Latest news with #CharlieBrooks
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Queen Camilla refuses to let the rainy weather dampen her spirits as she visits 'the most beautiful racecourse'
The Queen has braved the rainy weather to visit what she called 'the most beautiful racecourse' and open a new stand that has been named in her honour today. Despite the downpour, Camilla, who took shelter under a sheer umbrella, was on jolly form and smiled broadly as she chatted to locals after touring privately-owned Hexham Racecourse - Northumberland's only track. The Queen was shown around the venue, 600ft above the town, which boasts views across the county and an undulating jump track which sits in a natural amphitheatre. Camilla, under a photograph of the late Queen's horse No Trumps, which won a race at the course in 2019, said she hoped to come back with a runner one day. She wore a pale-blue Bruce Oldfield outfit and a horseshoe brooch marked Minoru, which was a horse owned by Edward VII. After officially opening the Queen Camilla Stand, she said: 'How thrilled I am to be here in Hexham. 'I haven't been here, I am ashamed to say, before but it really is the most beautiful racecourse. It has the most wonderful views. 'Unfortunately, I didn't bring the weather with me, I can imagine what it is like on a sunny day because it looks pretty good on a day like this. Next time, I hope to come back with a runner. Hopefully it emulates No Trumps.' The Queen spoke to racing industry figures including trainer Charlie Brooks, who said afterwards: 'She is very engaged in racing issues and, without putting words in her mouth, is understanding of the challenges – she knows her stuff.' Robert Whitelock, racecourse manager, showed the Queen around the site and said afterwards: 'It is wonderful that she came up here and I think she is delighted about the stand being named in her honour.' Racing has been held in Hexham since 1670 and National Hunt Racing started at the current site in 1890. The Queen, like her late mother-in-law before her, is a long-standing supporter of horse racing and has loved horses since she was a girl. She once told ITV Racing: 'I could probably ride before I could walk.' A follower of jump racing from her teenage years, Camilla recognised the odds were against being a winning racehorse owner. Camilla (pictured greeting members of the public following her visit), under a photograph of the late Queen's horse No Trumps, which won a race at the course in 2019, said she hoped to come back with a runner one day After officially opening the Queen Camilla Stand, the royal (pictured left) said: 'How thrilled I am to be here in Hexham. 'I haven't been here, I am ashamed to say, before but it really is the most beautiful racecourse. It has the most wonderful views' Speaking to the channel in 2021, she said: 'I think people go into racing who don't know a lot about it and think 'Oh, we will buy a horse and it will win a race', but it's terribly difficult to win any race anywhere. 'The odds are actually stacked against winning, aren't they?' Meanwhile, King Charles braved the rain in east London as he visited a creative cultural festival on Thursday, where he met Hollywood actor Ben McKenzie. The royal, 76, travelled to Old Spitalfields Market, for the city's first ever SXSW festival where businesses and individuals involved in music, technology, screen and culture come together. Charles attempted to keep himself dry in the typical British wet weather by holding up a large brolly as he strolled through the streets of Shoreditch. As he arrived, the monarch beamed as he met with Karen Gibson of The Kingdom Choir - the same group who sang at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's wedding in 2018. The event originated in Texas but has evolved into a broader festival encompassing some of the key figures in the creative arts and technology industries. The King looked typically stylish and dapper as he stepped out in a navy pinstripe suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a blue tie. The Queen (pictured left), like her late mother-in-law before her, is a long-standing supporter of horse racing and has loved horses since she was a girl Charles greeted and shook hands with American actor Ben McKenzie, who handed the king his book, Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud. The OC star - who was sporting a beige suit with a light blue shirt - and Charles beamed as they chatted to each other inside the venue. Charles appeared to be in high spirits as he made his way around the SXSW festival, which thousands of people have visited over the past week.
The Independent
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Queen ‘thrilled' to open horse racing stand named in her honour
Queen Camilla has officially opened a stand named in her honour, the Queen at the Hexham Racecourse in Northumberland. Along with opening the Queen Camilla stand, the Queen toured the privately-owned venue, which she called "the most beautiful racecourse". The course is located 600ft above the town and offers views across the county from its jump track, which sits in a natural amphitheatre. Camilla also expressed her hope to return to the racecourse with a runner one day. She made the comments under a photograph of the late Queen's horse, No Trumps, which won a race at the course in 2019. She wore a pale-blue Bruce Oldfield outfit and a horseshoe broach marked Minoru, which was a horse owned by Edward VII. The Queen used a clear umbrella at times as showers passed over. After officially opening the stand, she said: 'How thrilled I am to be here in Hexham. 'I haven't been here, I am ashamed to say, before but it really is the most beautiful racecourse. 'It has the most wonderful views. 'Unfortunately, I didn't bring the weather with me, I can imagine what it is like on a sunny day because it looks pretty good on a day like this. 'Next time, I hope to come back with a runner. Hopefully it emulates No Trumps.' The Queen spoke to racing industry figures including trainer Charlie Brooks, who said afterwards: 'She is very engaged in racing issues and, without putting words in her mouth, is understanding of the challenges – she knows her stuff.' Robert Whitelock, racecourse manager, showed the Queen around the site and said afterwards: 'It is wonderful that she came up here and I think she is delighted about the stand being named in her honour.' Racing has been held in Hexham since 1670 and National Hunt Racing started at the current site in 1890. The Queen, like her late mother-in-law before her, is a long-standing supporter of horse racing and has loved horses since she was a girl. She once told ITV Racing: 'I could probably ride before I could walk.' A follower of jump racing from her teenage years, Camilla recognised the odds were against being a winning racehorse owner. Speaking to the channel in 2021, she said: 'I think people go into racing who don't know a lot about it and think 'Oh, we will buy a horse and it will win a race', but it's terribly difficult to win any race anywhere. 'The odds are actually stacked against winning, aren't they?'
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders legend lapping up 'unemployment' after dramatic soap exit
Charlie Brooks has been making the most of unemployment, with the former EastEnders star and I'm A Celebrity winner using her newfound spare time to read and go to gigs with her pals EastEnders star Charlie Brooks has been making the most of her "unemployment", having spent Friday night at a gig in London. The former Janine Butcher actress saw Martha Wainwright on the UK leg of her tour, when she played at Union Chapel in Islington. Charlie, 44, left the soap in 2012 but went on to set up her own acting training business, iampro, which offers mentoring and industry classes for creatives. She also took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 and was crowned queen of the jungle after winning I'm A Celebrity in 2012. But aside from some smaller roles, she's remained off the screen for some time, but she is lapping up her so-called "unemployment". Writing on Instagram, she said: "Joys of unemployment. Getting to watch Martha Wainwright at Union Chapel with my gorgeous friend @shazzleydazzley for belated birthday celebrations. "Having time to read her book. Martha was everything and more. Thank you x." The star shared a series of photos and a video from the gig, as well as a snap of singer-songwriter Wainwright's book, Stories I Might Regret Telling You. Charlie first appeared in Albert Square way back in 1999, and remained rher euntil 2004, before going on to have roles in Robin Hood and Beverley Allitt: Angel of Death, in which she portrayed a killer nurse. She returned to the Square in 2008 until 2012. The mum-of-one returned to the soap in 2022, before competing in Dancing on Ice, alongside Olympic skater Eric Radford. Back in January, she addressed whether a return to Walford was on the cards. "I'm going straight back into Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for a while, and then I probably need a little bit of time off," she said. "And then we're in talks about another theatre project at the moment, so I don't know yet. "I'm biding my time. So who knows." Charlie starred as the Childcatcher in the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, taking to the stage alongside Coyote Ugly's Adam Garcia last year. Charlie shares her daughter, Kiki Truman Brooks, 20, with her ex partner, Ibiza club owner Tony Truman, who she split up with in 2006. But despite their relationship breakdown, the pair are still on good terms - so much so, that he lives in the flat above Charlie's home in Surrey. She also dated architect Ben Hollington for around five years, but they split in 2017. Tony had got so attached to her new fella that he sobbed when they called it a day. More recently, she's been linked with advertising producer James Fuller. Speaking on Yahoo UK' s White Wine Question Time podcast, she said: "My ex partner Ben, who I was with for five or six years, who's an amazing human being, you know, we woke up on Christmas Day together, all of us. Tony would come down, we'd all get into bed and open the presents together with Kiki, cos she adores Ben, and I think it can be problematic. "I think he probably has more issues with that sort of thing than I do. I've been single for four years, so that's the longest I've ever been single. Then I was with Ben before that for five or six years, who was just really accepting. Tony absolutely adored him, we all went on holiday together. Tony cried when me and Ben broke up. He actually cried."
Telegraph
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Cheltenham Festival day 4: Tips, odds, races and weather for Friday
After three spellbinding days at the Cheltenham Festival we arrive at the biggest of all. God Cup day is the very peak of jump racing and this year we have suitable storyline to match the occasion within reach. Galopin Des Champs could join the sport's true immortals just past 4.00 this afternoon if he wins a third a straight Cheltenham Gold Cup. Click here for our full Gold Cup runners and riders guide. Looking for the latest Cheltenham betting offers? Our comprehensive list contains all leading bookmakers. Cheltenham Festival day 4 tips 1.20: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) Marcus Armytage: East India Dock. Has the form in bag having been a wide margin winner at the track already Charlie Brooks: Lulamba. Mixed week for Henderson, but yard in form and this horse has the right profile. Marlborough: East India Dock, A repeat performance of his win in January would be enough here and had a nice break since. 2.00: BetMGM County Hurdle (Grade 3) Marcus Armytage: Absurde. Won it last year, first since since Melbourne Cup not a worry Charlie Brooks: Pinot Gris. Very lightly raced, but has age on his side and may be unexposed Marlborough: Kargese. Handicap mark looks to have been saved for this and trainer won with a similar type Wednesday. 2.40: Paddy Power Mares' Chase (Grade 2) Marcus Armytage: Allegorie De Vassy. Very little between her and Dinoblue but a better price. Charlie Brooks: Dinoblue. Has by far the best form of these. Hard to oppose. Marlborough: Brides Hill. Very good last season and wouldn't be a surprise to see her bounce back to form here after a quiet preparation. 3.20: Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) Marcus Armytage: Jet Blue. Impressive winner at the track earlier in the year. Charlie Brooks: Jet Blue. Impressed on his only previous start at Cheltenham in December. Marlborough: Derryhassen Paddy. Did very well to win at Windsor and today's stiffer test is sure to suit this unexposed stayer. 4.00: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) Marcus Armytage: Galopin Des Champ. Loves the track and no horse arrives at the meeting with better form. Charlie Brooks: Galopin Des Champs. Only has to reproduce what he has done in the past to win. Marlborough: Galopin Des Champs. Seemingly scared off majority of opposition and very hard to oppose in his hat-trick bid. 4.40: St James's Place Hunter Chase (Listed) Marcus Armytage: Music Drive. Hacked up in a Brocklesby point-to-point last time. Charlie Brooks: Ryehill. Hard to fault his most recent performance at Naas in February. Marlborough: Music Drive. Two impressive British Point wins in recent months and he is a leading candidate here. 5.20: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle Marcus Armytage: Kopeck De Mee. Useful French purchase having first start for Mullins. Charlie Brooks: Wodhooh. His defeat of Joyeuse at Cheltenham in December was eye catching, and the form maybe of more substance than others. Marlborough: Doyen Quest. Prospect of better ground, first time cheekpieces and a strong pace to aim at make his forecasted odds look appealing. Cheltenham Festival day 4 ground and weather Little threat of rain overnight should see the ground remain good to soft on Gold Cup day despite overnight temperatures plummeting to near freezing. The weather is set to be grey but dry throughout, with highs of 8C. Betting on Cheltenham? There's a lot of competition between bookmakers for customers during the festival and they will often run their best promotions of the year, especially earlier in the week. Take a look at these Cheltenham betting offers to find free bets to use throughout the week. How to watch Cheltenham Festival day 4 ITV will show the first six races of the day on ITV1 on free-to-air television and via its streaming platform ITVX. For full coverage of all seven races, you need a Racing TV subscription.
Ya Biladi
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Is Manchester United's new stadium design inspired by Morocco's Hassan II Stadium?
Is Manchester United's new £2 billion stadium design a copy of Morocco's 115,000-capacity Hassan II Stadium, currently under construction in preparation for the 2030 World Cup? On Tuesday, the English football club unveiled plans to build a new 100,000-seat stadium in a promotional video shared on X. The «new theater for dreams to come alive», as Manchester United has phrased it, is designed to resemble an «umbrella» with three giant towers inspired by the Red Devils' trident, according to the Daily Mail. This is your future. Your home. Your United. #MUFC — Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 11, 2025 The facility, expected to be built in five years, will feature a three-story museum and canal-side restaurants as part of a fan village aimed at «preserving the essence of Old Trafford… while transforming the fan experience just footsteps from our existing home». However, the design of Manchester United's new stadium has sparked speculation online. Many fans have pointed out the resemblance between the design of United's facility and Morocco's Hassan II Stadium, currently under construction near Casablanca. «What Morocco did yesterday, Manchester does today», joked a comment on the video shared by Manchester United, which starts with the phrase, «What Manchester does today, the world does tomorrow». This speculation intensified after Manchester United's former Director of Communications, Charlie Brooks, posted a timely message on X sharing that work is still ongoing for the Stade Hassan Stadium in Morocco. In his post, he hinted that the stadium has «red seats» and is «covered by a giant tented structure», intriguingly similar to the design shared by Manchester United. Brooks, who previously worked for Manchester United, now represents Populous — the architecture company co-designing Morocco's state-of-the-art stadium in Casablanca. It's worth noting that back in 2022, Populous was tasked with drawing up a master plan for Manchester United's new stadium before Norman Foster, an English architect and designer, took over the project. For the record, architecture studio Oualalou + Choi, based in Morocco, and Populous, a global firm specializing in sports facilities, won the bid to design the 115,000-seat Grand Stade de Casablanca in Morocco in 2024. Oualalou + Choi and Populous were selected by Morocco's National Agency for Public Facilities (ANEP) following an international design competition that saw bids from prestigious firms like Herzog & De Meuron, Zaha Hadid Architects, and Foster + Partners. Their design draws inspiration from the traditional Moroccan gathering known as a «moussem» (festival), which is reflected in the stadium's structure, featuring a dramatic, tented roof.
