More stories

  • in

    Former England star, 38, makes Coronation Street cameo as ‘chav’ and reveals major soap secret

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlpermission@news.co.uk.
    Why am I seeing this?
    Occasionally, our system misinterprets human behaviour as automated. If you are a legitimate user, please contact our customer support team here help@thesun.co.uk
    Error Message
    News Group Newspapers prohibits automated access, collection, or text/data mining of its content, including for AI, machine learning, or LLMs, as per its terms. For commercial use inquiries, contact crawlpermission@news.co.uk.
    This is stated in our terms and conditions. More

  • in

    Former England U20 star who’s dating Coronation Street actress wakes up unemployed after release from EFL club

    FORMER England U20 ace and Everton academy graduate Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North End. Ledson, who is dating Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon, leaves Deepdale after seven years following the expiration of his contract.Ryan Ledson has been released by Preston North EndCredit: GettyLedson is dating Lucy FallonCredit: SplashFallon stars as Bethany Platt in ITV soap Coronation StreetCredit: Instagram/@lucyfallonxThe 27-year-old midfielder joined Preston back in 2018, having spent time at Cambridge United and Oxford United after graduating from Everton’s academy.And now he will be searching for the next step in his career after being included on Preston’s 2025 retained list as an “out of contract and released” player.It’s not a surprise to Preston fans, who were made aware of Ledson’s imminent exit earlier in the week.In a statement, the Liverpool-born star said: “I’ve had the best seven years that I could have asked for. This club means so much to me.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I want to thank everyone at the club, from the staff behind the scenes to the owner and Peter.“Thank you to the fans too for all the support you’ve given me over the years. I’m glad my last game for the club went as well as it did and I could have that moment with the fans at the end.“I’ve absolutely loved my time here and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the future.”Ledson’s final game for the club was a 2-2 draw against Bristol City, a result that was just enough to keep the Lilywhites afloat in the Championship.Most read in FootballPreston North End full retained listHere’s a look at who is staying and going for Preston North End…Contracted ProfessionalsAli McCannAndrew HughesBen WhitemanBrad PottsDai CornellFelipe Rodriguez-GentileJack WhatmoughJames PradicJeppe OkkelsJordan StoreyKitt NelsonLewis GibsonLiam LindsayMads FrøkjærMax WilsonMilutin OsmajićNoah MaweneStefán ThórdarsonWill KeaneIn NegotiationsChed Evans (coaching role)Josh SearyKacper PasiekRobbie BradyOut of Contract and ReleasedEmil RiisFreddie WoodmanKian BestKian TaylorPatrick BauerRyan LedsonLoan Players Returning To Parent ClubsKaine Kesler-HaydenJayden MeghomaRyan PorteousSam GreenwoodCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe leaves PNE having played 215 games, scoring seven goals and registering 14 assists.Ledson’s partner Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt on ITV soap Coronation Street, supported him by re-sharing his exit announcement on her Instagram.Former England star Trevor Sinclair facing bankruptcy battle over £36k unpaid tax bill after ‘hiding head in the sand’The pair, who have been dating since the Covid-19 lockdown, share two children together – a son named Sonny and a daughter called Nancy.Clubs up and down the country are now announcing their retained lists as the season comes to a close, meaning top stars are being released all over the place.Former Chelsea, Manchester City and Celtic star Scott Sinclair was another big name to wake up unemployed this week after his release from Bristol Rovers.Club captain Sinclair, who shares three children with his former Corrie star ex Helen Flanagan, was let go by Rovers following their relegation into League Two.Scott Sinclair has been released by Bristol RoversCredit: GettySinclair’s ex is former Corrie star Helen FlanaganCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    My dad is Coronation Street legend Des Barnes – now I’ve swapped acting for pro boxing

    BOXER Alfie Middlemiss returns for his third professional fight in the ring – but he may already be a familiar face. And not because of his two points victories but due to his career as an actor. Alfie Middlemiss returns for his third professional fight in the ringCredit: GettyHe is the son to actor Phil MiddlemissCredit: GettyMiddlemiss played Des Barnes in CorrieCredit: PAHe is the son of Phil Middlemiss – who spent eights years playing Des Barnes in the hit ITV soap. His 21-year-old son is also an actor with TV credits for Emmerdale and Waterloo Road. But Middlemiss’ true calling has been in boxing, turning professional in 2024 with Eddie Hearn after a title winning amateur career. He returns tonight in Manchester on Joe Joyce’s undercard – but the bright lights are nothing new for the super-featherweight. READ MORE IN BOXINGMiddlemiss told BBC Sport: “I definitely think they’re transferable and should come in handy. “There are things I’ve learnt in that field that I can already see are going to be useful now.”They can help me sell a bout and, when I get a little bit further down the line, they’ll also help me in front of the television cameras.”A lot of people can freeze when they’re all pointed at them. I get it because it’s completely out of their comfort zone.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But I’m used to having that spotlight on me so it’s nothing out of the ordinary.” Middlemiss still acts on the side but is ready to pursue boxing full-time. He said: “Acting can be tough but it’s a damn sight easier than boxing.”My family and friends know how competitive I am and my dad has always loved boxing so I don’t think they fell off their chairs when they found out what I wanted to do.”OK, they were probably a bit surprised. But not stunned or speechless, I don’t think, because of how I am.”There are more relaxing ways to make a living but there’s something about boxing which immediately grabbed me. “I think it’s the pressure you have to put yourself under because, in the ring, it’s just you and the other guy so you can’t rely on anyone else.But I’m used to having that spotlight on me so it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Alfie Middlemiss “You have to show focus and have a drive to keep improving. You can never let up.”From the first moment I walked into a gym it just appealed to me. Maybe because, in my eyes, it’s the ultimate and purest test you can ever experience.”Middlemiss won English and North West championships and has now turned pro under ex-boxer Jamie Moore – trainer also to Jack Catterall. He beat Jesus Gonzalez and Caine Singh in his first two bouts and faces Mexican Alexander Morales (6-11-5) in his third. Middlemiss said: “Boxing can be a lonely sport as everything is on you.”As an amateur, it can be a bit overwhelming when you get a loss or a setback.Read More on The Sun”There are injuries too. I’ve had a few minor niggles along the way but, fortunately, nothing serious.”It’s how you respond to all of that which defines you. The same as disappointments in acting or any other walk of life.”Middlemiss is trained by former pro boxer Jamie MooreCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Sir Alex Ferguson interrupted Coronation Street to ask me to join Man Utd – but I’d already decided to join Arsenal

    ARSENAL icon Alan Smith has revealed that he was personally asked by Sir Alex Ferguson to join Manchester United before moving to north London.Smith, 62, joined the Gunners from Leicester City in 1987 and went on to score 113 goals in 340 appearances.Alan Smith has revealed Sir Ale Ferguson attempted to persuade him to join Man Utd before he signed for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe legendary United manager called him while he was watching Coronation Street with his mumCredit: GettySmith scored 113 goals for ArsenalCredit: GettyHe famously scored in the historic First Division title-deciding match between Arsenal and Liverpool at Anfield in 1989 which saw George Graham’s side end their 18-year wait to be crowned champions.However, things could have been very different had the striker accepted an offer from Man Utd.Speaking to ex-team-mate David Seaman on the Seaman Says podcast with Betway, Smith revealed that he received a phone call from Ferguson regarding a move to Old Trafford.He said: “I spoke to Alex Ferguson. I was getting a bit of interest.Read More in Football”One January evening, I was living with my mum and dad still and we were watching Coronation Street, I’ll always remember it.”The phone goes in the hall and my mum picks it up and she says, ‘Alan, it’s Alex Ferguson on the phone for you.’ I thought she misheard the name.”Alex had only been at United for about a year and they were struggling. So it’s not like it was ‘the Sir Alex’ calling but he was obviously a big name, he’s the Man United manager.”I went into the hall and spoke to him. He said he wanted me to wait until the summer when I would have been a free agent.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I said, ‘Mr Ferguson, I’m sorry but I’ve made up my mind, I want to join Arsenal.'”Arsenal wanted to sign me on deadline day, I had already spoke to them in a roundabout way. ‘Love this for him’ – Arsenal fans go wild as Aaron Ramsey, 34, goads Stoke supporters 15 years after injury horror”It was a short conversation, I put the phone down and thought, ‘have I done the right thing there, saying no to the Manchester United manager?'”But they went four of five years really without winning anything and Alex was close to getting the sack.”After an eight-year spell with Arsenal, Smith decided to hang up his boots in 1995.He is now a co-commentator and pundit for Sky Sports. More

  • in

    Coronation Street legend who plays Roy Cropper spotted singing X-rated chant at Premier League match

    CORRIE legend David Neilson, between known for playing Roy Cropper, was spotted at St Mary’s Stadium singing along to an X-rated chant.The Soap actor, 75, was in the away end cheering on Leicester City in their match against Southampton.David Neilson, better known as Corrie’s Roy Cropper, was spotted at St Mary’s StadiumSoap star Neilson joined in with an x-rated chant in the away endThe match appeared to be heading the hosts’ way, when the Saints raced into a 2-0 lead.However, a spirited fightback by the Foxes in the second half saw them overcome the two goal deficit to win 3-2.That saw Leicester’s supporters break into a rude song.They sang in unison: “Two nil up and you f***** it up.”Read more football news A beaming Neilson was spotted on camera joining in on the song and clapping.A video of the moment was shared on X account Football Away Days.It was captioned: “Roy Cropper enjoying himself in the Leicester away end at Southampton today.”Neilson first appeared in the ITV soap opera in 1995 as the cafe owner, Cropper.Most read in FootballHe has featured in a number of high-profile storylines, with perhaps his most famous being when his character married the first transgender character in a British Soap Opera, Hayley Patterson played by Julie Hesmondhalgh.Leicester City Players Under Fire for Harassing Fan Outside of his TV work, Neilson is one of Leicester’s most famous supporters.He regularly runs Alan Birchenall’s charity race around the King Power Stadium.The event is in memory of former Leicester City star Keith Weller to raise money for prostate cancer awareness. More

  • in

    Helen Flanagan’s footballer ex Scott Sinclair moves on with new girlfriend two years after split from ex-Corrie star

    FORMER Corrie star Helen Flanagan’s footballer ex Scott Sinclair has moved on — with a family friend.Helen, 34, has admitted she still loves him but he has been dating Lauren Davies, 32, for several months.Lauren Davies is dating footballer Scott Sinclair, two years after his split from Helen FlanaganCredit: SuppliedScott and Helen were spotted on a date at Harrods and have been together for monthsCredit: Peter JordanOur exclusive picture shows Scott, 35, and Lauren holding hands after a date at the Prada Caffé at Harrods on Wednesday.Helen, currently appearing on E4’s Celebs Go Dating, split from him more than two years ago and she has recently started seeing former footballer Robbie Talbot, 44.Ex-Man City and Celtic winger Scott first met Lauren, who ­supports ADHD kids, six years ago through family. It is believed Helen has met her.READ MORE SCOTT SINCLAIRLauren is from his home city of Bath, close to where he is currently playing for League One side Bristol Rovers.A source said: “They’re getting on well and really enjoy each other’s company.“They met through family years back. Scott and Lauren just hit it off a few months ago and started dating.“At the moment, they just want to see where things go.”Most read in FootballHelen and Scott were together for 13 years before they broke up in 2022.They have three children and Helen previously told our Fabulous magazine: “I love Scott and I know that he loves me, but I ­suppose we just don’t like each other very much at the moment.”Emotional Helen Flanagan reveals she asked Scott Sinclair to get back together just months agoOn Celebs Go Dating this month, Helen dismissed rumours of a “throuple” with David Haye and his girlfriend Sian Osborne but admitted having a relationship with the ex-boxing champ, 43.She said: “It was quite something. It’s really hard for me to talk about it.“He had a girlfriend and an open relationship. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him but I did.”Lauren declined to comment.Former Coronation Street star Helen has moved on with former footballer Robbie TalbotCredit: GettyHelen and Scott have three children together and remain on good termsCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Helen Flanagan’s ex Scott Sinclair spotted with mystery woman on night out – as soap star strips off to a bikini

    HELEN Flanagan’s ex Scott Sinclair has been spotted out with a mystery woman after the Coronation Street star’s psychosis diagnosis.The Bristol Rovers footballer, 35, split from his fiancee Helen, 33, in 2022 after a 13-year relationship.Scott Sinclair has been linked with a mystery brunetteCredit: SplashBristol Rovers player Scott was on a night out in ManchesterCredit: SplashThe unnamed woman looked stunning for the night out at Sexy Fish in ManchesterCredit: SplashHelen Flanagan has put on a brave face amid struggles during her break-upCredit: Instagram/@Helen FlanaganHe’s now been seen out with a stunning brunette on a night out in Manchester.The pair were spotted leaving Sexy Fish in Manchester and then heading into MNKY HSE nightclub just after 1am.They kept their distance as they were pictured by photographers overnight.Scott was previously linked to model Kate Moss’s sister Lottie last year after sliding into her DMs.READ MORE ON HELEN FLANAGANLottie told pals Bristol Rovers footballer Scott had contacted her on social media after Coronation Street’s Helen called off their engagement.Meanwhile, Helen posed in a tiny bikini as she enjoyed a spa day.Last month, the mum-of-three revealed she was diagnosed with psychosis after struggling with the breakdown of her relationship to Scott.She had been due to make her acting comeback in a UK tour of murder mystery play Cluedo 2, but pulled out because of medical reasons.Most read in FootballThe Sun revealed how Helen, 33, had dumped Scott, 34, the father of her three children, last October.The pair had been together since 2009.Helen Skelton shows off her different outfitsShe admitted they still love each other – but don’t “like” each other anymore.Helen and Scott, 34, are both committed to co-parenting Matilda, eight, Delilah, five, and two-year-old Charlie. It’s not always practical, though, as he currently plays for Bristol Rovers, so lives nearly 200 miles away from Helen and the kids just north of Manchester.He sees the children regularly, but relations between Scott and Helen themselves are still healing, and for now, they communicate mainly through their parents.“I love Scott and I know that he loves me, but I suppose we just don’t like each other very much at the moment. “We don’t really speak and there’s no point in pretending that we’re the best of friends when we’re not.“What we had was really special, and because of that, the emotion between us is just too raw. “Luckily, I get on really well with his mum and he speaks to my parents, so I’m sure Scott and I will eventually have a better relationship. “Obviously, it’s not ideal, but we both adore the children and we’d never want any arguing in front of them.“He knows I’m always flexible about him seeing them. Whenever he wants to see them, I try to accommodate that.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe reasons behind the split were multi-layered, and Helen stresses that it would be impossible to pinpoint a cause or say exactly when things went wrong – by the end, they had drifted apart and were leading increasingly separate lives.She says some of the difficulties set in when she suffered severe postnatal depression after having their son Charlie in March 2021.Scott with his three childrenCredit: scotty__sinclair/Instagram More

  • in

    David Haye plans surprise career change after secret dates with Helen Flanagan

    EX-boxer David Haye is planning a range of sun lotions — ­after accusing actress Helen Flanagan of reeking of fake tan.The former world champ, 43, has been linked to Helen, 33, who was his campmate in I’m A Celebrity in 2012.
    David Haye has big plans for branded merchandise including fake tanCredit: Getty
    We can reveal he has lodged papers with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office asking to ringfence the name “Haye” for ten years. He wants to sell cosmetics and toiletries including “sunscreens and suntan oils and creams”.
    Clothes, handbags and boxing gear will also be covered under the “Haye” banner, as well as sports and fitness classes.
    Haye previously said of the former Corrie star: “Helen is a real cute little chick, a bit ditzy, but she stinks of fake tan.”
    But last month it was revealed that the boxing champ had been enjoying ‘secret dates’ with the former soap star.
    READ MORE DAVID HAYE
    The pair became friends when they appeared on I’m A Celebrity in 2012, but recently matched on dating app Raya and sparks have reportedly flown.
    Helen, 33, met up for dinner with former champion boxer David — who had been in a ‘throuple’ relationship with girlfriend Sian Osbourne and pop star Una Healy.
    But it is understood Helen and David, 43, went on dates alone.
    David and Helen Flanagan are believed to have enjoyed a string of datesCredit: Dan Charity – The Sun More