Latest news with #Metro
Perth Now
13 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Lucy Lawless has felt 'immense power' in her 50s
Lucy Lawless says her 50s have been "a time of immense power". The 57-year-old star rose to fame in shows like Xena: Warrior Princess and Battlestar Galactica, and while she still acts in My Life Is Murder, she's moved behind the camera with 2023 film Never Look Away. Asked how her life has taken a "left turn", she told the Metro newspaper's 60 Seconds column: "Utterly. It's exciting to tell people that your 50s are a time of immense power. "You get a second wind after children and you've stopped having to prove yourself in whatever area has driven you for all these years. "You can only fail, but who cares? On your deathbed you're going to care you didn't give up opportunities." Lucy admitted she had never "desired" a move into directing, but took the plunge on Never Look Away, which is a documentary about New Zealander Margaret Noth, who was a photojournalist and war reporter for CNN. She recalled: "We were looking for a director and somebody said, 'Why don't you do it?' I said, I'm an actor!' "But it turned out I was the only person who cared enough to push the project through. "It went to the Sundance Film Festival and was a remarkable success, and consequently I've discovered the other side of the camera." Earlier this year, Lucy insisted she was "not that interested" in acting anymore. She told The Independent newspaper: "For nearly 40 years it was all I'd done for a living, and I'm just not that interested in the process any more, to be honest with you. "This directing thing is like a hard 180 degrees the other way. You have total control of it, and it's made me giddy. Not with power exactly, but now it's all I really want to do. It's really, really attractive." However, she's still enjoying stepping in front of the camera for her lead role in My Life Is Murder. She told the Metro: "We're filming series five at the moment and I love it. It's an hour of everyone's day to feel safe. "As a director, it's bloody hard out there. I heard it from my husband [director Robert Tapart], too. But I'm OK with the challenge."
Metro
41 minutes ago
- Health
- Metro
'I'm a medic in Gaza - the suffering is ten times anything I've ever witnessed'
A British paramedic volunteering at a field hospital in Gaza has described the suffering as 'unlike anything I've seen' in frontline healthcare. Sam Sears said a voluntary team with UK-Med is responding to starvation and the aftermath of mass casualty incidents involving civilians. He spoke from the humanitarian medical charity's tented facility in Al-Mawasi, a strip of land by the Mediterranean, a day after more than 100 aid agencies warned in a joint statement that 'mass starvation is spreading' across Gaza, with the UN-led humanitarian system in collapse. Sears told Metro: 'We are seeing lots of patients in the local area coming in with blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, gunshot wounds, poly trauma and we are also seeing a lot of malnourished, dehydrated patients. 'Normally we see patients after a food distribution point, we tend to get a lot of patients with those wounds soon after they happen. 'We are not sure of the why, where and when it happened, but they are coming in with gunshot wounds to all parts of the body and shrapnel from nearby explosions.' Pictures of starving Palestinians, some of them babies, have emerged from Gaza in the past weeks as the situation worsens by the hour. Accounts of the injuries from UK-Med volunteers align with separate reports of desperate civilians coming under fire from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as they try to reach the few aid locations in the territory. Israel has denied deliberately targeting civilians and has accused Hamas of looting aid so it can sell the produce and supply its war machine. 'It's unlike anything I've seen before,' Sears said. 'Especially like nothing I've seen in the UK, and I have worked in other areas like Sierra Leone for Ebola and Ukraine in the war but this here is completely different. It's like times ten here. 'We are struggling for food here at the moment, let alone national staff that are working with us who have had to manage this for the last 20 months.' David Wightwick, the non-governmental organisation's CEO, has described collecting food in Gaza as 'one of the most dangerous activities you could wish to imagine' and said that civilians are starving. He gave the example of an eight-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to the head who could not be saved, despite the medics' best efforts. 'When we have a mass casualty incident, it's where explosions happen nearby from a missile or something similar to that, and patients will arrive, three or four in the back in the car,' Sears said. 'We had one last week, a child who was dead on arrival along with his father, we believe, and countless patients severely critically injured, wounds that we had to treat very quickly.' The team has been working around the clock amid scarce supplies, including fuel, which is needed for the field hospital's own provision. Sears, who is on his first trip to Gaza, said: 'We are seeing in our hospitals and our primary health care centre we have in the north, it's very obvious we have got malnourishment in the community. 'We are seeing pregnant mothers who are struggling to continue as they become more unwell, because obviously they are carrying as well, so that's an issue. We can buy certain things from the market but it's very scarce, it's also costing quadruple or more than what it normally would. 'A kilogram of sugar at the minute is costing $130, so it's just extortionate.' Sears, 44, from Northamptonshire, works for the East Midlands Ambulance Service but is one of hundreds of NHS medics who volunteer for the charity as emergency responders in crisis zones worldwide. He said that he is part of a 'very good' team where there are regular debriefs as well as feedback after patients undergo surgery. The field hospital, one of two operated by the charity in Gaza, is currently treating 500 people a day and incorporates an operating theatre for lifesaving surgical procedures. The paramedic told Metro that he is hoping for a ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'The ceasefire is needed, not just a pause but a permanent end to the hostilities,' he said. 'The people in Gaza have suffered immensely, they have got nowhere to call home. 'They are hungry, malnourished, the conflict needs to stop really. 'The healthcare and aid needs to come in for the 2.1 million people who it's needed for here.' More Trending Israel is 'evaluating' a revised response from Hamas to a proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said today. In a post on X, the IDF said: 'Terrorists fired a projectile that fell approx. 250 meters from an aid distribution site in Gaza. 'This site in Rafah is open today and tens of thousands of weekly food packages were distributed. 'Hamas and the other terrorist organizations will do anything to sabotage civilians from receiving aid.' MORE: The pictures that show the scale of 'mass starvation' in Gaza MORE: Aid worker's desperate voice message from Gaza: 'It's a disaster here, we can't breathe.' MORE: Doctor's heartbreaking decisions choosing which babies live or die in Gaza
Metro
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Metro
Map shows Thailand-Cambodia border where UK tourists warned to 'take extra care'
Fighting is again raging along the long-disputed border region between Thailand and Cambodia, raising concerns for British tourists. As many as 12 people, including an eight-year-old boy, have been killed in the armed clashes – centred in the Thai Surin province and the Cambodian Oddar Meanchey province – with both sides blaming each other for firing the first shot. An F-16 jet has been deployed by Thailand, firing into Cambodia multiple times and destroying a military target. Meanwhile, artillery and rockets have been fired from the Cambodian side. This conflict has been simmering for months – with diplomatic relations deteriorating – and in fact the dispute over the region goes back almost a century. Clashes have again erupted between Thailand and Cambodia over a long-running border dispute. The Foreign Office has issued further travel advice to British citizens in Thailand. A dozen people have been killed, including a boy, aged eight, and a teenager, aged 15, in Thailand. Both sides have accused the other of firing the first shot. No one knows if it will boil over and into a full-blown war – but Cambodia has confirmed that it will start military conscription as early as next year. With scarce information available about the situation, Metro has prepared an explainer for those on the ground and those monitoring it from far away. At the heart of the conflict are differing interpretations of the colonial-era maps drawn more than a century ago by the French – who once colonised Cambodia – and by Siam (modern-day Thailand). Cambodia has been using the 1907 map as a reference to claim territory, but Thailand has argued it was never officially accepted. This ambiguity led to a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1962, which awarded the land and the 11th-century temple Preah Vihear to Cambodia. Border disputes have long caused tensions between the two neighbours – but nationalist movements have further inflamed them. Relations hit rock-bottom in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation in a disputed border area. On Thursday, Cambodia downgraded diplomatic relations with Thailand to their lowest level, expelling the Thai ambassador and recalling Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok. The day before, its neighbour also withdrew its ambassador and expelled the top Cambodian diplomat in protest after five Thai soldiers who were wounded in a land mine blast, one of whom lost part of a leg. Thailand has since shut all its border points with its neighbour. Fighting first broke out near the Khmer Hindu temple Ta Muen Thom, along the border of Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. The Thai military said Cambodian soldiers had opened fire near the temple, and deployed a surveillance drone. Additional forces – armed with heavy weapons, including BM-21 rocket launchers and artillery – were deployed shortly after. Both sides claimed they were acting in self-defence and blamed the other for the skirmish. So far, 11 Thai civilians and one soldier have been killed, including a boy, aged eight, and a teenager, aged 15. Most people were killed in a rocket attack near a supermarket and a gas station in Sisaket province. Another 14 people have also been injured. It remains unclear if there are any fatalities on the Cambodian side as the government has remained tight-lipped about its losses. Both nations attract large numbers of British tourists every year, but it is unclear how many citizens are in each country currently. The Foreign Office has urged travellers from the UK to 'take extra care and stay alert in border areas', saying: 'Take extra care and stay alert in border areas and follow the instructions of local authorities, especially at tourist destinations such as the Preah Vihear temple, the Ta Kwai temple and the Ta Muen Thom temple. More Trending 'There are also unexploded landmines in the border area. Stay on marked paths, especially around Ta Krabey.' The FCDO confirmed that land borders and crossings between Cambodia and Thailand are temporarily suspended. Separately, the UK advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border, including the Pattani Province, Yala Province, Narathiwat Province and southern Songkhla Province – south of the A43 road between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the train line which runs between Hat Yai and Padang Besar. FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Is it safe to travel to Tunisia? Latest advice as UK Foreign Office issues tourist warning MORE: Nine bar staff arrested for beating on British tourist over £460 bill MORE: Woman 'filmed herself having sex with Buddhist monks and blackmailed them for £9,000,000'
Metro
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
'I won the Danny Dyer look-alike contest - the prize is the pinnacle'
On a cloudy day in East London, 12 strangers — who look nothing alike — have gathered because they all believe they bear a resemblance to one man: Danny Dyer. Paul Mescal's had one, Harry Styles had one, Timothée Chalamet even turned up to his — and now, inevitably, Danny Dyer has to have one too. The lookalike contest: a badge of honour for any heartthrob. Surely the greatest accolade — at least in theory. Some of these 12 men have travelled from Liverpool, Portsmouth, and Southampton to a corner of Hoxton Square to claim the title of the UK's best Danny Dyer — with varying levels of success. There are football tops, full tracksuits, and Mick Carter's signature trench coat and trainers. I didn't realise Dyer had such aesthetic range, but I've been proved wrong by some of his most devoted fans. Later tonight, Mr Dyer himself will be at Newington Green for the screening of Mr Bigstuff season 2 — the comedy for which he won his first BAFTA earlier this year. The prize for one of these Dyer wannabes? A chance to attend, meet the man himself, and hope he says: ' Blimey, it's like looking in the mirror .' I arrive about 20 minutes before the contest is due to start when I spot either Danny Dyer or his alarmingly good doppelgänger across the green. It's the latter. Richard, from Norwich, is the only contestant around at this point — but surely, the prize is his for the taking. 'I just came to see the experience. A friend told me about it,' he tells Metro. 'People first started telling me I looked like Danny Dyer about 20 years ago, after Football Factory, when I walked into a pub and everyone thought it was Danny.' It doesn't take long before he's in good company. A surprisingly large crowd swarms around a stage featuring a grotty armchair and a cardboard cut-out of Dyer. I start spotting clear contenders — like a real-life Where's Wally, but with the nation's favourite hardman instead. Mike from Southampton says his family dragged him here. They're just a few feet away, giggling. I don't immediately see Dyer in him, but after a couple of questions, I can definitely sense the swagger — if not the resemblance. 'No one's ever told me I look like Danny Dyer, but I've lived a similar sort of childhood — working-class,' he says. He's nailed Dyer's sense of humour, though: 'I'm obviously very good-looking, very charismatic, and a geezer.' Bradley, from London, stands next to Mike and confirms he's also taking part — admittedly, to my surprise. 'I'm meant to be looking like Danny Dyer, so we'll see where it takes us,' he says. 'I sound like him more than I look like him. No one's ever told me I look like him, but I do sound like him. We're both from London, good geezers, and we'd do anything for anyone — he seems like that type of fella.' I don't know if it's the free Scampi Fries or the Haribo handed out to onlookers, but the energy is electric. Hundreds have either snuck out of the office on their lunch break or are pretending they're in a meeting to witness a strangely thrilling spectacle. I arrived curious, but swiftly became genuinely invested. The 12 contenders are put through their paces in three rounds of 'Who Can Be the Most Danny Dyer,' judged by Dyer's Mr Bigstuff co-stars Ryan Sampson and Harriet Webb. The first round is a bloodbath, as 12 are narrowed down to four based on looks alone. Personally, I had my own clear favourites, but everyone gets their chance to shine. The talent ranges from 'bloody hell, is that Danny Dyer?' to someone who looked lost and somehow ended up on stage. It doesn't take long for 12 to become four. A round involving reading classic Danny Dyer quotes quickly cuts it to two: Richard the doppelgänger and Mike the charmer, going head to head to prove who is the most Dyer of them all. The deciding factor? Hobbies. And bizarrely, both are unusually on-brand: Richard makes stained glass windows; Mike grows coral. Two hobbies I didn't know existed — yet somehow couldn't be more Dyer. In the end, Richard may have looked like Dyer's twin, but Mike was just more Danny. He's draped in a sash reading 'Best Danny' and soaks in the glory from his crusty throne — the manky armchair I spotted earlier — drowned out by deafening cheers from the crowd. I catch up with Mike once he's had a moment to catch his breath. 'I didn't expect to win in the slightest,' he laughs. Turning to runner-up Richard, he concedes, 'I feel like I've met Danny Dyer today.' Of course, he actually will meet Dyer later tonight. 'That is the pinnacle,' he admits, though he has no idea what he's going to say. After some deliberation, he settles on a plan: 'I'll ask him, 'What's the most exciting movie he's in?' I'm hoping it's going to be Human Traffic — that's my era.' More Trending 'I hope I've done him proud,' he chuckles. After Mike was crowned champion, the 'least like Danny Dyer' was also given a prize — a smouldering cardboard cut-out of the national treasure. The unfortunate winner was the aptly named Mick from North London, who told Metro: 'I had fun, it was interesting. I thought the guy with no hair should have won this — but it's all fun.' View More » Mr Bigstuff season 2 premieres on July 24 on Sky and NOW. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: Coronation Street and Emmerdale star Tony Peers dies aged 78 MORE: Major EastEnders fan-favourite asked to return this year – but it didn't happen MORE: Hollyoaks star 'absolutely over the moon' as he announces first baby with girlfriend
Metro
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Oasis take over London this weekend - here's where to buy official merchandise
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Oasis are gearing up for the start of a massive series of shows at Wembley Stadium this weekend, and excitement is building among fans of the Gallagher brothers. Over three months, the band will perform seven dates at the venue, starting this weekend and running through to September. If you managed to grab tickets, chances are you'll want to pick up some official merch to mark the occasion. But, if you weren't so lucky in snagging tickets, (let's face it, they were like gold dust) you can still get in on the hype with some official Oasis merchandise. From tees to hoodies, there's an Oasis look for every kind of fan – whether you're after something subtle or full-on Britpop throwback. Better yet? Oasis Live '25 Fan Stores are landing across the UK and Ireland — from Manchester to Dublin — just in time for the sold-out world tour. Packed with exclusive merch, limited-edition vinyl, and the adidas Originals x Oasis collab, these pop-ups are the ultimate stop for fans. With walk-ins welcome and online shopping live, now's the time to gear up. More Trending The merch collection has already been spotted at earlier tour dates, and it's packed with nods to the band's most iconic albums, logos, and lyrics. Don't have time to scroll through it all? We've done the hard work for you. Here are the standout pieces worth buying, whether you're heading to Wembley or just want to rep Oasis from home. This tee features an illustrated take on the iconic Definitely Maybe album artwork – a must-have for any Oasis fan. Soft, easy to wear, and made for everyday comfort, it's perfect for the Wembley gigs. Buy Now for £24 This oversized black tee features the full Definitely Maybe tracklist printed on the back – a cool nod to one of Oasis's most iconic albums. Made from soft cotton with a relaxed fit, it's easy to wear and pairs well with anything. Buy Now for £24 Instantly recognisable, the classic Oasis logo sits cleanly across this navy tee. Made from soft cotton with a regular fit, it's comfortable and easy to wear every day. Simple and timeless, it's a staple for any fan's wardrobe. Buy Now for £24 This relaxed-fit tee in pink/red is officially licensed by Oasis, made from 100% cotton and is soft and breathable. Featuring clear band branding, it's a feminine take on classic merch without going over the top. Buy Now for £28 This light grey hoodie from Matalan features Liam Gallagher's image. Made from soft, comfortable fabric with a relaxed fit, it's perfect for layering on colder days, whether you're heading to a gig or just hanging out at home. Buy Now for £32 The Tour Firebird Track Top is a classic Adidas Originals piece inspired by 30 years of Oasis style. It features the iconic Firebird design, a modern fit and the embroidered Trefoil logo and 'The Band With The 3 Stripes' on the back. Buy Now for £85 This oversized t-shirt from M&S is made from pure cotton for a soft, comfortable feel and features an Oasis graphic on the front. It's a relaxed, easy-to-wear piece perfect for casual days or showing your love for the band. Buy Now for £19.50 A Britpop classic gets a fresh spin. The adidas x Oasis Tour 3-Stripes Tee is back for 2025 with a slim fit, contrast hem, and vintage vibes that hit just right. Made from ultra-soft cotton, it's built for comfort whether you're front row or just kicking back. Pair with dark denim and you're sorted. Buy Now for £45 Don't look back in anger (or regret), bag yourself some cool Oasis merchandise ahead of the London reunion tour dates now. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Got your Oasis reunion tickets? Now get your bucket hats and parkas as Britpop fashion makes a comeback MORE: Western fashion is back – these are the pieces to nail cowgirl chic this summer MORE: One P. Louise skincare base is sold every minute – and it's your multitasking beauty essential
