Scottish Sunday Express - 2021-09-12

FREE INSIDE 12 September 2021 New season style Revamp your wardrobe for autumn Touch of glass Raise the bar with these chic tumblers (UK ONLY) S MAGAZINE Katie Piper ‘For many women life is about juggling WE’RE BACKING AND heroes - I don’t think you can have it all’ www.scottish sunday express.co.uk september 12, 2021 ● £1.90 RSPB guide to birds in your area Content taken from 8-PAGE SPECIAL PLUS: Top tips from the experts on bird care FREE Inside rspb 8-page guide to birds in your area Plus expert tips on bird care SALMOND BID to ditch the royals By Richard Percival Former first minister eyes up position as head of state ALEX Salmond’s Alba Party has approved plans to ditch the monarchy in Scotland at the end of the Queen’s reign – and the former first minister could be the new head of state. At the hardline nationalist party’s inaugural conference in Greenock yesterday, members approved a motion to back the creation of a Scottish republic with its own president. It states, once the term of the “existing highly respected head of state is over”, then an independent Scotland should TURN TO PAGE 6 Amazing Emma wins US Open final SEE PAGES 2 & 3 AND SPORT

SESC 2 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 THE WEATHER tennis’s THE WEATHER THE new WEATHER Wimbledon legend Cash says 18-year-old Brit sensation Raducanu’s fairytale of New York will see her dominate tennis for years to come TODAY’S SUMMARY JACKPOT £4.1 million 2 13 38 42 52 54 bonus ball 39 THUNDERBALL 5 18 20 28 34 THUNDERball 1 Temperatures in Centigrade The Health Lottery DRAW ON SATURDAY September 11, 2021 14 23 29 32 49 bonus ball 35 The society benefiting from all draws in the month ending September 30 is Health Lottery North West INSIDE: Comment 16 Nick Ferrari 17 Isabel Webster 31 Review 33-38 Stuart Winter 40 Letters 57 Finance 51-54 Puzzles 62,63 Plus your 12-page Sport pullout Corrections and Complaints: If we’ve published anything factually inaccurate, please contact the readers’ editor by email at expressletters@express.co.uk or you can write to Readers’ Editor, Sunday Express, 10 Lower Thames Street London EC3R 6EN and, once verified, we’ll correct it as soon as possible. The Daily Express and Sunday Express are published by Express Newspapers, a subsidiary company of Reach PLC, which is a member of IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation. We adhere to the Editors’ Code Of Practice as enforced by IPSO, which is contactable for advice at IPSO Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, EC4M 7LG; website www.ipso.co.uk; telephone: 0300 123 2220; email advice@ipso.co.uk. If you have a complaint concerning a potential breach of the Code of Practice, we will deal with your complaint directly or IPSO can refer your complaint to us. Go to www.reachplc.com/how-to-complain where you can view our Complaints Policy and Procedure. A How To Complain pack is also available by writing to the Legal and Compliance Department, Reach PLC, One Canada Square, London E14 5AP. MISSING SECTIONs: If you are missing any part of your newspaper including the magazine, please email missingsections@express.co.uk By Lucy Johnston and Jon Coates TODAY’S SUMMARY Temperatures in Centigrade From panic attack to perfect poise TODAY’S SUMMARY Temperatures in Centigrade Emma Raducanu will become the LEADING mind coach Don Macpherson says he has never seen Glasgow/Argyll: Quite cloudy, particularly Caithness/North West: Largely cloudy but North West: It is going to be dry with East Anglia: A dry day with sunny in the morning, with very little sunshine. staying dry with some sunshine at times. occasional sun biggest but mainly name cloudy through in tennis intervals. after The her sunshine will anyone be hazy. change Gentle their North West mental Coast: approach It is going toas bequickly a dry East Emma Coast: ItRaducanu. is going to be a mostly dry day. After sunny spells in the morning, the day with late spells of sunshine during the Light winds. High 16C (61F). Gentle northerly winds. High 14C (57F). the day. Light fairytale winds. HighUS 18C Open (64F). run, says north-westerly former wind. High 19C The (66F). sports psychologist, rest of the daywwho ill be cloudy. has worked A light andwith early a host evening of AGrand light north-easterly breeze. Edinburgh: A mostly cloudy day but staying Falkirk/Stirling: It is going to be a mainly Northern Ireland: Wimbledon It will be drychampion with some Pat London/South Cash. East: ASlam sunny start winners to the including variable wind. Pat High Cash, 17C (63F). Goran Ivanisevic Highand 15C (59F). CoCo dry with very little sunshine. Some light cloudy day but it will be mostly dry. Some sunny spells, especially The early Australian on. Gentle legend day, but soon said turning cloudy. Vandeweghe, It will be a dry has winds. High 14C (57F). light winds. High 15C (59F). north-westerly winds. High 16C (61F). day. Light winds. High 21C (70F). South been West amazed Coast: It is by going the totransformation be a North Central of the Ireland: British A clear start. Then Raducanu, 18, and her Canadian teenager in New cloudy York. day. There will be rain through the dry with a few sunny intervals, but a good Fife/Dundee: A mostly cloudy day but Central Highlands: Dry. It will be mainly Wales: A cloudy day. Drizzle in the South: A sunny start to the day, but soon day in places. There will be a gentle easterly deal of cloud around also. A light and staying dry with little sunshine. Gentle cloudy through the day. Gentle northerly morning. Rain opponent arriving in the Leylah late afternoon Fernandez, turning cloudy. 19, It will be a dry He day. said: Light“In 30 breeze. years Highof 18C working (64F). with elite athletes variableI wind. have High never 16C (61F). northerly winds. High 15C (59F). winds. A chilly day. High 14C (57F). from the south. are High set 19C to (66F). fill the void when winds. Serena High 21C (70F). seen anyone transform so quickly mentally speaking, as Emma. The Borders: A dry day with a lot of cloud Moray Firth/Aberdeen: Dry but mostly Midlands: It will be mostly cloudy with rain South West: Cloudy, with light rain for a South Central Ireland: It is expected to be Northern Ireland: Mostly fine weather, as it Williams retires. “How she has and very little sunshine. Gentle northeasterly winds. High 14C (57F). northerly winds. High 13C (55F). Light winds. High He 19C added (66F). only Japanese southerly winds. star High 19C panic (66F). attack at Wimbledon in places. A lighta tofew moderate weeks north-easterly ago to a amounts seemingly of sunshine. fearless A gentle north- cloudy, with very little sunshine. Gentle for the West Midlands during the evening. time and heavy showers later. Gentle mostly morphed cloudy, possibly from what with occasional was effectively rain is set to a be full-blown dry and bright with variable wind. High 16C (61F). westerly breeze. High 16C (61F). SW Scotland: It is going to be a cloudy but England, Wales and Northern Ireland: North East/Yorks: Naomi Mainly Osaka dry with can rival them Channel as Isles: the It will be‘smiling dry and fineassassin’ with at the US Open is truly awesome.” dry day with very little sunshine. Light winds. Rain for Wales and south-west England. A occasional sunshine two teenagers but also a lot dominate of cloud. sunny tennis spellsfor and variable cloud. Don Gentle added: “She Outlook appears tomorrow: be so calm, relaxed and confident, High 16C (61F). sunny start to the day. High 21C (70F). Gentle northerly years winds. to High come. 18C (64F). northerly winds. High 20C actually (68F). enjoying Rain the for pressure, the south coast as inthough the morning. it This really will turn is a showery privilege.” and affect southern and part Shetland/Orkney: Largely cloudy but Sea: North Sea: Moderate. Irish Sea: Slight. Scotland: The odd shower in places, Sea: North Sea: Moderate. Irish Sea: of central Ireland in the afternoon and evening. Gentle south-easterly winds. staying dry. Some moderate north-westerly Channel: Slight. otherwise a dry Cash, day. It is 56, goingsaid: to be “She [Raducanu] Slight. Channel: Slight. winds. A chilly day. High 13C (55F). overcast through is a the great day. High athlete 17C (63F). on all surfaces. We Lighting-up times Birmingham 7.29pm-6.38am London 7.21pm-6.32am UK OUTLOOK TOMORROW: There will be rain for Wales, as well as much of England. UK OUTLOOK may TOMORROW: be losing ThereSerena, will be rain for but Wales, now as wellmatch as much of with England. breathing difficulties. Serena Bristol Williams, 7.31pm-6.42am slamming Manchester 7.31pm-6.39am 20 Scotland and Northern Ireland are going to be dry, however. Another cloudy day. Scotland andNaomi Northern Ireland Osaka areand goingEmma to be dry, will however. lead Another Cash cloudysaid: day. “Emma Belfast has been 7.47pm-6.52am playing unbelievably well and very extremely good tennis but she’s winners. Glasgow 7.42pm-6.45am She is just Newcastleplaying 7.30pm-6.35am the pack. And unless they get THE WEEK AHEAD injured, THE they will WEEK be the AHEAD biggest carefree tennis. THE playing WEEK within AHEAD herself.” MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT names MON in both TUE men’s and WEDwomen’s THU FRI “She is SAT in a very lovely part of MON Peter TUE Fleming, WED a THU seven-times FRI SAT tennis for years.” her development – she is young, Grand Slam winner in men’s dou- 13has 21 also 12predicted 22 13 a 23big future 12 22 11 20 Glasgow 11 18 12 18 11 17 14 19 11 16 11 16 London He added: 13 20 “It’s 13 21absolutely 12 22 mind 13 23 energetic 12 22 and 11 20 carefree and London without 13 20bles, Aberdeen 10 15 11 16 10 17 13 16 10 17 11 16 Belfast blowing 12 17 to think 12 18 these 11two 17 young 13 19 such 10 16 a feeling 11 16 of pressure. Belfast 12 17 for Raducanu. 12 18 11 17 13 19 10 16 11 16 Belfast 12 17 12 18 11 17 13 19 10 16 11 16 Birmingham girls, 18 12 17and 19, 11 20made 11 the 20 final. 12 21 “She 10 19 probably 10 19 Birmingham learned from 12 17 The 11 20 66-year-old 11 20 American 12 21 10said: 19 10 19 Cardiff 12 17 12 21 12 21 13 21 11 19 11 19 Cardiff This weekend 12 17 12 has 21 been 12 history 21 13in 21 when 11 19 she 11 got 19too pumped Cardiff up at 12 17 “She 12has 21 exceptional 12 21 13ability 21 across 11 19 11 19 Edinburgh 10 17 12 18 10 18 13 19 10 18 10 16 Glasgow the making. 11 18 12 18 11 17 14 19 Wimbledon 11 16 11but 16 the way Glasgow she played 11 18 the board 12 18 – 11 she 17 is a 14great 19 athlete, 11 16 11 16 Inverness 10 18 11 18 9 17 12 19 10 17 10 16 Manchester “Even 12 17 I’m confused 12 19 about 11 19 what’s 12 20 up 11 to 18 the 10 US 17 final, Manchester I cannot see 12 17 well 12balanced, 19 11 19she’s 12spectacularly 20 11 18 10 17 London 13 20 13 21 12 22 13 23 12 22 11 20 Newcastle going 10 on 16– to 10 see 17 these 10 girls, 19 and 12 19 any 10 problems.” 18 9 17 Newcastle 10 16 well 10 balanced 17 10 19 emotionally 12 19 10 and 18 9 17 Manchester 12 17 12 19 11 19 12 20 11 18 10 17 Norwich the others 13 18 not able 11 18 to win 11 19matches 12 20 He 12 21added: 12 “She 19 is very Norwich calm and socially not driven by ego. 13 18 11 18 11 19 12 20 12 21 12 19 Newcastle 10 16 10 17 10 19 12 19 10 18 9 17 Plymouth against 13them.” 18 13 19 13 20 15 19 very 13 18 relaxed, 13 19 while the other “We’re all just astounded she’s Plymouth 13 18 13 19 13 20 15 19 13 18 13 19 Cash, who was Wimbledon women who have been playing her doing as well as she’s done and has LIVE WEATHER INFORMATION LIVE champion WEATHER in 1987, said INFORMATION Emma are a ball of nerves. LIVE WEATHER surprised everyone INFORMATION under the sun.” would have learned a lot from her “But she is not playing like Millions of people watched the 0906 156 0206 0906 156 0206 0906 156 0206 own run at the All England Tennis US Open final live on Channel 4 Club this summer. last night after a deal was struck Call our weather line where you can speak live with our experts for up-to-date Call our weather Just line after where sitting you canher speak A-levels live with our in experts for up-to-date Call star our weather turn: line where with you can Amazon’s speak live withPrime our expertsVideo for up-to-date forecasts. Calls cost £1.50 per minute plus your telephone company's network forecasts. maths Calls cost and £1.50 economics per minute plus at Newstead your telephone company's network forecasts. Former Calls cost £1.50 streaming per minute plus service, your telephone which company's had network access charge. Service open 8am - 6pm daily. SP Spoke: 0333 202 3390 access charge. Service open 8am - 6pm daily. SP Spoke: 0333 202 3390 access charge. Service open 8am - 6pm daily. SP Spoke: 0333 202 3390 Wood School in Orpington, Kent, champion exclusive UK broadcast rights. SUPPLIED BY METEOGROUP SUPPLIED BY METEOGROUP SUPPLIED BY METEOGROUP Raducanu was given a wildcard Cash says entry to Wimbledon when ranked Raducanu 338 in the world. will be one The National Lottery She reached the last 16 before of the pulling out of her fourth-round game’s big names In doing so, Raducanu has already helped inspire and fund the next generation of British tennis stars, as Amazon has pledged to reinvest the money from the deal, reported to be a seven-figure sum, into British women’s tennis. Alex Green, managing director of Prime Video Sport Europe, said: “Emma’s journey from qualification through to the US Open final at the age of 18 is truly a magical story for British sport. “We thought it was important to extend our coverage to as many people as possible to support her in this historic moment.” Raducanu, ranked 150 in the world when she started her fairytale run in New York by going through three rounds of qualification, was bidding to become the first British woman to win a major since Virginia Wade in 1977. By reaching the final she earned at least £1million, with the winner receiving £2.1million. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Raducanu: “The whole country will be cheering you on.”

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 3 golden girl is here girl in a million: Emma Raducanu has earned at least £1million in reaching the US Open final Picture: Elsa/Getty ...and Ronaldo’s doing all right too GLOBAL superstar Cristiano Ronaldo marked his sensational comeback to the Premier League by scoring two goals for Manchester United in their 4-1 win against Newcastle. The 36-year-old made his first appearance for the club in more than 12 years after signing from Juventus in a £13.5million deal. Fans wore his iconic number 7 shirt, with Marcus Rashford MBE writing on Twitter: “Like he never left.” Before the match, Ronaldo said: “Before was good, winning important things and I wore the shirt before, many years ago, but I am here to win again.”

SESC 4 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Get that second jab, Scots urged By Laura Paterson Scotland’s Health Secretary has urged people “not to leave the job half done” on being vaccinated against Covid-19 and take up their second dose. Humza Yousaf made the plea on the day the Scottish Government said all those eligible aged over 18 in Scotland would have been vaccinated, if they had taken up their appointment. The latest figures show 84.7 per cent of people aged over 18 have been double vaccinated, at 3,759,348, while 91.5 per cent – a total of 4,060,246 – have been given a first dose. The Scottish Government said some of those eligible have rearranged their appointment “for health or work reasons and will get their second dose shortly”. Vaccination clinics will remain open and anyone yet to be vaccinated is urged to Pictures: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street Putting his foot down: Jacob Rees-Mogg goes on a farming tour with Gareth Wyn Jones BOOST: Humza Yousaf go to a drop-in clinic or book through NHS Inform. Mr Yousaf said: “Today is a significant day because every single adult in Scotland has now been given the opportunity to be fully vaccinated. “I want to pass on my thanks to all those who have helped make this possible – from the scientists who developed the vaccine, to the hard-working staff delivering the programme on the ground. “To all those who haven’t yet had their second doses, please don’t leave the job half done. I encourage them to come forward.” Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus patients in hospital in Scotland has hit its highest level since late February. A total of 985 people are in hospital, including 83 in intensive care. This is the highest figure since February 24 but remains well below the second-wave peak of 2,053 in January. A further 10 deaths were announced yesterday, along with 4,289 new cases. PM TO AXE COVID victory buT MPs By David Maddox POLITICAL EDITOR BORIS Johnson is to axe a raft of “intrusive” Covid laws, thanks to the incredible success of the vaccine rollout. The PM will spell out his plan this week, in what has been dubbed a “bonfire of the Covid regulations”. The Government also has a scheme in place to begin vaccine boosters this month, subject to approval from experts. This will increase immunity for many over winter and should also prevent “unsustainable pressure on the NHS”. A No 10 insider said the intention is that there will be no more lockdowns but Mr John son has been warned by critics in his own party that his pledges do not go far enough. They are worried that TOUGH: Officers grill family in London in first lockdown in 2020 there are no changes to the Public Health Act, which provided the basis for many of the tough restrictions in England over the past 18 months. Other experts warned that as long as the NHS is stretched, lockdowns remain a possibility. Speaking ahead of his announcement on the Corona virus Act, Mr Johnson said: “Thanks to the efforts of the public, the NHS and our phenomenal vaccination programme, we reached Step 4 in our roadmap and life has returned to a sense of normality. “These extraordinary times required necessary but intrusive measures. But I’m determined to get rid of any powers we no longer need because of our vaccine defences. I will set out the next phase in our response shortly.” The powers expected to be repealed include those allowing the closing down of the economy, the imposing of restrictions on events and gatherings, the power to temporarily close or restrict access to schools, and powers to detain infectious people. There will no longer be any powers to limit how big a group people can gather in. The same review will also cancel the temporary increase in Universal Credit of £20, measures which allowed council meetings to happen virtually, special measures

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 5 One Mogg and his dog: Jacob has a Wales of a time down on the farm JACOB Rees-Mogg was taught how to herd sheep in Welsh on a goodwill tour to help boost the Union. The Leader of the House joined Welsh Secretary Simon Hart in the Carneddau mountain range in Snowdonia in the first of a series of visits around the UK to promote how Parliament and the Government are helping its nations and regions. He met hill farmer Gareth Wyn Jones, who taught him to herd sheep in Welsh. And he got a taste for Wales when he tried out the whisky at the Aber Falls distillery. Mr Rees-Mogg said: “You can’t shear sheep over Zoom. We should be so proud of our farmers that get up at 4am every day to put food on our table.” He also visited Zip World, set up by former Marine Sean Taylor, and hurtled down the zip wire to the tune of the Dambusters, carrying a Union Jack and Welsh flag, before landing to the sound of Rule Britannia. SHEEP MOgG: He was taught how to herd flock in Welsh Cheers: With hill farmer Gareth Wyn Jones and, right, using a hammer on a barrel of whisky as he tours the Aber Falls distillery in North Wales lawS after vaccines demand more action for magistrates’ courts and the ability to detain infectious people. However, the Government last night included a caveat that there can be “no guarantee” of no more lockdowns, because most of the powers used to impose restrictions exist in the Public Health Act. The source added: “The intention is, however, that there are no more lockdowns.” But Tory MPs who have been critical of the Government’s willingness to shut down the economy have said Mr Johnson needs to step up his reforms. In February, more than 60 of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs demanded an update to the Public Health Act which would ensure that the powers to lockdown in England would need a parliamentary vote. One of the signatories, Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which represents Conservative backbenchers, said: “It’s welcome that the Gov ­ ernment is scrapping these draconian regulations. “But we need a proper review of the powers available to them, so that constraints can be placed on ministers when they seek to interfere in fundamental freedoms, such as our right to see our families.” Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates said she welcomed the repeal of measures but added: “We need to reform the Public Health Act.” Oxford University professor Carl Heneghan said lockdowns remain a possibility because winter will stretch the NHS. He said: “Many people have CRITICISM: Boris Johnson faced calls to go further claimed many things throughout this pandemic but they have been often overturned. “At some point the Government will have to move on from Covid and trust the people to make their own decisions. “However, the NHS capacity issue is of concern as we go into winter with circulating viruses – and nothing has been done to solve this persistent problem which has been an issue for the past 20 years.” Mr Johnson is also facing opposition on two other fronts this week – plans for vaccine passports and the probable green light to jab the over-12s. Ms Cates will also hold a debate in Parliament on Tuesday on the child vaccination issue. The former teacher said: “I am very concerned about the moral, ethical and safety implications of rejecting the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations recommendation on the mass vaccination of healthy children – and it is vital that MPs are able to raise these issues in Parliament.” The JCVI this month ruled that the “margin of benefit” from getting a vaccine is “too small to support universal vaccination of healthy 12-15 year-olds”. However, Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, is widely expected to give the go-ahead this week. opinion: page 16 What do you think – SHOULD ALL COVID RESTRICTIONS be scrapped at once? YES – 0901 133 4421 ● text SXYES to 63333 NO – 0901 133 4422 ● text SXNO to 63333 Texts and calls cost 50p plus network access charge. You must have the bill payer’s permission. Vote closes at midnight tonight. SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390. Express Newspapers may contact you by post, SMS and/or email with offers, goods or services that may be of interest to you. To stop receiving SMS messages please text ‘NSNOINFO’ to the originating number.

SESC 6 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Independence could hit every Scot in the pocket by nearly £6k ROYALIST: Mr Salmond and the Queen at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 2007 NICOLA Sturgeon’s plans for a second independence referendum could cost every Scot almost £6,000, it has been claimed by Scottish Labour. Analysis of Scottish Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures by Labour saw separation from the UK could hit Scots hard as the SNP renew their push for separation at their party conference this weekend. The GERS data was compared with the SNP’s 2016 Sustainable Growth Commission targets that say the party plans to cut the country’s deficit to under three per cent within five to 10 years of independence. But, with 2020/21 GERS showing Scotland’s deficit sitting at 22.4 per cent and expenditure per person at £18,144, this would mean a cut of £5,758 in public spending for every Scot. Daniel Johnson, Scottish Labour finance spokesman, said independence would lead to “savage” austerity imposed on the people of Scotland. The Edinburgh Southern MSP said: “This shocking statistic has laid bare the cost to the people of Scotland of the SNP’s constitutional obsession. “This massive cut would drive down public services and balance the books on the backs of working people. “The fact of the matter is that the SNP knows that their independence plans will hurt the working people of Scotland, they just do not care.” Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Scotland needs hope, right now, for the climate, for our patients, for our young people and our businesses, not to waste three years arguing over independence. “The public want a government focused on rebuilding after the pandemic.” The SNP wants to hold a referendum CUTS: Labour’s Daniel Johnson By Richard Percival by the end of 2023, with the First Minister ordering civil servants to restart work on an independence blueprint. Speaking at the virtual conference, the SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, said another vote on the constitution would allow people to “define and decide our recovery” from the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Blackford argued Scotland was on a “different path” to that of Westminster and that sleaze, benefit cuts and tax rises “that always, always punish the poor” made the case for independence. Meanwhile, John Swinney will claim Britain is facing a “winter of discontent” as a result of Brexit when he delivers his speech to delegates today. The Deputy First Minister will also accuse Boris Johnson and Michael Gove of trying to dismantle devolution by spending UK Government money on projects north of the Border. Mr Swinney will say: “They will cut our budget, diverting funding to pork barrel, pet projects in Tory-held seats. “They will plaster the country with Union flags. And they take every opportunity they have to undermine the Scottish Government, but the problem they will face with their muscular unionism is that they do not have the brains to match the brawn.” He will also claim the “sorry saga of Brexit” has led to empty shelves in the supermarkets and “food rotting in the fields because there is no one there to pick it”. He will say: “Every sector will feel the chill wind brought on by Brexit. And there is no end in sight. The Tories are unwilling and unable to take the simple steps required to fix the problem they have created. “The UK is facing a winter of discontent and Westminster isn’t working.” FROM PAGE ONE have an “elected head of state” with similar powers to the President of Ireland. The move is a major shift from the SNP position of retaining the monarchy in an independent Scotland. It is also a radical departure for Mr Salmond, a committed monarchist who regularly visited the Queen at Balmoral. He is also thought to be on friendly terms with Prince Charles, who would be deposed under his party’s new plan. Aberdeenshire councillor Leigh Wilson, who spoke in favour of the resolution, said: “Alba is offering a vision of a modern head of state for a modern nation, taking its rightful place among the other nations of Europe and of the world, as part of a written constitution, subject to the final say of the people on the proposed constitution in a referendum.” Alba’s new general secretary and Inverclyde councillor Chris McEleny told members: “I represent a community where one in four children live in poverty. You MASK SLIPS: Mr Salmond in Greenock explain to me how I can go and make the argument that we should all live as equals when through the sheer chance of the bed that someone was born in, they have a silver spoon in their mouth, they get to live their life rich, they get to live their life governing the very laws that we send people to Parliament to pass – that is not a country of equals. Only

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 7 salmond as president ‘gives me the chills’ by living in the early days and creating an independent Scottish republic will we create the country we seek.” Party member Konrad Rekas, who also spoke in favour of the motion, joked to members: “I would believe that we here and all Scots some day will welcome Alex Salmond as the future president, elected president, of a democratic Scottish socialistic republic.” However, Alex-Cole Hamilton MSP, leader of Scottish Lib Dems, said last night: “The idea of Alex Salmond taking over as president of an independent Scotland gives me the absolute chills. “I have no desire to abolish the monarchy – it’s part of our constitutional system. “It’s in need of reform and could do with less taxpayer money, but the Queen works hard and is dedicated to public service.” The move came after Mr Salmond was confirmed as the leader of the party he formed ahead of May’s election following his acrimonious departure from the SNP. After being elected unopposed, he received a standing ovation from the few hundred delegates at Greenock Town Hall. Former SNP grandee Kenny MacAskill, inset, was elected as deputy leader, before then launching an outspoken attack on Nicola Sturgeon’s plan for another independence referendum. The East Lothian MP said: “No more must we be told to wait, nor must we be told it’s dependent on Boris Johnson’s consent or its timescale can be set by him. “Scotland has comprehensively rejected him as they have every Conservative Prime Minister before I was even born. “Seeking a gold-plated referendum from this Tory party has as much chance of success as a hungry orphan pleading for more in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. “If our request is denied, then we must act now. Not cower or flee. All and every democratic channel must be pursued.” Continuing his broadside against the First Minister, the former Holyrood justice secretary went on to say offering “empty rhetoric” was “inadequate” to bring forward a second vote. He said: “Leadership and courage needs to be shown. Sadly, they have been absent for far too long. “Legal options, forsworn, if not opposed by the THE BOSS: Mr Salmond is applauded by Tasmina Ahmed- Sheikh, left, and party delegates, above, after he was confirmed as Alba leader at Greenock Town Hall yesterday Scottish Government, need taking to all and every court, diplomatic and international appeals must be made and in the court that matters most, that of Scottish public opinion, there must be action.” However, Ian Murray MP, Labour’s Shadow Scottish Secretary, said of the comments: “Nicola Sturgeon may be prone to artfully dodging questions, but this isn’t Oliver Twist. “Scotland doesn’t want any more of the division and psychodrama Alba and the SNP are offering and, if the nationalists spent as much time on child poverty as they do banging on about independence, we would make sure there were no poor children in Scotland like Oliver Twist portrays.” UNDER PRESSURE: Ms Sturgeon Greens view ‘shameful’ on issue of antisemitism By Ben Borland Nicola Sturgeon has been urged to force her Green coalition partners to agree to the globally recognised definition of antisemitism – or remove them from government. The Scottish Greens have described Israel as a “racist state” and the party has said it does not accept the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. When concerns were raised by Jewish leaders last week, Scottish Tories said the Green stance was “shameful” and wrote to the First Minister urging her to take action. However, it has emerged that the First Minister hasn’t even discussed the issue with her coalition partners. In an interview with ITV late on Friday, she said: “I’ve not specifically raised that issue with them.” She confessed she wasn’t “entirely sure precisely what the Green position on that is” but said she hopes “everyone would sign up to” the IHRA definition. The Scottish Government has endorsed it and Ms Sturgeon added that “all ministers are ‘Their views are beyond radical’ expected to sign up to” this position. The IHRA working definition offers a comprehensive description of antisemitism in its various forms, including hatred and discrimination against Jews, Holocaust denial and in some cases the way criticism of Israel is expressed. Scottish Tory Jackson Carlaw said: “If the Green party won’t sign up to a globally recognised position on antisemitism, backed by every other party in Scotland, they’re not fit to serve in the Scottish Government. “The Greens, especially their government ministers, must endorse this mainstream position or be removed from office. Their views are beyond radical. They are downright dangerous. Antisemitism is still rife and we all must send a clear message that it’s wrong, especially those in positions of power. “Scotland’s Jewish communities will be aghast if Nicola Sturgeon is willing to tolerate such extreme views in her government.”

8 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Charles must prove he was duped if he’s to survive scandal, says Michael Cole THESE are very difficult and dangerous days for the Prince of Wales. The scandal over a letter from his top aide, Michael Fawcett, apparently offering British citizenship and a knighthood to a Saudi billionaire in exchange for further financial donations to Prince Charles’s pet projects, is the most serious crisis to hit the House of Windsor since Princess Diana’s death 24 years ago. That tragedy was followed by a week of ferment when, rightly or wrongly, the Royal Family was accused of a heartless lack of feeling and misjudging the national mood. This latest scandal is potentially more dangerous to the very fabric of the monarchy because it reveals actions which, if proved, would be serious crimes punishable by imprisonment. No wonder a spokesman for Charles rushed to make things clear, saying: “The Prince of Wales has no knowledge of the alleged offer of honours or British citizenship on the basis of donations to his charities and fully supports the investigation now under way by the Prince’s Foundation.” Responding so promptly and forcefully to newspaper revelations is itself a measure of the gravity of the situation. On matters considered minor or trivial, Clarence House plays a straight bat. This is different. And it could not be closer to the prince. Mr Fawcett, the aide who allegedly signed the apparently incriminating letter, has “temporarily” stepped down as chief executive of the Prince’s Foundation following decades of being closer to his master than any other royal servant. The man who started as the prince’s valet, supervising his perfectly boiled egg, became “the indispensable Fawcett”, without whom Prince Charles has said he cannot manage. If the prince is to survive this scandal, it must be established beyond doubt that Mr Fawcett was acting without his master’s knowledge or authority and had in effect gone rogue. If Mr Fawcett had taken it upon himself to offer a knighthood and a British passport to Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz, to induce the tycoon to part with further large sums of money, additional to the donations he had ‘It’s a question of judgment’ already made towards major improvements at Dumfries House, the prince’s personal project in southern Scotland, and at the Castle of Mey, the Queen Mother’s former home in north-east Scotland, it must be proved he acted independently of the prince. Nothing less will take the heir to the throne out of the frame. With such high stakes, an internal enquiry will simply not do. The foundation cannot act as investigator, judge and jury and expect its verdict to be accepted. This is a police matter. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that it has received complaints against both Prince Charles and Mr Fawcett, alleging a potential offence under the Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act of 1925. As the Met might feel uncomfortable investigating an alleged felony so close to the throne, the case could devolve to Police Scotland, which is where the letter was signed. That 1925 anti-corruption law was passed following a major scandal when the son of a vicar called Maundy Gregory was caught selling honours on behalf of the Liberal Party. It tainted the reputation of its leader, David Lloyd George, and brought into question his judgment: did he know what Gregory was doing? And if he didn’t, why not? Similar questions may now be put to Prince Charles. Again, it’s a question of judgment. If the police investigate and the CPS brings a case under the 1925 Act, the problems really begin. Mr Fawcett knows all the prince’s secrets. There’s no knowing what he might say. This matter has a long way to go, and no charges have been levelled. Whatever the outcome, two questions must be answered: was Mr Fawcett acting on the someone else’s instructions? Or was it on his own initiative? Much depends on the answers. ● Michael Cole is a former BBC royal correspondent Under pressure: Charles’s top aide Michael Fawcett SE1ST By Mike Parker THE ROYAL Family have come together to pay a poignant tribute to the late Prince Philip in a documentary to air on BBC One later this month – but it risks being overshadowed by Prince Andrew’s ongoing legal woes. In one moving clip, Prince Charles says: “We were lucky to have him for nearly 100 years.” The documentary was originally intended to mark what would have been the Duke of Edinburgh’s 100th birthday in June, two months after his passing on April 9, and features clips from the Queen’s private cinefilm collection never previously seen by the public. For the first time in history, more than a dozen royals will appear on the same programme in Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers, which will be broadcast at 9pm on Wednesday, September 22 on BBC One. All the Queen and Prince Philip’s children, grandchildren and other family members agreed to take part in the special tribute, GRATEFUL: Prince Charles appears in a poignant clip just weeks before his death in a touching tribute. Royal cousins Princess Eugenie and Zara both decided on the middle name Philip for their children born in February and March this year. Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank had their first child on February 9, and called him August Philip Hawke Brooksbank. The couple said that they had chosen Philip in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh. Then in March, Zara gave birth to her third child at home with husband Mike Tindall at Gatcombe Park. They called their son Lucas Philip Tindall after the Duke of Edinburgh and Mike’s father Philip Tindall. But while the royals were paywith interviews before and after the Duke’s death for what the BBC describes as “an unrivalled portrait of a man with a unique place in royal history” In a trailer released yesterday, Prince William says: “He’s always been a huge presence behind everything we’ve done really.” Prince Harry adds: “What you see is what you got with my grandfather. He was unapologetically him.” Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall, laments his passing, saying: “You never prepare yourself for losing him because he was always there.” Philip was the longest-serving royal consort in British history. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on November 20, 1947 at Westminster Abbey, and remained loyally by her side for more than seven decades. Rarely seen video clips in the trailer show Philip in a family setting; playing with young royals on a picnic, in a rowing boat and, to their huge delight, riding a tiny children’s bicycle himself. The documentary crew was also granted permission to interview the Duke’s longserving staff as well as being allowed to film inside his study, private office and library at Buckingham Palace, left exactly You never prepare yourself for losing him because he was always there – Zara as they were during his remarkable seven decades at the heart of royal life. As well as “deeply personal” recollections, the BBC said the documentary contains “plenty of humour and numerous fresh ‘A unique place in royal history’ insights into the character and legacy of this royal pioneer. It added: “This film is an unrivalled portrait of a man with a unique place in royal history – by those who knew him best.” The Duke had two of his greatgrandchildren named after him memories OF ‘We him Charles leads

SE1ST a true prince Sunday Express September 12, 2021 9 FILM FUN: Philip on child’s bike and inset, below, rowing a boat He’s always been a huge presence behind everything we’ve done – WILLIAM What you see is what you got with my grandfather. He was unapologetically him – HARRY were lucky to have for nearly 100 years’ Royals in TV tribute to his late father the Duke of Edinburgh ing tribute to the Duke, Prince Andrew was yesterday bracing himself for further dark days over the multi-million dollar civil court case brought against him by former alleged child sex slave Virginia Giuffre. The case is scheduled to be formally opened in New York tomorrow by a judge who is expected to hold a brief conference call with Giuffre’s – and possibly Andrew’s – lawyers. The Duke of York, 61, has been served ACCUSED: Andrew denies all allegations legal papers alleging rape and sexual assault, according to court documents in Manhattan. These were accepted by the security chief at his Windsor home after weeks of allegedly “avoiding” US officials. Andrew’s lawyers claim the papers were improperly served and could try to get the case thrown out on a technicality. Ms Giuffre’s attorney David Boies insisted the papers were properly served according to UK law. A top royal author last night claimed that Prince Andrew could face a lifetime ban from public duty in Britain unless he can prove his innocence or get the case ‘Andrew’s hoping this will go away’ quashed. Best-selling biographer Nigel Cawthorne also warned the Duke of York could be driven into exile if he refuses to answer his accuser either in the civil case or the upcoming criminal trial of Ghislaine Maxwell. The former British socialite and alleged “procurer” for Andrew’s late paedophile friend Jeffrey Epstein will face court on November 29 on charges of sex trafficking and perjury – and Ms Giuffre, now 38, was named in March as a potential witness. As such, she would be at liberty to repeat her allegations about Prince Andrew whatever the status of the civil action. Also in March, prosecutors asked for a copy of the infamous photograph purporting to show Ms Giuffre, then 17, with the prince and Maxwell. Prince Andrew strenuously denies all the allegations made against him. In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Express, Mr Cawthorne – author of Prince Andrew, Epstein, Maxwell and the Palace – declared: “Unless he suddenly turns into Houdini, I can’t see him getting out of the mess he’s in now.” His comments follow reports that Andrew is “utterly convinced” that he will return to royal duties. He also believes the serious claims against him by Ms Giuffre will simply “blow over.” Mr Cawthorne countered: “He’s been continuing to hide while hoping all of this will go away – but it won’t. “As well as both court cases, he’s still officially a ‘person of interest’ in the FBI investigation into Epstein’s evil empire.” Department of Justice officials claim to have been repeatedly rebuffed in attempts to interview Andrew, and Mr Cawthorne added: “The longer he stays silent, the more the general feeling is that he must be hiding something. “He needs to face these accusations and answer them. Until he does, there is no possibility of being a working royal. “And it could be even worse; he might find himself living out his days on some offshore tax haven that doesn’t have an extradition treaty with America.” ● Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers will be broadcast at 9pm on Wednesday September 22 on BBC One. OPINION: PAGE 16

SE1ST 10 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Beheading ‘shows real aim of 9/11’ By Marco Giannangeli DIPLOMATIC EDITOR THE beheading by the Taliban of a former Afghan soldier shows how radical Islam has achieved the real aim of the 9/11 attacks – to create an engine for jihad in Afghanistan, experts said last night. A graphic video, obtained by the Washington Examiner, showed six Taliban fighters surround the man who, from his uniform, served in the US and UK-backed Afghan National Army, before cutting his head off with a knife as they chanted “Mujahideen” – an Arabic term which refers to Muslims who fight on behalf of the faith against foreign oppressors. It is further evidence the newly pronounced Taliban government will not deliver its promised reforms, and Western hopes for stability in Afghanistan will not materialise. “There was never any real basis to suppose the Taliban would honour its pledges,” said regional expert Kyle Orton. “Its statements over the last 10 ‘The real jihad is against the West’ years make no bones about their aims, to continue jihad until they have total control and kill everyone who worked with the West to defy them.” He said pressure from ISIS-K to ensure Al-Qaeda “doesn’t lose sight of the fact that real jihad is against the West” will force the Taliban to keep a firm line or risk haemorrhaging supporters from rural areas. “There is a big disconnect between leadership and rank and file. The new government may have thought it was sending a message that it has won by including three internationallywanted terrorists. But in reality, the puppet masters, groups like the Haqqanis, are on the streets where it matters,” said Mr Orton. Justin Crump, of global risk analysis group Sibylline, said: “The real winner is the jihadist movement because they’ve achieved what they set out to achieve with 9/11. “They have effectively beaten a super power and built a global Islamist movement which did not exist before. Afghanistan will be the engine for jihad. “It’s enduring narrative is definitely more appealing now, regardless of whether it’s in Mozambique, Somalia or Yemen.” Resistance could come from civilians in towns and cities who have benefited from 20 years of advances. “We may see a push back from civilians in urban areas, as well as the resistance in the Panjshir mountains which is still active,” said Mr Crump. 20th anniversary world comes From Mike Parker IN AMERICA THE WORLD stood still in silent respect yesterday as global leaders, including the Queen and four US presidents, led 20th anniversary tributes to the victims of 9/11. Almost 3,000 people from more than 90 nations were killed as al-Qaeda terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. Another plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers stormed the cockpit in a doomed bid to regain control. At scores of memorials and gatherings around the globe, a moment of silence began at precisely 8.46am in New York (1.46pm in the UK) – the exact time the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Centre. In Britain, hundreds gathered inside and outside the walls of Windsor Castle for a special Changing of the Guard ceremony. The Band of the Welsh Guards played the Star Spangled Banner just as, two decades ago, the US national anthem was played at Buckingham Palace the day after the attacks in which 67 Britons died. In a special message to President Biden, the Queen recalled her own visit to Ground Zero 11 years ago. She said: “As we mark the 20th anniversary of the terrible attacks on 11th September 2001, my thoughts and prayers – and those of my family and the entire nation – remain with the victims, survivors and families affected, as well as the first responders and rescue workers called to duty. “My visit to the site of the World Trade Centre in 2010 is held fast in my memory. “It reminds me that as we honour those from many nations, faiths and backgrounds who lost their lives, we also pay tribute to the resilience and determination of the communities who joined together to rebuild.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was “precisely because of the openness and tolerance of the United States” that people of almost every nationality and religion were among those who were killed. A floral tribute from Mr Johnson was also placed at a memorial in Grosvenor Square in London yesterday. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the anniversary was not only about remembering and honouring the victims but also to show “support to our American friends as they mark this difficult time in their history”. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said that 20 years on, it is still hard to articulate the sense of “shock and horror” felt around the world after the attacks, including “the devastating loss experienced by so many people, and the fear and uncertainty that terrible day brought”. Prince Harry and Meghan also paid tribute by blacking out their Archewell website homepage and instead devoting silence: Katie Mascali is comforted by fiancé Andre Jabban at the 9/11 Memorial in New York as they remember her firefighter father Joseph it to an “In Memoriam” list of every single name of the almost 2,977 victims who were killed at the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and at Shanksville, where the heroic passengers of Flight 93 sacrificed their lives. At 9/11 Memorial Plaza in New York, the names of each victim were read out as President Biden – along with former Commanders-in-Chief Barack Obama and Bill Clinton – stood in silence. Mr Biden, who also later attended memorials at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, called on Americans in a speech on Friday to embrace unity as they reflect on the attacks that reshaped the nation. He said: “In the days that followed September 11, 2001, we saw heroism everywhere – in places expected and unexpected. We also saw something all too rare: a true sense of national unity.” The President added: “We also witnessed the darker forces of human nature: fear and anger, resentment and violence against Muslim Americans, true and faithful followers of a peaceful religion. “We saw national unity bend. We learned ‘Americans struggled to understand’ that unity is the one thing that must never break. Unity is what makes us who we are – America at its best.” Former President George W Bush, who occupied the White House when al-Qaeda struck, used his memorial speech in Pennsylvania yesterday to condemn “violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at

of 9/11 atrocity SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 11 together in grief Pictures: UPI; Alamy home”, branding them “children of the same foul spirit.” Few who were watching on TV at the time will forget the look of frozen horror that spread across the face of Mr Bush after an aide whispered news of the first deadly attack in his ear during a visit to a school in Sarasota, Florida, at which youngsters were reading to him in a classroom. Yesterday he recalled “the day the world went quiet with missing voices”, adding: “Many Americans struggled to understand why an enemy would hate us with such zeal. The security measures [now] incorporated into our lives are both sources of comfort and reminders of our vulnerability. “And we have seen growing evidence that the dangers to our country can come not only across borders but from violence that gathers within.” The former Republican president noted there is “little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home except for their disregard of human life. In their determination to defile national symbols, they are children of the same foul spirit and it is our continuing duty to confront them,” he said. In the UK, a British survivor told a memorial service in London that she copes by living “in the hope that tomorrow will be a better day – and it mostly is”. Janice Brooks, now aged 61 and living in Norfolk, spoke in front of a huge piece of twisted steel, weighing four tons, part of the World Trade Centre’s South Tower, from which she managed to escape – unlike 61 colleagues and friends from financial firm Euro Brokers who died on the 84th floor. The colossal piece of debris has now been forged into a memorial work of art at London’s Olympic Park. Janice asked a large crowd to “not only think about my friends but also everyone who died on September 11”. She added: “Can I please ask that you spare a thought for all the survivors... because we are still struggling.” tributes: Far left, George W Bush in Shanksville. Top right, the attack on the World Trade Centre. Above, President Clinton and wife Hillary, President Obama and wife Michelle, President Biden and wife Jill. Right, a woman kisses the name of a loved one lost in the attack in New York

SE1ST it’s STRICTLY Who’s who this year... 12 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 AJ Odudu, 33 Best known for presenting Channel 5 spin-off Big Brother’s Bit On The Side nINA WADIA, 52 Actress and comic starred in Goodness Gracious Me and Open All Hours Katie McGlynn, 28 Soap star has been in Waterloo Road, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks Tilly Ramsay, 19 Star of Matilda And The Ramsay Bunch alongside her famous father Gordon Rose Ayling-Ellis Deaf 26-year-old actress famous for playing Frankie Lewis in EastEnders DAN WALKER, 44 Presented Football Focus from 2009 to 2021, and BBC Breakfast since 2016 John Whaite, 33 Great British Bake Off winner will be part of Strictly’s first gay male couple Judi Love, 41 Stand-up comedian, and panellist on ITV’s talk show Loose Women ADAM PEATY, 26 Double gold medal winner for 100m breaststroke at 2016 and 2020 Olympics Sara Davies, 37 Dragon’s Den judge who made her fortune as founder of Crafter’s Companion Rhys Stephenson The 27-year-old is best known as the face of children’s channel CBBC TOM FLETCHER, 36 Pop star with McFly who has reinvented himself as a children’s author Robert Webb, 48 Comic partner of David Mitchell who shot to fame in TV’s Peep Show greg wise, 55 Movie star met his wife Emma Thompson on set of Sense And Sensibility Ugo Monye, 38 Rugby pundit who played for England 14 times and twice for the Lions Celebrities take to the dance floor to impress their children... and are already getting tips from the little ’uns on how to win 2021’s Glitterball By Jon Coates TV presenter Dan Walker says he is taking part in Strictly Come Dancing to make his children happy and to do something “fun and joyful” after the “death, misery, heartache” of the past 18 months. The BBC Breakfast host will find out which professional dancer he has been paired with when the 19th series starts on BBC1 this Saturday. When asked why he had signed up, Dan, 44, said: “I’m taking part for a couple of reasons. “Most importantly, my kids. They never asked me to do any specific shows other than Saturday Mash-Up! and Strictly. “So, I did Saturday Mash-Up! and then they said if you get asked to do Strictly, please say yes. So I said yes.” He added: “The other reason is because I work in news, the last 18 months has seen so much death, misery, heartache, and a lot of people have had the worst 18 months of

SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 13 FOR THE KIDS! Pictures: Ray Burmiston/BBC their lives. I just thought that you don’t get many opportunities to do stuff that is just fun and joyful.” The former Football Focus presenter has three children, Susanna, Chuck and Jessica, with wife Sarah. He admitted: “My wife said, ‘Have they seen you dance?’ “And my kids asked me not to dance with my mouth open but they’re really excited. My 14-year-old, Susie, has been teaching me a few things as she does dance lessons, and her sister does ballet and tap.” As he is 6ft 6in Dan is hoping for a dance partner who has “patience and height”. He also wants to shed the work tie, saying: “There aren’t many occasions in life where you get to wear white trousers.” He added: “I’m competitive but I haven’t reserved a spot for the Glitterball trophy. “My idea is that I want to go home on a Saturday night, see the kids and hear ‘Dad, that was good!’ That would be great.” He will be joined by two more dads trying to impress their children. Father-of-three Tom Fletcher, 36, the founding member of pop band McFly, said he had wanted to do Strictly since watching his bandmate Harry Judd win in 2011. He added: “Then this year, my son Buzz was the deciding factor for me. He has really got into the show over the last couple of years, he especially loved Chris Ramsey and Jamie Laing. Staying up on a Saturday night for it has become our thing and he’s at an age where that’s really exciting for him. So when the call came through, he was at the forefront of my mind.” Former England and Harlequins rugby star Ugo Monye has a similar motivation. The 38-year-old, now a TV pundit and presenter, said: “I had both of my girls, Phoenix and Ruby, after I retired and I would have loved them to watch me play rugby but both of them, especially my eldest Phoenix, loves dance and she does ballet every week. “She’s obsessed by it and now she’s of an age where she can watch the show over a weekend and watch her daddy on TV. “So I’m really excited about that. It just felt like all the stars were aligned.” Actor and producer Greg Wise, 55, who met his wife Emma Thompson on the set of the 1995 film Sense And Sensibility, says he is doing the show for his sister Clare, who died from cancer in 2016. The fatherof-two said: “My lovely sis was a disco diva queen goddess on the dance floor, and she died almost exactly five years to the day to when I’m going to start work on this, so she’s prodding me hugely. “She left this world in a glitterball coffin and my life will be all glitterballs for the next few months, so it seems really appropriate for her.” EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, 26, who is deaf, said: “I feel like it’s so important to be on the show. I want to break down the stereotype that deaf people can’t dance and can’t enjoy music.” Katie McGlynn, 28, has just started in Hollyoaks and injured a toe in training last week, said: “Secretly, I’ve always wanted to be a dancer. “I’ve always admired dancers but I’ve just never had the time to get into it. I fell in love with acting when I was younger and that’s the road that I took, so I’m now living out a childhood dream.”

TURN £8 OF YOUR CLUBCARD VOUCHERS INTO A 3 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION WITH DISNEY+ EXCHANGE YOUR VOUCHERS IN THE CLUBCARD APP ALL THESE MORE Now Streaming 18+ only. Subscription automatically renews at the end of the three-month period at the then current retail price unless cancelled. Subject to Disney+ subscriber agreement. 3 month trial must be redeemed by 10/08/2023. Offer available to all Tesco Clubcard Customers. Offer only redeemable with £8 of Clubcard vouchers. © 2021 Disney and its related entities.

Road death: Hit and run driver told to do right thing By Ben Borland A HIT and run driver has been urged to “do the right thing” after a young man was killed yesterday. The 18-year-old was struck by a light coloured vehicle on Crow Road, Glasgow, which failed to stop, Police Scotland said. Emergency services attended the scene between Anniesland Cross and Southbrae Drive shortly after midnight. The victim was taken to the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said the car involved was potentially a Picture: SplashNews.com SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 15 J-Lo shows why Venice will always be fashionable... By Berny Torre IT’S Ve-nice for some...Jennifer Lopez is rowed around on a gondala while wearing a printed dress of the city. It was the 52-year-old star’s second appearance at the Venice Film Festival, where she is supporting boyfriend Ben Affleck, 49, as he promotes his movie The Last Duel. On Friday the pair, who were engaged in 2002 before splitting up a year later then reuniting recently, proved they were an item with a red carpet kiss. AT THE SCENE: Police Mercedes A Class and it continued south on Crow Road towards the city. Sergeant Scott Sutherland, of the Road Policing Department, said: “This incident has left a young man dead. It is vital we trace the car involved. “The vehicle may have some damage, and appears to have lost the Mercedes badge from its bonnet. “I would appeal directly to the driver of the vehicle involved, asking them to do the right thing and contact us as a matter of urgency.” Officers remained at the scene yesterday. Police seize drugs after yacht raid MORE than two tons of cocaine worth around £160million has been seized and six men arrested during a dramatic operation involving a luxury yacht 80 miles off the Plymouth coast. The men, who are still in custody, are aged between 24 and 49 and include a suspect from Stockton on Tees and five Nicaraguans. They were aboard the Kahu, a Jamaican yacht sailing from the Caribbean. They had no idea they were being monitored in an international operation on Thursday evening led by the British National Crime Agency and Border Force and supported by the Australian Federal Police. ‘Aberdeen Nine’ allowed to stand for re-election By Ben Borland NINE Aberdeen councillors suspended from Scottish Labour for working with the Tories will now be allowed to stand in next year’s local authority elections. The so-called ‘Aberdeen Nine’ were suspended in 2017 after forming a coalition with the Conservatives, despite instructions from then leader Kezia Dugdale, below, not to do so. Last year, the party’s National Constitutional Committee determined they would remain suspended until May 1, 2022. But yesterday the party’s Scottish Executive Committee (SEC) voted to allow them to be considered for selection in the council elections next May. The committee said the nine had since shown “contrition” and had agreed to seek permission before forming any similar deals in future. Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing and the city’s Lord Provost Barney Crockett are among those suspended. Ms Laing said: “We appreciate how the SEC have considered and arrived at this decision. “In administration in Aberdeen we POWER SHARE: Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden, left, was once coconvener with council leader Jenny Laing, right have promoted and delivered the Scottish Labour Party policies that we stood for election on. “It is right that the final decision now belongs to members in Aberdeen.” The SNP were the biggest party with 19 councillors following the 2017 election but could not form a majority administration to lead the council. Instead, 11 Tories, nine Labour and two independents formed a coalition – a decision thought to have infuriated the SNP leadership in Edinburgh. The Scottish Conservatives warned the ruling cleared the way for Labour to form coalitions with the SNP in the city in the future. A report to the SEC ahead of the private meeting stated: “The SEC believes that members in Aberdeen should be afforded the opportunity to select from a full range of candidates, including those councillors currently suspended by the Labour Party (subject to any decisions in respect of those suspensions made by the UK Labour Party’s National Executive Committee), in order to give the Scottish Labour Party the best chance of success in next year’s crucial local elections.” A Scottish Labour spokesman said “Our members in Aberdeen will now decide if they are worthy to stand to represent our party.” Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East, Douglas Lumsden, who was previously council co-convener with Ms Laing, said: “For years now, Labour have treated their Aberdeen councillors horrendously, simply because they kept the SNP out of power. “Even now, these councillors are still expected to be apologetic for working with a unionist party. “It looks like Labour HQ will still have the final say on any future coalition agreements and will they really agree to a deal with unionists? “People will rightly be worried the strict conditions on these councillors’ readmission to the party opens the door to Labour working with the SNP in future.”

SESC 16 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Look out Boris... OPINION Lockdown shows how easily we lose liberty AFTER 18 months of restrictions with an uncomfortable amount of sudden handbrake turns on policy in that period, there will be some people who are sceptical that lockdowns are a thing of the past. But surely Boris Johnson can be taken at his word. Throughout this crisis he has endeavoured to explain his actions and his reasoning. It is true that he promised we would be able to celebrate Christmas with our families last year and then cancelled the festivities at the very last minute. But times have changed. Mr Johnson is also a political leader who believes in freedom unlike, apparently, his counterparts in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Almost all the adult population who wish to be vaccinated are vaccinated, booster jabs are on their way for the most vulnerable, the country has successfully unlocked and the economy is beginning to fire up again. There are many reasons to be optimistic and the decision to scrap most of the emergency powers south of the Border is very welcome. Here in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon should take note and relinquish the control over our lives that she so clearly relishes. Alongside the importance of health measures, this chapter in our history has also given us an appreciation for our liberties. It is clear that freedoms can be taken away too easily and the Prime Minister needs to heed the words of Conservative MPs and others who believe the Public Health Act now must be reformed. While we need measures in place to protect people, lockdown should never be the default option again. Our Crowning glory We welcome the return of the crown on pint glasses – banned by the European Union – as a marvellous symbol of the improvements this country has enjoyed since leaving the EU and regaining its sovereignty. It may seem small but it is a visible sign of the transformation taking place which is also leading to new trade deals and more. But the Government must be warned that patriotic measures, while welcome, will not cover up broken election promises or tax rises. The voters in red wall seats who gave their trust to the Conservatives for the first time will feel let down if the levelling up promise is not delivered. A poignant salute his month’s TV show featuring the Royal T Family discussing memories of the Duke of Edinburgh will have more than a little poignancy about it. It will be a time to reflect on a great life of duty which benefited this country and the wider world but there will be sadness that he died just before being able to celebrate reaching 100. However, it will also be good to see the Royal Family united in thought – particularly Princes Harry and William. We hope that it is a sign that they can be fully united again soon. tide’s starting to turn against you By Leo McKinstry Boris Johnson’s huge gamble on NHS and social care funding is a key milestone in his transformation as a politician. He began his rise to the top as a traditional, liberal-minded Conservative, sceptical of the big state and enthusiastic about low taxation. He regularly held up Tony Blair and Gordon Brown to mockery over their addiction to bureaucratic expansion. Yet now he has even exceeded New Labour through his decision to make a vast injection of cash into healthcare, with the twin aims of cutting NHS waiting lists and ending the social care crisis. Amounting to £36billion over the next three years, this unprecedented sum will be met by a 1.25 per cent hike in national insurance. Added to the tax increases imposed in the last Budget, this plan means that the overall burden of taxation will reach its highest level since the post-war socialist government of Clement Attlee. Despite Mr Johnson’s victory at Westminster in a vote on the scheme, many Conservatives are indignant, particularly because the Government has breached its manifesto commitments. One furious Thatcherite commentator wrote that “the Tories have disgraced themselves, lied to their voters, repudiated their principles and treated millions of their supporters with utter contempt”. But Boris’s defenders maintain his approach is brave, necessary and astute. He had to act boldly because of the disastrous fall-out from the pandemic, which meant inaction was never an option. Not only has the backlog of NHS cases reached 5.6 million but the virus shone a cruel spotlight on the inadequacies of the social care sector, including severe staff shortages, low pay and inconsistent standards. Just as cruelly, such failings are compounded by an arbitrary system that imposes unpredictable, catastrophic bills on families, which can mean the liquidation of all their assets. Nor have most of Boris’s critics come up with a viable alternative to the national insurance increase. “ The overall burden of taxation will reach its highest since Clement Attlee ” GLASS HALF EMPTY: Boris and his plans have led to Labour taking the lead For decades politicians have admitted that the care sector is in crisis, but Johnson is the first prime minister to come up with a potential resolution. Even Andy Burnham, the increasingly impressive Labour Mayor of Manchester, told the BBC that the Prime Minister deserves credit for having the guts to come up with a plan. It could be also argued that, far from abandoning Conservatism, Johnson is just following in the fine Tory tradition of flexible pragmatism, unencumbered by dogma. Winston Churchill, the greatest prime minister of them all, raged against socialism in the 1930s yet went into fruitful coalition with Labour in 1940. But more serious than the charge of political inconsistency is the danger that the plan could backfire because of its potential flaws, thereby creating a mood of disillusion, hurting enterprise and alienating a large section of the electorate. Already there are signs of serious trouble. On Friday, an opinion poll put the Tories on just 33 per cent, two points behind Labour, who enjoyed the first lead in months. Just as ominously, 60 per cent of respondents said the Conservatives no longer care about keeping tax down. Such findings emphasise how the Government must ensure its plan achieves its purpose, otherwise Boris and his party will pay a very heavy price. Perhaps the biggest risk is that much of the extra cash for the NHS will be squandered through waste and bureaucracy before it reaches the front line. This is, after all, a Government that has spent £37billion on the botched Covid track-and-trace regime, while on the very day of the Commons vote, it was revealed the NHS is hiring 42 chief executives on salaries averaging £223,261 to manage integrated care boards. Just as worryingly, the NHS may swallow up most of the money, leaving little for social care. One economist predicted that the care plan will help fewer than one in 20 families, with the result that forced home sales will continue. At the same time, additional tax burdens on businesses could dent the fragile post-Covid recovery. Politically, Boris’s measure could galvanise the Labour Party. Their leader Sir Keir Starmer and his MPs may have given an incoherent response last week, but over the long term they could make real gains. After years in the wilderness, politics is now returning to their territory. Margaret Thatcher famously declared “there is no alternative” to her approach. Boris Johnson could make the same defence of his NHS and social care policy. In the aftermath of Covid, the need is great, the hour is urgent. But he must now use all his formidable authority to get the delivery right.

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 17 Nick Ferrari Hilary Mantel says she wants to leave the “ugly face of contemporary Britain”. I’ll gladly take her to the airport. ■ RETURNING to work after having a baby, estate agent Alice Thompson told her employers she wanted to work a four-day week instead of the five she was originally contracted for and she would be finishing at 5pm rather than 6pm. The company said no – so Ms Thompson, who enjoyed a £120,000 annual salary, took them to an employment tribunal where she was awarded £184,961 and 32p. She said she did it so her daughter does not have “the same experience” when she is older. She’s certainly done her bit to bring that about, as bosses up and down the land will undoubtedly (covertly) be thinking again about employing women of childbearing age. ■ CHINA is, without doubt, the world’s biggest polluter. Indeed, it emits more greenhouse gas than the rest of the developed world combined. So the news that Alok Sharma, above, the UK’s senior climate change representative, failed to persuade China to yield even an inch to international pressure ahead of the Cop26 climate change conference is deeply depressing. It also begs the question, if such grand-scale polluters don’t give a jot, why are we being asked to stump up for costly electric cars and vans, pay green taxes and in some cases additional fees to drive into the cities where we’ve lived for decades? NHS windfall must not be squandered IT’S a gamble. And a big one. Perhaps not as big as asking a 19-year-old substitute who’s only been on the field a few minutes to take a crucial life or death penalty in a football tournament final, but a big gamble all the same. Be in no doubt: using National Insurance to take taxes to the highest level since the Second World War is as toxic as dumping a teaspoonful of Novichok into a cup of tea – and easily has the potential of delivering the same death blow to Boris Johnson’s political career, not least as NI can be characterised as both a tax on workers and also one that disproportionately affects the lower paid. To break one manifesto pledge can be regarded as misfortune. To break two on the same day looks beyond risky. The Tories had promised there would be no tax increases, with Boris spelling out on my show just before the election: “Read my lips... there will no increase in National Insurance!” And they had guaranteed that retirees would have their state pensions increased each year by average earnings under the “triple lock”. Yet last week the Government opted to renege on both pledges. In a bizarre way, the coronavirus pandemic can be seen to have aided them in this. Few would question the fact the NHS obviously needs more cash as it emerges from the biggest and most prolonged challenge it has had to face in its 73-year history, so justification comes quite readily. Images of nurses and other NHS staff actually weeping, spring quickly back to the mind’s eye and it wasn’t that long ago we were clapping every Thursday night to show our appreciation. Finding an extra 1.25 per cent for them suddenly seems the very least we should be doing. Equally, the social care crisis has been a scandal awaiting a radical solution. Thousands have had to sell their cherished family homes to fund soaring care costs and it’s only when you’re down to £23,250 that the state starts to help, with the level rising until you reach your last £14,250. And even after that, some are still asked to contribute. Again, lifting the level of tax each week for about the price of a coffee from Costa or Nero doesn’t seem too tough an ask. Boris Johnson and his top team did however face searching questions about ■ A CHARITY named after Winston Churchill is to rebrand itself, citing concerns some misguided idiots have expressed over the wartime leader’s stance on various racial issues. The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust will become the Churchill Fellowship. Brilliant. The hapless dolts in charge of this organisation have changed something meant to honour someone once voted the Greatest Briton of all time into something sounding like a fan club for a nodding dog in a TV insurance advert. their £12billion tax grab the day after it was announced. The Conservative credentials of the Government were called into question and it was even mooted that while many see Labour as the tax and spend party, the Tories had morphed into the spend and tax party. In the first PMQs after the summer ‘Managers hired at massive salaries doesn’t bode well’ break Boris batted away Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s protests with ease, but while defending against an underpar Labour leader is a relatively easy matter, ensuring the public don’t turn on you for broken promises is far harder, so here’s how Boris and his team can do it. First, he has to ensure the near criminal profligacy that has been synonymous with the NHS is drastically curtailed. Stories of the service paying £15 for a pack of surgical gloves that would cost £1.99 on the high street cannot be allowed to return. Similarly, the tiers of managers need to be stripped back and gold-plated pensions and pay-offs reviewed. Regrettably, headlines last week of “dozens of managers” being hired at salaries of £280,000 a year do not bode well. Teams of consultants being hired at vast sums of money must be a thing of the past and expensive stunts such as getting top TV chefs to rethink hospital menus be avoided. History is littered with politicians who have failed to keep promises and gone on to pay a heavy price; George H Bush was rendered a one term President after failing to keep to his “read my lips” promise and Nick Clegg’s Lib Dems took a beating from which they’ve yet to recover after he U-turned over student tuition fees. In politics, timing is everything and at a time when many of us can’t even see our local GP in person, this huge amount of cash being hurled towards the NHS seems questionable. In the eyes of the electorate, the service may risk being judged by its excess rather than its efficiency. Tune into Nick Ferrari in Scotland every weekday morning from 7am on LBC digital Picture: Hulton Archive/Getty ■ POLICE could now join a list of people who prefer a video call to a home visit, as a pilot is under way with the nation’s largest force, the Met. Acknowledging it won’t be appropriate for all crimes, it is seen as a more efficient use of officers’ time. How come we live in a country where we can’t see a doctor in person, can’t get a copper to come round – but can get a pizza to our door in around 20 minutes? ■ EVEN if the late summer blast of heat might be over, a different choice for an early evening meal outdoors of tapas and cheese is a sherry. The Tio Pepe Fino Sherry is £10 at Tesco – but be sure to serve it brutally chilled.

SE1ST 18 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Hot-head Holding ‘lucky to avoid racism’ fIEry: Ex-fast bowler Michael Holding WINDIES cricket legend Michael Holding has admitted his younger hot-headed self “could have done something he should not” had he grown up in a country where he faced a daily battle with racism. One of the greatest fast bowlers in Test history found a new career in the commentary box after he retired. More recently, he is remembered for an impassioned speech about institutional racism in sport and society he gave in the wake of the death of George Floyd. Speaking on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs today, Holding confesses that in the past he would just “shrug off” racist remarks. But speaking earlier this year after the publication of his book Why We Kneel, How We By Eugene Henderson Rise, he said: “If I had grown up in the UK, I would be dead now.” Asked about that claim, he added: “When I was younger I was a little bit fiery. I’ve mellowed a lot. I’ve calmed down. “But growing up with that sort of fire and temperament I could have done something that I should not have done. I wouldn’t have got to teen age.” Holding won a Royal Television Society award for his unscripted four-minute monologue in July last year when rain stopped play during the first Test against the West Indies. ● Desert Island Discs, Radio 4, today, 11am. ICONIC: The Beatles perform on the roof of Apple’s building. Inset, album cover Get back to Ringo’s joy at new version of Let It Be film that shows the Beatles weren’t at war during sessions Ringo Starr is delighted The Beatles’ break-up will be rewritten in a new film after five decades of the world believing the Fab Four hated one another. The drummer reckons people were presented with an image that the four youthful pals had turned on each other. He has long been unhappy that fans felt the band were at each other’s throats recording their final album, as portrayed in the Let It Be film 51 years ago. Ringo is overjoyed Oscarwinning director Peter Jackson has recut a new version, this time serving up more of “the joy and laughter” between members. Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s Let It Be 1970 documentary film is famed for a confrontation between Paul McCartney and George Harrison, with other tensions between members. That has incensed Ringo for decades, and he is glad the original 80 minutes’ “dark portrayal” will be eclipsed by Mr Jackson, whose six-hour version will “rewrite history”. Ringo said: “The point I am trying to make was from day one, 30 days later, no matter what happened we had an album, we did the show on the roof and did all this video. “There is no doubt On song: Ringo Starr is pleased that the film has been recut EXCLUSIVE By James Desborough of the record and we did have a few ups and downs, but that is what life is all about. “First of all I never liked the film that came out. It was always [centred] around four seconds of a month. I thought there was no joy and no laughter, and I was telling Peter Jackson this.” He added: “We found 56 hours of unused footage.” Ringo is delighted with the new version, which will air on Apple TV over three nights in the US across the Thanksgiving break in November. He said: “Peter started putting it together then he’d fly into LA and show me pieces of it. “We were laughing, we were lads. But to get back to the original one, there was a discussion and there were four guys in a room for a month, that had up days, down days, music days. “But the music never, ever once got lost in what we were doing. “It was the first time we went in the studio, especially George and I, and John did not have any songs and Paul didn’t have any songs. “Usually they had two or three, so we could start. So there

SE1ST Pictures: Mirrorpix Sunday Express September 12, 2021 19 Bailey, 83, jokes about dementia fight LEGENDARY photographer David Bailey has revealed he is suffering from vascular dementia. But David, now 83 and continuing to work on a raft of projects, considers the condition “a bore”. Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Symptoms include confusion, slow thinking and changes in mood. The 1960s icon joked: “I only realised I was old a couple of years ago and it came as a great shock. “In some ways it’s good. I can see a film and forget it, then enjoy it again two years later. And it doesn’t seem to affect my work at all.” David also mourned the recent death of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, saying: “It’s sad. He By David Williamson was the nicest guy. I had much more in common with him than Mick [Jagger], because we both liked jazz.” The photographer, whose three ex-wives include actress Catherine Deneuve, has been married to model Catherine Dyer since 1986. Reflecting on the success of their marriage, he told The Times: “That’s a long time. Especially when you’ve only got three months’ memory. “I still like her as much as I always liked her. You can forget about love in relationships – if you like somebody you like them.” And speaking of his fashionable trade, he said: “People have a fake idea of glamour. Glamour is hard work.” snapper: David Bailey is fighting condition £1.50 50p each £2.50 £1.85 * each good times was a whole discussion. But when you look at it, it’s a six-hour documentary and it is like the ocean, the waves of joy and ‘Oh what is that going on?’ “Laughter and playing great. We never stopped loving each other. Once we heard the count in... whatever was going on, everybody did their best.” Ringo spoke of his emotions about the upcoming release while launching his four-track EP, Change The World. He revealed how the finale of the film with the band’s final concert on Apple’s roof was a matter of convenience. Ringo said: “The Beatles on the roof – India was pushed forward or maybe somewhere in Rome, on Everest, or Egypt in a mummy’s tomb. Paul said, ‘let’s just walk across the road’. “And now it has become the biggest icon known to man.” Recently Ringo revealed fans will finally be able to see their entire Read all about it: George Harrison and Paul McCartney with John Lennon farewell concert. Mr Lindsay-Hogg has defended his original film’s narrative, which charted the last studio sessions together before the band split up. He told Entertainment Weekly: “I was aware that they were beginning to get on each other’s nerves.” The director sensed the tension building and positioned his cameras so the drama could unfold naturally. He added: “I didn’t want them to feel the cameras were intrusive. “I put one camera up in the gantry shooting down, so they didn’t see it. I moved the other back to the end of the studio. “So they didn’t really know the cameras were there, which gave them the opportunity to get it off their chest.” Ringo is releasing a lead single Let’s Change The World, written by Toto bandmates Joseph Williams and Steve Lukather. ● Change The World is released through uMusic on September 24 fEeL LiKe hOmE £10 £8 * 16cm cooks with little or no oil! lots of little wins over 400 stores nationwide search for us on www.wilko.com *Offers live until 05.10.21.All products subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. £25 £20 £ * 12 piece set

SESC 20 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 ‘We must bring experts together and beat this’ A NATIONAL research institute is needed to bring together world-leading experts and accelerate their efforts to find a cure for motor neurone disease. Prof Ammar Al-Chalabi believes it will take a coordinated push to take research to the next level but said UK neurologists are in touching distance of breakthroughs to make MND a condition patients can live with. He said: “It is not an incurable, hopeless condition, it is something that should be treatable.” The Sunday Express is campaigning with leading charities – including the MND Association – for £50million of Government funding over five years to set up a research institute. This investment would attract match funding from pharmaceutical firms and other sources. Prof Al-Chalabi, director of the MND Care and Research Centre at King’s College London, said: “The UK has world-leading experts in MND but although we try and work together it is not in a nationally coordinated way. For example, I might work with colleagues in Sheffield and in Edinburgh on one project, and colleagues in Oxford and University College London on another.” The leading consultant neurologist has prepared figures for the different tasks – called work packages – needed to find a cure for MND, totalling about £50million over five years. The first of these is clinical data collection, where every person with MND in the UK is registered and blood taken so they can be offered other types of research. Prof Al-Chalabi explained: “The important thing is to know who has got it, and then we can get their clinical information and characterise what they are like. “MND is not one condition, it’s lots of conditions, so if you can find ways of grouping people together based on certain features, that might mean you can target treatment more accurately.” He added: “The second work package is analysing the data. So if you have blood from people you need to take out the DNA and sequence it, take other chemicals from the blood and measure them. “All of these things require a huge amount of storage which is very expensive.” By Jon Coates CURE HOPE: Prof Ammar Al-Chalabi Storing each genetic profile would take up an entire hard drive, a terabyte of data, so on a large scale they must be stored on supercomputers. The third work package will be using the stored biological information to look for possible drug targets and testing them – the most expensive part of the project. Prof Al-Chalabi said: “The idea is that if you have found some people with MND have an alteration in some of the proteins in the body and how they work, then you might be able to make a drug that corrects that change.” Libraries of skin cells are grown in labs, which are then treated with different drugs to see if any of them work. After finding possible treatments that work on skin cells they have to be tested on fruit flies and zebra fish to gauge potential dosage and side effects in humans. Prof Al-Chalabi said: “We want to avoid animal experiments but it is impossible to avoid them in coming up with new drugs for human use.” The next step is to test the most promising previously undiscovered drugs on humans, at first in small groups of volunteers, before moving to trials of 40 to 100 people. The final stage of testing, a phase three trial, tests drugs on 200-300 people. If a previously known drug, such as an anti-viral, is found to also work for MND it would not have to go through this clinical testing but still has to undergo expensive relicensing and repackaging. In the past, when clinical trials have finished all the information from them has been discarded a few weeks later. So part of the project will be to make sure everything possible is learned and used to benefit future trials. Other work packages include the management of the virtual research institute, which would coordinate the five separate research centres currently in the UK. The next would be training and scholarships to find the next generation of doctors and MND specialists. Another work package would ensure everything learned from MND can be applied to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. And the final one would see the research shared across the globe. Pictures courtesy of Royd Tolkien My brother sent me on adventure when he died...let’s cure mnd BROTHERLY LOVE: Royd Tolkien, left, cared for Mike, who died aged 39, as he battled motor neurone disease ‘Even in his dying days he was trying to alleviate pain of others’ By Justin Stoneman THE great-grandson of Lord Of The Rings author JRR Tolkien says that his family felt “alone, abandoned and ignored” as his late brother Mike battled motor neurone disease. Royd Tolkien nursed his brother daily for three years until his death in 2015, desperately hoping his care would help restore him. He said: “When Mike was diagnosed with MND in 2012 we couldn’t believe it. We were told there was no medical help and no potential research on the horizon that could help him in any way. “We felt alone, abandoned and ignored.” The film-maker, 51, from North Wales, added: “At the beginning I was convinced and determined I could somehow cure my brother and as time passed I never lost that conviction. “As he slowly lost his mobility and I knelt in front of him every day for hours massaging his legs, somehow, I felt by doing that, it would help his power return and he could walk again. “When he could no longer feed himself and I would carefully spoon the soup I made into his mouth, somehow I felt it would give him the strength back to be able to lift his arms. “When I would adjust his breathing-assist mask 20 to 30 times a day, maybe, just maybe, I thought it would be enough to give him the strength to talk again. “But as we, the people who have seen the battle first-hand and have done all we can to fight know, there comes a day when all

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 21 LEAP OF FAITH: Royd follows his late brother’s bucket list instructions to bungee jump in a tutu; inset left to right, other challenges were to trip at Mike’s funeral, dress as his great-grandfather’s creation Gandalf, and scatter Mike’s ashes on Machu Picchu in Peru – a challenge that has initially proved a step too far Bucket list star Royd Tolkien backs Sunday Express battle we can do in our power is not enough.” Royd is backing a Sunday Express campaign calling for £50million of Government funding over five years for an MND Research Institute to co-ordinate research to find a cure for the rapidly progressing disease. He said: “This is a vital drive because the Sunday Express can help save others from the helplessness and heartache our family has experienced.” Royd recently made global headlines by completing 49 out of 50 challenges on a bucket list left for him by his late brother. Mike, who died aged 39, knew Royd’s devotion to him would mean his death would be a devastating blow from which it would be hard to recover. He compiled a bucket list of 50 adventures for Royd to complete and give his life meaning after his death. Laura, Mike’s partner, who for years jointly cared for him alongside Royd, was the custodian of the list, only revealing each new challenge to Royd after he had completed the last. “When Mike died my world evaporated,” said Royd. “The bucket list was a genius idea because it helped me pay tribute to him, rebuild my life, but most importantly raise awareness of this horrendous disease.” Amazon snapped up the international book rights and There’s A Hole In My Bucket: A Journey Of Two Brothers has become a global bestseller since its publication last month. A feature-length film of the bucket list journey, narrated by actor Benedict Cumberbatch, will be out later this year. CAMPAIGN Fund the fight to cure MND Lord Of The Rings film director Peter Jackson and one of the stars of the fantasy trilogy Sir Ian McKellen, who played Gandalf, have played a part in Royd completing his bucket list. “I have been humbled at the response from people across the world,” said Royd. “The general public has been incredible and stars who carry huge influence have also shown staggering generosity.” Peter, the director of the blockbuster Tolkien movies, sent Sir Ian’s costume from the movie for me to wear on one of the bucket list tasks – I had to dress up as Gandalf on an Air New Zealand flight and welcome a plane load of guests. “Having the real costume and beard made that really extra special.” Other challenges saw Royd bungee jumping in a tutu and performing a stand-up comedy routine in a club having been given just 20 minutes’ notice. But the opening challenge was perhaps the most poignant. Aware of the painful funeral that lay ahead, Mike started the bucket list with a challenge designed to lighten the mood and distract his brother from the trauma of that day. A mid a full congregation of grieving mourners, Royd was instructed to trip as he approached the microphone to give his eulogy, and then hold a piece of paper up revealing it was part of Mike’s challenge. “My fake stumble actually turned into a real one,” Royd said. “I banged my head really hard and it made me laugh – which is exactly what he wanted. “Even in his dying days he was always thinking of how to alleviate the pain of others.” The final task on the list proved too painful for Royd to complete, so the odyssey has a final chapter yet to close. “Sprinkling Mike’s ashes atop Machu Picchu, in Peru, was the final task,” revealed Royd. “I got to the top and spent hours up there talking to him and preparing for that big closing moment. “But I couldn’t do it. “It was the realisation that it would bring this incredible adventure to an end, it would mean saying goodbye to Mike and the tribute, I just couldn’t do it. I needed our family and friends there to be part of it.” Royd is planning to return to Peru soon with a large group. He says he can vividly remember the moment Mike was diagnosed with MND, which is why raising awareness and funding to find effective treatments and a cure is so important to him. “The prognosis is simply an inevitable, horrific end. We held each other and cried. I can feel that moment as if it was now. “I want the Sunday Express campaign to help stop other families having to experience that brutal, helpless moment.” Royd added: “Awareness is key. Families and victims have suffered in silence for years, a long death sentence is cruel and desperate. “We have a movie of the adventure set for release that will get good global attention and keep the spotlight burning. “And I love the idea of the bucket list concept being expanded nationally. We are working on that. “Compassion is everything. I call on the Government to show theirs – to help us stop others having to face the pain that my family has endured.”

SE1ST 22 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 The crowning glory of Brexit Picture: Hollie Adams/Getty THE crown stamp that was proudly printed on pint glasses for generations, before being replaced with a European Union symbol, is expected to return in pubs across the country. There was dismay in the pub industry when an EU directive, which came into force in 2006, introduced the CE mark as the guarantee of the pint measure and banned the use of other markings. Brewing and pub companies urged the thenprime minister Tony Blair to allow them to keep the crown, damning the replacement of the mark which had been used since 1699 as a “needless intrusion”. Ministers are expected to unveil the plans to reintroduce the emblem in the coming weeks, in the latest move to make the most of our post- Brexit freedoms. Former Brexit Party leader By David Williamson Nigel Farage welcomed the prospect of drinking a pint from a glass featuring an emblem of the crown. He said: “I want to see the crown back on my glass.” The new proposals will repeal “onerous” rules and allow hospitality venues to voluntarily place the crown on pint glasses. This will be part of a bigger package of changes that are designed to slash EU-era red tape to “improve competition, remove barriers to innovation and help both consumers and businesses”. A Government source said: “We took back control so we could make decisions which work in our own best interests. “Pint glasses may be symbolic but it’s just a small part of a wide-ranging drive across government to establish the right regulatory environment to help both businesses and consumers in the UK thrive and succeed.” The Government will set out plans to take advantage of the freedoms gained since cutting the cord with Brussels in areas including “data, transport, life sciences, farming and the environment”. Lee Anderson, Conservative MP for Ashfield, was delighted at the return of the emblem. He said: “This is one of the many benefits of Brexit. “The first pint I have with the crown on will taste much better.” Lord Davies of Gower, a vicechair of the all-party parliamentary group on beer, also welcomed its return. He said he is also glad that the traditional pint serving had not vanished with the introduction of the metric system. The Tory peer said: “The one thing about the British pint is you know what a head is and what you should be getting.” OPINION: PAGE 16 Buying into marriage HAPPILY ever after is in store for this couple, who have become the first to be married at Selfridges. Carlene Noel, 40, and Danny Sains, 47, were joined at the company’s flagship London outlet by the bride’s son Carnell, 10, and the groom’s daughters Nancy, 12, and Lola, 13, all above. Selfridges has a wedding suite on the fourth floor that can cater for 20 people. The Sains family opted for the low-key Just The Two Of Us package. There is also an eco-friendly option called Earth Lovers and All-Out Extraordinary, which is officiated by a drag queen. Carlene, from Billericay, Essex, said: “It’s very easy to get carried away and there is nothing wrong with that but we just wanted to keep that intimate feeling – and what better place than Selfridges?” 7 night Northern European City Escape from Free flexible transfers^ per person † POCRUISES.COM † Early Saver price of £399 per person is based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of inside cabin available on cruise G208. Prices are subject to availability and may go up or down. Bookings are made at the relevant cabin grade and a cabin number is allocated by P&O Cruises prior to departure. On ships offering both Freedom and Club restaurants, dining preferences are not guaranteed. Shuttle buses in ports are an additional cost. Early Saver prices apply to new bookings only. These terms and conditions vary, where relevant, the applicable booking conditions which are otherwise unchanged. ^Transfer your Select Price or Early Saver booking as many times as you'd like, free of charge, up to the date the balance for your holiday is due. This policy modifies the transfer policy in our Booking Conditions. This policy may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. For up-to-date prices, visit www.pocruises.com. For full P&O Cruises terms and conditions, please refer to P&O Cruises October 2021 – March 2023 brochure or visit www.pocruises.com. Here you will find full descriptions of the cruises, cabin accommodation and itinerary details, as well as important information on passport, visa and health requirements and booking conditions, which you must read before booking. P&O Cruises is a trading name of Carnival plc, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04039524.

Obama aide: Biden doesn’t give a damn about world... By Marco Giannangeli, David Maddox and David Williamson A FORMER White House adviser to Barack Obama has said Joe Biden’s failure to appoint an ambassador to Britain shows he does not “give a damn about the rest of the world”. Former US diplomat Brett Bruen, who served as Mr Obama’s director of global engagement when Mr Biden was vice-president, has added his voice to the concerns over the apparent snub to Britain. President Biden has not appointed anyone to the key role of ambassador. It comes along with his lack of consultation with world leaders over the withdrawal from Afghanistan, even refusing to take a call from Boris Johnson during the crisis. A businessman who deals with both governments said: “There probably has never been a special relationship between the UK and US like people often claim but it is definitely at a low point now, and it is proving to be a problem.” There have been concerns that Mr Biden is anti-British, with a history in the Irish American Democrats. But the failure to have diplomatic relations on a full footing has implications for global security, with the SE1ST Picture: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Strained relations: Boris Johnson was shunned by Joe Biden at the height of the Afghanistan crisis two countries being lead members of Nato, and for a US/UK trade deal. Mr Bruen said: “There’s an emerging foreign policy doctrine from Biden which is, ‘I mostly don’t give a damn about the rest of the world’. “It is certainly surprising to see someone who spent his whole career doing foreign policy now continuing with a political rationale pioneered by Trump and putting foreign policy on the back burner. “When it comes to Britain, it’s fair to say Biden has taken for granted the value of the special relationship. He has not, as I’d have expected him to, forged a deeper dialogue and strategy between a post-Brexit UK and a post-Trump US – in a lot of ways we need each other more than ever but seem to be more estranged. “But it’s not just the UK – the whole world is feeling that the White House and the US are not dedicating much time to them and their concerns, and are letting a lot of global challenges go unaddressed and under-addressed,” he said. Conservative MPs have also expressed alarm. Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said: “Biden is a disgrace. He has led the West to calamity and has taken an axe to British-American relations. We need Trump back.” And former Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: “Given the seriousness of the current situation in global affairs, it is extremely important that the US appoint an ambassador to the UK as soon as possible.” Sunday Express September 12, 2021 23 Trades ‘not for girls’, kids believe Nearly half of children still believe that builders, decorators, plumbers and electricians are male roles. Asked what they considered a tradesperson to be, 44 per cent said they think only of men. The poll of 1,000 children aged 6-11 found one in seven (14 per cent) don’t think a woman can be a tradesperson, because “it’s a job for men”, “they aren’t strong enough” or “it’s too dirty”. And just 13 per cent of girls selected “trade roles” when asked what job they hoped to do. By comparison, 43 per cent of boys selected those roles when asked the same question. Susan Wells, head of Local Heroes, which commissioned the report, said: “Although we see more and more women tradespeople, it’s widely considered a man’s job. “I am a mother to a son and a daughter – I want my daughter to grow up knowing she can be anything she wants to be, and there should be no limits to her dreams.” Bethany Firth six time Paralympic gold medallist

SESC 24 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Free £1 ticket If you’re feeling lucky, take a chance to be in with an opportunity to win big with this amazing offer! Your Sunday Express has teamed up with The Health Lottery to offer you a FREE ticket - which could see one fortunate person win up to £100,000. The Health Lottery operates five main lottery draws per week (Tues - Sat) each with a jackpot of £25,000. Every £1 line for any Wednesday or Saturday main WIN lottery draw will also automatically be entered into the appropriate £100,000 free prize draws, which also take £100k place on those two days every week. The Health Lottery helps vital health causes within communities throughout Great Britain. You can help continue this support by playing this week. So don’t miss out, visit any participating retailer to get your free ticket. How to claim: To get your free £1 Health Lottery ticket, cut out the voucher (below) and take it to any participating retailer (excluding Post Offices and Asda stores). This offer is Never miss any of our EXCLUSIVE OFFERS with our promotions email newsletter. Sign up at express.co.uk/readerpromos FREE £1 YOur chance to valid until Saturday September 18, 2021. You must be 18 years or older to claim a free Health Lottery ticket. Do not be offended if asked for ID. Please read the terms and conditions on the voucher below before redemption. Available at participating retailers TICKET Valid until Saturday September 18, 2021 To reader: To claim your free £1 ticket on the Health Lottery simply cut out this voucher and present it at the checkout at participating Health Lottery retailers (excluding Asda Stores and Post Offices). You must be over 18 to claim this offer. Free tickets are fully paid for by THL. The society benefiting from all draws in September is Health Lottery North West. Terms and conditions: This voucher entitles the holder to a free £1 Health Lottery ticket. This offer is valid until Saturday September 18, 2021. This offer is not valid in NI. One voucher per transaction, per person throughout the promotional period. Subject to availability. Coupon has no cash redemption value; no change will be given. Copied/damaged coupons will not be accepted. This is a retail offer only. The Health Lottery is a registered trademark of The Health Lottery Ltd. Vouchers from the tablet edition are currently not accepted. Post Offices and Asda stores are excluded from this promotion. Standard Health Lottery rules apply. To the Retailer: Thank you for accepting this voucher. Participating retailers will redeem this coupon provided that it has been accepted in payment for a free £1 Health Lottery ticket. THL reserves the right to refuse payment against incorrectly redeemed coupons. This voucher is worth £1 plus 2p handling fee and it must be passed to your supplying Reach PLC wholesaler by Saturday December 11, 2021 To the Wholesaler: Return your coupons to RMI Services to receive your credit, return by Saturday January 8, 2022 Picture: Playground Entertainment farm life and loves: Ralph and Shenton in All Creatures. Below, doomed Geronimo By Ben Borland bag it: Vicci and Hassan with some of the donations All Creatures’ brutal reality of 30s farm life By David Stephenson TV EDITOR THE new series of All Creatures Great & Small will not “shy away from showing the harsh realities” of farming warns star Nicholas Ralph. The 1930s drama, based on James Herriot’s books, returns to Channel 5 this week after drawing five million viewers for its first series. Scottish actor Ralph, who plays the famous vet, revealed the first plot, involving Scruff the dog, accused of attacking sheep, has echoes of the recent controversy of slaughtered alpaca Geronimo, who had TB. Asked what Herriot would have done about Geronimo, he replied: “Given he wasn’t able to be cured, if you go back to the 1930s, your answer would be there.” Ralph added farming life “would have been much more brutal”. “It’s what the writer has focused on,” he said. “There is a joy, a kindness and a compassion for animals, but there’s also the harsh reality of being a vet in the 30s in the Yorkshire Dales. At the end of the last series, Helen Alderson, played by Rachel Shenton, called off her wedding, appearing to still have feelings for James. • All Creatures Great And Small, Channel 5, Thursday, 9pm Scots rush to aid of refugee appeal A COUPLE who organised an appeal for Afghan refugees have been “overwhelmed” by a mountain of donations from kindhearted Scots. Vicci and Sammy Stein, from Glasgow, wanted to do something to help after witnessing the shocking scenes in Kabul on television. They began by asking their local Jewish community for help and put out flyers in local synagogues and across the south of the city. The couple booked a room at the Maccabi Sports Centre in Giffnock on Thursday but soon found themselves with donations from people from all walks of life. As the drop-off point ran out of space, the Jewish Care charity offered the use of another room at the centre – but that quickly filled up too. Vicci said: “It has been absolutely overwhelming. “This started out as a Jewish initiative because our parents and grandparents were once refugees so this is something that resonates with our community. “We were watching TV and I said to my husband there must be something we can do. “I spoke to Abdul Bostani, from Glasgow Afghan United, a charity that started as a football team, and said we want to do something for the Afghan community. “We weren’t sure how many people would turn up but there was a queue when we arrived at 10am and we were inundated all day. It was really quite incredible. “We’ve had everything from toiletries to three piece suites and television sets. Many people have been buying brand new goods, such as cots and pushchairs. “This has gone beyond the Jewish community. We’ve had a lot of help from people in the local Labour Party and 24 bags of donations from the St Vincent de Paul Society. “It’s heartwarming and incredible. We’ve almost run out of floor space and there’s still two days to go. This is all down to the people of the southside of Glasgow with big hearts who want to give.” Vicci and Sammy run the Glasgow Friends of Israel group and are a familiar sight with their stall on Buchanan Street in the city centre. Glasgow Afghan United is helping to resettle the refugees and Hassan Ullah Rasoli, a volunteer, said he was bowled over when he came to collect the donations. He said: “I wasn’t expecting all this. The generosity is beyond our expectations. “Once we get all this incredible stuff to our storage facility, we will go through it and start handing it out to people based on their individual needs. We have a couple of volunteers but would welcome more help.” The donation drive continues tomorrow and Tuesday.

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 25 SNP told: Get tough to end bloody 20-year gangland war JANUARY 2010 HIT: Police on the scene after Daniel gang member Kevin ‘Gerbil’ Carroll, left, was shot dead outside a Glasgow Asda By Ben Borland THE SNP Government has been urged to get tough to end the bloody gangland war that has raged in Scotland for the past 20 years. Organised crime groups (OCGs) associated with two Glasgow families – the Daniel and the Lyons clans – are locked in a feud that began with the theft of a stash of cocaine in August 2001. During the two decades of mayhem that have followed, almost 13,000 people have died of drug overdoses and organised crime has cost the economy approximately £40billion. There have been at least six murders directly related to the turf war and dozens of shootings, stabbings, brutal assaults and firebombings. The police and courts have brought many of the gangsters to justice, although this has led to problems for the prison service – with 600 inmates now said to have organised crime links. In the meantime, the Lyons and Daniel gangs have gone global, building a network that spans Dubai, the Costa del Sol and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The Scottish Government’s response to the feud has been thrust back into the spotlight by the murder of John McGregor, who was gunned down in the Milton area of north Glasgow last month. A Serious Organised Crime Taskforce set up in 2007 meets three times a year, chaired by the justice secretary, and brings together more than 17 agencies. However, critics say it is in danger of becoming a “talking shop” and now covers so many different areas – from pandemic fraud to people trafficking – that it cannot focus on the gang war. The taskforce’s work is based on a Serious Organised Crime Strategy first published in 2009 and last updated in 2015. Although the government claims to publish an annual progress report, the last one available on the website is now almost five years old. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been largely silent on the subject, despite multiple gang-related crimes taking place in her own Glasgow Southside constituency. By contrast, Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin has given a personal pledge to end an equally bloody feud taking place on the streets of Dublin. He said in February: “We will not rest until every gangland figure that deals in death and destruction is brought to justice.” Last year, two leading academics warned the two warring families were “in many ways now established criminal cartels”. In AUGUST 2021 deaD: Police at the shooting of John McGregor their book, Scotland’s Gang Members, Robert McLean, from the University of the West of Scotland, and James Densley, of Metropolitan State University in Minnesota, wrote: “If left unresolved, the continual battle will inevitably result in one or both of the gangs obtaining some degree of political power, which in many cases they have already demonstrated in council and police corruption.” Police Scotland detectives are actively investigating 96 OCGs with 2,032 members across the country, with 68 per cent located in the west, 16 per cent in the east and 16 per cent in the north. However, McLean and Densley say almost all gangs across the Central Belt are aligned to either the Lyons or the Daniel INJURY: Steven ‘Bonzo’ Daniel DECEMBER 2006 ‘These parasitical gangs are growing obscenely rich while putting thousands of our citizens in early graves’ TORY MSP RUSSELL FINDLAY crime: Police probe after murder of Michael Lyons in Glasgow groups to varying degrees. They add: “There is a risk that, left unchecked, Glasgow’s main OCGs will evolve further to resemble criminal cartels or Mafias.” Scottish Conservative shadow community safety minister Russell Findlay is a politician with firsthand experience of gangland violence. A former investigative journalist, he wrote a book about the feud in 2012 called Caught in the Crossfire: Scotland’s Deadliest Drugs War. Three years later, he was the target of an acid attack when he opened the front door of his home to a gangster disguised as a postman. Since being elected in May, Mr Findlay has highlighted a spate of firebombings – including three against a Tory councillor who had dared to speak out against organised crime. He said: “It is striking how little the SNP Government talks about the scale of multi-billion pound organised crime in Scotland. “These parasitical gangs are growing obscenely rich while putting thousands of our citizens in early graves. “The drugs market is booming and the major gangs at the pinnacle of it seem to act with impunity and with ever more extreme violence. “Much of that is directed at their rivals, with numerous shocking murders spanning two decades. “But something fundamental has changed. “They are now so emboldened that they think nothing of going after legitimate sections of society. “That can be seen with the recent firebombing of a politician’s home, shooting at a prisoner officer’s home, slashing of a lawyer outside court and numerous attacks on journalists, including the one I suffered. “Where is the political outrage? In Ireland, senior politicians get it. In Scotland, there is silence. “People across Scotland know who their local criminals are. “They’re the ones who have the best cars and houses and who think the normal rules, such as paying tax, do not apply to them. “Keith Brown needs to get serious about these drugs gangs before Scotland slides further towards ‘narco state’ territory.” Assistant Chief Constable Pat Campbell said: “Working with our partners to tackle serious and organised criminality, and making Scotland a hostile country for these groups to carry out their activities, is a priority for Police Scotland.”

SE1ST 26 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Sharon: I refuse to be victim of cancel culture SHARON Osbourne has launched a blistering attack on her ex-TV bosses over her “racism” scandal. In an explosive interview, the former X Factor judge insists she will not cave in to cancel culture and hits back at any suggestions of being racist. And she feels poorly treated, let down and “battered” by US network CBS in the wake of her controversial exit fight back: Osbourne By James Desborough from chat show The Talk. Sharon, 68, left in March following a heated on-air row with co-host Sheryl Underwood, after defending Piers Morgan’s criticism of the Duchess of Sussex. CBS insisted she could not continue after a decade in the role as “she did not align with our values for a respectful workplace”. However, the wife of rock legend Ozzy fired back: “It was as if I had gone in there with a machine gun and threatened to kill somebody. “You are not threatening somebody but you say something wrong, you are out! You are out! “Where was the forgiveness? Where is a second chance?” Host Thomas Roberts, who will air the full interview on DailyMail TV tomorrow, says Sharon is uncertain about her next TV move: “I think she is a bit gun-shy right now, and that is because of the razor’s edge we all live on by expressing ourselves or in her case supporting a friend. “She refuses to be cancelled.” BRAINWAVE: VICTA can deliver Special Forces divers to their targets undetected Vigil is good too groovy, A ROYAL Navy submarine commander says that TV viewers will learn the “truth” about life beneath the sea in his new documentary rather than the “groovy” interpretation in BBC hit Vigil. Commander David Burrell was in charge of HMS Trenchant, which features in the Channel 5 wartsand-all show Submarine: Life Under the Waves this week. It is the first time the Navy has allowed cameras aboard a billion-pound nuclear submarine, as it follows operations to protect Britain’s nuclear deterrent against straying Russian subs near our territorial waters. Asked about the apparently spacious quarters shown in the BBC’s Vigil drama, he replied: “I think our documentary will put a slightly more realistic spin on things. Ultimately, the objective for anyone making a programme like Vigil is to make good telly that people want to watch. “The constraints of the submarine make it difficult to portray scenes, so I can understand why the makers of Vigil went for a slightly more groovy option than the truth that people will see on Channel 5.” But he did accept that the fishing vessel storyline is a valid one. In Vigil, a trawler is apparently ABOVE AND BEYOND: Commander Burrell on HMS Trenchant EXCLUSIVE By David Stephenson tv editor dragged to the bottom of the sea by a submarine. Cdr Burrell said: “If we dive, and we’re not at periscope depth, we won’t allow ourselves to come within two miles of a fishing vessel, just to be absolutely safe and make sure we’re in no danger of snagging them in their nets – because if they get a 5,000-ton submarine in their nets, they’ll come off second best.” The two-part documentary follows Trenchant, a “hunter-killer” submarine, during its “live operations”. It is on a fourmonth tour of duty to the mid-Atlantic, helping to guard the UK’s Trident missiles kept on board another submarine. “It’s very firmly out of our comfort zone to do a programme like this,” said Burrell. “I’ve been a submariner for nearly 20 years and it’s ingrained in our DNA to be very low profile and very secretive about what we do. So it goes against the grain of everything we’ve been trained to do, really. “This is a secret world to most people out there but we happened to be doing stuff on HMS Trenchant which was OK to be

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 27 The spy who inspired me... Bond’s aquatic car is real! IT WAS inspired by 007 films and promises to epitomise Global Britain ambitions. VICTA, a combined speedboat and submarine that can secretly deliver Special Forces to enemy shores, began sea trials last week. And with Portsmouth-based manufacturer SubSea Craft already taking orders, defence ministries worldwide – including the MoD – are paying close attention. The £10million craft is described as the world’s only “next generation diver delivery system” and bristles with innovation. On the surface, its diesel-powered engine and powerful water jets can achieve an astonishing 40 knots (46mph) top speed and it has a range of 250 nautical miles. But it is when approaching a target that VICTA comes to the fore. With the press of a button it submerges, water fills its tanks and the cabin, where eight SBS operatives – including a pilot and co-pilot – are wearing breathing apparatus and ready for action. Its Global Britain credentials go beyond its military application, however, with technological breakthroughs provided by some of the UK’s most innovative firms. The sleek design and carbon fibre shell is the brainchild of BAR Technologies, the firm founded by British yachting champion Sir By Marco Giannangeli DEFENCE EDITOR Ben Ainslie. A bespoke navigation system is provided by Surrey-based Sonardyne. And VICTA’s aircraft-like fly-by-wire system was created by UK firm SCISYS. SubSea CEO Scott Verney says: “While our key market is defence, that’s not to say we don’t have interest elsewhere, from the offshore/onshore energy sector, scientific research and even extreme sports.” Ben Murray, CEO of industry body Maritime UK, added: “This is exactly the niche, high-value innovation that will drive Global Britain forward.” ROLE MODEL: Lotus from The Spy Who Loved Me Shop locally for GREAT DEALS TV...but sub’s says captain ONE WEEK DEAL £2.50 EACH £15.99 £15 filmed.” However, there were ground rules, he revealed. “All the raw footage shot was classified and we effectively owned the information. That raw data then went through a screening process once the film company worked out what they wanted to use.” While some operational matters remain under wraps other more down-to-earth details are not. For a four-month tour for 130 crew, all food supplies must be hand-loaded, including 10,000 tea bags. They also make their own water. The all-male crew sleep in quarters the size of a “single garage”. There are 30 bunks in each grouping, with submariners sharing each one – for 12 hours at a time. It’s described as a “village under the water” where they eat, sleep, listen to sonar, get haircuts and play bingo. Cdr Burrell said that both water and air are manufactured. “The only thing that limits the length of a tour is the amount of food we can carry.” It’s all action, as well, at least on the programme. He adds: “There’s no shortage of mishaps. One submariner burns his hand badly on a steam outlet, and there’s also fire on board. In the second episode, there’s a major loo blockage. “Ten weeks’ filming went into the DIVE FOR COVER: Vigil’s lack of realism has been criticised first episode so it appears more dramatic than it is. It does seem that we have a lot of misfortune but 60 engineers on board keep the boat going.” Cdr Burrell adds: “Trenchant is old but is now no longer in commission. She was retired earlier this year. If you put someone on board now who worked on it in 1988 when it was commissioned, they wouldn’t recognise much of it.” More dramatic than a blocked loo is the everpresent hunt for an enemy sub – most likely Russian – in “British sensitive waters”, close to our territorial waters. It’s not long before this happens, triggering a very tense game of Battleships. Cdr Burrell concedes: “I can’t go into more detail than you see on the show but there is more Russian activity in the Arctic because they are doing more stuff globally. “It’s not just about the Russians. Our job is to protect the deterrent [Trident] and make sure it stays credible. We have to make sure there are no other submarines from any other country near the submarine that is on deterrent duty. It’s our job to go and find them.” • Submarine: Life Under The Waves, Channel 5, tomorrow, 9pm 3x250g Deal available from 8th to 14th September RRP £1.79 250g 40.0p/100g Visit nisalocally.co.uk to find your nearest store @nisalocally 1⁄2 PRICE £1 RRP £2 4x100g 25.0p/100g /nisalocally RRP £2.89 280g 53.6p/100g £1.79 £1 EACH @nisalocally SAVE £1.39 £1.50 150g 66.7p/100g RRP £2.29 9x37g 34.2p/100g RRP £15.99 70cl £21.43/ltr 1⁄2 PRICE £1.14 £1 EACH All offers subject to availability. Some variants may not be available in all stores and some offers may vary across stores. We reserve the right to limit purchases. All prices correct at the time of going to press. Price indications and savings relate to Nisa recommended retail prices and may differ in some stores. ai1625829345196_06098c GB893 Nisa P12 Media artwork x11 - Summer of Lights - PRESS PANEL 231x62mm v2_HR.pdf 1 09/07/2021 12:15 Offers available from 1st September 2021 - 21st September 2021 BUY ANY QUALIFYING PACKS AND SCAN QR CODE TO WIN 1000’S OF SUMMER PRIZES GB 16+ only. Purchase required. Promotion opens 14.07.21–30.09.21. 2600 prizes to be won: 500x beach bags, 800x Bat & Balls, 250x 1.5L cooler bags, 800x beach towels, 200x £10 Just Eat vouchers, 45x pairs of Odeon cinema tickets and 5x gas BBQs. To enter: buy any qualifying pack, scan the QR code, register and find out instantly if you’ve won. Max 1 entry/person/day. Max 1 prize/person/day. For full rules and qualifying packs see www.cocacolasummerfun.co.uk. Promoter: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB.

SE1ST 28 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Picture: Jonathan Browning/Studio Hamburg UK Greg’s gore-fest passes family test ‘I lost £500,000 to pirate-con Romeo’ ACTOR Greg Davies used his family to gauge if his gore-filled new comedy about a murder scene cleaner was a turn-off. Based on a hit German show, Greg – also the Taskmaster on Channel 4’s hit show – stars as Wicky, whose job is to mop up blood and human remains. Asked if viewers might be put off, Greg said: “I voiced that to my family before I agreed to do it because there is blood in every episode. “But then I realised that, in any show about murder, even Holby By David Stephenson TV EDITOR City, blood is not uncommon. With this show, the crime has already happened, so there’s nothing especially graphic.” But Greg is nervous about the public’s reaction, adding: “I really want people to like it. I’ve become very fond of Wicky.” The Cleaner has six standalone stories he describes as a mix of “Play For Today and Mr Benn”. • Episode 1 of The Cleaner is on BBC iPlayer now A BRITISH GP says she was fleeced out of £500,000 by a Romeo fraudster who took her money while living in the world’s tallest building and driving a Lamborghini. The man, who we are not naming for legal reasons, “borrowed” the cash from her after they met on a singles website. He claimed he needed it to free up a shipping cargo that had been seized by pirates. But after she had handed over nearly £500,000, he vanished. The medic, in her 50s, spoke out after learning the man had been arrested on an international warrant in connection with an alleged fraud in Dubai. He was arrested by the Met Police in London earlier this year after the United Arab Emirates issued the warrant in connection with a separate alleged investment fraud. The doctor, who fears being named would harm her career, said she was approached on dating site SingleMuslim in 2016. She said: “I was interested in companionship and believed he was a genuine businessman. He would talk via Skype and By Jon Austin CRIME EDITOR showed me all his identity documents, so I trusted him.” She said he claimed to have £2.2million of goods stuck on a ship that was hijacked on its way to Mozambique, and needed temporary funds while he waited for the insurance payout. She added: “One of his excuses was that the cargo was ‘He always had an explanation’ later hijacked by pirates. I was too trusting.” From 2016-19 they met only twice but spoke regularly via Skype as she made large payments for business ventures that never materialised. The GP flew out to see him in 2016 and found he was living in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and was pictured driving a Lamborghini. She said: “In Dubai everyone seemed to know him. He always had an explanation. I thought he respected me. He said he would move to the UK to be with me and I remortgaged properties to send him the money. “One of the banks notified the police and they visited me but I told them everything was OK. “In 2017 he told me the cargo had finally arrived and he would be able to pay everything back but needed more money to get it customs clearance. “I fell for it again and paid him more than £100,000 and could no longer afford to give my children a private education.” After trying to take legal action, she realised in 2019 that she had lost everything. In June, she reported the alleged fraud to the Met after informing the UAE authorities. A Met spokesman said: “[The investigation] was closed by the Met as there is an investigation already taking place in Dubai. “The Met could re-open the investigation if she is able to obtain the relevant reference numbers from UAE authorities.” The alleged fraudster, who is on bail from an extradition hearing, has not responded to requests for comment.

SE1ST Picture: Aeralis Sunday Express September 12, 2021 29 FLYING THE FLAG: Aeralis is developing ‘modular’ jets UK firm ‘to win Red Arrows planes deal’ BRITISH firm Aeralis is almost certain to win the contract to replace the Red Arrows’ ageing jets, sources have revealed. The RAF’s aerobatic display team have used the Hawk T1 for more than 40 years. But safety concerns have pressured defence chiefs to act on a replacement, with a decision expected before Christmas and the planes due within five years. Twelve new craft will be produced for the team, which is based at RAF Scampton. By Marco Giannangeli defence editor Aeralis is the favourite to win the contract after being awarded a three-year research and development deal with the RAF. Last night, an RAF source said: “The plane needs to be made in the UK and Aeralis will design, develop and deliver it.” An Aeralis spokesman said: “We continue to ensure the RAF are fully aware of the options we can provide.” IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE NO. CR-2021-000891 BUSINESS AND PROPERTY COURTS OF ENGLAND AND WALES COMPANIES COURT (ChD) IN THE MATTER OF THE ROYAL LONDON MUTUAL INSURANCE SOCIETY LIMITED and IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 Rise in adults claiming to be child migrants By Matthew Davis Call: Alp Mehmet has urged the Home Office to get to grips with an issue traffickers are now exploiting THE number of would-be asylum seekers falsely claiming to be children has surged, new figures show. In the first six months of this year, 444 people were found to be adults trying to dupe immigration officers by posing as under-18s. The number was more than four times higher than the first six months of 2020. People coming to the UK will often claim to be under 18 as the regime for treating children is less harsh than that for adults. The issue of fake claims first surfaced when the “Jungle” camp in Calais was torn down and dozens of migrants were allowed into the UK. Many claimed to be children, which would have qualified them for education, care from social services and accommodation with a foster family, rather than being held in an immigration centre. But there was widespread anger when pictures of them emerged, with claims that some looked to be in their 30s. Analysis of the latest figures shows a majority of those who were questioned about their age were found to be lying. In the first six months of this year there were 680 cases referred for investigation due to suspicions about the applicant’s age. In 444 of these cases the would-be asylum seeker was deemed to be 18 or over. The first six months of 2020 saw 229 claims about age, with 96 rejected, and the first half of 2019 saw 378 age claims lodged, with 155 thrown out. The greatest number of “fake” children were from Sudan, Iran and Vietnam, and there were high numbers from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Syria and Iraq. Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: “Adult migrants claiming to be children has long been an issue at the border. It has been a major hole in our defences that traffickers are exploiting. “The Home Office has long been aware of the problem and chosen to look away. It’s time it dealt with it.” A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are taking a number of measures to improve the age assessment process. The New Plan for Immigration will stop abuse of the system while supporting those in genuine need.” NOTICE OF MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, by an Order dated 16 July 2021 in the above matter, the High Court of Justice (the ‘Court’) has directed that a meeting (the ‘Meeting’) of Eligible Policyholders (as defined in the Scheme of Arrangement referred to below), in the Royal London United Friendly Industrial Branch Sub-fund be convened for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, approving (with or without modification) a scheme of arrangement (the ‘Scheme of Arrangement’) pursuant to Section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 proposed to be made between The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited (the ‘Company’) and the Included Policyholders (as defined in the Scheme of Arrangement) and that such Meeting be held at The Edwardian Manchester, Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP on 4 November 2021 at 2:30pm. All Eligible Policyholders are invited to attend the Meeting and may do so by attending the Meeting in person or by virtual attendance as further described in the policyholder circular referred to below. Further information relating to the Scheme of Arrangement is available from royallondon.com/UFIBscheme or by calling free on 0800 484 0153. A summary of the Scheme of Arrangement and a copy of the policyholder circular required to be provided pursuant to Section 897 of the Companies Act 2006 are incorporated in the Explanatory Booklet which has been sent to Eligible Policyholders. Eligible Policyholders may vote at the Meeting in person or by virtual attendance or they may appoint another person as their proxy to attend, speak and vote on their behalf in person at the Meeting. A proxy may be appointed by completing the Voting Form sent to Eligible Policyholders with the Explanatory Booklet and returning it to Civica Election Services, London, N81 1ER no later than 12 noon on 1 November 2021 or online by visiting cesvotes.com/UFIBscheme and logging on using the online Security Code Part 1 & 2 provided to each Eligible Policyholder no later than 12 noon on 1 November 2021. A proxy need not be a Policyholder of the Company. The appointment of a proxy does not preclude an Eligible Policyholder from attending and voting at the Meeting, or any adjournment of the Meeting. By the said Order, the Court has appointed Kevin Parry, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Royal London, or, if for any reason he is unable to act, such other person appointed in accordance with the said Order to act as the Chairman of the Meeting and has directed the Chairman to report the result of the Meeting to the Court. The Scheme of Arrangement will be subject to the subsequent approval of the Court. Pinsent Masons LLP, 30 Crown Place, London EC2A 4ES. Reference HA06. Solicitors for the above named Company.

22 FEB 23 FEB 25 FEB 26 FEB 27 FEB 1 MAR 2 MAR 4 MAR 5 MAR 6 MAR 8 MAR 9 MAR 10 MAR 12 MAR 13 MAR 15 MAR 16 MAR 18 MAR 19 MAR UK RESCHEDULED DATES JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2022 JANUARY 2022 MON 17 NEWCASTLE 02 CITY HALL NEW DATE TUE 18 GLASGOW SEC ARMADILLO WED 19 SHEFFIELD CITY HALL THU 20 STOCKTON GLOBE SAT 22 HULL BONUS ARENA SUN 23 YORK BARBICAN MON 24 MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER HALL WED 26 CARDIFF MOTORPOINT ARENA THU 27 BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL FRI 28 SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION NEW DATE SAT 29 NORTHAMPTON DERNGATE NEW DATE MON 31 LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC NEW DATE FEBRUARY 2022 TUE WED THU FRI SUN MON 1 2 3 4 6 7 By arrangement with Solo A N T I C S 2 0 2 2 NEWCASTLE SHEFFIELD STOCKTON BLACKBURN MANCHESTER BIRMINGHAM LEICESTER GLASGOW ABERDEEN HULL LIVERPOOL SOUTHEND GUILDFORD NOTTINGHAM BRIGHTON BATH CARDIFF CAMBRIDGE LONDON R O N A N K E A T I N G T W E N T Y T W E N T Y NOTTINGHAM BOURNEMOUTH LONDON BRIGHTON BRISTOL SOUTHEND O2 CITY HALL CITY HALL GLOBE KING GEORGE’S HALL BRIDGEWATER HALL SYMPHONY HALL DE MONTFORT HALL ROYAL CONCERT HALL MUSIC HALL CITY HALL PHILHARMONIC HALL CLIFFS PAVILION G LIVE ROYAL CONCERT HALL BRIGHTON CENTRE FORUM ST. DAVID’S HALL CORN EXCHANGE ROUNDHOUSE BookingsDirect.com STEVE SCHIRRIPA “Bobby ‘Bacala’ Baccalieri” ROYAL CONCERT HALL BIC EVENTIM APOLLO CENTRE HIPPODROME CLIFFS PAVILION BOOKINGSDIRECT.COM RONANKEATING.COM I N C O N V E R S A T I O N W I T H F E A T U R I N G CHRISTOPHER VICTORIO MARTI PELLOW OCTOBER 2021 Fri 8 Sat 9 Sun 10 Tue 12 Thu 14 Sat 16 Sun 17 Tue 19 Thu 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Mon 25 Wed 27 MICHAEL IMPERIOLI VINCENT PASTORE “Christopher Moltisanti” “Salvatore ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero” C E L E B R A T I N G 2 5 Y E A R S S T A N D I N G O V A T I O N S O F NEW ALBUM STARGAZER AVAILABLE NOW VIA ITUNES & AMAZON IPSWICH REGENT THEATRE YORK BARBICAN SHEFFIELD CITY HALL STOCKTON GLOBE BEXHILL DE LA WARR PAVILION BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION CARDIFF ST DAVID’S HALL MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER HALL GUILDFORD G LIVE BATH FORUM LONDON ROUNDHOUSE LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC HALL GATESHEAD SAGE BookingsDirect.com mikescottwaterboys.com MARCH - JULY 2022 GREATEST HITS TOUR THE WATERBOYS The show includes strong language and images of violence. TRIPLE A ENTERTAINMENT IN ASSOC. WITH DORSEY PRODUCTIONS J U N E 2 0 2 2 Sun 12 LONDON The Palladium Mon 13 NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall Wed 15 NEWCASTLE 02 City Hall Thu 16 HULL Bonus Arena Fri 17 EASTBOURNE Congress Theatre Sat 18 BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall Mon 20 LEICESTER De Montfort Hall Tue 21 EDINBURGH Festival Theatre 22 & 23 GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall Sat 25 LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Sun 26 BOURNEMOUTH Pavilion Mon 27 SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion Wed 29 MANCHESTER Bridgewater Hall BookingsDirect.com 17 18 19 21 22 24 25 27 28 29 30 PETERBOROUGH SOUTHEND BOURNEMOUTH WOKING MANCHESTER STOCKTON LIVERPOOL NORWICH BIRMINGHAM NORTHAMPTON LONDON NOVEMBER 2021 New Theatre Cliffs Pavilion Pavilion New Victoria Theatre The Bridgewater Hall Globe Eventim Olympia Theatre Theatre Royal Symphony Hall Royal & Derngate Gillian Lynne Theatre BookingsDirect.com JANUARY 21 BLACKBURN King George’s Hall 22 HULL City Hall 23 STOCKTON Globe 28 MANCHESTER Bridgewater Hall 29 & 30 LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall FEBRUARY 4 NEWCASTLE O2 City Hall 5 DUNDEE Caird Hall 6 EDINBURGH Festival Theatre 10 BRIGHTON Dome 11 BOURNEMOUTH Pavilion 12 CARDIFF St. David’s Hall 17 YORK Barbican LONDON PORTSMOUTH EASTBOURNE NORTHAMPTON YORK LEICESTER LLANDUDNO AYLESBURY CARDIFF HULL LIVERPOOL DUNFERMLINE SUNDERLAND GLASGOW OXFORD SHEFFIELD BIRMINGHAM GUILDFORD SOUTHEND ABERDEEN GLASGOW BLACKPOOL MANCHESTER 2022 Eventim Apollo Kings Theatre Congress Theatre Derngate Barbican de Montfort Hall Venue Cymru Waterside Theatre New Theatre New Theatre M&S Bank Arena Alhambra Theatre Empire SEC Armadillo New Theatre City Hall The Alexandra G Live Cliffs Pavilion His Majesty’s Theatre SEC Armadillo Opera House Palace Theatre MARTIPELLOWOFFICIAL.CO.UK FEBRUARY 18 GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall 19 ABERDEEN Music Hall MARCH 4 SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion 5 PETERBOROUGH New Theatre 6 LEICESTER de Montfort Hall 10 LONDON The Palladium 11 BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall 12 BASINGSTOKE The Anvil 17 GUILDFORD G Live 18 NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall 19 SHEFFIELD City Hall BookingsDirect.com SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER 2022 RNCM, MANCHESTER MON 3, TUE 4, THU 6 OCTOBER 2022 UNION CHAPEL, LONDON BOOKINGSDIRECT.COM Richardmarx.com Fri 18 – Sat 19 March Tue 22 – Sun 27 March Tue 29 Mar – Sun 3 April Tue 5 – Sat 9 April Mon 11 – Thu 14 April Fri 15 – Sun 17 April Tue 19 – Thu 21 April Fri 22 – Sun 24 April Mon 25 – Wed 27 April Tue 10 – Thu 12 May Fri 13 – Sun 15 May Wed 18 – Sat 21 May Mon 23 – Wed 25 May Sat 4 – Sun 5 June Tue 7 – Sat 11 June Mon 13 – Wed 15 June Thu 16 – Sun 19 June Tue 21 – Thu 23 June Fri 24 – Sun 26 June Mon 4 – Thu 7 July Fri 8 – Sat 9 July Mon 11 – Wed 13 July Thu 14 – Sun 17 July BookingsDirect.com LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III Photo: Ross Halfin 18 APRIL 2022 GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL 19 APRIL 2022 MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER HALL 21 & 22 APRIL 2022 LONDON ROYAL ALBERT HALL BookingsDirect.com Playing the Relayer album in its entirety Plus a selection of CLASSIC CUTS Re-scheduled dates 2022 Wed 15 June GLASGOW Royal Concert Hall Fri 17 June MANCHESTER Bridgewater Hall Sat 18 June NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall Mon 20 June LIVERPOOL Philharmonic Hall Tue 21 June LONDON Royal Albert Hall Wed 22 June YORK Barbican Fri 24 June BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall Sun 26 June NEWCASTLE O2 City Hall BookingsDirect.com IN CONCERT With Support UK TOUR 2022 Wed 14 Sept BRISTOL St George’s Thu 15 Sept BIRMINGHAM Town Hall Sat 17 Sept MANCHESTER RNCM Theatre Sun 18 Sep LONDON Royal Festival Hall BOOKINGSDIRECT.COM

SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 31 Isabel Webster ■ As our roads filled up with commuters returning to the office and families back on the school run last week, our air quality once again took a nosedive. I’ve encountered real aggression as I’ve asked drivers to stop idling their engines outside my home. Would these selfish people blow cigarette smoke in the face of a child? No! Then why is it acceptable to sit in your car pumping toxic emissions into the faces of my three- and five-year-old children on their walk to school? Every minute, an idling car produces enough particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide to fill 150 balloons. ■ As a twice delayed birthday present I am very much looking forward to the long-awaited return of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show in just over a week’s time. It was cancelled in 2020 for the first time since the Second World War, and now it’s been delayed Picture: TPN/Getty Caption Xim ea quost volupta temquia ipid que acepedia consed eostem et ■ Oh how I have delighted in the successes of my new girl crush: Emma Raducanu. To watch her astonishing run at Wimbledon be thwarted by nerves was torturous. And to see some commentators lambast her afterwards: infuriating! But her premature withdrawal – following breathing difficulties against Ajla Tomljanovic – has been vindicated in the last week at Flushing Meadow as the 18-year-old has fought back with aplomb. She has defied the odds, her game has taken on a new stride, and she is, undoubtedly, a British and world superstar. Many athletes of more advanced years have been chewed up and spat out by the relentlessness of the eternal news cycle. Raducanu very publicly succumbed but now has defiantly responded. In the biggest match of her life in her New York debut, Emma devoured home favourite Shelby Rogers 6-2 6-1. Next up she defeated Swiss Olympic champion Belinda Bencic 6-3 6-4, seemingly effortlessly and then the 17th seed Maria Sakkari from Greece fell too in the early hours of Friday morning. Even before last night’s clash with fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez it had become a real life fairytale for our new darling of tennis. The world is truly now her oyster. And I can’t wait to watch her career progress every step of the way. She’s the antidote we’ve all been waiting for to all that’s been wrong about the past year and a half! Betrayal of heroes until the autumn for the first time in its 108-year history. This year it will be promoting the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC)– a tree-planting initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. The QGC will be the largest show garden, wowing visitors as they enter the site. The Welsh have it right with their phrase “dod yn ôl at fy nghoed”, meaning “to return to a balanced state of mind”. It literally means “to return to my trees”. We could all do with a bit of that. ■ Viewing figures are a shrouded secret in most TV newsrooms, rarely shared with the presenters – but it is a daily ritual at GB News. My stint on the Great British Breakfast last week beat our rivals for several segments – a source of great personal pride. It’s been a brilliant experience to be part of a news channel as it launches and evolves. I know my journalistic integrity is valued at the channel as we continue to push boundaries and break new records. Jennifer Selway is away like my brave pal... Who can forget where they were when news of 9/11 reached us? It was the worst terror attack on US soil in history, killing nearly 3,000 civilians. The images of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers collapsing became synonymous with a nation’s grief and outrage, while the attack itself precipitated nearly two decades of foreign conflicts. The 20th anniversary yesterday has been a reminder of why the West began its “War On Terror” by bombing Afghanistan. Al Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, had claimed responsibility for the attacks and was thought to be hiding out in the country’s network of mountain tunnels. It became America’s longest war – and of course, we lent our support. It began with Operation Veritas, as we assisted the American invasion of Afghanistan and was soon followed by Operation Herrick – which ran for 12 years at a cost of at least an estimated £22.2billion. British fatalities and serious casualties peaked in 2009-2010. Among them was Lieutenant Douglas Dalzell of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards. I didn’t know Dougie well. He was a friend of friends; a familiar smiling face on happy nights out. I got to know him just enough to know why he became such an exemplary officer. He died on his 27th birthday from wounds he received days earlier from an explosion in central Helmand, leaving his family bereft and many of my close friends devastated. At the time, as a BBC journalist, I had already reported from Royal Wootton Bassett on far too many military repatriations of our war dead. But Dougie’s repatriation was like no other to me; his death forever after made the issue of Afghanistan and the War On Terror something personal. This dusty, distant conflict had hit home. Dougie was posthumously awarded one of Britain’s highest honours – the Military Cross – in recognition of his exemplary gallantry during operations in Helmand Province. The Dougie Dalzell Memorial Trust, set up in his memory, has spent the past decade raising close to £1million, supporting countless injured GALLANT: Dougie Dalzell died on his 27th birthday men and women and their families. It has helped to create meaning from his sacrifice. However, memories of his death have come flooding back in recent weeks. Friends have privately expressed real shock and anger at the West’s chaotic withdrawal and have also questioned the Prime Minister’s assertion that the 457 deaths and 616 serious or very serious casualties in Aghanistan “were not in vain”. It is now clear we have ceded Afghanistan to the very terrorists that our finest gave their lives to defeat. The Taliban, which allowed Al Qaeda to thrive and refused to hand over bin Laden, has unveiled its government of battle-hardened fighters, military commanders and former Guantanamo Bay prisoners. Will this betrayal be the true legacy of 9/11? Regrettably, I fear so. ●You can catch Isabel on The Great British Breakfast on weekends at 6-9am on GB News.

Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty SE1ST Review Edited by GARRY BUSHELL Sunday Express September 12, 2021 33 After being forced into relaxing for a year, Craig Revel Horwood tells Julia Kuttner how it’s great to be... back IN (show) business! Stage & Music PAGE 36 ● Films PAGE 37 ● TV PAGE 38

on m SE1ST 34 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Review: television HAVING A BALL: Craig and Debbie McGee will star in panto Cinderella this winter A Ch IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE NO. CR-2021-000893 BUSINESS AND PROPERTY COURTS OF ENGLAND AND WALES COMPANIES COURT (ChD) ‘‘ Quotey 11 on 12pt avant garde bold thank you IN THE MATTER OF THE ROYAL LONDON MUTUAL INSURANCE SOCIETY LIMITED and IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 NOTICE OF MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, by an Order dated 16 July 2021 in the above matter, the High Court of Justice (the ‘Court’) has directed that a meeting (the ‘Meeting’) of Eligible Planholders (as defined in the Scheme of Arrangement referred to below), invested in the Royal London Scottish Life Fund be convened for the purpose of considering and, if thought fit, approving (with or without modification) a scheme of arrangement (the ‘Scheme of Arrangement’) pursuant to Section 899 of the Companies Act 2006 proposed to be made between The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited (the ‘Company’) and the Included Planholders (as defined in the Scheme of Arrangement) and that such Meeting be held at The Edwardian Manchester, Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, M2 5GP on 5 November 2021 at 11am. All the Eligible Planholders are invited to attend the Meeting and may do so by attending the Meeting in person or by virtual attendance as further described in the planholder circular referred to below. Further information relating to the Scheme of Arrangement is available from royallondon.com/SLscheme. A copy of the planholder circular required to be provided pursuant to Section 897 of the Companies Act 2006 is incorporated in the Explanatory Booklet, Part A of which has been sent to Eligible Planholders and Part B of which has been made available online at royallondon.com/SLscheme. A summary of the Scheme of Arrangement is incorporated in Part B of the Explanatory Booklet and made available online. Eligible Planholders may request that a copy of Part B of the Explanatory Booklet is sent to them by post by calling free on 0808 196 8892 or writing to FAO Fund Consolidation Team, Royal London House, Alderley Park, Congleton Road, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, SK10 4EL. Eligible Planholders may vote at the Meeting in person or by virtual attendance or they may appoint another person as their proxy to attend, speak and vote on their behalf in person at the Meeting. A proxy may be appointed by completing the Voting Form sent to Eligible Planholders with Part A of the Explanatory Booklet, and returning it to Civica Election Services, London, N81 1ER no later than 12 noon on 2 November 2021 or online by visiting cesvotes.com/SLscheme and logging on using the online Security Code Part 1 & 2 provided to each Eligible Planholder no later than 12 noon on 2 November 2021. A proxy need not be a Planholder of the Company. The appointment of a proxy does not preclude an Eligible Planholder from attending and voting at the Meeting, or any adjournment of the Meeting. By the said Order, the Court has appointed Kevin Parry, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Royal London, or, if for any reason he is unable to act, such other person appointed in accordance with the said Order to act as the Chairman of the Meeting and has directed the Chairman to report the result of the Meeting to the Court. The Scheme of Arrangement will be subject to the subsequent approval of the Court. Pinsent Masons LLP, 30 Crown Place, London EC2A 4ES. Reference HA06. Solicitors for the above named Company. A SPRINKLING OF STAR DUST: Craig plans to get people dancing this Christmas with the release of his festive single

SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 35 ristmas single’s y bucket list... STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood admits lockdown was a “blessing in disguise” for him because his busy schedule had left him close to “burnout”. Now, as he prepares to return to our screens, Craig is clearly excited to be back on the BBC’s much-loved dance show and also has a festive treat lined up for fans, with plans for a Christmas single. “I never normally get time to sit down and relax and was almost reaching a point of burnout when lockdown happened, so for me it was a blessing in disguise,” he said. “All my theatre stuff has completely gone out the window and is all postponed until next year so everything from the last two years has now been crowbarred into next year.” His single – Christmas Merry Christmas – is from his forthcoming album Craig & Rietta Duets, with best pal Rietta Austin. Londonbased New Zealander Rietta is one of Strictly’s vocalists. Craig says it is a “bucket list” achievement. He has his sights set on the festive No 1 spot and, not surprisingly, doesn’t care if anyone judges him. “That was something I wanted to do... a bucket list thing. I always said I’d love to release a Christmas single, so we’re doing it this year. “If people don’t like it it’s up to them but I really enjoyed doing it. I don’t care what people think, to be honest. I’m making it for myself, I’m not making it to really become an international pop star, I think those days have gone, darling. “It’s fun and if people dance around the Christmas tree to it, that’s good for your bone health,” added the 56-year-old, speaking exclusively to the Sunday Express in his role as a Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) ambassador. Strictly went ahead last year with tough rules to control Covid on set. However, one recent change Craig admits he struggles to get used to is missing former judge Darcey Bussell. “I do miss Darcey and I love dancing with her, she is so much fun. I miss her terribly but she made that decision and that’s great and she wanted to work with her charities,” said Craig. Asked about his dream dance partner, he says: “I’d have to go back in time to Ginger Rogers. She was amazing. An exceptional dancer.” Meanwhile, his nightmare dance companion would be presenter and columnist Piers Morgan. “He’d be constantly talking and very opinionated. To dance you need to be quiet and learn, it’s all about the body. I don’t know Piers would have the temperament for it.” One dance partner he can’t wait to strut his stuff with again is the Duchess of Cornwall with whom he danced at an ROS event. He said: “I know the Duchess really loves dancing so hopefully that will happen again soon.” Sadly, Covid restrictions have left the former professional dancer unable to see his beloved mother for two years and he is also concerned repeated lockdowns have “savaged” the arts. Craig is now preparing to appear in panto and is thrilled theatres have reopened. “The arts industry, it’s been savaged,” he said. “Now we are sort of coming through it... and we’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I think people will be desperate to be entertained, gagging, chomping at the bit to get to the theatres and have some well-deserved entertainment.” And as we return to post-lockdown living, Craig is eager to get people moving to improve bone health. “You cannot just be a couch potato. You can’t pretend every day is a Sunday – and a lot of people felt that at the beginning of lockdown. I just thought this is ridiculous and I got off my backside and started doing things.” He started supporting the ROS in 2008 after seeing his mum suffer with rheumatoid arthritis. “When you consider one in two women and one and five men will get osteoporosis over the age of 50 it is alarming. I’m 56 now and I have osteoarthritis but not osteoporosis itself. “It’s really important to build a bone bank for the future and do weight-bearing exercises. If you’re a kid at school and you don’t like sport then it’s really really good to dance. People like dancing more than anything else and you don’t even notice you’re doing yourself a favour for later on in life.” He is keen to get children taking up dancing for their bone health and has a TV idea that could boost their enthusiasm. “Strictly Kids would be fantastic,” he said. “We should campaign for that. Pro dancers judging a kids’ version of the show would be really good.” W ith his mum, who turns 80 this year, based in Australia, Craig opened up about her isolation. “It’s been absolutely awful for her. She’s been really lonely, she lives by herself, no one is allowed to come and visit. “They went out of lockdown for a couple of months but Australia has gone back into it again so it’s been two years on and off, on and off and now it’s been 11 months since she has seen anyone. People can’t visit her and she can’t visit them so it’s really difficult. I hope it’s resolved soon.” In the meantime, Craig is getting back to his exhausting schedule. “I’m doing panto – Cinderella in Southampton and that is full steam ahead. I’m also doing the Strictly Come Dancing live show, directing it. “February I start my one-man show and as soon as that finishes I’m directing Strictly Ballroom the musical with the wonderful Kevin Clifton, so I’m really looking forward to next year because it’s going to be busy. “It’s going to be tiring but it’s great to see some happy, wonderful faces in theatres again.” • Visit theros.org.uk for help with osteoporosis LEADING LADY: The Duchess of Cornwall – dancing with Craig in 2009 – would be the Strictly star’s perfect partner BOOK OFFERS ODD BOY OUT To order any of these titles call 020 3176 3832 BY GYLES BRANDRETH PUBLISHED BY PENGUIN BOOKS The long-awaited autobiography from beloved star of QI, Have I Got News For You and Celebrity Gogglebox. In Odd Boy Out Gyles Brandreth provides an extraordinarily revealing account of growing up in an apparently well-to-do but always strapped-for-cash middle-class English family. Chock full of £20 unforgettable stories, and a powerful exploration of childhood, how our HARDBACK heritage, our parents and our upbringing make us who we are. A YEAR ON OUR FARM BY MATT BAKER PUBLISHED BY PENGUIN BOOKS Away from the bright lights of hosting our favourite television programmes, Countryfile, The One Show, Blue Peter and many more, Matt Baker is happiest on the farm with his family, dogs, array of sheep, miniature donkeys and a whole host of wildlife in the farm’s ancient woodland. In his first ever book, Matt provides a diary of the natural year and a glimpse into family life on £20 the farm, peppered with his hand drawn sketches and moments from his HARDBACK TV career throughout. FOREVER YOUNG: A MEMOIR BY HAYLEY MILLS PUBLISHED BY ORION PUBLISHING CO. Hayley Mills’ teenage decade in Hollywood produced some of the era’s greatest coming-of-age family movies: classics like Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, In Search of the Castaways and Whistle Down the Wind. Told with £20 characteristic warmth and humour, Hayley takes us back in time to a HARDBACK bygone era, charting a journey from her carefree childhood innocence in post-war Britain into the Technicolor boomtown of 1960s Hollywood. TOO MANY REASONS TO LIVE BY ROB BURROW PUBLISHED BY PAN MACMILLAN The inspirational memoir from rugby league legend Rob Burrow on his extraordinary career and his battle with motor neurone disease. This is the story of a kid who adored rugby league but never should have made it, and ended up in the Leeds hall of fame. It’s the story of a man who resolved to turn a terrible predicament into something positive. Far more than a sports £20 memoir, Too Many Reasons to Live is a story of boundless courage and HARDBACK infinite kindness. UK Delivery is £2.99 | Orders over £20 are FREE Please note we no longer accept cheques or postal orders

SE1ST MAJOR UK TOUR OPENS THIS WEEK! A NIGHT OF SONGS & LAUGHTER 36 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Review: music with james cabooter THE VACCINES Back In Love City ★★★★ Once a no-nonsense rock band, these days The Vaccines can heal all forms of guitar malaise. All the sub-genres are covered here from vintage rock ’n’ roll (Wanderlust) to Tex Mex (El Paso). But they’re best when administering pure pop euphoria on Heart Land. AND HIS FABULOUS BAND VARIOUS The Metallica Blacklist ★★★ Interesting results as eclectic artists reinvent the band’s 1991 Black album. Perhaps 12 covers of Nothing Else Matters is pushing it but Phoebe Bridgers’ is quietly lovely while Kamasi Washington’s virtuoso My Friend Of Misery really kicks, and yes, there’s a distorted saxophone. SAINT ETIENNE I’ve Been Trying To Tell You ★★ The trio experiment with samples for an abstract soundtrack about memory that’s very low on pop bops. The result is largely ambient with only hints of Sarah Cracknell’s familiar voice flitting in and out of rich synth pads and cut-up noises. MANIC STREET PREACHERS The Ultra Vivid Lament ★★★★ It’s a good time to wear ABBA influences on your sleeve right now – and those bittersweet Swedish melodies are to be found all over this pop-heavy set, notably Don’t Let The Night Divide Us. The songs were conceived on the piano, hence the echoes of Elton John on Quest For Ancient Colour. Review: stage 2021 10 SEP EASTBOURNE CONGRESS THEATRE 12 SEP SOUTHEND CLIFFS PAVILION 24 SEP POOLE THE LIGHTHOUSE 25 SEP BRIGHTON DOME CONCERT HALL 28 SEP LEICESTER DE MONTFORT HALL 29 SEP HULL NEW THEATRE 30 SEP LEEDS TOWN HALL 2 OCT EXETER GREAT HALL 3 OCT PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS 6 OCT SCARBOROUGH SPA GRAND HALL 7 OCT NEWCASTLE O2 CITY HALL 8 OCT STOCKTON GLOBE 10 OCT MARGATE WINTER GARDENS 12 OCT NOTTINGHAM ROYAL CONCERT HALL 13 OCT BUXTON OPERA HOUSE 14 OCT HALIFAX VICTORIA THEATRE 16 OCT AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE 17 OCT IPSWICH REGENT THEATRE 8 NOV WARRINGTON PARR CONCERT HALL 9 NOV LLANDUDNO VENUE CYMRU 11 NOV CARDIFF WALES MILLENNIUM CENTRE 14 NOV CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE 17 NOV LONDON PALLADIUM 18 NOV LONDON PALLADIUM 22 NOV CHELTENHAM TOWN HALL 23 NOV SOUTHAMPTON O2 GUILDHALL 28 NOV MILTON KEYNES THEATRE 2022 24 JAN WOKING NEW VICTORIA THEATRE 25 JAN CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE 28 JAN GUILDFORD G LIVE 30 JAN HASTINGS WHITE ROCK THEATRE 1 FEB OXFORD NEW THEATRE 2 FEB PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL 3 FEB WORTHING ASSEMBLY HALL 5 FEB SHEFFIELD CITY HALL 6 FEB YORK BARBICAN 25 APR NORTHAMPTON DERNGATE AUDITORIUM 27 APR RHYL PAVILION THEATRE 28 APR RHYL PAVILION THEATRE 2 MAY WIMBLEDON NEW THEATRE 4 MAY BRADFORD ST GEORGE’S HALL 5 MAY COVENTRY WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 3 JUL SUNDERLAND EMPIRE 5 JUL MANCHESTER BRIDGEWATER HALL 6 JUL HUDDERSFIELD TOWN HALL 9 JUL BATH FORUM 11 JUL LIVERPOOL M&S BANK ARENA AUDITORIUM 13 JUL BATH FORUM 15 JUL BLACKBURN KING GEORGE’S HALL 16 JUL BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL BOOK NOW AT ROBBRYDON.LIVE with STEFAN KYRIAZIs FROZEN ★★★★ Theatre Royal Drury Lane (frozenthemusical.co.uk) A generation of children were defined by Frozen, Disney’s animated blockbuster about royal sisters Anna and Elsa who are driven apart by the latter’s forbidden power to manipulate snow but reunited by their love for each other. The musical version swirled on to the London stage last week in a blizzard of sequins, crystals and fake snow. When leading lady Samantha Barks as Elsa unleashed a sensational Let It Go at the end of Act One – transforming mid-belt into a glittering ice queen in her blindingly bedazzled palace – the opening night crowd’s roar blew the roof off the beautifully refurbished Theatre Royal. This show shines brightest in spectacular set pieces – from lanternstrewn terraces backlit by the shimmering Northern Lights to a jaw-dropping bridge bedecked with gigantic glistening icicles. We all gasped as Elsa’s magic erupted across the giant LED screens framing the stage. Thrilling stuff. Barks is vocally majestic as Elsa while Stephanie McKeon brings an endearing giddiness to Anna, but it’s the sidekicks who steal the show. Children and adults alike cheered for Sven the Reindeer and Olaf the Snowman (a hilarious Craig Gallivan), both brought to life by a combination of puppetry and actors. Michael Grandage’s production faithfully follows its cartoon roots, delivering fan-favourite moments alongside singalong standards like For The First Time In Forever and Do You Want To Build A Snowman? I loved bonkers new song Hygge, joyously performed by the cast dashing in and out of a sauna in sheer bodystockings and ICE ONE: Elsa and Sven in Disney hit strategically placed leaves. However, all the spectacle can’t disguise a lack of substance. Additional scenes and serviceable songs such as Elsa’s tortured Monster and the sisters’ plaintive I Can’t Lose You fumble the chance to develop their characters beyond Elsa’s brooding and Anna’s plucky naivety. Similarly, where Disney embraced painful parental loss from Bambi to The Lion King, here the deaths of the King and Queen at sea are glossed over. Few emotional punches really land while the epic scale and peril of Anna’s journey to her sister’s mountain palace in the film are also entirely absent. Often dazzling, the show seems strangely skittish about the danger and darkness at the heart of every fairytale.

SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 37 Review: CINEMA with ANDY LEA TOO-RESPECTFUL SNAPSHOT: Jennifer Hudson as Aretha with Marlon Wayans STAR RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★ Good ★★★ Worth a look ★★ Poor ★ Don’t bother COPSHOP Cert 15 ★★★★ In cinemas now Director Joe Carnahan is best known for gritty crime thriller Narc and the knowingly daft The A-Team movie. Here, he combines the best of both in a violent, tense and gleefully preposterous crime thriller. GLEEFUL THRILLER: Gerard Butler and Alexis Louder A very eventful night begins when rookie cop Valerie (Alexis Louder) is suckerpunched outside a casino by Teddy Murretto (Frank Grillo), a superfly conman who looks like he’s escaped from an old episode of Starsky & Hutch. Teddy is on the run and thinks a stretch in prison will keep him safe from the hitmen sent to gun him down. But then ruthless assassin Bob Viddick (Butler) is placed in detention in an adjacent cell. As his plan to kill Teddy begins to unravel, unhinged rival hitman Anthony Lamb (Toby Huss) turns up at the station armed with a machine gun and some hilariously camp one-liners. As a shootout turns into a tense game of cat and mouse, Valerie has to dig deep to find her inner action heroine, relying on her wits if she’s to survive. Louder is so good, she deserves a spin-off series. The soul and life SNEAK ATTACK: Hazeldine’s team tunnel deep RESPECT Cert 12A ★★ In cinemas now Who would play you in a movie of your life? What for most of us would be idle pub talk became a business decision for Aretha Franklin. Before her death in 2018, the Queen Of Soul anointed Oscar-winning singer Jennifer Hudson to star in this authorised biopic. Hudson repays her with a tuneful turn that reminds us of the icon’s talents without coming close to eclipsing them. But the script shows a little too much respect for the famously private star and, THE COLLINI CASE Cert 15 ★★★ In cinemas now Set in 2001, this subtitled legal drama hands rookie lawyer Caspar Leinen (Elyas M’Barek) a devilish first case. Elderly Italian Fabrizio Collini (Franco Nero) has barely spoken a word since he wandered into the Berlin office of octogenarian first case: Elyas M’Barek stars as a rookie lawyer German industrialist Hans Meyer (Manfred Zapatka) and gunned him down with a vintage pistol. Caspar’s role as Collini’s state-appointed defence attorney is complicated by personal connections. Meyer was a family friend who paid him through law school, he’s sleeping with Meyer’s granddaughter and the prosecutor is his old university professor. You don’t need a law (or history) degree to guess the first twist but the moral weight of Caspar’s investigation carries us through to a tense finale. running at nearly two-and-a-half hours, this timid film takes a long time to tell us very little. It keeps her private life at such a distance, you’ll feel like reaching for Wikipedia to fill in the gaps. We get the briefest of glimpses of the two children she had aged 12 and 15 but no details about their father or insight into how they affected her own childhood. Instead, we get a disjointed account that moves to the very familiar beats of the music biopic. In between many recreations of live performances, we see beatings from her HERSELF Cert 15 ★★★★ In cinemas now ‘‘ A tuneful turn that reminds us of Aretha’s talents without eclipsing them Set in modern-day Ireland, this slight but touching drama tells the story of battered wife Sandra (Clare Dunne) who escapes from husband Gary (Ian Lloyd Anderson) with her two daughters (Ruby Rose O’Hara and Molly McCann). While housed in temporary council accommodation, Sandra takes a job as a cleaner in the home of Harriet Walter’s doctor Peggy. With no prospect of a permanent abusive husband (Marlon Wayans), a bid to escape her controlling father (Forest Whitaker), a brief struggle with booze, and a rousing comeback. The best moment comes in the obligatory scene where she is playing around with the title track, which had already been a minor hit for Otis Redding. From the moment her backing singer sisters chip in with “Re, Re, Re, Re” (her family nickname), the song will always belong to Aretha. That’s that mystery cleared up. Sadly, the woman at the keyboard remains frustratingly enigmatic. ANGER: Dunne and Anderson home, Sandra decides to build a house using instructional internet videos. Peggy lends her money to buy a strip of land and her kindness is infectious. Soon, Sandra has a team of enthusiastic volunteer helpers on site. The project doesn’t go smoothly but builder Aido (Conleth Hill), his son Francis (Daniel Ryan) who has Down’s syndrome, and carpenter Dariusz (Dmitry Vinokurov) restore our faith in humanity. THE WAR BELOW Cert 12A ★★★ In cinemas now This engaging Brit flick digs deep to find a rousing true story amid the carnage of the First World War. In 1917, British and German forces have reached a stalemate during the Battle of Messines in Belgium. Then Colonel “Hellfire Jack” Norton-Griffiths (Tom Goodman-Hill) proposes a daring scheme that “the Hun will never see coming”. A ragtag team of burly miners will tunnel deep beneath the clay and attack the Boche from below. Although sneered at by top brass, Sam Hazeldine’s team of rough diamonds show they have the grit to tunnel beneath the killing fields. The dialogue can be a little cheesy but the action is tense and Hazeldine unearths a compelling hero. THE SERVANT Cert 12A ★★★★★ In cinemas now, on Blu-Ray, DVD and download from September 20 This 1963 drama gave James Fox his break, won Dirk Bogarde a BAFTA and was an obvious influence on last year’s big Oscar winner Parasite. CHILLING: Bogarde and Fox With sparkling dialogue by Harold Pinter and stylish direction from Joseph Losey, it tells the story of a twisted relationship between a posh London bachelor (Fox) and his scheming Mancunian servant (Bogarde). Thanks to a new 4K restoration, the black and white classic has never felt so chilling.

SE1ST 38 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Review: television MY TV LIFE Neil Oliver Scottish author and archaeologist Neil Oliver, 54, presents TV documentaries such as Coast and Vikings What was your first TV memory? I go all the way back to Watch With Mother, with shows like Trumpton and its spin-off Chigley. I can still remember “Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew...”, and the test card girl, and having to wait five minutes to watch TV as the valves warmed up. Who was your first TV crush? We were big consumers of Top Of The Pops so probably Kate Bush and Debbie Harry. That would explain my early attachment to Wuthering Heights. What was your first TV appearance? It was Two Men In A Trench, an archaeological series about excavating battlefields that I made with Tony Pollard. We were in the middle of filming it when Foot and Mouth struck, which meant we had to put the show on hold for a year. What is your favourite current show? Clarkson’s Farm, it’s genius. His portrayal of farming life is beguiling. I’m not a petrol-head but I’ve always appreciated Clarkson’s brilliance. I also love Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing which has a genuine shimmer of magic. I used to phone my dad – who sadly died last year – and my sister after each show to discuss how much we loved it. Which TV show would you take to a desert island? I’d go for The World At War narrated by Laurence Olivier, which was a kind of masterpiece; and it included testimonies from the survivors, the veterans who are all gone now but who are fixed on film like fossils trapped in the rocks of time. What TV show would you like to put out of its misery? Love Island and all of that stuff, it’s soul-sapping, and there have been so many horror stories about the toll they take on participants. I wouldn’t take an axe to it but I’d walk past that forest. Guiltiest TV pleasure? Man v Food with Adam Richman. He is so charismatic. There was a lot of ghost chili involved, chicken wings that were basically bio-toxic. He’d have to lick a fridge between bites to survive. What are you up to at the moment? I’m just about to publish my new book, The Story Of The World In 100 Moments, for people who love the romance and excitement of history. ● The Story Of The World In 100 Moments (Bantam Press, £25) is out on Thursday GARRY BUSHELL with DAVID STEPHENSON Cold sea but colder hearts in far North The BBC provided the perfect antidote to last week’s Indian summer – a polar plunge (again) into the Arctic Circle. After The Terror in which Kevin from Motherland was the world’s most unlikely ship’s surgeon, we now have The North Water (BBC Two, Friday) and actor Jack O’Connell’s drug-addled ship’s doctor from the days of the Raj. This terrifyingly gruesome Victorian tale is about a whaling ship stacked to the gunnels with miscreants and downright criminals but may also be on a doomed mission thanks to Stephen Graham’s dodgy captain and his insurance policy. As such, it has the makings of a taut thriller – if we can stand the gore fest that appears to be playing out before our startled eyes. Brace yourself. As with The Terror, there’s a first-rate cast on hand, this time with Hollywood’s Colin Farrell, Stephen Graham and Tom Courtenay, whose shipowner character could fill a book entitled, “Things You Don’t Hear In Polite Society Anymore”. But it’s deeds more than words that inspire Farrell’s incredibly violent whaler, Henry Drax, who’s up there with other jaw-dropping TV thugs such as Ray Donovan, Tony Soprano, or our very own Brummie brutes, Tommy and Arthur Shelby. What a dinner party line-up! With Drax, the beard helps to disguise a disturbing face of unmitigated blood lust – and that’s only while he’s trying to get a drink from a plucky barman in Hull. Give this guy a snifter, I thought, or that bottle you’re holding, barman, is going to be devoted to a very different purpose. Well-lubricated, Drax then set about spoiling someone else’s evening for good, pursuing him down a dark alley with the man’s newly-acquired lady friend (they could do with a spot of LED lighting in Hull) before bopping him on the head with a handy house brick while the rest of us looked on horrified. But far more gruesome images were to come. After a night of shame in Lerwick (it happens apparently), Drax took to the young seal population in the Arctic. Even the druggy surgeon was drafted in. Now, I know it’s fiction but many will be shocked by a man clubbing seals on prime-time television. No, you don’t see anything incredibly graphic, but you do imagine it. They shoot them, too, just for good measure. We then saw Drax, and the doctor, skinning each seal and dragging their hauls back to ship. Perhaps this whaling ship deserves to be at the bottom of the sea, 20,000 leagues should do it but I don’t expect that will be enough to kill Drax. Moby Dick could be summoned with some tantalising whale music piped across this incredible tundra. Like Tom STEPHENSON’S ROCKET How much is too much true crime? I believe we’ve hit a ceiling. Some stories need to be told. Stephen (ITV, Tuesday), based on the dreadful Stephen Lawrence murder, could be broadcast every week as a tragic reminder, but most factual true crime is ghoulish, unnecessary and takes the story no further. The Wests are on the television again next week, and we’ve had two recent versions of the Rachel Nickell murder, in drama and in documentary. The poor families… give them a rest. There’s a strong suspicion that ratings lie behind the commissions for this now constant stream of exploitative TV. Hardy’s uncompromising James Delaney in Taboo, there may be more to this runaway monster than is immediately apparent (difficult childhood?), but it is strangely compelling. Unusually, the man most feared in any punch-up, Stephen Graham, is keeping his powder dry. Speaking of TV’s most violent, they were popping up like mushrooms on the box last week. Silent Witness (BBC One, Monday & Tuesday) had a brace of bad boys in a prison where one inmate was found frozen to death in a kitchen chiller. Just what I thought: too subtle for one of the lags – but no spoilers here. Forensics expert Emilia Fox, Review: television SILENT WITNESS: Emilia Fox reunites with campus killer THE NORTH WATER: Fur-hatted Stephen Graham’s dodgy captain meanwhile, was reunited with the “campus killer”, a multiple murderer who could probably stare down Drax in a stand-off. He was up to all sorts of bad things (his mother even wanted him to stay in prison) in a story which again was almost too violent, to the point of looking for the off-button. We had two all-in brawls along with the dangling of a prison officer over a railing before launching him on a 30ft drop on to his back. The prison was actually marked for closure because it was so badly run by Kevin Doyle (last seen in Downton Abbey). My only positive thought during this grim, unrelenting four hours was that maybe it’s part of a BBC re-engineering programme to dissuade young people from committing crimes and possibly ending up in a nick like this. I always feel Silent Witness is 20 minutes too long. They could have lost this creepy line from a student at Emilia’s first lecture: “I read your paper on asphyxiation: It took my breath away.” A serial killer in the making? Finally, I know it’s hot but does every male contestant in the new reality show Ready To Mingle (ITV2, Monday) need to lose his shirt so quickly? Spare a thought for the dad bod. Otherwise, this promising Love Island pretender was highly watchable, not least for heavily-pregnant host Katherine Ryan who gasped when seeing one chap: “My waters just broke!” And this one had his shirt on…

WIN £20,500! Advertisement S Z F T Y H F X Q C G D F C V S D F D A K X H K F T U V H C X C G D R X F X Q T X P G V E B J H G V H R E F C O R G I X C B E G Y J H B G R R G G F A Q I K J H N H H Y R O Y A L F H G F G A C D J Y J G U F D R F Z R T T Z Q U J S N S Y F Y G F T G X T Y Y G H Y T G F D H G K F G R F Z R H U M E G H A N G G F A R F H E A F K Z X S D C V F G V B T F D A D S G I Z Q Z Q V E D F R T E G H R S D H K R T G F D F G F D X C V H R G F G L S Z A S X W I L L I A M F Y D F F K Z A Z X C D F R F G R T F G F D S F C H E Q U E Z X C X C V B G F R T One word from the word list below is NOT in the puzzle grid. This missing word is your £20,500 answer! WORD LIST QUEEN HARRY MEGHAN ROYAL WILLIAM KATE REGAL CORGI To challenge you, we’ve also hidden a £1,500 ‘mystery word’. Find it in the puzzle and register your answer on our entry line for the chance to win another £1,500 cash! Hint: YOU BANK IT ! HURRY ! CLOSES MIDNIGHT TOMORROW! Here’s your special chance to claim £20,500 cash in our latest wordsearch competition. That’s right, we’re giving all United Kingdom residents who qualify and are over 18 the chance to Win Twenty Thousand, Five hundred Pounds Cash! All you have to do is find the MISSING WORD from the puzzle grid and activate your entry for the draw before midnight tonight for the chance to win one of the 95 cash prizes available! Simply call our £20,500 correct answer phone line with your answer and you will be told on the phone if your entry has been accepted. But hurry because we have limited the time for entries! Lines Close Midnight TOMORROW! Prizes despatched 22nd of November! CASH PRIZES AVAILABLE: 1 x £20,500 27 x £1,000 67 x £150 CORRECT ANSWER PHONE LINE 0906 635 0369 * Calls cost £3.60 plus your phone company’s access charge and last only 1 minute. *At the end of the first call you will be given the option to transfer to another competition phone line and register your answer for the extra £1500 Hidden Mystery Word Competition. If you choose to do so the second call will last 2 minutes and costs £3.60 per minute, Maximum service charge £7.20. Maximum service charge to enter both competitions combined is £10.80. All calls will additionally incur your phone company’s access charge per minute. As a responder to this promotion, Wynnington Ltd may contact you regarding your entry and similar exciting offers by post. You may refuse such offers by writing to us at Wynnington Opt Out, PO Box 133, Rye, TN31 9EU, or by calling us on 0808 206 4152 or by emailing us a t optout@wynnington.co.uk. The British Wordsearch may be promoted via different layouts of print and online media and may include various puzzle challenges. Each correct entrant is allocated a unique number between 1 and 513,131. Prizes available: 1 x £20,500; 27 x Secondary Prizes of £1000; 67 x minor prizes of £150. One winning number will be independently drawn for each available prize and if there is an exact match with an active entry the prize will be awarded. Alternative free postal entry: send your name, address and original completed puzzle sheet to customer services, marking your envelope ‘British Wordsearch’. Approximate odds of winning a cash prize: 1:5401. Draw date:22/11/2021. The extra £1500 Hidden Mystery Word Competition is run in conjunction with a number of other Wynnington competitions and requires entrants to identify the 6 letter hidden mystery word in any one of these separate Wynnington puzzles. One £1500 winner will be randomly drawn from the pool of correct entries on 22/11/2021. Wynnington are not responsible for errors or circumstances outside their reasonable control and reserve the right to amend competition rules to ensure a fair competition. Should you be a winner, your name, county, testimonial and photograph may be used with your permission for publicity purposes. Actors’ photos may be used to represent genuine winners. Our Registered Office is 23 Shackleton Court, 2 Maritime Quay, London, E14 3QF but all competition related queries should be directed to customer services. © Wynnington Ltd 2021, registered in Great Britain no: 8271507. T/A British Wordsearch. Wynnington Customer Services, Newspaper Challenge, PO Box 133, Rye, TN31 9EU or call 01797 309000 or email customerservice@wynnington.co.uk. Full T&Cs and our privacy policy can be found at www.wynnington.co.uk.

SE1ST SHOP RediKettle KEEP YOUR BOILED WATER HOT FOR UP TO 4 HOURS, NO NEED SAVE £10 TO REBOIL! £59.99 £3.99 P&P WAS FROM £69.99 40 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 winter’s wildlife with stuart winter unique Spoonbill is perfectly adapted for sifting silt Rudeckia Goldsturm IN THE • The vacuum insulated, double wall, Heat Lock Technology keeps your water drink-ready hot for up to four hours just like a fl ask! • Features five precise temperature settings so you can make your perfect drink every time. • It’s up to 33% faster to re-boil the RediKettle than it is to re-boil a conventional kettle and it uses up to 20% less energy, saving you money! • Large 1.7L capacity and the patentpending patent-pending base’s unique CupCount display means you always know exactly how many drinks you have left in your RediKettle. • RediKettle is completely cool to the touch, even what it’s freshly boiled, for your peace of mind. RediKettle 1.7L (Red) £59.99 + £3.99 P&P I enclose a cheque for £ made payable to High Street TV (Group) Limited. Please write your name and address on the back of your cheque and send to High Street TV, Reader Offers ROSX500, PO Box 769, Central House, Harrogate HG1 9QY Or please debit my… Visa MasterCard Maestro card Card no Valid from Exp date Security code QTY Iss no (if Maestro) Mr Mrs Ms First name ............................................................................ Initials .................................................. Surname ............................................................................ Address ............................................................................................. Postcode .............................. Daytime tel no ............................................................................................................................. Signature ................................................................................................................................... Date .............................................. TO ORDER ONLINE VISIT: 5 TEMPERATURE SETTINGS 60 º C - 100 º C AVAILABLE IN CHROME, CHARCOAL & RED • Reactive Temperature Indication LEDs will accurately show you the temperature of the water in your RediKettle – even as it heats up! • The 1.7L capacity RediKettle includes Auto shut-off and easy one-touch buttons. AS SEEN ON TV RediKettle 1.7L (Charcoal) £59.99 + £3.99 P&P QTY WWW.SHOP.EXPRESS.CO.UK/REDIKETTLE If you prefer to receive information and offers from organisations carefully selected by Express Newspapers, please tick here [ ]. To see how your data is processed please refer to Express’s Privacy Policy: https://www.express.co.uk/privacy This offer is provided by High Street TV (Group) Limited (company number 6577510) Central House, Beckwith Knowle, Otley Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1UF. Offer subject to availability. For queries on refunds please contact High Street TV. Calls cost 12p per minute from a BT landline plus network extras. Calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more. Please see High Street TV’s Terms and Conditions for further details (https://www.highstreettv.com/terms-and-conditions). Offer ends 08/10/2021. Unusual beak of perfection No bird seems to spend as much time asleep as the spoonbill. Virtually every encounter with this striking but sleepy wetland inhabitant begins – and ends – with views of its dozing head tucked deep into snowy white plumage. Hour upon hour, spoonbills will hunker down in dank vegetation with only the occasional peep to show they are alive. Then again, when evolution confers the most preposterous of survival adaptations – a beak the shape of a piece of cutlery – perhaps embarrassment necessitates evasive action. My first sight of a spoonbill in the wild – sleeping, of course – came 40 years ago at the RSPB’s Minsmere reserve in Suffolk and was a remarkably underwhelming event considering the species had always produced feelings of wonder on my part. Pictures of spoonbills sweeping their distinctive beaks in muddy water to filter for food filled my ‘‘ Drainage of the Fens helped to wipe them out in the 17th century childhood bird books, alongside miserable accounts of how the species became extinct in Britain. Drainage of ancient fenland haunts and hunting for the pot did for the spoonbill and they disappeared as a nesting British bird in the 17th century. Conservation efforts on both sides of the North Sea have fortunately seen the spoonbill enjoy a renaissance over the past few decades. With the Dutch population increasing to 700 pairs in the late 1990s, it was not long before birds headed west and started re-colonising East Anglia. Tentative attempts at nesting at various locations finally bore fruit with the first breeding success in Lancashire at the turn of the millennium. Today, the Holkham National Nature Reserve in Norfolk is the epicentre of the British spoonbill population with more than 30 pairs. A total of 345 chicks have been raised over the last decade. A walk along a coastal path skirting The Wash last month brought me the welcoming – and unusual – sight of a young bird on the wing with neck stretched out straight and huge, spatula bill pointing forwards. What better adjective to describe the vision of a spoonbill in full flight than stirring? Follow STUART on twitter: @birderman Heliopsis Kniphofia Bees Lemon As autumn approaches it’s time to start a gold rush in your garden September is a golden month. Warm yellows predominate in the flowering garden, reflecting and basking in the late summer sunbeams. This week we have enjoyed some balmy Indian summer weather and the garden is happily absorbing this extra dose of sunlight. Golden oats of Stipa gigantea, blonde tufts of Stipa tenuissima and other late flowering grasses contribute to the hazy harvest ambiance. Ligularia So if your garden is looking a bit flat, here are my top golden plants to illuminate your borders and get those mellow yellow vibes going. Rudbeckia Goldsturm – this is a really easy one, coneflowers are undemanding plants that will keep producing their bright daisy flowers without any assistance from you. Native to North America, they are commonly used in prairie-style planting schemes and combine well with other late-flowering perennials such

SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 41 garden with DIARMUID GAVIN Helenium gardening@express.co.uk Sorry, Diarmuid cannot reply personally PLANT for the week Anemone hupehensis Japanese anemones are synonymous with September and are putting on a very good show this year, although they came a little early. They’re a great choice for shady spots and will cope with some dryness as well. They can be invasive so if you’re concerned about that, plant in containers. Good cultivars include ‘Honorine Jobert’, which is a pure white single variety, ‘Pamina’, with its large, double, deep pink flowers, or the delightful ‘Frilly Knickers’ which is as blousy as its name suggests – with romantically ruffled white flowers infused with lilac. Coreopsis Tinctoria as Verbena bonariensis and late-flowering grasses. They can tolerate a bit of shade quite well so long as you don’t let them dry out. Easy to raise from seed in spring and great for wildlife too. Heliopsis is called the false sunflower and has pale sunflower-type flowers on tall dark red stems, three to four feet in height so great for dancing brightly at the back of the border. Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. A perennial which can be grown from seed early next spring and will generally flower in the first year. Kniphofia Bees Lemon is a red hot poker but with delicious lemony yellow flowers. Also known as torch lilies, they act like beacons or flares in the border with their emphatic upright flowers. Surprisingly easy to grow, ideal conditions are a moist but free-draining soil – while Mellow yellow ‘‘ Heliopsis is great for dancing brightly at the back of a border they can tolerate some drought they prefer moisture in summer but in winter wet soil can rot them. Coreopsis tinctoria, also known as tickseed, is a fast-growing hardy annual that will reach around two feet high with lots of daisy-like brilliant yellow flowers with a red centre. Grow from seed next spring. Beautiful in a meadow style or naturalistic garden. Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ loves moist, boggy soil and a bit of Dahlia Yellow Hammer shade. The leaves are large and jagged, and shooting from the base come these dramatic spikes of yellow daisies contrasted against the black stems. To create artificial boggy conditions, you can dig out an area and line with plastic, punching a few holes to allow for minimal drainage. Helenium ‘The Bishop’ is a rich yellow ‘prairie’ perennial and is invaluable at this time of year for colour and gaiety. A plant with straightforward requirements – it likes to be in a bright and sunny position in good well-enriched soil that doesn’t dry out. ‘Rauchtopas’ is another beauty with bright yellow petals that curve upwards to show a glimpse of orange beneath. Dahlias do a great job at this time of year, bringing joy and colour. Single blooms are preferable for pollinators and dwarf bedding dahlias are compact choices for front of borders or containers, such as ‘Yellow Hammer’ producing single yellow flowers and contrasting bronze foliage. Jobs for the week ■■Get a head start with hardy annuals and sow now. This can be done in situ or in trays. ■■If you have an area set aside as meadow, it’s time to give it an autumn chop. Cut as close to ground as possible and remove the cuttings. This allows the light in and helps germination of new seeds. ■■Remove summer raspberry canes that have finished fruiting. Next year’s fruit will be on the fresh green canes and these need tying in to supports. No raspberries? Think about ordering them and other fruiting canes such as blackberries now as you can plant them in the dormant season this winter. ■■Dry days make good seed collection days. Armed with a brown paper bag and pen, shake the seed into the bag and label. Many seeds can be sown fresh now or kept in a dry cool place for spring sowing. ■■Start planting bulbs – you can get autumn flowering crocus in the shops now which should be planted immediately. “I’ve never seen the sea before! Please, what is all that water for?” “Why, that’s where all the Merfolk dwell, And serpents of the sea as well!” ■■It’s a good time of the year for soil improvement while the earth is still pliable and not waterlogged – dig in your garden compost or well-rotted manure. ■■While this beautiful weather continues and the ground is still warm, it’s a good time to plant herbaceous perennials. The heated soil encourages root growth before winter sets in and there’s also sufficient moisture to hydrate them. By planting now you give your plants a head start so that by spring they are raring to go. ■■For the same reasons, it’s also a good time to lift and divide perennials that have become congested and need some rejuvenation. They won’t all like division – for example, those with long tap roots such as cow parsley – and it’s best to leave those that are flowering now such as rudbeckia to spring division. When replanting divisions or new perennials, give them a good soak and keep them well watered to help them establish. Rupert Rupert And The Secret Boat episode 9 The fisherman busily mending his nets is surprised at the appearance of the little guinea-pig. “Please, do you live here?” asks Gregory before Rupert can stop him. “Where does all this sea water come from? What’s it doing? Why doesn’t it all run away over the edge? Does it go up and down, as Rupert says?” The man gazes in delight at his small questioner. “Well, well, nobody has ever asked me lovely things like that,” he grins. To order the New Rupert Bear Soft Toy (30cm - Rainbow Designs) at £14.99 please call 01872 562315: or order on www.classicrupertbearshop.com. UK P&P £4.95

SE1ST SHOP FLOATING Bath Thermometer 42 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 in GOOD 1617 Floating Bath Thermometer £11.49 ONLY +£3.49 P&P Simply give the thermometer a shake and throw it into the bath and in 5 seconds it’ll give you an accurate reading in degrees centigrade. The thermometer features an easy to see LCD display and a warning light for very hot water. Once submerged, the thermometer will re-check the temperature every five seconds. TO ORDER CALL 0871 664 3491 OR VISIT SHOP.EXPRESS.CO.UK If you prefer to receive information and offers from organisations carefully selected by Express Newspapers, please tick here . To see how your data is processed please refer to Express’s Privacy Policy: https://www.shop.express.co.uk/privacy This offer is provided by Lifemax Direct UK Limited. Reg. 05516247. 1 Pipers Court, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4ER. Offer subject to availability. For queries on refunds please contact the Supplier. Calls cost 12p per minute from a BT landline plus network extras. Calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more. Please see Supplier’s Terms and Conditions for further details (Please allow up to 7 working days for delivery. Please note we do not refund postage on unsuitable items or cancelled orders. If not happy for any reason we will accept faulty/unused goods in sealed original packaging for refund or replacement within 10 days. Please note orders paid for by cheque may be delayed as we will only ship on cleared funds. Please note a signature may be required on delivery). MASSAGING Knee Support £31.49 ONLY WAS £39.99 SAVE £8.50 +£3.49 P&P SHOP 1034 - Massaging Knee Support This patented 3-in-1 massaging knee protector relieves joint pain by providing a targeted compression massage to the knee area. Suitable for sports and general injuries or age related deterioration. • Drug free relief from joint pain and arthritis. • 3 unique interchangeable inner pads • Massage improves blood circulation • Medically approved with a patented design. TO ORDER CALL 0871 664 3491 OR VISIT SHOP.EXPRESS.CO.UK If you prefer to receive information and offers from organisations carefully selected by Express Newspapers, please tick here . To see how your data is processed please refer to Express’s Privacy Policy: https://www.shop.express.co.uk/privacy This offer is provided by Lifemax Direct UK Limited. Reg. 05516247. 1 Pipers Court, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4ER. Offer subject to availability. For queries on refunds please contact the Supplier. Calls cost 12p per minute from a BT landline plus network extras. Calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more. Please see Supplier’s Terms and Conditions for further details (Please allow up to 7 working days for delivery. Please note we do not refund postage on unsuitable items or cancelled orders. If not happy for any reason we will accept faulty/unused goods in sealed original packaging for refund or replacement within 10 days. Please note orders paid for by cheque may be delayed as we will only ship on cleared funds. Please note a signature may be required on delivery). When Ruth Wilkins was told she had inoperable colon cancer, her dreams for the future disappeared. Then a medical emergency offered her an unexpected lifeline As Ruth Wilkins came round from the anaesthetic, she couldn’t believe what the surgeon was saying – she was free of all visible signs of cancer. Three months earlier, she’d been told she had a tumour in her colon so large it couldn’t be removed. Even with chemotherapy, she would only have a few years to live. But incredibly, after being admitted to hospital for an emergency operation to relieve pressure on her digestive system, the surgeon had managed to remove all visible traces of cancer from her body. “I’d been planning my funeral, and suddenly I was told I could have years to live,” says Ruth, 56, a retired executive coach. “It was amazing and I am so grateful.” Looking back, Ruth can see there was a change in her bowel habits about three years before her diagnosis. “I was quite constipated and only went to the loo a couple of times a week,” she says. But she wrote off the symptoms as a sign of getting older. “It never occurred to me that I could have cancer.” Then, in June 2020, she started to have excruciating pain in her stomach. At first the pain was on and off, but as the weeks went by it became more persistent. In August, she made an appointment to see her GP, and a test found a small trace of blood in her stool sample. Ruth, who lives in Castle Eaton, Wiltshire, with husband Les, 63, a businessman, was HAPPY referred for a colonoscopy. It Making involved a small camera being plans with husband inserted into her colon. Les “After the procedure, the doctor took my husband and I into a room and told us I had cancer. I was so shocked and upset. I’d assumed it was a stomach ulcer, so it was hard to take it in.” Follow-up appointments revealed Ruth had stage four colon cancer, which had spread through her abdomen and into the tissue that lines the abdominal wall. Since the tumour appeared to be inoperable, the only option was palliative chemotherapy. “The first thing I wanted to know was how long I had left,” says Ruth. “I thought my husband and I would have 30 years together in our home in the countryside but all that disappeared in a second. I was heartbroken.” Ruth was especially worried about Les, who’d lost his first wife to breast cancer 22 years before. Ruth was told she would live for three years on average with chemotherapy, or six to 12 months without treatment. She chose chemotherapy and, like many cancer patients, had to attend appointments alone due to Covid restrictions. “It was scary but the nurses were brilliant,” she says. “They knew it was my first time and really looked after me.” But the chemo was gruelling. “Most of the time I was in bed, unable to move because I felt so sick.” On Christmas Day 2020, Ruth started vomiting, and in January was admitted to hospital. A CT scan revealed the tumour had grown and blocked her colon – if she didn’t have emergency surgery, she wouldn’t live more than a few days. Ruth was offered two options: either the surgeon on duty could insert a stent into her colon to allow waste to pass through, or later that evening, one of the hospital’s top what can i do about... hormonal fatigue? Family practitioner Dr Alona Pulde believes eating the right foods can help support your monthly cycle and boost your energy levels. “During your period, it’s important to eat iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry and fish or leafy greens, beetroot and legumes,” she says. In the first two HOPE Ruth is living life to the full weeks of your cycle, it’s common to feel more energetic. “Eating fibrerich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, and fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut, will help to clear excess oestrogen,”she says. Around day 12 of your cycle, you may experience food cravings. “Eat at regular times to maintain stable blood sugar levels and always keep a nutritious snack with you,” she adds. Snack ideas include avocado and spinach on toast, and hummus with cucumber or carrots. Meanwhile, in the final two weeks of your cycle, Dr Pulde recommends eating complex carbs to balance moods and curb cravings, including grains, beans and starchy vegetables.

SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 43 HEALTH with amy packer I was planning my funeral… now I could have years to live retail therapies ■Looking ■ for a better biscuit to accompany your cuppa? Nairn’s Gluten Free Salted Oat Caramel Biscuit Breaks (£1.80; Sainsbury’s) are crumbly, oaty and contain buttery caramel fragments and sea salt – but they’re also high in fibre, and contain 40 per cent less sugar than the average glutenfree biscuit. ■Add ■ a little luxury to your ablutions while on the move with the Noble Isle Rhubarb Rhubarb! Hand Care Trio (£20; nobleisle. com). The set contains a hand wash, sanitiser and lotion, all in the most delicious fragrance. They’re also natural, vegan and paraben-free and would make a decadent autumnal gift. SURPRISE After the emergency surgery surgeons could remove part of her colon, leaving her with a colostomy bag. Ruth chose the second option, believing it would give her as much time as possible with her family. Then, when the surgeon came to speak to her before the operation, he gave her some unexpected news. “I’d been told the tumour was inoperable, but the surgeon looked at the CT scan and said it wasn’t as large as we thought,” she explains. “He said he could good news ‘‘ The surgeon looked at scans and said it was not as big as they thought Venom from a deadly Australian spider could be used in a lifesaving heart attack drug. Heart and circulatory diseases cause 160,000 deaths a year in the UK, according to the British Heart Foundation. But a new drug developed from funnel web spider venom could prevent remove the whole tumour during the operation to remove my colon. I couldn’t believe it. “When I came round from the anaesthetic, the surgeon was beside the bed. He said he’d managed to remove all visible traces of the cancer. “It was amazing and I was so grateful.” The surgeon warned Ruth that although there are no visible signs, her cancer will return one day – although it’s impossible to tell where or when. Now, nine months later, Ruth has just finished a second round of chemotherapy. She Spider venom for heart attacks damage after a heart attack by stopping the ‘death signal’ from the brain which is sent after a cardiac arrest. Scientists at the University of Queensland hope the drug will help extend the life of donor hearts too, meaning more transplants will be able to take place. has regular scans to check whether the cancer has spread, but there’s no sign of it yet. Meanwhile, she still struggles with the emotional impact of what happened to her. “Even now I find it hard to believe the cancer has been cut out,” she says. “Perhaps if I’d been seen by a different surgeon to begin with, I would never have been told it was inoperable. But life is too short to waste time being angry about things you can’t change.” Ruth’s husband and family are over the moon, but she still feels cautious about the future. “It is difficult knowing that you self help have got a ticking time bomb inside you,” she admits. She has recently returned from a trip to the Lake District with her siblings and hopes to go on holiday with Les later in the year. “I want to make memories with my family. “I’m thankful for every day I get to spend with them,” she says. ■Ruth ■ is supporting Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco. Run, walk or jog. Sign up to a local event at raceforlife.org and raise money to fund life-saving research Interview by Elizabeth Archer Understanding eczema triggers “Knowing what can trigger a flare up is crucial,” says dermatology nurse Paula Oliver at Epimax (epimax.co.uk). Keeping a diary can help you find yours. “Dust mites, pollen, perfume and chemicals are common triggers,” says Paula. “Clothing made of wool, nylon and polyester can cause excess sweat, so wear cotton, silk and bamboo.” Cold weather and central heating can dry skin. Acidic, salty or spicy food can also cause issues if they come into contact with skin. Chlorine can be bad news too, so shower and apply emollient after swimming. ■■Dogs aren’t just for Christmas, and tennis isn’t only a summer sport. Adidas has revamped the Barricade tennis shoe (£120; adidas.co.uk) using a newly developed rubber compound to provide on-court anti-abrasion, built-in lacing and a lightweight cushioning that gives extra comfort and flexibility. Loved by the pros as much as our tester. ■Packed ■ with pre and probiotics to keep your gut microbiome in tip-top condition, and vitamins E and C for their antioxidant power to help protect against free radicals, Beauty Bites (£28 for 14; krumbledfoods.com) also contain 3800mg of boosting hydrolysed collagen peptides, for a snack that brings benefits to skin, joints and nails.

Escape for winter NEW FOR 2021 sun on a star-studded Canaries cruise 12-NIGHT FULL-BOARD NO-FLY CRUISE ON BOARD QUEEN MARY 2 EXCLUSIVE TO IMAGINE CRUISING | DEPARTING 1 DEC 21 PRICES FROM £1,199 pp NO-FLY CRUISE POWERHOUSE PERFORMANCE BY LULU CLASSICAL SINGER RUSSELL WATSON COMEDIAN JIMMY TARBUCK, OBE BOOK NOW: Scan the QR code Visit www.imaginecruising.co.uk/cunard-sailcation Or call 01793 547 444 in partnership with Imagine Cruising

SE1ST Travel Edited by NIGEL THOMPSON @TravelEdNigel Sunday Express September 12, 2021 45 email traveldesk@reachplc.com twitter @TravelEdNigel @marjorieyue @JaneMemmler @LissamanVicky online express.co.uk/travel instagram.com/dailyexpresslifestyle Salt of the earth Sodium chloride probably isn’t at the top of your tourism bucket list trips…but maybe it should be. We’ve found natural wonders and man made marvels, so say thanks a mill for the world’s best salt sights… By Nigel Thompson ALL MINE Krakow’s grand Wieliczka Salt Mine Wieliczka Salt Mine, Krakow, Poland The grand dame of saline savouring dates back to the first diggings in the late 13th century. Over 700 years some 26 shafts were sunk and an extraordinary 152 miles of galleries excavated on nine levels and up to 1,072ft deep. The tourist route ‘only’ covers 2.2 miles and reaches 443ft down, but still takes in some memorable sights such as numerous carved statues, grottos and St Kinga’s Chapel, which can accommodate 400 people for a wedding or baptism. Even larger, the Warszawa Chamber is used for concerts, theatrical performances, banquets and conferences with 700 guests catered for with toilets, bars, food, mobile signal and wi-fi …all 410ft underground! While salt is no longer extracted, 400 miners still work on the vast site doing maintenance and renovation to make sure it is safe for tourism, which is its most valuable asset today. ■ ■ wieliczka-saltmine.com TURN TO PAGE 46 Free Covid PCR tests are now included in 2021 holidays booked this month with On the Beach. The firm has restarted selling getaways to Spain and Greece after a three-month layoff because of the traffic lights chaos. Boss Simon Cooper said: “We are thrilled to launch this industry-leading offer.’’ onthebeach.co.uk Cruise news by NIGEL THOMPSON Spa experiences for passengers with long-term health conditions are to be offered on Fred Olsen’s two new ships. Bolette and Borealis will feature rituals which include meditative back, body and scalp treatments and facials, all suitable for people with sensitive skin and who might be living with cancer. The line has partnered with Cornish skin care firm Made for Life Organics for the therapies, which will feature organic, botanical ingredients. A Fred Olsen spokesman said: “This is a really important advancement for health and wellbeing treatments at sea. ’’Made for Life Organics have really revolutionised the spa experience for those living with long-term health conditions.” fredolsencruises.com ■Ultra ■ luxury line Silversea Cruises will resume Antarctic sailings in November. It has reached an agreement with Chile to homeport Silver Cloud and Silver Wind in Punta Arenas, with Silver Explorer based in Puerto Williams. Each all-suite, butler-serviced elite ship will head to the Antarctic for passenger excursions which explore by boat and kayak, and feature hikes with expedition experts. silversea.com Set the Magic-ometer to 11 for the start of the Disneyland Paris 30th anniversary showpiece on March 6. Visitors to the celebrations will ‘’dream bigger, laugh louder and smile wider’’. More details about the experiences on offer will be announced soon. disneylandparis.com

TRAVEL Grand Tour of Ireland In association with 8 DAYS MAY - SEP 2022 £719 FROM PER PERSON SE1ST 46 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Travel Deals of the week by NIGEL THOMPSON SHORT HAUL • Majorca from £589pp: Save 30% on a week’s B&B at the five-star Zoëtry Hotel near Llucmajor. It comes with flights from Luton on October 17 and private transfers. Book by September 30. travelcounsellors.co.uk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 GOLDEN Sunset at the Great Salt Lake Ireland is one of the most enchanting holiday destinations in the world, offering a host of vibrant cities bursting with culture and breathtaking natural scenery. On this captivating break we blend the country’s panoramic landscapes of rolling hills and sparkling lakes with its historic towns and lively cities, including the capital Dublin. We combine guided tours with time at leisure for a wonderful exploration of the Emerald Isle. We also visit Northern Ireland to discover cosmopolitan Belfast and the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. ALSO AVAILABLE BY AIR Mourne Mountains, Titanic & Giant’s Causeway 6 DAYS MAY, JUL & SEP 2022 £519 FROM PER PERSON PRICE INCLUDES • Return coach travel* and ferry crossings • 7 nights at selected 3-star hotels in Ireland with dinner & breakfast** • Excursions to Belfast, Titanic Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Derry~Londonderry, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Ring of Kerry, Killarney & Dublin • Guided city tours of Belfast, Galway, Limerick & Dublin with our tour manager • Guided walking tour of Derry~Londonderry with our tour manager • Escorted by a tour manager in Ireland Single supplement £245pp Galway & Contrasts of Connemara 6 DAYS MAY, JUL & SEP 2022 £499 FROM PER PERSON • Greek mainland from £449pp: A seven-night break at the four-star Parga Beach Resort in Parga saves 36% and includes breakfast and flights from Birmingham on October 10. olympicholidays.com • Gibraltar from £319pp: Fly from Heathrow on on selected dates between October 11-31 for a three-night B&B break at the five-star Sunborn Gibraltar yacht. Includes 23kg luggage, book by September 21. britishairways.com/gibraltar • Malta from £305pp: A week’s room-only at the three-star Topaz Hotel in St Paul’s Bay departs from Liverpool on October 10 and comes with 23kg luggage. easyjet.com/en/holidays LONG HAUL • Dubai from £965pp: Jet away from Heathrow on November 16 and save 9% on a five-night half-board stay at the five-star Anantara Dubai the Palm Resort and Spa. teletextholidays.co.uk Salt Lake City, Utah, US There’s a clue in the name. Located by the Great Salt Lake and founded by Mormon pioneers led by the charismatic and polygamous Brigham Young (16 wives and 56 children), it was called Great Salt Lake City up to 1868. Admittedly SLC is not one of America’s best known tourist hotspots but there’s quite a bit to see and do, ranging from 2002 Winter Olympics sites, snow sports, zoos, gardens and water parks to the impressive Mormon Temple with its six spires, and a buzzing music and nightlife scene. Plus the spectacular mountain backdrop. Of course, the Great Salt Lake – at 1,700 square miles the largest salt water lake in the Western Hemisphere – is a big draw, with its wetlands forming a vital habitat for migratory birds. The lake sunsets can be epic too. ■ ■ visitsaltlake.com Our exploration of Northern Ireland offers a fascinating combination of city life, unrivalled coastal and mountain scenery plus dramatic natural wonders, including the ancient stone edifices of the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. PRICE INCLUDES • Return coach travel* and ferry crossings • 4 nights at a selected 4-star hotel in Dundalk or Carrickmacross with dinner & breakfast • 1 night at a selected 3-star hotel in the Dublin area with dinner • 1 breakfast on the return ferry home • Excursions to the Mountains of Mourne, Giant’s Causeway, Derry~Londonderry, Belfast, Titanic Belfast & Dublin • Guided walking tour of Derry~Londonderry and guided city tour of Belfast with our tour manager • Escorted by a tour manager in Ireland Optional locally guided city tour of Dublin (£14pp) Single supplement £175pp ALSO AVAILABLE BY AIR CALL US ON 03332 342 477 OR VISIT JUSTGOHOLIDAYS.COM/EXPC The Wild Atlantic Way runs along Ireland’s west coast and provides the world’s most enchanting coastal touring route. We combine this breathtaking scenery with the diverse landscapes of the Connemara National Park, plus the urban atmosphere of Galway and Dublin. PRICE INCLUDES • Return coach travel* and ferry crossings • 2 nights at a selected 3-star hotel in the Dublin area with dinner & breakfast** • 3 nights at the 3-star Breaffy Woods Hotel, Castlebar with dinner & breakfast • Excursions to Galway, Glen Keen Sheep Farm, Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, Connemara National Park, Westport House and Gardens, Achill Island & Dublin • Guided city tour of Galway with our tour manager • Sheep herding demonstration, tea, coffee and scones at Glen Keen Sheep Farm • Escorted by a tour manager in Ireland Optional locally guided city tour of Dublin (£14pp) Single supplement £175pp ALSO AVAILABLE BY AIR QUOTE EXPC *Return coach travel from an extensive network of pickup points in England & Wales. Pickup point locations vary and are subject to departure date. Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Single supplements apply. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. Please see website or call for further details. **Please note: due to our early departure, breakfast on the final morning will be taken on the ferry. STAYCATION • Lincolnshire from £94pp: A three-night ‘Disco Inferno’ Live Music Weekend at Butlin’s Skegness is for arrival on September 17 and features Boney M and Heatwave. Accommodation in a two-bedroom Silver Room that sleeps four. bigweekends.com • Cornwall from £222: Save 41% on a four-night Stay+Play self-catering break at Riviere Sands holiday park near Hayle. Based on a family of six sharing Deluxe accommodation and arriving on September 27. haven.com STAR BUY • St Lucia from £899pp: Save 50% on a seven-night all-inclusive holiday at the four-star adults-only SoCo House hotel in Gros Islet. Fly from Gatwick on October 11, with transfers. bluebaytravel.co.uk *Prices correct at time of publication and based on two sharing unless stated otherwise. Salzburg, Austria Again, there’s a clue in the name. Salzburg translates from the German as salt fortress, and its proximity to the Salzwelten Salzburg (Salzburg salt mine) in Hallein, which has been in operation for 2,600 years. Incidentally, not so far away, the salt mine at Hallstatt has been worked for 7,000 years and is the world’s oldest, as humans first discovered its vital use as a food preservative. The ‘white gold’ salt from Hallein, shipped along the River Salzach by barge, brought great wealth and employment to Salzburg, enabling the creation of the glorious music-rich city we admire today. Hallein and Hallstatt mines can both be visited and Salzburg Salz on Wiener- Philharmoniker-Gasse 3 in Salzburg sells practically every salt product imaginable, including salt lamps and salt deodorant. ■ ■ salzburg.info/en FORTRESS Salzburg is a city that’s built on salt

SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 47 email traveldesk@reachplc.com twitter @TravelEdNigel @marjorieyue @JaneMemmler @LissamanVicky online express.co.uk/travel instagram.com/dailyexpresslifestyle Dead Sea, Jordan and Israel It does not get much saltier than the Dead Sea – the hypersalination of the water makes it around nine times more salty than the oceans and for swimmers it is almost impossible to sink. The classic photo opportunity is to read a newspaper or book as you float on the surface of the water. But be warned, the extreme mineral content means the water will sting if you have any little nicks or cuts on your skin – and do not get it in your eyes! The size of the sea is shrinking steadily because of water extraction from the Jordan River which feeds it – some reports say the surface has shrunk by a third since the 1960s. Famously, of course, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth with the shores an ear-popping 1,419ft below sea level. ■ ■ info.goisrael.com/en, visitjordan.com Life of brine Chott el Djerid, Tunisia The largest salt pan in the Sahara Desert is a mesmerising sight of red, pink and blue hues. It covers up to 2,700 square miles in winter, and can be crossed by boat. In summer it can be almost dry and visited on foot, but great care must be taken as the salt crust can give way. Star Wars fans flock here to see the location of the original 1977 movie’s Tatooine location where Luke Skywalker watched the twin suns set by his Uncle Owen’s remote homestead and moisture farm. In case you were wondering, on eBay you can buy salt cellars shaped like lightsabers or R2-D2. You’re welcome. ■ ■ discovertunisia.com Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia The largest salt flat on the planet is not just a whopping 4,086 square miles (not quite the size of Wales, the universal media measure of area, but still quite large), it also sits on the Altiplano at a dizzying 11,995ft above sea level and is one of the most spectacular, unforgettable sights in South America, with colourful lakes, bubbling geysers and dramatic rock formations. If you like savage beauty, this is your place. Salt deposits can be up to 33ft deep and there are an estimated 10 billion tonnes of it. But the real treasure is the lithium, the JEDI NIGHT Chott el Djerid was a Star Wars location light metal used in laptop, smartphone and electric car batteries. Around 70% of the world’s entire reserves are here: for “white gold” read “grey gold”. Perhaps the most memorable sight among many is in the rainy season when a thin layer of water covers the flats, transforming them into what the locals call “the world’s largest mirror”, as it reflects the sky. At night, it is truly stellar, in every sense of the word. ■salardeuyuni.com ■ Saltmen, Chehrabad salt mines, Iran These macabre salt cured male ‘mummies’ were first discovered in 1993 with the initial remains dated to 300 AD. The initial find had a long white beard, wore a gold earring and carried iron knives. By 2010, the remains of six men had been unearthed. It’s believed they died accidentally when the galleries they were working in collapsed and they were well preserved over the centuries by the desiccating action of the salt in the mine in Zanjan province. Three of the mummies date as far back as 220-250 BC and the head and left foot of Saltman 1 are on display at the National Museum of Iran in Tehran. Other remains are in a museum in Zanjan. ■ ■ visitiran.ir HEAD BOY Mummified remains of a Saltman in Iran HEAVENLY Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia Hotel of the week by DAVID PRENTICE Mama Shelter London, Shoreditch, East London WHERE AND WHY: The quirky, boutique brand Mama Shelter London on Hackney Road, Shoreditch, in the heart of the East End. A few steps from both Cambridge Heath train station and Bethnal Green underground. Inside it’s fun and funky – a riot of colour and ceiling slogans aimed squarely at the hipster market. But even a couple well into their middle age can feel at home in Mama’s welcoming arms. Maybe that was down to the retro arcade machines dotted around (which all work... without coins!), the Betty Boop cartoon on repeat on the lounge TV or just the warm vibe. It’s a cosy, chic, unpretentious experience at very reasonable London rates. The rooms boast TVs with a wide range of channels – activated from your phone – the bedding is luxurious and stylish and cartoon masks are draped over the lamps. London’s Mama also offers two titillating packages entitled Mama Elopes and Sexcation. We politely declined – although regretted the decision when it transpired the Sexcation package included a bottle of champers and a 2pm checkout. ON THE MENU: Meals can be taken in the Secret Garden, which is a colourful, circular room off the main dining area, with a retractable roof for when the sun shines. Bar staff happily rustle up signature cocktails. Food is a hybrid of styles. Mama is a French creation – the first was launched in Paris quickly followed by Marseille and Lyon – and Mama’s menus claim “nuances are included from our London home with local produce”. That didn’t relate to our Shetland moules (£16) and roast Peterhead cod (£18), but they were nonetheless excellent. We were too ravenous to wait the 30 minutes for the sharing roast chicken with garlic and lemon (£38), which looked delicious for the more patient diners. There was a mix up over my wife’s breakfast, when staff didn’t appear to understand the concept of a soft-boiled egg. But she was graciously offered anything else on the menu to compensate. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Broadway Market area is a short walk away, plus there’s Victoria Park, towpath walks by Regent’s Canal and numerous good pubs and restaurants. WAKE UP CALL: Rooms from £109 a night. mamashelter.com/ london-shoreditch

TRIM HIGH HEDGES NO LADDER REQUIRED! WEIGHS 4.6KGS (10.1LBS) & INCLUDES POWERFUL 2.0AH BATTERY 4-POSITION (115 o ) PIVOTING HEAD EXTENSION SHAFT ALLOWS REACH UP TO 2.9M (9.5FT) “ Excellent tool - wish I’d bought one sooner. This is so much better than my usual corded short reach trimmer. I can reach everything I need to cut without needing my stepladder, both safer and more convenient than corded.” Joby, Verified Purchaser “ Slice through branches up to 18mm thick Shoulder strap (above) included. Harness (right) sold separately Fast and safe trimming 45CM DIAMOND GROUND BLADES FOR CLEAN CUTTING 18V ONE+ CORDLESS 45cm EXTENDABLE HEDGE TRIMMER 2.0AH BATTERY STARTER KIT Cut hard to reach hedges up to 2.9m (9.5ft) with both feet firmly on the ground. Featuring an articulating head for versatile trimming at multiple angles. The precision 45cm diamond ground blades slice through branches up to 18mm effortlessly to leave clean cut stems. Hedges trimmed in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort (keep the extension cord and ladder in the shed). Simply take out the extendable pole to also use as a short-reach hedge trimmer. SAVE £35 ONLY £139.99 INCLUDING FREE DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND ONLY INCLUDING Starter Kit includes: • 45cm Extendable Hedge Trimmer (RPT184520) • ONE+ 2.0Ah Battery • ONE+ 2.0A Charger • 3-Year Warranty * CORDLESS BATTERY SYSTEM 150+ TOOLS for the home & garden powered by one battery 25 YEARS of ONE+ battery system innovation SAVE MONEY Expand your collection with tools without batteries ORDER NOW 0333 006 9466 PROMOTION CODE PR365 Phone lines open: 8am – 8pm (Mon-Sun) www.ryobitools.co.uk Secure tracked delivery Subject to availability. Free 3-5 day delivery to UK mainland only – further geographical restrictions may apply. Your right to cancel will last for 14 days after receipt of goods. If you change your mind during this period, provided the goods remain unused & in original packaging, you can notify us of cancellation by letting us know in writing. *Registration required for warranty extension from 2 – 3 years. Register within 30 days of receipt of goods at RyobiTools.co.uk. Product sold by Techtronic Industries (UK) Limited, company registration: GB 551396338. All rights reserved. For full terms & conditions of sale please visit RyobiTools.co.uk. RYOBI is a Trade Mark of Ryobi Limited, and is used under license.

Introducing the i l l s o v e r 9 9 % K The UK’s first carpet washer with motion sense technology, that kills over 99% of bacteria. * o f b a c t e a r i The smart solution to a deep clean, the VAX Platinum SmartWash cleans better than the UK’s leading rental ∆ and leaves carpets dry in just 1 hour. † Antibacterial Clean There’s nothing better than a home that’s full of life, but often, there’s a different kind of life deep in your carpets that can’t be removed by vacuuming alone. That’s why the smart solution is to use the VAX Platinum SmartWash carpet washer - together with VAX antibacterial solution, the VAX Platinum SmartWash kills over 99% of bacteria * leaving your carpets looking and smelling deep clean. Motion Sense Technology The VAX Platinum SmartWash is the UK’s first carpet washer with Motion Sense technology; there’s no trigger, it automatically washes and dispenses clean water and solution when you push forward and dries when you pull back - meaning it’s effortlessly simple to use, and with the dry-only mode, it helps dry your carpets in as little as an hour. Motion Sense Technology The UK’s first Carpet Washer with motion sense technology - automatically dispensing solution and washing when moving forward and drying when pulling back. Clean with Ease To get cleaning, all you need to do is add water and solution – Platinum SmartWash does the rest. FlexForce brushbars deliver powerful cleaning force to shift spills and lift stains, for a deep clean that’s just as easy as vacuuming, but 7 times more effective ∆ . When you’re done, simply lift out the dirty water tank and pour away. The brushbars are also easily removed, meaning maintenance is simple and SmartWash is kept performing at its best. Clean More Than Carpets The VAX Platinum SmartWash’s sleek design ensures it is easy to manoeuvre throughout the home and including a stretch hose, Spinscrub hand tool and 2-in- 1 antimicrobial wash tool, the Platinum SmartWash can be used to deep clean and tackle stains on stairs, upholstery, pet beds and even the car. Plus, when you buy direct from VAX, get a free steamer worth £59.99. Use on Stairs Use on Upholstery Order today & receive a FREE Easy To Manoeuvre STEAM CLEANER worth £59.99 Order more solution at vax.co.uk so you’re always ready to tackle spills and stains. †When using dry only mode. ∆ Cleaning effectiveness on carpet, tested according to IEC 62885-3:2014 part 5.2.1. For further information email claimsinfo@VAX.co.uk.*When used with Vax Platinum Antimicrobial solution, use biocides safely, always read the label & product information before use. Orders before 5pm Monday-Friday will be next day delivery. Outside of these times, orders will be despatched next working day. Offer only while stocks last. Order direct today for just £299.99 WITH A FREE STEAMER + FREE DELIVERY. WHILE STOCKS LAST CALL: 0800 157 7211 WEB: vax.co.uk See the full VAX Carpet Washer range at vax.co.uk PAYMENT OPTIONS A V A I L A B L E VAXUK1252

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 51 FINANCIAL EDITED BY HARVEY JONES £141m half-year sales tonic for Fever-Tree FEVER-TREE is set to post a 36 per cent rise in half-year sales to £141.8million next week, as US sales sparkle. In July, the premium tonic maker reported a strong start to its financial year, with revenues up after restaurant and pub restrictions eased. Management raised annual revenue guidance to between £295million and £304million, up from £252.1million in 2020 and £260.5million in 2019. Interactive Investor head of markets Richard Hunter said while UK sales rose four per cent to £50million, US sales leaped 42 per cent at constant exchange rates to £36.2million: “Fever-Tree is showing top-line momentum in the US as it Capital at risk as China stalls continues to make inroads in what is a relatively new marketplace.” Sales of at-home drinks kept the company bubbling along nicely in lockdown, but pub and restaurant sales generally have a higher margin. The FTSE 250 stock had posted dramatic growth as the trendy “gin revolution” hit, but its share price now trades 43 per cent lower than three years ago. Another worry is that rising input costs are squeezing underlying margins. “Margins are expected to fall to about 20.5 per cent for the first half of 2021, which could imply a cut to underlying earnings of around eight per cent, hitting the share price,” Hunter said. By Harvey Jones THE Chinese’s government’s private sector crackdown risks scaring off international investors and undermining the country’s bid to rival the US for economic superpower status. Despite talk of a US decline after the withdrawal from Afghanistan, its stock market still outguns all rivals. Investors are increasingly wary of China after Premier Xi Jinping’s antitrust campaign triggered a stock market crash that wiped more than $1trillion from Chinese tech giants such as Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings. A state regulatory overhaul of the private education sector also hit sentiment. Chinese shares are down more than 12 per cent this year, while the booming US stock market is up more than 20 per cent, as measured by MSCI. Communist Party moves to “prevent the disorderly expansion of capital” have savaged investor sentiment, said Jason Hollands, managing director at Tilney Investment Management Services. “This is a reminder that investors cannot be complacent about political risk when investing in emerging markets, especially in countries with authoritarian regimes.” Hollands said China has adopted the trappings of a market-based economy but in practice this is “phony capitalism”. “Scratch beneath the thin veneer and China is an illiberal, Marxist state where the priorities of the Communist Party take precedence. The interests of international investors rank way down the pecking order.” Hollands said investors should not abandon the world’s second biggest economy, which will still provide opportunities for Western exporters but cautioned: “Understand the risks.” Cracking down on the private economy risks leaving China permanently stuck as a middleincome nation, he added. The country’s workforce is already shrinking due to its onechild policy and India is now better placed to grow. “India’s fastgrowing population means it should overtake China as the world’s most populous country. And it is a democracy with an GEE FIZZ: Sales of at-home drinks kept the company bubbling along in lockdown independent judiciary,” Hollands added. Dale Nicholls, portfolio manager at fund China Special Situations, said China has launched previous crackdowns, including one in 2018 designed to reduce the number of young people gaming. Tencent fell 50 per cent as a result but quickly recovered and Nicholls said recent falls could be a buying opportunity. China has to create a stable investment environment to support growth and policymakers are seeking to calm markets, Nicholls added. “Government regulation is a constant in China and every investor must incorporate this in their risk/reward framework.” US-listed companies make up 60 per cent of the global stock market, against just 4.1 per cent for Chinese firms. Saxo Bank’s head of equity strategy, Peter Garnry, said the US remains the economy and stock market to beat. “It will continue to dominate many highgrowth technologies such as cloud computing, cyber security and biotechnology.” SHOP SUNAGOR 18X21 MINI POCKET Binoculars New from Sunagor – the world's smallest 18x binoculars. Powerful 18 times magnification in a tiny size measuring 8cm x 8cm and weighing just 180g Easily slips into a pocket, ideal for sporting events, wildlife spotting, sightseeing and taking on holiday Multi-coated 21mm objective lenses, incorporating latest high quality optical technology Centre focusing with one eyepiece dioptre adjustment to suit your own eyesight plus fold-down rubber eye-cups for use with spectacles Comes in smart silver colour, includes case, wrist strap, lens dustcaps, polishing cloth and 10 year guarantee £39.99 ONLY £50 OFF THE MRRP MINI POCKET BINOCULARS £39.99 £4.99 PRICE P&P QTY TOTAL I enclose a cheque for £ made payable to Trans-World Trading Offer SX149. Please write your name and address on the back of your cheque. Or please debit my… Visa MasterCard Maestro card Card no Valid from Exp date Security code Iss no (if Maestro) Mr Mrs Ms First name ............................................................................ Initials ................................................... Surname ............................................................................ Address ............................................................................................... Postcode .............................. Daytime tel no .............................................................................................................................. Signature ....................................................................... ........................................................ Date ................................................... CALL US ON 0871 664 1467 * OR VISIT SHOP.EXPRESS.CO.UK/SUNAGOR SUNDAY EXPRESS OFFER SX149, 24 NORTHWAYS PARADE, COLLEGE CRESCENT, LONDON, NW3 5DN This offer is provided to you by Trans-World Trading. Reg. 775811 Trans-World Trading, 24 Northways Parade, College Crescent, London, NW3 5DN. For customer enquiries please call 0207 722 2976. Offer subject to availability. Please allow 14 days for delivery. If not fully satisfied, please return within 14 days for a refund/replacement. *Calls cost 12p per minute from a BT landline plus network extras. Calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more. ✁

SE1ST 52 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 I WAS surprised and impressed to see Boris Johnson tackle the social care crisis head on by raising National Insurance by 1.25 per cent to pay for it. Successive politicians have been postponing urgent reforms for so long, I thought that they would never summon up the courage to take action. It was inevitable that critics would line up to attack the results, and tell us how they would have done things differently. They may not have COMMENT found it so easy if they were the ones who had to explain why taxpayers are going to pay £12billion a year more as a result. Yet it looks like one of the key new measures, the £86,000 care cap, may prove a flop. Boris said it would spare families “the catastrophic fear of losing everything” as nursing care home fees roll up, but in practice that fear remains in place. Care residents will still have to harvey jones pay daily living costs such as accommodation and food, and these will not be capped. They could very easily run into six figures. There are no easy answers to the social care conundrum. Financial advisers will tell you to plan for care costs – but most people simply don’t have that kind of money. Also, we’d rather not think about it until we have no choice. A bit like Boris, really. ● harvey.jones@reachplc.com JUST £5.49 Rising fears of a pensions tax relief cut Pension companies are warning Chancellor Rishi Sunak against targeting pensions tax relief in next month’s Budget, saying any cut could destroy the UK’s fragile savings culture. Pensions tax relief costs the Treasury a hefty £40billion a year, and could prove an attractive way of slashing Government spending. The tax break favours higher earners, who can claim relief at either 40 or 45 per cent, while basic rate taxpayers only get 20 per cent. There has been repeated speculation that the Treasury could replace it with a flat-rate scheme which would level rates at 20 or 25 per cent for all taxpayers. Many expected the Chancellor to target pensions tax relief in his March Budget, in a move that could save more than £10billion. Fears are now growing that it could be a target in the Spending Review and Autumn Budget, which is scheduled for October 27. Tomorrow marks the start of Pension Awareness Week and Canada Life technical director Andrew Tully By Harvey Jones warned that any reduction in tax relief would send the wrong signals about the importance of saving for retirement: “We have precious little personal savings in the UK and many people struggle to save enough to live a moderately comfortable retirement.” Tully also cautioned that if pensions tax relief is reduced it could also discourage business owners from offering high-quality workplace schemes. Stephen Lowe, director at retirement specialist Just Group, said if Sunak did switch to a flat rate tax relief system he should set it at an attractive level of between 25 per cent and 33 per cent, to encourage saving. He said the UK pensions system is too complex and needs simplifying but the Treasury must not undermine the vital role that pensions tax relief plays in building a retirement savings culture. “Sunak must consult with the pensions industry about any changes,” Lowe added. Primark streets ahead on sales ON 12 CRAFT WINES Plus 2 FREE wine glasses worth £18 and FREE delivery! This is your chance to get your hands on 12 all-time customer favourites worth up to £11.99 each for HALF PRICE! We’re so confident you’ll love every drop, each wine comes with a money back guarantee. Oh and did we mention we’ll deliver direct to your door for FREE! Plus as an added extra, you’ll also receive 2 FREE Schott Zwiesel wine glasses (worth £18) to help deliver a truly premium wine drinking experience. This exceptional selection acts as the perfect introduction to our exclusive WineBank service. It is the best way to buy wine in the UK, packed full of some unbelievable benefits such as: £1 extra for every £5 saved FREE express delivery on all wine orders Complete flexibility, and no contract Love your wines or get your money back Primark will continue flying the flag for the high street as sales continue to boom, even though it has no online sales platform. The easing of social distancing measures should boost the fashion chain when it publishes its trading update tomorrow, said Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. Store closures cost Primark £1.1billion but it made up these sales in 16 weeks after shops reopened. Streeter said owner Associated British Foods will see little need for digital sales. “Primark is likely to clean up from rival Gap’s exodus.” FILL THE GAP: Primark all set to clean up Luxury Craft Wine Selection 12 CRAFT WINES WAS £136.38 NOW £65.88 Plus FREE WINE GLASSES AND DELIVERY! To order, visit virginwines.co.uk/VE2218 or call 0343 224 1001 quoting VE2218 Terms and Conditions: Please allow between 1-3 working days for delivery, however 85% of orders are arriving next working day. Also available as an all-red or all-white case. New customers only. UK Delivery only. You must be 18 years of age or over to buy alcohol. Strictly one case per customer. Not to be combined with any other promotion. By redeeming this offer you agree to try the Virgin Wines WineBank. WineBank uses easy monthly top-ups to save for your wine and rewards you with £1 for every £5 you deposit, plus free delivery on all future purchases. There’s no obligation to buy any more wine. Your default monthly payment is £25 which you can change on Virgin Wines' website. You can cancel your WineBank membership at any time and withdraw any funds you’ve added. Offer is unavailable to existing WineBank members. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes. Images for illustration purposes only. For full terms and conditions, visit www.virginwines.co.uk/terms JD Sport sales may suffer as NI rise hits consumer spend FRAGILE consumer confidence could trip up JD Sports Fashion’s half-year results on Tuesday. The branded sportswear and fashionwear’s share price has climbed by 2,400 per cent over the last decade. The high street retail star’s expansion was knocked earlier this month when the Competition and Markets Authority reiterated its decision to call on JD Sports to sell the business to protect consumers. Edison Group chief executive Fraser Thorne said consumer confidence is fragile. “Last week’s NI tax rises will be a drag on consumer spend.” Thorne said JD Sport’s “UK footprint provides diversity and stability” but warned: “Investors expect more from online sales.”

SE1ST By Harvey Jones Last week’s adult social care reforms were designed to bring clarity, certainty and fairness to the fraught issue of funding our final years, but the overhaul looks set to create as many problems as it solves. While Prime Minister Boris Johnson deserves plaudits for attempting to solve the care conundrum rather than kicking it even further down the road, the result is even more uncertainty. Many will be wondering how the reforms will affect their own later life planning. Unfortunately, there are still more questions than answers. FALSE CAP While the new £86,000 cap on social care costs is welcome, it is likely to prove of limited value in practice. In 2010, the Dilnot Commission’s review of long-term care recommended a far lower cap of £35,000, and Shaun Moore, tax and financial planning expert at Quilter, said: “The new cap will still place a pretty sizeable burden on individuals to stump up huge costs for their care provision.” In practice, if somebody requires an extended stay in a nursing care home, the bill could still run to hundreds of thousands of pounds. That is because the £86,000 cap only applies to personal care costs. It does not cover daily living costs such as food and accommodation, which can easily add up to £1,000 a month. Just Group calculates it could take three or four years to hit the £86,000 personal care cap, with families spending £200,000 to £400,000 in total. Worse, daily living costs will continue to roll up afterwards. Every year, around 20,000 people have to sell their homes to meet care costs and Louise Higham, financial planning director at Tilney, said this is unlikely to change. “Families should not get drawn into a false sense of security that their care needs will be taken care of, and many will still have to sell homes to pay for care.” She said families must draw up plans to plug any shortfall, by building up their savings pots. In practice, most won’t because of the uncertainty and complexity or plain lack of money. floor flaw The Government also lifted the “floor” at which point the local authority will pay for care costs. Currently, it only makes a contribution once the person’s assets have fallen below £23,250 in England, and only cover the full cost after they have dwindled to just £14,250. From October 2023, these will be raised so that help becomes available once savings fall below £100,000, but local authorities will only meet the full costs once savings fall below a meagre £20,000. Morgan Vine, head of policy and influencing at charity Independent Age, said we have no idea how much help local authorities will offer once savings fall below £100,000. “I still expect many needing care will still use up almost all of their savings and property wealth.” YET MORE MUDDLE Seven in 10 over-45s who have had to organise care for a family member ‘It is quite likely the Government will not fund private, more expensive care homes once people hit cap’ Social care reform plans just muddy the waters said they found the care system very complex and were shocked at how much it costs, Just Group research shows. If anything, it is going to get more confusing, because local authorities will now have to track how much people are spending on personal care, in order to calculate the cap accurately. As if that was not bad enough, people would only start accumulating funds in their care account from October 2023, meaning care spending before this point will not count. Mike Stimpson, partner at wealth manager Saltus, said we need more clarification on how the cap will be administered, tracked and recorded. “It is quite likely that local councils will not fund private, more expensive care homes once people hit the cap, possibly forcing people to move care home.” If Stimpson is right, that will cause yet more uncertainty and worry among vulnerable older people, who will fear being forced to move to an approved local authority home once the money runs out. uNFAIR PLANS? Many were critical about the way the Government is funding extra NHS and social care spending, with a new 1.25 per cent health and social care National Insurance levy. Jonathan Yeomans, head of tax at personal tax app Untied, said this will hit younger, lower-paid workers hardest. While pensioners will now pay the levy on earned income, they escape NI altogether on occupational and state pension income. “Many younger taxpayers now being hit by this charge would consider this unfair,” Yeomans said. The big danger is that social care is setting the generations against each other. Older people are unhappy because they feel after decades of making NI contributions they aren’t getting the care they deserve. Young people complain because they are paying tax to give older people a better chance of holding on to their homes. The issue is only going to get more acute, said Jane Williams, director and head of client services at Curamcare, who notes that 5,200 new people need care every day and the annual £40billion social care bill will increase by £1billion every year. “It is no wonder the Government delayed its care plans. The risk of throwing good money after bad is high.” Reader Offer money you could on energy bills Sunday Express September 12, 2021 53 SAVE £216 Are you one of the millions of UK households currently overpaying on their energy bills? n behalf of our loyal readers, we’ve partnered with one of the uK’s most trusted energy switching brands to create the switch and save with the ampaign - built with our readers in mind and designed to find you the best new deals, we could save you up to a huge £216* on your We do all the hard work for you... so why not start saving today? witching and saving is easy... visit EXPRESS.CO.UK/ENERGYSWITCH Or call 0800 049 2435 energy campaign *Between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2020, people who switched energy supplier for both gas & electricity with Uswitch saved an average of £216.

SE1ST 54 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 SHOP Oriental Green Jade HARMONY PENDANT GREAT GIFT This perfect green jade circle, measuring 2.5cm is intertwined with flowing rhodium plated sterling silver curves, representing the harmony of life. This beautiful silver pendant, marked 925 on the reverse, hangs from an 18" silver chain. Complete the look with matching Jade Studs. LYN1352 Oriental Green Harmony Pendant £49.99 RRP £64.99 save £15 LYN239 Green Jade Studs £19.99 ORDERLINE 0871 664 1450 OR VISIT SHOP.EXPRESS.CO.UK/EXLM185 Order by post: Express Offer EXLM185, PO Box 998, HP22 9LE Please make cheques payable to Lyncroft Marketing Services. Next working day delivery charged at £7.99 call 0871 664 1450 before 1pm. **Please add £4.99 for UK delivery, add £7.99 for overseas postage. Enquiries: 01296 641881. *National call rates apply. Offer subject to availability and provided by Lyncroft Marketing Services (Reg 3500918) PO Box 998, Aylesbury, HP22 9LE (‘Lyncroft’). Allow up to 7 days for delivery. If not fully satisfied, return within 14 days for full refund/replacement. *Calls cost 12p per minute plus your network extras. See Lyncroft’s privacy policy at www.andersonandwebb.com/pages/security-privacy and Express Newspapers policy at www.shop.express.co.uk/privacy. If you wish to receive information and offers from organisations carefully selected by Reach and updates from any of Reach’s publications please state when ordering. Maxing out tax breaks five-minute guide to... making the most of allowances By Harvey Jones AS THE UK’s tax burden soars to a 70-year high, maximising every tax allowance at your disposal is more important than ever. Britons have faced a string of tax increases in recent years, and there is little sign that this is going to stop. Last week, the Government unleashed a new 1.25 per cent National Insurance levy and hiked dividend tax on shares. In March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak froze income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance allowances for five years, which will steadily drag more taxpayers into the net. From next April, basic-rate payers will pay 8.75 per cent tax on dividends, up from 7.5 per cent, while higher-rate payers will pay 33.75 per cent, up from 32.5 per cent, in a measure expected to raise £600million. This is charged on dividends above £2,000 a year; anything below that figure will continue to be free of income tax. Most ordinary investors will not be affected but they can make doubly sure by investing inside their tax-free £20,000 Stocks and Shares Isa allowance. You can shift existing shares or funds inside your tax-free allowance by using something called “bed and Isa”, effectively selling them and buying them again inside an Isa, said Darius ON THE HUNT: Sunak has hit taxpayers McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services: “You can use your annual £12,300 capital gains tax allowance to take your gains free of tax, so long as you don’t exceed it in any given year.” The Chancellor could hike taxes further in his upcoming Spending Review and Autumn Budget, which will take place on October 27. Inheritance tax, capital gains tax and pensions tax relief could all be in the firing line as he looks for ways to plug the UK’s massive spending shortfall. Alan Harvey, financial planner at wealth manager Brewin Dolphin, said a major CGT increase could be on the cards. You risk a CGT bill when you sell assets at a profit, including shares and other investments held outside of a tax-free Isa, as well as paintings, antiques and jewellery, and property other than your main home. Currently, basic rate taxpayers pay CGT at 10 per cent, rising to 20 per cent for higher-rate taxpayers. These increase to 10 per cent and 28 per cent when selling an investment property or second home. Harvey said Sunak could bring these rates into line with income tax, which could double the charges in some cases. Inheritance tax could be another target, as it is a highly complicated system that has long been due an overhaul. Julia Rosenbloom, tax partner at Smith & Williamson, warned that some already face selling family homes to pay their IHT bills, and more could follow as house prices and shares rise, boosting assets. “Make the most of your current gifting allowances before any new reforms are introduced, to pass more assets on to your loved ones,” she said. Every Budget, there is speculation that the Chancellor will reduce tax relief on pension contributions, which could save the Treasury billions. Steven Cameron, pensions director at Aegon, said you can invest up to £40,000 a year into a pension and claim tax relief, and now could be a particularly good time to do so. “Higher rate taxpayers should take advantage while they can, just in case this is the Government’s next target,” he added. As we saw last week, everything is up for grabs. If worried, consider taking tax advice to cut your exposure. BANKING AND BORROWING Online Branch Telephone Post CURRENT ACCOUNTS In-Credit Interest Provider Account % AER Nationwide Monzo Monzo Bank of Scotland FlexDirect Premium Plus Classic Account with Vantage 2.0% variable 1.5% variable 1.0% variable 0.6% variable CREDIT CARDS Balance Transfer Provider Card 0% Period Fee Rep APR Sainsbury's Bank Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card Balance Transfer Credit Card 27 months 27 months 1.00% 1.20% 21.9% variable 21.9% variable Virgin Money Virgin Money Balance Transfer Credit Card Balance Transfer Credit Card 27 months 27 months 1.20% 1.20% 23.9% variable 25.9% variable Purchase LOANS Provider Card 0% Period Rep APR Sainsbury’s Bank Dual Offer Credit Card 21 months 20.9% variable Based on £10,000 over five years Provider Product RateSetter Personal Loan AA Personal Loan Post Office Personal Loan Natwest Personal Loan Bank of Scotland Personal Loan *existing customers only Rep APR 2.8% 3.1% 3.1% 3.4% 3.4% Total amount payable £10,729.20 £10,796.40 £10,796.40 £10,874.40 £10,874.40 Monthly repayment £178.82 £179.94 £179.94 £181.24 £181.24 Barclaycard Virgin Money Virgin Money Platinum Purchase and BT Credit Card All Round Credit Card All Round Credit Card 21 months 19 months 19 months 21.9% variable 21.9% variable 23.9% variable These products are only a selection of those available and you should take the time to compare the features and benefits of a wide range of products to find those that best suit your circumstances and requirements. Restrictions, terms and conditions apply Correct as of 10th September 2021

SE1ST Daily Express Sunday, September 12, 2021 55 Your Stannah stairlift should be as individual as you are Only Stannah gives you such a wide range to choose from We understand how important it is for your stairlift to blend in with your home. That’s why we have over 30 fabrics for you to choose from, ranging from faux leather to our designer woven collection. Our slimline rails are also custom-made to ensure an exact fit, attaching to the stairs and not the wall. We’ll also give you ✓ An honest quote with no hidden extras ✓ 14 day money back satisfaction guarantee ✓ 2 year warranty and 2 free services on all new stairlifts ✓ 150 years of lift expertise from a British, family-run company Contact us today 0800 414 8758 stannah.co.uk Keep on being you

TOP OF THE RANGE TAILORING NOW AVAILABLE IN 2 STYLES AND 8 COLOURS ROOMY CUT FOR COMFORT DISTINCTIVE RAISED SEAM DETAIL CREASE RESISTANT FABRIC (BELT NOT INCLUDED) CLASSIC COMFORT NEW! WAIST SIZES 50”to 64” AT £32 + P&P IN MT164 SLANT POCKET STYLE ONLY IN BLACK, GREY & NAVY INSIDE LEG 29” & 31” ONLY* Luxurious Top Quality Tailored Famous Farah ® Brand Trousers at A FRACTION OF HIGH STREET PRICES FROM ONLY Navy ORDER ONLINE www.chums.co.uk/offers £23+p&p SAVE UP TO £18 Airforce Bark Silver WAIST INSIDE TYPICAL CHUMS YOU SIZES LEG PRICE OFFER PRICE SAVE 32” 34” 36” 38” 40” 42” 44” 46” 48” 27” 29” 31” 33” £40 £23 £17 { *50” 52” 54” 56” 58” 60” 62” 64” } 29” 31” £50 £32 £18 MT164 NAVY, GREY & BLACK ONLY CHUMS are the UK’s leading trouser specialists. This is a very special opportunity to acquire these top quality trousers AND SAVE UP TO £18 on the typical high street price. The FARAH® brand is synonymous with fine gentlemen’s tailoring and very expensive looks. The styles offered today are an excellent example of this famous brand. Tailored with a roomy cut and traditional flat front. You can choose either style MT129 with 2 front frogmouth pockets or style MT164 with 2 classic side slant pockets. There is also one back pocket and raised seam detail to create a very distinctive appearance. The top quality specification also includes a foolproof zip fly. Beautifully crafted in the finest 100% polyester to resist creases and retain their fine appearance wash after wash. Available whilst stocks last in sizes to fit you. Both trouser pocket styles are available in a choice of 8 smart colours in waist sizes 32” to 48”: GREY, NAVY, AIRFORCE, BARK, BLACK, BISCUIT, OLIVE and SILVER inside leg 27”, 29”, 31” and 33” – FOR ONLY £23. And 3 smart colours in waist sizes 50” to 64”: GREY, NAVY and BLACK inside leg 29”, 31” in MT164 SLANT POCKET STYLE ONLY – FOR ONLY £32. REMEMBER! – SAVE UP TO £18 PER PAIR ON ALL SIZES! Black Grey (Frogmouth Pocket) www.chums.co.uk/offers and enter media code: SE3621 IMPORTANT! YOU MUST ENTER MEDIA CODE ON OUR WEBSITE TO BENEFIT FROM THIS PROMOTIONAL OFFER Now accepted Our friendly UK Customer Service Staff are waiting to take your order. Call Now! 08715 267 165 Calls cost 13 pence per minute, plus your network access charge. Send to: Chums Ltd (Dept. SE3621), P.O. Box 50, Prescot, Merseyside L34 9GX. SHOP AT HOME - DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR - FREE RETURNS Olive 32” to 48” WAIST IN Chums Ltd (Dept. SE3621), P.O. Box 50, Prescot, Merseyside L34 9GX. PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS. Please send me items indicated ITEM ORDER STYLE COLOUR SIZE INSIDE LEG QTY PRICE FARAH TROUSERS Biscuit (Slant Pocket) FARAH TROUSERS FARAH TROUSERS BOGOF LEATHER BELT SUPER VALUE! LEATHER BELTS BUY 1 GET 1 FREE £10 CHOOSE FROM 2 STYLES AND 8 COLOURS Frogmouth Pocket Order Style MT129 (Main shot) Slant Pocket Order Style MT164 (Inset - above) DIRECT FROM Order style: MT129 Frogmouth Pocket SUB TOTAL Order style: MT164 Slant Pocket UK mainland P&P £5.85 Order style: AA007 Leather Belt TOTAL I enclose cheque/PO made payable to Chums for £ Please write your address (inc. post code) on reverse of cheque or charge my Mastercard/Visa/Maestro Account No. START DATE: MONTH/YEAR Name: Mrs/Miss/Ms/Mr / (PLEASE TICK) DEBIT MY A/C NUMBER AS SHOWN BELOW EXPIRY DATE: MONTH/YEAR / CARD ISSUE NO. (Maestro Cards only) Chums Ltd. Co. Reg. No. 1561474 Address BLACK OR BROWN 1" wide with smart buckle & neat edge stitching Waist Size: 32/34, 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, 48/50, 52/54 Order style AA007 Chums offer you FREE RETURNS and complete satisfaction if you want an exchange or your money back. Goods usually delivered within 7 days. Post Code Tel No. Email We think you’d enjoy some of the latest products and selected offers by post from other trusted retailers, charities, fi nance, travel, FMCG and utility companies. If you would prefer not to receive these by post, please tick this box . To learn more about our trusted partners and how we use your data, see our privacy policy at www.chums.co.uk/privacy or ask for a copy when you call us. From time to time Chums would like to send you our latest catalogues, special offers and promotions by post that we think you’d appreciate as a valued customer. If you would prefer not to receive these, please tick this box . MEDIA CODE SE3621

SESC on this day... LETTERS Sunday Express September 12, 2021 57 Write to: The Editor, Scottish Sunday Express, One Central Quay, Glasgow, G3 8DA Email: scotsunday@express.co.uk Please include your name and address and a daytime telephone number. WITH SHAUN WALLACE September 12, 1962 President John F Kennedy told America why it should want to put a man on the Moon. In a speech at Rice University in Texas, he explained to 40,000 people that the seemingly impossible task would focus the “best of our energies and skills”. Kennedy knew many were asking why the country was embarking on such a feat. He responded by questioning why man climbed Everest, or flew across the Atlantic. He went on: “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” The truth was America was sceptical about the Moon landings. Russia was already well ahead in the space race, launching the first satellite and putting a man in orbit. Kennedy was determined to catch up. In early 1961 he came up with a menu of ideas – a space laboratory, a manned orbit of Also on this day 1940: Cave paintings drawn 17,000 years ago are discovered in Lascaux, France. 1974: Haile Selassie, right, is deposed in Ethopia after a 58-year reign. 1992: Peruvian special forces arrest terror leader Abimael Guzman. the Moon or a lunar landing. Nasa said there was no prospect of beating the Russians to the first two goals, leaving the most ambitious choice the only option. It was also the most expensive. It eventually cost $25billion – equivalent to £110billion in today’s terms. In May that year Kennedy put the proposal of a Moon landing and a safe return to Earth to Congress. A poll shortly after found 58 per cent of Americans opposed to the project. Polling throughout the 1960s found a consistent lack of enthusiasm, with the only exception being at the time of the mission itself. The real reason to get to the Moon was, of course, to beat the Russians. Kennedy himself admitted as much, saying: “Otherwise, we shouldn’t be spending this kind of money, because I’m not that interested in space.” Of course, the mission was a success, and a landmark in human achievement. It saw an early use of computer chips and led to everyday modern technology including memory foam and freeze-dried food. Question: Which French actor and singer, famed for his tuxedo and signature song Thank Heaven For Little Girls, was born on this day in 1888? Last week’s answer: Sam Houston was named leader of which short-lived Republic on September 5, 1836? TEXAS Sturgeon running scared Nicola Sturgeon will be celebrating another Westminster-beating first – vaccination certification. Forget public views, consultation with those tasked with putting it into operation or the practicalities of checking 50,000 football fans attending a big match, just so long as Scotland is first. Isn’t it ironic this vote wasn’t winnable without help from a party which can’t win a ‘first past the post’ seat in Holyrood? Of course it’s all about image and panic. The First Minister’s image is slipping and in need of a boost as Covid runs out of control and COP26 may be threatened. So it’s time to create the illusion of taking control with a thinly veiled threat of increased restrictions if vaccination certification isn’t implemented. Panic is the clear reason for her knee-jerk introduction of vacuous measures on undefined businesses, citing evidence from France. Perhaps Ms Sturgeon is keen to rekindle the Auld Alliance. I suppose it might aid an independent Scotland’s passage into the EU. When your back is against the wall, anything is possible. Graham Wyllie Greengairs, Lanarkshire Nicola’s job on the line? Just when they thought things couldn’t get any worse, the SNP administration faced some grim facts last week with regard to the spread of the Covid infection now out of control and the ambulance service in meltdown. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon must now be considering her position as leader as her policies are in tatters as Scotland sinks deeper into crisis. Dennis Forbes Grattan Aberdeen Green principles for sale If an example is needed of the total lack of integrity or sincerity of the Scottish Green Party, the ‘vaccine passport’ vote is it. Before the coalition with the SNP, co-leader Patrick Harvie slammed the idea and the inequalities that would ensue if the Bill passed. But he and his fellow Green MSPs happily voted it through. What a difference a taxpayer-supplied £30k salary boost, a ‘ministry’ and a car at your disposal can make to Green principles. Despite holding strong anti-nationalist views on almost everything else, I believe the vaccine certificate to be necessary. They must get something right now and then. Alexander McKay Edinburgh Let Army do the flu jab With the winter flu season approaching ILLUSION OF CONTROL: Nicola Sturgeon and the possible delay of the flu shot due to a shortage of lorry drivers, would it not be possible to employ the Army to deliver the vaccines so that there will be no delay? Peter Roulston Loughborough, Leicestershire Everyone must pay up I resent the tone of those in the media who think younger generations should not pay for care for the elderly, who have paid for education and social welfare for years. Those of us born in the 1930s had a basic interrupted education during the Second World War. No university, just night school. No free family planning but we didn’t have too many children as we could not feed them, nor did we live on benefits for years. My husband is in a care home and I have had to cut down on basic non-luxuries after working for 46 years and am disabled with spinal problems. Pam Woosey Bury, Lancashire Nats created doc deficit There have been reports recently regarding the shortage of doctors and consultants in Scotland. In 2018, the principal of Aberdeen University, Sir Ian Diamond, told a Holyrood inquiry that his admissions department was forced to reject applications from well qualified Scots because of the SNP’s quota on free places. It transpires that 2,816 Scots had been accepted to medical schools at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, St Andrews and Dundee universities in the previous five years. Some 13,896 suitably qualified Scots applicants were rejected. This is solely because the SNP have put a cap on the number of free places at universities for Scots and EU applicants, regardless of how well qualified they are, Jacob’s weekly wisdom ‘The stage but echoes back the public voice, The drama’s laws the drama’s patrons give, For we that live to please, must please to live.’ Essayist and moralist Dr Samuel Johnson, (1709 to 1784) Jacob Rees-Mogg says: “Politicians inevitably respond to the desires of the voters upon whose votes they depend.” as they have a budget for the subsidy for free places. A check on graduation lists for the medical faculties of the major universities will show the overwhelming majority of graduates are Asian or African as they pay large fees. This is a situation created by the SNP and their free tuition policy. Something is only free if it is available and the figures show that for the majority of well qualified Scots it is not. This has to stop if we are to educate our own students for the future good of Scotland. Donald Lewis East Lothian Remember 9/11 heroes On the 20th anniversary of 9/11 yesterday, memories come flooding back of the dreadful scenes of death and destruction witnessed that day. Three thousand lives lost and many injuries. Latest news informs us of the disastrous legacy of 9/11 with more than four thousand of the people who risked their lives helping in the rescue dying of upper digestive tract problems and leukaemia, as well as various other illnesses caused by dust and toxins breathed in. There are many more still suffering at present. We must remember all those brave people who risked their lives and also their families who have suffered. We can only hope our security services prevent these atrocious acts being committed again. Robert Wilson Kilbirnie, Ayrshire Learn lessons of history Further to Geoffrey Brooking’s letter (Peace is the best option, Letters, Scottish Sunday Express, September 5), I’d remind him that Neville Chamberlain sat around a table with Adolf Hitler and returned to the UK waving a document signed by him, declaring “peace in our time”. What a laugh that was. Can you imagine anyone sitting around a table with Hirohito, Hitler, Stalin, Bin Laden and many others, hoping to strike some sort of deal when they prove immovable? John Knight Boston, Lincolnshire Alpaca deserved better I felt compelled to write after the slaughter of Geronimo, the innocent alpaca (Nick Ferrari, Scottish Sunday Express, September 5). He posed no threat to anyone or anything. He was living in isolation at his owner’s farm and it was clear how much she loved him. I feel ashamed of this bullying UK Government. The pictures of Geronimo being dragged away to his death made me cry. I can only begin to imagine what his poor owner must be feeling. People should never forget what a huge comfort animals are and have been to people during the lockdowns. Cheryl Harrison Nottingham Buzz off, so-called ‘stars’ Well said, Sue Rowley (Celebrities are greedy, Letters, Scottish Sunday Express, September 5) in saying she wouldn’t buy anything endorsed by so-called celebrities. There is nothing more irritating on TV than people eulogising about things they don’t use, unless they are given them free. William Smith Carlisle, Cumbria

SE1ST 58 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 home Plate, £12.95, Emma Bridgewater Faux log candle, £6, B&M with ELIZABETH ARCHER Artificial flower vase, £25, Next Set of four napkins, £9, laredoute. co.uk Blanket, £20, National Trust Shop Apron, £8.99, H&M William Morris notebook, £6.55, WH Smith Apple ornament, £7, Dunelm Holiday Homes/TimesHare Holiday Homes For Sale West Wittering, W Sussex Tranquil, well run park - no clubhouse, no letting; open 365 days a year (but not residential); privately owned; just 300 yards to sandy beaches and array of village shops; homes have fenced garden with large metal shed; verandas available; parking next to home; un-used and pre-owned holiday homes for sale MOVE IN WITH JUST 20% DEPOSIT 0% INTEREST (terms apply) Call for details 01243 672 185 scottsholidayvillage.co.uk Curtains, from £35; sofa, £899; floor lamp, £79; footstool, £329; throw, £45; cushions, from £14; mirror, £80; faux foliage, from £2; pendant light, £59; tray, £12; vase, £15; matt emulsion in Light Moss, £16 for 2.5 litres, all Dunelm Arts & crafts Look for William Morris-inspired prints and crafty details like embroidery for this homely trend Tumbler, £5.99, Zara Home Cushion, £12, Matalan Chair, £149.99, tubchairs.com Pressed flower picture, £4.99, rinkit.com Hand cream, £4, candh.co.uk

SE1ST Daily Express Sunday, September 12, 2021 59 Only £895 for a fully fitted electric door. Gotta get a Garolla. APPROVED Garolla garage doors are strong and solidly built. They’re made to measure in our own UK factories. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically taking up only 8 inches inside your garage. Our expert installers will fit your new door and take away the old one so there’s no mess. Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up completely Free. NOW ONLY £895 WAS £1,354 INC VAT CALL US TODAY FREE ON 0800 118 2692 WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH EVERY DOOR: FREE EXPERT MEASURING & FITTING TWO REMOTE CONTROLS ACOUSTIC & THERMAL INSULATION AVAILABLE IN 21 COLOURS FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR OLD DOOR Offer valid for openings up to 2.6m wide & inc: 2 remote controls, 55mm white slats, internal manual override. MOBILE 07537 149 128 www.garolla.co.uk Home Improvement CORONAVIRUS - Working from, or spending more time at home? Combat rising fuel bills and reduce your home’s carbon footprint - INSULATE NOW Roofsure Pitched Roof Insulation With many of us spending more time at home this year as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, insulating your roof space has never been more prevalent. With Roofsure’s revolutionary state of the art pitched roof insulation, you can now insulate your loft area and help to achieve the government’s net zero carbon emissions target by 2030. Why use open cell insulation? ENERGY EFFICIENT Reduces heat loss by up to 58%. INCREASED HEALTH BENEFITS Improves indoor air quality. ECO FRIENDLY Contains no harmful or toxic gases. FULLY BREATHABLE Prevents mould growth. INSULATING Improves your homes’ EPC rating. SOUNDPROOFING Helps to eliminate noise pollution. SUSTAINABLE Reduces your homes’ carbon footprint. FREE £100 WORTH OF M&S VOUCHERS PLUS 25% OFF Typical example of a Roofsure Pitched Roof Installation. Insulation is applied between the structural roof timbers to a breathable membrane or rafter slider. www.roofsure.co.uk FREEPHONE: 0800 999 5580 NO SALES AGENTS • NO SUBCONTRACTORS • NATIONWIDE SERVICE • FAMILY BUSINESS Please note: All images used in this advert are for illustration purposes only. Apply now for your FREE energy assessment • The most efficient roof insulation on the market BEFORE - Heat loss AFTER - Insulated Image illustrates heat loss through a typical family home before and after a Roofsure install.

SE1ST 60 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Motoring with COLIN GOODWIN As I’ve often declared on these pages, I like estate Going the distance cars. They’re better to drive than an SUV thanks to a lower centre of gravity and are often more spacious. However, the future is not looking bright for estate car fans at the moment. Today it is possible to buy only two fully-electric estates. One is the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo which is a mighty fine machine but costs £81,500, and the other is the MG 5. You couldn’t get two more different machines. The Porsche is luxurious, full of leather, stylish and extremely fast. The MG 5 is quite basic inside, its plastic trim is a bit cheap and although it can do 0-62mph in 7.3sec (which is quite brisk) it couldn’t see where the Porsche had gone in a traffic light shootout. But there is one crucial area in which the humble MG 5 is very similar to the Porsche and that’s battery range. the one we’ve been testing, and that the rear seats in place, sits adults higher than you normally would in an Originally launched just over a year goes up to £28,995. comfortably in that rear seat and estate car or hatchback, particularly ago, there’s now a new version called By electric car standards that’s comes with a seven-year warranty. in the back where the seating the MG Long Range. extremely good value. Although like all MGs the 5 is made position is in part dictated by the Fully charged, the car’s 57.7kWh Kia’s e-Niro, to get back to the real in China, the UK engineering centre battery pack. battery gives it a range of 250 miles world after the Porsche, has a range has an input into how the cars are set It’s easy to find fault with the MG 5 compared to 283 miles in the Taycan. of 180 miles for £30,000. up for UK roads. Long Range. Some of my fellow car This from a car that costs £26,495 Yes, the plastics inside are a bit The result of this approach is a car critics have poured scorn on the car’s after the PICG in its basic Excite trim cheap and cheerful, and some of the that is comfortable over bumps and ambiguous and rather bland styling, version. switches feel weak, but this is a car is impressively quiet. and have stuck the knife into the Move up to the Exclusive, which is that has a 464 litre luggage area with You feel that you’re sitting slightly basic interior. All-electric MG estate can cover 250 miles email express.motors@reachplc.com twitter @expressmotoring The Facts MG 5 Long Range Exclusive Price: £28,995 Engine: Electric motor Power: 160PS Torque: 260Nm Top speed: 115mph 0-62mph: 7.3secs Range: 250 miles For: Range and value. Against: Interior quality. Sum Up: No wonder MG is selling so many of them. However, these are people who are probably not in the market for a practical estate car that is so modestly priced. Only a fool could ignore the fact that the car’s range, which is a major concern with all fully-electric cars, beats all rivals at this price point. And as we’ve mentioned, many cars that are priced significantly above it. Price comparison without the guesswork Compare Prices on Travel Insurance! At PayingTooMuch, we’ve done all the hard work for you. So it’s easy to compare a wide range of travel insurance quotes and find a policy that’s perfect for you. Our experts are just a phone call away to help you with every step – and we partner with some of the UK’s most reliable travel insurance providers, to bring you a choice of great quality cover at the lowest prices! ✔ COVID-19 medical and cancellation cover ✔ Cover for all European Amber destinations ✔ Unlimited emergency medical cover ✔ Zero Excess on selected policies ✔ Up to £15,000 cancellation cover ✔ UK call centre open 7 days a week Call FREE 0800 804 8319 Click PayingTooMuch.com/TheExpress Renew your car and home insurance with us and get up to £50*OFF your premium. Car Insurance: 0124 321 4785 Home Insurance: 0124 321 4786 Rated Excellent Over 35,000 reviews Policies vary in benefits, cover limits, excess and price depending on provider chosen. *£50 off applies for premiums above £200, below £200 it’s £20 off. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Only one discount to be applied per policy. Offer ends: 31/12/2021

The OK! # OKBeauTyBOx BeauTy BOx WOrTh Over £80, geT yOur FirsT BOx halF Price – suBscriBe TOday FOr jusT £7.50* WiLd Science Lab head Way scalp recovery conditioner (30ml, travel size) onLy £7.50* Free P&P WiLd Science Lab head First scalp relief shampoo (50ml, travel size) Brought to you by mudmaSky Mineral-infused double cleansing Mask (full size) beauty kitchen large reusable cleansing Pads (one pack, full size) beLLapierre coSmeticS highlighter & eyeshadow (full size) SubScribe and Save today at okbeautybox.co.uk *£7.50 offer is only available to new customers. OK! Beauty Box subscription is £15 per month thereafter.

62 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 ALPHAPUZZLE ® Alphapuzzle ® tests your logic and word power. Each grid number represents a letter. Each letter of the alphabet is used. Use the given letter or letters – below the main grid – to start. Can you beat the Target Time? Call for an Extra Letter Clue if you get stuck. Solution next Sunday. DIFFICULTY: 10/10; TARGET TIME: 30 minutes; CLUE: Provoke a look, we hear 15 3 12 17 2 4 16 6 8 21 20 For extra letter clues, call: 4 12 12 15 3 21 1 3 22 4 12 17 15 15 3 16 7 25 17 5 21 13 4 13 8 9 4 17 16 1 10 7 1 4 4 26 12 4 20 1 1 4 16 17 1 4 15 17 15 3 6 7 4 3 9 20 16 16 23 17 19 4 24 17 11 21 4 26 3 7 18 25 26 7 26 7 6 6 7 19 7 3 19 3 17 1 21 6 4 16 21 19 4 6 14 4 1 3 1 22 6 6 4 22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 M A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Alphapuzzle ® © 2021 Acorn Editorial Ltd. All words appear in Chambers Dictionary 0907 181 2603 (Deduct two minutes from Target Time for each extra letter used). Alternatively, for six extra letter clues direct to your mobile, text: SXALPHA to 64343. Texts cost £1 plus your normal network operator rate. Full solution: 0907 181 2602 Across only: 0907 181 2600 Down only: 0907 181 2601 *Calls cost 80p a minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. SP: Spoke, London W1B 2AG. Last Sunday’s solution ACROSS: Squalid, Jaws, Kith, Scimitar, Debris, Grease, Lesson (clue), Voyeur, Dictator, Pots, Zero, Cracked. DOWN: Aspire, Exiles, Hush, Risotto, Flasks, Notice, Adding, Verbal, Joinery, Poke, Swears, Untidy. Here’s the Ultra Alphapuzzle ® – Sunday’s extra tough version of Britain’s favourite wordpower challenge. Each grid number represents a different letter. All 26 letters are used. Target time: 30 minutes Solution next Sunday. 24 15 12 8 16 3 4 7 17 16 C 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z thinking space ©2021 Acorn Editorial Ltd THE ULTRA ALPHAPUZZLE ® 24 16 15 3 7 5 15 16 17 15 7 21 4 5 14 16 21 18 12 16 22 7 17 2 24 15 21 19 16 22 4 15 21 11 21 18 16 2 16 25 22 22 12 3 12 26 22 12 20 1 6 22 18 21 22 3 10 3 23 9 12 15 18 26 21 15 21 26 16 9 15 12 3 11 18 24 12 16 15 11 12 26 12 2 21 22 18 15 9 16 8 26 1 22 1 14 17 5 15 16 22 16 13 G For up to six extra clue letters call: 0907 181 2607 (Deduct three minutes from Target Time for each extra letter heard). Alternatively, for six extra clues direct to your mobile, text SXALPHAU to 64343. Texts cost £1 plus your normal network rate. Full solution: 0907 181 2611 Across only: 0907 181 2609 Down only: 0907 181 2610 *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Last Sunday’s solution ACROSS: Prolific, Sow, Mango, Disrupt, Thief, Tray, Humble, Friend, Meek, Ready, Gazelle, Exalt, Awe, Overtake. DOWN: Smooch, Magma, Rend, Embezzle, Loophole, Fidget, Severe, Gradient, Squirrel, Jack, Witty, Devote. SE1ST PUZZLES A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 21 23 33 29 29 38 2 10 14 22 36 13 1 28 2 22 33 1 19 18 35 18 27 31 11 33 32 9 39 3 23 4 13 12 21 28 33 34 15 9 9 30 24 22 4 24 20 39 4 17 18 39 21 31 16 17 9 18 35 5 25 39 40 20 19 38 17 10 5 12 25 11 8 40 6 26 ULTIMATE ALPHABEATER Can you crack the super-tough Ultimate Alphabeater? Each grid number represents a letter – or black square. As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But you have to complete the grid too! Use the given letters and black squares below the main grid to start. Alphabeater is ‘rotationally symmetrical’ – in other words it looks exactly the same if you turn the page upside down. Solution next Sunday. For up to six extra letters call 0907 181 2599 (Deduct five minutes from Target Time for each extra letter heard). Callers will also hear two black squares clues free of any Target Time penalty. *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390 7 31 10 15 1 18 4 6 31 3 22 36 12 4 27 X 8 28 4 32 31 21 4 5 16 28 18 35 33 8 17 9 29 4 5 4 10 25 31 8 20 7 22 20 28 20 F 10 30 13 21 22 4 1 12 5 39 5 10 32 38 32 11 31 2 18 21 6 38 8 18 14 23 18 4 17 31 12 32 19 26 11 20 24 37 13 18 40 17 22 11 39 13 33 BRAIN TEASERS 20 35 9 8 34 39 20 17 26 9 1 5 35 14 34 40 10 16 8 28 7 30 31 19 32 33 27 4 15 35 Target time: 42 minutes Stuck getting started? Try one of our helplines *Calls cost 80p per minute plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Full solution: 0907 181 2598 Across only: 0907 181 2596 Down only: 0907 181 2597 Last Sunday’s Solution: Black squares: 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 38. Across: Connective, Tissue, Orphan, Elapsed, Toxic, Backs, Jeers, Abide, Gripper, Mainly, Quartz, Quadrupeds. Down: Strew, Jammy, Cassava, Cadenza, Nouns, Ease, Dyer, Chow, Ajar, Inure, Improve, Reports, Knock, Frizz. ● Puzzle phone and text services SP: Spoke, London W1B 2AG *SP: Spoke - Helpline 0333 202 3390 1) Unfortunately, the waitress has forgotten the drinks order for each table. Luckily, she remembers that the lemonade was for table 11 or 33, and that table 31 ordered either the tomato juice or the coffee. Table 13 didn’t order the red wine or the tomato juice, and table 11 ordered the red wine if table 33 ordered the coffee. Can you work out which table ordered which drink? 2) Which two words meaning ‘scarf’ and ‘prick’ combine into one meaning ‘showing off’? 3) Find the Asian capital cities in these anagrams: a) Wheel Din, b) Argon Pies, c) Nae Invite. 1 9 6 3 3 6 6 1 2 4 9 4 7 6 2 4 6 8 7 9 1 SUDOKU 5 8 16 36 17 37 Alternatively, for six extra letter clues direct to your mobile, text SXBEAT to 64343 Texts cost £1 plus your usual network operator rate. Reduce Target Time by five minutes for each extra letter 4) Emma has a new mobile phone contract. She pays £4.50 per month for insurance. Each phone call costs 11p per minute. The first 50 text messages she sends per month cost 7p each, any subsequent texts are free. Tom has an all-inclusive deal costing £31 per month. If Emma sends at least 50 texts a month, what’s the maximum number of minutes that she can use before Tom has the better deal? Answers: 1) Table 11 lemonade, table 13 coffee, table 31 tomato juice, table 33 red wine. 2) Boa-sting. 3) a) New Delhi, b) Singapore, c) Vientiane. 4) 209 minutes. Fill the small squares so that every column, every row, and every 3x3 square includes all of the digits from 1 to 9 1 5 3 3 7 2 3 8 5 18 38 19 39 20 40 Level: Gentle Target: 16 minutes For extra clues call 0901 322 5600 (Calls cost 77p per call from a BT landline plus network extras, other networks and mobiles may vary) For today’s full solution call 0907 181 2606 (Calls cost 77p per minute from BT landlines plus network extras, other networks and mobiles may vary). LAST SUNDAY’S SOLUTION 9 1 6 5 7 4 8 3 2 8 5 2 1 9 3 4 7 6 4 7 3 2 8 6 5 9 1 1 3 5 9 2 7 6 4 8 2 4 9 6 5 8 3 1 7 6 8 7 3 4 1 2 5 9 7 2 8 4 3 9 1 6 5 3 9 1 8 6 5 7 2 4 5 6 4 7 1 2 9 8 3

1 S 10 P Last week’s solution 2 R E 3 A D 4 R 5 E G 6 A R 7 D 8 L 9 F L R I A I N E G A L L E O N 11 L I M O G E S 12 I E W C A S U E T E S 13 T O T 14 H E W N 15 T I N J U S T I C E T A D 17 E N R E 18 M 19 A M A R X 20 F A R 21 S M N I T C H I N G 23 E R O D I N G U E R 24 E N D D S L S A L O M E 26 H A S S L E 16 22 25 Winners: General Knowledge Crossword, August 29: £1,000: M A Brehaut, Vale, Guernsey. £50 Mystery Word Bonus: S Webb, Welton, Brough. Skeleton Crossword, August 29: £100: K Barber, Scunthorpe. £25: T Brand, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees; R Ray, Wells-next-the-Sea; A V Thomas, Rhos, Wrexham; J Kelly, Bussage, Stroud; J Downey, Pimlico, London; S Gibson, Castle Douglas; K I Cliffe, Stalybridge; R J Hipkiss, Coleshill, Warwicks; P Firmin, North Maida Vale, London. £50 Mystery Word Bonus: J Stephens, Luton. winners: Please allow 30 days to receive your prize. thinking space SE1ST PUZZLES THE SKELETON CROSSWORD – £325 in prizes There is a £100 prize for the first correct solution drawn; nine runners-up receive £25. Send your completed crossword to the address shown in the box below left. In the skeleton crossword, the black squares and clue numbers have to be filled in as well as the words. Four black squares and four clue numbers have been inserted to give you a start. The black squares form a symmetrical pattern; the top half matches the bottom, and the two sides correspond. You can fill in 12 more squares at once to correspond with those given. 25 Send to: Skeleton Crossword, PO Box 12578, Sutton Coldfield B73 9BT. The winners will be the first correct entries drawn after the closing date of noon on Friday. Please allow 30 days for prizes to arrive. 18 Name: Address: Postcode: 4 11 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 63 ACROSS 1 Mark Reeves? And Mr Allen? 5 Hard fruit left out to soften last fall 8 Exercise in the morning, please 9 Shamus ending overcoat swindle 11 Some dummies beheaded on air 12 Permissive African sailor on board 15 Dirty kinsman disheartened again 16 Rascally Russian king turned quiet 17 Great white - healthy swimmer (2 words) 22 Times article about backward school 23 Tie left on long after hothead’s departure 24 Enemies part with a formerly fit friend 25 A horse carries women out of it 26 Property skinny Germans evacuated DOWN 1 Noble lady suits covens, oddly 2 Fuel name abridged with nothing added 3 He made fifty for Denmark’s leader 4 Wounded soldier back in a shack 5 One left to broadcast on the radio 6 A secretary experiencing discomfort 7 These run amok with Nelson anyway 10 French but poorly received painter 11 Poet beginning line with something amazing 13 Clean piece of paper in sections? 14 Requested cut was initially wonky 17 Cabbage porter added to kimchi starter 18 Burden reduced or carried by a youth 19 An artist with credentials under attack 20 Somebody amusing and also hard up 21 A large vase, we hear, to take home £50 Mystery Word Bonus Ring 0901 322 5301 for a chance to win £50. Give the correct answer to 10 Down leaving your name and address. *Calls cost 75p plus your telephone company’s network access charge. SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390. The winner will be selected from all correct entries received by noon on Thursday. THE £1,000 GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD can be found inSIDE s magazine A B C D E F G H I J 1 PUB QUIZ 1. What is the name of the storm system on the planet Jupiter which is more than 10,000 miles wide and has been continuously observed since 1878? 2. Which character was portrayed by Alec Guinness in the 1970 film musical Scrooge? 3. Which poem by Robert Frost concludes with the words “And miles to go before I sleep”? 4. Which Oscar-winning actor played Marius in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, opposite Amanda Seyfried, right, as Cosette? 5. Who duetted with Ariana Grande on the 2020 UK No 1 hit single Rain On Me? 6. Which amiable childlike character is portrayed by Charlie Chaplin in numerous silent films of the early 20th century, including City Lights, The Gold Rush, and Modern Times? 7. The ‘Eroica’ and the ‘Pastoral’ are two of the nine symphonies written by which composer, who died in 1827? 8. In Olympic skateboarding, the two stances which are used by the athletes are called regular and what? 9. Which American rock band released the hit singles Hold The Line, Africa, and Rosanna? 10. Which celestial body was discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh on February 18th, 1930? BATTLESHIPS 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 4 1 0 4 1 2 2 2 FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off. 3 4 1 2 1 3 2 2 1 1 3 Answers: 1 The Great Red Spot 2 Jacob Marley 3 Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening 4 Eddie Redmayne 5 Lady Gaga 6 The Tramp 7 Ludwig van Beethoven 8 Goofy 9 Toto 10 Pluto. THEME: Famous fictional dogs 1 x Battleship 2 x Cruiser 3 x Destroyer 4 x Submarine LAST SUNDAY’S SOLUTION THE SUNDAY CRUSADER AND HIS SQUIRE The Crusader’s clues ACROSS 1 Lengthy affairs, even when they’re over (5) 4 Scream directed at a curlew? (9) 9 Another divine Coloradan genius (8,2,5) 10 A model studied an English philosopher but it’s a dull business (9) 11 Foolish man turning against sweetheart (5) 12 Inaccuracy avoided, pain announced (7) 13 Crack about tracks in a small department (7) 15 Set to haul around - it’s back-breaking (7) 18 Goddess maybe does without temple half seen from the east (7) 20 She gets on around mid-morning (5) 22 Wealthy influencer left in place by a bad actor (9) 24 It’s almost too late to fit nice mink he ordered (2,3,4,2,4) 25 Find out what’s inside fab sort of canister (9) 26 Material closer to bright little penny (5) DOWN 1 A student boarding ends up torn (5) 2 Black looks good on junior socialist (7) 3 Supporter unlikely to show pride (5,4) 4 Fellow principal said it’s a drug (7) 5 Tale making a funny dig initially wandered (7) 6 Bird ascending by accommodating vicar (5) 7 A night in Paris is covered by a bit of regular income (7) 8 City waste on a street briefly encompassed by a dirty look (9) 12 Overweight girl having not finished an earlier drink (9) 14 Get real enemy back dividing a sweet (4,3,2) 16 Info about quote from ancestors? (7) 17 Otherwise peculiar unionist rejected something unoriginal (7) 18 Inebriated physician not understanding (7) 19 Insect expression a little bit esoteric? (7) 21 Curse put on succeeding head of state (5) 23 Tendency of trying beginners to object (5) For your chance to WIN £100 read down the letters in the highlighted squares to reveal the mystery word. TO ENTER CALL: 0904 161 1610 and leave your answer and details, or text SXCRUS followed by a space, your answer, name and address details to 88833 or send your grid containing the answer in the shaded squares to: Sunday Express Prize Crossword, September 12, PO Box 12578, Sutton Coldfield B73 9BT. Competition closes September 16 at 23:59pm. An extra day is given for postal entries during bank holidays. Name: Address: Postcode: Winner will be selected at random from all correct entry routes after the closing date. Calls cost £1.50 plus your telephone company’s network access charge. Texts cost £1.50 plus your standard network rate. SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390. Cryptic clues from our knight, and quick clues from his squire, lead to the same answers in the Crusader’s Sunday joust 1 9 10 12 15 20 24 25 2 16 The Squire’s clues ACROSS 1 Epic tales (5) 4 Howl, wail (9) 9 Mona Lisa’s painter (8,2,5) 10 Rotary exercise machine (9) 11 Unworldly (5) 12 Blunder (7) 13 Translate from code (7) 15 Standard (7) 18 Mother of Persephone (7) 20 Patron saint of virgins (5) 22 Wealthy leader (9) 24 Not a moment too soon (2,3,4,2,4) 25 Determine for sure (9) 26 Rough woollen cloth (5) 3 21 4 17 22 DOWN 1 Divide (5) 2 Scowls (7) 3 Hold your head up (5,4) 4 Morphine-derived painkiller (7) 5 Ambled (7) 6 Large black crow (5) 7 Yearly payment to a beneficiary (7) 8 City of central England (9) 12 Tequila cocktail (9) 14 Give me a break (4,3,2) 16 Hereditary (7) 17 Reproduction (7) 18 Intoxicated (7) 19 Destructive ant-like insect (7) 21 Promise solemnly (5) 23 Fashion (5) LAST SUNDAY’S SOLUTION: Across: 1 Magic, 4 Macaroons, 9 Emotionlessness, 10 Supporter, 11 State, 12 Buddies, 13 Protest, 15 Tethers, 18 Mottled, 20 Edict, 22 Respected, 24 Chemical element, 25 Presented, 26 Dryad. Down: 1 Meets, 2 Grouped, 3 Crinoline, 4 Minutes, 5 Clear up, 6 Ruses, 7 Operate, 8 Suspected, 12 Buttercup, 14 On the mend, 16 Trireme, 17 Servant, 18 Mislead, 19 Lottery, 21 Trice, 23 Dated. Prize word: Captain *SP: Spoke - Helpline 0333 202 3390 5 13 18 6 11 14 26 7 19 8 23

SESC 64 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 SPORT: TENNIS MEN’S FINAL tonight, 9PM ACE: Djokovic has his eyes on US Open title Djokovic is ready to blast past rival and make history NOVAK DJOKOVIC will take on the biggest match of his life tonight as if it is his last. And if that doesn’t send a shiver down Russian ace Daniil Medvedev’s spine then nothing will. The world No.1 will walk out at the Arthur Ashe Stadium knowing he is three sets away from history – the first calendar year men’s Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969. And a chance to overtake Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s haul of 20 Majors. That’s all the incentive this machine of a tennis player needs and it was the motivation required to edge past Alexander Zverev in a five-set US Open semifinal thriller on Friday. The win set up a clash with Medvedev (above), who has cruised through at Flushing Meadows. And he fancies his chances of reversing the defeat he suffered to Djokovic in the By David McCarthy Australian Open final. Medvedev said: “I think from my side, if I can make this, I’ll probably be in the history books for not letting him do this. “For sure he’s going to feel the pressure a little bit about it. “But that’s going to make him even better in tough moments. “Here we know that he will do everything to try to make it happen.” The Serb agrees with Medvedev’s belief that he is going to fight more than ever to take the coveted title. Djokovic said: “I know it’s on the line. “Of course, I’m aware of it. I’m just trying to lock into what I know works for me. I’ve got a routine. “I’m going to treat this match as if it’s my last one because it’s arguably the most important one of my career. “It’s going to be a battle against a guy in tremendous form.” Rafa recovery time Rafa Nadal is recovering at home in Spain after receiving treatment for the foot problem that forced him to cut short his 2021 campaign. The 20-times Major winner (left) also suffered back trouble at the start of the season before pulling out of Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics. Nadal, 35, was diagnosed with the foot injury in 2005. In an Instagram post the Spaniard said he was trying a different type of treatment this time – not surgery – to try to fix the issue so he can continue his career for a few more years. US OPEN TEENAGE SENSATION HAS WON HEARTS OF REMARKABLE Move over Murray – Raducanu FINAL BECKONS: Raducanu celebrates defeating Maria Sakkari in the semi-final EMMA RADUCANU has already ended Britain’s spell in the tennis doldrums. Incredible but true. Just as the nation’s racket-wielding fans were getting used to Sir Andy Murray no longer competing for the sport’s biggest prizes, along comes this extraordinary female teenage talent – out of nowhere – to completely change the landscape. Win or defeat in New York last night made no difference. British tennis has a new, genuine, worldclass talent who can take the sport forwards in the national consciousness once again. Raducanu, 18, gave us more than a glimpse of what might be further down the road with her wonderful Wimbledon run (right) earlier this summer. Maybe the inevitable drought post three-time Grand Slam champion Murray would not last quite as long as first feared. Give it some time and we might have a true WTA superstar competing at the top for years to come. Certainly, nobody of sane mind thought that could possibly happen within 60 days of her SW19 heroics, which had ended abruptly in the fourth round with injury and breathing issues that left the girl with the brightest of smiles in tears. Some clueless observers immediately condemned her defeat, as seems the norm now when issues arise, as ‘snowflake-like’. Well, those snipers have now been dismissed amid a blur of sizzling, sensational wins at the US Open. Raducanu not only silenced the doubters by not dropping a set en route to the women’s final at Flushing Meadow. She not only made them eat those cruel, social media posts by becoming the first qualifier – man or woman – to reach a Grand Slam final. Nope. She positively slammed them all right back down the critics’ big-mouth throats. The outcome of last night’s showdown in New York versus Harry PRATT reporting Canada’s Leylah Fernandez – just 19 and another amazingly fast-rising tennis teen queen – made no difference. According to those in the know. Raducanu is the real deal. Take Anne Keothavong’s first memory of her. Keothavong had just finished her own playing career when she first hit with an 11-year old Raducanu. “I was completing my coaching levels and got to use Emma as my guinea pig to go through my drills. I had to play flat-out against her even at that age,” recalled Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup captain. “That’s how good she was then. She’s such a fantastic player and a fantastic person.” Between Wimbledon and her unprecedented nine-match Big Apple blitz from qualifier to finalist, Raducanu secured A grades in maths and economics A-levels. Brainy off the court, as well as on it. No wonder Toronto-born Raducanu, whose parents moved to England when she was two, dismantles higher-ranked rivals with such mesmerising speed and simplicity. Her lethal groundstrokes off both wings, her graceful, lightning pace across the court, her powerful serve and exquisite touch at the net are all matched by this steely, match-play sharpness up top. Jo Durie, US Open semi-finalist in 1983, believes the brief break to concentrate on those academic studies was perfect as it gave Raducanu a break from the spotlight following Wimbledon. “I think that has probably helped Emma – to step away for a bit and do something else,” said the former British No.1. “The way she is playing now is down to those years and years of hard work and relentless determination to improve. It’s fantastic to see. Just amazing.” Fasten the seat belts, folks. The transition at the top of British tennis from Murray to Raducanu is as swift as it is seamless.

SESC THE NATION WITH HER NEW YORK ADVENTURE EMMA’S RISE Sunday Express September 12, 2021 65 SPORT: TENNIS is future of British tennis GOLDEN Young GIRL: Raducanu star after her providing match with Shelby Rogers JOE SALISBURY celebrated a US Open doubles double by taking the mixed title with American partner Desirae Krawczyk after already bagging the men’s doubles. The Brit and Krawczyk defeated Marcelo Arevalo and Giuliana Olmos 7-5 6-2. FOCUSED: The young Brit has impressed the game’s biggest names with her talent DETERMINED: Raducanu shows the grit that left semi-final opponent Sakkari (left) searching for answers huge motivation to girls across country IAIN BATES has watched first hand as Emma Radacanu has taken New York by storm. And, as head of women’s tennis at the LTA, he believes the 18-year-old’s rocketing rise to fame that led all the way to the US Open final can galvanise the grassroots game in Britain – as well as act as a massive motivation for the girls who have followed a similar pathway as the Kent youngster. Raducanu was one of three British girls, Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart were the others, who made it through qualifying to the main draw at Flushing Meadows. Although she was the only one to make it beyond the first round, Bates is convinced they will take inspiration from her exploits. Just as importantly, he insists, will be the number of kids picking up racquets to emulate Emma. And he believes her outgoing personality, as well as supreme on-court skills, are a massive billboard for the sport. He needs to look no further than his own living room to witness the Emma Effect. “I think when it comes to making my job easier, it’s at two levels,” he said. “One is around trying to challenge the others to make that kind of progress but, secondly, to get more kids playing the game to have more players in the pathway. “There’s a couple of times my 10-yearold daughter has been absolutely transfixed by all of this – and if that is being replicated across DELIGHT: Iain Bates has seen the Emma Effect By David McCarthy the country, then that’s awesome. “We’ve all seen it, those of us that are here, the way she’s going about her business – how engaging she is when she’s playing. “I think she just transcends the immediate tennis audience. ‘‘And I think for tennis at home that’s so important because it’s not only a great story with a young player, but it’s I think it’s quite easy to connect with her and to inspire more people to pick up a racquet and give tennis a go. I think it is hugely beneficial. “But I think it is also giving the challenge to the broader player group. We had six women playing here, and Emma was one of them. Okay now, Emma qualified and had this exceptional run, but I think it’s also showing to the other group that it’s possible.” Bates admits he’s been hugely impressed by the manner in which Raducanu has taken in her stride the attention that has been heaped upon her, first at Wimbledon where she reached the fourth round, and now at Flushing Meadows. He added: “The thing I find quite remarkable is how level-headed she is despite the huge attention and the pressure that’s been on her. “I think she’s very calm and level-headed and her personality is always fun and enlightening – engaging and easy to connect with. “She has set the tone for what can be done.”

66 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 SPORT: FOOTBALL Solskjaer’s praise for hero Cristiano FROM BACK PAGE were loads of expectations on the team and him – and he’s delivered.” Ronaldo put United ahead and scored again after Javier Manquillo equalised. Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard then sealed the win. But Ronaldo was the star of the show. Solskjaer added: “Cristiano does what he does. He lifts everyone and gets everyone around the place so focused. “He puts demands on himself, which then will put demands on his team-mates and on us all. “He’s a different type of player to when he left but he’s still a ruthless and clinical goal scorer. “He smells the big moments and when there are goals in there.” Newcastle TOUGH TIMES: Steve Bruce manager Steve Bruce, the former United captain, put aside his disappointment to appreciate Ronaldo’s impact. He said: “If there is a genuine superstar among everyone, then this kid is with what he has achieved. He is something else.” Shortly after the final whistle, Ronaldo used his Instagram account to thank the United faithful. “My return to Old Trafford was just a brief reminder of why this stadium is known as the Theatre of Dreams,” he wrote. “For me, it has always been a magical place where you can achieve everything you set your mind into. “Proud to be back at Man United and playing in the Premier League once again, but above all, happy to help the team!” Steve faces more woe on transfers Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is bracing himself for more transfer agony. He fears he won’t be allowed to strengthen his squad when the January window reopens – even with a loan signing. Bruce was upset when a loan move for Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury broke down late last month. There was no loan fee involved, but Bruce was left stunned when the club told him hours before the deadline they would not meet the player’s £60,000-perweek wages. Bruce knows the harsh realities of working under an owner who wants out. But with Mike EXCLUSIVE by Ian Murtagh Ashley no nearer selling the club, his chequebook is likely to remain firmly shut. Bruce was initially told that, in the wake of Covid, his budget would be £10million. He considered it a personal triumph when he persuaded the club to meet Arsenal’s £22m valuation for Joe Willock and buy the player outright. But the deal has wrecked any hopes of further adding to his squad and the consequences of spending more than twice the planned budget will be felt in January and possibly beyond. BACK WITH A BANG: The smile of two-goal Cristiano Ronaldo says it all SE1ST man united 4 newcastle 1 FOR UNITED a sprinkling Man Utd Special Ron spins his MATCH FACTS Newcastle 7..................Shots on Target..................3 9................ Shots off Target..................6 7........................Corners........................3 8.........................Fouls..........................2 64.8%............ Possession............ 35.2% 636............... Total Passes.................349 ONE was only a tap-in, a gift for someone who has now scored 676 goals in his club career. It was up there with the least spectacular of those, a welcome present from Freddie Woodman. The other went through the same hapless goalkeeper’s legs. It was an impressive run and clean-enough left-footed hit – but should have been saved. But in their significance, the two goals could not have been more spectacular, or special. With Hollywood royalty, in the form of Gary Oldman, amongst the great and the good in the posh seats, Cristiano Ronaldo stuck magnificently to the Second Coming script. This is what he does. Makes history as he goes along. And this is how he has evolved as a player. The trickery has been diluted, the ruthlessness has been intensified. Strip away the commercial veneer and, quite simply, Manchester United have re-hired the most clinical of scorers in football. Simple as that. And Ronaldo’s game-sense and opportunism has already provided three precious points. He will bring more, much more. Because when each of his two prosaic goals went in, it felt like the beginning of a new era. A new, old era when Old Trafford was littered with stardust. Stardust that served a purpose. Newcastle United might count themselves a touch unfortunate. They caused enough trouble on the counter-attack to briefly threaten a draw but could not add to Javier Manquillo’s equaliser-in-vain. And Bruno Fernandes’ spectacular hit and Jesse Lingard’s cute finish emphatically sealed their fate. But this day belonged to Ronaldo and, somewhat bizarrely and ironically, to those people who sealed the deal to bring him back. At one point during proceedings, supporters demanded their club’s unloved owner leave, for good. In his directors’ box seat, Avram Glazer need not have felt uncomfortable. The chants were from the Newcastle fans. Yet four months ago, Manchester United loyalists broke into this Andy DUNN big-match verdict stadium, protested on the pitch and forced the postponement of a game after Glazer and his fellow executives tried to sell this club’s soul to a rotten Super League. A group of Manchester United supporters DID follow their counterparts with a concerted late chant of ‘We Want Glazers Out’ but, otherwise, it seems time and Ronaldo are decent healers. Let’s face it, the acquisition of Ronaldo was a masterstroke on many levels. It gave an initial bounce to the club’s stock market value, sold a zillion jerseys and allowed Avram to feel relaxed enough to attend a United match for the first time in over two years. And a large part of it, paid for by the sale of Dan James. Everyone’s a winner. There will still be dissent towards the ownership but, essentially, the protesters have been paid off with a veteran superstar. At times, he looked like a veteran. What United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not going to get out of Ronaldo is a whole load of energetic pressing. He might keep himself in peak shape but the treadmill of closingdown is not for an operator who is closer to 37 than 36 years of age. But gegen-pressing is not what you buy a Galactico of Ronaldo’s magnitude for. In old schoolyard parlance, he is here to goal-hang, here to be a finisher, here to be a talisman, not a toiler. What. A. Talisman. On his two scoring occasions – before and after Manquillo’s nicely-worked goal – there was a sense of him petrifying the Newcastle defence. He will put fear into defenders and that is a precious quality for a manager to have. He will give this United team a better chance of winning trophies. He will bring the theatre back to the Theatre of Dreams. He will score goal after goal. He will be a huge success. And as he winked into the TV camera when striding off, do you want to know the greatest thing about Cristiano Ronaldo? Perhaps his most valuable asset? He knows it.

SE1ST Sunday Express September 12, 2021 67 SPORT: FOOTBALL FAITHFUL, IT’S LIKE HE’S NEVER BEEN AWAY of stardust United magic all over again DOUBLE NEW START: Ronaldo scores the first goal of his second stint back at United WEIGHING IN: Jesse Lingard finds the net and Bruno Fernandes also hits home as Newcastle are put to the sword UP: Ronaldo fires home his second goal at Old Trafford Bruce feels wrath of Old Trafford yet again STEVE BRUCE must have feared the worst when Javier Manquillo equalised. After all, he has seen it many times before at Old Trafford, as both a player and as a manager. Manchester United were struggling under the weight of expectation generated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s return. Newcastle even got a whiff of only their second win on United soil in 49 years after Manquillo had cancelled out Ronaldo’s predictable strike in first-half injury time by driving the Toon level after 55 minutes. Then it came – crash, bang, wallop – three goals in the last half hour and a comfortable victory. Bruce experienced how quickly visiting teams can be swallowed whole when they are defending the Stretford End during nine years in Sir Alex Ferguson’s allconquering side. This was his 26th game as a manager against his former club. He still has just the single victory. As the second half wore on, Ronaldo scored again and then Bruno Fernandes (below) added a brilliant strike from distance before Jesse Lingard sealed things. It was another example of how United can become an unstoppable force when they gather momentum. No wonder boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was delighted. He said: “When you win a game you enjoy it. When you see fans happy you really enjoy it. “There were loads of expectations today – but they all delivered. “We have to deliver every time. That’s Manchester United. It doesn’t change. “This is what Cristiano is about. This was a day for everyone Man United....... 4 Newcastle........ 1 From Simon Mullock AT old trafford to enjoy but it’s too early for me to predict where we’ll end up.” The home fans had to wait until first-half stoppage time for the moment they had all come to see. Woodman spilled Mason Greenwood’s rifled shot after it had taken a deflection and Ronaldo pounced for his 118th goal for United – 4,496 days after his last one. But Newcastle levelled when Manquillo ended a swift counter-attack by RATINGS MAN UTD: De Gea 6, Wan-Bissaka 6, Varane 7, Maguire 6, Shaw 7, Matic 6, Pogba 8, Greenwood 6 (Van de Beek 85), Fernandes 7 (Martial 85), Sancho 5 (Lingard 66, 6), Ronaldo 8. NEWCASTLE: Woodman 5, Hayden 5, Lascelles 6, Clark 6 (Lewis 84), Manquillo 6 (Murphy 77), Willock 7 (Hendrick 85), S Longstaff 7, Almiron 6, Ritchie 6, Joelinton 5, Saint-Maximin 6. MAN OF THE MATCH: CRISTIANO RONALDO – Special Ron is back with a bang. REFEREE: A Taylor Att: 72,732 giving David De Gea no hope of stopping his effort. For a couple of minutes the home side were rattled. But order was restored when Luke Shaw stormed forward before laying a pass into Ronaldo’s path. Any doubts that the 36-year-old has lost his pace and power were dispelled in an instant as he held off Issac Hayden to ram a shot through Woodman’s legs. Then, Fernandes’ long-range blast on 80 minutes bulged the net before Woodman had even moved. And the swaggering Paul Pogba orchestrated the final goal for sub Lingard. Bruce said: “What can I say to the fans? They have an opinion.”

SESC IT’S BEHIND YOU: Kemar Roofe fires in an acrobatic e fort on goal during yesterday’s match in Perth X X X X X 68 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 Express SUNDAY sundayexpress.co.uk/sport SPORTS PULLOUT INSIDE SPORT GERS TURN IT AROUND Roofe and Tavernier on target as champions come from behind to sink St Johnstone. Premiership, pages 2-5 CINCH PREMIERSHIP ST JOHNSTONE CELTIC DUNDEE MOTHERWELL ST MIRREN SUNDAY EXPRES September 12, 2021 1 1 RANGERS 2 3 ROSS COUNTY 0 0 LIVINGSTON 0 2 ABERDEEN 0 0 DUNDEE UTD 0 SESC Ronaldo’s back with a bang for delighted Ole OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after revealing how the Portuguese superstar introduced himself to his new Manchester United team-mates before destroying Newcastle with a two-goal blast. Ronaldo, 36, returned to Old Trafford with a bang after spending the last 12 years By Simon Mullock with Real Madrid and Juventus. And on the eve of his second United debut, he stood up to speak to the rest of Solskjaer’s squad at a team dinner. Solskjaer, inset, said: “When anyone comes into the team they have to introduce themselves. He just said his name was Cristiano and that’s as much as I can say. “But the atmosphere around the club has been electric. The supporters have really enjoyed the last 10 days or so since he signed. There TURN To PAGE 66 SPECIAL RON: Cristiano celebrates EMMA: QUEEN OF NEW YORK Raducanu triumphs in US Open final Pages 64,65 Monza’s magic for pole man Max See Pullout page 8 SORE ONE OUT: Helander Helander suffers knee blow as defensive injury crisis hits Gers before Lyon tie RANGERS are facing a potential defensive crisis ahead of their Europa League clash against Lyon on Thursday night. Old Firm goal hero Filip Helander was stretchered off with a knee injury during their 2-1 Premiership win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. And vice-captain Connor Goldson missed the Perth victory By Scott McDermott as he’s self-isolating, with gaffer Steven Gerrard unsure whether he’ll face the French side. Also, back-up centre-half Jack Simpson hasn’t been included in Gers’ Europa League squad so can’t be called upon against Lyon. That could leave Gerrard with Leon Balogun as his only centre-back, with Calvin Bassey possibly filling in alongside him if Borna Barisic returns at left-back. After a vital league win over Saints – thanks to James Tavernier’s stunning late strike – Gerrard revealed his fears for Helander and TURN TO PULLOUT PAGE 2 is stretchered off yesterday PLENTY TO THINK ABOUT: Gerrard with Leon Bologun KNOW YOUR FOOTIE? PLAY CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DOWNLOAD THE APP THIS WEDNESDAY KICK OFF 8PM • £5 TO ENTER 18+ UK only, T&Cs apply. Who Knows Wins is committed to responsible gambling and fairness. Enjoy the game but play responsibly. Published by Express Newspapers, One Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA. Tel: 0141 332 9600. Printed by D C Thomson, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL; West Ferry Printers Ltd., Unit A & B, Kimpton Road, Luton LU2 0TA; Johnstons Press, Outgang Lane, Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 3QE; Independent News & Media, 124-144 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1EB; Bermont Impresion S.L Avenida de Alemania 12, 28821 Coslada, Madrid Spain. Deposito Legal no. T0-394/96; T.F. Print SA, Tenerife; EUROPRINTER SA Zone Aeropole avenue Jean Mermoz B 6041 GOSSELIES. The Daily Express adheres to the ethical and professional standards of the publishing industry as set out in the Editor’s Code of Practice. ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRS*TUW1234WBDS NEWSPAPERS SUPPORT RECYCLING Recycled paper made up 71% of the raw material for UK newspapers in 2015

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 1 GERS TURN IT CINCH premiership ST JOHNSTONE CELTIC DUNDEE MOTHERWELL ST MIRREN 1 RANGERS 2 3 ROSS COUNTY 0 0 LIVINGSTON 0 2 ABERDEEN 0 0 DUNDEE UTD 0 IT’S BEHIND YOU: Kemar Roofe fires in an acrobatic effort on goal during yesterday’s match in Perth AROUND Roofe and Tavernier on target as champions come from behind to sink St Johnstone. Premiership, pages 2-5 X X X X X

SESC 2 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 2 football ONE IN A MILLION: Calvin Bassey hails Rangers goal hero James Tavernier davo is happy despite defeat Callum Davidson praised his St Johnstone side for a spirited display despite their narrow defeat by Rangers. The Perth team are still without a league win after their first five matches of the campaign, but the manager was proud of the way they competed as they lost 2-1 to the champions at McDiarmid Park following a sensational 79th-minute strike from James Tavernier. Davidson said: “With all the changes we had to make due to injuries and the very young back five we had out, I thought we performed really well for 85 minutes. “We just had five minutes of madness after we scored where we made too many mistakes and allowed Rangers to pressure us, which was disappointing. “We gave them the opportunity to get back in the game with that five-minute spell and then it was a wonder goal from James Tavernier to win the game. “Obviously we wanted a result but there was a lot to be pleased St Johnstone 1 Rangers 2 By Anthony Brown about. You could see a difference in our energy levels compared to previous league games and I think that’s down to not having the European games. “We’ve lacked a bit sharpness in our league games but that was back to the old St Johnstone, so I’m really pleased about that. Yes we lost, but it was good to get back to a performance like that.” Saints took the lead through FROM BACK PAGE doubts over Goldson’s availability for Thursday. Gerrard said: “I’m concerned about Helander. He’s with the doctors now being assessed. He’s got ice on, he’s bandaged up and it doesn’t look good. “But until we scan it in the next 24 or 48 hours we’re not sure. Hopefully he’ll pull through but we’ve got other defenders who will need to step up if we’re short. I’m hoping Connor will be available for Thursday but I’m not sure. But if not, we’ll go with Jack and Leon who are more than capable.” Gerrard hailed his players after recovering from a goal down in Perth to take all three points and go top of the league. He said Tavernier is the best right-back in the country and that his winner was “world class”. The Rangers boss said: “That’s why James is captain. He steps up in big moments and he’s got us three points instead of one today. “There’s a lot of noise around Nathan Patterson who is a fantastic player and who will be Rangers’ right-back for a long time. But we’ve got the best right-back in Scotland here right now as well. In any game of football that’s a world class finish from James.” Michael O’Halloran in the 50th minute, left, but their advantage lasted only seven minutes before Kemar Roofe equalised with a penalty following a foul from onloan Millwall defender Hayden Muller on Ryan Kent. Davidson had no complaints about the spot-kick. He said: “As good as young Hayden was, he went to ground in the box. There were three or four bodies around Kent so he should have stayed on his feet. As soon as you go to ground you give him the opportunity to go down.” St Johnstone: Clark, Rooney, Brown, Muller (Vertainen 83), McCart, Devine, Wotherspoon, Craig, Crawford (May 85), O’Halloran, Kane. Subs Not Used: Dendoncker, Parish, Gilmour, Ballantyne, Ambrose. Booked: Muller, Rooney, Craig. Goals: O’Halloran 51. Rangers: McLaughlin, Tavernier, Balogun, Helander (Simpson 77), Bassey, Aribo, Davis, Kamara, Roofe, Morelos (Sakala 79), Kent (Lundstram 82). Subs Not Used: McGregor, Scott Wright, Barisic, Arfield. Booked: McLaughlin, Roofe, Morelos. Goals: Roofe 58 pen, Tavernier 79. Ref: William Collum Scots on the up SCOTLAND will be the biggest movers in the top 50 when the new FIFA rankings are announced next week when they will rise to 45th place after two crucial World Cup qualifying successes. Steve Clarke’s men gained a vital 1-0 win in Austria after beating Moldova, also 1-0, in their Qatar 2022 qualifiers, after losing 2-0 in Denmark. And that will see the Scots shoot up four places in the charts – more than any other country in the top 50 in the world – with a rise from 49th to 45th in the rankings. However, Scotland will still be behind the likes of Qatar, Costa Rica and Romania in the list. In Scotland’s World Cup group, Denmark will move into the top ten after their three qualifying wins, Austria will drop six places to 29th, Israel will go up one place to 80th, Faroe Islands remain in 114th and Moldova will drop to their worst ever ranking of 180th. England will rise to third – to equal their highest ever position, which they last reached nine years ago. MARK WALKER

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 3 football 3 Alexander hails Well heroes after Dons triumph Motherwell boss Graham Alexander was delighted with his team’s performance which saw them record a 2-0 victory, their third straight league win, as they jumped above opponents Aberdeen. Well broke the deadlock in 26 minutes when Kaiyne Woolery’s ball was headed powerfully into the net by Kevin van Veen. The Dutchman turned provider in 59 minutes when his delivery from the left was nodded in via the crossbar by Juhani Ojala. Alexander said: “I’m delighted for the players, the fans and all those connected to the club. “It was a great result against a Motherwell 2 Aberdeen 0 By Blair Esson team of real quality. We showed great composure at times and defended our lead extremely well. “Every player deserved the standing ovation, and especially Kevin. We know of his quality in possession, he’s a top-notch player and great to see his work off the ball. His headed goal and his assist were exceptional.” Savouring the win, the Well manager added: “It might have been more emphatic but I have to give Aberdeen credit.” Stephen Glass was obviously far from happy after his side made it six games without a win. Although he could argue his team created the bulk of the chances, only to be sucker-punched by two goals from Motherwell. “We are a very big club and we have to start winning games,” he said. “The obvious disappointment is the failure to do enough in the final third of the pitch and we didn’t defend well enough. “It was two balls into the box that should have been dealt with and if you don’t compete well enough and give people two chances that’s what happens. “I’m not in the business of getting players sent off but I thought Van Veen should’ve had a second yellow and I was also booked by the ref. He is one of Scotland’s top referees but you don’t get a chance to discuss situations during the game.” Motherwell: Kelly, Mugabi, Johansen, Ojala, McGinley, Grimshaw, Slattery, O’Hara, Woolery (Lamie 73), Watt (Maguire 90), van Veen (Goss 79). Subs Not Used: Fox, Amaluzor, Donnelly, Shields. Booked: van Veen, Woolery, O’Hara, Grimshaw, Watt. Goals: van Veen 26, Ojala 59. Aberdeen: Lewis, Ramsay (Bates 63), Gallagher, McCrorie, MacKenzie, Ferguson, Brown, Longstaff (Emmanuel-Thomas 67), Ojo (McLennan 67), Ramirez, Watkins. Subs Not Used: Hayes, Jenks, Campbell, Woods. Booked: Ferguson, McCrorie, Brown. Att: 5,623 Ref: John Beaton. WE DID IT: Ojala celebrates with van Veen dom exit ‘a shock’ for ange DEBUT GOAL: Carter-Vickers celebrates NO GOAL: Main is punished as Brophy effort is chalked off Ange Postecoglou insisted he was “as surprised as anyone” when Dominic McKay departed as chief executive on Friday. McKay had only officially taken over from Peter Lawwell on July 1 but the Parkhead club cited “personal reasons” for him stepping down, with Celtic’s director of legal and football affairs, Michael Nicholson, appointed as acting chief executive officer. Postecoglou, who sat alongside McKay on the day he was confirmed manager in the summer, was speaking after the 3-0 Premiership win over Ross County at Parkhead, which came courtesy of a deflected goal from debutant defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and a brace from striker Albian Ajeti. The Celtic boss confirmed leftback Greg Taylor had gone off in the second half with a recurrence of a shoulder injury which makes him a doubt for the Europa League tie against Real Betis on Thursday. “We have to be careful with the narrative of who brought me to the club,” said Postecoglou, when that premise was put to him. “I was surprised as anyone that Dom resigned, but I am going to be respectful of him and his family. “When people cite personal reasons, there’s reasons for that. “Michael is now in charge and that’s good for me because I already know him. “We are all transient figures, we all pass through at this great club. The constant is the fans and they expect us to get on with it. I’ve done that throughout my Celtic 3 Ross County 0 By Ronnie Esplin FANS A LOT: Ange Postecoglou applauds the support career.” On Taylor’s injury on the day he returned, the manager said: “He had two weeks of rehab. It’s a bit of a concern for him that he’s re-injured it but we’ll leave that to the medical people.” Postecoglou added: “The result was positive. The performance was OK, we started really well and just needed a goal. “In these games, if you don’t score early it gives encouragement to the opposition and they hung in there and defended well. “I’ve got to keep things in perspective. We’re giving guys debuts and it was Albian’s first start, so we’re nowhere near as fluent as we can be.” Ross County boss Malky Mackay said the afternoon was one of “slight frustration”. He said: “You are coming to play against a top team with some fantastic players in front of 50,000 people but we had a game plan and stuck to it. “We frustrated them in the first half and I thought we countered well, but when you counter you have to be clinical and you have to score when you have the chances here. “I was obviously really disappointed with the deflection, which you can’t legislate for, and at that point Celtic were looking a little bit frustrated and the crowd were frustrated. “When that goes in it relaxes them, and at the same time I thought we broke really well at that point and we had a glaring chance when Joe Hart makes the point-blank save from Dom (Samuel). These are the fine margins you have to execute here.” Celtic: Hart, Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, Rogic (McCarthy 78), McGregor (Soro 68), Turnbull, Abada, Ajeti, Jota. Subs Not Used: Urhoghide, Bain, Shaw, Montgomery, Welsh. Goals: Carter-Vickers 64, Ajeti 70, 85. Ross County: Laidlaw, Burroughs (Watson 73), Clarke, Baldwin, Paton, Spittal, Tillson, Samuel, (Harrison Paton 46) Callachan, Charles-Cook, White (Dominic Samuel 63). Subs Not Used: Hungbo, Maynard-Brewer, Cancola, Robertson. Booked: Ben Paton. Ref: Don Robertson Jim: Strikers are harshly punished St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin believes referees have become too quick to give freekicks against strikers in the penalty box. The Irishman was speaking after Curtis Main was penalised against Dundee United, causing Eamonn Brophy’s subsequent volley to be chalked off. The match finished goalless and Goodwin felt it was the wrong decision from referee Colin Steven. He said: “There was a bit of grappling with Curtis and the United defender, but I’m not convinced it was a foul. “It’s a contact sport. I’m not so sure you would get a penalty the other way. It’s too easy nowadays to chalk goals off and that’s another disallowed. “There’s too many occasions when defenders get let off the hook. You see them going down under a slightest touch. “For me that goal should’ve stood.” United’s best chance fell to Marc McNulty, who shot past the post midway through the second period. But his manager Tam Courts backed the St Mirren 0 Dundee United 0 By Roy Millar Scotland player to hit back from the setback. He said: “That’s the life and times of a striker. He is a guy of high quality, I’m sure he’s missed chances like that before and if he was running through on goal one-on-one next week, that’s the guy I would want to do that. “Our problem historically was creating the chances, so to come off and see four or five really good goalscoring chances gives me a lot of hope moving forward to next week’s derby. “I think we could have had a breakthrough today if we actually scored the three or four goals our play was entitled to.” St Mirren: Alnwick, Fraser, Shaughnessy, McCarthy, Reid (Flynn 74), Millar (Tait 67), Ronan (McAllister 66), McGrath, Tanser, Main, Brophy. Subs Not Used: Finlayson, Dennis, Erwin, Lyness. Booked: Brophy, Fraser. Dundee Utd: Carson, Smith (Levitt 45), Edwards (Connolly 78), Mulgrew, McMann, Fuchs, Butcher, Harkes, Niskanen, Pawlett (Appere 61), McNulty. Subs Not Used: Sporle, Reynolds, Clark, Newman. Booked: Butcher. Att: 4, 894 Ref: John Beaton

OFFICIAL YOGURT SINCE 2016 Müllerlicious MEDALS! Historic Hannah, you’re an inspiration! Congratulations on winning double gold – and smashing a world record in the process. You’re the best! To keep the fun going, we’re giving away 100 FREE athletics club memberships*. Scan the code or visit yourmullerbestself.com for your chance to win! 18+ UK Residents only. Closing date 26.09.21. All eligible entries will be entered into the prize draw. 100 prizes on offer. 1-year membership for 2022, up to a maximum value of £100. See full T&Cs, privacy policy and full details of the prize on Website. Promoter is Müller UK & Ireland Group LLP.

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 5 FOOTBALL 5 gorgie SUITS YOU, SIR: McKay joined Hearts last week and may face Hibs today roar can help us win derby Barrie McKay is relishing having Hearts fans’ backing after experiencing the full force of the “hostile” Tynecastle fanbase in his previous visits as an opposing player. The 26-year-old winger has played at the Gorgie ground four times and has lost on each occasion, twice with Raith Rovers in 2014/15 and twice with Rangers in 2016/17. After signing for Hearts this week, he is looking forward to having the backing of the raucous Jambos faithful, starting with today’s Edinburgh derby against Hibernian when he could make his debut. He said: “My memories of playing at Tynecastle are that it’s hostile. “I think if you asked most players the one stadium they loved playing at but didn’t like playing at, at the same time, they’d say Tynecastle. “The fans are right on top of you and if you’re on the opposition team they’re right against you and it can be tough, especially if Hearts get a goal. “When the Hearts fans get up behind their team, it’s hard for the opposition to play against. “As a visiting player, you try and build some momentum but the fans here don’t really let you do that because as soon as Hearts get the ball back, the fans are right up again and it can kill your By Anthony Brown momentum. You can see that they really push the team on. “I’ll thrive on that because I’m a player that wants to get fans off their seat. “I want to excite them and hopefully I can do that.” McKay has scored for Rangers in a Glasgow derby before and is excited by the possibility of making his Hearts debut against their city rivals. He said: “I’ve played in derbies before and when you watch the Edinburgh derby you can see it’s feisty. “I’m from Scotland so I understand all the derbies up here and it’s one I’m looking forward to. “I’m fit and ready to go so it’s up to the manager whether he picks me or not. “It’s one of the best games I could come into.” Meanwhile, McKay’s old nemesis Gary Mackay-Steven was a victim of his new team-mate’s brilliance when the former scored a Scottish Cup wonder goal against Celtic as the Ibrox side stunned the Parkhead men at Hampden five years ago. But that’s why he’s delighted to have the former Rangers winger as competition for his jersey at HEARTS v HIBERNIAN TODAY: noon Sky Sports Hearts. McKay signed a two-year deal with the Jambos last week and goes straight into the squad for today’s Edinburgh derby. Mackay-Steven, left, knows exactly how talented he is after that Old Firm goal in 2016 and says he’ll add extra quality to Robbie Neilson’s squad. Fromer Celtic winger Mackay- Steven said: “I remember facing Barrie in a derby a few years ago. He scored a brilliant goal when we lost at Hampden. “He’s a top player. We’ve done well in this window, signing a lot of quality. “Barry just adds to the squad and it’s now strong in every position. “That bodes well for the season ahead and keeps everyone on their toes. “We play different formations but Barrie can play as a winger or a No.10. “It’s just good to have top players in every position. Boyle on a high at Hibs Hibs talisman Martin Boyle is delighted that he has managed to carry last season’s form into this term. The winger enjoyed the best campaign of his career as he chipped in with 15 goals and several assists to help Hibs finish third in the Premiership. The Australian has started this one off in similar fashion by notching eight goals already for club and country. Boyle, who received the August Player of the Month award ahead of today’s Edinburgh derby, said: “For me, it was important to carry on from last season, TOP FORM: Martin Boyle pitching in with a number of goals and assists. To come back for pre-season and pick up where I left off is what I was aiming to do, and thankfully I’ve managed to do that.” Hibs manager Jack Ross has several injury issues to contend with, but Boyle isn’t one of them. Supporters were concerned when Boyle sat out of Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Vietnam on Tuesday, but he will be fine to face Hearts. Boyle said: “I trained on Friday. I missed (Tuesday). It’s better missing one game than multiple games. It was precautionary.” McPake wants finished product from winless Dee Dundee boss James McPake insists his players need to be more clinical after a stalemate at Dens Park. The Dark Blues are still looking for their maiden Premiership win of the season while Livi picked up their first point of this term. McPake handed a start to on-loan Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths, with the 31-year-old struggling to find a way past Livi keeper Max Stryjek. McPake said: “I thought we created some clear-cut chances in the first half and their keeper made a good save from Leigh after the break. But, at this level, the players now realise if you Dundee 0 Livingston 0 By Craig Donnachie create those kinds of chances, you have to take at least one of them. That’s what you must do when you’re on top. “Of course, the first goal is massive in games. If we had got it with the crowd behind us, we would have gone on to win the game but that’s all ifs and buts.” McPake, though, was pleased Griffiths managed to see out the game in what was his first competitive match of the season. He added: “I’m delighted he got through 90 minutes. It’s a risk when he hasn’t done that for so long. That will have done him the world of good. He’s got a wee bit to go in terms of sharpness but we’ll work on that this week.” Livi boss Davie Martindale admitted the game was not a great spectacle but he was just happy to have secured a point and a clean sheet. He said: “It wasn’t the greatest of games to watch for a neutral. “It was blood and guts, both sets of players were getting stuck in for it. Dundee probably had the better chances overall but we had a few ourselves. “We got a clean sheet and a point so we have to be happy.” Livi’s day was blighted by a first-half injury to Craig Sibbald which saw him stretchered off and Martindale admitted he was gutted for the player. He added: “Sibbs went straight to hospital. It looks like he has caught a stud in his ankle.” Dundee: Legzdins, Kerr, Ashcroft, Sweeney, Marshall, McGhee, Byrne, Anderson (McGowan 82), McCowan (McDaid 64), Griffiths, Jakubiak (Cummings 65). Subs Not Used: Fontaine, Panter, Lawlor, Sheridan. Booked: Ashcroft. Livingston: Stryjek, Devlin, Obileye, Fitzwater, Penrice, Holt, Williamson (Jacobs 73), Sibbald (Bailey 27), Shinnie, Forrest, Anderson (Hamilton 58). Subs Not Used: Barden, Longridge, Montano, Lewis. Booked: Williamson, Holt, Bailey, Forrest. Ref: Alan Muir HARD SHIFT: Leigh Griffiths got full 90 minutes

SESC 6 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 6 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS Inverness maintained their 100 per cent start as they came from behind to defeat Partick Thistle 3-1 at home. Scott Tiffoney fired the Jags in front after 17 minutes, but Kirk Broadfoot grabbed his first goal for Inverness to level in 51 minutes. Shane Sutherland and Aaron Doran scored within three minutes of each other to give Billy Dodds’ side the win. Inverness lead Kilmarnock, who won their fourth game in five by beating Morton 1-0 at Rugby Park, by three points. Rory McKenzie grabbed their winner in 75 minutes. Arbroath won their third game on the spin as they thumped Hamilton 4-0 at Gayfield to go third in the table on 10 points. FIRST BLOOD: Broadfoot Scott Stewart netted in first-half injury time before setting up Michael McKenna for No.2. Accies defender Jamie Hamilton was sent off with 20 minutes to go. And Arbroath took advantage with goals from Joel Nouble and Nicky Low sealing a comfortable win. Under-pressure Dunfermline boss Peter Grant saw his side lose 3-1 to managerless Ayr United at Somerset Park as the Pars sit rock bottom on one point. Tomi Adeloye hit a double with Cameron Salkeld also on target. Nikolay Todorov got the Pars consolation. Lee Connolly grabbed the only goal as Queen of the South defeated Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park to go fifth in the table. LEICESTER 0 MAN CITY 1 CLINCHER: Bernardo Silva grabs the winner for City Pep gets a MAKE SOMEONE YOU KNOW A STAR Silva lining YOUR NUMBER 5 STAR RATED: AMAZON, FACEBOOK & REVIEWS.IO BBC DRAGONS DEN WINNER YOUR team PERSONALISED FOOTBALL BOOKS YOUR CHOSEN NAME STARS FOR YOUR FAVOURITE TEAM ORDER TODAY & RECEIVE YOUR 10% DISCOUNT WWW.SPORTSSTARBOOKS.CO.UK/STARS USE CODE STARS IN BASKET. NORMALLY £24.99. WITH DISCOUNT £22.49 Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hailed Bernardo Silva after his winner secured a 1-0 victory at Leicester. The forward’s secondhalf goal gave City a deserved three points at the King Power Stadium. The champions made it three straight Premier League wins, but it was not a classic performance, with the visitors often wasteful after hitting 10 goals in their previous two games. Silva was linked with a move away from the Etihad in the summer, but Guardiola expects big things from him this season. He said: “It’s not just the quality he played or the incredible runs or work ethic he has. We are happy he is here and in the future we will see what happens. He played really well in the last two games and today again. The connection with Jack (Grealish) and Joao (Cancelo) was brilliant. “After an international break it is not one of the best places to come to play and we played really well. We created a lot, unfortunately we didn’t score more goals. “We suffered sometimes because they defended deep and had the counter-attack. Kasper Schmeichel had the quality to put the balls in the right area. It was difficult, it always is against Leicester.” Schmeichel saved Gabriel Jesus’ far-post header after six minutes following some Silva trickery on the left WINNER: Silva joy at goal By Nick Mashiter before Kyle Walker and Ederson thwarted Harvey Barnes. Schmeichel turned Silva’s drive wide and Grealish fired over after a neat free-kick move. But Leicester, who have now won two and lost two of their opening four games, nearly stunned City twice early in the second half. Barnes’ header hit the top of the bar from Vardy’s cross before Vardy had a goal correctly ruled out for offside after rounding Ederson. City heeded the warning and found the winner after 62 minutes. Ferran Torres had already gone close before Cancelo’s drive was blocked by Caglar Soyuncu, the ball falling into Silva’s path for the forward to grab his first goal of the season from close range. Ederson still needed to deny Ademola Lookman a debut goal, while Fernandinho and Grealish had chances to add a late second for City. Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said: “I feel most disappointed for the players because I thought they deserved more from the game from the opportunities they had. We had to defend but showed that resilience and mentality and we had our moments. “We nearly got in with Barnes in the first half, and in the second half we reinforced some tactical ideas to help us cope. “We had good opportunities and then they get a little bit of luck with the ball falling to them. “What is so important against Manchester City after their last few results is you stay in the game. “We were right in there against a world-class team and unfortunately didn’t take something from it. But I’m proud of how the team kept fighting.” RATINGS LEICESTER: Schmeichel 7, Castagne 6, Soyuncu 6, Vestergaard 7, Bertrand 6, Ndidi 7, Tielemans 6, Albrighton 6, Maddison 5, Barnes 7, Vardy 7, Evans (Vestergaard, 61 6), Lookman (Barnes, 74 6), Iheanacho (Maddison, 74 7). MAN CITY: Ederson 7, Walker x7, Dias 7, Laporte 6, Cancelo 7, Gundogan 7, Rodri 6, Jesus 6 (Fernandinho 84), Silva 8, Grealish 6, Torres 5 (Sterling 63, 6). MAN OF THE MATCH: BERNARDO SILVA – Always a class act and scored the winner. REFEREE: P Tierney ATTENDANCE: 32,087

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 7 FOOTBALL 7 SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Stoke 2 Huddersfield 1 by John Wragg STOKE moved up to third in the Championship as Matty Pearson’s own goal proved the difference after Jacob Brown’s thumping header had cancelled out Harry Toffolo’s scrambled opener. Stoke’s man of the match was Mario Vrancic, who created both goals, and boss Michael O’Neill believes his new signing can be a big hit. “Mario has real quality and has demonstrated that,” the ex-Northern Ireland boss said. ARSENAL 1 NORWICH 0 happy mikel left auba-joyed Ian BAKER AT THE EMIRATES JUBILANT Arsenal fans sang “we are staying up” as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang broke their Premier League points and goal duck. And it gave under-pressure boss Mikel Arteta a reason to smile at last. This was simply a must-win for the Gunners after three straight goalless defeats from a match billed as a relegation six-pointer. They did that thanks to Aubameyang’s fortunate effort after Nicolas Pepe had hit both posts and VAR ruled the Gabon striker was just about onside. Instead of the Gunners, it is Norwich who are bottom of the pile. But you have to feel sorry for Daniel Farke’s side who produced a spirited display of their own. Arteta said: “I got pretty emotional at the end. I didn’t hear the song but it was funny anyway. “We have to be one of the best teams in this country in terms of performance and trophies. “It’s probably been the best last 15 days I’ve ever had in football. They weren’t the easiest – but probably the best. We’ve had to find out our purpose. And it all made sense. It was all about relationships and trust. “I’ve had to reflect on the criticism. We’ve been extremely open. Our fans were incredible, trying to inspire us.” Arsenal gave league debuts to keeper Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu and started with a real purpose. Aubameyang should have done better early on when Kieran Tierney found him in acres of space down the left but the chipped effort went over. Albert Sambi Lakonga was next to go close but Norwich could have taken the lead themselves as Kenny McLean headed over from Max Aarons’ cross. Aubameyang then should have WINNER: Aubameyang strikes then celebrates (above) scored after running on to Martin Odegaard’s long ball but Tim Krul bravely denied him. Kieran Dowell twice went close for the visitors as Arsenal fans remained in good voice although it remained uncertain a goal would come. It did come on 66 minutes, started by Saka. The ball found its way to Pepe who Slavisa hails six-shooters MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE enjoyed a dream debut for Sheffield United – and finally got their promotion bandwagon up and running. Boss Slavisa Jokanovic had failed to win his opening five league games since taking charge during the summer. But the acquisition of midfielder Gibbs-White and Conor Hourihane – on loan from Wolves and Aston Villa respectively – has given them a huge lift, while was foiled by Krul and the post, the rebound finding its way back to him only for the other post to be rattled. At that point Aubameyang was offside but Pepe, now ahead of his team-mate, got another touch to deflect the ball to the centre-forward who could not miss. Farke said: “Even if it was a VAR mistake it would not change the result.” Sheff Utd 6 Peterborough 2 by Ross Heppenstall rookie Frenchman Iliman Ndiaye (below) was superb. Ndiaye and Ben Osborn both scored twice while Gibbs-White and John Fleck also got in on the act. Jokanovic said: “We scored six and could have had more.” Jack Marriott had levelled for Posh but Jonson Clarke- Harris’ penalty was a mere consolation. RATINGS ARSENAL: Ramsdale 7; Tomiyasu 6 (Smith Rowe 62, 7), White 6, Gabriel 7, Tierney 7; Maitland-Niles 6 (Soares 81), Lokonga 6 (Partey 62, 6); Pepe 7, Odegaard 6, Saka 6; Aubameyang 7. NORWICH: Krul 8; Aarons 7, Hanley 7, Omobamidele 7, Williams 8; Lees- Melou 6, McLean 6; Rupp 6 (Idah 80), Dowell 6 (Cantwell 62, 6), Tzolis 6; Pukki 6. MAN OF THE MATCH: BRANDON WILLIAMS – Norwich’s on-loan Manchester United left-back was unlucky to be on the losing side. REF: M Oliver Bristol C 0 Preston NE 0 by Richard Latham Nigel Pearson was in upbeat mood despite seeing Bristol City fail to win at home for the 13th successive game. Ten of those results have come since Pearson took charge, but he saw more than enough in an entertaining game to believe the long wait will soon be over. “If we continue to play with that energy, drive, togetherness and commitment that elusive win will come,” he said. JOY: Scorer Zaha leads celebrations Perfect for Pat as Zaha sparks romp PATRICK VIEIRA hailed his perfect Palace after they gave 10-man Tottenham a real tonking. Wilfried Zaha’s second-half penalty sparked the rout before a double from debutant Odsonne Edouard (right) saw off Spurs – who had Japhet Tanganga sent off for two second half bookings. Vieira, celebrating his first win as Palace boss, said: ‘‘Everything was perfect – from the atmosphere inside the stadium to the quality of our play.” On star men Zaha and Edouard, he added: “Wilf is one of our main leaders and when he plays at today’s level, the others just follow him. “I’m so pleased for Edouard. Two chances Michail Antonio was branded ‘stupid’ by David Moyes over the tackle that earned him a late red card. The West Ham striker (right) had already been booked for pushing Jack Stephens when he went flying into Moussa Djenepo. August’s Player of the Month will miss next weekend’s clash at home to Manchester United. Hammers manager Moyes said: “After getting booked for the first one, Michail was stupid to lunge in on the second one. “He has got himself sent off. I have not seen it again but at the time it looked like the ref got it right.” Defences were on top in a dour first half as both teams struggled for rhythm. C Palace 3 Tottenham 0 By Harry Pratt and he scores twice – he’s a proper goalscorer.” Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who lost Eric Dier to serious injury after 10 minutes, said: “We had a lot of obstacles but made a lot of mistakes. “We weren’t good today. The red card made life harder for us, of course, but we never found a way to RATINGS C. PALACE: Guaita 7, Ward 7, Andersen 7, Guehi 7, Mitchell 7, Gallagher 8, Kouyate 7 (Milivojevic 67, 7) McArthur 7, Ayew 7 (Olise 86), Benteke 7 (Edouard 83), Zaha 9. TOTTENHAM: Lloris 7, Emerson 7, Tanganga 5, Dier 7 (Rodon 12, 6), Reguilon 6, Hojbjerg 6, Skipp 5, Winks 5 (Davies 60, 6), Moura 7, Kane 6, Alli 6. MAN OF THE MATCH: WILFRIED ZAHA – Magical Palace talisman changed the game with his trickery, menace, cool penalty and assist. REF: J Moss Moyes seeing red as Antonio walks S’hampton 0 W Ham 0 By Alex Crook Adam Armstrong’s snapshot from inside the penalty area after three minutes was the only effort on target. The second half was much more incidentpacked but neither side broke the deadlock. Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “We had the better chances today. It’s just a pity that we did RATINGS SOUTHAMPTON: McCarthy 6, Livramento 7, Stephens 7, Salisu 8, Perraud 6, Elyounoussi 5, Romeu 6 (Diallo, 53), Ward-Prowse 6, Djenepo 5, Redmond 5, A Armstrong 6 (Broja, 74, 6). WEST HAM: Fabianski 6, Coufal 7, Dawson 6, Ogbonna 6, Cresswell 6, Soucek 6, Rice 6, Bowen 7 (Yarmalenko, 83), Fornals 5, Benrahma 6 Vlasic (63, 6), Antonio 5. MAN OF THE MATCH: MOHAMMED SALISU HERE – Saints defender did a brilliant job shackling the in-form Michail Antoni. REF: D Coote

SE1ST 8 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 8 SPORT FORMULA ONE ITALIAN GP QUALIFYING STRUGGLE: Hamilton on his way to fifth place in the sprint – with it all to do in the main race Bottas the sprint king but Hamilton trails Verstappen Lewis Hamilton lost further ground to championship rival Max Verstappen after he finished only fifth in yesterday’s sprint race at the Italian Grand Prix. Valtteri Bottas delivered a fine win from pole at Monza, with Verstappen (below) taking the runner-up spot and two crucial points. The Red Bull driver will also start on pole for today’s Grand Prix, with Bottas sent to the back of the grid after taking on his fourth engine of the campaign here, one more than the rules permit. McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo claimed third ahead of his team-mate Lando Norris. Not only did Hamilton fail to score, but he will now have his work cut out in the main event with a grid position of fourth – promoted one spot following Bottas’ penalty – and both McLarens between him and Verstappen. “It wasn’t great,” Hamilton said. “I’ve got to try and figure out how I can get by and try to limit the damage. “You saw the pace of the Red Bull, they are so fast. It should be an easy win (for Verstappen) and I have to try and get past the two guys (Ricciardo and Norris) ahead.” Hamilton started on the front row but he staggered By John Norfolk away from his marks and was gobbled up by Verstappen, Norris, Ricciardo and Pierre Gasly on the 430-metre dash to Variante del Rettifilo. The Mercedes dropped to sixth before Gasly ran over his own front wing – damaged after bumping Ricciardo’s McLaren – and slammed into the wall at the Curva Grande. Gasly was unharmed but the safety car was deployed as his wrecked AlphaTauri was removed from danger. By lap four, the sprint was ready to restart and Bottas made no mistake in dropping Verstappen following a fine exit from the Parabolica. As Bottas galloped into the distance, with Verstappen keeping the Finnish driver honest, Hamilton could make no impression on Norris. Bottas, this week dropped by Mercedes, took the chequered flag 2.3 seconds clear of Verstappen. Verstappen said: “We made a good start and got up to second, scored some points – and we start on pole. “It will be an interesting battle.” SPRINT RACE RESULT Driver Team Time 1 V Bottas Mercedes 27min:54.078secs 2 M Verstappen Red Bull +2.325 3 D Ricciardo McLaren +14.534 4 L Norris McLaren +18.835 5 L Hamilton Mercedes +20.011 6 C Leclerc Ferrari +23.442 7 C Sainz Jnr Ferrari +27.952 8 A Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo +31.089 9 S Perez Red Bull +31.680 10 L Stroll Aston Martin +38.671 GOLF: BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth LOWRY CUP SLOT ON A KNIFE-EDGE Team Europe race hots up SHANE LOWRY can help out his pal Padraig Harrington by winning the BMW PGA today – and opening the way for veterans Lee Westwood and Justin Rose to join him in the Ryder Cup team. The 2019 Open champion is currently out of the nine automatic qualifying places with Bernd Wiesberger in the provisional team after a second successive 67. World No.63 Wiesberger is an eight-time winner on the European Tour and his long driving would be an asset at Whistling Straits later this month. But if the Austrian makes his Ryder Cup debut, Harrington will have difficult decisions to make before his wildcard announcement at Wentworth tonight. He seems set to pick his fellow Irishman Lowry if he does not qualify. And if Westwood is also pushed out of the team – he is now just in ninth place – then at least two of Westwood, Rose, Ian Poulter or Sergio Garcia could miss out. Lowry and Wiesberger both go into the final round in seventh on 11-under par – three shots behind leader Francesco Laporta of Italy, with England Laurie Canter (above) in second spot after a 70. There are so many scenarios before the final nerve-wracking round of the final qualifying event tees off today. Even the place of Matt Fitzpatrick is not yet secure. But victory for Lowry at his “favourite event on the European Tour” would seal his place in the team – and see the Austrian need Neil McLEMAN reporting Pecco Bags a lap record PECCO Bagnaia will lead a Ducati one-two off the front row after smashing the MotoGP lap record ahead of today’s Aragon GP. The Ducati Lenovo rider clocked a 1min 46.322sec lap, destroying the previous record held by Marc Marquez since 2015. “We have done an incredible lap, in the last sector I just entered as fast as I could into the last to finish at least tied sixth to qualify for the team. “First and foremost in my head is trying to win this one,” said world No.40 Lowry after his 69. “I obviously want to be on the team so I want to play my best golf and show Paddy that I’ve got what it takes. There’s a few permutations that could happen tomorrow. But I’ll try and go out and play my best golf and try to win this tournament and then if I do that, I think I’ll be okay. I’ve been in big, high-pressure situations before and I’m not going to back down or shy away. “No matter what happens with the tournament tomorrow, if I’m named on that team at 7.30 tomorrow evening, I’ll be the happiest man in Ireland going home.” Wiesberger (right) was three-over par after six holes in his first round but has played his last 38 holes in 13-under par. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “I am really proud of the way I’ve played these last few days.” Westwood is down in 43rd place on five-under par after his 71 yesterday. The Ryder Cup veteran said: “I am playing this week like I’ve played the last two or three months. It’s nearly there but not quite. Trust me, golf does not stress me anymore.” MOTOGP By Zoe Burn corner and the bike let me turn,” said the Italian. “I passed the start finish line and I saw 46.3, I was like ‘woah’ – I was not thinking about a time like this.” Bagnaia’s team-mate Jack Miller improved to bag the second fastest lap, 0.366secs adrift, with Fabio Quartararo on his Monster Energy Yamaha in third. JOY: Bagnaia Irwin wins after crash HONDA’S Glenn Irwin grabbed his first Bennetts British Superbike Championship race win of the year at Silverstone as McAMS Yamaha teammates Taz Mackenzie and Jason O’Halloran tangled in a penultimate-lap crash. Irwin, who had been running in third for most of the race, inherited the win after MacKenzie made a move for the lead past his team-mate and suffered a SUPERBIKES By Zoe Burn IN THE MIX: Shane Lowry lies three shots off the lead massive highside and crashed. O’Halloran had nowhere to go and rode over the top of MacKenzie’s Yamaha. This is a pivotal weekend which will decide the eight Showdown contenders who will go on to battle for the crown. “What a way to kickstart this showdown weekend,” said Irwin.

SESC Sunday Express September 12, 2021 9 SPORT 9 CRICKET: England players step back from IPL Dean WILSON reporting THE Ashes received a welcome boost when three more England players pulled out of the Indian Premier League to give themselves the best chance of being able to travel and play in Australia. Jonny Bairstow (below), Chris Woakes (bottom) and Dawid Malan joined Jos Buttler in withdrawing from the tournament that effectively put a line through the cancelled fifth Test at Old Trafford on Friday. Remarkably, several Indian players had already landed in Abu Dhabi to begin their quarantine ahead of the tournament before what would have been the start of day two in Manchester. “Mumbai Indians flew in three of its Indian contingent members, captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav, to Abu Dhabi on a private charter flight,” said a team statement. “The trio, along with their families, arrived on Saturday morning and will now undergo six days of hard quarantine.” Others flew out of Manchester later yesterday in order to make sure that they will be out of quarantine by the time the postponed tournament resumes on September 19. Of the 10 England players still taking part in the IPL, only Moeen Ali and Sam Curran could be reasonably confident of being close to Ashes squad selection while the others will see it as the perfect lucrative tune-up for the T20 World Cup due to start in the same venues in October. The decision of some to miss the IPL is a sign they are planning on being away for much of the winter and this was a quarantine and commitment too many. Players are still waiting for the precise details from Cricket Australia as to what they and their families can expect Down Under, before they make a decision on availability at the end of the month, but there have been no withdrawals yet. One thing is certain, the tour will go ahead this winter and will not Dujardin’s Gio medal joy Charlotte Dujardin won the 20th major championship medal of her dressage career by taking the individual freestyle bronze at the European Championships in Germany. Dujardin, the first British woman to win six Olympic medals, anchored the British team to a silver medal on Wednesday. And the 36-year-old ended her European TRIO MAKE ASHES TOP FOCUS Stars pull out of Indian showpiece be postponed. But there can be no guarantee that it will take place either in the places or with the players originally outlined. ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “Conversations are ongoing but things are looking better in terms of working closely with Cricket Australia. “It is a complex scenario because you have different rules in different states with how Covid strategy is being adopted. “No player has yet told us they won’t be going.” The 10 England players still in the IPL are Ali, Sam Billings, Sam and Tom Curran, George Garton, Eoin Morgan, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Liam Livingstone and Jason Roy. EQUESTRIAN european championships campaign with another podium finish aboard her Tokyo Olympics horse Gio. “I was absolutely delighted with him,” Dujardin said of Gio after their European medal double followed two third places in Tokyo. “He tried his heart out, and I couldn’t have asked much more. He was super.” THIRD: Dujardin OZ SIGHTS: Dawid Malan has pulled out of the IPL Hayter’s on the brink Belgian rider Yves Lampaert secured Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s first victory of the Tour of Britain in Edinburgh. Lampaert outsprinted Matteo Jorgenson (Movistar Team) and Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling’s Matt Gibson in the picturesque Holyrood Park after the trio broke away from the pack. INEOS Grenadiers rider Ethan Hayter finished cycling tour of britain safely within the peloton to retain his overall lead and move to within a day of becoming the first British winner of the national tour in five years. Hayter has the points jersey in the bag, owing to his insurmountable lead going into today’s final stage, providing he finishes the race. POOL US OPEN BLUE BAIZE: Trump has switched to pool Trump takes pool gamble in the US Judd Trump admits his biggest fear in Atlantic City is being mistaken for a relative of the ex-President. The Juddernaut has conquered the world of snooker and is switching codes this week as a pool shark at the US Open. Though Trump, 32, has recently lost his world No1 ranking to Mark Selby, he has won 11 titles in two years and looks certain to reclaim top spot next month. But his surname isn’t the best regarded in the gambling resort – where Donald saw three casinos fail leaving huge debts and thousands of people out of work. Trump, who starts his campaign tomorrow against American Joe Magee, said: “The flight attendant did ask me if I was any relation. “So I made sure they knew I wasn’t. And if the other Trump has had his problems here, I’d better make sure I don’t fail. “I like America, I CURLING Gina eyes Beijing Edinburgh curler Gina Aitken staked an early claim for a place in Britain’s 2022 Olympic team for Beijing despite losing the St Petersburg Classic final. The ex-world junior silver medallist and team-mates Hailey Duff, Vicky Wright and Jennifer Dodds beat Eve Muirhead’s rink 5-2 in an all-Scottish semi-final. The Scots led the final but Alina Kovaleva’s Russian side won 9-5. Team Muirhead beat a Swiss quartet 7-4 in the third place play-off. By Hector Nunns have been on holiday here and it is one of the reasons that I decided to come over. “The crowds are loud and in your face, a bit like the Masters at home in the snooker, they let you know how they are feeling – I like that. “I’d like to get known here and help promote pool and cue sports across the world. “The pool world has always had those stories about being on the road and the hustling in halls, even a bit of danger. “It is different now and run like a real business, but the older players here have grown up in that environment before moving on to these bigger tournaments. “People say, ‘The pockets are bigger so if you’re a good potter on small pockets you should never miss’. “But there are a lot of tactics involved. I might win a game or two but top players are that for a reason.” SQUASH Aitken in last 16 Four-time Scottish champion Lisa Aitken stormed through to the last 16 at the Egyptian Squash Open in Giza yesterday. The world No 39 took only half an hour to beat Egypt’s Hana Ramadan 11-8, 11-6, 11-3. Aitken could face French third seed Camille Serme next. Scottish No 1 Greg Lobban lost 3-2 to Egypt’s Karim El Hammamy in the men’s last 32. Lobban led by two games to one but bowed out 11-9, 6-11, 11-4, 2-11, 5-11 after 77 minutes on court.

SESC 10 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 10 SPORT RUGBY LEAGUE Lam’s men finally cook up a storm Adrian Lam believes Wigan are running into form at the right time after a big win over Hull tightened their grip on fourth. Tries from Jake Bibby and Zak Hardaker (below) in the space of 10 second-half minutes secured Warriors’ return to winning ways after a Magic Weekend defeat to Warrington. Victory also ensured hapless Hull can’t enjoy an end-ofseason extension. “It had a real semifinal feel to it and it is exactly what we needed,” said Warriors head coach Lam. “It wasn’t the prettiest game but I am really proud of the effort, especially defensively. If you have your defensive situation right at this time of the year, you have got every chance. “There were times when Hull had the ball and we held them out, set after set. “We looked like a team committed to each other. “I just loved the mentality of the players and physically they were tough too.” Hull’s first season under head coach Brett Hodgson began promisingly, but unravelled towards the end. Hodgson said: “We need to make sure we are at a better level next season.” Williams is pure gold George Williams’ golden-point drop-goal settled a thrilling contest 20-19 in favour of Warrington Wolves against Salford Red Devils. Matty Ashton, Matt Davis and Josh Charnley tries gave the Wire a first-half lead, although Ken Sio scored twice. Tui Lolohea’s converted try put Salford ahead but Gareth Widdop’s goal squared it up. Williams (left) and Lolohea traded dropgoals, before Williams settled it. Huddersfield Giants turned party poopers, beating Catalans 30-18 as the Dragons were presented with the League Leaders Shield after tying up top spot last week. PLAYING TODAY LEIGH V WAKEFIELD 3pm Tom hopes dashed TOM JOHNSTONE’S third concussion in six months has hit his England ambitions. The Wakefield winger, 26 (right) aimed to impress England boss Shaun Wane before October’s France match. But another head injury has KO’d him for the rest of the Hull FC 0 Wigan 10 by Trevor Baxter By Andrew Moore By Julie Stott season. Also, his wedding clashes with the 2022 World Cup. He said: “This year has been awful for me. “I really want to be in that England team.” Leigh play their last home game before being relegated. RUGBY UNION: Edinburgh 10 Newcastle Falcons 26 blair: plenty to look forward to HIGH-FLYING Falcons rained on Edinburgh’s homecoming parade yesterday, claiming a comfortable four-tries-toone win in the first match at the capital club’s new ERS ground. But Edinburgh head coach Mike Blair still found a lot to be pleased with after taking charge of his team for the first time. He said: “It’s a piece of rugby history and a watershed moment that our supporters, players and anyone connected to the club has waited on for a very long time. I may only have been back involved at the club for a short period, but the excitement and buzz DAWN OF A NEW ERA: Fans enjoy the first match at the all-new ERS By Stuart Bathgate around our new home has been hugely apparent from my first day in charge.” This was Edinburgh’s first pre-season friendly – they have another on Saturday against Italian club Benetton. But Newcastle had played and beaten Glasgow Warriors eight days earlier, and they looked that bit sharper than their hosts thanks to having that game under their belts. “Newcastle are probably a week ahead of us in terms of their preparation,” Blair, inset, added. “They played last week and their league starts next weekend. “We had a lot of young guys out there in the second half, guys playing their first game. I’m really pleased with the effort and the enthusiasm. “There were enough positives there to keep a smile on the face. But at the same time we’re disappointed because we didn’t get the win.” The Falcons fell behind to a Jaco van der Walt penalty, but then went ahead through an interception try by scrum-half Louis Schreuder, converted by Brett Connon. Edinburgh hit back with a Mark Bennett try converted by Van der Walt, but they did not bother the scoreboard again. Hooker George McGuigan finished off a powerful driving maul from a lineout five minutes before the break to put the Falcons back in front, and that lead always looked secure in the second half. Edinburgh showed some promising touches in attack at times in that second half, but in the end they were worn down as Newcastle proved their superior fitness late in the game. Ollie Lindsay-Hague and Cameron Nordli- Kelemeti added tries for the visitors, with Connon and Tom Marshall converting. BATH: Firm-good to firm in places 1.35—HYDE PARK BARRACKS (F Norton, 7‐1) 1; Strike (13‐8 fav) 2; Youllovemewheniwin (16‐5) 3. H’cap 4 ran. nk, 1 1 /2l. (M Wigham). 2.05—MR PROFESSOR (M Crehan, 9‐4 fav) 1; Madame Ambassador (5‐1) 2; Loquace (13‐2) 3. H’cap 8 ran. 1 3 /4l, 2 1 /4l. (Alice Haynes). 2.40—CHOIRMASTER (F Norton, 2‐13 fav) 1; Dandy’s Diva (25‐1) 2; Ward Castle (6‐1 2nd fav) 3. 3 ran. 5l, nk. (M Johnston). Non-runner: Clarity Spirit. 3.20—WIFF WAFF (A Villiers, 8‐1) 1; Vincenzo Coccotti (33‐1) 2; Atyaaf (9‐2) 3. H’cap 10 ran. 1 3 /4l, 1 1 /4l. (A Wintle; 7-2 jtfav Glamorous Force, 7-2 jtfav Pastfact). 3.55—TASFEEQ (K Shoemark, 8‐13 fav) 1; Accrington Stanley (4‐1) 2; Commonsensical (3‐1 2nd fav) 3. H’cap 3 ran. 3 1 /4l, 3 3 /4l. (M Tregoning). Non-runner: Street Kid. 4.30—GINGER JAM (F McManoman, 2‐1 fav) 1; Nibras Again (5‐2 2nd fav) 2; Vandad (3‐1) 3. H’cap 5 ran. nk, nk. (N Tinkler). 5.00—NICKS NOT WONDER (T Whelan, 3‐1) 1; Red Flyer (15‐8 2nd fav) 2; Reams Of Love (6‐5 fav) 3. H’cap 3 ran. 1 1 /4l, ns. (J Osborne). Non-runners: Flying Dragon, Manor Park. Placepot: £81.40 (Race 1) 1; (2) 2, 1, 3; (3) 1; (4) 9, 6, 2; (5) 1; (6) 1, 3; Quadpot: £6.80 CHESTER: Good to soft-soft in places 1.30—SCARLET DANCER (P Hanagan, 3‐1 2nd fav) 1; Noteable (10‐3) 2; Lordman (10‐3) 3. 7 ran. 1 /2l, 4 3 /4l. (R Fahey; 5-2 fav Zulu Tracker). 2.00—INVITE (J F Egan, 5‐1) 1; Alounak (9‐4 fav) 2; Wells Farhh Go (11‐1) 3. 9 ran. 2l, 1 /2l. (A Balding). 2.35—AU CLAIR DE LUNE (H Turner, 6‐1) 1; Hochfeld (9‐2) 2; Mr Curiosity (11‐4 fav) 3. H’cap 8 ran. nk, 5 1 /2l. (G Scott). Non-runners: Arrow Of Gold, Mancini. 3.10—RUSSELLINTHEBUSHES (J F Egan, 11‐2) 1; Instinctive Move (10‐3 jt 2nd fav) 2; Catch Cunningham (15‐2) 3. H’cap 7 ran. 1 /2l, hd. (P Evans; 9-4 fav Little Miss Dynamo). Non-runners: Fast Response, Kingboard Star. 3.50—GABRIAL THE DEVIL (C Murtagh, 11‐4 fav) 1; RACING RESULTS +++ RACING RESULTS +++ RACING RESULTS Major Jumbo (7‐1) 2; Indian Creak (16‐1) 3. H’cap 12 ran. nk, 2 3 /4l. (R Fahey). Non-runners: Gabrial The Wire, Tar Heel. 4.25—VICTORY CHIME (H Crouch, 3‐1 2nd fav) 1; Spirit Dancer (5‐2 fav) 2; Jean Baptiste (9‐1) 3. H’cap 6 ran. 3 /4l, 2 1 /4l. (R Beckett). Non-runners: Dark Pine, Palavecino, Restorer. 4.55—EMIYN (H Shaw, 10‐1) 1; Little Ted (9‐1) 2; Zambezi Magic (11‐1) 3. H’cap 11 ran. 4l, shd. (D Carroll; 7-2 fav Widaad). Non-runner: The New Marwan. Placepot: £31.30 (Race 1) 3, 7; (2) 9, 3, 5; (3) 7, 1, 4; (4) 7, 1; (5) 7, 1, 4; (6) 2, 7; Quadpot: £10.50 DONCASTER: Good to soft-soft in places 1.15—DESERT ANGEL (H Doyle, 15‐2) 1; La Pulga (6‐4 2nd fav) 2; Fall Of Rome (5‐4 fav) 3. H’cap 4 ran. nk, 3 1 /2l. (R Hannon). Non-runners: Nasim, Thunder Legend. 1.45—HURRICANE IVOR (T Marquand, 11‐2 fav) 1; Boundless Power (7‐1) 2; Count D’Orsay (25‐1) 3; Treacherous (14‐1) 4. H’cap 16 ran. 1 /2l, 3 /4l, 1 /2l. (W Haggas). Non-runners: A Sure Welcome, Jawwaal, Justanotherbottle, King Of Stars, Mid Winster, Saluti. 2.20—BAYSIDE BOY (David Egan, 5‐1) 1; Reach For The Moon (8‐13 fav) 2; Twilight Jet (25‐1) 3. 4 ran. hd, 1 1 /4l. (R Varian). 3.00—GLORIOUS JOURNEY (W Buick, 5‐2) 1; D’bai (17‐2) 2; Laneqash (9‐4 jt fav) 3. 6 ran. 1 1 /4l, 1 1 /4l. (C Appleby; 9-4 jtfav Danyah). 3.35—HURRICANE LANE (W Buick, 8‐11 fav) 1; Mojo Star (8‐1 jt 2nd fav) 2; The Mediterranean (28‐1) 3. 10 ran. 2 3 /4l, 2l. (C Appleby). 4.05—TITLE (David Egan, 11‐10 fav) 1; Cardano (20‐1) 2; Tyson Fury (6‐1) 3. H’cap 6 ran. 4 1 /4l, nk. (R Varian). 5.10—ROYAL FLEET (W Buick, 11‐8 fav) 1; Scottish Summit (12‐1) 2; Raadobarg (3‐1 2nd fav) 3. H’cap 8 ran. 1 /2l, 1l. (C Appleby). Non-runners: Ametist, Cruyff Turn, Dance Fever, Irish Admiral, Qaysar. Jackpot: £10,000.00, with £3,944.55 carried over to Haydock Placepot: £1,110.20 (Race 1) 4; (2) 1, 18, 10, 16; (3) 2; (4) 3, 1; (5) 3, 5, 9; (6) 4, 3; Quadpot: £54.70 LINGFIELD: Standard 3.05—COLONIAL LOVE (N Callan, 4‐1 jt 2nd fav) 1; Livia The Empress (4‐1 jt 2nd fav) 2; Love Poems (13‐2) 3. H’cap 8 ran. 2 1 /2l, 1 /2l. (H Palmer; 7-2 fav Kinderfrau). Nonrunners: Rose Grey, Thermal. 3.40—FANCY MAN (S M Levey, 4‐11 fav) 1; Bugle Major (7‐2 2nd fav) 2; Mekong (7‐1) 3. 4 ran. 1 /2l, 11l. (R Hannon). 4.10—LINDWALL (L Morris, 8‐1) 1; Knight Of Kings (13‐2) 2; Blue Beret (17‐2) 3. H’cap 7 ran. 1 3 /4l, 4l. (Sir M Prescott; 3-1 fav Bobby Kennedy). Non-runner: Where You At. 4.45—NIKHI (J Garritty, 15‐2) 1; Lyrical Lady (22‐1) 2; Ladypacksapunch (6‐1) 3. 12 ran. 1 1 /2l, 1 /2l. (J O’Keeffe; 6-4 fav Yorkindness). 5.20—BRAINS (S Osborne, 15‐8 fav) 1; Byzantia (6‐1) 2; Always Dreaming (16‐1) 3. H’cap 9 ran. 4 1 /4l, nk. (J Osborne). Non-runner: Goodwood Glen. 5.50—VITALLINE (T Greatrex, 11‐4 fav) 1; Lion Ring (5‐1) 2; Onaraggatip (14‐1) 3. H’cap 9 ran. 1 1 /4l, hd. (B James). 6.25—ARAMIS GREY (C Shepherd, 3‐1 2nd fav) 1; Tomouh (9‐4 fav) 2; La Sensazione (17‐2) 3. H’cap 5 ran. nk, 1l. (R Guest). Placepot: £395.70 (Race 1) 8, 7, 6; (2) 4; (3) 8, 5; (4) 4, 3, 12; (5) 6, 2, 9; (6) 5, 8, 7; Quadpot: £121.40 MUSSELBURGH: Good to soft 3.30—CLOTHERHOLME (S Gray, 7‐2 fav) 1; Chinese Spirit (12‐1) 2; Shine On Brendan (15‐2) 3. H’cap 13 ran. hd, 1 3 /4l. (Mrs A Duffield). Non-runner: Lucky Violet. 4.00—NEWBOLT (S Gray, 22‐1) 1; Oso Rapido (13‐8 fav) 2; Three Saints Bay (15‐2) 3. H’cap 7 ran. shd, 2 1 /2l. (K Frost). Non-runner: Gometra Ginty. 4.35—MYTHICAL MOLLY (B Robinson, 3‐1 fav) 1; Texas Man (9‐2) 2; Honorah (6‐1) 3. H’cap 9 ran. 1 /2l, 3l. (B Ellison). Non-runners: Hatshepsut, Hot Diggity Dog, Wondrous Things. 5.05—ANIMATO (D Tudhope, 9‐2) 1; Dungar Glory (50‐1) 2; Beltane (10‐11 fav) 3. 6 ran. 1 3 /4l, 1 /2l. (D O’Meara). 5.40—SOUND OF IONA (P Mulrennan, 13‐8 fav) 1; The Gloaming (8‐1) 2; Aleef (7‐1) 3. H’cap 8 ran. 3 /4l, 1 /2l. (J Goldie). Non-runner: Sam’s Call. 6.15—JESSIE ALLAN (Miss A Waugh, 20‐1) 1; His Pride (16‐1) 2; Bellevue Lad (9‐4 fav) 3. H’cap 10 ran. 1 /2l, hd. (J Goldie). Non-runners: God Of Dreams, Strategic Fortune. 6.50—SPARTAKOS (S James, 11‐1) 1; Listen Again (13‐2) 2; Cool Dandy (17‐2) 3. H’cap 11 ran. 2 1 /2l, 1 1 /2l. (K Scott; 9-2 fav Iron Sheriff). Non-runner: Redzone. 7.20—BOLLIN NEIL (Ella McCain, 11‐2) 1; Line Of Descent (4‐6 fav) 2; Thai Terrier (9‐1) 3. H’cap 6 ran. 1l, 1 3 /4l. (T Easterby). Placepot: £216.10 (Race 1) 8, 5, 3; (2) 2, 6; (3) 2, 5, 4; (4) 1, 6; (5) 5, 9, 6; (6) 6, 10, 8; Quadpot: £64.00

SE1ST HAYDOCK (RTV) The scout: 4.10 Harrogate 4.35 Prince Of Abington 5.00 Mother Shipton 5.30 Exminster 6.00 Subtle Beauty 6.25 Silver Gunn 6.55 Land Of Winter. 4.10 APPRENTICE TRAINING SERIES HANDICAP £12,885 (Class 4) 5f (17 declared) ITV4 101 (7) 140511 READY FREDDIE GO (8) (D) O Pears 3 9-13..... G Sanna(3) 90 102 (2) 5470L8 MUSCIKA (16) (D) D O’Meara 7 9-7........................Doubtful 93 103 (3) 513231 PRIMO’S COMET (18) (D,F) (T) J Goldie 6 9-4.....Z Wheatley 89 104 (17) 112305 BUY ME BACK (5) (D) M Loughnane 4 9-4 Mr Cameron Hillhouse(5) 93 105 (11) 42-1410 MODULAR MAGIC (21) (D) T D Barron 4 9-4......O McSweeney 92 106 (1) 77-L105 THE BELL CONDUCTOR (30) (D) P Makin 4 9-2.....Ryan Sexton(5) 92 107 (9) L43LL2 FANTASY MASTER (30) (D) M Appleby 3 9-1.....Erika Parkinson 94 108 (4) 311246 FOUR ADAAY (25) (D) (T) B Millman 3 8-13.....S Feilden(5) 92 109 (13) 226134 GLOBAL HUMOR (9) (T) J Goldie 6 8-9........Alan Persse 93 110 (6) 217314 HOLBACHE (29) (C&D) A Carroll 3 8-8..... Emma Taff(5) 92 111 (16) L3L131 HARROGATE (20) (D) P Midgley 6 8-7.......C Hutchinson 91 112 (10) 313111 GLORIOUS RIO (6) (D) Stella Barclay 4 8-4(5ex)....J Peate ★95 113 (8) 537451 SAM’S CALL (14) (D) M & D Easterby 4 8-3.....W Pyle(5) 93 114 (15) 331124 BOUDICA BAY (30) (C&D) E Alston 6 8-3.....M Perrault(5) 90 115 (14) 2L0638 ECONOMIC CRISIS (5) (D5) A Berry 12 8-0.... Molly Presland(5) 90 116 (5) 465224 RED WALLS (13) (D) L Williamson 3 8-0..... Sophie Clements(7) 87 117 (12) L7-36L1 STREET LIFE (22) (D) P Morris 4 8-0... Morgan Cole(3) 91 BLINKERS: Nos. 12, 14 VISOR: No. 13 CHEEK PIECES: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 17. Forecast: 5 Glorious Rio, 7 Primo’s Comet, Modular Magic, 8 Global Humor, Ready Freddie Go, 10 Harrogate, Four Adaay, 12 Sam’s Call, 14 Others. 4.35 SUNDAY SERIES SPRINT HANDICAP £12,885 (4) 6f (17) ITV4 201 (11) 552138 BE PROUD (8) (F) (T) J Goldie 5 9-10..........P Mulrennan 90 202 (2) 1L0069 GABRIAL THE WIRE (22) R Fahey 5 9-9..........P Hanagan 88 203 (7) 0-046L6 TROUBADOR (29) (D) M Dods 4 9-8.......... P J McDonald 92 204 (6) 72053L MANIGORDO (9) (D) T Easterby 4 9-7.....................D Allan 90 205 (1) 5470L8 MUSCIKA (16) (D) D O’Meara 7 9-7....................D Tudhope 93 206 (17) 241446 PHOENIX STAR (22) (D) J Macey 5 9-5..........L Edmunds 92 207 (16) 2L3433 PRINCE OF ABINGTON (15) (D,F) J Chapple-Hyam 3 9-5 ......................................................................................David Egan 91 208 (3) 207943 I AM A DREAMER (12) (D) P Midgley 5 9-4.....C Hutchinson(5) 94 209 (4) 172534 SMEATON’S LIGHT (17) (D) M Channon 3 9-4.. C Bishop 92 210 (13) 3-90302 TOMMY TAYLOR (26) (D) G Tuer 7 9-3................S James 91 211 (5) 35-1932 PRINCE OF BEL LIR (38) (D) J Parr 3 9-2.......J Mitchell ★95 212 (10) 321L05 MACHO PRIDE (9) (C&D) B Haslam 3 9-2............. H Shaw 92 213 (14) 533168 SHOOT TO KILL (17) (D) G Scott 4 9-2.............D Muscutt 92 214 (9) 1-43151 ANCIENT TIMES (13) (D) Harry Eustace 3 9-1.. H Turner 91 215 (12) 346021 LEZARDRIEUX (18) (D) G Tuer 4 9-1.... O McSweeney(7) 91 216 (15) 12-44L6 ANDRONICUS BEAU (74) (D) T Dascombe 3 9-1.... Jane Elliott 90 217 (8) 431124 JORDAN ELECTRICS (18) (D) E Whillans 5 9-0...... Joanna Mason(3) 92 BLINKERS: No. 3 TONGUE STRAP: Nos. 4, 8, 16 CHEEK PIECES: Nos. 1, 5, 6, 7, 13, 16. Forecast: 13-2 Tommy Taylor, 8 Prince Of Abington, Lezardrieux, Be Proud, 10 Prince Of Bel Lir, Smeaton’s Light, 12 Others. 5.00 SUNDAY SERIES’ EBF MAIDEN STAKES 2YO £8,813 (4) 6f (9) ITV4 301 (8) AL BAREZ (F) Tom Clover 9-5..............................J Mitchell — 302 (4) CODE PURPLE B Haslam 9-5...................................... H Shaw — 303 (5) FANTASY NAVIGATOR M Appleby 9-5..............L Edmunds — 304 (1) PULL THE LEVER D F Davis 9-5..............................J F Egan — 305 (2) WHOPUTFIFTYINYOU (F) C Cox 9-5.....................H Crouch — 306 (7) MOTHER SHIPTON K Ryan 9-0............................D Tudhope — 307 (6) POETIKEL PIECE Adrian Nicholls 9-0................B McHugh — 308 (9) ROSHAMBO J Camacho 9-0.............................P Mulrennan — 309 (3) SHARESA (F) M Johnston 9-0................................F Norton — Forecast: 5-2 Whoputfiftyinyou, 7-2 Sharesa, Mother Shipton, 6 Al Barez, 8 Poetikel Piece, 10 Code Purple, 25 Roshambo, Fantasy Navigator, Pull The Lever. 5.30 SKY BET SUNDAY SERIES NURSERY 2Yo £12,885 (4) 7f 37yds (14) ITV4 401 (2) 1510 ARISTOBULUS (25) J Ferguson 9-7......................Doubtful 86 402 (6) 14 ST ANDREW’S CASTLE (30) I Jardine 9-6......P Mulrennan 83 403 (11) 3314 SHARP RIPOSTE (24) M Botti 9-6.........................L Morris 82 404 (8) 137 OUTGATE (24) (D) D & C Kubler 9-4......................N Currie 84 405 (10) 7335 MYSTERY FOX (32) R Varian 9-4......................David Egan 86 406 (13) 7322 FLAMING LORD (33) Harry Eustace 9-3................G Wood 85 407 (7) 13 EXMINSTER (29) (D) E Bethell 9-2....................D Tudhope 84 408 (12) 6473 BOX TO BOX (19) T Dascombe 9-0........................Doubtful 84 409 (5) 352202 INTERNATIONAL BOY (15) R Fahey 8-13..........P Hanagan 87 410 (3) 474U2 SIR MIN (9) C Fellowes 8-13.................................... H Turner 85 411 (1) 42L64L RICKENBACKER (2) T Dascombe 8-8.......K Schofield(5) ★88 412 (9) L52818 BUNGLEY (8) T Easterby 8-6.............................D Fentiman 86 413 (14) 705 COME TO PASS (26) A Carroll 8-4.........................J F Egan 76 414 (4) 8396L3 BEARCARDI (17) J L Eyre 8-1...................................C Hardie 85 CHEEK PIECES: No. 11. Forecast: 5 Sir Min, 11-2 Mystery Fox, 6 International Boy, Flaming Lord, 7 Exminster, 8 St Andrew’s Castle, 12 Outgate, Sharp Riposte, Bearcardi, 14 Others. 6.00 SUNDAY SERIES FILLIES’ HANDICAP £15,462 (4) 1m 37yds (12) ITV4 501 (5) 6-112L3 ASTROGEM (25) (F) Harry Eustace 4 9-10............. R Tate 89 502 (6) 51811L ZULU GIRL (15) (D) D & C Kubler 4 9-10..............N Currie 85 503 (9) 70-1215 ARABIAN ROMANCE (24) (D) K P De Foy 4 9-10.....P J McDonald 87 504 (11) 23-241 SUBTLE BEAUTY (46) P & O Cole 3 9-5..... Grace McEntee(5) 81 505 (2) L-8410L GENETIQUE (40) D O’Meara 3 9-5....................... J Watson 43 506 (8) 282135 CROWN PRINCESS (32) (D) O Pears 3 9-3......H Russell(3) 85 507 (10) 183L14 TURANDOT (30) (C&D) D O’Meara 3 9-3.........D Tudhope 84 508 (4) 2240 NEW EXCEED (21) C Appleby 3 9-2....................J Mitchell 84 509 (7) 528-423 HIPSWAY (16) K Dalgleish 3 8-9.............................S James 86 510 (3) 5-75288 FLORENCE STREET (21) A Balding 3 8-7..........D Probert 88 511 (1) 244228 SOLLER BAY (16) T Easterby 3 8-2..................D Fentiman 87 512 (12) 215613 LIBBY AMI (6) (D,F) G Tuer 3 8-1...........................C Hardie ★90 BLINKERS: Nos. 5, 11 TONGUE STRAP: No. 4. Forecast: 9-2 Arabian Romance, 5 Libby Ami, 6 New Exceed, 13-2 Subtle Beauty, 7 Astrogem, 8 Turandot, 10 Crown Princess, 14 Others. 6.25 SUNDAY SERIES MIDDLE DISTANCE H’CAP £15,462 (4) 1m 2f 100yds (17) ITV4 601 (17) 294L21 HOWZER BLACK (13) (C&D) K Dalgleish 5 9-13......Doubtful 90 602 (13) LL-3431 PRINCE OF HARTS (27) (D) (T) B Millman 5 9-10..... David Egan 91 603 (7) 3-12218 ATHMAD (21) (D) R Carr 5 9-10.................... P J McDonald 92 604 (1) 691137 CIVIL LAW (52) (D) R Teal 4 9-10...........C Hutchinson(5) 91 605 (9) 6/2-1 LIBERATION POINT (20) M Appleby 4 9-7......D Tudhope 86 606 (11) 5L-L111 STRAWMAN (12) (D) K Tutty 4 9-7........ Gemma Tutty(3) 93 607 (16) 553100/ PERFECT CITY (J19) Jonjo O’Neill 6 9-5.........P Hanagan — 608 (2) 343-352 CEDAR CAGE (87) D Shaw 4 9-5............................C Hardie 92 609 (10) 312421 FAIRMAC (9) (C&D,F) M Johnston 3 9-5............F Norton 89 610 (14) L11112 MIRAMICHI (9) (C&D) T Dascombe 3 9-4.....Jane Elliott 90 611 (15) 232946 STARFIGHTER (21) (D) M Loughnane 5 9-3.......H Crouch 91 612 (5) 1117L3 BOLLIN MARGARET (12) (D) T Easterby 4 9-3.....D Allan 91 613 (12) 113214 TOMMY G (21) (T) J Goldie 8 9-2...................P Mulrennan 92 614 (4) 222323 SIX STRINGS (9) G Tuer 7 9-2.................................S James ★94 615 (3) 21L121 SILVER GUNN (21) (D) M Botti 3 9-1..................D E Hogan 89 616 (8) 650541 CADEAU D’OR (17) (D,F) A Balding 4 9-1..........D Probert 92 617 (6) 17L221 YORKSHIRE LADY (21) M & D Easterby 3 9-0...... Joanna Mason(3) 88 BLINKERS: No. 9 TONGUE STRAP: No. 4 CHEEK PIECES: No. 8. Forecast: 13-2 Liberation Point, 7 Prince Of Harts, 8 Six Strings, Silver Gunn, Strawman, 10 Cadeau D’or, Yorkshire Lady, Miramichi, Fairmac, 12 Others. 6.55 SKY BET SUNDAY SERIES HANDICAP £15,462 (4) 2m 46yds (13) ITV4 1 (9) 772121 SNOWALOT (15) (F) J Ferguson 4 9-10.............D Muscutt 90 2 (1) 15510-5 AUTHOR’S DREAM (149) (D) W Knight 8 9-10.J Watson 85 3 (6) 0L51L0 GLASSES UP (23) (T) R M Smith 6 9-9............D Tudhope 94 4 (12) 2119-31 LAND OF WINTER (20) (D) R Guest 5 9-8.............D Allan 91 5 (8) 321/4-31 GOOBINATOR (64) (D) D McCain 5 9-7........P Mulrennan 91 6 (10) 2L-23L2 CLEARANCE (17) (D) M Blake 7 9-3............ P J McDonald 92 7 (5) 5213-15 MANJAAM (J147) (D) M Loughnane 8 9-3..... J Peate(7) 91 8 (4) 275324 SINGLE (16) M Channon 4 9-1...............................G Bass(5) 91 9 (3) L784-11 EMARATY HERO (7) (F) G Tuer 4 8-13..................S James ★99 10 (7) 049524 TORONTO (16) C Fellowes 4 8-12..........................L Steward 93 11 (11) 94/2411 TEQANY (28) (D) F O’Brien 7 8-10.....................D Costello 92 12 (13) 4-534L NAVEGAON GATE (31) E Walker 3 8-5...................L Morris 90 13 (2) 525412 NATALEENA (7) (D) B Haslam 5 8-0.....................C Hardie 93 BLINKERS: No. 12 TONGUE STRAP: Nos. 4, 7, 11 CHEEK PIECES: Nos. 2, 4, 7. Forecast: 3 Emaraty Hero, 9-2 Snowalot, 7 Teqany, 8 Land Of Winter, 10 Clearance, Goobinator, 12 Nataleena, 14 Toronto, Single, 16 Others. BATH (SSR) The scout: 2.15 Brown Owl 2.45 Pretty Sweet 3.20 Beowulf 3.55 Chipstead 4.30 Merlin’s Beard 5.05 Four Feet 5.40 Street Jester. FOLLOW ATTHERACES ON TWITTER NURSERY 2YO £3,240 (Class 5) 5f 10yds (9 declared) 2.15 1 (3) 612514 BLACK HILL STORM (46) (D) P Evans 9-7.......Gina Mangan(5) 79 2 (9) 353921 GOLDENHURST (11) (C,F) R Hannon 9-3...... L Browne(7) ★81 3 (8) 434103 BROWN OWL (11) (D) T Ward 9-3.....................T Marquand 78 4 (6) LL53 LAWFUL COMMAND (17) B Meehan 9-0.............. D O’Neill 80 5 (4) 25697 FAIR AND SQUARE (26) R Harris 9-0..................T Whelan 75 6 (2) 433122 THEREHEGOES (17) (C&D) R Brisland 8-13....... R Hornby 79 7 (5) 861L BELLA’S PEARL (30) (D) W Kittow 8-13.............. K O’Neill 76 8 (1) 647688 BLUEBELL WAY (17) M Channon 8-6...................D Keenan 78 9 (7) L9681 DEVON ENVOY (13) (D) B Millman 8-5...............R Dawson 78 Forecast: 7-2 Goldenhurst, 4 Therehegoes, 9-2 Lawful Command, Devon Envoy, 7 Brown Owl, 15-2 Black Hill Storm, 10 Bella’s Pearl, 20 Others. 2.45 CAZOO MAIDEN STAKes £3,510 (5) 1m 3f 137yds (5) 1 (3) 67/ SIMPLE WORDS (J297) C Down 5 9-8......Josephine Gordon — 2 (1) 9-85LL7 RAKISH PADDY (17) Mrs N Evans 3 9-5............... K O’Neill 39 3 (4) 522334 SCAMPI (10) (F) A Balding 3 9-5.......................... R Hornby 81 4 (2) TRUE WARRIOR R Brisland 3 9-5..........................D Keenan — 5 (5) 22 PRETTY SWEET (5) (F) G Boughey 3 9-0.....T Marquand ★82 Forecast: 5-6 Pretty Sweet, 11-10 Scampi, 14 True Warrior, 100 Others. 3.20 FREE TIPS ON ATTHERACES.COM HANDICAP £3,240 (5) 1m 2f 37yds (6) 1 (6) 81L04L SIR PLATO (20) (C) B Millman 7 9-10................R Coakley 76 2 (1) 211134 YANIFER (13) (C) J Osborne 3 9-7...............S Osborne(5) 75 3 (4) 632325 HALCYON SPIRIT (23) M Tregoning 3 9-6......... D O’Neill 77 4 (2) 6-34113 BEOWULF (19) (D) E Walker 3 9-6..................T Marquand 75 5 (5) 35024 FASCINATING SHADOW (12) (F) R Hannon 3 9-5..... L Catton(7) 75 6 (3) 73-9762 ZEFFERINO (11) (C) M Bosley 7 8-11.................H Burns(5) ★78 BLINKERS: Nos. 1, 4 VISOR: No. 3 TONGUE STRAP: No. 6. Forecast: 9-4 Beowulf, 3 Fascinating Shadow, 9-2 Yanifer, 5 Zefferino, 13-2 Halcyon Spirit, 10 Sir Plato. 3.55 BATH SUMMER SPRINT SERIES FINAL HANDICAP £10,308 (2) 5f 160yds (13) 1 (7) 523211 CHIPSTEAD (11) (C,F) R Teal 3 9-10......................T Whelan 86 2 (10) 111236 UNDER CURFEW (8) (C&D) A Carroll 5 9-7......R Dawson 88 3 (8) 272112 AIRSHOW (13) (C&D) B Millman 6 9-4...............R Coakley 86 4 (1) 832222 SARAH’S VERSE (25) (C&D) R Harris 4 9-1.......T Heard(5) 90 5 (11) 131111 CHERISH (25) (C,D) A Carroll 4 8-8....Mollie Phillips(5) 88 6 (5) 266421 RED ALERT (11) (C&D) A Carroll 7 8-8..........T Marquand 86 7 (6) 8416L3 WE’RE REUNITED (24) (C&D) R Harris 4 8-7......R Hornby 88 8 (13) L8L491 HEER WE GO AGAIN (33) (C) P Evans 4 8-6...D Keenan ★91 9 (9) 37L433 REAL ESTATE (11) (D) M Attwater 6 8-3.........G Rooke(3) 89 10 (2) 743122 RUBY COTTAGE (11) (C&D) M Saunders 3 8-3...... Gina Mangan(5) 88 11 (12) 523767 GHERKIN (16) (D) W Kittow 4 8-0......................... K O’Neill 85 12 (4) 69-L004 ALBA DEL SOLE (24) (D) R Brisland 6 8-0.......Josephine Gordon 80 13 (3) 523254 TOP BOY (11) (C,D) A Carroll 11 8-0................. A Beech(5) 80 Forecast: 4 Cherish, 5 Chipstead, 6 Red Alert, 8 Airshow, 10 We’re Reunited, Ruby Cottage, Heer We Go Again, Sarah’s Verse, 12 Others. 4.30 BATH SUMMER SERIES STAYERS’ FINAL H’CAP £10,308 (2) 1m 6f (9) 1 (2) 260171 STEEL AN ICON (5) (C,D) M Channon 4 10-1(5ex).......Rose Dawes(7) 78 2 (7) 6-21231 COGITAL (25) (C&D) B J Llewellyn 6 9-9.....Jordan Williams(7) 81 3 (6) 142631 HASHTAGMETOO (11) (C) J Osborne 4 9-7......S Osborne(5) 79 4 (3) 371686 RUNNING CLOUD (17) (C&D) A Wintle 6 9-4....R Dawson ★84 5 (5) 1-531L1 HIDDEN DEPTHS (13) (C&D) N Mulholland 6 9-1..... T Marquand 82 6 (9) 212453 LADY ELYSIA (18) (C) E J-Houghton 5 8-10......Georgia Dobie(3) 82 7 (4) 742112 SUPER SUPERJACK (29) (C) M Harris 4 8-9.......R Hornby 83 8 (8) 3L5815 TEMPLE LOCK (23) (C&D) E J-Houghton 3 8-4................. .......................................................................Josephine Gordon 77 9 (1) 785311 MERLIN’S BEARD (37) (C,F) R Hughes 3 8-0......G Rooke(3) 81 Forecast: 3 Merlin’s Beard, 9-2 Steel An Icon, 11-2 Hashtagmetoo, 6 Others. 5.05 CAZOO HANDICAP £2,700 (6) 1m 2f 37yds (11) 1 (3) 248564 BORN TO SIRE (11) C Wallis 4 9-12..................T Marquand 59 2 (11) 526124 MISS SLIGO (18) (D,F) J Osborne 4 9-9....S Osborne(5) 60 3 (2) L77843 WAY OF LIFE (29) J Portman 3 9-6...................C Bennett 58 4 (6) 943522 FOUR FEET (22) H Candy 5 9-5..........Josephine Gordon ★61 5 (9) 328633 TEEMLUCKY (20) I Williams 5 9-4.......................R Dawson 59 6 (7) 458553 BBOB ALULA (17) W G M Turner 6 9-4................W Carson 57 7 (5) 008756 CHAMPAGNE HIGHLIFE (11) J Flint 4 9-3...........W Cox(3) 53 8 (8) 664545 WISPER (16) J Portman 3 9-2................................ R Hornby 58 9 (10) 804893 BLUE HERO (32) A Wintle 3 9-2........................T Heard(5) 50 10 (1) 75LL8L MUSAYTIR (39) G Harris 3 8-13.............................T Whelan 59 11 (4) 808 TIGHTEN UP (31) B Millman 3 8-11......................R Coakley 48 Forecast: 3 Four Feet, 9-2 Miss Sligo, 13-2 Teemlucky, 15-2 Born To Sire, 8 Others. 5.40 ATTHERACES.COM APPRENTICE HANDICAP £2,700 (6) 1m 3f 137yds (6) 1 (6) 21-5435 TOYBOX (5) (C,F) J Portman 5 10-2................ T Saunders 55 2 (4) 413222 LISDARRAGH (15) D Coakley 3 9-7.........................H Burns 58 3 (2) 015L/53 STREET JESTER (16) (C) R Stephens 7 9-6......... T Heard 57 4 (3) 80-6489 GRAVITY WAVE (18) (D) J Flint 7 9-6.......Imogen Mathias(7) 57 5 (5) 076008 NORWEGIAN RED (10) R Brisland 4 9-5....................W Cox ★59 6 (1) 72376L LANIKA (12) G Brown 3 8-11...................Mollie Phillips(3) 55 Forecast: 10-11 Lisdarragh, 3 Toybox, 5 Street Jester, 12 Others. MUSSELBURGH The scout: 4.10 Harrogate 4.35 Prince Of Abington 5.00 Mother Shipton 5.30 Exminster 6.00 Subtle Beauty 6.25 Silver Gunn 6.55 Land Of Winter. 1.55 FILLIES’ CONDITIONS STAKES 2YO £8,100 (Class 3) 5f 1yds (4 declared) 1 (4) 41314 FAST RESPONSE (21) (C&D) K Burke 9-6...............J Hart 85 2 (2) 122123 SOPHIE’S STAR (53) (D) K Burke 9-6........P-L Jamin(5) 92 3 (1) 13724 ANADORA (22) (D,F) K Ryan 9-3...............................S Gray ★95 4 (3) 262226 HI MEH DARLING (22) I Jardine 8-12...................A Mullen 86 Forecast: 11-8 Anadora, 6-4 Sophie’s Star, 11-2 Fast Response, 8 Hi Meh Darling. 2.27 BET AT RACINGTV.COM HANDICAP £2,862 (5) 1m 2yds (8) 1 (7) 552131 GWEEDORE (34) (C,D) K Scott 4 10-0......................J Hart 80 2 (3) 46L912 MARKAZI (19) (C,D) Liam Bailey 7 9-9.................. D Nolan 79 3 (6) 70-L07L CAMPARI (29) (D) (T) J Camacho 4 9-8...................G Lee ★83 4 (8) 42-2277 JACKHAMMER (49) (D) D Sayer 7 9-7........... JP Sullivan 82 5 (1) 61-3464 BULLS AYE (23) (C) I Jardine 3 9-7.....................A Mullen 79 6 (5) 507-34L ELIGIBLE (71) (D) M & D Easterby 5 9-5........ B Robinson 81 7 (4) 141631 CLAY REGAZZONI (19) (C,D,F) K Dalgleish 4 9-3...... C Rodriguez 79 8 (2) 626444 ENGLES ROCK (19) L Russell 5 8-11...........S B Kirrane(5) 79 Forecast: 3 Gweedore, 4 Markazi, 9-2 Clay Regazzoni, 6 Bulls Aye, 8 Eligible, Jackhammer, 10 Engles Rock, 12 Campari. 3.02 SCOTTISH PREMIER FILLIES’ HANDICAP £11,339 (3) 1m 2yds (5) 1 (2) 19-5213 PRETTY REBEL (113) G O’Leary (IRE) 4 9-12... C Beasley ★88 2 (3) 136215 GOMETRA GINTY (23) (C&D) K Dalgleish 5 9-10..... C Rodriguez 87 3 (4) L-360L7 SEPARATE (24) (T) J Camacho 4 9-7.........................G Lee 84 4 (1) 35-441 MRS FITZHERBERT (22) (D) (T) H Morrison 3 9-4.....Doubtful 84 5 (5) 241170 GOLDEN MELODY (21) (D) (T) T Easterby 3 8-11.......JP Sullivan 86 Forecast: 5-6 Pretty Rebel, 11-4 Gometra Ginty, 11-2 Golden Melody, 7 Separate. 3.37 WATCH RACING TV NOW HANDICAP £7,020 (3) 5f 1yds (7) 1 (2) 3/40162- CITY WALK (360) (T) S bin Suroor 4 9-10............R Scott 95 2 (1) 0-28312 DIGITAL (1) (C&D,F) K Ryan 3 9-9..............................S Gray 95 3 (7) 126465 REBEL AT DAWN (22) (D) K Burke 3 9-6.................J Hart ★98 4 (4) 457602 GLORY FIGHTER (25) (C&D) I Jardine 5 8-13......J Gormley 97 5 (3) 233L16 NEVER DARK (9) (C&D) I Jardine 4 8-11..............A Mullen 96 6 (6) 41L157 GOOD LUCK FOX (9) (C&D) P Midgley 5 8-9............G Lee 96 7 (5) 524431 SOUND OF IONA (9) (D) J Goldie 5 8-5...... Miss A Waugh(5) 92 Forecast: 9-4 Digital, 7-2 City Walk, 6 Glory Fighter, 7 Never Dark, Rebel At Dawn, 8 Good Luck Fox, Sound Of Iona. CHELMSFORD (RTV) The Scout: 1.00 Lady Fantasia 1.35 Golden Claim 2.05 Nizaaka 2.35 Mutafawwig 3.10 Breckland 3.45 Ahlawi 4.20 Affair. 1.00 4.15 (RTV) THANK YOU DOUGLAS HANDICAP £2,592 (6) 5f 1yds (10) 1 (7) L64372 LOLA REBEL (18) C Teague 3 9-7...............................J Hart 64 2 (4) 264464 ALBEGONE (20) (T) T Easterby 3 9-5........................G Lee 63 3 (2) 42477L ALEHANDRO (19) Harvey Bastiman 3 9-4.............R Scott 62 4 (10) 46-0950 SCARBOROUGHDEBUT (19) M Dods 3 9-1........ C Beasley 64 5 (5) 443342 LORD OF THE GLEN (19) (C&D,F) J Goldie 6 9-0.............. ..........................................................................Miss A Waugh(5) 65 6 (8) 351262 BLUELLA (28) (D) (T) Jessica Macey 6 9-0 B Sanderson(3) ★66 7 (3) 757793 ANGEL EYES (19) J Riches 6 8-12......................J Gormley 63 8 (1) 464568 CORTON LASS (19) K Dalgleish 6 8-12...........C Rodriguez 61 9 (6) L78L3L I’LL BE GOOD (5) (C&D) A Berry 12 8-12....... JP Sullivan 60 10 (9) 79L690 DE LATOUR (16) Liam Bailey 5 8-12...................... P Dennis 42 BLINKERS: Nos. 2, 4, 5, 10 CHEEK PIECES: No. 3. Forecast: 7-2 Lola Rebel, 4 Lord Of The Glen, Albegone, 5 Bluella, 8 Angel Eyes, 10 Scarboroughdebut, Alehandro, 14 Corton Lass, 33 Others. 2020: No corresponding race. 4.45 RACING TV HANDICAP £2,592 (6) 1m 5f 216yds (9) 1 (5) 4L-2LL6 SARVI (19) J Goldie 6 9-12.......................Miss A Waugh(5) ★68 2 (8) 08176/8 NEAR KETTERING (9) (T) S England 7 9-11.... J Garritty 56 3 (1) L934 HEAR ME OUT (11) K Dalgleish 4 9-10.........B Garritty(3) 64 4 (2) 6563-21 IOLANI (J15) (D) D Sayer 9 9-10....................... JP Sullivan 66 5 (3) 375834 THREE CASTLES (16) (C) K Dalgleish 5 9-8.....C Rodriguez 67 6 (7) 0-43113 MYBOYMAX (30) (F) M Hammond 3 9-7... A Brookes(7) 60 7 (6) 211381 DE MAZZARO (16) (C,D) T Davidson 7 9-5......... P Dennis 65 8 (9) 984 ROBERT JOHNSON (27) P Kirby 3 8-12......P-L Jamin(5) 59 9 (4) L-L4L MR LUIGI (64) K Scott 3 8-3....................................A Mullen 60 BLINKERS: No. 1 VISOR: No. 5 TONGUE STRAP: No. 2 CHEEK PIECES: Nos. 4, 8. Forecast: 11-4 Myboymax, 4 De Mazzaro, 9-2 Iolani, 5 Three Castles, 7 Hear Me Out, 10 Near Kettering, 12 Sarvi, 16 Robert Johnson, 50 Mr Luigi. 5.20 EBF NOVICE STAKES 2Yo £3,780 (Class 5) 5f (5 declared) 1 (1) 2701 FREYABELLA (33) (C&D) J Chapple-Hyam 9-4......R Tart 79 2 (3) 44 AYE CATCHER (33) Tom Clover 8-11... Laura Pearson(3) 80 3 (4) 643 LADY FANTASIA (53) R Varian 8-11.......................M Dwyer 85 4 (2) 03 NIKKI’S GIRL (45) E Dunlop 8-11............................ R Havlin 83 5 (5) 240452 WHITE JASMINE (11) G Boughey 8-11..............C Shepherd ★87 Forecast: 9-4 White Jasmine, 11-4 Nikki’s Girl, 7-2 Lady Fantasia, 5 Others. 2020: Shalaa Asker 9-2, Dougie Costello 22-1 (A Keatley), drawn (6), 5 ran. EXAMPLE HERE LIVE 25TH SEPTEMBER H’CAP 1.35 £2,322 (6) 1m (10) 1 (3) 071335 FOX LEICESTER (8) (C&D) S L Keightley 5 9-11..........R Clutterbuck(5) 71 2 (9) 6342LL MAYKIR (85) (D) J R Jenkins 5 9-10.....................M Ghiani 70 3 (1) 6L4270 TOO SHY SHY (51) (D) R Spencer 4 9-9...... A Villiers(5) 71 4 (10) 448167 AZETS (11) (C&D) J Chapple-Hyam 5 9-9.................R Tart 69 5 (7) 4-05485 LENNY’S SPIRIT (51) E Dunlop 3 9-8.................... R Havlin 72 6 (4) 131434 GOLDEN CLAIM (18) (D) I Mohammed 3 9-8......P Dobbs ★73 7 (8) 723243 WALTZING QUEEN (18) R Guest 3 9-8............C Shepherd 70 8 (6) 758L35 KRAKA (19) C Dunnett 6 9-7....................Jefferson Smith 57 9 (5) 66-7 SIR JOHN BOWDLER (49) (T) M Johnston 3 9-7......J Fanning 65 10 (2) 632681 DOONBEG FARMER (18) (D) H Evans 3 8-13 Ellie Mackenzie(5) 69 Forecast: 5-2 Doonbeg Farmer, 4 Golden Claim, 6 Waltzing Queen, 7 Fox Leicester, 8 Sir John Bowdler, 10 Lenny’s Spirit, 12 Azets, 14 Too Shy Shy, 16 Others. FILLIES’ NOVICE STAKes 2.05 £3,510 (5) 1m (6) 1 (5) 1 PURPLE RIBBON (17) (C&D) C Fellowes 3 9-4.....C Shepherd 89 2 (4) ETHEL C H Spiller 3 8-11.............................................. L Jones — 3 (2) 2 MAGNIFICENCE (32) (F) B O’Rourke 3 8-11....J P Spencer 91 4 (1) 2- MISS MARBLE (305) S & E Crisford 3 8-11...........P Dobbs ★93 5 (6) 3 NIZAAKA (9) R Varian 3 8-11....................................A Atzeni 90 6 (3) TOP TABLE J & T Gosden 3 8-11............................... R Havlin — Forecast: 5-2 Purple Ribbon, 3 Nizaaka, 10-3 Miss Marble, 9-2 Top Table, 6 Magnificence, 25 Ethel C. BETSI ELSENHAM HANDICAP 2.35 £11,880 (2) 7f (7) 1 (2) 1/1 MUTAFAWWIG (39) (F) S bin Suroor 5 9-10.... C Shepherd 106 2 (4) 1343-1L TIGER CRUSADE (100) (D) D M Simcock 4 9-3......J P Spencer ★110 3 (7) 2-01003 KARIBANA (22) (C&D,F) R Hughes 4 9-2.............P Dobbs 108 4 (6) 1L2521 STYLISH PERFORMER (22) (C&D) (T) K Burke 3 8-13 J Fanning 107 5 (1) 4-1520L BIG NARSTIE (15) (D) R Spencer 3 8-11....... A Villiers(5) 107 6 (3) 236042 NIGEL NOTT (40) (C) M Appleby 5 8-9................A Atzeni 107 7 (5) L8111L EXTRODINAIR (15) (C&D) J Chapple-Hyam 6 8-9......R Tart 109 CHEEK PIECES: Nos. 3, 6, 7. SOFT/HEAVY WINNERS: Nos. 1. Forecast: 7-4 Mutafawwig, 4 Stylish Performer, 5 Tiger Crusade, 6 Karibana, 7 Nigel Nott, 10 Extrodinair, 14 Big Narstie. TOTE.CO.UK HANDICAP 3YO 3.10 £2,862 (5) 7f (9) 1 (3) 977131 SAATTY (9) (C) M Appleby 9-8.......................M Crehan(3) 80 2 (6) 08-150 RED EVELYN (177) S Pearce 9-6..................... A Villiers(5) 75 3 (2) 263-465 NO DAY NEVER (82) J Osborne 9-5...............C Shepherd 79 4 (4) 73-23L6 IMPEACH (19) C Allen 9-5.........................................M Dwyer 79 5 (9) 023L23 LEAD STORY (24) (D,F) (T) K Burke 9-5...........J Fanning ★82 6 (1) 6305 MOONLIT CLOUD (45) D Ivory 9-4...................... J Haynes 79 7 (5) 3150L-8 BRECKLAND (41) (D) M Appleby 9-3.................. T Ladd(3) 75 8 (8) 616666 PROSPECT (37) (D) (T) M Johnston 9-3............. N Callan 80 9 (7) 34-3205 DARK ZEAS (28) (T) P Kirby 9-2............................A Atzeni 81 Forecast: 5-4 Saatty, 5 Lead Story, 8 Moonlit Cloud, No Day Never, 10 Others. RACEGOERS CLUB HANDICAP 3YO 3.45 £6,210 (3) 6f (5) 1 (4) 5-1129 BOOMSHALAA (66) (D) R Varian 10-1...................A Atzeni 96 2 (1) 321147 DREAM COMPOSER (36) (D) H Evans 9-7 Laura Pearson(3) 97 3 (5) 173551 CRIMSON SAND (31) (C&D) R Hughes 9-2...........P Dobbs ★98 4 (3) 414-135 INVER PARK (85) (D) M Quinn 8-13................C Shepherd 96 5 (2) 721-63 AHLAWI (95) (C&D) H Palmer 8-11.........................M Ghiani 95 Forecast: 7-4 Boomshalaa, 3 Crimson Sand, 4 Dream Composer, 9-2 Others. TOTE.CO.UK HANDICAP 4.20 £2,322 (6) 1m 6f (11) 1 (1) 244552 TINSMITH (33) J Snowden 6 9-10....................C Shepherd 63 2 (10) 033253 SMITH (33) Mrs L Richards 5 9-7........................... R Havlin 64 3 (9) 863233 EVERETT (12) (F) (T) P Kirby 3 9-2......................A Atzeni 60 4 (3) 6-79754 BAY MAY (40) B Johnson 4 9-2............ R Clutterbuck(5) 63 5 (6) 8-34354 RWANDA MIST (33) C Gordon 3 9-1........................P Dobbs 57 6 (2) 9-63764 AFFAIR (33) (C&D) H Morrison 7 9-1............ A Villiers(5) ★65 7 (5) 3L-L066 PERCY’S PRINCE (33) A Perrett 5 9-1................J Fanning 57 8 (11) 0-5369L PAINTBALL WIZARD (39) J Feilden 5 9-1 Ellie Mackenzie(5) 61 9 (7) 2L7403 MISS POLLYANNA (40) R Ingram 5 9-1...... Rhiain Ingram(3) 59 10 (4) 9L-6877 WINDRUSH SONG (12) J Butler 4 9-1..................... J Bryan 51 11 (8) 8-97535 BARBARA ANN (18) (F) P McBride 3 8-11.................R Tart 59 Forecast: 4 Tinsmith, 5 Everett, Bay May, 6 Affair, 7 Smith, 8 Others. MUSSELBURGH GOLD CUP HANDICAP 3Yo £15,462 (3) 1m 7f 217yds (5) ITV4 1 (5) 22-8511 VINO VICTRIX (39) (D,F) (T) H Morrison 9-7..........G Lee 96 2 (2) 734-113 RAVENSCRAIG CASTLE (22) I Jardine 9-3.........A Mullen 95 3 (3) 433211 THE VEGAS RAIDER (10) (D) (T) M Bell 8-13..... B Garritty(3) 95 4 (1) 338330 KRAKEN POWER (22) I Jardine 8-12.................J Gormley ★97 5 (4) 561221 HAIZOOM (12) (D) K Dalgleish 8-2................... JP Sullivan 94 Forecast: 2 Vino Victrix, 9-4 Ravenscraig Castle, 7-2 The Vegas Raider, 9-2 Haizoom, 14 Kraken Power. Sunday Express September 12, 2021 11 RACING 11 Hurricane ROARS in the fast lane Hurricane Lane knocking his rivals flat at Doncaster when taking the Cazoo St Leger. Hollie Doyle bravely attempted to become the first female to partner a Classic winner as she cut out the early running on Interpretation but turning for home, Hurricane Lane picked off his rivals with contempt in the hands of William Buick. Mojo Star ran his heart out to take second with The Mediterranean third and Interpretation and Doyle taking fourth. It was third victory in the oldest classic for Buick (above), adding to his success with Arctic Cosmos (2010) and Masked Marvel (2011. It was also a first for By Chris Goulding winning trainer Charlie Appleby. “He’s a jockey’s dream, he’s a lovely horse to ride,” said Buick. “You can put him anywhere in the race and he relaxes, which is vital in a race over this distance. “He’s a fantastic horse and I’m sure there’s more room for improvement.” Victory was adding to a stellar season for Appleby. The Newmarket trainer has celebrated victory in this year’s Derby with Adayar and the Irish Derby with Hurricane Lane, enabling him now to top the trainers’ table. He said: “It’s great to win any classic, but to win such an historic race is extra special.” REDHOTBOOKIEBASHER SUPERBWINNERSMONTHAFTERMONTH FROMMYWELCONECTEDCONTACTS BIGWINNINGDAY>LINEDUPTODAY Cal09061749389 Lineupdatesat 10amand4pmdaily Linesupdatedat10am&4pmdaily.Calswilcost£1.50perminuteplusyourtelephonecompany’snetworkaccess charge.SP:Spoke.Helpdesk03332023390.BookieBashermaycontactyoubySMSwithofers-Tooptinto receivingadviceandinformationtextBBYESsendto84902(networkchargeonlyapplies)

SE1ST 12 Sunday Express September 12, 2021 P W D L F A GD Pts Man Utd 4 3 1 0 11 3 8 10 Chelsea 4 3 1 0 9 1 8 10 Man City 4 3 0 1 11 1 10 9 Brighton 4 3 0 1 5 3 2 9 Tottenham 4 3 0 1 3 3 0 9 West Ham 4 2 2 0 10 5 5 8 Liverpool 3 2 1 0 6 1 5 7 Everton 3 2 1 0 7 3 4 7 Leicester 4 2 0 2 4 6 -2 6 Brentford 4 1 2 1 3 2 1 5 Crystal Pal 4 1 2 1 5 5 0 5 Aston Villa 4 1 1 2 5 7 -2 4 Wolves 4 1 0 3 2 3 -1 3 Southampton 4 0 3 1 4 6 -2 3 Watford 4 1 0 3 3 7 -4 3 Arsenal 4 1 0 3 1 9 -8 3 Leeds 3 0 2 1 4 8 -4 2 Burnley 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1 Newcastle 4 0 1 3 5 12 -7 1 Norwich 4 0 0 4 1 11 -10 0 Arsenal 1 Norwich 0 Aubameyang 66 HT: 0-0 Brentford 0 Brighton 1 Trossard 90 HT: 0-0 Att: 16,518 Chelsea 3 Aston Villa 0 Lukaku 15, 90 Kovacic 49 HT: 1-0 Crystal Pal 3 Tottenham 0 Zaha 76 (pen) Edouard 84, 90 HT: 0-0 Leicester 0 Man City 1 Bernardo Silva 62 HT: 0-0 Att: 32,087 Man Utd 4 Newcastle 1 Ronaldo 45, 62 Manquillo 56 Bruno Fernandes 80 Lingard 90 HT: 1-0 Att: 72,732 Southamptn 0 West Ham 0 HT: 0-0 Watford 0 Wolves 2 Sierralta 74 (og) Hwang 83 HT: 0-0 Att: 20,019 best of this week today 3pm unless stated Premier League: Leeds v Liverpool (4.30pm). Sky Bet Championship: Nott’m Forest v Cardiff (2.30pm). Scottish Premiership: Hearts v Hibernian (12pm). tomorrow Premier League: Everton v Burnley (8pm). Tuesday 7.45pm unless stated UEFA Champions League - Group F: Villarreal v Atalanta (8pm); Young Boys v Man Utd (5.45pm). Group H: Chelsea v Zenit St Petersburg (8pm); Malmo FF v Juventus (8pm). Sky Bet Championship: Bournemouth v QPR; Blackburn v Hull; Blackpool v Huddersfield; Reading v Peterborough; Sheff Utd v Preston; West Brom v Derby. Sky Bet League One: Lincoln City v Rotherham. Sky Bet League Two: Newport Co v Northampton; Sutton Utd v Hartlepool. Scottish League 1: Airdrieonians v Alloa. Wednesday 7.45pm unless stated UEFA Champions League - Group A: Club Brugge v PSG (8pm); Man City v RB Leipzig (8pm). Group B: Atletico Madrid v FC Porto (8pm); Liverpool v AC Milan (8pm). Sky Bet Championship: Birmingham v Fulham; Bristol City v Luton; Coventry v Cardiff; N Forest v Middlesbrough; Stoke v Barnsley; Swansea v Millwall. Thursday 7.45pm unless stated EUROPA LEAGUE - Group C: Leicester v Napoli (8pm). Group H: D Zagreb v W Ham (5.45pm); R Vienna v Genk (5.45pm). Europa Conference League – Group G: Mura v Vitesse (5.45pm); Rennes v Tottenham (5.45pm). Friday 7.45pm unless stated Premier League: Newcastle v Leeds (8pm). VANARAMA NATIONAl P W D L F A Pts Dag & Red 5 4 1 0 13 8 13 Boreham W 5 4 1 0 7 2 13 Chesterfield 5 3 2 0 8 2 11 Grimsby 4 3 1 0 8 4 10 Notts Cnty 5 2 3 0 11 5 9 Yeovil 4 3 0 1 7 3 9 FC Halifax 5 3 0 2 9 6 9 Wrexham 5 2 3 0 8 5 9 Weymouth 5 2 1 2 8 8 7 Woking 4 2 0 2 8 5 6 Maidenhead 4 2 0 2 8 8 6 Altrincham 4 2 0 2 6 6 6 Solihull M 4 1 2 1 8 8 5 Southend 5 1 2 2 4 6 5 Wealdstone 5 1 2 2 4 6 5 Stockport 5 1 2 2 2 6 5 Bromley 4 1 1 2 9 9 4 King’s Lynn Tn 5 1 1 3 6 11 4 Torquay 5 1 1 3 7 14 4 Eastleigh 4 0 2 2 4 9 2 Barnet 5 0 2 3 5 13 2 Aldershot 5 0 0 5 4 10 0 Dover 4 0 1 3 2 6 -11 P W D L F A GD Pts West Brom 6 4 2 0 13 6 7 14 Fulham 6 4 1 1 13 4 9 13 Stoke 6 4 1 1 9 7 2 13 QPR 6 3 3 0 14 8 6 12 Bournemouth 6 3 3 0 11 5 6 12 Coventry 6 4 0 2 7 5 2 12 Birmingham 6 3 2 1 9 3 6 11 Huddersfield 6 3 1 2 10 9 1 10 Blackburn 6 2 3 1 9 8 1 9 Cardiff 5 2 2 1 9 6 3 8 Bristol City 6 2 2 2 7 7 0 8 Luton 6 2 2 2 8 10 -2 8 Preston 6 2 1 3 6 8 -2 7 Millwall 6 1 3 2 7 9 -2 6 Middlesbrough 6 1 3 2 6 8 -2 6 Derby 6 1 3 2 4 6 -2 6 Barnsley 6 1 3 2 5 8 -3 6 Sheff Utd 6 1 2 3 7 9 -2 5 Blackpool 6 1 2 3 5 8 -3 5 Hull 6 1 2 3 4 7 -3 5 Swansea 6 1 2 3 4 8 -4 5 Reading 6 1 1 4 10 16 -6 4 Peterborough 6 1 1 4 6 14 -8 4 Nottm Forest 5 0 1 4 4 8 -4 1 Bournem’th 3 Barnsley 0 Zemura 8, 82 Solanke 46 HT: 1-0 Blackburn 2 Luton 2 Dolan 27 Berry 73, 90 Pickering 31 HT: 2-0 Att: 11,241 Blackpool 1 Fulham 0 Bowler 49 HT: 0-0 Att: 11,268 Bristol City 0 Preston 0 HT: 0-0 Att: 17,967 Coventry 2 Middlesbro 0 Gyokeres 71 Waghorn 90 HT: 0-0 Att: 18,515 1-2-X CHECK Reading 3 QPR 3 Swift 35, 64, 77 Morrison 11 (og) Gray 79 HT: 1-1 Johansen 90 Sheff Utd 6 Peterboro 2 Ndiaye 14, 70 Marriott 40 Fleck 51 Clarke-Harris 79 (pen) Osborn 53, 90, Gibbs-White 68 HT: 1-1 Att: 27,359 Stoke 2 HuddersfiELd 1 Brown 50 Toffolo 47 Pearson 63 (og) HT: 0-0 Att: 20,447 Swansea 0 Hull 0 HT: 0-0 Att: 16,317 West Brom 1 Millwall 1 Bartley 49 Ballard 55 HT: 0-0 FRIDAY’S RESULT BIRMINGHAM CITY 2 DERBY COUNTY 0 PLAYING TODAY NOTT’M FOREST v CARDIFF CITY Sky Sports, Kick-Off 2.30pm NO FT 1 1 2 1A 3 1 4 SUN 5 1A 6 1 7 2 Vanarama National League: Aldershot 1, Solihull 2; Barnet 1, Eastleigh 1; Bromley 2, Boreham 3; Dover 0, Chesterfid 0; FC Halifax 3, Southend 1; King’s Lynn 1, Dag & Red 2; Stockport 0, Yeovil 3; Torquay 1, Grimsby 3; Wealdstone 1, Altrincham 0; Weymouth 1, Notts Cnty 1; Wrexham 1, Woking 0. Vanarama National League North: Alfreton 3, AFC Telford 1; Blyth 2, Darlington 2; Brackley 1, Southport 0; Bradford PA 0, AFC Fylde 2; Chorley 4, Chester FC 1; Gloucester 1, Curzon Ashton 2; Guiseley 0, Kettering 2; K’minster 2, Gateshead 3; Leamington 2, Boston Utd 0; Spennymoor 6, Farsley 0. Vanarama National League South: Braintree 1, Bath City 2; Chippenham 2, Chelmsford 3; Dartford 1, Tonbridge 1; Dorking 2, Billericay 1; Hampton & Richmond 3, Ebbsfleet 0; Havant and W 1, Oxford City 2; Hemel Hempstead 2, Eastbourne 2; Maidstone 2, Concord Rangers 2; Slough 2, St Albans 3. The Isthmian Premier Division: Bishop’s Stortford 1, Hornchurch 0; Bognor Regis 1, Carshalton 0; Bowers & Pitsea 3, Wingate & Finchley 1; Cheshunt 0, Merstham 1; Folkestone 2, Horsham 1; Haringey 0, Corinthian Casuals 1; Kingstonian 3, Brightlingsea Regent 1; Lewes 4, Enfield 1; Margate 4, Leatherhead 2; Worthing 3, East Thurrock 2. 8 1A 9 3 10 1 11 1 12 2 13 1 other results 14 SUN 15 3 Burton A 1 Gillingham 1 Hemmings 46 Oliver 18 HT: 0-1 Att: 2,555 Cambridge 1 Lincoln City 5 Ironside 59 Adelakun 1, McGrandles 16 Scully 24, 72, Fiorini 57 HT: 0-3 Att: 5,833 Charlton 1 Cheltenham 2 Leko 59 Blair 6 Perry 33 HT: 0-2 Ipswich 2 Bolton 5 Bonne 5 Afolayan 10, 45 Santos 30 (og) Doyle 18 (pen), Sheehan 47 HT: 2-3 Att: 19,267 Johnston 57 MK Dons 1 Portsmouth 0 Robson 72 HT: 0-0 Att: 10,822 Morecambe 3 AFC W’don 4 Stockton 49, 65 Hartigan 5, Chislett 61 McLoughlin 54 Nightingale 72 HT: 0-1 Att: 3,173 Assal 90 Oxford Utd 0 Wycombe 0 HT: 0-0 Att: 9,082 Plymouth 3 Sheff Wed 0 Edwards 7, Scarr 40 Law 90 HT: 2-0 Att: 13,448 Rotherham 2 Fleetwood 4 Smith 38 Morton 24, G Garner 54 Sadlier 45 (pen) Andrew 61 HT: 2-1 Att: 8,463 Camps 69 Shrewsbury 1 Crewe 1 Cosgrove 19 Mandron 44 HT: 1-1 Sunderland 2 Accrington 1 Neill 15 Nottingham 30 Winchester 58 HT: 1-1 Wigan 2 Doncaster 1 Keane 24, 52 Rowe 22 HT: 1-1 Att: 8,975 16 1 17 1 18 2 19 3 20 3 21 1A The Northern Premier Division: Ashton 1, Buxton 1; Atherton Collieries 1, Grantham 0; Basford 1, Lancaster 0; FC United 1, Stafford 3; Hyde 1, South Shields 2; Matlock 2, Stalybridge 1; Mickleover 1, Whitby 2; Morpeth 1, Witton 2; Radcliffe 3, Nantwich 1; Scarborough 2, Bamber Bridge 4; Warrington 1, Gainsborough 0. The Southern Premier Central: Banbury 3, Needham 3; Bromsgrove 1, Hitchin 0; Coalville 3, Stourbridge 0; Hednesford 1, Barwell 1; Lowestoft 2, Rushall Olympic 3; Nuneaton 0, AFC Rushden & Diamonds 1; Peterborough Sports 1, Leiston 2; Redditch 3, Biggleswade 3; Royston 0, Alvechurch 0; St Ives 1, Tamworth 2. The Southern Premier South: Dorchester 2, Walton Casuals 0; Farnborough 3, Taunton 2; Gosport Borough 2, Yate 1; Harrow 1, Weston- S-Mare 0; Hayes & Yeading 6, Hartley Wintney 1; Kings Langley 1, Salisbury FC 2; Merthyr 0, Hendon 2; Met Police 1, Poole 1; Tiverton 1, Swindon Supermarine 1; Truro City 0, Beaconsfield 1; Wimborne 1, Chesham 2. Welsh Premier League: Aberystwyth 0, Cardiff Met Uni 1; Bala 6, Haverfordwest 2; Barry 1, Connah’s Quay Nomads 0; Flint 4, Newtown 1; Penybont 1, The New Saints FC 1. P W D L F A GD Pts Sunderland 6 5 0 1 10 5 5 15 Wigan 6 4 1 1 8 4 4 13 Bolton 7 3 3 1 14 10 4 12 AFC W’don 7 3 3 1 15 12 3 12 MK Dons 7 3 3 1 12 9 3 12 Accrington 7 4 0 3 7 7 0 12 Burton Albion 7 3 3 1 6 6 0 12 Plymouth 6 3 2 1 9 4 5 11 Wycombe 6 3 2 1 8 6 2 11 Oxford Utd 7 3 2 2 9 8 1 11 Portsmouth 6 3 1 2 4 2 2 10 Sheff Wed 6 3 1 2 5 4 1 10 Rotherham 6 3 0 3 7 7 0 9 Cheltenham 7 2 3 2 10 11 -1 9 Cambridge Utd 6 2 2 2 8 9 -1 8 Lincoln City 6 2 1 3 9 8 1 7 Fleetwood 6 2 1 3 9 9 0 7 Morecambe 6 2 1 3 9 9 0 7 Gillingham 6 1 3 2 6 7 -1 6 Charlton 6 1 1 4 5 8 -3 4 Shrewsbury 7 1 1 5 3 10 -7 4 Ipswich 6 0 3 3 10 15 -5 3 Crewe 6 0 2 4 2 8 -6 2 Doncaster 6 0 1 5 2 9 -7 1 22 1A 23 1A 24 1 25 1A 26 2 27 1 28 1A 29 3 30 1 31 1 32 1 33 1 Crawley Tn 2 Carlisle 1 Nichols 32 Mellish 83 Tsaroulla 90 HT: 1-0 Att: 2,151 Forest Gn 1 NorthamptOn 0 Matt 77 HT: 0-0 Att: 2,576 Hartlepool 1 Bristol R 0 Sterry 69 HT: 0-0 Att: 5,193 L Orient 4 Oldham 0 Drinan 16, James 27 Archibald 75, Smith 90 HT: 2-0 Att: 5,315 Rochdale 1 Tranmere 0 Cashman 84 HT: 0-0 Salford City 1 Bradford 0 Lund 90 HT: 0-0 Scunthorpe 0 Exeter 4 Jay 41, 46, Key 57 Dieng 75 HT: 0-1 Att: 2,443 Sutton Utd 2 Stevenage 1 Bennett 58, 63 (pen) List 55 HT: 0-0 Swindon 1 Port Vale 2 Simpson 49 Garrity 22, 81 HT: 0-1 Att: 8,734 Walsall 3 Mansfield 1 Miller 6, 48 Johnson 84 Taylor 22 HT: 2-0 Att: 5,203 34 1 FRIDAY’S RESULTS BARROW COLCHESTER UTD 2 3 HARROGATE TOWN NEWPORT COUNTY 2 2 35 1 SPORT IN BRIEF Cycling AJ Bell Tour of Britain, Stage 7 (Hawick - Edinburgh, 195.7km): 1 Y Lampaert (Bel) Deceuninck-QuickStep 4hrs 39mins 09secs, 2 M Jorgenson (USA) Movistar Team, 3 M Gibson (GB) Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling all at same time, 4 D Ballerini (Ita) Deceuninck-QuickStep at 35s, 6 E Hayter (GB) Ineos Grenadiers at 1m 51s. Overall: 1 E Hayter (GB) Ineos Grenadiers 27hrs 34mins 32secs, 2 W Van Aert (Bel) Jumbo-Visma at 4s, 3 J Alaphilippe (Fra) Deceuninck-QuickStep at 21s, 4 M Honore (Den) Deceuninck- QuickStep at 35, 5 M Woods (Can) Israel Start-up Nation at 54, 7 D Martin (Irl) Israel Start-up Nation at 1:10. Golf Ascension Charity Classic, St. Louis, Missouri, 1st rnd (US unless stated, Par 71): 66 D Barron, M Dawson, P Goydos, 67 S Flesch, J Furyk, W Short Jr, V Singh (Fij), C Kresge, 68 A Cejka (Ger), J Daly, C DiMarco, J Haas, L Janzen, J Kelly, D Toms. P W D L F A GD Pts Forest Green 7 5 1 1 14 8 6 16 Harrogate T 6 4 2 0 13 7 6 14 LeytonOrient 7 3 3 1 13 6 7 12 Hartlepool 6 4 0 2 8 5 3 12 Rochdale 7 3 2 2 11 9 2 11 Bradford 7 3 2 2 10 8 2 11 Swindon 7 3 2 2 8 6 2 11 Exeter 7 2 4 1 9 5 4 10 Northampton 6 3 1 2 5 4 1 10 Colchester 6 2 3 1 7 6 1 9 Port Vale 7 2 3 2 7 6 1 9 Carlisle 7 2 3 2 7 7 0 9 Barrow 7 2 2 3 10 9 1 8 Salford City 7 2 2 3 7 6 1 8 Tranmere 7 2 2 3 2 3 -1 8 Walsall 7 2 2 3 7 9 -2 8 Newport 6 2 2 2 7 9 -2 8 Stevenage 7 2 2 3 7 9 -2 8 Crawley Town 6 2 1 3 7 10 -3 7 Mansfield 7 2 1 4 9 13 -4 7 Bristol Rovers 7 2 1 4 5 10 -5 7 Scunthorpe 7 1 3 3 4 11 -7 6 Sutton Utd 5 1 2 2 5 6 -1 5 Oldham 7 1 0 6 4 14 -10 3 36 1 37 1 38 1A 39 1 40 1A 41 1 42 1 43 2 44 SUN 45 1 46 2 47 1 48 1 49 1 BMW PGA Championship, Virginia Water, Surrey, 3rd rnd (GB & Irl unless stated): 202 F Laporta (Ita) 68 65 69, 203 L Canter 67 66 70, 204 B Horschel (US) 70 65 69, A Scott (Aus) 65 69 70, C Bezuidenhout (Rsa) 64 72 68, J Donaldson 69 66 69, 205 S Lowry 70 66 69, B Wiesberger (Aut) 71 67 67, S Crocker (US) 71 68 66, 206 N Hoejgaard (Den) 70 67 69, K Aphibarnrat (Tha) 64 68 74, J Lagergren (Swe) 70 70 66, J Walters (Rsa) 70 70 66, 207 T Fleetwood 71 68 68, J Rose 67 68 72, A Rai 70 70 67, S Sharma (Ind) 70 69 68, T Pieters (Bel) 70 66 71, M Schwab (Aut) 69 69 69, A Johnston 70 69 68, 208 M Kaymer (Ger) 70 68 70, R Cabrera (Spa) 71 69 68, M Armitage 70 66 72, M Kawamura (Jpn) 67 69 72. VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open, Golfpark Holzhausern, Switzerland, 3rd rnd (GB & Irl unless stated) 200 A Thitikul (Tha) 68 66 66, 201 M Skarpnord (Nor) 64 69 68, 202 E Moosmann (Swi) 65 69 68, K Metraux (Swi) 66 64 72, 204 V Elena Carta (Ita) 73 66 65, E Givens 68 68 68. Sky bet league 1 Sunderland stayed top of League One with a 2-1 win against Accrington at the Stadium of Light. Dan Neil scored his first senior goal for the Black Cats and did it in style from 25 yards out. Michael Nottingham levelled for Stanley but Sunderland regained the lead shortly after the break when Carl Winchester collected Aiden McGeady’s through ball and stroked home his second goal of the season. Wigan moved up to second with a 2-1 home success against Doncaster. Tommy Rowe put bottom-of-the-table Rovers in front at the DW Stadium but a goal in each half from Will Keane turned the tables for the Latics. A five-star performance from Bolton saw them win 5-2 at Ipswich to climb to third. Macauley Bonne gave the hosts an early lead but Dapo Afolayan and Eoin Doyle quickly swung things Wanderers’ way. Ricardo Santos’ own goal levelled matters again but strikes from Afolayan, Josh Sheehan and George Johnston gave the Trotters a fine win. AFC Wimbledon were also among the goals as Ayoub Assal’s injury-time effort saw them win 4-3 at Morecambe. Mark Robinson’s men are ahead of rivals MK Dons on goal difference after Ethan Robson’s goal saw the Milton Keynes club win 1-0 against Portsmouth. Sky bet league 2 Jamille Matt’s second-half header sent Forest Green back to the top of the table after they beat Northampton 1-0 in a forgettable encounter. Rovers moved back above Harrogate, who have a game in hand and drew 2-2 against Newport on Friday night. Goals from Aaron Drinan, Tom James, Theo Archibald and Harry Smith sent Leyton Orient up to third after a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Oldham, who now sit rock bottom of the Football League pyramid. They do so after Sutton claimed their first win of the season, coming from behind to edge out 10-man Stevenage 2-1. Elliott List opened the scoring but a brace from Richie Bennett either side of the hour mark gave newly-promoted Sutton their first triumph in the EFL. Matt Jay struck in the 41st and 46th minutes while Joshua Key and Timothee Dieng were also on-target as Exeter ruthlessly brushed aside Scunthorpe 4-0. George Miller scored twice on his home debut to help Walsall to a 3-1 win over Mansfield. Ben Garrity was at the double for Port Vale as they held on for a 2-1 win at Swindon, while Nick Tsaroulla’s last-minute goal saw Crawley edge out Carlisle by the same scoreline. Matty Lund also struck in the final minute as Salford claimed a 1-0 win over Bradford. SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Celtic.................... 3 Ross County............0 Dundee.................. 0 Livingston...............0 Motherwell........... 2 Aberdeen.................0 St Johnstone.......... 1 Rangers..................2 St Mirren.............. 0 Dundee Utd.............0 P W D L F A Pts Rangers 5 4 0 1 10 4 12 Hibernian 4 3 1 0 10 4 10 Hearts 4 3 1 0 7 3 10 Motherwell 5 3 1 1 8 5 10 Celtic 5 3 0 2 16 3 9 Aberdeen 5 2 2 1 6 5 8 Dundee Utd 5 2 1 2 2 4 7 St Johnstone 5 0 3 2 2 4 3 Dundee 5 0 3 2 4 11 3 St Mirren 5 0 3 2 3 10 3 Ross County 5 0 2 3 3 11 2 Livingston 5 0 1 4 2 9 1 CHAMPIONSHIP Arbroath............... 4 Hamilton.................0 Ayr........................ 3 Dunfermline........... 1 Inverness CT.......... 3 Partick................... 1 Kilmarnock............. 1 Morton...................0 Raith..................... 0 Queen of South....... 1 P W D L F A Pts Inverness 5 5 0 0 7 1 15 Kilmarnock 5 4 0 1 6 1 12 Arbroath 5 3 1 1 12 4 10 Partick 5 3 0 2 11 8 9 Queen of Sth 5 2 0 3 7 8 6 Raith 4 1 1 2 6 6 4 Ayr 5 1 1 3 5 8 4 Morton 5 1 1 3 5 9 4 Hamilton 5 1 1 3 6 12 4 Dunfermline 4 0 1 3 3 11 1 LEAGUE 1 Alloa..................... 2 Falkirk....................0 Cove Rangers.......... 1 Montrose................ 1 Dumbarton............ 5 East Fife.................0 Peterhead.............. 3 Clyde......................2 Queen’s Park.......... 0 Airdrieonians.........0 P W D L F A Pts Queen’s Park 6 3 3 0 8 2 12 Montrose 6 3 2 1 10 5 11 Dumbarton 6 3 1 2 13 9 10 Falkirk 6 3 1 2 8 6 10 Cove Rangers 6 2 2 2 11 9 8 Alloa 5 2 1 2 7 6 7 Clyde 6 2 1 3 8 13 7 Peterhead 6 2 0 4 8 11 6 Airdrieonians 5 1 2 2 6 9 5 East Fife 6 1 1 4 7 16 4 LEAGUE 2 Albion................... 2 Cowdenbeath........... 1 Annan Athletic....... 1 Stenhousemuir........2 Kelty Hearts........... 1 Elgin....................... 1 Stirling.................. 1 Forfar....................0 Stranraer............. 0 Edinburgh City........ 1 P W D L F A Pts Kelty Hearts 6 4 2 0 13 5 14 Annan Ath 6 4 0 2 11 6 12 Stirling 6 4 0 2 9 7 12 Forfar 6 2 3 1 8 5 9 Edinburgh City 6 3 0 3 4 5 9 Albion 6 2 1 3 7 9 7 Elgin 6 1 3 2 7 8 6 Stenhousemr 6 1 2 3 6 10 5 Stranraer 6 1 2 3 4 10 5 Cowdenbth 6 1 1 4 7 11 4 WELSH PREM P W D L F A Pts The New Saints 5 4 1 0 12 5 13 Flint Town Utd 5 4 0 1 14 3 12 Barry Town Utd 5 3 1 1 9 5 10 Bala Town 5 2 3 0 9 4 9 Connah’s QN 5 2 2 1 5 3 8 Cardiff Met Uni 5 2 2 1 5 7 8 Newtown 5 2 1 2 10 9 7 Caernarfon Tn 5 2 1 2 9 8 7 Penybont 5 0 4 1 7 8 4 Aberystwyth Tn 5 1 0 4 2 5 3 Haverfordwest C 5 0 1 4 4 12 1 Cefn Druids 5 0 0 5 1 18 0 Motorcycling MotorLand Aragon, Alcaniz, Spain Qualifying: MotoGP: 1 F Bagnaia (Ita) Ducati 1min 46.322secs, 2 J Miller (Aus) Ducati 1:46.688, 3 F Quartararo (Fra) Yamaha 1:46.719. Moto2: 1 S Lowes (Gbr) Kalex 1min 51.778secs, 2 R Gardner (Aus) Kalex 1:52.057, 3 R Fernandez (Spa) Kalex 1:52.084. Moto3: 1 D Binder (Rsa) Honda 1min 57.724secs, 2 G Rodrigo (Arg) Honda 1:57.905, 3 T Suzuki (Jpn) Honda 1:57.976s. British Superbike Championship, Silverstone, Northamptonshire, Qualifying: 1 J O’Halloran (Aus) Yamaha 53.169secs, 2 T Mackenzie (Gbr) Yamaha 53.199, 3 T Bridewell (Gbr) Ducati 53.325. Rugby League Betfred Super League: Hull 0, Wigan 10; Warrington 20, Salford 19; . League 1: Barrow 76, West Wales 0; North Wales C 44, London Skolars 0. Rugby Union National League 1: Birmingham Moseley 22, Blackheath 20; Bishop’s Stortford 32, Plymouth Albion 19; Cinderford 29, Caldy 21; Darlington MP 32, Taunton Titans 38; Rams 24, Tonbridge Juddians 13; Rosslyn Park 60, Leeds Tykes 10; Sale FC 15, Cambridge 7. 2 North: Blaydon 11, Huddersfield 29; Bournville 47, Harrogate 20; Fylde 29, Loughborough Students 17; Hull Ionians 50, Tynedale 14; Sedgley Park 22, Rotherham Titans 22; Sheffield Tigers 27, Wharfedale 44; Stourbridge 19, Hull 17. 2 South: Barnes 10, Redruth 24; Barnstaple 35, Westcliff 17; Dings Crusaders 19, Esher 45; Leicester Lions 24, Clifton 31; Old Albanians 29, Canterbury 21; Rochford Hundred 24, Guernsey 42; Worthing 29, Bury St Edmunds 21. Women’s Allianz Premiership: DMP Sharks 5, Saracens 75; Gloucester-Hartpury 17, Bristol Bears 24; Worcester Warriors 31, Harlequins 66. Tennis US Open, Flushing Meadows, New York, Men’s Singles Semi-final: (1) N Djokovic (Ser) bt (4) A Zverev (Ger) 4-6 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-2.

RSPB guide to birds in your area Content taken from 8-PAGE SPECIAL Plus: Top tips from the experts on bird care

House Sparrow Although not as common as it once was, the humble house sparrow still visits many gardens, and often forms noisy colonies. It likes to nest in ivy on walls, as well as in crevices in buildings and nest boxes. You can tell the male by his large black bib, while females are paler and plainer. House sparrows feed on the ground but also use birdfeeders, and love a good communal bath. Blue tit This colourful, acrobatic little bird is often the first to discover a new birdfeeder. It is also the most likely species to use a nest-box in your garden – if you are lucky it will then bring its brood of grey-and-yellow chicks to the feeders. It is best identified by its blue cap, white cheeks and eyebrows, and bright yellow belly. By Karen Rockett Woodpigeon Garden Birds With its short legs and waddling walk, the woodpigeon is a somewhat comical figure. It is bigger than feral or ‘street’ pigeons, with distinctive white markings on its neck-sides and wing edges, as well as a yellowish bill and white eyes, and a beautiful rosy-pink chest. Woodpigeons feed on the ground but also take buds from trees, and can be heard singing their five-note crooning coo from the trees. Great tit This bird is larger than the blue tit, and is just as colourful but has a black head with white cheek patches, as well as a black stripe down its chest and belly. It has a cheerful, ringing song and is familiar at feeders. Like blue tits, great tits will use nestboxes in the garden. They usually have one brood of chicks, which look like slightly muted versions of their parents. Lockdown has brought many of us closer to nature and the last year has seen a huge upsurge in the number of people birdwatching. Memberships of local birdwatching groups have soared and a recent poll commissioned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) found more than half of UK adults saying the pandemic has made them more aware of nature in their local area. Your own back garden is a wonderful place to start out as a birdwatcher. Even small urban gardens will attract several kinds of birds, and the nation’s gardens as a whole form a large and important area of habitat for wildlife. Here’s a look at the top 10 garden bird species recorded in the RSPB’s 2021 Big Garden Birdwatch survey. Goldfinch A flock of goldfinches is known as a ‘charm’, which is very apt for this pretty bird. It has a distinctive red face and black and yellow wings, and is otherwise black and white on its head and tail, and light brown on its body. Juveniles are plain brown but have the black and yellow wings and black tail. Goldfinches love sunflower seeds and usually visit feeders in flocks.

Starling Like the house sparrow, this species has declined in recent years. It is also often seen in flocks, and is notoriously hungry, but it will also reduce the leatherjackets in your lawn. Adults have glossy black plumage (spotted with white in winter) while juveniles are plain light brown. It has a strutting walk, and singing males imitate other birds, as well as making many other strange noises. Magpie One of the most eye-catching British birds, the magpie is an inquisitive blackand-white crow with a very long tail, which reflects beautiful rainbow colours when the light hits it. You will often hear it before you see it, as it has a distinctive harsh chattering voice. Magpies are clever and inventive, and can be great fun to watch, especially newly fledged juveniles which are highly curious and active. Blackbird This plump, dark and long-tailed thrush is most often seen hopping across the lawn; males also sing their beautiful, fluty territorial song from rooftops and other high places. It will nest in dense hedges or bushes, and loves to feed on windfall fruit. Only adult males are black (with yellow bills and eye-rings); females and juveniles are mottled dark brown. Robin Officially Britain’s favourite bird, the robin is unmistakeable with its orange-red face and breast, and fearless habits. If you are digging in the garden, your local robin is probably nearby, hoping you will dig up a worm or two. Robins often nest in strange places, including inside plant pots in sheds if they can get in. Look out for the golden-brown, spotted juveniles from mid-spring to autumn. Long-tailed tit This is a tiny, round bird with a very long tail, leading to its nickname of ‘lollipop’. Its colours of black, white and dusky pink are unlike any other garden bird. It is usually seen in family groups, which keep in contact as they move through the bushes with a constant ‘conversation’ of purring call notes. Juveniles have blackish face masks, and less pink plumage than adults. How to attract birds to your garden Tips from RSPB expert Adrian Thomas Food and water Putting out birdfood will help birds in your garden. Finches, tits and sparrows enjoy seeds and nuts, especially sunflower seeds, while thrushes will go for windfall apples, and many species enjoy fat-balls and suet-based foods. Always buy good quality birdfood. Make sure feeders and bird tables are placed somewhere safe from cats, not right next to dense bushes but close enough that the birds can easily retreat there. It is really important to keep feeding areas clean. Make sure you can see the feeders from indoors to get the most pleasure from them! Birds like a drink and a bathe, too. A birdbath is ideal, but an upturned dustbin lid that is watertight will work well. Basically, it needs to be wide and shallow. Keep it clean, and top it up daily in hot weather. During frosty weather, pour warm water on to any ice that forms. Again, siting is crucial, as birds are very vulnerable when bathing. The complete home There are many other things you can do in the garden to give birds their ideal home. ■ Plant as many shrubs, trees, climbers and flowers as you can, and try to keep hard landscaping to a minimum. A fruit tree is ideal, as is any shrub that bears berries, and leave seedheads standing in flowerbeds over winter. Lawns are great for birds, whether kept long or mown short. ■ Cut down on chemicals, especially pesticides. And add a log pile to encourage more insects, which provide food for most of our garden birds. ■ Put up a range of birdboxes – those with holes for tits and sparrows should always be placed facing between north and east; open-fronted boxes for robins should be hidden behind dense climbers. ‘Nature on your Doorstep’ is a fantastic free RSPB resource for helping you attract birds and wildlife to your garden. For more information, visit rspb.org.uk/ yourdoorstep.

Mallard Tufted Duck Coast, Wetlands & River Kingfisher Oystercatcher Of the many duck species you may see, this is the most familiar. Mallard males have shiny green heads, white neck-collars and chestnut-brown chests, while the females are mottled brown and produce the familiar loud quacking call. You can see mallards on most town park lakes, but they are also widespread in wilder wetlands, where they rub shoulders with scarcer species like wigeons and teals. One of the most distinctive shorebirds, the oystercatcher is black-and-white with an eye-catching orange ‘carrot’ of a bill. It is most often seen on mud-flats near estuaries, but you might also see it on shingle and rocky shores, and in Scotland in particular it often breeds inland, on grassy fields and riversides. It has a distinctive, urgent-sounding piping call. The thrill of a kingfisher sighting is your reward for walking slowly and quietly along a river-side. This dazzling jewel of a bird has iridescent blue upperparts and an orange belly, and catches its fish prey by diving head-first into the water. It nests in a tunnel that it digs into a bank side and may have three broods a year. The best time of year to see it is late summer, when young birds are wandering in search of their own territories. This is a diving duck which often visits lakes in towns, as well as reservoirs and estuaries. Males are black-and-white while females are dark chocolate brown – both sport a droopy crest at the backs of their heads. Tufted ducks are expert divers – in clear water you can see them swimming underwater with powerful kicks of their large webbed feet. The British Isles is blessed with a coastline of almost 20,000 miles making it important worldwide for coastal wildlife. We are lucky to have some of the world’s largest colonies of nesting seabirds in summer, as well as great gatherings of shorebirds in winter. Our rivers, lakes and marshes are also home to a wonderful diversity of birdlife. The wetlands of Norfolk, Suffolk and Somerset for example provide some of the most ideal habitats for birds in the world. But birdwatching in wetland and coastal areas can be tricky, as the birds can be quite distant and the terrain is quite exposed. Fulmar Look out for fulmars wheeling around tall cliff-faces in spring and summer. This bird looks a bit like a gull with its grey and white plumage, but is a closer cousin to the albatrosses, sharing with them a distinctive stiff-winged flight and a very keen sense of smell, enabling it to sniff out food such as floating carrion over many miles as it wanders far out at sea. Invest in a decent pair of binoculars, and visit RSPB reserves with purpose-built hides that enable you to enjoy closer views without disturbance. A visit to the Farne Islands, which lie just off the north Northumberland shore or RSPB Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast. Overlooking the North Sea, it is home to one of the UK’s top wildlife spectacles, the best mainland sea colony with visitor facilities and six safe cliff-edge viewing platforms giving stunning close-up views of life on the edge. With crest eater distin large on th comp ‘danc you m humb

Great Crested Grebe Grey Heron its elegant slim outline and ed, frilled head, this diving fishis one of our most attractive and ctive swimming birds. It lives on r lakes, though you may also see it e sea in winter. Pairs perform a lex, synchronised courtship e’ in spring, and later in the year ay see them carrying their ug-striped chicks on their backs. Often seen waiting, still and patient, at the water’s edge, the grey heron is a tall grey bird with a crested head and long, daggerlike bill. It is a skilled fish-catcher that can be seen around rivers, lakes and ponds of all kinds. When it takes flight, it looks prehistoric with its huge broad wings, gangling legs, and folded-in neck. It nests in colonies called ‘heronries’, building huge stick nests. Herring Gull This clever and resourceful bird with its evocative mewing and cackling voice is the most familiar ‘sea-gull’ in Britain. It has a silver-grey back and wings, with black wing-tips, and candy-pink legs; juveniles are mottled brown, and attain adult plumage gradually over four years. It is declining severely on rural coasts but does better in towns, making a living by clearing up what humans leave behind, on the streets and beaches. The Bird watchers’ Code Some three million adults go birdwatching every year in the UK. The Birdwatchers’ Code puts the interests of birds first and applies not just when you are at a nature reserve, but whenever you are watching birds in the UK or abroad. Guillemot If you think you have seen a penguin in the wild in the UK, chances are it was a guillemot. This dark brown-andwhite bird has a penguinlike shape and is as skilful a swimmer and diver as any penguin, but it can fly, and belongs to the family known as auks (along with the puffin and the razorbill). Guillemots nest in large colonies on cliffs on mainly northern and western coasts. Gannet This is the biggest British seabird. It is cigar-shaped with long, narrow wings. The adult it is mostly white, with black wing-tips and a yellowish head. Young birds are dark brown, and become whiter with each annual moult. Gannets feed by plunge-diving spectacularly, from a considerable height, then catching fish underwater. Most of its colonies are on islands – they include Bass Rock, off eastern Scotland, and Grassholm, off Pembrokeshire. Top tips Avoid disturbing birds and their 1 habitats – the birds’ interests should always come first. If a bird flies away or makes repeated alarm calls, you’re too close. And if it leaves, you won’t get a good view. Be an ambassador for 2 birdwatching. Respond positively to questions from interested passers-by. They may not be birdwatchers yet, but a helpful answer may spark an interest in birds, wildlife and its conservation. Know the law. Intentional or 3 reckless disturbance of some species at or near the nest is illegal in Britain. Don’t trespass on private land. Legislation provides access for walkers to open country in Britain, and includes measures to protect wildlife but the rules and codes are different in England, Scotland and Wales, so make sure you know what you can do. Repeatedly playing a recording 4 of birdsong or calls to encourage a bird to respond can divert them from feeding their young. Never use playback to attract a species during its breeding season. Send your sightings to the 5 County Bird Recorder and the Birdtrack website (bto.org/ our-science/projects/birdtrack) To read the full Birdwatchers’ Code, go to rspb.org.uk.

Common Buzzard Kestrel Farmland, Park & Woodland This is the most frequently seen large bird of prey in the UK. Often several may be seen together, circling high overhead with their shortish tails fanned out. Most common buzzards are mid-brown, but some are much darker and others paler. In some areas you may see them alongside red kites, which are more rufous with long, forked tails. Skylark Its sweet, twittering, ceaseless ramble of a song is a characteristic sound of summer in meadows and on moorland, but seeing a skylark is more challenging than hearing one. The male rises from near his nest on the ground and flies straight up, extremely high, singing all the while. You might see him as a small dot against the blue sky. Look out for perched skylarks on fence posts; their pointed crests help tell them apart from other smallish brown birds. Great Spotted Woodpecker Of the three woodpeckers that breed in Britain, the great spotted is the one seen most often, especially in woodlands. Starling-sized, with boldly marked blackand-white plumage, it gives itself away with its loud, sharp ‘kick’ call, and its territorial ‘drum-rolls’ on tree trunks in spring. It is also a fairly frequent visitor to gardens. If you see a bird hovering very still for a long spell, with fastbeating wings and a long, fanned-out tail, that is almost certainly a kestrel. This small falcon hunts mice and voles in grassland, using its hovering skill to hold position while it pinpoints where its prey is, before dropping down in a high-speed pounce. Females are chestnut, mottled black, while males have grey heads and tails. Because of Britain’s geographic position, climate and soil, much of our countryside would naturally be heavily wooded. However woodland cover has diminished greatly over the centuries, but we are now reversing this trend and creating new woodlands, to the benefit of some of our woodland birds. Farmland, although managed primarily to produce food rather than to benefit wildlife, can also be a wonderful wildlife habitat and is home to many special and much loved British birds. Goldcrest Britain’s smallest bird, the goldcrest prefers coniferous woodland to deciduous. Its tiny size and needle-like bill enable it to pick miniscule insects from in between conifer needles – this food source is enough to allow it to overwinter in Britain, unlike most insect-eating birds which migrate to warmer areas. Olive green with a yellow, black-edged crown, the goldcrest is extremely lively and active, and can be quite fearless.

Barn owl Swallow This beautiful owl is easily recognised, with its mostly white underparts and its effortless, wafting, low-level flight on long wings. It is primarily nocturnal but may be seen hunting in late afternoon and evening, especially in summer when it has a nest full of chicks to feed. Many barn owls in Britain nest in derelict farm buildings, but they will also use large nestboxes. Nuthatch Not all tree-climbing birds are woodpeckers, and the nuthatch is arguably a better tree-climber than any woodpecker, being able to run head-first down a trunk as well as up on its strong legs with grapplinghook claws. It has light bluegrey plumage with a pale orange belly and a long black eye-stripe, and uses its long, strong bill to crack open hard nuts and seeds. Tawny Owl The largest and most abundant of British owls, the tawny owl is nonetheless difficult to see, as it is strictly nocturnal and lives in wooded habitats, where it is well-camouflaged when roosting by day. You may hear its wavering hoot at night anywhere where there are some mature trees, especially through winter when territories are being established. It is intricately mottled brown all over, with a large round head and dark eyes. Jay This gorgeously colourful woodland bird is a member of the crow family, and is reluctant to show off its beautiful pink, blue and black-and-white plumage, being shy and timid. You are most likely to see jays in autumn, when they gather acorns in large quantities to bury for later consumption. Of course, some acorns are never retrieved, so jays are also responsible for planting many oak trees. The first swallows arrive back from Africa at the end of March, and by early May many farm buildings will have nesting pairs in situ. This migratory bird has a delightful chuckling song, and is striking in appearance with its dark metallic-blue upperside, creamy belly, red throat and very long, forked tail. Swallows often hunt insects in cattle fields, almost skimming the grass as they catch their prey in flight. Top tips for spotting birds hidden in nature Be quiet! Don’t make any 1 sudden movements. Birds are easily startled by loud noises and will flee to cover. It is almost impossible to sneak up on a bird, because birds hear much better than human beings do. 2 Avoid brightly coloured clothes. Many birds have poor colour vision, but bright clothes, like whites, will contrast with the surrounding environment and enhance the appearance of movement. In woodlands, walk 3 slowly, pause often to scan the treetops with binoculars, and let birds come to you. 4 Use your ears as much as your eyes – learn the songs and calls of the commoner species and then a new voice in the chorus will stand out more. Be patient. Birdwatching is often 5 about waiting for the birds to show themselves. 6More than 600 different types of birds have been seen in the UK so buy a pocket book of birds to help you identify them.

CUCKOO song thrush Death of the dawn chorus IF you are an early riser you will be familiar with the dawn chorus. And if you’re a late riser, no doubt you think the birds sound too loud! However 50 years ago it was much louder and in that time we’ve lost 40 million birds, according to the RSPB. The UK’s birds can be split into three categories of conservation importance – red, amber and green. The UK Red List keeps track of how different species are doing and those on the red list (67 species) are in need of urgent help. The Red list criteria includes globally threatened species and UK species who are in severe decline (at least 50 per cent) in breeding population over the past 25 years. One in four birds are on that list and many of the UK’s iconic crooners are among them like nightingales, skylarks and cuckoos, hence the death of the dawn chorus. Common garden birds like starlings, song thrushes and house sparrows are also on the list. Amber is the next most critical group and includes species in moderate decline (25 to 50 per cent) with fewer than 3,000 breeding pairs in the UK. Species on the green list are the least critical group that occur regularly in the UK. Pied Flycatcher NIGHTINGALE Red list Counting Birds Dr Mark Eaton, one of the RSPB’s Principal Conservation Scientists, is responsible for collecting the data on bird conservation and numbers. Mark and his team analyse hundreds of statistics from monitoring schemes such as the Breeding Bird Survey and the Wetland Bird Survey. Mark explains: “Thanks to thousands of volunteers – counting birds, doing surveys, getting their data to organisations such as the RSPB, BTO and WWT – birds are probably amongst the best monitored groups of wildlife on the planet, and especially so in the UK. “We produce lots of stats which enable us to assess whether each species should go onto one of our lists of conservation concern. “Either amber for moderate concern or red which are the ones we are really worried about. “To be on the red list you need to be a bird of highest conservation concern, meaning you’re in a pretty bad way. “You’ve declined very rapidly, you’re at risk of extinction globally, or you are historically depleted, meaning you are at much lower population levels that you were in the past.” * To see what you can do to help or make a donation visit www.rspb.org. uk/join-and-donate/donate/ appeals/red-alert/ WILLOW TIT