Downton Abbey fans left reeling that the hit show is coming to an end can rejoice – for the sharp-tongued Dowager Countess is among a clutch of characters who may return to our screens. Played by Dame Maggie Smith in the ITV drama, Violet, Countess of Grantham may be coming back in the new American show The Gilded Age, from Downton creator Julian Fellowes. Made by the US network NBC, The Gilded Age will be set among the high society families of New York in the late 19th Century – meaning that Violet will be seen as her far younger self, with events taking place decades before the first series of Downton Abbey. Scroll down for video . Played by Dame Maggie Smith in the ITV drama, Violet, Countess of Grantham may be coming back in the new American show The Gilded Age . There may also be a place for Robert, the Earl of Grantham, and his wife Cora, who is American-born. Lord Fellowes told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Robert Grantham would be in his early teens, Cora would be a child. A young Violet could make an appearance.’ He said that plans for the series had yet to be finalised, adding: ‘We’ll have to see.’ Sources at NBC said last week the network ‘is buzzing’ about The Gilded Age, which will focus on the robber barons and get-rich-quick industrialists such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, John Jacob Astor and John D. Rockefeller who accumulated gigantic fortunes in the late 19th Century. The source said scouts were seeking ‘the American Downton’, saying: ‘One of the Vanderbilt mansions is a front-runner. Julian wants a month off after finishing Downton, but then it is full steam ahead.’ NBC President Robert Greenblatt told a meeting of TV critics he hoped The Gilded Age would ‘come to life sometime next season’ – which could mean it is on air as early as September. The sixth and final series of Downton Abbey goes out later this year on ITV. Set in 19th Century New York and focusing on the city's most privileged families, American-born Cora (played by Elizabeth McGovern) may also reappear .

Summary: Dame Maggie Smith's character may appear in American period drama . The Guilded Age was by Julian Fellowes and is based in New York . There may also be a plot for American-born Cora in the U.S. show .


I’ve been out injured for a whole year now, but I’m finally on the verge of a return to regular training. It’ll be such a relief after such a long time out. I’m actually in my last week of rehab at the moment, then I’ll transfer to normal training and introduce more cycling into my routine. The year has been so mentally and physically tough, but now I can finally look forward. Sportsmail's Road to Rio cyclist Becky James is desperate to get back on to the track after her recent injuries . James, pictured during a fashion shoot in Manchester, has been sidelined for a whole year . British cyclist James supported boyfriend George North during Wales' Six Nations campaign . The most frustrating thing was that one moment I’d be completely fine on the bike, then the next I would be in a lot of pain. This happened a lot during my training up in Manchester, so in October we all sat down and decided the best thing was to send me to Bisham Abbey rehabilitation centre. They had everything I needed there – physios, masseurs, coaches – and they did such a great job getting me better up until I left there three weeks ago. Of course, if I didn’t have my National Lottery funding I wouldn’t be able to go through all this. It’s so great that, despite my injury, they carried on supporting me the whole time. You’d think that, with 12 months away from the bike, I’d have plenty of time to myself. But in reality, I never thought I’d be out for that long – I kept having setbacks after thinking I was about to return so I couldn’t stop and enjoy myself. Obviously, there was the stress of being injured as well – but my puppy Lola helped me with that! I did, however, see plenty of the Six Nations, which I don’t usually get to do because it clashes with my season. Though being at the Millennium Stadium for the opening loss to England wasn’t great – you can imagine how my boyfriend George North took it. All in all, this injury could have made or broken me. There were many times I thought I was losing the battle, but I worked through any doubts I had. I have learnt a lot about myself in the last year – both as an athlete and a person – and I believe the whole experience will benefit me in the long run. Right now, with Rio 2016 on the horizon, I’m more motivated than ever. As well as funding the Road to Rio athletes, every week National Lottery players raise over £33 million for arts, heritage, charity, community projects and grass roots sports clubs and facilities. Find out where your money goes at lotterygoodcauses.org.uk .

Summary: Becky James is in her last week of rehab following a serious knee injury . James is hoping she can resume 'normal training' in upcoming weeks . The 23-year-old supported boyfriend George North during Six Nations .


A southern New Jersey woman jailed in an international custody dispute has been freed after spending more than eight years behind bars and is likely to be reunited with her daughter who's been without either parent for nearly a decade. María Jose Carrascosa, a 49-year-old native of Spain, was released from jail Friday night, The Record reported. Carrascosa, formerly of Fort Lee, was paroled last year after moving her daughter, then 5, to Spain when the girl's father, Peter Innes, was granted custody of the child. Freed: María Jose Carrascosa was released from a New Jersey jail on Friday after spending nearly 9 years behind bars for refusing to return her daughter to the United States . Defiant: Carrascosa defiantly refused to bring her daughter back to the United States and thus remained jailed nearly nine years . Once paroled, Carrascosa was taken to the Bergen County Jail for contempt of court for violating a court order to bring the child back. Her release came in part thanks to a letter written to the court by Peter Innes. Superior Court Judge Bonnie Mizdol, ultimately deciding that incarceration would not coerce Carrascosa to comply with child custody orders, ordered her release from jail Friday. Jail time for contempt of court is meant to coerce a person into cooperating with a judges orders, not as a punishment. However, Carrascosa defiantly refused to bring her daughter back to the United States and thus remained jailed. 'The question before this court is whether incarceration has lost its coercive power and has become punitive,' Judge Mizdol said. 'It has become clear that continued incarceration would not compel her to return her daughter, so it would be deemed punitive.' During the hearing, the judge read a letter from Innes, of Hasbrouck Heights, that said he would not oppose Carrascosa's release if she returns to Spain to be with their daughter, Victoria. The judge also read a letter from Victoria, who is now 14, that said: 'My only wish is to be with my mother.' Tearful reunion: Carrascosa had a tearful reunion with her daughter via Skype following her release and says she plans to return to Spain as soon as possible . Finally: Carrascosa's release came after her daughter and estranged husband wrote letters to the court urging a judge to set her free . Dear Victoria, . This is what you've been asking for and I am happy for you this day has finally come. You should know that I did all I could, including petitioning the judge, to help get your mom released. I did this so she can return to you in Spain. Please know, you mom is completely free to immediately leave the United States and return to Spain. I truly hope she is with you tomorrow. For me, this conflict is over. I wish you and your family well and I hope you enjoy your reunion with your mother. I will always be here for you when the time comes that you want to hear the truth as I know it. Love, .

Summary: Spanish national María Jose Carrascosa, 49, was jailed in 2006 after refusing to return her daughter to the custody of her father in New Jersey . She was released Friday, in part because her estranged ex Peter Innes wrote a letter asking the court to do what's best for their daughter, now 14 . Carrascosa, now the focus of widespread media attention in Spain, plans to return to Valencia as soon as possible to be with her daughter . The two have already had a tearful reunion after Carrascosa's release via Skype .


A play-off career high 32 points from Kawhi Leonard helped the San Antonio Spurs on their way to a 100-73 mauling of the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 3 on Friday. The newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year was in excellent form for the reigning NBA champions as they took a 2-1 lead in the first-round series. The Clippers had won the first game of the series convincingly at the Staples Center, but must now come from behind after two straight defeats. Game 4 takes place on Sunday at the AT&T Center in Texas. Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday . Loenard led the Spurs to a 100-73 victory in Game 3 and into a 2-1 series lead against the Clippers . Leonard is presented with his NBA Defensive Player of the Year award by his team-mate Tim Duncan . Boris Diaw had 15 points and Danny Green added 11 for the Spurs, who led by as many as 37 points after two close games in Los Angeles. The Clippers scored a franchise postseason low and their 11 points in the third were their fewest in any quarter this season. Blake Griffin had 14 points and 10 rebounds and DeAndre Jordan added 10 points for the Clippers. Griffin averaged 27.5 points on 47 percent shooting in the first two games, but was held to 6-for-15 shooting against a collapsing Spurs' defence in Game 3. Elsewhere, Houston's James Harden and Dwight Howard set personal play-off bests in points and rebounds respectively as the Rockets edged Dallas 130-128 to take a 3-0 lead in the all-Texan NBA first-round playoff series. The Clippers took a 1-0 lead in the series but must now come from behind after two straight defeats . Houston Rockets moved to within one win of a place in the next round with victory in Dallas . The Rockets moved within one win of a berth in the last eight of the play-offs, as did Washington with a close-fought win over Toronto. Harden scored 42 points in a dominating role after deferring to Howard and role players in the first two wins. Howard dominated the boards, pulling in 26 rebounds. The high-scoring game was Dallas' first without effectively banished point guard Rajon Rondo, and Monta Ellis had a play-off career-high 34 points to match Dirk Nowitzki. Ellis missed a potential tying jumper just before the buzzer, leaving Dallas to face a fourth straight year without winning a postseason series since taking the franchise's first championship. Dwight Howard scored 13 points but had 26 rebounds for Houston in their 130-128 victory on Friday . Paul Pierce hit a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter to give Washington a 3-0 lead over the Toronto Raptors . Game 4 is Sunday at Dallas. No team has ever rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win an NBA postseason series. That unlikely challenge now also faces Toronto after Washington went ahead 3-0 with a 106-99 victory over the Raptors. John Wall had 19 points and

Summary: San Antonio Spurs beat Los Angeles Clippers 100-73 in Game 3 . Kawhi Leonard scores 32 points as Spurs take 2-1 lead in series . Game 4 takes place on Sunday at the AT&T Center in Texas . Houston Rockets move 3-0 ahead on Dallas Mavericks with 130-128 win . Washington Wizards beat Toronto Raptors 106-99 in Game 3 .


Almost three years after nearly leaving Liverpool Jordan Henderson has committed his long-term future to the club convinced he can win silverware at Anfield. Late in the summer of 2012, just a couple of months into the reign of Brendan Rodgers, he was lined up as makeweight in a failed bid to sign Fulham's Clint Dempsey only for the midfielder to reject the move. His determination to prove himself, and justify the £16million price tag which came with him from Sunderland the previous summer, has been rewarded not only with a new five-year £100,000-a-week contract but with the prospect of him taking over the captain's armband from Steven Gerrard when he leaves for the Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season. Jordan Henderson is 'over the moon' after signing a new long-term contract with Liverpool . The club's vice-captain puts pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Liverpool until 2020 . Henderson has enjoyed a strong campaign and could be handed the armband when Steven Gerrard leaves . But it is the unfulfilled potential which persuaded the 24-year-old England international to commit what should be the best years of his career to the club. 'A few years ago I had an opportunity to leave but I always knew how big this club is and I wanted to stay here for as long as possible - and nothing has changed since then,' he told liverpoolfc.com. 'I feel as though I have got a good connection with the club now and there was no doubt where my future was going to be and it was just a matter of time for my agent and the club to sort it out. 'I have been through difficult times but I would never change that because I know there will be more difficult times ahead and I'll have to use that and I'll be able to handle it a lot better. 'Hopefully we've got many years ahead of winning trophies. 'I'm the same as every other player, I want to be playing at the highest level - in the Champions League, winning trophies and being very successful. 'I had good conversations with the manager about the future of the football club and it was very bright, I was very pleased with what I was hearing. 'I want to be a big part of that and hopefully I can. 'I feel there's a lot of potential, but we need to start turning that potential into winning things. I've got a good feeling that we can do that.' Henderson arrived from Sunderland in a £16million deal in June 2011, when Kenny Dalglish was manager . The Liverpool midfielder shoots towards goal during Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final defeat by Aston Villa . Rodgers hopes other players - youngsters Raheem Sterling (who has rejected a £100,000-a-week offer), Jordon Ibe and experienced defender Martin Skrtel are all currently negotiating new deals - will follow Henderson's lead. 'We are obviously delighted. It is great news for the club and Jordan that he will be spending best part

Summary: Jordan Henderson has signed a new five-year deal at Anfield . The England international is hoping to add to his trophy cabinet . Henderson has urged Raheem Sterling to follow lead by signing new deal .


Since Ellen Degeneres broke the internet with her celebrity selfie at last year's Oscars, taking mobile phone snaps on the red carpet has become a must-do for A list stars. But this year's Cannes Film Festival has been declared a selfie-free zone after organisers asked celebrities to stop taking the 'ridiculous and grotesque' images. While Cannes director Thierry Fremaux admitted that he did not have the powers to ban the pictures altogether, he urged movie starts to resist the temptation. Scroll down for video . Celebrities have been told to stop taking selfies at this year's Cannes Film Festival by director Thierry Fremaux (pictured, models Petra Nemcova, left, and Victoria Bonya and Hofit Golan, right, at last year's event) Mr Fremaux said that the 'ridiculous and grotesque' pictures slowed the entire event down, causing problems for organisers (pictured, Jeremie Renier takes a selfie at the photocall for Saint Laurent last year) The Cannes director blasted celebrities such as Rosario Dawson (left) and Nabilla Benattias (right) who 'stop every two metres to take a picture of themselves, with themselves' Quoted in the Guardian, he said: 'We don't want to prohibit it but it's really a matter of timing. 'We have a certain amount of time to get people across the red carpet and up the steps and it really slows things down if people stop every two metres to take a picture of themselves, with themselves. He added: 'You never look as ugly as you do in a selfie.' Celebrities who will have to watch their selfie-taking at the 68th ceremony include Cate Blanchett, who stars in a film about lesbian love, and Michael Fassbender, who features in a film based on Shakespeare's MacBeth. Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz and Benicio del Toro will also be welcomed to the French riviera when the event gets underway in a month's time. Mr Fremaux, director of Cannes, said he could not ban the pictures, but said celebrities will be discouraged from taking them . Mr Fremaux today announced 17 films that will be competing for prizes at the May 13-24 festival, chosen from more than 1,800 submissions. Fassbender will star opposite Marion Cotillard star in a film version of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' by Australian director Justin Kurzel. Meanwhile Blanchett stars in Carol, Todd Haynes’s adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith novel about a clandestine lesbian love affair in 1950s New York. Other nominations include Jia Zhangke 'Mountains May Depart,' Paolo Sorrentino's 'Youth' - a film about age starring Michael Caine - and Gus Van Sant's forest feature 'The Sea of Trees'. Returning Cannes veterans include 'Gomorrah' director Matteo Garrone, with 'The Tale of Tales,' starring John C. Reilly and Salma Hayek; South Korea's Kore-eda Hirokazu with sibling saga 'Our Little Sister'; and France's Jacques Audiard with 'Dheepan,' the story of a Tamil refugee in France. Also in the lineup are films by Italy's Nanni Moretti and Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsien. Cannes organizers have faced criticism for not selecting more films by female directors, but, or the first time in more than 25 years, this

Summary: Thierry Fremaux, director of Cannes, aims to make red carpet selfie-free . Said celebrities taking pictures of themselves slows entire event down . Mr Fremaux then added: 'You never look as ugly as you do in a selfie' Stars featuring at 68th event include Cate Blanchett and Michael Caine .


From Victoria Beckham to the Duchess of Cambridge, our favourite celebrities always dress to impress. But if you thought they rolled out of bed and picked up the first thing in their wardrobe, you're mistaken. The A-listers have tried-and-tested techniques when it comes to getting dressed and they all follow simple styling hacks to flatter their figure. FEMAIL has pulled together the simple but effective celebrity-favoured styling tips you can employ to make the most of your figure. Scroll down for video . The A-listers have tried-and-tested techniques when it comes to getting dressed and they all follow simple styling hacks to flatter their figure . COMBINE NAVY AND BLACK . The fash-pack have long championed head-to-toe black, but they're shaking it up for spring by injecting another colour into their wardrobes. Navy rocked the runways, from Calvin Klein to The Row, and the likes of Victoria Beckham and Rita Ora can't get enough of it. As our favourite stars prove, combining trusty black with elegant navy is both chic and flattering. Victoria Beckham, left, out and about in New York and, right, at a news conference at the U.N. headquarters, proves that navy and black is not only the season's hottest colour combination but also super flattering . Plus, everyone looks good in navy because it suits every type of skin tone. Because it's slightly less severe than black - yet equally sophisticated - it puts an updated spin on a classic. Global style icon, the Duchess of Cambridge, is rarely spotted in dresses that don't come in her favourite dark navy and black - both of which she has worn almost without exception for evening appearances since announcing her pregnancy in September. Already a fan of inky day wear, since giving birth to Prince George in July 2013, black and navy have become an increasingly important part of her evening wardrobe. Over the past year, Kate opted for a £2,145 bespoke Jenny Packham dress - complete with a glittering crystal fern - for a reception on her final night in New Zealand. She also won style plaudits when she teamed a black Hobbs top with a blue Jenny Packham skirt. Alicia Kite and business partner and stylist Kay Davidson mused: 'A darker colour will always make you look slimmer and the combination of navy and black together is a great way of camouflaging a few pounds without dressing head to toe in black.' The Duchess of Cambridge is rarely spotted in dresses that don't come in her favourite dark navy and black these days and she proves the power of the colour combination, left, in a navy Jenny Packham gown for St Andrew's 600th Anniversary Ball in New York and, right, Hobbs and Jenny Packham for a reception earlier this year . CONTRAST PANELLING . Make like Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne and opt for dresses with cut-out designs in sheer fabrics. The use of side panel creates an hourglass shape and gives the illusion of a thinner waist, more shapely figure, as well as hiding imperfections. 'There are plenty

Summary: Victoria Beckham has updated her black wardrobe with a hint of navy . The Duchess of Cambridge's favourite nude shoes make legs appear leaner . Sticking to one neutral colour palette like Kim Kardashian is flattering .


Paul Scholes has criticised Mario Mandzukic for over reacting after the Atletico Madrid striker appeared to be punched and bitten by Real Madrid's Daniel Carvajal. Mandzukic was the centre of attention in on-pitch scraps with Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Carvajal during the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Vicente Calderon. The Croatian striker was on the receiving end of a number of hits from Real defenders, even having his face cut following a Ramos elbow, but Scholes claimed the Atletico star was over-reacting to the challenges made on him. Mario Mandzukic complains he was elbowed after a clash with Sergio Ramos left him with a bloodied face . Daniel Carvajal appeared to move his mouth towards Mandzukic's arm in an off-the-ball scrap . The referee was not looking at the incident as Carvajal then struck out towards Mandzukic . The Atletico Madrid striker fell to ground after tussling with the Real Madrid defender . 'Mario was trying to cause a bit of trouble,' the former Manchester United midfielder told ITV. 'The amount of times he was down, he made a meal of a few things. He makes out to be a tough centre forward but he was anything but.' Ironically Mandzukic was booked for a foul on Varane when it looked like he had been elbowed again, shortly after he needed treatment to stem the blood flow from above his eye after a clash with Ramos. Carvajal, meanwhile, denied that he had bitten Mandzukic. He said: 'I've seen that after the game I have been accused of biting another player, I want to say clearly that I haven't bitten anybody, nor attempted to do so.' The Madrid derby saw Real control the first half before the scrappy second period was dominated by Mandzukic's battles off the ball. Paul Scholes criticised Mandzukic for 'making a meal' of many of his second-half clashes during Atletico Madrid's 0-0 draw with Real Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final . Mandzukic lies on the ground holding his face after appearing to be be fouled . Referee Milorad Mazic confronts Mandzukic after the striker was left bleeding following a clash with Ramos . Luka Modric acts as peacekeeper as Mandzukic and Cavajal argue at the Vicente Calderon . Atletico physios treat the striker for the cut above his eye as manager Diego Simeone (front) looks on . Scholes states that the goalless draw means Atletico have the upper hand going into the second leg at the Bernabeu, after the Champions League holders failed to convert their first half chances, with Gareth Bale arguably wasting the best opportunity after being denied in a one-on-one with Jan Oblak. 'It could be a dangerous result for Real,' Scholes added. 'If Atletico get a goal at the Bernabeu, Real need two. Real should have won in the first half. Atletico have to thank their keeper for keeping them in it. 'The second half was poor and not a lot of chances were created. Real will be disappointed because how well they played in the first half, they missed a couple

Summary: Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid played out 0-0 draw at Vicente Calderon . UEFA Champions League quarter-final dominated by second half scraps . Mario Mandzukic was in wars following battles with Real Madrid defenders . Raphael Varane, Daniel Carvajal and Sergio Ramos tussled with striker .


These heart-stopping pictures show the moment a baby hippo was thrown into the air as it was mauled to death after getting caught up in a fight between two adults. The helpless five-day-old hippopotamus was seen being hurled into the air after it strayed into the firing line of an adult male, which was tussling with its rival. The calf's mother watched in horror as the hippo was flung into the air before being dragged along the surface of the water in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, in eastern South Africa. Scroll down for video . Shocking: A five-day old baby hippopotamus is lifted up into the air as it gets caught up in a deadly fight between two adults . Deadly: The calf was dragged along the surface of water and died hours after the tussle, with its mother looking on in horror . The calf's mother watched in horror as the hippo was flung into the air before being dragged along the surface of the water in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, in eastern South Africa . The two male hippos had been fighting for some time and the mother of the calf stayed with her herd, possibly believing it safer to stay out of harm's way herself. Her decision proved fatal for the baby when one of the brawling adults grabbed the calf between its jaws. Stacey Farrell, a 30-year-old tour operator for Shoreline Hippo and Safari, looked on with horror as the calf was caught up in the deadly fray. She said: 'For hours she chased away the sub-adults and younger hippos from her little baby as I believe she knew they would be too rough. Rivals: The two male hippos had been fighting for some time and the mother of the calf thought it would be safer to remain with her herd . Stacey Farrell, a 30-year-old tour operator for Shoreline Hippo and Safari, looked on with horror as the calf was caught up in the deadly fray . The baby stood no change against the two adults as they brawled in the muddy waters of the nature reserve . 'Sadly, as she closed her eye one of the sub-adult hippos grabbed the young calf. Whether intending to kill it or a bit of play or possibly jealousy gone wrong we'll never know. 'The mother tried to get the baby back but with the young calf in the sub-adult's mouth there wasn't much she could do. 'She attacked the hippo on the neck which forced the sub-adult to bite down harder and then suddenly flicked the baby in the air.' The hippopotamus died of its injured hours later.

Summary: Five-day-old hippopotamus calf mauled to death after straying between two brawling adults in South Africa . Helpless calf was hurled into the air as its mother looked on in horror, with the young hippo dying hours later . Adult hippos had been fighting for hours before attacking the baby in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park .


Bruce Jenner could be sued by the stepchildren of the woman who died in the Pacific Coast Highway car crash earlier this year - despite the fact they had 'virtually no relationship'. Kim Howe's two adult stepchildren are said to be considering suing the former Olympic athlete turned reality television star following her death. Mrs Howe was driving a white Lexus, which Jenner's Cadillac Escalade rear-ended on a segment of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, on February 7. Scroll down for video . Wrongful death?: Celebrity website TMZ claims the stepchildren of Kim Howe (right) have hired lawyers to look into the possibility of a wrongful death suit against Bruce Jenner (left) Crash: Mrs Howe, 69, died after being involved in a four-way smash with realtiy TV star Bruce Jenner . Crash: Mr Jenner is said to have 'rear-ended' her white Lexus, which was pushed into oncoming traffic . The car was pushed into oncoming traffic, and collided with a black Hummer, leaving the vehicle a crumpled wreck. According to TMZ, the two step-children are said to have 'lawyered up', because they are the only people who could launch a wrongful death suit. Mrs Howe's husband Robert died in 2003, and it is understood she has no other close living blood relatives. Attorneys have previously warned 'the sky's the limit' if it came to a court case, with juries able to award huge amounts. However, sources close to the investigation have said Mr Jenner - who was not hurt in the incident - is only insured up to $250,000, meaning he may have to pay out from his personal finances. It is believed he shares an $125million fortune with his ex-wife, Kris Jenner. No charges?: Sources close to the investigation believe Mr Jenner won't be prosecuted for manslaughter . Court case: However, Mrs Howe's stepchildren could still sue for wrongful death . Proof: Sources told TMZ that one of the step-children had been asked to find pictures of the pair together . Police sources say he is unlikely to be prosecuted by the Sheriff because he wasn't drinking, speeding or texting at the time of the fatal crash. However, that still leaves the possibility of a wrongful death suit. Close friends of Mrs Howe have told the celebrity website she had 'virtually no relationship' with either of her late husband's children, neither of whom live in California. Sources went on to tell TMZ that one of the step-children had been asked to find pictures of the pair together, to prove their relationship - and therefore the amount its loss has cost them. Former couple: Bruce, shown in May 2011 with Kris Jenner,with whom he shares a $125million fortune . New York-born Mrs Howe, who was childless, was 'very socially active', according to one member of the exclusive community in Calabsas, where she lives alongside the likes of Jenner's Kardashian stepdaughters. Jim Pascucci, a realtor who lived in the neighborhood, and also sold the Howes their $2.5million house, told the New York Daily News she was 'sweet' and 'charitable'. According to

Summary: Kim Howe's stepchildren are said to have 'lawyered up' following her death . Mrs Howe, 69, died after being involved in a crash with the reality TV star . Thought she has no living blood relatives so stepchildren have only claim . Attorneys: 'Sky's the limit' for pay out in a successful wrongful death suit .


It's the ultimate in slow-motion footage. The BBC is to air a two-hour, real-time documentary following a canalboat as it pootles its way along a British waterway at a leisurely 4mph. For many, the languid film will be as interesting as watching paint dry, but the Corporation hopes many viewers will find it a refreshing change from the usual frenetic pace of modern TV. There is no presenter, narrator, dialogue or music, so all viewers will hear are the sounds of the boat's engine, the lapping of the water and the local birdsong as the barge makes its way along a picturesque stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal. 00.00: And they're off! 0-4mph in ten minutes . 34.07: Bridge over (not at all) troubled water . 41.50: Crazy boy racers scream past at 5mph . Aside from two aerial cutaway shots, when the boat negotiates a lock and crosses the Dundas Aqueduct, the full two hours is shot continuously from a single camera on the front of the boat. Rather incongruously, it's the same specialist high-definition equipment used to shoot the action-packed James Bond blockbuster Skyfall. In contrast, the most exiting moments of All Aboard! The Canal Trip involve the narrowboat being overtaken by a swan, or having to manoeuvre out of the way of a pleasure craft. Other exciting scenes feature a plank of wood, a dog-walker and cyclists on the towpath. The film was shot on a sunny day last month and will air on May 5 as part of the BBC Four Goes Slow series of deliberately unrushed programmes. Producer Luke Korzun Martin said: 'We want the voyage to feel like a sensory experience. We want it to be mesmeric, hypnotic and beautiful. 'The idea was to create a moving painting. It is like a Constable landscape which changes in front of your eyes. If people are going to sit and watch a two-hour single shot, it needs to be the most beautiful two-hour shot it can be.' Rob Dean, of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, said: 'I think this is the right approach. The whole point about the waterways is they slow people down.' 55.40: Mayday! Mayday! Wild swan on the attack . 1hr, 45m: Gridlock... Canal swamped by two boats . 1hr 56m: It's all water over the bridge (at last)

Summary: The BBC is set to air a two-hour, real-time documentary following a boat . For many, the languid film will be as interesting as watching paint dry . Corporation hopes it'll be a change of pace from usual frenetic pace of TV .


Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign will center on boosting economic security for the middle class and expanding opportunities for working families, while casting the former senator and secretary of state as a 'tenacious fighter' able to get results, two senior advisers said on Saturday. President Barack Obama all but endorsed her saying 'I think she would be an excellent president.' The senior advisers provided the first preview of the message Clinton planned to convey when she launches her long-anticipated campaign on Sunday with an online video. Scroll down for video . Two senior advisers said on Saturday that Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign will center on boosting economic security for the middle class and expanding opportunities for working families . Until now, the former first lady has offered only hints of what would drive her if she were to run a second time for the White House. The strategy described by Clinton's advisers has echoes of Obama's 2012 re-election campaign. He framed the choice for voters as between Democrats focused on the middle class and Republicans wanting to protect the wealthy and return to policies that led to the 2008 economic collapse. The advisers said Clinton will argue that voters have a similar choice in 2016. Clinton also intends to sell herself as being able to work with Congress, businesses and world leaders. That approach could be perceived as a critique of Obama, Clinton's rival for the nomination in 2008. He has largely been unable to fulfill his pledge to end Washington's intense partisanship and found much of his presidency stymied by gridlock with Congress. The Clinton advisers spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss her plans ahead of Sunday's announcement. People familiar with the plans say Clinton will travel to Iowa and other early-voting states to hold small events with residents in the days after the video's release. On Saturday, President Barack Obama (pictured right with Clinton in 2012) said: 'I think she would be an excellent president' In New York on Saturday, at the final event put on by 'Ready for Hillary,' a group not connected with her campaign that's worked for the past few years to stoke excitement for it, enthusiastic supporters joined elected officials and local party leaders to celebrate the launch to come. 'After she left the State Department she could have slipped into grandmother-hood, but people want to call her back into public service,' said Jarret Berg, 29, a Democratic staffer in the New York legislature. 'It's time for her.' As her official announcement loomed, the Republican National Committee linked Clinton to Obama, a regular focus of criticism from the GOP. 'All Hillary Clinton is offering is a continuation of the same big government ideas that have grown Washington instead of the middle class,' RNC spokesman Michael Short said in a statement. 'That's why voters want fresh leadership and a new direction, not four more years of Obama's failed policies.' Clinton is not expected to roll out detailed policy positions in the first weeks of her campaign. Clinton plans to sell herself as being able

Summary: Ahead of launching her anticipated campaign on Sunday, two senior advisers said strategy has echoes of Obama's 2012 re-election campaign . She is expected to reach out to donors in coming weeks, but does not plan to headline many fundraising events over the next month . Advisers said she planned to talk about ways families can increase take-home pay and making higher education more affordable . She intends to sell herself as being able to work with Congress, businesses and world leaders . President Barack Obama said on Saturday 'I think she would be an excellent president' Clinton's growing team of staffers began working Friday out of a new campaign headquarters in Brooklyn .


Mustafa Kamal resigned as ICC president on Wednesday, accusing India of influencing the outcome of the Cricket World Cup quarter-final against Bangladesh. 'Everyone saw what happened during the Bangladesh-India match ... India has influenced the outcome of the match using its position (in the ICC),' Kamal, a Bangladeshi, said at the airport on his return from the tournament in Australia. 'From now on, I am a former president of the ICC. I would have reacted similarly had it happened to any other country.' Mustafa Kamal, pictured with the Cricket World Cup trophy, has stepped down as ICC President . Kamal has stepped down amid accusations that India influenced the outcome of a World Cup match . Kamal, also president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, criticised the umpires in the quarter-final, and questioned their partiality, over a disputed no-ball against India batsman Rohit Sharma. Kamal said he spoke as a fan, and not the president, but International Cricket Council chief executive Dave Richardson termed the criticism as 'unfortunate.' Kamal also said the ICC asked him to either withdraw his statement or apologise for his outburst, otherwise he would be denied the duty of handing the World Cup trophy to the winning captain at the final. Kamal presents India's Virat Kohli with a man of the match award during the 2014 World Twenty20 . 'I told them during the meeting that I did not speak against any particular person or a country. Why should I apologise?,' Kamal said. 'I am the president of the ICC, to whom would I seek apology?' ICC chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan, of India, handed over the trophy to captain Michael Clarke after Australia defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in Sunday's final in Melbourne.

Summary: Kamal criticised umpires' decision to award controversial no-ball against Rohit Sharma in India's World Cup match with Bangladesh . The Bangladeshi president alleged India had used its influence in the ICC . Governing body asked him to withdraw his statement or apologise . But Kamal confirmed his intention to step down .


The world's highest-grossing fast food chain will be sharing a little more of its revenue with its workers, as the company revealed plans to raise wages at its restaurants across the US. McDonald's announced Wednesday that it will increase starting wages for full- and part-time employees to a dollar over the minimum wage where company-owned restaurants operate. The company said the increase will be instituted starting July 1. It expects the average wage to be more than $10 an hour by the end of 2016, up from the current rate of $9 an hour. Fattening paychecks: McDonald's announced Wednesday that it will raise starting wages at its restaurants to a dollar over minimum wage beginning July 1 . McDonald's USA owns about 10 percent of the more than 14,300 McDonald's restaurants across the country, with the rest operated as franchises that will not be subject to the pay increases. The burger brand joins other large corporations raising basic pay against a backdrop of an improving economy and public pressure to increase wages. Workers at fast food chains, including McDonald's, staged protests last year, asking companies to raise wages to $15 an hour and demanding a union. Complaints in front of the National Labor Relations Board and the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration have also alleged violations including denial of overtime pay and unsafe working conditions at the restaurant chain. Meanwhile, the economy has continued to strengthen, with the unemployment rate falling from 6.7 percent to 5.5 percent over the last year. McDonald's USA President Mike Andres told the Associated Press that only a handful of McDonald's employees joined the demonstrations and that they didn't affect the company's reputation. Demonstrations: Labor organizers with a campaign to raise fast food industry wages to $15 an hour say they are fighting to unionize low-wage workers across various sectors . 'They're not taking a toll,' Andres claimed. 'It's a very competitive environment,' Andres stated. 'A significant rationale for this plan is that we want to be the most competitive and attractive employer.' Last month, McDonald's Chief Administrative Officer Pete Bensen hinted such an announcement could be in the works. Bensen said at the time that a big part of the turnaround effort in the U.S. would be what the company is doing 'around the employment image and our employee-employer relationship.' In addition to wage increases, McDonald's says workers at company-owned stores will get paid time off. Employees who have worked for the company for at least a year and work an average of 20 hours a week will be eligible to accrue about 20 hours of paid time off a year. Workers who don't take the time off will be paid for the value of that time, McDonald's said. Kwanza Brooks, a McDonald's worker in North Carolina, called the move 'too little to make a real difference.' 'Raising wages only a little for only a small fraction isn't change. It's a pure stunt,' she said in a conference call set up by labor organizers. McDonald's US business has been struggling, with sales and customers counts

Summary: The fast food chain will pay a dollar over minimum wage at its company-owned restaurants . The pay hike will not affect franchise restaurants, which account for 90 percent of McDonald's locations . The company was targeted in protests last year, with fast food workers demonstrating for a union and a $15 an hour wage .


On paper Chelsea’s team sheet looked like an insult, one for the anti-football brigade to get their beaks into after Jose Mourinho went without an orthodox striker. When reality bites, even his biggest detractors must concede that Mourinho’s decision to leave Didier Drogba on the bench until the start of the second half was another tactical masterclass. Chelsea’s manager is staying true to the game — his game — because the end result will be a fourth Barclays Premier League title for this football club. Chelsea's Jose Mourinho gestures on the sideline after going into the game against Arsenal without a striker . Oscar was part of a front three who interchanged roles during the first half to great effect for their boss . At times you are left wondering what Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar make of it all when Mourinho starts working on team shape six days before a clash with Arsenal. This trio have an element of fantasy about their game, with those delightful touches around the corner and the clever wall passes that they can play at will. The master simply wants results. To start without a striker, to ignore the collective groans around the country by starting Willian in a deeply withdrawn role behind Hazard and Oscar, was a statement of intent. Mourinho was forced into it, of sorts, because he has been deprived of Diego Costa and Loic Remy in recent weeks, and his warrior Drogba could not train all week. Even so, you would not put it past Mourinho — who pulled a similar stunt by playing Andre Schurrle as a false nine at Manchester United last season — to have done it anyway. When it comes to work-rate, discipline and desire, no-one can accuse these players of cheating. Everyone has a job to do in this team. Chelsea mastermind Mourinho surveys the pitch before kick-off having plotted out his game plans . Eden Hazard leads a trio with Willian and Oscar that has fantasy about their play but Mourinho wants function . Strikers Loic Remy (left) and Diego Costa are both working their way back to fitness with leg injuries . To watch Hazard, the PFA player of the year, Oscar and Willian sacrifice their A-game for the greater good of the team demonstrates a unique commitment to Mourinho’s methods. They have bought in. What happened to the style, the swagger and the pomp about the team who won so handsomely at Swansea, putting five past Garry Monk’s side without reply at the Liberty Stadium on January 17? They traded it for Mourinho’s tactics, using the extra time during the week following their Champions League elimination against Paris Saint-Germain for match-specific preparation. With only one game a week since Chelsea went out on away goals on March 11, Mourinho has used the time on the training field to prepare for Premier League matches as a one-off. But Didier Drogba was available to Mourinho and he only used the Ivorian when Oscar went off injured . There is no question who had the upper hand

Summary: Chelsea played out a 0-0 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday . Jose Mourinho started with no striker despite having Didier Drogba . His tactics were not pretty but of deserving Premier League champions . Willian gave perhaps his best performance in a Chelsea shirt .


Reality star 'Mama' June Shannon and her estranged husband Mike 'Sugar Bear' Thompson have filed a missing persons report after his older brother disappeared three days ago. Billy Thompson was last seen on Saturday at Sugar Bear's home in McIntyre, Georgia, where Mama June's daughter Jessica was preparing to go to prom. Since then Billy hasn't been seen and he isn't returning any phone calls or texts. Scroll down for video . Reality star 'Mama' June Shannon and her estranged husband Mike 'Sugar Bear' Thompson have filed a missing persons report after his older brother disappeared three days ago . Billy Thompson, center, was last seen on Saturday at Sugar Bear's home in McIntyre, Georgia, where Mama June's daughter Jessica was preparing to go to prom . The family have filed a report with the local police department and are especially worried because Billy has been struggling to find work and recently suffered a difficult split from the mother of his children, reports TMZ. The family's popular reality show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, was cancelled by TLC after photos emerged of Shannon spending time with convicted child molester Mark McDaniel. June's oldest daughter, Anna 'Chickadee' Cardwell, has accused McDaniel of repeatedly abusing her when she was just a child. In the wake of the cancellation, Thompson's younger brother - Lee 'Uncle Poodle' Thompson – revealed to The National Enquirer that Shannon had indulged in a 'threesome' with Sugar Bear and older brother Billy back in 2007. 'June said all of the kids were out of the house and Billy came over to visit them,' Uncle Poodle told the Enquirer in December. 'Billy happened to see her in her undergarments. He then told June, "If you are dressed like that when I get back, I'm going to have sex with you."' Billy, pictured with June's daughter Jessica on the day of Mama June and Sugar Bear's wedding in May 2013 hasn't been seen since April 11 and isn't returning phone calls or texts . Lee 'Uncle Poodle' Thompson, above, claimed in December that Mama June had enjoyed a 'threesome' with Sugar Bear and his older brother Billy . Poodle then says that when Billy came back June was 'naked in bed and they ended up having a threesome.' When asked about the incident, Billy said he 'couldn't remember.' In the wake of the Enquirer's revelation, Poodle posted a text message exchange he had with June in which she reportedly told him; 'IM GOING TO CONFRONT EVERYONE ON EVERYTHING BCYES YOU HAVE STARTED SOME LIES.' She then reportedly wrote; 'OH AND YEAH YOUR FAKE DATE WITH NATIONAL ENQUIOR WHEN YOU TOLD HIM ABOUT ME BILLY AND SUGAR BEAR IT'S OKAY BC THAT IS MY PAST.' Mama June didn't respond officially to the claims, and Uncle Poodle refused to back down. 'I would be more than happy to take another polygraph test (based) on what June told me,' he said. 'If she denies it.'

Summary: 'Mama' June Shannon and Mike 'Sugar Bear' Thompson have filed a missing persons report after his older brother disappeared three days ago . Billy Thompson was last seen on Saturday at Sugar Bear's home in McIntyre, Georgia . The family are especially worried because Billy has been struggling to find work and recently suffered a difficult split from the mother of his children . Since April 11 he hasn't been seen and he isn't returning phone calls or texts .


Comedian Dave Hughes has refused to apologise for calling radio broadcaster Derryn Hinch a 'w**ker' on national television. Hughes and Hinch appeared on Monday night's Q&A panel discussing depression and alcohol, following the emergence of a video featuring Prime Minister Tony Abbott skolling a beer in a pub. Audience member Lauren Hayes asked Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb if he thought Mr Abbott's 'display of irresponsible drinking was an act of peer pressure or an attempt to become more popular with younger voters'. Scroll down for video . Australian comedian Dave Hughes (pictured) called radio broadcaster Derryn Hinch a 'w**ker' on national television . This sparked Hinch to question if binge drinking was as prevalent back when he was younger as it was today. But Hughes interjected and said this culture had existed and people drank to get drunk. To which the radio personality replied: 'I drank because I like the taste of wine.' Without missing a beat, the Australian comedian fired back: 'That's because you're a w**ker.' Hinch (above) and Hughes were on ABC's Q&A on Monday night discussing alcohol and depression . But Hinch would not have any of it, saying: 'It takes one to know one.' Hughes told Kiis 101.1 radio he would not recant his comment about Hinch. 'I absolutely stand by it. In that moment, and I think Derryn would agree... he was a w**ker,' the comedian said on Tuesday morning. And the veteran radio personality did not seem to mind the put down. 'I've been insulted by experts so I can handle it,' Derryn told the Melbourne radio station. 'I thought David Hughes was quite quiet last night. The episode came after a video surfaced of Tony Abbott skolling a beer in a Sydney pub on the weekend . Mr Abbott downed a schooner of beer in about six seconds while patrons cheered and encouraged him . 'Normally I look at him and he belongs to that breed of... comedians who think the louder you tell a joke the funnier it gets. I wasn't offended.' On social media, one Twitter user stood behind the radio broadcaster, saying: 'Boogly-eyed comedian Dave Hughes' high-horse 'w**ker' comment was way out of line; great response.' Another called Hughes out by using the comedian's same insult: 'Dave... is a w**ker.' But others were supportive of Hughes' view. '[Hughes] calling [Hinch] a w**ker... gold!' one supporter said. 'Hughesy is winning [Q&A] because you're a w**ker hinch,' another Twitter user said. Monday night's Q&A also saw a more serious Hughes tell the audience about his battles with alcohol and depression. 'When I was 21, I was drinking heavily and smoking marijuana and having sort of episodes at night, and I said to my mum that I think I've got schizophrenia,' the comedian said. 'We went to the doctor together - she was a beautiful mother - obviously, she helped me out. 'The doctor, we had a chat about it. I told him I smoked marijuana and he told me, made me stop doing that. And I did, stopped smoking marijuana and

Summary: Comedian Dave Hughes called Derryn Hinch a 'w**ker' on Monday's Q&A . The pair were speaking about the binge drinking culture in Australia . Radio broadcaster Hinch said he drank because he liked 'the taste of wine' This was met with Hughes replying: 'That's because you're a w**ker' Hinch retorted with: 'It takes one to know one' Hughes said he stands by his comments made on Monday night .


Hollywood producer and studio executive Harvey Weinstein will not face criminal charges despite the groping allegations made against him by a former Miss Italy finalist. Italian model Ambra Battilana, 22, told police Weinstein groped her during a 'business meeting' at his Tribeca Film Center office in Manhattan on March 27. Battilana claimed the 63-year-old father of five asked if her breasts were real before touching them and putting his hand up her skirt. Scroll down for video . The Manhattan District Attorney concluded a criminal charge against Harvey Weinstein is 'not supported' Italian model Ambra Battilana, 22, told police the Hollywood producer groped her in his office on March 27 . Battilana refused to cooperate with authorities for four days after making the allegation against Weinstein . The Manhattan District Attorney's office investigated the Italian model's claim, but has decided not to prosecute Weinstein, the New York Post reported. Battilana is a former Miss Italy finalist . District attorney spokeswoman Joan Vollero said on Friday: 'This case was taken seriously from the outset, with a thorough investigation conducted by our Sex Crimes Unit. 'After analyzing the available evidence, including multiple interviews with both parties, a criminal charge is not supported.' Weinstein, who always maintained his innocence, could have faced misdemeanor charges of forcible touching or sexual abuse if the allegations proved true. Battilana refused to cooperate with authorities for four days after lodging the complaint against Weinstein. The delay led to speculation Battilana made the groping allegation in a bid to try and land a part in one of Weinstein's films. Once that 'pipe dream' came to nothing, she decided to cooperate and pursue the criminal case, according to sources. Weinstein, who is originally from Queens, founded Miramax with his brother Bob in 1979 and is worth an estimated $200million. He is married to British-born fashion designer Georgina Chapman, 38, who founded the luxury label Marchesa. They have been together for seven years and have a young son and daughter. Weintein also has three older daughters from his first marriage to his former assistant, Eve Chilton, which ended in 2004. Weinstein, 63, is married to British-born fashion designer Georgina Chapman, 38 (right), and they have two kids . Unmarked police car were spotted outside Weinstein's Tribeca Film Center office (pictured) after the allegation . There are rumors Battilana made the groping claim in an attempt to land a part in one of Weinstein's films .

Summary: Manhattan District Attorney concluded 'criminal charge is not supported' 63-year-old was accused of grabbing model at Tribeca Film Center office . Father of five denied the claim but did face possible misdemeanor charges . Battilana, 22, didn't cooperate with police for four days after allegation . Has been claimed delay was because she wanted to try and land a film role .


English cricket’s new bosses flexed their muscles when Paul Downton paid the price for a humiliating World Cup by being sacked as managing director. Downton was fired by new ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, in conjunction with chairman-elect Colin Graves, after a ring-round to each of the 14 members of the governing body’s management board ahead of their spring meeting today. The decision to sack a man who has endured a traumatic 14 months since succeeding Hugh Morris after England’s Ashes whitewash was unanimous, with one board member saying Downton was just ‘too accident prone’. Paul Downton has left his role as managing director of England and Wales Cricket Board . Downton leaves his role as ECB managing director following England's shameful performance at World Cup . It was Downton who took the huge call to sack Kevin Pietersen and then re-appointed Peter Moores, calling him ‘the outstanding coach of his generation’. He also oversaw the sacking of Alastair Cook as one-day captain. Former England captain Michael Vaughan immediately said he would like to speak to the ECB about the newly created job of director of England cricket and Andrew Strauss is another possible candidate. Ultimately it was England’s failure to negotiate the first round of the World Cup after an embarrassing defeat by Bangladesh and crushing reverses against Australia and New Zealand, coupled with disenchantment at their management style from many supporters, that did for former England and Middlesex wicketkeeper-batsman Downton. ‘The England Cricket Department needs to deliver performance at the highest level and our structure needs to be accountable for reaching the standards we aspire to,’ said Harrison in an ECB statement. ‘The new role we are putting in place will deliver an environment where world-class performance is at the heart of everything we do.’ Michael Vaughan (left) immediately threw his hat in the ring to replace the departed Downton . Vaughan's successor as England captain, Andrew Strauss (centre), is also thought to be a contender . That new role will be director of England cricket, a subtle but crucial change of title which will take the business aspect of the role away from the new man and effectively make him a supremo and, possibly, head selector. That makes James Whitaker, now the national selector, extremely vulnerable even though England won the last three Tests they played last summer and he could leave as soon as today’s board meeting at Lord’s. Yet Harrison played down any suggestion that this makes Moores, still with much to prove in his second coming as England coach, more vulnerable and that the door could now be nudged further ajar for the return of Pietersen, who has rejoined Surrey after being apparently encouraged by Graves. ‘This doesn’t impact on Peter Moores’ position at all,’ Harrison said later on Sky. ‘This is with respect to delivering an environment for the future.’ Downton's job description has been abolished as a result following England's dismal World Cup showing . England selector James Whitaker (left) and former managing director Downton during a nets session . Moores (from left to

Summary: Paul Downton loses job as England and Wales Cricket Board's managing director of cricket after a little more than a year in the job . Chief executive of ECB, Tom Harrison, announced changes to the structure . Downton's job description has been abolished as a result . Michael Vaughan immediately said he would like to speak to the ECB about the newly created job of director of England cricket . Fellow former skipper Andrew Strauss is another possible candidate .


Whether it’s a greasy spoon in his hometown or one of the world’s most celebrated attractions for tourists, TripAdvisor’s most prolific reviewer is going to write about it. American expat Brad Reynolds has become the travel website’s top contributor, writing more than 3,300 reviews and uploading nearly 40,000 photos in just five years. The 38-year-old critiques every hotel, restaurant and landmark he visits on holiday and in his current home of Hong Kong, providing opinion and travel tips that have been read by millions of travellers around the world. Scroll down for video . Brad Reynolds, pictured at India's Taj Mahal, is TripAdvisor's most active user with 66,000 contributions in just five years . The 38-year-old, who now lives in Hong Kong, gave a five-star review of 'amazing' Pushkar, India after attending its camel fair . Originally from Edmond, Oklahoma, Brad and his wife, Jill, are avid travellers – taking about four ‘sizeable’ trips every year, in addition to weekend trips to places such as Macau. Posting under the username BradJill, Brad averages nearly two reviews a day and has made more than 66,000 contributions to the website, including 3,355 reviews, 21,000 forum posts and seven videos. He has posted reviews from 394 cities and 46 countries, with a map on his TripAdvisor profile claiming he has travelled more than 600,000 miles and visited a third of the world. A good number of his reviews have been written for attractions in Hong Kong, Macau and London, where Brad and Jill lived for a few years before moving to Asia. Russia is one of the roughly 80 countries the Oklahoma native has visited (pictured: Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia) Brad Reynolds had nothing but good things to write after visiting this Three Rondavels viewing platform in South Africa . Writing critiques has become an almost daily hobby for Brad, with each one taking anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to complete. While some people collect stamps or create scrapbooks, he gets his kicks from helping fellow travellers and preserving his travel memories. Brad, a director at an English language learning centre, told MailOnline Travel: ‘We were just like most people and we just lurked on the website for several years before signing up. ‘Travel is a very important hobby for us and we spend a lot of time researching and we take a lot of notes. When I get back and start writing reviews it becomes more of a daily habit. ‘Part of reviewing is a little bit selfish for me. I like recording my travel memories. I used to do a travel journal, but that has been replaced by reviews. ‘What I’m hoping to accomplish with the community is to try to put notes together that help people to make informed decisions on their own to determine if they want to see certain things or eat at a certain restaurant.’ So far Brad Reynolds has given just 12 one-star ('terrible') ratings, and he has handed out five-star reviews to top attractions . Brad, pictured at New Zealand's Franz Josef Glacier, writes

Summary: American expat Brad Reynolds wrote his first review in 2010 while visiting Saint Petersburg, Russia . The 38-year-old teacher critiques every hotel, restaurant and landmark he visits on holiday . Brad's 66,000 contributions to the travel website include nearly 40,000 photos of the places he has visited . The teacher has posted reviews from nearly 400 cities and almost 50 countries . Now living in Hong Kong, his travel tips have been read by millions of people around the world .


Chelsea's on loan midfielder Oriol Romeu goes up against Sportsmail's Martin Keown as the pair predict the scores for the weekend's Premier League and FA Cup matches. The standout fixture in the league on Saturday sees leaders Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge, while Aston Villa and Liverpool clash at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final. Find out how Romeu and Keown get on, plus make your own predictions. Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu, currently on loan at Stuttgart, predicts the scores for the weekend's matches . Romeu is currently on a season-long loan at Bundesliga side Stuttgart .

Summary: Oriol Romeu is on a season-long loan at Stuttgart from Chelsea . The Spanish midfielder predicts the scores in Saturday's matches . Romeu goes head-to-head with Sportsmail's Martin Keown .


Beatrice Tollman, founder of a luxury hotel chain, made her most recent donation of £20,000 to the Tories earlier this month to boost the party's General Election campaign coffers . The Conservatives yesterday returned a donation of £50,000 from a wealthy hotelier who the American authorities once wanted to extradite to face tax fraud charges. Beatrice Tollman, founder of a luxury hotel chain, made her most recent donation of £20,000 to the Tories earlier this month to boost the party's General Election campaign coffers. But last night it emerged that she has previously been charged with conspiracy to evade millions of dollars in tax before the charges were dismissed by a judge. However on the same day in 2008 her husband Stanley Tollman pleaded guilty to tax evasion. Mr Tollman repaid more than 100 million US dollars to America after the couple spent five years fighting off attempts to extradite Mrs Tollman from the UK over claims the South African couple had millions stashed in the Channel Islands. The Tollman's son, Brett, pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 2003 and was sentenced to more than two years in prison, as well as a $3.5 million penalty. The revelation by the Independent newspaper will prove embarrassing for David Cameron, who recently admitted he got angry over aggressive tax avoidance and people who did not pay what they owe. Last week his party's manifesto pledged to raise £5 billion from clamping down on tax avoidance during the next Parliament. A Conservative spokesman said: 'We were not aware of this issue but in light of these findings we will be returning donations from the Tollmans. Donations from the Tollmans were fully declared and in strict accordance with electoral law.' Since 2011, Mrs Tollman has donated more than £50,000 to the Conservatives. She and her husband were close friends of Margaret Thatcher and were guests of the Reagans at the White House. In his memoirs, her husband said he only pleaded guilty to get the US authorities to leave his family in peace. The revelation will prove embarrassing for David Cameron, who recently admitted he got angry over aggressive tax avoidance and people who did not pay what they owe . He wrote: 'It was galling to listen to these vast sums of money being referred to as though they were merely numbers and to the fact that I had agreed to hand all this money to the US Government. 'But the future peace and security of the family which this agreement would secure meant that I could see advantage in what I was about to do. But that did not make it right.' A spokesman for Mr and Mrs Tollman told the Independent: 'In so far as Mrs Tollman is concerned you will see she is of good character and was acquitted of all charges.' Responding to Mr Tollman's guilty plea, a spokesman said: 'Stanley Tollman admitted to having failed to report on his US tax return two bank accounts situated outside the US. It was that omission for which he was sentenced to one

Summary: Tories returned donation from Beatrice Tollman, founder of hotel chain . She had previously been charged with conspiracy to evade millions of dollars in tax before the charges were dismissed by a judge . But on same day husband Stanley Tollman pleaded guilty to tax evasion .


Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee recovered from a fall to claim victory in his return to World Triathlon Series action in Cape Town. The 27-year-old, who missed the first three events of the season due to an ankle injury, sprinted away to beat rival Javier Gomez with Frenchman Vincent Luis in third. Brownlee led into transition at the end of the cycling stage but dropped off the leading group after being tripped due to contact with Gomez. Alistair Brownlee won on his World Triathlon Series return in Cape Town after tripping during the run leg . Brownless was able to fight his way back into contention, however, and warned his rivals he can only improve from this point. Brownlee told BBC Sport: 'I knew I wasn't that fit, I didn't have good legs to be honest, then Javier tripped me up and I had to run back so the whole thing was tough. 'I should only get fitter from here so give me another three weeks and hopefully I will be another notch up.' Brownlee's brother Jonny missed the event to concentrate on the upcoming triathlon Test event in Rio which could count towards qualification for next year's Olympic Games. Brownlee's victory capped a good week for Great Britain after Vicky Holland triumphed in the women's race on Saturday. Great Britain's Vicky Holland collapses over the line after winning the women's race in Cape Town .

Summary: Alistair Brownlee beat Javier Gomez in a sprint finish in South Africa . He was tripped but recovered in his World Triathlon Series return . Olympic champion warned rivals he 'should only get fitter from here' Great Britain's Vicky Holland won the women's race on Saturday .


Those hoping to meet an alien creature may well do better to look beneath the waves than beyond our own atmosphere. Scientists have discovered strange new organisms that infect the primitive forms of life that live deep below the ocean floor. While examining species of bacteria that thrive on the fossil fuel deposits deep inside the Earth - known as archae - they have found a new type of virus that infects them. This graphic shows how the new archael virus changes uses 'docking tips' - purple area - to infect bacteria . They now believe it may be viruses like this that actually hold the secret that have allowed archae bacteria to adapt to some of the harshest environments on Earth. This is because the virus actively causes one of its own genes to mutate - allowing it to develop new ways of coping with the ecosystem it finds itself in. Life has been discovered nearly a mile and half underground, raising hopes bacteria might be able to survive deep beneath the surface of other planets. Researchers found the single-celled organisms living inside coal beds more than 8,000ft (2,440 metres) below the seabed off the coast of Japan. It is the deepest life has yet been found beneath the ocean. At those depths the spherical microbes have to survive huge pressures that would crush most organisms while having no access to light or oxygen often needed for life. Instead, the bacteria scavenge the chemicals they need to survive by breaking down the hydrocarbon compounds in the coal around them. The findings have raised the prospect that life may still be clinging on deep underground on planets such as Mars, where there was once thought to be flowing water on the surface. Scientists have already speculated that the discovery of archae bacteria deep inside the Earth's crust has raised prospects of finding life on other planets. Now it seems they may also find viruses like this one living there too. Dr David Valentine, a geoscientist at the University of California Santa Barbara and co-author of the research, said: 'Our study uncovers mechanisms by which viruses and archaea can adapt in this hostile environment.' Dr Valentine and his colleagues discovered the virus while exploring methane vents 2,800 feet beneath the surface of the ocean in the Santa Monica basin off the coast of California. By pushing tubes into the ocean floor they retrieved sediments and brought the contents back to the lab where they grew the bacteria. When they screened the genomes of the methane-eating bacteria they discovered the genetic fingerprint of the new virus. The researchers, whose work is published in the journal Nature Communications, screened other samples taken from around the world and found similar fingerprints in bacteria from Norway and elsewhere along the coast of California. Dr Blair Paul, lead author of the research and an earth scientist at the University of California Santa Barbara, said: 'The evidence suggests that this viral type is distributed around the globe in deep ocean methane seeps.' Scientists used submersible Alvin (left) to obtain

Summary: New archeal virus infects primitive bacteria living off methane underground . The virus has genes that speed up its own mutation rate helping it to adapt . Scientists believe it holds the key to life surviving in extreme environments . They discovered the virus in samples taken from beneath the Santa Monica Basin off the coast of California but say the viruses live around the world .


An American sailor has suffered serious injuries after plunging eight floors from a balcony of a hotel before landing into a swimming pool. Emergency services were called to the Parmelia Hotel in Perth at about 1am after a 22-year-old man jumped from the 10th floor and landed in the shallow end of the pool on the second level. Guests heard a disturbance between a man and a woman, who were visiting the city from the US naval ship USS Carl Vinson, at about 1am on Monday before the man leapt. Police say the pair were both heavily intoxicated when an argument escalated, which led the man to jump off the balcony where he landed in an estimate 1.3 metres of water. An American sailor has suffered serious injuries after plunging into a swimming pool from a hotel's balcony . Guests heard a disturbance between a man and a woman, who were visiting the city from a US naval ship . Nine News reports the man suffered 'injuries to both legs and was in a stable condition' but according to ABC, the man sustained a broken leg and internal injuries. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Royal Perth Hospital for comment. A senior police spokesman told the ABC the man's actions were dangerous and 'a sober person wouldn't do it'. The 22-year-old man believed to have jumped into the shallow end of the pool in an estimate 1.3 metre of water . The man has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital with non-life threatening injuries . Hotel guest Malcolm, who was staying in a room overlooking the outdoor pool, said he heard the man scream in pain at the time of the incident. 'I'm very surprised he attempted it,' Malcolm told ABC. 'I thought he was lucky to make the water, to be quite honest with you. He's lucky to be alive.' The man has been taken to Royal Perth Hospital with non-life threatening injuries where he is receiving further treatment. Details have been handed to the US Navy, who will continue with their investigation into this incident.

Summary: A US naval officer suffered serious injuries after plunging off a balcony . Guests at a Perth Hotel heard a disturbance between a man and a woman . Police say the duo were involved in an altercation at about 1am on Monday . It's understood the pair were both heavily intoxicated at the time . The man broke his legs and sustained internal injuries, reports say . The 22-year-old was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries . Details of the incident have been handed to the US Navy for investigation .


Have you ever wondered exactly what happens to the unused toiletries in hotel room bathrooms? Or how a hotel handles it if a guest dies during their stay? Hotel industry insider turned author Jacob Tomsky shares his tales from working in two top hotels in New Orleans and New York City and provides lots of little-known tips to ensure guests make the most of every hotel stay. MailOnline Travel chatted with Tomsky to get the answers to some of our most burning hotel questions... Scroll down for video . Hotel industry insider turned author, Jacob Tomsky, reveals the most common items people take from hotels . What are some of the most common items that people take from hotels? Without a doubt, toiletries and towels are definitely the most popular items for guests to pocket, according to Jacob Tomsky, author of Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality. But some individuals staying at the hotel take things a bit too far. 'They take everything,' he tells MailOnline Travel. 'Duvet covers, little silver trashcans, universal remotes - anything that's not nailed down.' Despite common misconceptions, it is possible to pocket a plush robe - without incurring any charges . What can you usually get away with taking? Despite common misconceptions, you actually can get away with stealing that coveted hotel room robe. 'If you were to, say, check into a room, take a fresh robe and pack it away in your suitcase, then call down and say your room didn't have a robe in it when you checked in, is the hotel staff going to search your belongings? Highly unlikely,' Tomsky reveals. And when it comes to pocketing toiletries, you can occasionally even ask for more. 'There are other items, as well - complimentary amenities that you may not be aware are available,' he explains. 'Good hotels keep extra items, such as slippers, razors and shaving cream, travel lint rollers, and mini-deodorants, in stock but not displayed in the room.' As it turns out, the minibar is the most fallible system in the hotel, full of items 'sold at an absurd mark-up' If you lie about using the minibar, will the hotel really charge you? 'The minibar is the most fallible system in the hotel,' Tomsky tells MailOnline Travel. 'Human error, over-stocking, failure to re-stock, errant charges from weighted items being shifted but not consumed, all of these lead the front desk to spend hours a day slicing off incorrect charges.' He also notes that the 'items are purchased in bulk and sold at an absurd mark-up.' 'Hotels are much more concerned with your overall experience and securing further room nights - the main revenue stream - than whether or not you ate a candy bar.' Mike Holovacs, a front office supervisor at a major hotel chain and an adjunct hospitality instructor, adds: 'If an item has not sold, it's just like any other retail setting - the item is pulled when it reaches its expiration date.' Because certain rooms have varying levels of cleaning difficulty, they are

Summary: Yes, it is possible to steal a robe from your hotel without being charged . Many properties often have extra complimentary amenities up for grabs . But beware of minibar glasses - they're often cleaned with furniture polish . Author Jacob Tomsky answers every question you have about hotel stays .


Ahead of a weekend featuring drama from the Barclays Premier League and FA Cup semi-finals, Sportsmail brings you the latest squad news, odds and stats on every fixture as it breaks. Simply click on your team in the fixture list below to find out who is ruled out and who is making a return as well as all the key statistics surrounding your club's fixture. In or out? Keep up-to-date with all the latest team news and stats ahead of the weekend . SATURDAY . PREMIER LEAGUE . Crystal Palace vs West Bromwich Albion (3pm) Everton vs Burnley (3pm) Leicester City vs Swansea City (3pm) Stoke City vs Southampton (3pm) Chelsea vs Manchester United (5.30pm) FA CUP SEMI-FINAL . Reading vs Arsenal (5.20pm) SUNDAY . PREMIER LEAGUE . Manchester City vs West Ham United (1.30pm) Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur (4pm) FA CUP SEMI-FINAL . Aston Villa vs Liverpool (3pm)

Summary: Reading face Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday in FA Cup semi-final . Aston Villa and Liverpool clash in second semi-final on Sunday . Chelsea and Manchester United clash in Premier League on Saturday night .


An 11-year-old Chinese schoolboy has become mute after he drank a glass of water which had been laced with perfume and chalk dust as part of a prank. Pupil Xiao Gao, from Fujian Province in south eastern China, has not said a word in five days after a classmate who had allegedly bullied him gave him the water, reports People's Daily Online. But medical experts are at a loss to explain his sudden inability to talk and say that the combination of water, perfume and dust - while nasty - should not have caused that type of damage. Pupil Xiao Gao, aged 11, (pictured) from Fujian in south east China, has not spoken a word in five days after a classmate he 'does not get on with' gave him the water which had been laced with perfume and chalk dust . Gao, who is in Year Two at Haidu Number 8 Middle School, is now awaiting further medical examination as well as an appointment with a psychologist. School officials told reporters that after Gao lost his voice the classmate who gave him the water 'became very afraid' and told teachers it was meant as a joke and that she did not think he would drink it. She said she only added perfume and chalk dust to the water - and not nail varnish as was rumoured. She said when Gao drank the water his classmates told him to spit it out but by then he had already swallowed it. Gao, who is a pupil at Haidu Number 8 Middle School, (pictured) is now awaiting further medical examination . Gao's form teacher was informed of his condition and immediately notified his family before taking him to hospital. The unnamed girl has now been excluded from the school. A doctor at Fujian Provincial Hospital told reporters that in all the years he has practised medicine he has never seen a case like this before. Qiu Bin Gaosu said as perfume consists mainly of alcohol, perfume fragrance and methanol, consuming a small amount would not impact the body, although a large amount would irritate the throat and stomach. He said consuming small amounts of chalk dust, which is nontoxic, should also not have this sort of effect. Xiao Gao's cousin told reporters that a number of doctors have seen Gao and they found no physical abnormalities. Gao claims the girl who gave him the water let him drink it and then said 'You will die after drinking this' Relatives told reporters that Gao's mother was ill and his father worked at a vegetable market. They said the boy was well-behaved and doubted the condition was a hoax - particularly as he had been unable to speak for five days. His form teacher, Mr Lin, said Gao was a little introverted, quiet and very honest and was often bullied by other children in his class. He said: 'Whenever a teacher saw any bullying we would chastise the offender and teach them about why their behaviour was not acceptable.' Gao's classroom - a doctor said that in

Summary: Schoolboy Xiao Gao, 11, drank water spiked with perfume and chalk dust . He has not spoken since the prank which went wrong five days ago . Doctors can't explain sudden voice loss and think it may be psychological .


A teenager has died after falling off the roof of a six-story Bronx building as he fled police officers who were responding to complaints of a group smoking marijuana and loitering. Hakeem Kuta, 17, was on life support and passed away Saturday morning after succumbing injuries from the fall that happened on Thursday night, said the New York Police Department. Police said Kuta, junior at Bronx Envision Academy, appeared to have misjudged a ledge while backing away from approaching cops. Scroll down for video . Hakeem Kuta (above) plunged six stories from the roof of the Bronx building on Thursday . Police were responding to complaints of a group of teens smoking marijuana and loitering in the lobby when Kuta and the five others ran when police officers arrived (above scenes from where he fell) The 17-year-old jumped over a three-foot high wall (pictured above) before he fell six stories from the building . Officers had chased Kuta and five other teenagers up the stairs after complaints that they were smoking marijuana in the lobby of the building located on Valentine Avenue in Mott Haven, said spokesman Stephen Davis. When the officers got to the roof, some teens jumped to another roof and ran away, however Kuta and his 14-year-old companion, who has not been named, were pinned in by a dividing wall. Police said Kuta then jumped over a three-foot high wall without realizing there was a gap between the buildings. His friend tried to help by desperately holding onto his jacket as Kuta dangled 60 feet from the ground above an alleyway, according to ABC 7. When officers got the roof, some teens jumped and ran away. However, Kuta and his 14-year-old companion were pinned in by a dividing wall . Hakeem was taken to St Barnabas Hospital (above) where he was listed in critical condition. He died around 11am on Saturday . Officer Edmundo Rivera grabbed onto the companion to keep him from falling over the edge, but the friend lost his grip on Kuta who fell from the roof, plunging six stories to the pavement. Police ran to where he fell in the courtyard and Kuta was then taken to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was listed in critical condition. He died around 11am on Saturday. His father Munir Kuta, 42, an immigrant from Ghana said his son stayed out of trouble and does not do drugs, according to the New York Daily News. 'It's not so easy,' he said. 'He was a nice kid.' Authorities said there most likely would not have been any arrests as they only wanted the teens to spot smoking marijuana, according to ABC 7. No summonses were issued, although marijuana was recovered in the lobby. Kuta's father, Munir, an immigrant from Ghana said his son stayed out of trouble. He said: 'He was a nice kid' No summonses were issued, although marijuana was recovered in the lobby (above the building on Valentine Avenue)

Summary: Hakeem Kuta, 17, died on Saturday morning after being listed in critical condition at St Barnabas Hospital . Police said he appeared to have misjudged a ledge while backing away from approaching cops and was injured after falling on Thursday night . Officers were responding to complaints of a group of teens smoking marijuana and loitering in the lobby of the building on Valentine Avenue .


Juventus are proving that experience is a vital ingredient in the quest for European glory as the Serie A giants named their second oldest side in Champions League history on Tuesday night. Massimiliano Allegri's starting line-up had an average age of 30years 64days during their slender 1-0 quarter-final first leg win over Monaco. The Italian tactician named an experienced side with Gianluigi Buffon (37), Giorgio Chiellini (30), Stefan Lichtsteiner (31), Patrice Evra (33), Andrea Pirlo (35), Carlos Tevez (31) all starting the match at the Juventus Stadium. The Juventus side which faced Monaco in the Champions League had an average age of 30 years and 64 days . Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon continues to impress in between the sticks at the age of 37 . Andrea Pirlo played 74 minutes against Monaco before being replaced by team-mate Andrea Barzagli . Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Chiellini, Bonucci, Evra, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Pereyra, Morata, Tevez . Average age: 30years 64days . Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Walter Samuel, Chivu, Zanetti, Stankovic, Sneijder, Cambiasso, Forlan, Zarate . Average age: 31y 331d . Dida, Oddo, Nesta, Maldini, Jankulovski, Pirlo, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Kaka, Seedorf, Inzaghi . Average age: 31y 34d . James, Finnan, Hreidarsson, Mokoena, Vanden Borre, Mullins, Brown, Hughes, Basinas, Piquionne, Kanu . Average age: 32y 105d . Juventus, who are hoping to win the treble, showed no signs of slowing up during the Champions League encounter as Arturo Vidal scored a 57th-minute winner from the penalty spot. The Old Lady's Italian rivals Inter Milan hold the record for fielding the Champions League's oldest starting line-up during their match against Marseille on February 22, 2012. Inter's side, which had an average age of 31y 331d, included the likes of Julio Cesar, Cristian Chivu and Esteban Cambiasso. The oldest team to win the Champions League also hailed from Italy as the AC Milan starting line-up which successfully defeated Liverpool in the Champions League final on May 23, 2007 had an average age of 31y 34d. Portsmouth hold the record for fielding the oldest starting line-up in the Barclays Premier League as the side which lost 2-0 against Tottenham on March 27, 2010 had an average age of 32y 105d. Avram Grant, who was manager of Portsmouth at the time, handed starts to experienced veterans such as David James, Hermann Hreidarsson and Nwankwo Kanu. Inter Milan fielded the oldest ever starting line-up in the Champions League back in February 2012 . The AC Milan side which started the 2007 Champions League final had an average age of 31y 34d . Portsmouth's XI which faced Spurs in March 2007 is the oldest side to have been fielded in the Premier League .

Summary: The Juventus starting line-up which faced Monaco had average age of 30years and 64days . Juventus have one step in Champions League semi-finals after 1-0 win . Inter Milan hold record for oldest side to play in Europe's elite competition . Portsmouth fielded most experienced XI to play in the Premier League .


With the helpless animals clutched tightly under his arms, this is the moment a suspected dog thief made off with two beloved family pets. Pekingese Marley and Mitzy had been left to play in the front garden by their owners Adele and Steven Worgan. But they were snatched when the couple weren’t looking – and neighbours believe they have caught the culprit on CCTV. Caught on camera: This is the suspected dog-napper seen on CCTV footage with what appears to be two animals under his arms . ‘We just want them back,’ said Mrs Worgan, 49. ‘It’s devastating. None of us have been able to sleep or eat since.’ Mr Worgan was inside the house in Doncaster at around midday when he heard a yelp from the garden. He rushed outside in time to see a man get into a van with Marley and Mitzy and drive off. Springing into action, the 56-year-old gave chase around midday on Saturday – but was unable to keep up as the van sped away. Now, the couple’s neighbours believe that they have captured the alleged thief on CCTV. Missing: Pekingese dogs Marley and Mitzy disappeared from the front garden of their home in Doncaster, South Yorkshire . The theft has been reported to the police and the pairs owners are offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to their safe return . The couple are now offering a £1,000 reward to anyone who can return their pets, who have been missing for a week, and have reported the theft to police. Marley, the younger of the pair, should be easily identifiable because he only has one eye. A police spokesman said inquiries were continuing. Any one with information about the dog snatching was asked to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 428 of 4 April 2015.

Summary: Pekingese dogs Marley and Mitzy were taken from garden in Doncaster . Suspected pet-napper caught on camera after the animals were snatched . Theft reported to the police and owners offer £1,000 reward for their return .


Facing trial: Adam Deacon (pictured outside court in January), 32, allegedly sent abusive tweets including a death threat to the Kidulthood writer . A Bafta-winning Kidulthood actor sent abusive tweets including a death threat to the film’s writer because he thought he was trying to ruin his career, a court heard today. Adam Deacon, 32, of Bethnal Green, east London, appeared in court this morning over allegations of harassment against the 2006 movie’s writer Noel Clarke on Twitter. A number of abusive tweets were sent from Deacon's account to Mr Clarke’s account from March 5 to December 19, Hammersmith Magistrates’ Court in west London was told. Tom Gill, prosecuting, said: ‘He [Deacon] referred to Mr Clarke as a bully and blamed him for trying to ruin his career. Mr Clarke said that in 2010 he viewed Mr Deacon as a friend and after this point they fell out over work.’ Referring to the Twitter posts directed at Mr Clarke’s account, he added: ‘In some cases they amounted to some death threats.’ The court heard how ‘Mr Clarke provided screenshots of the posts to the police’. Mr Gill added: ‘On December 4 he was given an official formal harassment warning by police and this was delivered in person. Despite this he continued to post messages to Mr Clarke.’ Last month the actor was sectioned under the Mental Health Act after being charged with possession of a machete in public. Police were called on January 6 to reports of a man in Bethnal Green allegedly armed with a ‘machete’ style knife and threatening members of the public. The Babylon actor missed his appearance at Thames Magistrates’ Court in east London last month and the court heard he was ‘not well enough to attend’ the hearing. 'Abusive': Deacon (left, posing with the Rising Star Award he won at the Baftas in 2012) was in court over allegations of harassment against screenwriter Noel Clarke (right) Daleks: Mr Clarke (left) in Doctor Who as Mickey, with Billie Piper as Rose and David Tennant as The Doctor . Today, wearing a blue hooded jacket, blue Nike Air trainers and blue chinos, Deacon, who also appeared in the film Ali G Indahouse, looked emotionless as he listened to the proceedings. Deacon won the Bafta Rising Star Award in 2012 for his work on his directorial debut, Anuvahood. Adam Deacon in the 2011 film Anuvahood . Deacon started acting as a child, and appeared in TV shows like Bill’s New Frock, The Bill and Ali G Indahouse. He made his breakthrough as Jay in Noel Clarke’s cult film Kidulthood, about the lives of several teenagers growing up on some of London’s most deprived estates in Ladbroke Grove and Latimer Road. Deacon appeared in Mr Clarke’s 2008 sequel Adulthood, and won the Bafta Rising Star award in 2012 for directing the urban comedy Anuvahood(above). He last appeared on TV screens in 2014 as Robbie, an unstable police firearms officer in Danny Boyle’s satirical police drama Babylon, featuring James Nesbitt. Towards the end of the hearing, Deacon asked magistrate Anne Elias if

Summary: Adam Deacon, 32, appeared in court over allegations against Noel Clarke . Court hears abusive tweets were sent from actor's account to Mr Clarke . Some of them 'amounted to death threats' made against his former friend . Deacon denies harassment without violence against Kidulthood writer .


Do you want to live like hip hop mogul Lucious Lyon from the hit show 'Empire'? If you have the bank balance of a mogul you could splash out on the house used for location shoots in the Fox show, which is filmed in the Chicago area. The enormous 20,000 square foot mansion in the ritzy suburb of Barrington is opulent and private, sitting by two lakes in eight acres of manicured gardens. Scroll Down for Video . Fit for a mogul - the enormous mansion serves as the backdrop to the hit show Empire . It took five years to build the house, which sits by two lakes in eight acres of manicured gardens . The sophisticated five bedroom, nine bathroom French Country-style estate that serves as a glamorous backdrop to the show is listed at $13 million, having failed to find a buyer at $15.9 million since it first hit the market in 2013. It took five years to build the enormous mansion, with construction finally coming to a halt in 2008. This lengthy building period was partly due to the huge amount of custom woodwork and ornamentation in the house. The show centers on Lucious Lyon, played by Terence Howard, deciding which of his three sons will take over his company, Empire Entertainment . For the show, the interiors are staged often to look more dramatic than the house does in real life . The mansion even has an owner worthy of Empire, in strip club owner Sam Cecola, according to Curbed. Cecola owns the Admiral Theater strip club in Albany Park, Illinois, and previously owned the Club Paradise strip club in Las Vegas. He had to relinquish ownership of the Las Vegas property due to legal problems involving tax fraud and alleged connections to organized crime. As in the show, the stately living room features a grand piano . The house is as opulent in real life as it is in the show and has a lot of room for entertaining . The house includes a wet bar, walnut-paneled library, huge gourmet kitchen and a built-in safe and state-of-the-art security system. Outside there is a dog run, an outdoor pool, outdoor fireplace and a pond, as well as extensive waterfront views. A full bar opens out onto a terrace and the garden on the lower level . A light bright dining room just off the grand hallway . In the show, Luscious Lyon, played by Terence Howard, has been diagnosed with ALS and is trying to determine which of his three sons will succeed him and run his entertainment business. His outspoken ex-wife, Cookie, played by Taraji P. Henson, is fresh out of prison after 17 years for drug dealing and is also demanding her share of the business. The bedrooms are simply and elegantly decorated in a tasteful color palette . In the show, Lucious' daughter Lola has a bedroom fit for a princess . The formal walnut-paneled study is deeply masculine and worthy of an industry mogul . Lucious' study on the show is darker and

Summary: The giant mansion used to film the hit show Empire is on the market for $13 million following a price drop . The 20,000 square feet French Country-style estate took five years to build . The five bedroom, nine bathroom house features waterfront views, custom woodwork and lots of space for entertaining . Fit for a mogul, the house is owned by strip club owner Sam Cecola .