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Aston Villa Part Ways with Steven Gerrard Following Disastrous Defeat to Fulham

Aston Villa Part Ways with Steven Gerrard Following Disastrous Defeat to Fulham

Manager’s departure comes after poor start to the season leaves Villa near the relegation zone.

Aston Villa have dismissed manager Steven Gerrard, just hours after a crushing 3-0 loss to Fulham. The defeat, which saw Villa finish the match with a red card, an own goal, and a conceded penalty, left the team languishing just above the relegation zone with only two wins in their first 11 games of the season.

Gerrard, who took charge of the club less than a year ago after a successful spell at Rangers, was given the sack despite his earlier promise. The club released a brief statement thanking him for his “hard work and commitment” and wishing him well in the future.

Following the loss at Craven Cottage, Gerrard remained defiant, telling reporters: “I’m a fighter, I will never quit anything. But the reality is that it’s not good enough for this club.” Within the hour, however, the club made the decision to part ways with the 41-year-old.

The search for his replacement has already begun, with former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino emerging as a leading contender. The club’s owners are reportedly keen to secure a top-tier coach, with Pochettino, a popular figure, being eyed as the ideal candidate. Another name in the frame is Thomas Tuchel, who was dismissed by Chelsea earlier in the season and is eager to return to Premier League management.

Jodie Whittaker Reflects on the Impact of Playing Doctor Who: ‘It’s More Than Just a Role’

Jodie Whittaker Reflects on the Impact of Playing Doctor Who: ‘It’s More Than Just a Role’

The actress shares the emotional challenges and rewards of being the first female Doctor, as she prepares to pass on the mantle.

Jodie Whittaker has revealed the emotional toll and profound impact of playing the iconic Doctor Who, admitting that the experience was far more “emotionally challenging” than she had initially anticipated. Whittaker, who made history as the first woman to portray the Doctor, described the role as “so much more than a role” and spoke about the heartbreak of seeing fellow castmates leave during her time on the show.

Taking over from Peter Capaldi, Whittaker portrayed the 13th Doctor from 2017 until her final episode, The Power of the Doctor, set to air on October 23. Throughout her tenure, she was joined by co-stars such as Mandip Gill, Bradley Walsh, Tosin Cole, and John Bishop. Whittaker recalled how the experience of working alongside them was incredibly fulfilling, despite the emotional challenges of the changing cast dynamics.

In an interview with The Big Issue, Whittaker shared her feelings on the role: “It’s a whole world. And it’s the most exciting world to be in,” she said. She added that she had been swept up in the euphoria of playing the Doctor, something she never expected would be so emotionally taxing. Yet, Whittaker found beauty in the role’s fluidity, noting how she could “hand it on” and become a fan of the show once more, anticipating where the story would go next.

Although her casting sparked some online controversy due to the female portrayal of a character traditionally played by men, Whittaker said she always felt supported. Reflecting on her time in the role, she expressed no regrets. “I would have loved it if my last season had been me, Mandip, and John, plus Brad and Tosin. When those guys left, I found it really heartbreaking – it was like breaking up the band. But then we got a great new band member. So it’s not a regret, just a petulant child who doesn’t like change.”

Whittaker will be succeeded by Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, who she praised as “far more qualified than me” to take on the legendary role.

To read the full interview with Jodie Whittaker, pick up this week’s The Big Issue magazine.

Schroders Faces £21 Billion Loss Amid Market Turmoil and Government Instability

Schroders Faces £21 Billion Loss Amid Market Turmoil and Government Instability

The pension fund crisis triggered by recent economic policies contributes to significant financial setbacks for major City institutions

Schroders, a historic name in the City of London, has seen its assets fall by a staggering £21 billion over just three months, highlighting the financial havoc caused by political instability and the crisis in UK pension funds. The company’s assets dropped from £773 billion to £752 billion between July and September, with the pension fund crisis, triggered by the controversial mini-budget, playing a major role in the losses.

The pension fund chaos was sparked when the government’s fiscal decisions led to a panic sell-off of British bonds. This prompted a dramatic plunge in the gilt market, which, in turn, forced the Bank of England to intervene to prevent further collapse. Schroders, known for its reputation as a stable and well-managed institution since its founding in 1804, was not immune to this financial storm. The company’s reliance on liability-driven investment (LDI) strategies, used by pension funds to balance assets and liabilities, left it vulnerable when the market crashed.

Despite the severe setback, Schroders chose not to provide further comment beyond its stock market announcement, and CEO Peter Harrison declined to speak to the media. Over the past year, the company’s shares have halved in value, now standing at 375p.

Schroders’ plight mirrors the broader struggles within the City, as other firms also face significant financial challenges. Jupiter Fund Management, for example, reported £600 million in client withdrawals last quarter. While this could be viewed as a positive sign of recovery within the business, Jupiter’s assets have also fallen by £11 billion this year, now standing at £49 billion. New CEO Matthew Beesley acknowledged the broader global economic pressures, but pointed to the UK government’s fiscal policies as a particular source of difficulty.

The ongoing turmoil, exacerbated by geopolitical instability and rising inflation, has seen Jupiter’s shares drop by 63% this year. The situation in the City remains tense, with institutions like Schroders and Jupiter feeling the full brunt of the economic turbulence.

Why Harry Styles Shouldn’t Have Been Nominated for the Mercury Prize

Why Harry Styles Shouldn’t Have Been Nominated for the Mercury Prize

Despite his popularity, Styles’ latest album lacks originality when compared to other 2022 contenders

The 2022 Mercury Prize saw a stellar array of nominees, from Little Simz’s audacious Sometimes I Might Be Introvert to Sam Fender’s socially conscious Seventeen Going Under, and Gwenno’s evocative Tresor. Yet, one name on the shortlist raised eyebrows: Harry Styles.

While Styles’ desire for artistic acclaim following his boyband days is understandable, his efforts in this direction fall short. His solo career has been marked by an almost overwhelming reliance on the sounds and styles of his musical idols, rather than developing a unique voice of his own. From his debut album, where he made overt references to Elton John, The Beatles, and Prince, Styles has often seemed more like a musical magpie, collecting influences rather than creating something truly original.

This tendency persists on Harry’s House, where the title itself references Joni Mitchell’s 1975 song “Harry’s House / Centrepiece”, but Styles’ interpretation feels hollow in comparison. The record, with its careful blend of Seventies and Eighties sounds, lacks the emotional depth and spontaneity found in Mitchell’s work. The polished brass of “Music for a Sushi Restaurant” and the easygoing vibe of “Daydreaming” feel calculated and uninspired. There’s a sense of detachment, in stark contrast to the raw energy of contemporaries like Little Simz or Yard Act, whose music feels more urgent and alive.

One could argue that all music is influenced by what came before it, but Styles’ approach seems to lack the inventiveness that would elevate these influences into something fresh. Where Ed Sheeran is often criticised for leaning heavily on his musical inspirations, Styles somehow escapes similar scrutiny, despite his tracks feeling like weak imitations of superior artists. He doesn’t seem to offer much beyond what we’ve already heard from the likes of Bowie or Prince, leaving him with no discernible sound of his own.

Moreover, Styles’ lyrical content often falls flat. His songs, such as “Cinema”, offer little substance, with shallow lines that fail to captivate. His attempt to express deep emotions or offer profound commentary is hindered by a lack of clarity or depth, a problem that extends beyond his music into his public persona. In interviews, Styles often appears unfocused, such as his cringeworthy comments during the Don’t Worry Darling press tour, which raised doubts about his engagement with the art he creates.

Ultimately, while Styles has undeniable star power and a loyal fanbase, his inclusion on the Mercury Prize shortlist feels more like a result of his fame than his musical innovation. His brand of slick, stylistic pop offers little in the way of originality when compared to the bold, genre-defying work of his fellow nominees. For all its charm, Harry’s House is a record with style, but precious little substance.

Ser Criston Cole: The Only Character to Appear in Every Episode of House of the Dragon

Ser Criston Cole: The Only Character to Appear in Every Episode of House of the Dragon

Despite being a divisive figure, Cole’s presence spans all ten episodes of the season

In a season full of character shifts and time jumps, House of the Dragon has seen numerous characters come and go. While some major figures were noticeably absent in certain episodes, one character has remained consistently present throughout all ten episodes: Ser Criston Cole, portrayed by Fabien Frankel.

Many fans might have expected figures like Rhaenyra or Daemon Targaryen to be the only ones to appear in every episode, but they were missing in the ninth episode, which focused on the coronation of King Aegon II. Instead, it was Cole who appeared in all episodes, standing out as the only character to do so.

Frankel’s portrayal of Cole has been a subject of mixed reactions. While the actor is praised for his performance, his character’s descent into villainy has earned him a less favourable reception from fans. In episode nine, fans were particularly vocal, calling for Cole’s demise after his morally questionable actions, only to see him face no immediate consequences.

There has also been a recurring joke among viewers regarding Cole’s apparent lack of ageing throughout the series. Despite several significant time jumps, Frankel’s character appears unchanged, even as other characters have been recast to reflect their growing years.

The season finale of House of the Dragon will air in the UK on Sky Atlantic on Monday, 24 October, at 2am, with a repeat showing later at 9pm.

Johnny Depp’s ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’ Costumes See Massive Surge in Popularity Following Amber Heard Trial

Johnny Depp’s ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’ Costumes See Massive Surge in Popularity Following Amber Heard Trial

Sales of Pirates of the Caribbean-themed outfits soar after defamation verdict

Following his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, there has been a significant increase in demand for Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow Halloween costumes. Depp, known for portraying the eccentric pirate in five Pirates of the Caribbean films, has seen a 90 per cent rise in sales of costumes resembling his iconic character, according to reports from TMZ.

The surge in costume sales comes after a highly publicised legal battle, where Depp was awarded $10 million (£8 million) in compensatory damages and $5 million (£4 million) in punitive damages. The case centred around a 2018 op-ed written by Heard in The Washington Post, in which she implied Depp had abused her. The jury ruled that Heard defamed Depp, although she was granted $2 million (£1.6 million) from a countersuit, after the jury determined one of Depp’s lawyers had defamed her by labelling her abuse allegations a “hoax.”

In the wake of the trial’s verdict, Depp has re-entered the public eye, and his role as Captain Jack Sparrow has gained even more prominence. Halloweencostumes.com, one of the world’s largest costume retailers, reported that sales of two Jack Sparrow-themed outfits have skyrocketed, with one costume priced between $85 and $95 (£75 to £84) and the other ranging from $245 to $299 (£216 to £264). Stocks of these costumes have already been nearly depleted, with more than 85 per cent of the stock gone.

Notably, Depp’s character has outperformed costumes from other popular films released this year, including Top Gun: Maverick, Hocus Pocus 2, and Lightyear.

Meanwhile, Amber Heard has signalled her intention to appeal the defamation verdict, submitting a four-page court document last week. Her legal team argues that the jury’s decision was “inherently and irreconcilably inconsistent.”

Donald Trump Likely to Face Subpoena Over Capitol Hill Attack Testimony

Donald Trump Likely to Face Subpoena Over Capitol Hill Attack Testimony

House Committee to Force Ex-President to Testify as Investigation Into January 6th Riot Intensifies

Former US President Donald Trump may soon be subpoenaed by the House of Representatives to testify under oath about the January 6, 2021, Capitol Hill riot. Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat on the House committee leading the investigation, confirmed that the subpoena could be issued within days. This move follows a unanimous 9-0 vote by the committee to compel Trump to provide both documents and testimony in relation to his alleged role in instigating the violence during the Capitol attack, which aimed to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

The decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation, which had previously been uncertain about whether to subpoena Trump or former Vice President Mike Pence. Neither Trump nor Pence have directly engaged with the committee thus far.

Trump has consistently dismissed the investigation, both publicly and in legal forums, referring to the committee as “a laughing stock” on his Truth Social platform. Despite his likely refusal to cooperate, invoking his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination, the committee could still force him to testify in a closed-door deposition. This could be a drawn-out process, especially given the committee’s expected conclusion by the end of the year, with Republicans aiming to dissolve it after gaining control of the House in the midterm elections.

Trump’s potential defiance of the subpoena would add to his growing list of legal troubles, including ongoing civil and criminal investigations in New York related to his business dealings, and federal probes concerning the handling of classified documents and the 2020 election. A failure to comply with a congressional subpoena can result in imprisonment for up to 12 months, under a law dating back to 1857.

West Ham Secure Knockout Stage Spot After Nervy 2-1 Win Over Anderlecht

West Ham Secure Knockout Stage Spot After Nervy 2-1 Win Over Anderlecht

Jarrod Bowen equals club record as Hammers edge closer to Europa Conference League progression

West Ham earned a crucial 2-1 victory over Anderlecht, securing their place in the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League. Despite being without striker Michail Antonio and choosing to rest Gianluca Scamacca, manager David Moyes saw his team control the match, utilising a flexible attack that caused problems for the Belgian side’s defence.

Deploying Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen as split strikers, the pair helped create significant space for playmaker Lucas Paquetá. West Ham’s dominance in the first half was reflected in their early goal when Benrahma curled in a stunning free-kick from distance to give them the lead just after 15 minutes. Bowen doubled their advantage shortly after, scoring his sixth European goal with a powerful finish from inside the box, following a slick drag-back pass from Emerson Palmieri.

In the second half, injury concerns overshadowed the action as Angelo Ogbonna limped off, replaced by Craig Dawson, who too was forced off with an injury after colliding with teammate Flynn Downes. Despite these setbacks, West Ham remained largely in control, although the final moments became tense when Ben Johnson fouled Sebastiano Esposito in the box, allowing the Anderlecht forward to score from the penalty spot.

Though six minutes of added time created a tense finish, West Ham held on for a well-deserved win. The victory not only moved them closer to the knockout rounds but also gave them vital momentum ahead of their Premier League clash against Southampton. With one more win against Silkeborg, they can avoid extra matches in the Conference League after the World Cup break.

This Morning Triumphs at National Television Awards Amid Controversy Over Lying-in-State Scandal

This Morning Triumphs at National Television Awards Amid Controversy Over Lying-in-State Scandal

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield receive daytime award despite recent criticism; star-studded ceremony at London’s OVO Wembley Arena.

The National Television Awards saw This Morning win the Daytime award, a victory that was celebrated by hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. The awards ceremony, which took place at London’s OVO Wembley Arena, was hosted by Joel Dommett. Despite recent backlash regarding claims that Schofield and Willoughby skipped the queue to pay respects to the late Queen Elizabeth during her lying-in-state, the duo remained gracious in their acceptance speech.

Schofield expressed heartfelt thanks to the viewers, stating, “This means so much to us every year, especially this year.” He went on to praise his co-host, “I have the best friend, and we have the best team.” Willoughby also shared her gratitude, saying, “This award means everything because it’s voted by you, and This Morning has a very special relationship with our viewers. You truly make our show.”

The ITV morning programme triumphed over competitors such as Loose Women, The Chase, and The Repair Shop to win the prestigious prize.

Alison Hammond, a fellow This Morning presenter, expressed her surprise at not winning the TV Presenter award, which went to Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly for the 21st consecutive year. Hammond joked, “I ain’t going to lie, but we all know I should have won one of these as well.”

In other categories, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! won the Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award, while Kate Garraway secured the Authored Documentary prize for the second year in a row for her moving documentary about her husband’s battle with the long-term effects of Covid-19.

The evening also saw a special recognition award presented to Sir Lenny Henry for his groundbreaking contributions to UK television, and Peaky Blinders won the Returning Drama award, with creator Steven Knight confirming a spin-off movie in the works.

The event was filled with star power, with musical performances by Sam Ryder and Lewis Capaldi, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth.

Susannah Constantine Shares Humorous Tale of Princess Margaret’s Unlikely Rescue

Susannah Constantine Shares Humorous Tale of Princess Margaret’s Unlikely Rescue

Fashion Writer Recounts How Princess Margaret Helped in Two Unexpected Bathroom Incidents

Susannah Constantine has shared an amusing and unexpected memory of Princess Margaret coming to her aid on two separate occasions involving bathroom mishaps. The fashion writer and TV personality, who once dated Princess Margaret’s son, David Armstrong-Jones, recounted these moments during an appearance on the How to be 60 with Kaye Adams podcast.

In the conversation, Constantine, 60, revealed that the royal had stepped in to help her when she found herself in particularly embarrassing situations. One of the incidents occurred during a birthday party, where Constantine fainted and found herself in a rather unfortunate predicament. “It’s gross, but it just shows her resourcefulness,” Constantine said. “I fainted and had an accident.”

The fashion writer explained how supermodel Jerry Hall discovered her and, with Princess Margaret’s help, the two women cleaned her up. “Princess Margaret arrived, and together they helped me, gave me a quick clean-up, and then sent me back into the party,” Constantine recalled.

The second instance involved a more humorous and equally awkward scenario. Constantine was attending an event at the Greenwich Naval College when she was delayed in the bathroom. Margaret, apparently concerned about her long absence, came searching for her. “I was taking too long, and she thought I was being incredibly rude,” Constantine laughed. “She came to find me, and I heard her voice, ‘Susannah!’ I replied, ‘Yes, ma’am,’ and then she barged in.”

In the lavatory, Constantine was sitting with her trousers down, unable to flush the toilet. She recalled telling Princess Margaret, “Ma’am, it won’t go down.” In response, Margaret, ever resourceful, suggested she fetch a knife. Constantine quickly returned with an ivory-handled cake slicer, which Margaret used to break up the blockage and finally flush the toilet.

Constantine revealed that she still keeps the cake slicer as a memento of the unexpected moment. “She chopped the blockage up, flushed it, and handed the knife back to me. I still have it to this day,” Constantine shared.

The conversation also touched on the bond Constantine shared with Margaret, even after her relationship with Viscount Linley came to an end. Constantine fondly recalled how, years later, when she became engaged to her current husband, Princess Margaret reached out with a heartfelt invitation to celebrate. “It was incredible – she was so generous and loyal. Not many would do that, especially after not having seen you for years,” Constantine said.

The Independent has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment on the story.