years and has tried a variety of approaches, including chemical etching, anti-slip coating, ad hoc matting and enhanced cleaning arrangements.

“However, none of these alternatives have been successful in arresting the increase in risk.

“These options, in the long term, are also much more expensive and disruptive than replacing the flooring with a more suitable alternative.”

The proposal is to remove all areas of terrazzo flooring from the outer and inner concourses of York railway station and between platforms five and eight and replace it with a more suitable alternative (Image: Network Rail)

Specialist advice has indicated that terrazzo is not suitable for use in environments that are not climate-controlled, such as York station, the plans said.

In addition, the bespoke nature of the flooring makes repairs difficult, often resulting in patches that do not match the original finish and detract from the Grade II* listed-station’s historic character.

LNER is proposing to invest in new flooring for the affected areas using a natural sandstone product.

The selection followed a detailed evaluation process that considered slip resistance, durability, ease of maintenance, cost, and heritage considerations.

The plans said: “There was therefore a strong overall consensus within the project to proceed with a lighter Yorkstone (with softer yellow tones), the Woodkirk.

“This was bolstered by its proven use at other stations, its operational benefits in terms of maintenance and slip resistance and the consistency offered throughout the LNER estate.”

The proposal is to remove all areas of terrazzo flooring from the outer and inner concourses of York railway station and between platforms five and eight and replace it with a more suitable alternative (Image: Network Rail)

The council was engaged in a pre-application process, which included a site visit and formal feedback.

While council officers expressed a preference for grey-toned stone, the project team concluded that such materials would darken excessively over time, the plans say.

The replacement of the terrazzo flooring forms part of LNER’s broader efforts to improve passenger and staff safety while preserving the station’s heritage value.

The new flooring is expected to reduce incidents of slips and falls and will be easier to maintain.

Routine repairs will be simpler to complete without compromising the appearance of the concourse areas.

City of York Council said consultation on the plans runs until Wednesday, August 19

Thylane Blondeau has finally shared the making of her Miu Miu wedding dress after she married DJ Ben Attal last month.

The model, labelled the most beautiful girl in the world by Vogue Enfants, tied the knot in the lace fishtail gown at the $64million Chateau Diter in the South Of France.

Sharing the finer details in behind-the-scenes snaps on Instagram on Monday, Thylane said it was a life-long ‘dream’ to wear the brand.

Thylane revealed her custom dress took 240 hours to make and required 30 meters of French lace. 

Miu Miu is the more spontaneous sister label to Prada, owned entirely by the Prada Group and founded by lead designer Miuccia Prada. 

She wrote: ‘My wildest dream. I never imagined that one day I’d be wearing the wedding dress of my dreams, custom made by @miumiu

The model, labelled the most beautiful girl in the world by Vogue Enfants, tied the knot in the lace fishtail gown at the $64million Chateau Diter in the South Of France

Sharing the finer details in behind-the-scenes snaps on Instagram on Monday, Thylane said it was a life-long ‘dream’ to wear the brand

‘Made with over 30 metres of French lace and requiring 240 hours of craftsmanship, every single detail was created with incredible care and artistry.

‘Thank you to every single person who made this dream come true. I am beyond grateful. 

‘I started working with Miu Miu when I was 16 years old, and I never could have imagined that, years later, they would create the dress I’d wear on one of the most important days of my life.

‘This is a memory I’ll cherish forever. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.’

The venue, which is owned by British millionaire Patrick Diter, is a Tuscan-style estate on a 17-acre plot in Grasse, and includes 18 suites, two helipads, saltwater pools, manicured Italian gardens, a medieval cloister, and a wine-tasting cellar.

Hiring the venue for a wedding starts at £17,000, though with the addition of decorations and added amenities, the total cost is expected to be much higher. 

In June, she revealed that she and Ben had celebrated their legal wedding in a custom couture gown by Eva Bouskila.

Pictures from their big day show the couple beaming as they walk hand in hand at the ceremony, which took place in a city hall ceremony in Paris’s 16th arrondissement.

The couple, who began dating back in 2020, married just three months after announcing their engagement.

Thylane revealed her custom dress took 240 hours to make and required 30 meters of French lace

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She wrote: ‘My wildest dream. I never imagined that one day I’d be wearing the wedding dress of my dreams, custom made by @miumiu’

Miu Miu is the more spontaneous sister label to Prada, owned entirely by the Prada Group and founded by lead designer Miuccia Prada

‘I started working with Miu Miu when I was 16 and I never could have imagined that, years later, they would create the dress I’d wear on one of the most important days of my life’, she gushed

Thylane pictured with her husband Ben on their wedding day 

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She was carrying a bouquet of white calla lilies, while holding out her other hand to her new husband Ben as they entered the venue.

Thylane confirmed her engagement to Ben after he proposed during a romantic trip to Greece.

Thylane began dating Ben in 2020, little more than a year after ending her former relationship with French DJ, Milane Meritte.

The model daughter of retired footballer Patrick Blondeau, she walked for Jean Paul Gaultier at the age of four and then later, aged ten, became the youngest ever model to pose for Vogue Paris.

She would rocket to fame in 2006, at the age of five, after being named the ‘most beautiful girl in the world’ by Vogue Enfants. 

It is an accolade that she won on two separate occasions, as 12 years later Thylane once again cinched the coveted title, coming in top of TC Candler’s 2018 annual awards list.

• Fighter stops road rage incident
• He stepped in to help two women 
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By JOSH ALSTON, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 00:53 BST, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 03:12 BST, 4 August 2026

A professional fighter is being hailed as a hero after stepping in to protect two young women during a road rage confrontation on Queensland‘s Sunshine Coast. 

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Dashcam footage of the incident shows a van trying to merge into another lane of traffic on the Bruce Highway.

The van driver then stopped, left his vehicle and approached a car carrying two young women. 

He allegedly tried to open the driver’s door – before Muay Thai champion Ryan McDonald intervened, confronting the man as other motorists gathered nearby. 

‘It was just two girls on their own in the car,’ he told Channel Seven on Monday.

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‘And I was thinking this would be a good opportunity to help and use what I know to protect these two girls, or de-escalate the situation.’ 

Muay Thai champion Ryan McDonald stepped in after a road rage confrontation threatened two young women in Queensland

A motorist reportedly backed down after realising McDonald was an experienced professional Muay Thai fighter and competitor 

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McDonald and the van driver exchanged words before both men removed their shirts in the middle of the road.

However, the confrontation ended without a punch being thrown when the motorist learned that McDonald was, in fact, a professional fighter. 

McDonald has recorded eight victories during his fighting career, including four by knockout.

‘He came back up to me and was like ‘Are you sure you want this?’ I was like, ‘Yeah’,’ McDonald said.

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The van driver returned to his vehicle and drove away.

McDonald said that preventing the confrontation from becoming violent was the ideal result.

‘It was the best possible outcome, to de-escalate the [situation]… everybody got home safe that day,’ he said.

Footage of the incident has since attracted more than three million views across social media, where McDonald was widely praised for helping the women. 

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Dashcam footage showed a van veering into the lane where the car containing the two women was driving 

The 19-year-old fighter, pictured centre right, has recorded eight professional victories during his career, including four wins by knockout so far. 

The fighter has drawn comparisons to WWE star Cody Rhodes, who will play Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter movie 

‘What a legend to put himself in that position and defend those girls he didn’t even know,’ one social media user said.

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Another person said: ‘Glad he stepped in. I’ve got daughters and granddaughters and that man trying to open the car door isn’t on.’

A third added: ‘I cannot quite believe this man stepped in to help two vulnerable women, and most of you only want to make comments on his appearance!

‘Good on you mate, I’d be glad to have you there if this happened to me or my daughter.’

Some social media users said the incident would have been a ‘scary experience’ for the women. 

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‘Only a complete loser of a man would try to intimidate or threaten young women. Thankfully there are still decent men around prepared to step in,’ a commenter said.

Other Australians compared McDonald’s distinctive bleached blonde haircut and muscular appearance to the character Guile from the Street Fighter video game series.

‘Why does he look like Guile from StreetFighter?’ one user asked, to which a second said: ‘Because he IS Guile from Street Fighter!’

Another person said: ‘Why ask that question when you and I both know that is Guile? Living breathing legend.’

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The comparison comes ahead of the new live-action Street Fighter movie, which is scheduled to reach Australian cinemas on October 15.

WWE superstar Cody Rhodes, known to wrestling fans as the ‘American Nightmare’ and also sporting bleached hair, will play Guile in the upcoming film.