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The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We took on four of the toughest eating challenges across the country – but could we finish them?
THEY have long been associated with gut-busting Americans who think nothing of cramming calorie-packed meals into their supersized stomachs. But competitive eating contests are now going mainstream in the UK, with enterprising starved restaurants serving them up to attract punters. Advertisement 5 Competitive eating started with Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in the States in 1972 Credit: The Mega Agency As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, dozens of outlets are now offering a variety of food challenges, from finishing the biggest steak to gobbling up a mountain of burgers. The trend, which started with Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in the States in 1972, is now popular with social media influencers. But how would the average Brit fare taking on the gargantuan meals? Four of our brave writers braced their stomachs to find out. Advertisement Read More on UK News NEWCASTLE 32-inch pizza to be finished in one sitting (They're open for 13 hours) - Difficulty 4/5 What is it? Massive pizza with 20,000 calories. Only two people have ever polished off one of these 32in pizzas – Pizzaholic restaurant owner Ilhan Ozcan and competitive eater Kyle Gibson. 5 Alex Storey and the pizza that beat him Credit: North News and Pictures It's big enough to feed someone for ten days. Advertisement Staring at the humongous pizza, which I must eat all in one go, I realise that a single slice is bigger than my head. Most read in Fabulous I am shocked by the sheer weight of cheese and crust. After 25 minutes, I have consumed 60 per cent of the pizza, but I am shaking with nausea and I am defeated, which means I have to pay my full bill, £93.99. Boss Ilhan said: 'It's popular. The rapper 50 Cent was here and we delivered one to Bryan Adams after his show in Newcastle. We used to challenge people to do it in 20 minutes but it was too difficult.' Advertisement ALEX STOREY PLYMOUTH The Big 60: 60oz steak to be finished in 60mins - Difficulty: 2/5 What is it? Barbican Steakhouse's 5,000-calorie steak is £64.95. 5 Ben Endley with his massive 60oz steak Credit: Wayne Perry Advertisement Around 200 people have tried the Big 60 Challenge in the past decade but just a handful polished it off in under 60 minutes. As the medium rare slab was placed in front of me, I felt confident. But 45 minutes later, I threw in the towel with eight ounces left. Co-owner Tahir Bhatti said: 'Our best time was under 20 minutes. He was an average-looking guy, but the mad thing is his wife told us he'd had a bucket of KFC on the way.' Advertisement BEN ENDLEY LEEDS The Paralyser: Monster English breakfast in 12mins - Difficulty: 3/5 What is it? Breakfast including four slices of bacon, four sausages, four hash browns and equivalent of a loaf of bread, plus trimmings. A 2,000-calorie feast. 5 Samantha Yule with her monster English breakfast Credit: NB PRESS LTD Advertisement Competitors have less than 12 minutes to finish the £18 meal and get their money back at the Greasy Pig. The current best time is 3.27 minutes. I managed four slices of bacon, three hash browns, two half slices of bread, half a sausage, a scoop of beans and a couple of mushrooms. Boss Mitz Bala said: 'It causes a stir on social media, it attracts influencers with huge followings.' Advertisement SAMANTHA YULE LONDON Eating 13 burgers in 10mins - Difficulty: 5/5 What is it? Ten minutes to eat 13 burgers. I'm a glutton, so was looking forward to taking on Red Dog Saloon's burger-eating challenge. 5 Graeme Culliford with his 13 burgers Credit: Oliver Dixon Advertisement But then I found out I would need to eat 13 6oz whoppers in ten minutes to claim £5,000, and my stomach began to shrivel. Professional scoffer Leah Shutkever ate 12 and it's her record you have to beat. My mood darkened as I was served a mountain of meat, cheese, onion and suffocating brioche bun. Halfway through the fourth, I surrendered. I ate three and a half. Advertisement Tourists began to film me on their phones through the window of the Soho branch. GRAEME CULLIFORD
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
We took on four of the toughest eating challenges across the country – but could we finish them?
The trend started with Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in the States in 1972 BRIT V FOOD We took on four of the toughest eating challenges across the country – but could we finish them? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THEY have long been associated with gut-busting Americans who think nothing of cramming calorie-packed meals into their supersized stomachs. But competitive eating contests are now going mainstream in the UK, with enterprising starved restaurants serving them up to attract punters. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Competitive eating started with Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in the States in 1972 Credit: The Mega Agency As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, dozens of outlets are now offering a variety of food challenges, from finishing the biggest steak to gobbling up a mountain of burgers. The trend, which started with Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in the States in 1972, is now popular with social media influencers. But how would the average Brit fare taking on the gargantuan meals? Four of our brave writers braced their stomachs to find out. NEWCASTLE 32-inch pizza to be finished in one sitting (They're open for 13 hours) - Difficulty 4/5 What is it? Massive pizza with 20,000 calories. Only two people have ever polished off one of these 32in pizzas – Pizzaholic restaurant owner Ilhan Ozcan and competitive eater Kyle Gibson. 5 Alex Storey and the pizza that beat him Credit: North News and Pictures It's big enough to feed someone for ten days. Staring at the humongous pizza, which I must eat all in one go, I realise that a single slice is bigger than my head. I am shocked by the sheer weight of cheese and crust. After 25 minutes, I have consumed 60 per cent of the pizza, but I am shaking with nausea and I am defeated, which means I have to pay my full bill, £93.99. Boss Ilhan said: 'It's popular. The rapper 50 Cent was here and we delivered one to Bryan Adams after his show in Newcastle. We used to challenge people to do it in 20 minutes but it was too difficult.' ALEX STOREY PLYMOUTH The Big 60: 60oz steak to be finished in 60mins - Difficulty: 2/5 What is it? 60oz steak equivalent to seven-and-a-half average servings. Barbican Steakhouse's 5,000-calorie steak is £64.95. 5 Ben Endley with his massive 60oz steak Credit: Wayne Perry Around 200 people have tried the Big 60 Challenge in the past decade but just a handful polished it off in under 60 minutes. As the medium rare slab was placed in front of me, I felt confident. But 45 minutes later, I threw in the towel with eight ounces left. Co-owner Tahir Bhatti said: 'Our best time was under 20 minutes. He was an average-looking guy, but the mad thing is his wife told us he'd had a bucket of KFC on the way.' BEN ENDLEY LEEDS The Paralyser: Monster English breakfast in 12mins - Difficulty: 3/5 What is it? Breakfast including four slices of bacon, four sausages, four hash browns and equivalent of a loaf of bread, plus trimmings. A 2,000-calorie feast. 5 Samantha Yule with her monster English breakfast Credit: NB PRESS LTD Competitors have less than 12 minutes to finish the £18 meal and get their money back at the Greasy Pig. The current best time is 3.27 minutes. I managed four slices of bacon, three hash browns, two half slices of bread, half a sausage, a scoop of beans and a couple of mushrooms. Boss Mitz Bala said: 'It causes a stir on social media, it attracts influencers with huge followings.' SAMANTHA YULE LONDON Eating 13 burgers in 10mins - Difficulty: 5/5 What is it? Ten minutes to eat 13 burgers. I'm a glutton, so was looking forward to taking on Red Dog Saloon's burger-eating challenge. 5 Graeme Culliford with his 13 burgers Credit: Oliver Dixon But then I found out I would need to eat 13 6oz whoppers in ten minutes to claim £5,000, and my stomach began to shrivel. Professional scoffer Leah Shutkever ate 12 and it's her record you have to beat. My mood darkened as I was served a mountain of meat, cheese, onion and suffocating brioche bun. Halfway through the fourth, I surrendered. I ate three and a half. Tourists began to film me on their phones through the window of the Soho branch. GRAEME CULLIFORD
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Nicola Peltz shares major career update amid feud with husband Brooklyn Beckham's family
NICOLA Peltz has shared a major career update, amid her ongoing feud with husband Brooklyn Beckham's family. 5 Nicola Peltz has teased some exciting new career news Credit: Getty 5 Brooklyn and Nicola are currently embroiled in a feud with his famous family Credit: The Mega Agency 5 Brooklyn has reportedly fallen out with his family But in happier news , the billionaire heiress revealed she is heading back to work for a new movie, where she is also the executive producer. Nicola is also acting in new thriller Pretty Ugly, where she will appear alongside Mary Stuart Masterson, 59. The film , set in North Carolina, centres on a mother and daughter, played by Nicola's co-stars. The synopsis reveals how their relationship "unravels" with the return of a "provocative makeup influencer," played by Nicola, amid a murder in the area. READ MORE ON NICOLA Sharing the news, actress Mary wrote on Instagram: "I'm slow to post these things, but I am so proud to be a part of this film. "I had a (rather intense) ball down in Wilmington, NC with the most amazing crew and cast under the truly inspiring direction of Erica Dunton." Continuing, she said: "I will have more to say and share about this magical experience later on… you are not going to believe what my movie daughter [Jazzy] and her new friend [Nicola] get up to…" Revealing her excitement, Nicola replied: "Mary you're so incredible I'm so excited for this." Most read in Celebrity As the actress enjoys her happy news, Brooklyn Beckham's family rift deepens as he turns back on UK by splashing out £11m on LA mansion with wife Nicola Peltz The feud reportedly boiled over after Sources close to The Sun said: 'They had no idea until they saw it online.' The situation quickly escalated into a full-blown social media saga. The Beckham Family Feud April 2022: Brooklyn marries Nicola Peltz. Wedding Dress Controversy: Rumours begin circulating that there's tension between Nicola and Victoria Beckham after Nicola chooses not to wear a Victoria Beckham-designed wedding gown. Nicola later clarifies in August 2022 (and again in March 2023) that Victoria's atelier couldn't make the dress in time, but reports in May 2025 suggest Victoria actually changed her mind about making the dress. Post-Wedding (2022 onwards): Minimal interaction between Nicola and Victoria on social media, and noticeable absence of Nicola at key Beckham family events. Alleged Wedding "Hijack": In May 2025, a source claimed Victoria "ruined" part of the wedding by allegedly hijacking a dance with Marc Anthony, which was meant for Brooklyn and Nicola. Nicola reportedly ran from the room crying. March 2025: A resurfaced TikTok of Romeo and Cruz mimicking a "baby voice" (which fans associate with Nicola) sparks speculation of sibling shade. April 2025: Brooklyn and Nicola are reportedly absent from Victoria Beckham's 51st birthday celebrations in Miami and her Paris Fashion Week show. May 2025: David Beckham's 50th Birthday Snub: Brooklyn and Nicola are notably absent from David Beckham's 50th birthday celebrations in London, despite being invited. Reports suggest their absence was due to Brooklyn not wanting to be in the same room as Kim Turnbull, the girlfriend of Romeo who had previously been reported to have been dating Brooklyn, who David allegedly opted to have at the party over Nicola. Rumours emerge of a falling out between Brooklyn and his younger brother Romeo, reportedly due to Romeo's new girlfriend, DJ Kim Turnbull, who allegedly had a past connection with Brooklyn. Reports surface that the Beckham parents are "hurt and disappointed" that Brooklyn is "playing no part in family life." Sources claim that tensions between Brooklyn and Nicola and his parents are "definitely not beyond repair." June 2025: Brooklyn and Nicola reportedly enlist a "crisis team" similar to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for "reputation management" due to the growing media scrutiny. Cruz Beckham posts cryptic lyrics on Instagram that some interpret as a swipe at Brooklyn. July 2025: Reports indicate David and Victoria are "desperate" to reconcile with Brooklyn. Brooklyn publicly wishes his sister Harper a happy 14th birthday on Instagram, tagging Nicola, which is seen as a potential "olive branch" and a rare public message to his family amid the rumored rift. Brooklyn UNFOLLOWS his brothers Romeo and Cruz just 24 hours after his birthday message to Harper. Nicola quickly follows suit and also ditches the Beckham bros from her Instagram following. Romeo and Cruz are now also no longer following Brooklyn. Romeo even posting a cryptic message about "walking away" which many interpreted as a dig at his older brother. Initial reports claimed Brooklyn and Nicola had unfollowed his siblings first, but insiders told The Sun that wasn't the case. A friend said: 'Brooklyn had no idea about any of this until he read about it online. 'It's possible Romeo and Cruz blocked them, which would make it appear as no longer following the brothers 'They certainly didn't unfollow them or block them - they're as confused as anyone else. 'The first they heard about it was when it was being reported on.' 5 Nicola stars alongside Mary Stuart Masterson in Pretty Ugly Credit: AP:Associated Press 5 The divisions came after Nicola and Brooklyn were a no-show at David's birthday celebrations in May Credit: 3
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Nicola Peltz shares major career update amid feud with husband Brooklyn Beckham's family
It comes after Romeo Beckham appeared to 'walk away' from brother Brooklyn Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NICOLA Peltz has shared a major career update, amid her ongoing feud with husband Brooklyn Beckham's family. Nicola, 30, and Brooklyn, 26, have reportedly been keeping their distance from his family, after they failed to attend dad David's birthday party. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Nicola Peltz has teased some exciting new career news Credit: Getty 5 Brooklyn and Nicola are currently embroiled in a feud with his famous family Credit: The Mega Agency 5 Brooklyn has reportedly fallen out with his family But in happier news, the billionaire heiress revealed she is heading back to work for a new movie, where she is also the executive producer. Nicola is also acting in new thriller Pretty Ugly, where she will appear alongside Mary Stuart Masterson, 59. The film, set in North Carolina, centres on a mother and daughter, played by Nicola's co-stars. The synopsis reveals how their relationship "unravels" with the return of a "provocative makeup influencer," played by Nicola, amid a murder in the area. READ MORE ON NICOLA NIC'S MAN Nicola Peltz gushes over her 'everything' Brooklyn Beckham amid family feud Sharing the news, actress Mary wrote on Instagram: "I'm slow to post these things, but I am so proud to be a part of this film. "I had a (rather intense) ball down in Wilmington, NC with the most amazing crew and cast under the truly inspiring direction of Erica Dunton." Continuing, she said: "I will have more to say and share about this magical experience later on… you are not going to believe what my movie daughter [Jazzy] and her new friend [Nicola] get up to…" Revealing her excitement, Nicola replied: "Mary you're so incredible I'm so excited for this." Nicola's last movie was Lola (2024), which she also wrote and directed. As the actress enjoys her happy news, tensions within the Beckham clan have been simmering. Brooklyn Beckham's family rift deepens as he turns back on UK by splashing out £11m on LA mansion with wife Nicola Peltz Brooklyn recently broke his silence amid ongoing family drama, wishing sister Harper a happy birthday just days after being caught in a so-called 'WW3' rift involving his brothers Romeo and Cruz. The feud reportedly boiled over after Romeo blocked both Brooklyn and Nicola on Instagram, blindsiding the couple during their holiday. Sources close to The Sun said: 'They had no idea until they saw it online.' The situation quickly escalated into a full-blown social media saga. The Beckham Family Feud April 2022: Brooklyn marries Nicola Peltz. Brooklyn marries Nicola Peltz. Wedding Dress Controversy: Rumours begin circulating that there's tension between Nicola and Victoria Beckham after Nicola chooses not to wear a Victoria Beckham-designed wedding gown. Nicola later clarifies in August 2022 (and again in March 2023) that Victoria's atelier couldn't make the dress in time, but reports in May 2025 suggest Victoria actually changed her mind about making the dress. Rumours begin circulating that there's tension between Nicola and Victoria Beckham after Nicola chooses not to wear a Victoria Beckham-designed wedding gown. Nicola later clarifies in August 2022 (and again in March 2023) that Victoria's atelier couldn't make the dress in time, but reports in May 2025 suggest Victoria actually changed her mind about making the dress. Post-Wedding (2022 onwards): Minimal interaction between Nicola and Victoria on social media, and noticeable absence of Nicola at key Beckham family events. Minimal interaction between Nicola and Victoria on social media, and noticeable absence of Nicola at key Beckham family events. Alleged Wedding "Hijack": In May 2025, a source claimed Victoria "ruined" part of the wedding by allegedly hijacking a dance with Marc Anthony, which was meant for Brooklyn and Nicola. Nicola reportedly ran from the room crying. In May 2025, a source claimed Victoria "ruined" part of the wedding by allegedly hijacking a dance with Marc Anthony, which was meant for Brooklyn and Nicola. Nicola reportedly ran from the room crying. March 2025: A resurfaced TikTok of Romeo and Cruz mimicking a "baby voice" (which fans associate with Nicola) sparks speculation of sibling shade. A resurfaced TikTok of Romeo and Cruz mimicking a "baby voice" (which fans associate with Nicola) sparks speculation of sibling shade. April 2025: Brooklyn and Nicola are reportedly absent from Victoria Beckham's 51st birthday celebrations in Miami and her Paris Fashion Week show. Brooklyn and Nicola are reportedly absent from Victoria Beckham's 51st birthday celebrations in Miami and her Paris Fashion Week show. May 2025: David Beckham's 50th Birthday Snub: Brooklyn and Nicola are notably absent from David Beckham's 50th birthday celebrations in London, despite being invited. Reports suggest their absence was due to Brooklyn not wanting to be in the same room as Kim Turnbull, the girlfriend of Romeo who had previously been reported to have been dating Brooklyn, who David allegedly opted to have at the party over Nicola. Brooklyn and Nicola are notably absent from David Beckham's 50th birthday celebrations in London, despite being invited. Reports suggest their absence was due to Brooklyn not wanting to be in the same room as Kim Turnbull, the girlfriend of Romeo who had previously been reported to have been dating Brooklyn, who David allegedly opted to have at the party over Nicola. Rumours emerge of a falling out between Brooklyn and his younger brother Romeo, reportedly due to Romeo's new girlfriend, DJ Kim Turnbull, who allegedly had a past connection with Brooklyn. Reports surface that the Beckham parents are "hurt and disappointed" that Brooklyn is "playing no part in family life." Sources claim that tensions between Brooklyn and Nicola and his parents are "definitely not beyond repair." June 2025: Brooklyn and Nicola reportedly enlist a "crisis team" similar to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for "reputation management" due to the growing media scrutiny. Brooklyn and Nicola reportedly enlist a "crisis team" similar to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for "reputation management" due to the growing media scrutiny. Cruz Beckham posts cryptic lyrics on Instagram that some interpret as a swipe at Brooklyn. July 2025: Reports indicate David and Victoria are "desperate" to reconcile with Brooklyn. Brooklyn publicly wishes his sister Harper a happy 14th birthday on Instagram, tagging Nicola, which is seen as a potential "olive branch" and a rare public message to his family amid the rumored rift. Reports indicate David and Victoria are "desperate" to reconcile with Brooklyn. Brooklyn publicly wishes his sister Harper a happy 14th birthday on Instagram, tagging Nicola, which is seen as a potential "olive branch" and a rare public message to his family amid the rumored rift. Brooklyn UNFOLLOWS his brothers Romeo and Cruz just 24 hours after his birthday message to Harper. Nicola quickly follows suit and also ditches the Beckham bros from her Instagram following. Romeo and Cruz are now also no longer following Brooklyn. Romeo even posting a cryptic message about "walking away" which many interpreted as a dig at his older brother. Initial reports claimed Brooklyn and Nicola had unfollowed his siblings first, but insiders told The Sun that wasn't the case. A friend said: 'Brooklyn had no idea about any of this until he read about it online. 'It's possible Romeo and Cruz blocked them, which would make it appear as no longer following the brothers 'They certainly didn't unfollow them or block them - they're as confused as anyone else. 'The first they heard about it was when it was being reported on.' 5 Nicola stars alongside Mary Stuart Masterson in Pretty Ugly Credit: AP:Associated Press
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Pop legend Connie Francis shared heartbreaking last post with special message for fans just days before her death at 87
SINGER Connie Francis has died at 87, just days after sharing a sweet message for her fans on Facebook. The pop legend, known for hits Pretty Little Baby and Stupid Cupid, posted a now-heartbreaking health update on July 4. Advertisement 6 Connie Francis who died on Wednesday at age 87 Credit: The Mega Agency 6 Francis shared a message to fans on Facebook with a patriotic picture on July 4 Credit: Facebook/Connie Francis 6 Cibbue Frabcus attending the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival's screening of Where The Boys Are in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 7, 2018 Credit: The Mega Agency Francis Fans of the 1950s star were worried in the weeks before her death after Francis wrote on Facebook that she was hospitalized in Florida due to "extreme pain" on July 2. Two days later, she reassured her social media followers with a special message. "Today I am feeling much better after a good night, and wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a happy Fourth of July," Francis Advertisement READ MORE CELEBRITY NEWS "Thank you all for your continued kind thoughts and prayers. A happy Independence Day to you and your loved ones." The post included a picture of Francis previously performing on a stage as well as her with an American flag saying, "God Bless America." In March, Francis had told her fans she was in a wheelchair and in physical therapy due to a "troublesome, painful hip." Ron Roberts, Francis's close friend and the president of her music label, Concetta Records, shared the sad news of her death in a Facebook post early on Thursday. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity "It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night," Roberts "I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news. " Singer Connie Francis dies at 87 – months after her 1960s track Pretty Little Baby went viral on TikTok Roberts said Francis died peacefully, according to "We were expecting it, unfortunately," the former journalist told the outlet. Advertisement "They couldn't locate where the pain was exactly," he said, adding that she had trouble with her hip for "some time" before her death. Roberts said Francis remained positive in the days before her death, and even confided in him that she felt "absolutely terrible" around the time she shared the optimistic post on July 4. Connie Francis hits Pop singer Connie Francis topped the charts in the 1950s and 1960s. Below are some of her most popular songs: Who's Sorry Now? Pretty Little Baby Stupid Cupid I'm Sorry I Made You Cry Mama My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own Everybody's Somebody's Fool Don't Break the Heart That Loves You He said Francis was "unconscious" for at least two days before she died. "She slipped away peacefully," Roberts said. Advertisement He added that Francis would be "smiling" to know that she left behind such a large fan base. 6 Francis at the 39th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on January 30, 1982 Credit: The Mega Agency 6 Connie Francis at the East Coast Music Hall of Fame Awards ceremony at the Wildwood Convention Center in Wildwood, New Jersey, on June 5, 2019 Credit: The Mega Agency PRETTY LITTLE BABY'S RESURGENCE The pop legend topped the charts during the '50s and '60s with her sweet vocals and catchy songs. Advertisement In the last year, her 1962 B-side Pretty Little Baby has become hugely popular on TikTok and turned into a viral hit. "That is the incredible story, I think: That she left this world as big a star [as she ever was]," Roberts told People about the song's resurgence. Francis reacted to the song's traction in a Facebook post in May. "My thanks to TikTok and its members for the wonderful, and oh so unexpected, reception given to my 1961 recording 'Pretty Little Baby,'" she Advertisement "The first I learned of it was when Ron called to advise me that I had 'a viral hit.' "Clearly out of touch with present-day music statistics terminology, my initial response was to ask: 'What's that?' Thank you everyone!" 6 Francis on December 31, 1985 Credit: The Mega Agency
