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      Inside horror ‘pro hit’ on Kurt Zouma’s home by ‘organised gang’ who blindsided security to steal £100k in jewels & cash

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      NEIGHBOURS of Kurt Zouma have told of their horror after his home was broken into by an “organised gang” who escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.The “highly professional” masked gang ransacked the held the West Ham captain’s home after striking just before midnight on Saturday while he was at home with his young family.
      Kurt Zouma was dramatically robbed
      Zouma had been home with wife Sandra and their kidsCredit: Instagram
      The break-in led to Zouma missing his team’s 1-1 Prem draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday – and saw cops warning neighbours about the organised gang.
      And yesterday, West Ham revealed the club was offering a £25,000 reward for information leading to the gang’s capture.
      Zouma, 29 – who is married to wife Sandra, Mum to his four young children – and his family had items of “significant value” and “sentimental importance” stolen from their £3million Essex home, the club said.
      And yesterday, neighbours on Zouma’s plush road told The Sun cops warned them the raiders were “no amateurs”.
      MORE ON ZOUMA
      One neighbour – who was visited by officers on Sunday – said: “We don’t know much about what happened, apart from the fact there was a break-in on Saturday night.
      “We heard it was a burglary and the family were home at the time.
      “There was one police car outside afterwards but they stayed there with the family for a few hours.
      “I think the burglars were quite experienced.
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      “Officers came round on Sunday and told us that the burglars were professionals. They said we want to tell you that they were not amateurs.
      “They said the break-in had been on the ground floor and to watch out for that. We think that they came in through the back garden.
      “We have security on this road – a guard that patrols here day and night and he was only parked a few driveways away when the break-in happened.
      “He can only see the front so if he didn’t see anything they must have got in through the back.”
      In a statement, Zouma’s Club said: “West Ham United has offered a £25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of burglars who broke into defender Kurt Zouma’s home on the eve of the Club’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace this weekend.
      “Kurt’s home was broken into on Saturday while all his family were in the house, leaving everyone present extremely distressed. While thankfully no one was harmed, it was a traumatic experience for the West Ham United defender, his wife and their young family.
      “The burglars took items of significant value and of huge personal and sentimental importance to the family.
      “The West Ham United family continue to offer Kurt’s family their full support.”
      Police raced to the detached £3million home– on an exclusive street where well-heeled neighbours hire private security – and stayed with the family for hours after Saturday night’s raid.
      Last February, The Sun revealed how Zouma has been caught on video slapping and kicking his cat last February – leading to a prosecution.
      Ex-Chelsea star issued a grovelling apology for actions after he was handed community service and fined.
      In the run-up to the club’s London derby against Palace on Sunday, West Ham said Zouma was unavailable for “personal reasons”.
      They did not elaborate on why he was missing from the match – as he stayed away to comfort his family.
      One resident on his street said they were not home at the time – but were aware of the break-in and had been warned to “stay vigilant”.
      The robbers are understood to have escaped with jewellery including high-end watches.
      Zouma – who has 11 caps for France – is married to wife Sandra, who he first met when they were teenagers in Lyon.
      They revealed in July they had welcomed their fourth child together.
      The £30 million star is the latest in a long line of footballers – including Raheem Sterling, Paul Pogba and Joao Cancelo – to be targeted by professional robbery gangs.
      A source said: “This was an extremely worrying attack and left Kurt and his family traumatised.
      “They were an aggressive and organised gang – and the house was completely ransacked.
      “Kurt and the family were put through a horrific ordeal, and are still struggling to speak about what happened.
      “Everyone at the club immediately knew it was incredibly serious – as he would not have missed a game otherwise.
      “But the raid is why he was not available on Sunday.
      How Zouma joins other football stars targeted by robbers
      December, 2021: Man City defender Joao Cancelo shares a picture of his battered and bruised face after he confronted four raiders who targeted his home in Hale while he was there with his family
      March 2022: Then-Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s home in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester is raided as he plays for the Red Devils in their home Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
      January 2022: Swedish defender Victor Lindelof’s home in Hale is targeted as he is in action for Man Utd away at Brentford. His terrified wife Maja locked herself and two young sons in a bathroom as intruders raided their house.
      January 2022: Ex -Man Utd star Jesse Lingard falls prey to ‘away day’ robbers who steal more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester as he plays for the club at Aston Villa.
      September 2022 – Then- Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was at his Cheshire home with Little Mix fiancée Perrie Edwards and their young son when burglars broke in
      December 2022 – Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling jets home from the Qatar World Cup after raiders struck at his Surrey home.

      “It is a terrible thing to have happened – and everyone at the club is offering him their full support.
      “The player’s family are too scared to stay at the house – and have already talked of needing to move.
      “Kurt is a family man and in shock. He is worried about protecting his family.”
      West Ham’s Joint Chairman David Sullivan previously put up a £250,000 reward when a burglar broke into his £7.5 million Essex mansion while he was on holiday in In June 2017.
      The raider – believed to be the ‘Essex Spiderman’ who had targeted around 50 other properties – is believed to have been scared off by a high-tech alarm system and fled empty-handed.
      Last night, Mr Sullivan, 74, urged anyone with information about the burglars who targeted Zouma’s family to come forward.
      He said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone connected to West Ham United are with Kurt and his family. To have someone break into your home is a terrifying experience and I hope this reward will help bring the individuals to justice and prevent others from going through a similar ordeal.”
      Essex Police told The Sun: “We were called shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 2 December to reports of a burglary in west Essex.
      “It was reported suspects had gained entry to an address, before taking items including jewellery and watches.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Our investigation into this incident is continuing.”
      •Anyone who has any relevant information should email confidential@westhamunited.co.uk with as much detail as possible, which will then be shared with the police.
      The horror comes just weeks after wife Sandra gave birth to their fourth childCredit: Instagram
      She recently shared a picture of their newest child at West HamCredit: Instagram More

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      Inside Benjamin Mendy’s £5m mansion as he is forced to slash price as it languishes on the market

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has slashed a whopping £750,000 off the asking price of his £5million mansion as he battles bankruptcy following his rape trial. The former Manchester City footballer, 29, must sell the sprawling Cheshire property to avoid financial ruin. 
      Benjamin Mendy’s mansion has now been put up for saleCredit: Savills
      The ex-City defender now plays for Lorient in FranceCredit: Getty
      As he chases up to £10m of back pay from his old club and while rebuilding his career at French Ligue 1 club Lorient, Mendy has now reduced the asking price to £4.25million.
      It comes as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is seeking a bankruptcy order against the footballer over a nearly £800,000 tax debt. 
      The house is described by estate agents as “one of the finest contemporary homes in Cheshire”. 
      The 11,000sq-ft residence is set in over 1.75 acres of grounds and boasts six bedroom suites, an open plan living area, games room, home cinema, swimming pool, steam room, gym and spa. 
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      It was bought by Mendy from cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff in 2018 for £4.8million. 
      Flintoff, who never lived at the house, bought it for £1.8million in 2008 and spent two years rebuilding the property – before renting it out. 
      His tenants included former footballer Peter Crouch and wife Abbey Clancy. 
      The former Man City star was already a millionaire when he joined from Monaco in 2017 on a six-year contract.
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      His deal guaranteed him a basic £100,000-a-week salary and up to £170,000 with bonuses.
      But instead of pocketing £31.2million, he ended up fighting bankruptcy after his 2020 arrest for rape.
      He was cleared of raping a woman following a retrial in July.
      Jurors unanimously cleared him of both charges after three hours of deliberation.
      But despite going free, he was forced to close his image rights company after being chased for unpaid tax.
      The footballer took a huge financial hit after being charged in 2021, with City stopping his salary the following month.
      The sprawling property boasts a luxurious interiorCredit: Savills
      Peter Crouch was a former tenant at the mansionCredit: Savills
      The property is worth millionsCredit: Savills
      There is even a home cinema at the swanky padCredit: Savills More

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      I’m a Newcastle United superfan – so I transformed my toilet into a mini St James Park

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      A NEWCASTLE United fan is so potty about the Toon he turned his loo into a mini St James’ Park.James Longworth, 40, created his very own bog on the Tyne while his wife Tarin was away on a spa weekend.
      Newcastle United fanatic James Longworth has decorated his downstairs toilet like St James ParkCredit: Glen Minikin
      The dad of three has kitted the room out with a Lego copy of the Newcastle United badge above his toilet rollCredit: Glen Minikin
      The dad of three said: “She asked if I could paint the bathroom while she was away so I said ‘sure, how do you want it?’
      “She replied, ‘It’s up to you — just nothing too loud’. I then had this spur-of-the-moment idea.”
      Touches include a £200 mural of stadium St James’ Park, black and white stripes on the other walls and artificial grass on the floor.
      And whenever the door opens, Local Hero plays — the music the team walks out to at home games.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Delivery driver James, who lives in Burnley, added: “We used to go to a lot of matches but it’s hard to get tickets now. So if I can’t go to St James’ Park I thought I would bring St James’ Park to me.”
      Tarin, 33, was shocked at first — especially at the artificial grass.
      She said: “We all know that boys don’t always hit the target. So how am I supposed to mop the floor when he has turned it into a football pitch with artificial grass?
      “I do like it now — it’s quirky and a real talking point.”
      Most read in Football
      James decorated the bathroom while his wife Tarin was awayCredit: Glen Minikin
      Despite his love for The Toon, James lives in Burnley and can’t get to many gamesCredit: Glen Minikin
      The bathroom features artificial turfCredit: Glen Minikin
      This is what James bathroom looked like before More

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      Inside Harry Redknapp’s plans for new incredible seaside villa after tearing down his £7million home

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      FOOTBALL legend Harry Redknapp is set to build a new incredible seaside villa after tearing down his £7million home.The plans for his new home have already caused a stir with neighbours – and he is yet to be given planning permission.
      Harry and Sandra Redknapp are battling for new home improvements approval
      The ex-Spurs manager wants to redevelop his newly-bought Sandbanks property. Pictured left, as it is now
      Harry Redknapp’s new home plansCredit: boppa.poole.gov.uk
      His application for changes has led to wranglings with council planners. Pictured, an artists impression of what the new home would look like
      Redknapp’s old waterfront home on the Millionaire’s Row has already been knocked down to make way for the new villa.
      But the former Tottenham Hotspur boss is at war with his local council as he hopes to transform the Italianate mansion in Sandbanks, Dorset.
      Plans for the home show it echoes properties around Lake Como in Italy. 
      The colossal house will have four balconies, a grand entrance hall, an open-plan living/kitchen/dining room, two receptions, a study and five ensuite bedrooms.
      There will also be a new boat house and a jetty with access to Poole Harbour.
      But Planning chiefs have reportedly criticised an application for the six-bedroom detached house.
      They say proposals for the property overlooking Poole Harbour and promising “a traditional Italianate architectural style” are “overwhelming” and “disjointed”.
      Documents suggest Redknapp has been offering compromises, such as removing bedroom windows, lowering the roof and redesigning the front door and boat house.
      Most read in Football
      Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said the preferred material for windows and doors should be timber.
      But Redknapp’s architects Anders Roberts Cheer hit back to say this would be “inappropriate in this exposed location”.
      A design and access statement for the new property calls it “sensitively designed” and “a carefully balanced and attractive infill development which respects the character of the area”.
      Meanwhile, neighbours have already began to complain about the plans.
      One local, Alison Wheeler said: “The proposed building is overpowering. I fear it would feel oppressive. The quiet enjoyment of our garden would be seriously impacted by the windows in the new south-west wing. 
      “The addition of several ground and first-floor windows… would have a major impact on our privacy.
      “It would create shadow in the morning and significantly reduce the light on the south-eastern aspect of our house.”
      Another resident Nicola Bailey added: “The proposed development… does not seem to respect the ‘spacing between plots’.”
      Chris Shipperley, of ARC Architects, acting for the Redknapps, said the couple had already revised the plans to appease locals.
      Sandbanks is said to be Britain’s most expensive seaside town More

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      Ex-footballer Glenn Murray launches Grand Designs-style home renovation as he builds mega-mansion

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      FOOTBALLER Glenn Murray has been given the go-ahead for a £3million new build with a sheltered walkway between his garage and front door – to stop him getting wet.The former Crystal Palace and Brighton striker, 39, has kicked off plans to bulldoze a 1970s bungalow and turn it into a luxury four-bedroom pad.
      Glenn Murray is building a mega-mansionCredit: Getty
      How his new home will look after works are carried outCredit: John Pardey Architects (JPA)
      The black timber clad farmstead-style house will boast a heated outdoor swimming pool, gym, snug, chicken coop, wildflower garden and fruit tree orchard.
      It will also have a glazed entrance hall, guest suite, study, paved dining terrace and timber loggia to protect Murray from the rain in the short walk from his car.
      The proposed development was ruled ‘on-side’ by planners at the local council after there were no objections from neighbours.
      In a design statement, Murray’s planning agent said: “A freestanding outbuilding (cars, plant, gym) sits to the west following the site boundary.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALLERS
      “This is fronted by a timber loggia that unites the three volumes (and allows travel from garage to front door without getting wet).
      “A loggia at the front unites all three forms and provides sheltered access from the garage to the front door.’
      Murray, now a football pundit, paid £1million for the corner plot with a purpose-built kennel and koi carp pond.
      Conservationists were initially concerned about the “industrial” design of the new build with a “seemingly over-large” chimney, and harm to nearby listed buildings.
      Most read in Football
      But Murray has now scaled down his plans and was given the green light by officials at his local District Council.
      Murray played for Watford and Nottingham Forest in 2021 but retired that year aged 37.
      He began his career in the USL Pro Soccer League playing for Wilmington Hammerheads before a Conference North switch to Barrow.
      From there he worked his way up the leagues with a number of clubs, including Carlisle United and Rochdale.
      He then moved to Brighton for the first of two spells which saw him score a total of 111 goals for the club.
      Glenn has been given the go-ahead for a sheltered walkway between his garage and front door – to stop him getting wetCredit: John Pardey Architects (JPA)
      Glenn retired from the game in 2021 and works as a punditCredit: Getty More

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      I’m furious after a bank painted a mural of England star on my house…business is profiting but they didn’t even ask me

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      A LANDLORD is furious after a bank painted a giant mural featuring Marcus Rashford on the side of his house without asking.Natwest commissioned an artist to paint the advert featuring Man Utd star Marcus Rashford on the side of a building in Brighton to advertise its latest financial skills scheme for young people.
      A giant mural featuring Marcus Rashford was painted on a building in Brighton by Natwest
      Peter Brynin says they had no permission to paint his property
      But Peter Brynin said he was shocked to discover the artwork on the side of his property.
      The front door to his home, which he rents out to students, is on Trafalgar Lane in Brighton, famed for being covered in graffiti from a number of local artists.
      He said: “Obviously I was taken quite aback.
      “I can’t go up to their bank in Westminster and paint a logo of my business on the side. It would be criminal damage.
      “I am fine with graffiti and murals, but what I don’t want to see it being used for is an advertising space.”
      Peter owns the section of the wall where the QR code, information sign and Natwest logo is painted.
      “It is an art wall. It’s known for that. I have no objection to Rashford, I have no objection to the art, but I do object to an advert where I haven’t been contacted at all.”
      Natwest said the space was purchased in good faith for the campaign and they were unaware the wall did not entirely belong to just one owner.
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      The bank commissioned Brighton artist Rose Walker to design an advert for the space, which depicted Manchester United footballer and philanthropist Marcus Rashford both as a child and now with the caption: “Believe it, Become it.”
      The landlord added: “My back wall is now an advert for Natwest. You’d think they would have had the decency to go ‘Oh, hang on a minute’.”
      Peter, 75, fears the advert will also attract antisocial behaviour such as graffiti to his back door.
      He has already had to repaint it since the advert was painted.
      “Especially after all the fury about the politicians, people have ruined my front door,” he said.
      It is understood Natwest has apologised and has reached a resolution with Peter.
      A source close to Natwest said the artist was unaware that part of the wall had different ownership.
      A spokesperson said: “The space was purchased in good faith for the campaign to showcase a fantastic piece of work from a local artist.
      “Unfortunately, the media owner was unaware that part of the wall had changed ownership since the space had last been used.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Obviously, we were keen to make this right and the media owner contacted the property owner immediately to come to a resolution they were happy with.
      “We’re pleased to confirm the mural will remain until August 20 as planned.” More

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      Ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou seals first deal as new manager of Tottenham – and sells his stunning luxury home

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      EX-CELTIC boss Ange Postecoglou has bagged his first home win since quitting Parkhead by selling his luxury Australian home.The £1.8m Tuscan villa had only been made available on the transfer market last month.
      The villa sits near a Melbourne suburb known as BurnleyCredit: Kay and Burton
      The Tuscan style mansion offers huge living spacesCredit: Kay and Burton
      The gaffer had an upstairs study to plot transfers and tactical movesCredit: Kay and Burton
      But a wealthy buyer has already snapped up the swanky property in a swish Melbourne suburb.
      Postecoglou, 57, had kept the keys to the massive mansion during his spell in Glasgow but it emerged he was offloading it three weeks ago.
      Down Under estate agents Kay and Burton have now listed the property as sold on their website but no further details have been released.
      The pad boasts access to an indoor swimming pool and spa as well as a powder room, interior courtyard and outdoor eating areas.

      It also has an upstairs study, two large en-suite bedrooms and a walk-in wardrobe which all open out onto a stunning wraparound balcony overlooking the garden’s pond.
      Kay and Burton said: “Unparalleled in luxury and quality, this opulent villa also features a powder room, laundry, ducted heating and cooling, security alarm, secure video intercom, double garage and access to Villaggio’s indoor swimming pool, spa and gym.
      “Nestled amidst established gardens by renowned landscape designer Paul Bangay, the magnificent two-storey residence benefits from its own street frontage and has been architect-designed to create the feel of a Tuscan villa while also maximising light, style and resort-style tranquillity.
      “Stepping into the home through the ornate loggia, the soaring ceilings, gorgeous American Oak parquetry flooring and sandstone features hint at the meticulous attention to detail and refined European interiors within.”
      Most read in Football
      It boasts an outside dining space and courtyardCredit: Kay and Burton
      The island kitchen was one of the stunning selling pointsCredit: Kay and Burton
      Postecoglou has agreed a four-year deal with north London side Tottenham Hotspur.
      The gruff gaffer shattered Hoops’ fans hopes he would stay in Glasgow despite winning a domestic treble.
      Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: “Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play.
      “He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our club.
      “We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
      He has also targeted Celtic No2 John Kennedy for his move and has been linked with a £20m bid for Kyogo Furuhashi.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Inside Gary Lineker’s stylish home with plush velvet sofas, stunning art and cute dog amid Match Of The Day suspension

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      MATCH Of The Day anchor Gary Lineker’s stylish home life at his £4million Surrey mansion has been revealed following his suspension by the BBC.The broadcaster temporarily pulled sports pundit Gary, 62, from his Match Of The Day hosting role on Friday after he sparked a major backlash when he took to Twitter to hit out at the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill.
      Gary Lineker’s stylish home life has been revealed following his Match Of The Day suspensionCredit: Instagram
      The Match Of The Day anchor, 62, has been suspended from his BBC show role after comments made about the Government’s illegal migration billCredit: Alamy
      Back on home turf, Gary is a fan of modern artworkCredit: Instagram
      Since then, a host of his colleagues including s Alan Shearer and Ian Wright revealed they were refusing to star on the sporting show.
      This prompted similar reactions from the BBC Football Focus team, which is today being scrapped – and replaced with fan-favourite series Bargain Hunt.
      The former England star’s home life came under the spotlight back in 2020 when he invited a refugee to live in one of the five bedrooms of his mansion.
      Yet his Instagram page gives a glimpse into the cozy pad, adorned with trendy touches.
      read more gary lineker
      One image sees Gary preparing for a Zoom call while perched on a turquoise-coloured sofa, accentuated with mustard-shade cushions.
      Behind him a piece of modern art sits on the wall, featuring speckles of gold, grey and blue and positioned next to a gold lamp.
      In another room adorned with football shirts on the wall, Gary’s rescue dog Filbert – who he welcomed into the fold last year – can be seen fast asleep on a red sofa.
      Meanwhile, in a separate living space, a similar piece of brush-stroke art painted on canvas fills the wall.
      Most read in Football
      It sits above a chic white marble cabinet, with coffee table books seen perched on the side.
      Another space – which the pundit appears to use for family gathering – has a classic touch with exposed wooden floorboards.
      There’s a red and white rug thrown over the floor while a huge glass light fitting adds a modern edge.
      The walls are painted a fresh green which allows the room to flow easily through the patio door to the garden outside.
      Gary is often seen celebrating his son’s birthday’s in the space, as well as playing host to his pals in his garden, which boasts a wooden dining table.
      Meanwhile, Gary, who has fronted MOTD since 1999, has been suspended from his presenting duties after previously saying he would face no disciplinary action.
      A BBC statement said: “The BBC has been in extensive discussions with Gary and his team in recent days. We have said that we consider his recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines.
      “The BBC has decided that he will step back from presenting Match of the Day until we’ve got an agreed and clear position on his use of social media.
      “When it comes to leading our football and sports coverage, Gary is second to none.
      “We have never said that Gary should be an opinion free zone, or that he can’t have a view on issues that matter to him, but we have said that he should keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies.”
      A spokesperson added that the Beeb considered Gary’s “recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines” and that he should “keep well away from taking sides on party political issues or political controversies”.
      The row ignited after Gary tweeted in reference to the Government’s new immigration bill, saying: “Good heavens, this is beyond awful.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Responding to another user who described him as “out of order”, he added: “We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries.
      “This is just an immeasurably cruel policy directed at the most vulnerable people in language that is not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the ’30s, and I’m out of order?”
      Gary’s rescue dog Filbert – who arrived into the family last year – clearly enjoys relaxing on his red sofaCredit: Instagram
      The pundit has given a glimpse into his home on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      There’s an outdoor space perfect for entertainingCredit: Instagram
      A casual socialising space features exposed wooden flooringCredit: Instagram More