World Leaks

If I were her, I think I'd at least be suspicious.

Great Britain and the world said a final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II at a state funeral that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and crowds who thronged the streets of London.

BRITISH metal giants Iron Maiden have revealed UK and Ireland tour dates celebrating 50 years of monster madness.

The rockers, who are synonymous with their zombie-like mascot Eddie, are promising fans the “most spectacular and elaborate show ever”.

IRON MAIDEN 2023 FUTURE PAST TOUR SLOVENIA JOHN McMURTRIE

Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson will belt out the band’s biggest hits on tour next year[/caption]

IRON MAIDEN photographed in OTTOWA 2022 JOHN McMURTRIE

The band are celebrating 50 years since its formation in 1975[/caption]

Announcing the anniversary world tour on social media, the band’s account shared: “The Run For Your Lives World Tour will kick off on May 27th next year in Budapest followed by 27 stadium, festival & arena shows around Europe.

“The tour marks 50 years since Steve Harris formed the band in late 1975 and to celebrate this Maiden fans are promised a very special set list, spanning the nine studio albums from ‘Iron Maiden’ to ‘Fear Of The Dark’, with their most spectacular and elaborate show ever!”

The UK dates include Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and a huge show at the London Stadium, home to bassist and founder Harris’s beloved West Ham United.

Another massive show is lined up for Malahide Castle, Dublin, where support will come courtesy of American rockers Halestorm and Brit metallers The Raven Age.

Maiden said: “Special Guests for the first half of the tour, including the London & Dublin outdoor shows (but not the UK arenas), will be American rockers Halestorm.

“The second half of the tour sees Sweden’s Avatar as guests. And, finally, British metal band, The Raven Age, will open all UK & Ireland shows.”

A presale for tickets will take place on September 26 at 12pm.

Ecstatic fan are now predicting Maiden will headline Download Festival next summer too.

One commented: “Download 2025 headliner for sure.”

Another said: “They’re tears of joy, I swear.”

A third posted: “I’m just so happy you’re all still going strong this is the best news!”

The Irons are known for their galloping rhythms and epic songcraft, often drawing inspiration from famous literature and historic moments.

There have been numerous personnel shifts over the years but the current line-up consists of Steve Harris, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers. frontman Bruce Dickinson and drummer Nicko McBrain.

Dickinson, who is also a qualified pilot and often jets the band around the world in the famous Ed Force One 747, replaced original singer Paul Di’Anno in 1981.

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The group’s galloping rhythms are coming to the London stadium[/caption]

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The group will perform tracks from its first nine albums[/caption]

He is the voice behind their biggest hits including 80s classics Run To The Hills, Two Minutes To Midnight, Aces High and The Trooper.

In 1993, Dickinson went on hiatus and was replaced by Blaze Bayley who received a mixed reception from fans.

However, by the end of the decade Dickinson was back in the fold and the band haven’t looked back since, garnering rave reviews for their album releases since, including latest efforts Senjutsu and The Book of Souls.

MAX VERSTAPPEN is losing an eye-watering £1MILLION for every race he doesn’t win.

The astonishing claim has been made by Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf, who has also predicted whether Verstappen will stay put at Red Bull next season.

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Ralf Schumacher claims Max Verstappen is missing out on £1m for every race he doesn’t win[/caption]

Formula One’s Dutch champion, who has won the last three titles, made a flying start to the campaign with some incredible victories.

Verstappen, 26, won seven of the first 10 races, having secured victory in 19 out of 23 courses in 2023.

But his last victory came in June’s Spanish Grand Prix.

And Verstappen is now without a win in his last seven races.

His lead at the top of the championship has been cut to 59 points.

While Red Bull have also been overtaken in the Constructor’s Championship by McLaren.

And former F1 star Schumacher now claims that Verstappen’s failures are hitting him in the pocket.

The brother of seven-time champ Michael reckons Verstappen is missing out on £1m for every race he does not win.

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And that is sure to leave the superstar frustrated.

Schumacher said: “It is assumed that he loses a million for every race he doesn’t win. That is unbelievable.

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The brother of Michael Schumacher has also predicted Verstappen’s future at Red Bull[/caption]

“Last year he was so successful and that is a lot of money that he is missing out on, in addition to the fact that things are no longer going well in sporting terms.”

Verstappen currently earns a base annual salary of £40m, with his deal expiring in 2028.

But reports claim there is a break clause which could allow a rival team to swoop.

And Schumacher predicts that Verstappen will not be at Red Bull much longer if his car continues to flag behind others.

Schumacher added: “I am of the opinion that not everything is set in stone, as far as what will happen to Verstappen in the future is concerned.

“Because I believe he has no patience and will not stay forever.”

INBETWEENERS star Simon Bird has broken his silence on plans for a third movie.

It comes after his co-star Joe Thomas said all the main cast would be keen to get back together a decade on from the last movie.

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The actor said the cast would reunite – but the decision is down to the writers[/caption]

But now Simon, 40, who played Will Mackenzie on the teen comedy, has confirmed that there are no plans for a reunion any time soon.

He also said that he was “pouring cold water” on fan speculation that another film was in the pipeline.

“I’m afraid to be the one pouring cold water on this but it’s not happening,” he told the Mail.

“I can tell you emphatically that there are no prospects of a reunion.”

However, the star did not rule it out and said he along with the cast would be keen for a reunion, but it was up to the writers.

Simon added: “We’d be happy to but it’s not up to us, it’s up to the writers, Iain and Damon, and I know they’re both very busy these days.

“It’s not more likely to happen now than it was ten years ago I’m afraid.”

The star also admitted that he people shout famous Inbetweeners quotes at him in the street – but said he can “can’t remember the show” and hasn’t watched it back since it was made in 2008.

He admitted he was surprised that people still love the show – adding that there is still an “appetite” for it.

Simon added that he is still close pals with his co-stars, including Blake Harrison, James Buckley and Joe and they have a WhatsApp group where they regularly plan to meet up.

It comes after The Sun revealed earlier this year that talks on a revival are already underway.

Joe, who played Simon Cooper on the show, indicated another film is likelier than a new TV series, and would see the lads far removed from school — where the characters were when the Channel 4 sitcom began in 2008.

Asked whether conversions for a comeback have started, Joe said: “Yes, it’s happened in various forms. All of us feel it would be nice to do.”

He revealed he was still good pals with the cast, including James Buckley (gross Jay), Simon Bird (posh Will) and Blake Harrison (dozy Neil).

He teased “some of the ideas out there” for a revival included a stag do in Vegas.

The four lads would also meet for five-a-side football rather than in the school common room.

But Joe admits: “Everybody’s anxiety would be, ‘Will it be as good?’. That is what we would be going in with.”

The comedy — which also starred Emily Atack as Charlotte — spanned three series between 2008 and 2010, and gained a devoted following.

But it was the two films in 2011 and 2014 that gave The Inbetweeners widespread popularity.

The Inbetweeners 2, which saw the infantile foursome travel to Australia, broke the first movie’s box office record by taking £2.75million on its opening day.

Simon Bird has previously said he still gets “briefcase w***er” shouted at him in the street, in honour of Will’s nickname.

However, Joe admits the four main stars have finally embraced its success after appearing in a string of other projects.

He told the Always Be Comedy podcast: “We’re all still around, we’re all still in each other’s lives.

“We all still like each other. And if it was something that came up, I think we would want to do it.

“I feel like we all still really like each other.

“We’ve all been able to go away and get various monkeys off our backs, in terms of things that we felt we needed to do other than The Inbetweeners to prove something to ourselves.”

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Simon said he and his co-stars are still very close[/caption]

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The TV favourite said he hasn’t watched The Inbetweeners back since it was made in 2008[/caption]

United States of America ambassador Pamela Tremont yesterday toured Mpilo Hospital HIV laboratory, offering world class quality lab standards through U.S. provided cutting-edge technology. The lab provides critical services that improve the lives of people living with HIV in Bulawayo. Amb Tremont also toured Nketa Clinic in Bulawayo city, where the U.S. is supporting digital […]

The post American ambassador Tremont tours US equiped laboratory at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo appeared first on Zw News Zimbabwe.

Including the airport's first-ever Wetherspoons

The post Huge food hall, luxury shops and more set to open at Manchester Airport appeared first on The Manc.

A HUGE ITV quiz show is struggling to fill its studio audience – despite offering ‘VIP packages’.

Deal or No Deal bosses have been left in a panic as demand for tickets has appeared to plummet.

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ITV

ITV

The hit game show – which was rebooted by ITV after a seven-year hiatus – relaunched last year.

Stephen Mulhern took over hosting duties from original Channel 4 presenter Noel Edmonds, who gave him his blessing to front the series.

After securing favourable ratings in its daytime slot, execs at ITV ordered a whopping 100 new episodes plus celeb specials.

However, an audience mole has told The Sun how a recording this week was only half full with audience members.

Filming for series two has changed from bustling MediaCity in Manchester to Maidstone Studios in Kent.

An insider said: “It’s a big issue that there’s just not as much as demand for the shows as before and perhaps the nostalgia has worn off.

“Some shows are being recorded with just a few rows filled.

“Applause Store, who handle tickets for major shows including Deal or No Deal, have tried enormously hard to put bums on seats including by offering VIP packages and free car parking.”

The Sun has contacted ITV for comment.

This week the ticketing company has sent numerous emails to fans offering them special ‘guest list’ access to the free shows to fill the studio.

Included in the VIP experience is free car parking as well as complimentary food and drink.

Deal or No Deal originally aired on Channel 4 between 2005 until its axe in 2016, with a whopping 2,985 episodes produced.

Latest combined viewing ratings released by ITV show the rebooted format has been streaming an incredible 14million times across all devices.

IVAN PERISIC has joined a new club, just 76 days after signing for Croatian side Hajduk Split.

The winger, 35, spent the bulk of last season recovering from a devastating ACL injury.

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Ivan Perisic was in action for Croatia at Euro 2024[/caption]

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He began the 2023-24 campaign as a Tottenham super-sub under Ange Postecoglou.

But following appearances in the first five Premier League games of last season, Perisic suffered a nasty injury in training – effectively ending his Spurs career.

In January, while still recovering, he moved to boyhood club Hajduk Split – determined to bring them silverware.

He initially moved on loan for the remainder of the season, but agreed a deal to make the switch permanent in the summer.

Following reported disagreements with boss Gennaro Gattuso, however, Perisic has now moved on to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

Upon sealing the deal, the Croatia veteran admitted his excitement at contending for big trophies again, while revealing which former Inter Milan team-mate advised him on the move.

He said: “Ever since I became a free player, I was hoping for an option like this: a club and an environment that I liked and with which I could win trophies.

“(Denzel) Dumfries gave me advice and that only convinced me that PSV is the right move. I can’t wait to get started, give my all and win trophies.”

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Having recovered from his ACL injury, Perisic returned to action for Hajduk in April.

Speaking to Croatian outlet Dalmatinski, the former Spurs man claimed that he risked his career by returning so soon.

He said: “I came to Hajduk in the hope that together we will realise our dream and take the title.

“I had a good contract at Tottenham, and even when I was injured, I had an excellent offer from a big foreign club, where I would have fantastic conditions for rehabilitation and at least the same chance to play, as I had here.

“Instead, at the invitation of the club management and the fans, I chose a life without a family living abroad in the hope that I can help fight for the title and place in the group stage of the Champions League.

“Whatever condition I was in, at any moment, and even when I entered the game in the cup match against Dinamo, beyond the recommendations of all doctors, risking an injury that would end my career, I did my best to achieve a common goal.

‘I REJECTED OFFERS FROM SERIOUS CLUBS’

“From the first day until today, I have adhered to agreements, contracts, set rules, but also spoken words, and twice after the Euros I rejected offers from serious clubs to help [Split] this summer.”

Following eight appearances for Hadjuk at the back end of last season, Perisic played at Euro 2024 for Croatia.

He then returned to Hadjuk on a permanent basis, with Gattuso being hired as the club’s new manager, and Ivan Rakitic arriving as another star signing.

After just four appearances this season, however, and having rejected an offer from Sevilla, Perisic was on the move once again.

He added: “Well, I guess it’s clear to everyone that I didn’t choose Hajduk and Split because of money or healthcare.

“In my desire to help, I put my health and my family on the back burner many times and I don’t regret it because I don’t know any other way, but on Sunday evening someone else stepped forward and decided that he no longer needed my help.

“As for last season, unfortunately, we failed. As hard as failure feels to me as it does to all the guys and all the fans who have been waiting for the title for almost 20 years, failure is the same part of football.

“Since I’m comfortable in my skin, I have been looking at Hajduk as something big and I will behave [professionally] in a moment that is extremely difficult for me and my family.

“I wish the club all the luck, victory on Thursday, placement in Europe and winning the title, regardless of whoever is at the club.”

Perisic will now have the opportunity to play in the Champions League for his new club.

PSV were in European action on Tuesday, but fell 3-1 at Juventus.

THE clock is ticking for thousands of people to give their retirement income a boost – but there’s still time to act.

Thousands of people can beef up their State Pension to the tune of £5,000, but they will need to take action fast or risk missing out on the uplift.

Alamy

Those claiming the full flat-rate State Pension currently receive £221.20 a week, equal to £11,501 a year.

However, not everyone qualifies for this payout.

You need at least 10 years’ worth of National Insurance (NI) contributions to get anything at all, and 35 years to qualify for the full amount.

People who have taken career breaks – to raise children, for example – can find they have gaps in their NI record, which can reduce the amount of State Pension they can get.

However, you can buy credits to plug these holes, which is usually a financially savvy move.

The cost of buying contributions is currently £824.20 for one year and applies to all years from 2006/07 to 2022/23.

Buying one extra year of contributions would increase your pension pay out by £328.64 per year in retirement.

Therefore, you’d usually make your money back within three years of drawing your pension – or four years if you allow for basic rate income tax.

Over a typical retirement, just one extra year of NI contributions is estimated to be worth at least £5,000 in State Pension.

However, the rules on buying contributions are changing in April next year.

At the moment, you can make backdated contributions for missing years as far back as 2006.

But from April 5 2025, you will only be able to backdate for a maximum of six years.

Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, said: “Taxpayers with any gaps in their state pension record currently have a golden opportunity to plug any shortfalls by backdating their NI contributions – but the clock is ticking as the deadline to take advantage of this one-off concession closes in less than seven months.  

“Buying back missed years is a great way to bolster retirement income as the state pension provides a guaranteed monthly for the duration of your retirement with the sum paid subject to an annual cost-of-living bump up.”

How do I buy contributions?

You can check your state pension forecast and state pension age through the government’s Check your State Pension tool online at gov.uk/check-state-pension or through the HMRC app.

People below state retirement age can log in to the service using their personal tax account details – or set one up at gov.uk.

Through this tool, people can also choose which years they would like to fill and pay within the service too.

The cost of buying contributions is £824.20 for the years from 2006/07 to 2022/23. Or £907.40 for the tax year 23/24.

However, the cost is lower if you have already made some partial contributions in a particular year.

Ms Haine said: “Calculating whether to top up can be confusing and ultimately there is no point paying for more years than you need because you won’t get that money back,.

“Calling the Government’s Future Pension Service to double check how many years you can buy and whether voluntary contributions will add to your state pension is key for those considering such a move.”

You can call the Future Pension centre helpline on 0800 731 0175.

Before you buy NI contributions, you should also check if you have claimed all the free ones that you can…

HOW TO CLAIM FREE NI CREDITS

You usually make NI contributions when you’re working, either through your PAYE salary, or through your tax return if you’re self-employed. 

But if you’re not working, you can usually claim NI credits to fill your record and boost your state pension eligibility. 

If you’re registered to receive child benefit for a child under the age of 12, you will get Class 3 credits automatically. 

If your income is above the threshold to receive Child Benefit, it is still important to claim, but just ask that you are not paid the cash.

This way, you still receive the NI credit without having to pay back any money.

Child Benefit is worth just one NI credit, but parents can transfer between themselves and also to other family members providing care. 

If you didn’t claim the benefit but did provide care to a child under 12 since 2011, you can fill out a CA9176 form on the government website to claim backdated Class 3 benefits.

If you’re on Universal Credit, you automatically get Class 3 NI credits. 

If you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance and you’re in education or working 16 or more hours a week, you should get Class 1 NI credits automatically. 

But if you’re unemployed and looking for work and not getting Jobseeker’s allowance, you’ll need to contact your nearest Jobcentre to apply to get the credits. 

Anyone who receives Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Unemployability Supplement or Allowance will get Class 1 NI credits automatically. 

If you’re not on ESA but would be eligible, then you should apply for the benefit so that you can also get the NI credits. 

Anyone who gets Carer’s Allowance payments should get Class 1 credits automatically. If you’re in Scotland, you should get these if you qualify for Carer Support Payments. 

If you’re receiving Income Support and providing substantial, regular care, you should get Class 3 credits automatically, 

If you don’t get benefits but care for one or more sick or disabled people for 20 hours a week, you can apply for Class 3 Carer’s Credits, but you should also check that you’re receiving all the benefits you’re eligible for. 

If you didn’t claim benefits at the time you were eligible, you may be able to backdate the NI contribution.

If you’re married to someone in the forces and you’ve been posted overseas since 2010 you can apply for Class 1 credits. 

If you were posted overseas between April 1975 and 2010, you can apply for Class Three credits, as long as you reached state pension age on or after April 6, 2016. 

If you need to apply for credits, or think you should be receiving them when you’re not, then you need to send a letter to HMRC. 

The address to write to is: PT Operations North East England, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AN, United Kingdom.  

You’ll need to include your NI number, say which years you’re applying for, and explain why you are eligible to get the credits.