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    Eni Aluko snubbed by ITV for Lionesses’ first match since Ian Wright row with pundit’s future up in air

    ENI ALUKO has reportedly been dropped by ITV for England Women’s first match since her row with Ian Wright.The former Lionesses star claimed in April that Wright, who works as a pundit on both men’s and women’s football, was blocking opportunities for female pundits to work in the women’s game.Eni Aluko has been snubbed by ITV for pundit duty for England Women’s first game since her row with Ian WrightCredit: GettyShe had accused the pundit of blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: GettyAluko, 38, later apologised to the Wright, but the ex-Arsenal ace refused to accept it.And following the exchange, ITV have not selected Aluko for punditry duty as England face Portugal in the Nations League on Friday night.Anita Asante and Vicky Losada have been picked for punditry duty instead. And, according to the Daily Mail, the broadcaster has refused to confirm whether Aluko will be on its coverage of the Women’s European Championships this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInsiders claim she may even be facing the axe completely, with one saying the choice not to select her for coverage against Portugal “does not bode well” for her future.ITV have been approached for comment.Aluko had been a regular sight on TV with TNT and ITV, often during Conference League matches involving the men’s side of her old club, Chelsea, and England Women’s international games.However, after her sensational row with Wright, she was not selected for any of the major Uefa finals by TNT Sports. Most read in FootballAt the end of April, Aluko had also quit her hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards owing to the backlash her comments had generated.Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways, which made Aluko’s criticism all the more bizarre.Quick-witted Roy Keane makes brutal three-word joke about Eni Aluko row that leaves Ian Wright in stitchesHe made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.And when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket. The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.In the aftermath of the saga, ITV released a statement at the time backing Wright, which read: “Ian’s standing in the sport is beyond question. “As one of the UK’s most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Ian is an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions.”Ian Wright’s response to Eni Aluko’s apology”I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football.”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one.”I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you.”It’s something I do not take for granted.”It was reported last month that Aluko’s outburst had angered senior figures at ITV, who pride themselves on having a diverse and inclusive roster of pundits working on games for them.The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand had seen ITV and rivals BBC have a combined 25 presenters, pundits and commentators, 23 of whom, including Aluko, were female.After facing Portugal this Friday, Sarina Wiegman’s side then face Spain on Tuesday in another Nations League clash.The games will serve as an early warm-up for this summer’s European Championships being held in Switzerland, with the Lionesses kicking off their campaign against France.Clashes with the Netherlands and Wales complete the group as England look to retain their European Championship crown won in 2022.Stars including Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo and Beth Mead joined the squad after winning the Women’s Champions League with Arsenal following a shock 1-0 win over Barcelona.Read More on The SunHowever, the camp was thrown into chaos with the sudden announcement that former Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps would be retiring from international football.That decision, which arrived just five weeks before Euro 2025, allegedly came despite Wiegman asking her not to retire before the Euros, which left the England boss furious with the U-turn. 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    England ace Ella Morris left ‘devastated’ by knee injury sustained five weeks before Women’s Euros

    ENGLAND’S Ella Morris has had her Euros selection hopes shattered by a serious knee injury.The uncapped Lionesses defender, 22, ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a training session. Ella Morris will miss England’s three remaining games ahead of the start of the Women’s Euros on July 2 after sustaining an ACL injuryCredit: GettyThe rising Tottenham star has returned to her club to begin working on her recovery weeks after receiving her first senior England call-upCredit: GettyThe injury to the Tottenham player, sustained five weeks before the July 2nd start of the Euros, means she will miss England’s bid to remain the tournament’s champions. Morris, who has returned to her club, will also miss the Lionesses’ Women’s Nations League clashes with Portugal tomorrow and Spain next Tuesday (June 3).The ex-Southampton player, who received her first senior international call-up this month,  has ruptured a knee ligament before at the age of 17. In a post published on her Instagram page, she wrote: “From the highest high to the lowest low.Read More Football Stories”Devastated doesn’t even come close. So grateful for the incredible people around me. ACL round 2 – let’s go.”Earlier today Lionesses support staff said they maintain close contact with the player as she works on her recovery. A statement from the FA said: “Everyone involved with the Lionesses wishes Ella the very best with her recovery.”England’s support team will remain in close contact with her and the club.”Most read in FootballLaura Blindkilde Brown has been called up to Sarina Wiegman’s England squad before their Nations League clashes with Portugal and SpainCredit: GettyFollowing Morris’s injury Manchester City’s Laura Blindkilde Brown, 21, has received her third senior call-upThe midfielder has joined Sarina Wiegman’s 26-player squad at St George’s Park as a replacement for Morris.Wiegman and her players will travel to London tomorrow ahead of their 7:45pm clash with Portugal at Wembley on May 30. More

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    Mary Earps sparks row with bombshell England retirement just five weeks before Euros leaving Sarina Wiegman furious

    MARY EARPS announced her shock retirement from international football with immediate effect.And it means the goalkeeper will not line up between the sticks as England aim to retain the Euros this summer – leaving boss Sarina Wiegman seething.Mary Earps announced her shock international retirementCredit: GettySarina Wiegman was furious with the timing of the decisionCredit: ReutersEarps, 32, played a key role in the Lionesses’ runs to the Euro 2022 title and 2023 World Cup final.The ex-Manchester United star was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper and even BBC Sport Personality of the Year after her penalty save in the 2023 World Cup final defeat to Spain. PSG stopper Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland. Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, just five weeks out from the tournament and the day after the team met for their training camp at St George’s Park, 53-cap ace Earps dropped the major bombshell news.According to The Telegraph, Earps quit in an awkward meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton. She said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”Mary Earps wins SPOTY as Lioness makes history after England World Cup final run, In a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision. “There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character. “And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”But the shock announcement so close to the Euros left Wiegman furious, with the Dutchwoman ready to call on her experience and leadership in Switzerland.The Lionesses face France, the Netherlands and Wales in Group D.Now, though, Hampton looks set to be the unchallenged No1.’I AM DISAPPOINTED’Wiegman said bluntly: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.”Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer.”But for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”Read More on The SunEngland face Portugal at Wembley on Friday and then Spain next Tuesday in the Nations League.A friendly with Jamaica takes place at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on June 29 before their opening group game of the Euros against France on July 5. Earps played a key role as England won Euro 2022 at WembleyCredit: PAShe famously led the celebrations by crashing the press conferenceCredit: GettyEarps saved a penalty in the 2023 World Cup final defeat to SpainCredit: PAThe goalkeeper was named 2023 BBC Sport Personality of the YearCredit: PAHannah Hampton trained with England at St George’s Park on MondayCredit: Reuters More

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    Chloe Kelly stuns Arsenal fans as she heads straight to local PUB after Champions League trophy parade

    ARSENAL hero Chloe Kelly enjoyed a Bank Holiday to remember after winning the Champions League – but isn’t sure where she’ll be playing next season. The 27-year-old hit the town following Arsenal’s parade to celebrate their shock triumph over Barcelona. Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly headed straight to her local after beating Barcelona in the Champions LeagueCredit: X/ TheTollingtonThe 27-year-old stunned crowds gathered at The Tollington just outside the EmiratesCredit: X/ TheTollingtonKelly’s future at Arsenal remains up in the air after leaving Manchester CityCredit: X/ TheTollingtonStina Blackstenius scored the only goal of the game in Lisbon to deny the Catalan giants a third-straight title. The result sealed Arsenal’s first Champions League title since way back in 2007.And Lionesses star Kelly – who almost stepped away from football in January – wasted no time in heading to her local after jetting back to London.The on-loan Man City star arrived at The Tollington in Holloway on Monday, just minutes away from the Emirates. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKelly, decked out in her Arsenal shirt, danced with fans and posed for selfies in footage shared by the pub.One fan responded: “What a legend!!! Chloe is having a grand day…we have to give her a contract!”While another said: “I kinda think, she wants to stay :-), how cool is that going into the Tolly.”Kelly – England’s Euro hero in 2022 – began her career as a youth player at Arsenal. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShe has since joined Everton and City before heading back to North London on loan in January.Kelly told The Guardian: “As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. Chloe Kelly shows off her dancing as Arsenal stars get private performance from Alex Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne”Renee Slegers, as soon as she got on the phone to me, to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her. “From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy.”I was ready to take a break from football completely. I’m just grateful.”Kelly is still not sure if her move back to Arsenal will become permanent. She added: “If it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful. “I know I’ve given my all to Arsenal and Arsenal has given their all to me. Read More on The Sun”They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. “It’s not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.” More

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    Arsenal’s Leah Williamson opens up on tearful moment after Women’s Champions League win and her trophy hunger

    LEAH WILLIAMSON urged Arsenal to keep on winning silverware after fans’ raucous celebrations of their Champions League triumph.Like fellow club icons Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, the Gunners star wants to be remembered for major trophies wins as well as loyalty to the team.Leah Williamson and her team-mates celebrated their Women’s Champions League with fans gathered outside the Armoury in front of the EmiratesCredit: GettyThousands had flocked to the stadium celebrate the club’s second Women’s Champions League tourmanent winCredit: AlamyWilliamson paid tribute to skipper Kim Little after revealing they both broke down in tears following their defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyChloe Kelly was serenaded by fans who chanted “we want you to stay” with the England forward currently out of contractCredit: GettyAlex Scott invited Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius to say a few words to the crowd gathered outside the EmiratesCredit: AlamyWilliamson, who broke down in tears after her side’s Champions League final defeat of Barcelona, joined team-mates for a public celebration of their triumph at the Emirates today. The centre-back put in one of her best performances of her career as Spain’s club football queens were shut out during Saturday’s showdown in Lisbon.  Her efforts helped her side secure Arsenal’s second Women’s Champions League trophy win following the club’s first triumph in 2007. And the lifelong Arsenal fan wants her legacy to be about loyalty combined with winning the biggest prizes with the Gunners. Read More Football StoriesWilliamson said: “You have to win trophies and I’m so proud of what we do off the pitch, who we are, how we lead and how we carry ourselves. “I’m so proud of that but I want to win and Arsenal should be winning. “I’ve looked at that legacy all my life and I’ve been aware of that and I wanted to contribute to it. “I don’t want to end my career just being loyal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Loyalty is great but loyalty with trophies is just something else.”This week I’ve spoken to Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, people I watched (when I was young). Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants and has ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in Champions League parade”They were incredible and they won and that’s why they are remembered the way they are. “I’m proud that we’re the only team in the land (to have won the Women’s Champions League). “Anybody that’s Arsenal – red and white – is going to have a summer to remember.”This morning thousands of fans flocked outside the Armoury in front of the stadium as  Williamson and her team-mates held their European trophy aloft. And Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe had supporters cheering following her leading expletive laden chants concerning rivals TottenhamAfter a mix of lighthearted and moving short speeches delivered by several players and head coach Renee Slegers, Williamson shared her reflections on her team’s success. Williamson, who spoke to Thierry Henry and Tony Adams this week, wants to be remembered for more than just her loyalty to ArsenalCredit: ReutersAnd she paid a touching tribute to skipper Kim Little, who is currently the team’s long-serving player having made more than 300 appearances. Williamson added: “If you look at this celebration today, the turnout and what we’ve done over the last couple of years, this is the stuff that makes you stay. “(After our win) I dropped to my knees because of the tears and then I went to look for Kim. We were just sobbing.”Kim Little is everything I would want to be as a person. “I’m just glad (for her) because you don’t get recognised sometimes and that’s unjust.  Read More on The Sun”You need to win trophies and to win the biggest things to get what you deserve. Kim deserves everything.”People had the game of their lives and I genuinely don’t know if anyone (on the team) that put a foot wrong in terms of the game plan and what it was meant to be.” More

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    Chloe Kelly shows off her dancing as Arsenal stars get private performance from Alex Scott’s girlfriend Jess Glynne

    CHLOE KELLY led the dancing as Alex Scott’s singer girlfriend Jess Glynne put on a private show for history-making Arsenal.Sub Stina Blackstenius’ sizzling strike sunk holders Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon.Chloe Kelly spearheaded the revelling at Arsenal’s partyCredit: Instagram / @alessiaGunners’ fan Jess Glynne helped make it an extra special nightBubbly in hand, Kelly took a brief break from dancingCredit: Instagram / @alessiaSinger Glynne was as overjoyed with victory as the playersAnd exuberant celebrations at a party afterwards suggested the Gunners agreed with pundits that it was their finest ever achievement.Arsenal had lifted the top European domestic crown just once before – in 2007.And the jubilation this time, on the final whistle in Portugal, was certainly wild.But it didn’t compare to the joyous way the team bopped the night away on the dancefloor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLStriker Kelly looked especially proud of her footwork – as she shimmied at the front with a winner’s medal round her neck as Glynne performed on stage.Glynne, 35, has been dating 40-year-old BBC football presenter Scott, an Arsenal legend, since 2023.And as the songwriter belted out tunes, Kelly beamed as she held a glass of bubbly while wearing an Arsenal shirt with the words “Champions 2025” on it.The Lionesses star shared two clips of her efforts on her Instagram Stories page.Most read in FootballAlex Scott celebrated as if she was still an Arsenal playerCredit: GettyGlynne and Scott were at the final triumph in the Estadio Jose AlvaladeCredit: PAScott wore a retro shirt from the 1980s, albeit croppedCredit: PABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKelly’s team-mate Alessia Russo added more ecstatic scenes from the evening on her own social media account.Arsenal fan Glynne had shared champagne with Kelly at the Estadio José Alvalade stadium the previous day, in front of 38,356.Katie McCabe slides on the floor in Arsenal dressing room after Champions League finalAnd if anything, the Londoner looked even happier than her partner – at least until Scott headed onto the pitch to rejoice afterwards with arms aloft as if she was still a player.It was an explosion of joy and relief, showing she had lived every minute with the current Gunners as they defended brilliantly before conjuring a clinical winner.The Gunners were in dreamland after shocking favourites BarcelonaCredit: AFPArsenal lifted the top domestic European crown for the second timeCredit: AP More

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    Chloe Kelly ‘grateful’ to find happiness and Champions League success with Arsenal after being in ‘dark place’

    CHLOE KELLY will be forever grateful to Arsenal after finding happiness and Champions League glory, following some dark moments this term. However the England star was tight-lipped on her future with her loan move ending after the Gunners’ defeat of Barcelona. Chloe Kelly wrapped up her loan stint with Arsenal by helping the team win this year’s Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe England forward played for 68 minutes in of the Gunner’s 1-0 win against Barcelona at Sporting Lisbon’s home ground in PortugalCredit: GettyKelly and her Arsenal pals are set to celebrate their contest triumph with a trophy outside the Emirates on Monday 26 MayCredit: AlamyFollowing her Man City to Arsenal switch in January, Kelly, 27, has impressed for the club, including during their triumphant Champions League charge. The forward made eight appearances in Europe for Renee Slegers’ side this term. And she played for 68 minutes yesterday as the team fought their way to a 1-0 defeat of Barcelona in this year’s decider played in Portugal’s capital Lisbon. The loan move that led to Kelly helping the Gunners win a second Champions League trophy, was preceded by her bombshell statement concerning a lack of game time at City. Read More Football Stories In the written post Kelly mentioned her mental wellbeing and lack of minutes affecting her career as well as her need to be happy again The England forward said: “From being in such a dark place to now, it’s crazy. “I was ready to take a break from football completely (but now) I’m just grateful. As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness. Most read in Football“As soon as Renee Slegers got on the phone to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her.”Tomorrow Kelly and her Champions League-winning pals will gather outside Emirates Stadium for a trophy celebration set to be attended by Arsenal fans. Players are due to celebrate their triumph in Armoury Square near the ground with the Bank Holiday Monday shindig expected to begin at 11:30.Of the club’s supporters, Kelly added: “I love them, they’re flipping amazing. Whether I was playing against them or for them, they’re the best fans.” Kelly’s Arsenal experience goes all the way back to 2010 when she joined their academy before making her senior debut five years later at 17. Spells at Everton and Man City followed the forward from 2016 before she made her Gunners return this January. On whether she wishes to stay at Arsenal with her Man City contract ending in June, Kelly added: “If it’s my last game for the club, I’ll forever be grateful. “They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness.They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. “It’s not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.”Arsenal’s Champions League triumph saw Slegers become the first Dutch coach to steer a team trophy glory in the contest. Beth Mead laid on the assist for Arsenal’s winning goal after coming on as a substitute for Kelly in the 69th minute of their 1-0 defeat of BarcelonaCredit: GettyAnd Beth Mead, 30, hopes the performance Arsenal produced against Barcelona can be replicated by the team throughout a season. Read More on The SunThe forward, who teed up Stina Blackstenius’ match-winning goal, said: “The European journey has been incredible. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs but we’ve shown so much character to win. Now as a team, we’ve got to do that throughout a full season.” More

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    Alex Scott shows off midriff in retro Arsenal kit and sips bubbly with Jess Glynne at Women’s Champions League final

    ALEX SCOTT went down memory lane with partner Jess Glynne – as they watched Arsenal Women make history.The football presenter sipped champagne with singer Glynne in the Lisbon stands as they wore retro tops and cheered the Gunners to glory in the Women’s Champions League final.Jess Glynne and partner Alex Scott chose 1980s’ Arsenal topsCredit: PAScott watched her old team win the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe ex-Lionesses star looked as toned as ever as she balanced the bubblyCredit: PAGlynne and Scott saw history made at the Estadio Jose Alvalade venueCredit: PASub Stina Blackstenius’s brilliant 74th-minute strike edged out favourites and holders Barcelona 1-0.Scott, 40, was in the Arsenal side on the only other occasion they lifted the crown – in 2007 when it was called the Uefa Women’s Cup.And she looked as toned as she did back then – in a cropped yellow shirt revealing her impressive abs.Glynne was seen grinning as the couple looked on in classic short-sleeved tops from 1988-90, midway during Arsenal’s JVC sponsorship era.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-defender Scott walked down steps with a glass of bubbly in each hand.Yet at times Glynne looked to be enjoying herself even more than the famous ex-Gunner.The 35-year-old smiled and laughed as the couple settled in for the action at the Estadio Jose Alvalade stadium in the Portuguese capital.In fact, they could not have looked more relaxed – in contrast to the tense final that developed below them on the pitch.Most read in FootballBarcelona’s Irene Paredes slid in to net an own goal – only for VAR to deny Arsenal that opener as crosser Frida Maanum was ruled offside.But although the Spaniards were often on top, Leah Williamson masterminded the Gunners’ fierce defending.Scott celebrated victory as if she was still a playerCredit: GettyGlynne might have been even happier than Scott, judging by this picCredit: PAAnd Blackstenius came on to fire a first-time winner for WSL runners-up Arsenal following a sublime pass from fellow substitute Beth Mead.Scott was ecstatic at the end after making her way down to the pitch – celebrating with arms as wide as any of the club’s current players.It was sheer joy from the BBC star, who as a player won 140 caps for the Lionesses and lifted the WSL crown five times with Arsenal.Scott’s relationship with Glynne became public two years ago.She’s since called it “special” and has promised to protect it.Meanwhile, the couple have regularly shared blissful snaps – including a spectacular adventure holiday in Costa Rica in January.A glimpse into Scott’s glam life…Alex made 148 appearances for Arsenal Women – but since quitting playing has appeared in magazines including AttitudeCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexShe was spotted sharing a kiss with Jess as the couple went public with their romanceCredit: PAScott loves to dress up and went to town on Halloween with this incredible outfitCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PAShe attended Wimbledon with partner JessCredit: Getty More