Jorginho expected to sign new contract at Arsenal | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Jorginho is expected to extend his stay with Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal star Jorginho is ready to put pen to paper on a new deal with the club.
Jorginho, 32, joined Arsenal from rivals Chelsea for a fee of around £12million in January 2023 and has gone on to make 51 appearances in all competitions for the north London giants.
The midfielder agreed to an 18-month contract on arrival at Arsenal, with the option of a further year.
There has been uncertainty surrounding Jorginho's future given that deal is due to expire at the end of the season and a return to Serie A has been mooted as a possible option in the summer transfer window.
However, according to The Athletic, Jorginho is expected to extend his stay – rather than leave on a free transfer – after being offered a new contract, which will come as a great relief to Mikel Arteta.
Jorginho is not a guaranteed starter for the Gunners but has established himself as a trusted member of the squad and Arteta has been keen for the vastly experienced Euro 2020 winner to commit to the club for the foreseeable future.
The report claims Thomas Partey's situation remains unclear, with the 30-year-old Ghana midfielder set to enter into the final year of his deal this summer.
Arsenal must decide whether to cash in on Partey while they have the chance or risk losing him on a free transfer in 12 months time.
Arteta has been keen for Jorginho to commit his future to the Gunners (Picture: Getty)
Speaking to TV Play earlier this month, Jorginho's agent Joao Santos insisted his client was in 'no hurry' to decide his future and refused to rule out a summer switch to Italy.
'Did Arsenal call us for a renewal? No, right now they're focused on the Champions League return leg against Bayern Munich,' Santos said.
'We're in no hurry. If they were to call us in a month or two to discuss the renewal, that's fine with us.
'Would Jorginho like to return to Italy? Yes, of course because he grew up in Italy and he likes everything about the country.'
Arteta views Jorginho as the ideal role model for Arsenal's young stars (Picture: Getty)
Arteta has repeatedly sang Jorginho's praises since his arrival from Stamford Bridge, viewing the Champions League winner as the perfect role model for Arsenal's younger players.
'For all the kids at the club, if you want to look at somebody, just look at him,' the Arsenal manager said after the side's victory over title rivals Liverpool in February.
'He's won everything but you ask him not to play or play one minute last week he's happy to go there.
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'Ask him to play 90 minutes at that rhythm and he's able to do that. I'm really lucky to have players like this.
'It's a game that I had in my mind. I was imagining how much we were going to need him. He's a really intelligent player, his biggest quality is that he makes the people around him better.
'He connects everybody. I think he was man of the match.'
Emotional John Higgins reflects on 'best ever' clearance: 'That will live with me forever' | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
John Higgins' clearance to beat Mark Allen will be replayed for years to come (Picture: Getty Images)
John Higgins says his stunning deciding-frame clearance to beat Mark Allen at the World Championship will live with him forever, describing it as one of his best moments in snooker.
The Wizard of Wishaw and the Pistol played out an epic contest at the Crucible which went all the way to 12-12 late on Monday night.
Allen looked to be the one getting over the line as he made a break of 62 before missing a red with the rest and allowing Higgins a slim chance of pinching victory.
The Scot came to the table with little on and immediately took on a reverse double which went in and put him perfectly on the black, a shot that Stephen Hendry suggested was the bravest he had ever seen.
Higgins would go on to make 71, winning the match on the final black and booking his place in the quarter-finals where he will meet Kyren Wilson.
The four-time world champion is known for his epic 'dishes' to win frames, but it has been a testing time for him over the last two or three years, being on the wrong end of a number of painful and close defeats rather than handing them out.
Given that context, he feels this latest dish is his finest ever.
'The best, probably,' Higgins said of his clearance. 'With everything that's been before in the last couple of years, to stand up there under the ultimate pressure. It's the best.'
The 48-year-old admitted that emotions were running high while Allen was at the table, with his top 16 place on the line if he lost and the possibility he may never return to the Crucible.
'I was just trying to stay positive in my chair, not give off any negative energy,' he said. 'But I was also steeling myself, I was getting my speech ready, what I was going to say to Mark. I never expected him to miss.
'I thoroughly enjoyed the occasion of playing here at the Crucible again. I had a little look round about when Mark was on about 50 and thought, "I'll miss this place if I never get here again." So luckily for me it changed round and I've got another chance to get out there and make more memories.'
Allen congratulated Higgins after the stunning climax (Picture: Getty Images)
Doubling in the opening red was a moment of snooker genius from the Scot, but one that reminded him of another of his classic moments on the table.
Higgins cleared up to win a deciding frame in the 2006 Masters final against Ronnie O'Sullivan, which also included a doubled red along the way.
'When I was on the double I was thinking it reminds me a bit of the Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Masters,' he said. 'I was thinking it could be special if I doubled it.'
Then came an immense break, followed by a memorable celebration as he held his arms aloft to the Crucible crowd.
'You're just trying to stay in the moment. Trying to push the cue through straight,' he said. 'I felt really calm. Just as that black goes in, I can't even remember whatever I did, but it was a proud moment for me, really proud. It was incredible. One of my best ever moments.'
Higgins has admitted that belief in big moments has sapped away over the last couple of years, but things could change after that effort under monumental pressure.
'It should do a hell of a lot, it should do wonders for me, now that I can do it at the hardest place to play snooker. That should give me confidence,' he said.
Higgins wowed the Crucible crowd (Picture: Getty Images)
'Onwards and upwards. Some good things can happen now, when you believe. Brilliant memory. That will live with me forever, that clearance.
'Just keep believing. Don't get too down on yourself, because I am still capable of producing some good memories. Always believe.'
Allen had a classy message for the winner despite the nightmare end to the game,saying Higgins can go all the way to a fifth world title.
'I said to him at the end, he can go on and win this, he's one of the very few that can. He just needs to believe it,' said Allen. 'I know he hasn't had the best of times in regards to winning things, but there's not many people can do that at 12-12 in the Crucible.
'He needs to give himself a massive pat on the back. He can go on and win this thing. John's a good guy, one of the guys I would class as a friend on the tour. Yes I'm disappointed but he's one of the ones I'm going to be cheering on.'
Former boxing world champion, Dingaan Thobela, dies aged 57 | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela has died aged 57 (Getty)
Former boxing world champion, Dingaan Thobela, has died aged 57 after battling illness.
Thobela, nicknamed the 'Rose of Soweto', was found dead in his flat in Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday evening.
Thobela's childhood friend, Eddie Mutungutungu, revealed that he became concerned after being unable to contac the former boxer.
'He was strangely unavailable on his cellphone, and his family, accompanied by police, managed to gain access to his place of residence and found he had passed on,' Mutungutungu said.
During his career, Thobela won three world titles in two weight divisions. He won the WBO lightweight title in 1990 and WBA lightweight belt in 1993 before winning the WBC super-middleweight title in 2000.
Thobela retired in 2006 with a record of 40 wins, 14 defeats and two draws from 56 fights.
Dingaan Thobela won three world titles during his career (AFP via Getty)
South African boxer Kevin Lerena thanked Thobela for being an 'inspiration and motivation'.
'Rest in peace to South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela,' Lerena wrote on X.
'Your talent and determination in the ring will never be forgotten. You always supported me and believed in my abilities, pushing me to reach my fullest potential. Thank you for your inspiration and motivation, Champ.'
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Speaking about his tough upbringing in an interview with Ring Magazine last year, Thobela said: 'Soweto helped make me what I am today. I come from the tough ghetto.
'It was tough in the sense of poverty; we grew up with nothing. My mother abandoned me when I was three months old. She took me to my grandmother on my dad's side. She couldn't raise me. My grandmother nurtured me.
'I was bullied by my elders, and boxing was a form of defense.
'Norman [Hlabane, boxing trainer] had faith in me. He threw me into the amateur ranks.
'He was not there 80 percent of the time, but he would train me and prepare me, and then he would let me go with someone who would be in the corner with me. He saw I was skillful and handled myself against those guys.'
Jack Lisowski admits breakaway tour temptation but calls for co-existence | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Jack Lisowski says there are 'big numbers being thrown around' over a new snooker tour (Picture: Getty Images)
Jack Lisowski admits that the money being talked about for a breakaway snooker tour is head-turning, but does not want to leave the main circuit and hopes that both can co-exist.
Jackpot was beaten in the second round of the World Championship 13-11 by Stuart Bingham on Monday night, ending his hopes of landing a first ranking title at the biggest event in the sport.
The potential of joining a rival tour has been floated to the 32-year-old, just as it has to the likes of Judd Trump and Kyren Wilson, with the latter saying he is yet to decide on his future.
Lisowski does not want to turn his back on the major WST events, likely to stay on the main tour, but hopes that organisers of new tournaments can agree to put them on in gaps in the calendar, leaving players to enjoy the best of both worlds.
'There are big numbers being thrown around but I think I'll be back, I'm pretty sure I will,' Lisowski told a press conference at the Crucible.
'I don't know. I'd be lying if I said it's not tempting, but I can't see myself leaving the tour. The Masters is such a good event, the UK and the Worlds are special to play in. So I'm pretty sure I'll be back for that.
Lisowski scored a fine win over Ding Junhui before losing out to Bingham (Picture: Getty Images)
'Who knows? Maybe they'll be able to run something alongside. Because we're allowed to play in other stuff now.
'The prize money is going up on this tour, we're getting looked after better, the games' going in the right direction. People don't need to be like, "Oh, new tour, that could be the worst thing ever." Maybe they can have something run alongside.
'It just shows that the players and the game are starting to get valued more by the people. It's marketable, people enjoy watching it, so I think it's all good for the game.
'I don't think it's as serious as everyone's saying. Maybe there can just be more tournaments for everyone to play in. Let's see what happens, I'm just a snooker player.'
On the nature of any approach he has received, Lisowski wasn't too clear, saying: 'There's just numbers being thrown about. I don't know what's going on.'
Those numbers are reportedly in the region of £320,000 guaranteed for a year playing in the new tournaments, with much more to be won on top of that in prize money.
Lisowski's good friend Trump snubbed the idea of playing on another tour last week, saying he would rather be landing titles that matter and earn money rather than being 'gifted' it.
Jackpot is less convinced, although he was talking after a tough loss to Bingham and had a grin on his face as he said: 'To be honest, Judd's Judd, but I'd probably rather have a couple of million quid and lose. I'm not going to lie. That would feel a bit easier than being donked out here.
'I don't know what's going to happen but I'm pretty sure I'll be on the tour next season.'
Jofra Archer recalled as England name T20 World Cup squad | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Jofra Archer has not played for England in over a year (Picture: Getty)
Jofra Archer has been recalled to the England squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The fast bowler, 29, has not featured for England in over a year due to a reoccurring elbow injury but has played club cricket in Barbados and turned out for Sussex in pre-season.
England's 15-man provisional squad also includes Chris Jordan and uncapped spinner Tom Hartley, but two-time World Cup winner Chris Woakes misses out.
The same squad will face Pakistan in a four-match T20 series starting on May 22 before flying to the Caribbean at the end of the month ahead of their first T20 World Cup game against Scotland on June 4.
The eight members of the squad currently playing in the Indian Premier League will return for the beginning of the Pakistan series, the ECB have confirmed.
The England selectors and head coach Matthew Mott have until a May 25 deadline to update their squad.
Buttler will lead the side and has enjoyed a return to form at the IPL, scoring two unbeaten centuries for Rajasthan Royals.
England will look for batting firepower from the likes of Buttler, Harry Brook, Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow, who also hit an unbeaten ton in the IPL after being dropped by Punjab Kings.
Archer and Jordan are joined in the bowling ranks by Sam Curran, Mark Wood and Reece Topley, while Adil Rashid goes into the T20 World Cup as the No. 1 ranked bowler in the world.
The T20 World Cup, which takes place in the West Indies and United States, begins on June 2 with co-hosts United States facing Canada at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas.
England won the last T20 World Cup (Picture: Getty)
Discussing Archer's recall, England chief Rob Key said: 'Jofra is that bowler that is just so special that you do everything you can to get him back playing.
'We've taken the longer road this time but as always with Jofra it's fingers crossed until he's out there playing. Like when you're waiting for something really good to happen, you don't quite believe it until he's there, but he's tracking well at the moment.
'The next step is when he gets into that Pakistan series – it's going to be full-match intensity – and how he keeps going through there, but at the moment we're doing everything we can and he's in a good spot.'
Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur reveal romance secrets amid Challengers success | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur have been together since 2020 (Picture: Getty)
Following the release of sexy tennis movie Challengers, real-life couple Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur have lifted the lid on their own steamy romance.
Social media has been in a frenzy over the movie directed by Luca Guadagnino, which has scored 83 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating universal acclaim.
With everyone talking about the film, British No.1 Boulter and Australian world No.11 De Minaur have taken the time to open up about their own relationship.
The power couple have been together for four years but initially hid their romance from fellow players across the ATP Tour and WTA Tour as well as the public.
They have now revealed the extreme lengths they went to in order to avoid speculation and the tricks they played to keep their relationship a secret.
'Remember that time when we were having breakfast on like separate tables?' a giddy Boulter said in a video posted by the WTA.
The duo melted hearts in the Wimbledon mixed doubles last year (Picture: Getty)
'That was the early stages,' De Minaur added. 'We would rock down to breakfast at different times.'
Boulter elaborated further, explaining it was 'different times, like 10 minutes later' with her boyfriend De Minaur confirming they did it to 'avoid speculation'.
'It's so true, so people wouldn't find out,' Boulter said, with the lovebirds clearly enjoying their trip down memory lane as De Minaur added: 'Works every time!'
Boulter and De Minaur have both enjoyed successful spells since their relationship went public with the Briton clinching her maiden WTA Tour title last year and following it up with the San Diego Open trophy on clay in March this year.
De Minaur, meanwhile, earned a spot inside the world top 10 and recently beat Rafael Nadal at the Barcelona Open on the Spaniard's favourite clay surface.
'I think what was very important in the early stages, we talked about tennis being the No.1 priority and that we would make all of this work,' De Minaur said.
'Just finding that balance. Like, I thought it was going to be quite tough.'
Boulter added: 'That was the tough part I think. The very start of the relationship was hard.
'It's crazy to think this time last year I was playing in Japan, I was ranked like world No.150.'
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De Minaur then chimed in and said: 'I remember you telling me, 'I will not be playing a clay-court swing in my life, I refuse to play on clay' – and now here you are! Top 30.
'It fills me with a lot of joy being able to say I told you so. I think we are helping each other.'
Boulter teased her boyfriend in response and said: 'I take full credit for you making the top 10!'
The results mean Arsenal's lead at the top of the table is just one point, with Man City set to win the Premier League if they win their four remaining games.
Arsenal will hope to keep Pep Guardiola's team honest by taking nine points from their final three games, with the Gunners facing Bournemouth and Everton at home in-between a trip to Manchester United.
The Old Trafford game is Arsenal's toughest fixture on paper but ex-United midfielder Hargreaves cannot see his former club causing many problems.
'They can be anything, United, it's mad,' he said on Premier League Productions. 'Even at home to Burnley, it was Burnley who had more possession.
'That game might suit United because they'll be able to play on the counter and hit them on the break.
'But Mikel Arteta does such a great job in formulating game-plans to nullify those threats so I think Arsenal will beat Man United.
'United can't control games, the middle of the pitch is so open and Arsenal's midfield is brilliant with [Martin] Odegaard and [Declan] Rice. So I don't see United troubling Arsenal.'
The Red Devils have little to play for in the Premier League but will conclude the 2023-24 campaign with a FA Cup final against Manchester City.
While Arsenal prepare for fixtures against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton, defending champions Man City face Wolves, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham as they chase a record fourth consecutive title.
'I'd love to see a LIV-style breakaway!' O'Sullivan said. 'I'd love to get a phone call which says "do you want £600million to play for three years" I'd love that phone call. Wouldn't you?
'Would you turn that down? If someone said "come and work for my radio station for three years and we'd pay you £600million" would you turn it down?'
It is a fair question from the Rocket but the possible breakaway tour in snooker is not offering that kind of money, instead around £320,000 guaranteed, with prize money to be won on top of that.
O'Sullivan is into the quarter-finals at the Crucible where he faces Stuart Bingham (Picture: Getty Images)
Players including Kyren Wilson and Jack Lisowski have admitted they are at least tempted by an offer elsewhere and the Rocket says they are welcome to make their own choices.
'I don't know. I don't get involved in it. Each to their own, everyone's got to do what they've got to do,' said the world number one.
'I know what I want from the sport, I know what I'm prepared to do and I know what I need in return from it. As long as I keep getting that I don't mind playing. Everyone has to make that decision up for themselves.
'Everyone's in different positions in the game, stages of their careers. One might work better for one person. Working more or less could work for others. It's not always about money. It's about the time as well. That's the most important thing, for some people it's money. It's really hard to give you a straight answer.'
Stuart Bingham reveals his simple plan to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Stuart Bingham is in the Rocket's firing line in Sheffield (Picture: Getty Images)
Stuart Bingham says it is a simple enough mantra that he will take into his World Snooker Championship clash with Ronnie O'Sullivan: 'Don't miss!'
The 2015 world champion had to come through qualifying to get to the Crucible but has impressed since arriving, beating Gary Wilson and Jack Lisowski so far.
Next up is the biggest test in the game, facing the world number one, but Bingham has beaten him before at the Crucible, downing him at the same quarter-final stage on his amazing run to the world title.
Having conquered the Rocket in the past, he knows how tough a task it is, but says there is only one piece of advice worth listening to.
'Don't miss. Simple as that,' he said. 'I remember playing Ronnie in the semi-final of the Grand Prix, before the World Championship in 2015 and he beat me 6-0. It's good to play him beforehand because you get used to the way he plays and his aura. I ain't played him for a few years.
'So you've got 95 per cent of the crowd on his side and you're playing the best player in the world. Easy as that!
'You've just got to get involved in the match and try and stay with him. He's going to have a little spurt here and there, you've got to try and stick in there.'
Bingham beat O'Sullivan 13-9 in 2015 (Picture: Getty Images)
O'Sullivan was far from faultless in his second round win over Ryan Day, with the Welshman spurning a number of opportunities and Bingham hopes it will be more of the same from the Rocket against him.
'I watched a little bit of his match with Ryan, he gave Ryan a fair few chances so I'll hope he plays like that,' said the 47-year-old. 'But Ronnie's Ronnie. We're 1-1 in quarters, he bashed be up a few years before 13-4.
'So I'll have to touch up on my game, need to score a bit heavier. My safety's good, I'm happy with that but I need to score heavier to have a chance.'
O'Sullivan has not been pushed in wins over Jackson Page and Ryan Day so far (Picture: Getty Images)
Bingham is somewhat freewheeling as a qualifier in the quarter-finals, while O'Sullivan is bidding for a record eighth world title, but Ballrun says there is pressure on everyone in the sport's greatest tournament.
'I'm going for my second. He's going for his eighth. So we've got our own pressures and thoughts,' he said. 'I'm sure he'd love to get to eight.
'To be honest he maybe should be on 12, that's how good he is. But he's obviously fighting for his 8th, that might be why he played a little bit poorly against Ryan, he's got that added pressure.
'But you can't take anything for granted with Ronnie. He's the best player to ever pick up a cue and you need to play really, really well to have a chance.'
The 39-year-old enraged both his manager and the club's hierarchy when he gave an interview with Piers Morgan in November 2022 in which he said he had 'no respect' for Ten Hag and criticised the Glazer family's stewardship of the club.
Ronaldo had been at loggerheads with his manager long before that, beginning with his decision to leave a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano before the final whistle had been blown.
The interview with Morgan was the final straw and Ronaldo's contract was terminated with immediate effect, with the former Real Madrid forward moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al Nassr not long after.
Although Ten Hag's firm stance was applauded at the time, Ronaldo's former Real team-mate Sneijder now claims it has contributed to the growing pressure his compatriot now faces at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is fighting to save his job, particularly after another disappointing result against Burnley at the weekend, and Sneijder believes his power battle with Ronaldo ultimately lost him the respect of United's players.
Speaking on Dutch TV show Veronica Offside on Monday night, Sneijder said: 'He already made a mistake by competing with Ronaldo.
Ronaldo and Sneijder were team-mates at Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)
'He lost everyone's respect there. He thought it would work the other way around, but of course not.
'Those guys in the dressing room thought, "Is this man crazy?"'
On suggestions Ten Hag might be axed at the end of the season, Sneijder added: 'Of course he already knows that he has to leave.
'But you're not going to go yourself. If I was him, I would sit there comfortably [until he's sacked].'
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United's draw with Burnley officially ended their hopes of finishing in the top four and they are now fighting just to claim a place in the Europa League, though Ten Hag has defended his side and believes he is building a team for the future.
'We have some very young players and that's why we built this club back. That takes time, and we build this by bringing in young players,' he said at the weekend.
'Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo – they are all in the first season of the Premier League and the Premier League gets more intense year by year.
'We have seen the data and it's much more intense than last season, especially when you see over the last four or five seasons. Those players have to adjust and that takes time.
'I am sorry for everyone. So, I am very impatient but there we need patience and fans they need patience. We built here a team, and they need experience.'
William Gallas names Chelsea duo as the two biggest flops of the season | HXR6S24 | 2024-04-30 16:08:01
Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea have largely struggled this season (Picture: Getty)
William Gallas has named two Chelsea players as the biggest flops of the season in the Premier League.
Chelsea have underwhelmed in Mauricio Pochettino's first season at Stamford Bridge, winning just 13 of their 33 league games to sit ninth in the Premier League.
With five games remaining, the Blues are 19 points outside the Champions League places and 32 points behind Premier League leaders and London rivals Arsenal.
Gallas has been particularly disappointed with two Chelsea players, labelling Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk as the biggest flops of the season.
Sterling was a prolific forward and serial winner at Manchester City but is still struggling following his £50m move to Stamford Bridge in 2022, scoring six league goals this term.
That is two more than Mudryk has managed, with the Ukrainian so far failing to justify his £89m price tag following a move from Shakhtar Donetsk last year.
Asked to name his biggest flop of the season, Gallas told Gambling Zone: 'I think Raheem Sterling has been a big disappointment. When I watch him play, he doesn't look like a player that will return to the level that he was at Liverpool and Manchester City.
Raheem Sterling has only scored eight goals this season (Picture: Getty)
'This is his second season with the club, and he hasn't showed anything. For a guy that has won so much in his career, he should be doing a lot more for Chelsea. He hasn't done anything.
'Also, Mudryk, but the circumstances around his poor performances are a little bit different. We don't know how he has been affected by the war in Ukraine. We don't know what is happening with him – it must be very difficult for him.
'It looks like he isn't enjoying his football or his time at Chelsea. When he plays, you can see he isn't enjoying it.
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'It's a shame because everyone thought this would be the year where he showed his potential – I also thought that he would be a different player this season.'
Pressed on why Mudryk could be struggling at Stamford Bridge, Gallas added: 'It's hard for me to comment on why Mudryk looks like he doesn't have the confidence or the enjoyment in his football.
'I don't know if a change of scenery would benefit the player. We don't know if a new club would change his fortunes on the pitch.
Chelsea spent £89m on struggling winger Mykhailo Mudryk (Picture: Getty)
'We don't know what is going on in his private life. The situation with the war is very hard – he could still have family in Ukraine.
'Only the players that are around him, the guys that live with him every single day, will know what the answer is.'
Chelsea have five more games left to play this season, starting with a London derby against Tottenham on Thursday night.
Good news, Eilish fans — the American singer is bringing her Hit Me Hard And Soft tour to Australia in February and March 2025. Eilish is playing a massive 12 dates across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
The Grammy and Academy Award winner will start out in Brisbane, playing the Entertainment Centre from February 18, 2025 to February 22. She will then head to Sydney, playing Qudos Bank Arena from February 24 to 28. Her final stop will be Melbourne, where she will take over Rod Laver Arena from March 4 to 8.
How to get tickets to Billie Eilish's Australian tour
Presale tickets for all dates of the Australian leg of Billie Eilish's Hit Me Hard And Soft tour will be available for AMEX holders on May 1, 2024 from 12pm, with Frontier Touring, Live Nation and Vodafone offering presales on May 2 from 12pm. All presale tickets will be staggered by city, and you can find the exact timings on each presale website.
Following the presale, general tickets for Eilish's Australian tour dates will go on sale here via Ticketek from 1pm on May 3, 2024. Sydney tickets will be available first at 1pm, followed by Brisbane at 2pm, and Melbourne at 3pm.
Ticket prices start at $129.90, and are limited to four per customer.
At the moment, Billie Eilish has not announced touring dates for New Zealand as part of the Hit Me Hard And Soft tour — which perhaps explains why she is performing so many dates in Australia.
The design was replicated for Zendaya's character in the film and has been worn by the actress during the press tour, while co-star Josh O'Connor wore a shirt version on the red carpet, and Anderson — who is responsible for the film's costumes – posed in one alongside director Luca Guadagnino as they promoted the film in Rome.
Now, Loewe has announced the launch of a line of 'I Told Ya' T-shirts and sweatshirts, which will no doubt be a sell-out success. The label has released both white and grey iterations of the style in lightweight cotton jersey, which are unisex, and will look excellent worn oversized with jeans and loafers all summer long.
Rejoice! Amy Poehler is headlining Vivid Sydney | V0A9GS9 | 2024-04-30 14:08:01
Rejoice! Amy Poehler is headlining Vivid SydneyBudjerah is one of Vivid Music's 2024 headliners
Vivid Sydney 2024 program
Vivid's holistic and immersive program is packed full of a huge mix of experiences, performances and installations this year, taking place everywhere from Circular Quay to Carriageworks. You can discover the entire program here, or below, we break down the highlights of each segment of the festival.
Amy Poehler is offering a talk
Last year Vivid hosted Jennifer Coolidge, and this year they've got Amy Poehler on board. The Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning actor and comedian is headlining this year's Vivid Ideas line-up for an exclusive in-conversation event sure to offer plenty of laughs and girlboss inspiration.
The Saturday Night Live star and actor behind the iconic and uber bubbly, Galentine's obsessed Parks and Recreation character Leslie Knopewill chronicle her iconic comedy career to moderator Zan Rowe — while also showing a sneak peek at Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2. Poehler voices the character of Joy in the film franchise, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Picture in 2016.
Rejoice! Amy Poehler is headlining Vivid SydneyVIVID SYDNEY
"I'm really looking forward to taking part in Vivid Sydney this year, a place that welcomes Joy in every way," Poehler said.
"I can't wait to share a little of Inside Out 2: a movie that lets Joy and Sadness, Anxiety and Envy — all try to work together in hilarious and touching ways."
The one-off event will take place at the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, on Monday May 27 from 7pm with red carpet arrivals to take place from 6pm.
This year's Vivid Ideas program seeks to expand its own boundaries, offering panels, conferences and talks as well as more interactive formats — like walking tours, meditations and other immersive experiences to encourage meaningful connections between strangers.
"Sex Work: A legal and social history" is a deep-dive into Kings Cross and Darlinghurst's red-light stories that challenges stereotypes; while "Say My Name: The Humanity of Names" is a storytelling session and panel discussion unpacking how and why certain names are categorised are "tricky" or "foreign".
"Golden Age of Humanity" will spotlight nine influential Australians (including chef and restaurateur Kylie Kwong and journalist Kate McClymont) across nine nights at the Golden Age Cinema in Surry Hills. And for a more quirky spin, Liesel Badorrek's "Window Dressing" engages our natural human fascination with privacy, allowing viewers to peer through illuminated windows to watch ordinary people living ordinary lives across eight windows of a Frank Gehry building on The Goods Line.
You can even put yourself in the centre of the action at "A Thousand Ways: An Encounter" from New York company 600 Highwaymen, which places you and a stranger at the centre of a private "performance" encouraging you to see each other in a new light.
Rejoice! Amy Poehler is headlining Vivid SydneyThe Huxleys
Vivid Music 2024 program
A curated program of live performances, concerts and DJ sets across a number of venues — including Tumbalong Park, Machine Hall Precinct, Sydney Opera House and Carriageworks — will bring a huge group of local and international musicians to Sydney.
12 nights of free performances at Tumbalong Nights is sure to be a highlight, featuring the likes of Brisbane's pop princess Mallrat, Western Sydney's rising indie star grentperez and Coodjinburra crooner Budjerah, who opened Ed Sheeran's Australian tour last year.
At the Sydney Opera House, prepare to be transported by artists including American singer-songwriter Sky Ferreira, returning to Australia for her first time in 10 years; the genre-defying Queensland star Tia Gostelow; Meanjin-born Gamilaraay singer-songwriter Thelma Plum; and Swedish-born, Los Angeles-based R&B singer Snoh Aalegra, in her Australian debut.
Rejoice! Amy Poehler is headlining Vivid SydneySnoh Aalegra will make her Australian debut
Machine Hall Precinct will play host to Vivid Music for the first time, with its program spotlighting international headliners Deerhoof, Underscores and Jen Cloher. And Mary's Underground will transform again into the Vivid Sydney Supper Club, with a lineup of music, theatre and television talents from Montaigne and Mo'Ju to Annabel Crabb and Julia Zemiro.
This year's Vivid Light program promises to be as spectacular as ever — or perhaps more than ever before. US artist Yvette Mattern brings "Global Rainbow" to the Sydney Tower, with its 40-kilometre beams of vibrant lights shining over the city. The signature Sydney Opera House Lighting of the Sails will spotlight talented 2023 Archibald Prize Winner and Sydney-based textiles artist Julia Gutman, with her patchworks brought to life for "Echo".
Customs House and the Museum of Contemporary Art will have their façades reimagined by Australian artist Reg Mombassa and Chinese-Australian artist Guan Wei, respectively. Elsewhere, "Hika Rakuyo" brings the Japanese concept of the same name to Cockle Bay, using flowers and falling leaves as a metaphor for life's transient beauty — shown through spectacular Australian native flora that will bloom over the bay.
NSW artist Sinclair Park's work "Stateless" will feature 4000 solar-powered LED candles burning along Barangaroo Reserve, representing the increasing number of stateless people around the globe; while Leila Jeffreys and Melvin J. Montalban's "Nest" projection at the Stargazer Lawn showcases humanity's connection to nature through the mating dance of the native brolga.
Rejoice! Amy Poehler is headlining Vivid SydneyJulia Gutman's "Echo"
Vivid Food 2024 program
Vivid's Food program returns for its second year in 2024, celebrating Sydney's rich and diverse culinary scene. "Vivid Fire" Kitchen returns with the universal appeal of a communal barbecue at The Goods Line; while "A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez" welcomes guests to the Opera House's Yallamundi Rooms to celebrate women in Australian gastronomy and winemaking.
"Our Shared Humanity" sees some of NSW's best chefs plate up a three-course vegetarian menu using rescued local produce, while a 10-course degustation at Kyiv Social highlights the authenticity and abundance of a Ukrainian family table for "Plates With Purpose: A Taste of Ukraine".
And for those who love to meander and sample, VividPlace Food Trail will take over Sydney Place and Bulletin Place laneways — featuring over 20 of Australia's top chefs, restaurateurs and bartenders in a night food market style experience.
This year, Vivid Sydney will run for 23 nights from May 24 to June 15, 2024. Each night, the lights will flicker on at 6pm — offering you plenty of time to explore all the incredible installations scattered throughout the city.
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month | V0A9GS9 | 2024-04-30 14:08:01
Celine launches '60s-inspired fragrance, ZOUZOU
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthCOURTESY OF CELINE
If you're inspired by the French girl chic style of Françoise Sagan and Jean Seberg — Celine has the parfait new fragrance for you. Joining the House's esteemed Haute Parfumerie collection is ZOUZOU: another scent for the now 12-piece line-up, which has both "for the day" and "for the evening" fragrances. Inspired by the joie de vivre of '60s icons, creative director Hedi Slimane distills the "fresh-faced and mischievous-looking" characters from film and literature — those that atypically have pixie haircuts and beaming pouts. The particular name, ZOUZOU, recalling the affectionate nickname formerly given to young Parisian girls with short hair.
With notes of amber and musk, the parfum offers a sweet caramel allure — think a warm and deliciously inviting French boulangerie — which are enveloped with Benzoin and Tonka Bean. Meanwhile, Patchouli and Labdanum underline the ambery and elegant character of the accord, with Celine's distinct powdery note also running through the Francophile scent. Just throw on your ballet flats, capris and breton stripes — and you'll be whisked away to the Marais with just light ZOUZOU spray.
Alya Skin has done it again as they launch their first Lip Jelly
Meet Alya Skins new Lip Jelly your go-to, all-in-one lip treatment that will leave you wanting more. Packed with Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and Lilli Pilli Extract, your lips will be pampered and moisturised to perfection. Say goodbye to sticky messes, because this Lip Jelly leaves behind a non-sticky finish that's pure bliss for your pout. Satisfy your lip cravings with this Lip Jelly — your lips will thank you!
Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche — a luxurious addition to your shower routine.
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF CHANEL
Showering isn't just about the basics anymore — it's a sensory experience.
Introducing your new bestie in self-care: CHANEL Chance Eau Fraîche, launching May 1. Four adorable dice-shaped soaps, delicately imbued with the enchanting floral-sparkling essence of CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE — will leave you feeling fresh as a daisy. To top off your luxury experience, each soap is adorned with charming CHANCE-themed symbols. A limited addition treat waiting for you.
Dior's Eau de Parfum with a Couture Bow
Francis Kurkdjian conjures instant delight with the Parfum rendition of Miss Dior. The fragrance is dominated by a custom-crafted fruity jasmine, accompanied by sweet, juicy notes reminiscent of wild strawberries. For $290, indulge in an 80ml bottle adorned with a lavish, haute couture bow, complete with the iconic Miss Dior Houndstooth motif engraved beneath — luxury never looked or smelled this good! Grab yours HERE.
Marc Jacobs Daisy gone wild
Introducing Marc Jacob Daisy Wild: bold, feminine, and utterly fearless. It's your ticket to an outdoor adventure, all bottled up and ready to go. This new refillable fragrance bursts with the freshness of a wildflower bouquet, urging us to embrace our inner free spirit and reconnect with nature. A symphony of wild daisies mingles with the iconic pink and green daisies, while inside the bottle, visible flower stems add a whimsical touch. To top it off, for the first time ever, the iconic fragrance is fully refillable, available in 30ML, 50ML, and 100ML sizes, with a convenient 150ML refill format. Available from May 5 at Myer, David Jones, Sephora, The Iconic and Ultra Beauty.
Diptyque meets Café Verlet
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF DIPTYQUE
Experience the ultimate Parisian rendezvous as Diptyque joins forces with Café Verlet (the oldest purveyor of coffees in Paris and the capital's first roastery) for a gourmet collaboration like no other. Transport yourself to the heart of Paris with the indulgent scents of Café, Chantilly, and Biscuit candles, inspired by the delectable treats of Café Verlet. The limited-edition collection, available at select MECCA stores and online, can also be enjoyed for an exclusive pop-up in Melbourne.
From the 5th — 19th April, MECCA customers and Francophiles alike can experience Café Diptyque in the CBD's iconic Hardware Lane. Taking on a quintessential Parisian café, the launch features the exclusive scents alongside a delightful French patisserie menu, courtesy of a collaboration between Melbourne's popular cafes and bakeries, Morning Market and Baker Bleu. A warming croissant with rhubarb jam, French butter … and an equally delicieux candle on the side, sounds like the perfect morning outing.
Super charged, stress-resistant skin with Clarins new innovation
Get ready to revamp your skincare routine with Clarins' latest innovation: the Multi-Active Day and Night Cream. Your secret weapon, packed with powerful ingredients to rejuvenate and illuminate your skin now features niacinamide to boost collagen and a new hero ingredient "sea holly extract." The unique element promotes the synthesis of elastin, suppleness, and tone — allowing for stress resistant and luminous skin, that'll no doubt keep up with your busy lifestyle. Available online HERE and in-stores 14th April.
Dyson's Supersonic Nural
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month Hair Dryer, your new best friend
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF DYSON
Introducing Dyson's latest breakthrough in hair care: the Supersonic Nural
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month Hair Dryer, your hair's new best friend. This intelligent styling tool features the innovative Scalp Protect Mode, which utilises a network of Nural
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month sensors to adjust heat and airflow as it nears your scalp, ensuring protection against damage. With enhanced attachments catering to all hair types and the ability to learn your styling preferences, it provides fast, healthy drying without the risk of extreme heat. Looking for trips on how to use it? HERE is quick and easy run-down.
Rare Beauty's latest drop will have you wanting more!
Rare Beauty's latest game-changer: the Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blush. Combining award-winning best sellers, Soft Pink Liquid Blush and Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, this highly pigmented blush features multifaceted pearls for natural dimension. Easy to blend and build, it's transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and water-resistant, promising a radiant, long-lasting glow without flaking or fading! Shop HERE.
M.A.C Teddy Forever Special Edition
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF M.A.C
M.A.C lipstick in Velvet Teddy has always been a cult favourite among artists and makeup lovers alike due to its effortless transitions from soft to strong looks. Excitingly, Velvet Teddy now unveils a range of timeless classics and vibrant novelties for eyes, lips, and face. Encased in sleek, limited-edition packaging, these essentials shine as bright as your makeup masterpiece! Shop HERE.
It takes two to tango
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF CHANEL
CHANEL is embodying the adage 'it takes two to tango' with a captivating duo in its opulent Sublimage line. Meet La Lotion at $260 and Le Fluide at $440, the ultimate power couple boasting an upgraded formula with even more Vanilla Planifolia goodness. La Lotion swoops in with its calming and strengthening powers, perfect for thirsty skin needing that post-cleansing pick-me-up. Meanwhile, Le Fluide struts onto the scene as the lightweight moisturising go-to, leaving oily types gleaming without the shine, thanks to its pore-tightening magic. Shop HERE.
Moon Oral Care is now available to purchase at Mecca
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF MOON ORAL CARE
With a relentless focus on innovative design, premium ingredients and transformative results, Moon Oral Care has redefined the pinnacle of oral care excellence. Partnering with Kendall Jenner, the brand has elevated its status, making The Teeth Whitening Pen & Toothpaste a must-have for those seeking to brighten their smile. And now — much to beauty enthusiasts — these products are finally available in Australia at Mecca.com.au, so you can groove your way to a brighter, more radiant smile.
Embark on a self-care journey to revitalised, resilient and radiant skin with Jurlique's exclusive Recovery Blend
Rushing between work, home, social gatherings and more, time for self-care can easily slip through the cracks — that's why Jurlique's new Herbal Recovery range is here to inject some zest into your skincare routine. Straight from Jurlique's farm in South Australia, this range boasts a botanical powerhouse of Holy Basil, Iris Root, Echinacea, and Black Elderflower. Introducing two of the newest additions to the range — Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum and the Herbal Recovery Eye Roll-On, the dynamic duo that will have you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Shop the full range HERE.
The L'OCCITANE Group is a certified B Corporation
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthINSTAGRAM / @loccitaneanz
L'Occitane announces that they are now a part of B CORP
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this month — a global community dedicated to positive change. This certification reflects their commitment to social and environmental impact — promising to continually improve its practices. From sustainable practices to fostering inclusive workplaces, they're dedicated to making a tangible difference. Join us on this exciting journey as L'Occitane shapes a brighter, more sustainable future together. Read more HERE.
"Idôle is my future self," says Zendaya, ambassador for Idôle by Lancome
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF LANCOME
If you prefer fragrance as radiant as your favourite pink blush, you'll love Lancôme Idôle eau de parfum, $120 Zendaya's new favourite scent. It fuses four types of rose with jasmine flowers over a rich base of vanilla, resulting in an irresistibly sensual result. While it's a perfume that leans toward the sweeter side of the fragrance spectrum, it's sophisticated enough to hold broad appeal. Packaged in a sleek, refillable bottle with a dynamic silhouette, this perfume is set to become a modern classic. Shop HERE.
Step up your skincare routine with Dr. Barbara Sturm's Super Anti-aging Cleansing Cream.
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF DR. BARBARA STURM
Finding a versatile cleanser is no easy feat, but Dr. Barbara Sturm's Super Anti-aging Cleansing Cream, $171, is the ultimate multi-tasker. A luxurious, creamy texture gently eliminates grime, makeup and other impurities, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated yet nourished. Simply massage a hazelnut-sized amount onto dry skin, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. The result? A refreshed, balanced complexion that's perfectly primed for your next skincare step. Treat yourself at mecca.com.
Cult care for curls
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF ROGUE BEAUTY
For effortless, perfectly imperfect curls with minimal fuss, R + Co Bleu Rebounce Natural Texture Defining Crème, for $92 is your new best friend. This easy-to-use cream will become your go-to for delivering hydration, control, and shine in moments. Its lightweight formula effortlessly defines natural curls, ensuring vibrant, bouncy, frizz-free strands. Bonus points for the bespoke "Bleu Waves" scent — a sophisticated citrusy floral that will lift your mood (as well as your waves). Shop HERE.
The Luxury fragrance collection by Jo By Loves is everything we've been waiting for
The beauty products to stock your shelves with this monthIMAGE COURTESY OF JO MALONE
And just like that — Autumn is knocking at our door so why not celebrate in style with Jo by Jo Loves' new luxurious, fragrance collection.
Introducing Jo by Jo Loves — a vegan fragrance crafted by Jo Malone herself — this scent captures the essence of grapefruit, bitter orange, and mango. But wait, there's more! Experience Jo's iconic scent in creams, candles and a unique paintbrush/refill set. Shop the collection now at Myer.com.au and elevate your fragrance game this season.
