UK - The Independent

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1. Balvinder Sopal has an unwanted record - but Strictly’s dance-off queen has so much to be proud of

   The ‘EastEnders’ star came back fighting once again in Musicals Week, writes Rachel McGrath

2. England World Cup match times ‘welcome boost’ for pubs and bars

   There had been some concerns among fans that late fixtures could curtail celebrations.

3. Mohamed Salah: I’ve been ‘thrown under the bus’ by Liverpool

   The Egypt striker has spent the last three matches on the substitutes’ bench.

4. Angry Mohamed Salah launches stunning tirade against Arne Slot and Liverpool hierarchy

   Salah accused the club of trying to ‘blame’ him for Liverpool’s struggles this season and hinted his time at Anfield was over

5. Arne Slot’s Liverpool misery deepens as Ao Tanaka delivers again for spirited Leeds

   Leeds United 3-3 Liverpool:Ao Tanaka’s 96th-minute equaliser denied the Premier League champions at the death at Hugo Ekitike had earlier opened a two-goal lead

6. Mass shooting in unlicensed bar leaves 12 dead including three kids

   The motive for the killings was not clear, according to authorities

7. Bethlehem lights up Christmas tree for first time since 2022

   The Palestinian city is revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus

8. I’m a Celeb 2025 live: Two contestants eliminated ahead of Celebrity Cyclone

   The campmates are now braced for further evictions ahead of Sunday’s finale

9. Johnny Fisher survives early knockdown to win rollercoaster comeback fight against Ivan Balaz

   The ‘Romford Bull’ was floored in round one but secured a stoppage in the fourth frame to avoid a seismic upset

10. Strictly contestant consoled by judge after emotionally charged dance