Things have come a long way since Space Invaders (Coentor/Wikipedia)
From Space Invaders in the late 1970s to SSX Tricky in the early 2000s, a reader recounts his early history with video games and how being in the army didn’t stop him playing.
There’s been a lot of reminiscing on these pages lately and I thought I would join in. As I’m 54, I have seen a lot of things in the history of gaming, so I am just going to go through some of the memorable moments and with luck bring a few sage nods and the odd smile.
In the late 70s my dad used to run the local football club bar. On a Friday night, as a young whippersnapper, I used to go with him and help bottle up, ready for service that night, before my Mum came and picked me up. I remember going in one Friday and there was this shiny new cabinet between the jukebox and the fruit machine. Emblazoned on the front was Space Invaders. I had heard of this but had never seen one in real life.
As we were getting things ready, Dad asked me to switch it on. I just remember watching it go through the boot sequence and going in to demo mode. I was awestruck. Dad had the keys and opened it up and put a few credits in for me. I was rubbish, the credits were gone in seconds, but a love of video games was born.
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The early eighties, one Christmas my parents got my sisters and me an Acorn Electron. Their thinking being that it was like the ones in school, and we could learn from it. It was all hooked up to a black and white portable TV. Mum and Dad had bought some learning to program books and such like, but we wanted games!
We didn’t have a huge collection but the ones we played were played to death. Snapper, a Pac-Man clone, Danger UXB – I can only remember its name, not what it was about. And of course, Chuckie Egg. On a Sunday I was allowed to connect to the big television and play in colour! What a revelation to see the yellow bird jump around the screen.
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By the early nineties I was in the British Army and serving in Germany, and it was the time of the Amiga. I didn’t own one at this point, but my roommate Norm Fowler did. Two games will always remind me of those times. Speedball 2 and the greatest football game ever made, Sensible Soccer! I wouldn’t even like attempt to put a time on how much this was played.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that it would be loaded up at 5pm and not switched off until gone midnight. I think all the single lads in the block were involved in leagues or cup competitions. Between matches you’d head off to NAAFI for a few pints, come back and keep playing.
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The big debate was which joystick was best? There were only two contenders. The Competition Pro or the Quickshot. My personal favourite was the Quickshot. I don’t know how many of them I went through, but they took some serious abuse from doing the big punt downfield and then throwing it left or right for aftertouch. You just can’t recreate that goal with a controller.
Finally, the mid to late nineties. I’m still in the Army but I’m serving a tour of Bosnia. At this point, Bosnia was pretty quiet, the war was over and things were pretty boring. I took a PlayStation 2 with me in my luxury items box. I didn’t have a TV but if my memory serves me correctly, me and my good buddy Stretch Armstrong went halfers on one. A big old CRT thing.
We had a lot of games between us but two games that jump out were Destruction Derby 2 and SSX Tricky. We literally played that PlayStation to death. One day it just gave up reading discs. The unit I was attached to had an electronics troop so I sent it down there with a few packets of chocolate Hobnobs to see if they could fix it.
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Unfortunately, it was unrepairable as we had worn out the ribbon on the CD drive! I seem to recall we wrote a bit of a begging letter to one of the PlayStation magazines, seeing if they could ‘help’ us out but we never got anything.
There you go, a few memories from my gaming life.
By reader Dirtystopout
Everyone loves Chuckie Egg (Elite Systems)
The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
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Braunstone Community Primary School – dancing/comedy
World Wings – dancers
Mr Cherry – strongman
Who are the 8 acts performing on Britain’s Got Talent tonight?
With the pre-recorded auditions complete, it is now time for the live semi-finals, the first of which airs on ITV1 and ITVX tonight (Saturday, April 25).
The eight acts performing in tonight’s first live BGT semi-final are:
Anastasiia and Salsa
Celtic Beat
Christy Coysh
Fraser Penman
Matty Juniosa
Nancy Tilley
Paul Nunnari
The Rafikiz
What does the winner of BGT get?
The semi-finalists will all be competing for a spot in the final, which will take place on Saturday, May 30.
The winner of BGT takes home a £250,000 cash prize and also gets the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.
There will be five semi-finals in 2026.
When is Britain’s Got Talent on tonight?
The first live semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 will air on ITV1 and ITVX from 7pm tonight (Saturday, April 25).
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Having already impressed the judges during auditions, each act must now push their claim for a spot in the Grand Finale.
There will also be a special guest performance from the cast of I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical.
Who has been your favourite act on Britain’s Got Talent 2026? Let us know in the comments below.
They had already beaten Mikel Arteta’s side last weekend in a 2-1 thriller at the Etihad Stadium, with Rayan Cherki and Haaland on target to bring them to within three points of the north London club. Southampton, who dumped Arsenal out of this competition in the last round, are aiming to become the first non-Premier League outfit to win the oldest trophy in football for 46 years.
Spencerbeck House in Ormesby will be carefully taken down over the coming months by Beyond Housing, which has appointed MGL Demolition to carry out the work.
The 10-storey building has been empty since September 2023, and its removal is expected to be complete by January 8, 2027.
Ben Briggs, regeneration manager at Beyond Housing, said: “The start of demolition at Spencerbeck House is an important milestone.
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“This building has stood empty for some time and, while it has provided some recent community benefit through training exercises for emergency services, we are now pleased to be moving ahead with the demolition.”
Work began on April 20 and will begin with site set-up and the removal of internal fixtures and fittings to maximise recycling before the structure itself comes down.
Mr Briggs said: “MGL Demolition is a trusted and experienced contractor, and we are committed to ensuring these works are carried out safely, responsibly, and with as little disruption to local people as possible.
“We will continue to keep residents informed throughout the demolition programme.
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“Following demolition, we will be looking to repurpose the site for community use, a consultation will be held in the coming months so residents can have their say on the proposals.”
Originally built in 1972, Spencerbeck House has stood empty since September 2023.
The building will be wrapped in protective sheeting during demolition and water cannons will be used to suppress dust as far as possible.
Mark Davison, head of MGL Demolition, said: “We are pleased to be working with Beyond Housing on the demolition of Spencerbeck House and to begin this phase of the programme.
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“As a vacant high-rise structure, this is a complex demolition that requires careful planning, strong safety controls and close coordination with all stakeholders.”
Mr Davison said: “The works will be carried out in a phased and controlled manner, with a strong focus on safety, recycling and minimising disruption to local residents.
“We are committed to delivering the project safely and responsibly and will continue to work closely with Beyond Housing to keep residents informed as works progress.”
The site will operate from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8am to 3.30pm on Fridays.
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Residents with questions about the demolition are encouraged to contact Chris Little, contracts manager at MGL Demolition.
Mikel Arteta’s side were largely lacklustre in attack and had to survive some nervy moments at the other end, including one big chance missed by Yoane Wissa. However, Arsenal held on to bounce back from consecutive league defeats to Bournemouth and Man City and keep themselves right in the title race.
After being evacuated from the venue, along with other members of the administration, the president wrote on Truth Social that it was “quite an evening” and said he recommended the annual dinner continue as planned.
“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” Trump wrote around 9:20 p.m.
“Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
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Shortly after appetizers were served, a person fired several gunshots near the security checkpoint of the event, sending the entire ballroom into temporary lockdown. Journalists took cover underneath tables, including The Independent reporters.
One U.S. Secret Service agent was reportedly shot, but their condition is currently unknown.
Secret Service members demanded the president take cover after a person opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (AP)
What happened
Shortly after the appetizers were served, dinner attendees heard several gunshots ring out.
Reporters from The Independent, who were seated at a table in the back of the ballroom, said they heard approximately five gunshots before watching agents draw their firearms. Upon realizing what was happening, guests took cover underneath tables.
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Secret Service swarmed the banquet hall, yelling at the president to get out of the way and demanding that people duck.
The president and first lady were swiftly removed from the scene.
One woman, who was seated at a table with reporters, began crying, saying the incident was the scariest thing she had ever experienced, according to The Independent’s John Bowden.
Wolf Blitzer, a long-time CNN journalist, said he saw “the shooter was clearly on the ground.”
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Other members of the Trump administration who were in attendance, including Vice President JD Vance, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was one of the Trump administration members who was rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday evening (Reuters)
The president immediately returned to the White House to prepare to give an official statement from the briefing room.
Trump’s appearance at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner marked the first time he was attending the annual event that raises money for the White House Correspondents’ Association since he became president in 2016.
Members of the media take cover after a shooter opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (Reuters)
Who is the shooter?
No information is currently known about the suspected shooter.
The FBI confirmed it had taken the person suspected of opening fire into custody.
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The person reportedly began shooting near the security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
One Secret Service agent was shot, three people familiar with the matter told CNN. The bullet allegedly struck the agent’s protective gear. The agent was taken to a nearby hospital. Their condition is currently known.
An ambulance awaits White House Correspondents’ dinner attendees after a shooter opened fire at the annual event (Reuters)
How did a gun get inside the premises?
It’s unclear at this time how a firearm entered the Washington Hilton Hotel at this time.
The person opened fire near the security clearance area.
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
After an electric shift as Uranus enters Gemini, the atmosphere is buzzing with fresh ideas and a restless urge to try something new.
But with the Moon moving into Virgo and the Sun still in steadfast Taurus, practicality and clarity are key.
All in all, it’s a day for sorting, refining, and grounding inspiration into action.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Sunday April 26, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
Uranus entering Gemini for the long haul inspires a lively chapter lasting until 2033, when your mind becomes a lightning rod for bright ideas. Conversations sizzle, technology fascinates, and interest leads you down captivating paths. Expect sudden insights, unusual learning opportunities, and connections with people who think differently. Do stay flexible!
Get ready for an active financial adventure lasting for around seven years. Your sense of value, income, and personal talents enters a period of experimentation and clever reinvention. Expect surprising opportunities involving technology, communication, or learning new skills. Money may arrive through unusual channels, or through ideas you once considered hobbies.
Uranus arrives in your sign and begins an electrifying era lasting until 2033. Think of it as a long cosmic brainstorming session with lots of surprises. Your identity, style, and outlook can evolve in novel ways. You may experiment with new interests, technologies, friendships, or ideas. Change comes swiftly, yet it’s liberating. It’s time to be unapologetically yourself.
An engaging chapter begins that lasts for seven years or so. It may feel like an electric current flowing through your inner world. Old worries, habits, or secret stories may shift, often through deeper understandings or unusual dreams. Uranus’s presence could also stir memories, that have been deeply seated within you. But look to embrace not avoid these, Cancer.
A fresh cycle begins in earnest and affects your social world, which might feel like a social experiment at times. Friendships shift, new alliances appear, and interesting people may enter your orbit. Uranus moving into Gemini over the coming year’s thrives on cooperation and creativity. Your leadership qualities shine brightest when you welcome new viewpoints.
Uranus entering Gemini begins a surprising career chapter lasting until 2033. Think of it as a possibility to improve your professional mindset. Roles, ambitions, or key goals may change in unanticipated ways. Technology, communication, and ingenious ideas become powerful tools. A path you never considered might look intriguing, so stay on board and learn to adapt.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
You’re stepping into a zesty chapter that lasts for the next seven years with Uranus’s help. Travel, learning, and expansive new ideas beckon. You’ll explore unfamiliar subjects, cultures, or philosophies that stretch perspectives. Conversations become doorways to discovery. You will encounter opportunities around teaching, writing, or sharing knowledge.
Get ready for a life-changing financial and emotional chapter for seven years. Shared resources, investments, and deep commitments may evolve in new way, a time of change around trust and power issues. Fresh opportunities can influence partnerships, money, or support systems. Ready for a major shift? It could become an empowering breakthrough.
As Uranus enters Gemini, prepare for an interesting partnership adventure lasting for many years. Relationships, collaborations, and agreements may evolve in surprising ways. New people may enter your orbit with unusual ideas and energising outlooks. Long-standing relationships might reinvent themselves – if you embrace new options and honest dialogue.
Prepare to refresh the gears of your daily life. Work routines, habits, and health patterns may evolve in clever and charming ways. New technologies, skills, or working methods might change how you organise your time. Uranus moving into Gemini means experimentation is better than a fixed schedule. Small changes lead to big improvements in work and wellbeing.
Uranus moves into Gemini and sparks a creative renaissance that lasts for seven years. Inspiration arrives like lightning from all kinds of places. Hobbies, romance, artistic projects, and playful adventures all gain a lively twist. Expect unusual ideas, smart collaborations, and bursts of enthusiasm. Your natural thirst and appreciation of originality will be amplified.
Your living space, family dynamics, or feeling of belonging may evolve in fresh and interesting ways. Moves, renovations, unusual housemates, or new ways of working from home may show up. As Uranus enters Gemini, it rewards flexibility, inventive thinking, and refreshing changes. But this planet will also push you to release what holds you back.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
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US President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House correspondents’ dinner after gunshots were heard at the security incident, with Trump confirming the gunman has been ‘apprehended’
President Donald Trump was whisked away from the White House correspondents’ dinner after gunshots rang out at the event.
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The US President was attending the annual gathering on Saturday, April 25 when the disturbance erupted.
Secret service agents swiftly moved in and escorted the president to safety, shouting “stay down, stay down” as loud bangs echoed through the venue.
Several other senior officials were also hurriedly removed from the building while attendees ducked for cover.
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Pandemonium broke out inside the ballroom as guests scrambled to take shelter, reports the Daily Star.
A security official present at the event confirmed that between seven and eight shots were fired.
Trump has since posted an update on Truth Social, confirming that the gunman has been ‘apprehended’.
He said: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely.
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“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.
“They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
Ryanair’s new check-in and bag drop policy comes into effect in November
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
01:44, 26 Apr 2026
Ryanair passengers can expect to see a significant change later this year. The budget airline is planning to extend the window in which travellers can check in their luggage ahead of a flight.
On its website, the airline stated the move could give passengers “more time” to clear security, helping to ensure fewer travellers miss their departures. The change takes effect from Tuesday, November 10 and will mean that check-in and bag drop services across all its airports will close 60 minutes before scheduled departure. Previously, the time allowance was 40 minutes.
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Ryanair CMO, Dara Brady, said: “From Tues 10 Nov next, Ryanair customers will see airport check-in and bag drops close 60 minutes before scheduled departure, instead of today’s 40 minutes.
“This will allow these 20 per cent of our customers (who check in a bag) more time to clear through airport security and passport queues, and get to their departure gate on-time, especially during busy travel periods when some of these airport queues can be longer.”
This follows Ryanair’s rollout of additional self-service bag-drop kiosks throughout its network, with over 95 per cent of airports equipped with these machines by October.
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Fully integrated with the Ryanair app, the self-service kiosks allow passengers to check in luggage and print bag tags, which the airline claims accelerates the bag-drop process and reduces waiting times.
Brady continued: “We are also installing self-service kiosks at over 95 per cent of Ryanair airports before October.
“This means a quicker bag-drop service, less queuing at airport desks, and an even more punctual service for the 20 per cent of our customers who still wish to check-in a bag, while the 80 per cent (who don’t check-in a bag) will be unaffected by this small 20 minute change, as they will continue to check-in online before they arrive at the departure airport and they go straight through airport security to their departure gate.”
Martin Odegaard lost possession on the opening salvo, before Eze dragged his shot wide with the second. On the third attempt, Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi ran over to offer their services, but Noni Madueke bypassed them both to play in Havertz, who teed up Eze, and the £60million man’s first-time strike curled away from a diving Nick Pope, and Arsenal were one to the good.
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