
Former cabbie swaps one-bed council flat for £4,000,000 beach home after raffle
James Moughton, 71, scooped the incredible West Sussex property, plus £250,000 in cash, in the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw.
The four-bedroom home boasts three reception rooms, panoramic sea views, a guest house, direct beach access, a boat house, multiple terraces, an outdoor kitchen and BBQ area and a wood surround Skargards hot tub.
James, who lives in a one-bedroom council flat in Hull, bought a £25 ticket in the hope of winning a house that would change his family's lives, but never thought it would become a reality.
The ecstatic grandad said: 'I've got a daughter, a son and grandchildren— they're all over the moon for me. I can't wait to have all the family come and stay – everyday will feel like a holiday here.
'I'm from a council estate, but now I own a coastal paradise. I can't believe I'm going from a one-bedroom flat to a £4 million mansion!
'Things like this just don't happen to people where I come from. The last thing I won was a soft toy at the Hull Fair!'
James revealed said he'd been having an uneventful and boring week before Omaze turned up at his home.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
'I think the highlight had been nipping to the shops and avoiding getting sunburnt!
'Then all of a sudden I get a knock at the door and someone tells me I've won a prize—initially I thought it must be a wind-up!
'I was gobsmacked, I could've fallen through the floor! I went to see my daughter afterwards to crack open a bottle of fizz to celebrate!'
He described the house as 'absolutely stunning', adding: 'The sea views are something else—it's literally right on the beach.
'I've even got a hot tub looking out across the sea—my grandson's going to love that. Now I've got the beach as my back garden, I think it's time I learnt to swim. My son said he's going to teach me, but I'll just dip my toes in for the time being'.
In regards to its epic size, he joked, 'The dog shower in the garage is bigger than my current bathroom!'
James, who spent 20 years driving a cab in Hull, added. 'When I was a cabbie, I used to drop people off at fancy homes—now I've got one of my own!'
The house lies a short walk away from East Preston and Rustington, with its range of shops, cafes and wine bars.
Angmering station, a little over a mile from the property, offers direct trains to London Victoria in around 90 minutes.
As well as making James a millionaire, the Sussex house draw raised £4.1 million for the MND Association.
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurological disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, which in turn impacts how people walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.
The MND Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by the condition.
The cause is close to James's family's heart. Daughter, Katie, spent time working directly with people with MND and says she has seen at first hand the 'devastating' impact of the disease.
James said: 'I'm thrilled Omaze has raised such a massive amount for the MND Association.
'I followed (late rugby player) Rob Burrow's story—what he went through was heartbreaking. It's wonderful that the money raised from this Draw will help others like him.' More Trending
Tanya Curry, Chief Executive at the MND Association said: 'It's hard to put into words just how much the incredible amount raised means to all of us—it represents a real beacon of hope for the whole MND community.
'Since our partnership with Omaze began in May more than 300 people will have been told they have MND and at the same time they will have been told there is no treatment, there is no cure.
'The money raised will help us change that. Your generosity will help us rewrite what it means to be diagnosed with MND and start a revolution in MND research.
'Through the development of our Research Nurse Network many more people with MND will be empowered to access cutting edge clinical trials, paving the way for the breakthrough we are all so impatient to see.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: 'Where has the water gone?' Hosepipe ban comes into force for millions
MORE: Yorkshire Water hosepipe ban may be in place until winter after incredibly dry spring
MORE: Man stabbed through armour during historic re-enactment gone wrong
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
29 minutes ago
- Metro
Superman forced to cut two scenes after they were deemed ‘overly sensual'
The new Superman movie has arrived with a bang – but Indian audiences are missing key moments that fans elsewhere are seeing in full. The eagerly awaited reboot of the franchise, overseen by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, has been a hit with audiences. Still, fans in India are questioning the censorship of the version released in their country. Two romantic scenes between Superman and Lois Lane have been cut from the film's release in India, prompting backlash and reigniting debates around censorship in the country. The cuts, ordered by India's Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), involve brief but intimate moments where the superhero leans in to kiss Lois Lane. Viewers in India reported that both scenes were abruptly skipped, with the film jumping straight from a romantic setup to the post-embrace aftermath. The omitted footage, which is approximately 33 seconds in total, reportedly included a passionate mid-air kiss between the pair. The film (which currently boasts 85% on Rotten Tomatoes) has otherwise been released in full around the world, where these romantic moments have stirred little controversy. But in India, the CBFC determined the scenes were 'too sensual' to meet the standards for a U/A certificate – the country's equivalent of a 12A or PG rating. The move has angered many fans, who took to social media to vent their frustration. Critics argue that the CBFC's decision reflects a double standard, pointing out that far more problematic content is regularly allowed to pass through unchecked. 'Indian censorship is getting more and more ridiculous man,' wrote one X user, @true_Greensaint. Another, @StanReinhardt, added: 'That's where you draw the line? 😅😅' Others questioned the hypocrisy of allowing violent or regressive content while censoring consensual intimacy. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video #So, Superman is NOT allowed to kiss Lois Lane on Indian screens,' wrote @akhila_menon. 'But all sleazy leading men of Indian films are allowed to pull, grope, assault, stalk, slap, and do whatever they want with their heroines. Are you serious, Indian Censor Board?' More Trending The CBFC has long been criticised for its conservative stance on kissing, sexuality, and other so-called 'bold' content, often citing 'cultural sensitivities' as justification. But for many younger, urban audiences, the decision to censor Superman's kiss feels outdated and increasingly out of touch with reality. As the debate rages on, Indian fans will have to settle for a slightly less romantic version of the Man of Steel. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: World's oldest marathon runner, 114, killed by car while crossing road in India MORE: Superman's David Corenswet earned $1,250,000 less than highest paid cast member MORE: Does Superman 2025 have a post-credits scene and does it set up a sequel?


Metro
30 minutes ago
- Metro
Major WWE star teased for TNA Slammiversary as 'nothing's off limits'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Fans could see some big WWE and TNA Wrestling names crossing over with nothing 'off the table'. The two promotions announced an unprecedented partnership earlier this year, which has seen the likes of Joe Hendry appear at WrestleMania, while NXT superstar Trick Williams is the current TNA Wrestling World Champion. Days before Slammiversary on July 20, TNA president Carlos Silva exclusively told Metro that he believes anything is possible before sparking rumours AJ Styles could appear. He teased: 'When you can have Joe Henry run into WrestleMania with the TNA belt, you know that nothing's off limits. 'And you know that everyone at all the different levels are just thinking about, 'What can we do to create great fan experiences?' And, and I really think that's the thinking there. 'I don't think there's anything off the table… And, and it's nice to see, because so far it's been easy, and so far it's been great. So we're gonna keep it rolling together.' When Trick won the TNA World Title, WWE had Raw star and TNA legend AJ Styles narrate a video package on the history of the championship. Just days after our interview, he even referenced the Phenomenal One's nickname as he wrote on X: 'We're moving the stage back to accommodate more fans. This event will be TNA's greatest achievement and trust me it's going to be PHENOMENAL. #Slammiversary #TNA @ThisIsTNA' Fans are clamouring for Styles to return to his roots before his retires. Is Carlos looking at talks about using that calibre of WWE superstar? '100% It's all part of the partnership, and how wrestlers, you know, move up, down, sideways,' he admitted. 'We'll continue to do it.' Carlos took over TNA in December 2024, following over two decades working in combat sports and television. He was more of a 'casual wrestling fan' earlier in life, namedropping the 'Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant era', and Goldberg, who officially retired over the weekend. 'I still came [into TNA] as a bit of an outsider,' he admitted. 'I didn't follow [wrestling] week in and week out, like so many others. But now that I'm inside of it, the feeling it's giving me is really incredible.' Carlos made some big changes, and was met with fierce backlash after firing TNA mainstay Gail Kim, who spent years championing the Knockouts Division. 'Every team, when a new coach or a new leader comes in, it's super hard,' he acknowledged. 'But if you want to get better, you've got to be willing to make some changes.' 'Winning here is letting more people see TNA, it's bringing in new sponsors. It's growing the brand,' he added. 'You have to continue to turn the dials to make some changes.' Carlos is in charge of overseeing TNA Wrestling as a brand, and he's backstage at every show, happy to step up in a more direct way. 'People might miss a show, they might have a family issue, or they might have a wedding they need to go to. We have a great team,' he explained when asked how hands-on he is creatively. 'If one person can't make it, you can always fill in. I love being at every show.' Although it's a tough schedule with frequent overnight flights, it's all worth it to see the fans' reactions. 'It makes everyone work harder and for me, it's just been great to be part of it,' he smiled. 'Hopefully I've helped to add a little bit to what was already a great team and a great foundation, and just helped get a little extra out of everybody.' A key aspect of Carlos' stint so far has been the blossoming arrangement with WWE. While the companies had already been working with each other to a certain degree, they announced an official partnership weeks into his tenure. Carlos has been inspired by the way the WWE has matched TNA's 'openness to try things'. 'I have to tell you, it's been such a great road, and very easy working through creative, operations, logistics [with them],' he said, while he outlined his approach as the smaller company. 'I don't know that you can really use the word assurances,' he pondered. 'When you approach partnerships like this, with the leader in the space… you want to partner with the leader, and make sure that it's a two way street in everything you do.' He has enjoyed an 'open' working arrangement, but insisted it's TNA's role to 'uphold' their end and make the most of the 'marketing and exposure' the WWE partnership gives them. That was most obvious at WrestleMania, when then-TNA Champion Joe Hendry was Randy Orton's surprise opponent. More Trending 'It was all very, very intricate,' he added. 'Everyone at WWE was so helpful to make it work perfectly. And so it all came off just right. Everyone hit their marks.' This weekend, TNA takes centre stage at Slammiversary, and Carlos has high hopes as he chases a new TV deal to take the company even further. 'Slammiversary is going to be another big inflection point for TNA,' he teased. 'It's going to be a great night. I mean, it's going to be our biggest night ever.' View More » Watch TNA Slammiversary on Sunday, July 20 at 1am on the TNA+ app. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The first look at the new Harry Potter confirmed my worst fears MORE: Celine Dion fans shocked by 'how badly Ellen DeGeneres show has aged' after resurfaced clip MORE: WWE SummerSlam in chaos as things 'don't look good' for top star


Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Horror director reveals why Amazon Prime series star was cut from new 90s reboot
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The director of the new I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot has opened up about why two stars were axed from the upcoming horror movie ahead of the release. Film fans were sent into a spin when a revival of the 90s slasher was confirmed last year, with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr reprising their roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson respectively. Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders led the latest group of Southport locals going up against a hook-wielding killer, alongside Sarah Pidgeon, Jonah Hauer-King and Tyriq Withers. It was previously revealed that Lola Tung, star of Amazon Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez – who appeared in Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story – were also in the cast, however they didn't make it into the final version. Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson has now revealed that the pair were initially part of the opening scene, before it ended up on the cutting room floor. 'In every movie, it's best laid plans, and then you edit the movie, and you put it together and you go, 'I love this in a vacuum. This is a fantastic scene. But it doesn't fit in the movie,'' she told People Magazine. 'It was just one of those situations where it had nothing to do with Lola and Nicholas – they are both so fantastic. I really would love to work with them again. I loved working with them. They did a fabulous job. 'But in the larger tapestry of the film, it just didn't fit.' 'It sucks because you don't want to do that to those actors,' she added. 'And it sucks when you love something as a scene but that scene just doesn't work in the final cut of the film.' Although Jennifer didn't quite share exactly what their scene entailed, she previously promised that the horror aspects of the reboot were 'ratcheted up to 100' so we can only imagine… I Know What You Did Last Summer was released in 1997 and became an instant hit, spawning a sequel the following year. In the new revival, a masked killer causes chaos in Southport once again after a group of friends make a pact to cover up a deadly car accident. However, the past doesn't quite stay hidden, and they find themselves stalked on the anniversary of the incident. Speaking to Metro ahead of the release, Madelyn Cline shared that the cast felt 'pressure' to do the original movies justice, while also ensuring that their version was 'new'. More Trending 'I think we knew going into it, it was going to be its own,' she told us. 'It's not a standalone, but definitely the goal was to compliment the original and bring back what made the original so good as much as we possibly could. 'But also reintroduce new elements, and give a modern twist, and hopefully bring back everything that people loved, and also give them something to look forward to.' I Know What You Did Last Summer is released in cinemas on July 18. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Unforgettable' film with perfect Rotten Tomatoes score now available to stream MORE: Jeremy Clarkson ruffles feathers as he brazenly reveals advert that was 'banned' MORE: Reese Witherspoon's nickname for her financier boyfriend is so Reese Witherspoon