By Jessica Janes for Mailonline

Published: 5:08 PM EDT, March 22, 2024 | Updated: 5:37 PM EDT, March 22, 2024

The private hospital where Kate Middleton had surgery last night refused to disclose whether staff who allegedly tried to hack the royal’s medical records were still working there.

Bosses at The London Clinic launched an urgent probe after it was claimed at least one staff member had attempted to access the Princess of Wales’ personal details after her planned abdominal surgery in January.

Mystery shrouded the scandal last night, with the prestigious clinic refusing to answer when it was first made aware of the alleged violation or if the staff responsible had been suspended as it investigates. 

MailOnline has contacted the London Clinic for further comment. Data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Officer (ICO), confirmed it had ‘received a breach report’ and was in the process of ‘assessing the information provided’. 

Meanwhile, insiders at the hospital, based in Marylebone, central London, said staff had been ‘left utterly shocked and distraught’ that a ‘trusted colleague’ could have carried out such a ‘breach of trust and ethics’.

The Princess is said to be aware of the allegations, while a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: ‘This is a matter for the London Clinic.’ 

The alleged breach of privacy comes as crazed conspiracy theories emerged after the Princess recovered in private following her procedure on January 16. 

Disgraceful trolls on social media used Kate’s decision to recover away from the public limelight as an opportunity to spread baseless and hurtful claims.

‘Katespiracies’ included claims she was recovering from a ‘Brazilian bum lift’ or in a coma, a theory sparked by a Spanish journalist. Other more sinister theories included that she was dead, had been replaced by a body double or that the Wales’ marriage was in trouble. 

The London Clinic could not confirm the exact date the alleged breach is said to have taken place but the revelation came a day after footage emerged of Kate out and about in Windsor over the weekend. 

Revealing the scandal, one insider at the hospital told the Mirror: ‘This is a major security breach and incredibly damaging for the hospital, given its unblemished reputation for treating members of the Royal Family.

‘Senior hospital bosses contacted Kensington Palace immediately after the incident was brought to their attention and assured the palace there would be a full investigation. 

‘The whole medical staff have been left utterly shocked and distraught over the allegations and were very hurt that a trusted colleague could have allegedly been responsible for such a breach of trust and ethics.’

It is a criminal offence for staff in any NHS or private healthcare setting to access the medical records of a patient without the consent of the medical provider’s data controller. 

The Met Police told MailOnline it was unable to comment without knowing if the clinic had reported the incident to the force.

While the clinic refused to answer questions, it said it firmly believes ‘that all our patients, no matter their status, deserve total privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical information’. 

Details of Kate’s condition have not been revealed but Kensington Palace previously said it was not cancer-related and that the Princess wished her personal medical information to remain private.

Upon announcing that Kate was undergoing surgery Kensington Palace said the Princess would be out of action until after Easter.

Despite laying out a clear timeline, her temporary step back from work led to a tsunami of speculation being made about the her condition on social media.

The absurd claims only intensified when the Princess took the blame for the family photograph released by Kensington Palace on Mother’s Day, which was ‘killed’ by six of the world’s top picture agencies over concerns that it had been ‘manipulated’.

The furor on social media led the Princess to make a personal apology on X, writing ‘Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.’ 

Last week, friends of William and Kate said they ‘want to be clear and more open’ about her health woes – but will only share with the public ‘when they feel ready’. 

‘She and William are at their most open when out interacting with the public. I can see a world in which the Princess might discuss her recovery out on engagements,’ a source told the Sunday Times. 

‘If she was going to do it, that’s how she would do it. They appreciate the public’s love and affection for their children and know there is a public appetite to see them on their birthdays.’

Kensington Palace has maintained that Kate is ‘doing well’ and will only provide significant updates. 

The Princess is now expected to return to public duty after April 17, when her children start back at Lambrook School, near Ascot, following the Easter Holidays.

However, there has been some speculation that the Princess could now make an earlier return and may even be seen walking into the annual Easter Matins service at St George’s Chapel on the Windsor estate. 

According to the Telegraph, the Princess has not ruled out joining her family on Easter Sunday for the traditional walk about, which would be photographed. 

A palace source told the paper there had been ‘no confirmation either way’ adding that anything else was speculation.

The hospital’s investigation comes just days after videos and pictures emerged on Monday of Kate and Prince William attending a farm shop in Windsor.

It showed a smiling Kate carrying a shopping bag as she walked swiftly from the shop, a mile away from their Adelaide Cottage. 

While the film provided relief to millions in the UK – suggesting that the Princess’ recovery is on track – crazed trolls took to social media claiming the video was not Kate but a body double. 

The hospital’s security breach revealed yesterday is not the first time the Princess has faced public exposure of otherwise private medical records.

In December, it was uncovered that a gang of hackers had tried to break into the computer system of King Edward’s VII Hospital’s, where Kate had previously been treated.

Just days before Christmas, the group threatened to release ‘data from the Royal Family’ unless they were paid £300,000 in the cyber currency Bitcoin. 

The ransom demand was made on the dark web, where the hackers posted images of what they claim are stolen files including X-rays, letters from consultants, registration forms, handwritten clinical notes, and pathology forms.

The gang said: ‘Unique files are presented to your attention! Data from the Royal Family! A large amount of patient and employee data. Sale in one lot!!’ 

In 2012, two Australian radio DJs pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles in a prank-call to staff at King Edward VII’s hospital, where Kate was being treated for acute morning sickness.

Not seeing through their impressions, night nurse Jacintha Saldanha patched them through to a nurse helping to treat the duchess.

The stunt, which drew out information about Kate’s medical condition, was broadcast in full. But it turned to tragedy when mother-of-two Mrs Saldanha was found hanged three days later.

The incident – and its tragic consequences – were known to have greatly affected the royal couple. In a letter written to Mrs Saldanha’s family, William said they were ‘so sorry that someone who cared for others so much found themselves in such a desperate situation.’

The London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales was treated earlier this year first opened its doors in 1932. 

King Charles, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, was also underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate at the hospital earlier this year. He was pictured smiling and waving as he left the building on January 29 alongside Queen Camilla.  

The hospital’s illustrious list of previous patients includes Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor and future US President John F Kennedy.

The clinic has a leading cancer centre which hosts patients for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments.

Since the 1980s, a number of facilities at the site have been officially launched by members of the royal family.

The King, as the then-Prince of Wales, opened the physiotherapy department in 1989, while Princess Margaret launched the MRI unit in 1991 and the late Queen unveiled a new cancer unit in 2010. 

Prince Philip was admitted to the clinic for what was described as ‘abdominal investigations’ in 2013, whilst Princess Margaret was treated there in 1980 to have a benign skin lesion removed.

In 1947, Kennedy, who was then a US Congressman, was diagnosed with Addison’s disease at the clinic.

Taylor underwent a knee operation there in January 1963 after falling on a film set.

Other former patients include former Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee, who was admitted in 1939 – when he was Leader of the Opposition – for surgery on his prostate. 

Another former PM, Conservative Anthony Eden, had his gall bladder removed at The London Clinic in 1953, when he was Foreign Secretary.

Current Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who was PM from 2010 until 2016, was born there in 1966. 

PREMIER LEAGUE bosses are making plans for an unprecedented end to the season amid a tense battle for the title.

But there’s one potential headache…

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What will they do with the winners’ trophy when it comes down to the final day and there are three teams still in the race to finish on top?

Since 1992, two teams have battled it out for top spot on the final day nine times, with Liverpool and Manchester City doing so two years ago.

But if the table looks the same on Sunday, May 19 as it does today, City, Arsenal or Liverpool could all be crowned champions.

All three teams are at home: Arsenal play Everton, Liverpool play Wolves and City play West Ham.

There are two identical, solid silver trophies originally cast by Asprey London, the Crown Jewellers.

Trophy No. 1 will remain with the holders until they return it three weeks before the end of the campaign.

There is also a second trophy that the Premier League takes around the world for various sponsorship events.

Clearly the two trophies cannot be in three different places, but SunSport understands there is a solution.

Premier League Productions is a company that provides studio shows and commentators for viewers of the English game around the world.

It is based at Stockley Park in Uxbridge, which is also home to the VAR control room.

A Premier League trophy is on display at PLP and while it is not identical or solid silver, it is a convincing stainless steel version.

So this is likely the trophy that would be in the home of the third-placed team on the final day, in case they skip the other two teams.

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Anyone who lifts the trophy on May 19 will initially have to return it after two weeks so that it can be cleaned by expert specialists.

The silverware is always dirty after title celebrations because of the sheer number of people who have handled it.

BRAZIL TO GLORY

TOTTENHAM star Richarlison and his Brazilian teammates are based at Arsenal’s training ground ahead of their sold-out friendly against England on Saturday.

It is the Samba Boys’ first match against a European country – outside a World Cup – since they defeated the Czech Republic in Prague in 2019.

Brazil have played regular friendlies in Europe and drew 0-0 at Wembley in 2017.

But the Nations League has had a big impact on all the South American countries coming here because the international calendar is busier.

SARNIE OF CHAMPIONS

Do you want to know the food of champions?

Erling Haaland loves a colossal sandwich with Parma ham, burrata cheese, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, truffle oil, arugula and pistachios.

Manchester City invited a Sardinian couple, who run Italian sandwich shop Ad Maiora in the city, to treat the team after beating Manchester United in the derby.

The players chose the ingredients and Haaland apparently loved his gut-buster.

And now, until the end of the month, you can buy the Haaland Sandwich, although it will cost you £13.90.

Celebrity Big Brother fans have urged bosses to send Jedward and Gemma Collins into the house to confront housemate Louis Walsh. 

Scandal erupted in the famed house when the talent show judge, 71, said that twins John and Edward Grimes, 32, were ‘vile’ in a conversation on the show, prompting the singers to hit back with a fiery exchange. 

When the scenes aired, Jedward were at former TOWIE star Gemma’s home, where the trio hit back on social media – something fans recalled this week. 

Taking to Instagram ahead of Friday night’s final, fans demanded the brothers and reality great are sent into the house, with users writing: ‘Big Brother are losing out on TV gold if they don’t send Gemma Collins and Jedward to confront Louis Walsh’. 

Another viewer wrote to Jedward: ‘Happy St Patrick’s Day to u both. U two and Gemma Collins should be in the CBBUK house instead of Louis’, while another fans echoed: ‘Or WITH Louis, now that would be good craic!’ 

The new demands come after Louis came under fire from Jedward after his scathing attack on Celebrity Big Brother, with the singing duo brand him a ‘snake’. 

The talent show judge, 71, said that twins John and Edward Grimes were ‘vile’ in a conversation on the show, prompting the singers to hit back with a fiery exchange. 

And now Jedward, both 32, have again slammed the former talent manager as part of a post for St Patrick’s Day. 

‘Happy Paddy’s Day,’ the duo posted on X, formerly Twitter. ‘Hope St.Patrick slays Louis the snake.’

Former contestants of the ITV singing competition leapt to Jedward’s defence this week after Louis’s comments on CBB, hitting out at him on X. 

Katie Waissel, who has previously claimed that her stint on the show back in 2010 ‘ruined her life’, accused Louis of being part of a ‘manipulative and coercive’ environment behind the scenes. 

In an impassioned tweet on Wednesday, the show star stood up for Jedward as she doubled down on her claims that a public inquiry should be launched into the programme. 

Katie shared: ‘@planetjedward firstly, having met you both personally, I can unequivocally state that you are by no means ‘vile’ , if anything you are both absolutely the contrary to this! I stand firmly behind you in your corner, always…

‘What I wish for the general public to take from this, is that Louis Walsh, former XFactor judge, has confirmed and revealed on national television, the tip of the iceberg of abuse, manipulation and coercion that went on behind the scenes on the XFactor, of which myself and many others have spoken publicly about.

‘By stating he (Louis Walsh) made £5million off of Jedward, immediately after calling them ‘vile’ and stating that they made ‘great tv’, in itself, only but further confirms how the show was disturbingly manufactured and manipulated. 

‘This is not the first time a former judge has disclosed contradictory and manipulated tactics to secure contestants, all in the while, completely unbeknownst to the contestants themselves. 

‘All contestants were lead to believe they entered a singing competition, as did the general public.

‘There are serious and significant issues that need to be addressed, and further remedied, by all parties involved in the making, producing and broadcasting of the now cancelled show, XFactor, as well as a public inquiry to be held, to ensure the future of music and television is protected through their findings, to update policy, regulation, and legislation. #CBBUK #LouisWalsh #Jedward [sic].’ 

As one one follower suggested they would like to see Katie and Jedward enter the Big Brother house to confront Louis, Katie revealed she had already approached them, tweeting: ‘I verbatim asked production to give me just five minutes.’ 

Steve Brookstein, who won the inaugural season of X Factor in 2004 with Simon Cowell as his mentor, also didn’t hold back with his criticism of Louis, claiming he had now been vindicated in branding the star a ‘c***’. 

He tweeted on Tuesday: ’20 years ago I said Louis Walsh was a c*** and only now people are realising it. Better late than never.’

Steve has not been shy of sharing his thoughts on Louis and fellow X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne during their time on Celebrity Big Brother, previously sharing: ‘If people saw Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh for what they are – they wouldn’t be watching #cbbuk.’  

MailOnline contacted Freemantle, Thames TV, ITV and Louis’ representatives for comment. 

Louis has caused outrage after labelling the twin brothers, John and Edward Grimes ‘vile’, when he was quizzed on what he thought of them by his co-star Colson Smith.

The remarks were one of the latest in a string of bizarre rants about fellow celebs, which have also been aimed at Adele, James Corden and Ronan Keating. 

During the exchange, Louis revealed that he had ‘made £5million’ from the double act during his time as their manager between 2009 and 2013.

Soon after the comments aired on ITV, John and Edward took X to dispute Louis’ claims and branded him a ‘cold-hearted b****d’.

Colson had asked Louis, who managed the pair four four years: ‘What were Jedward like?’

The Irishman replied: ‘They were vile.’

Colson said: ‘They’ve done well’, and Louis said: ‘I got £5million from them. I swear on my mother’s life.’

Clearly impressed, Colson quipped back: ‘B****y hell, I wish I had a Jedward.’

Doubling down on his opinion, Louis added: ‘And they were vile. But they were novelty. It was great for the show. It was all about the show.’

That saw the brothers – now 32 – launch into a series of scathing online accusations in response.

They kicked off by calling him a ‘cold-hearted b****d who didn’t even send us flowers when our mom died’ – the twins lost their mum Susanna to cancer in 2019.

Following the music manager’s remarks, Jedward insisted that ‘justice would be served’, as they continued the tirade on their X account.

One of the tweets shared by the brothers claimed: ‘Louis Walsh is an evil manipulator who forced us into an office to pay £70k from our bank account to one of his own PR workers.’

Another said: ‘Louis Walsh b****d and talked about us to our best friend Tara Reid and then we fired him!’

A final tweet read: ‘Louis reopened these wounds all by himself being spiteful and disrespectful we aren’t going to have our character taken. Justice will be served.’

During the episode, Jedward were having dinner with their close friend and former TOWIE star Gemma Collins.

Gemma quickly jumped to their defence on Instagram as she admitted she ‘couldn’t believe’ what was being said.

She posted: ‘Shocked to see what was said about my boys. They are the sweetest, talented, polite, educated, kind boys I’ve ever met hence why they are always in my company!! TEAM JEDWARD. #Jedward’.

The Irish music mogul Walsh managed the pair between 2009 and 2013, but things turned sour when, in 2016, Walsh described the duo as ‘the most embarrassing thing to happen to him’.

That’s despite boasting of making millions after Jedward’s first two albums went platinum in Ireland, while they also represented their country at Eurovision in 2011 and 2012.

Ironically Louis defended the brothers during The X Factor in 2009 when Simon Cowell called them ‘vile’ – the same term he used in the CBB house.

He argued that they were ‘innocent children’ at the time, when Simon hissed that they were ‘vile little creatures’.

Elsewhere in the Jedward biography, Louis continues to fawn over his charges. He said: ‘You either have that special something or you don’t and I thought that they had it in spades… they are nice to everybody, from the people on the street to the people in the record company – and that’s why they have so many fans.

‘Everyone wants to work with them because they are just so hard-working and genuinely nice. John and Edward make the people that they meet smile and they make them feel special – that is their secret and that is what sets them apart from a lot of people.

‘Their attitude is 100 per cent positive all of the time and that is why they are where they are now.’

Despite that, the twins say in the book that one of their manager’s primary pieces of advice to them was ‘always break the rules’.

John added: ‘Louis always tells us to never follow the rules and always break out and be different: but we don’t attention seek, things just work out well for us.’

But Louis maintained that the quiff-topped singers were the perfect pop stars to work with.

He said: ‘They never complain and they just want to work, work, work – how would I ever regret taking them on?

‘The boys are a manager’s dream and they are having the time of their lives… I wish every act was like that and then there would be no trouble: Jedward are the best-behaved group I have ever came across in 30 years in the business.’

Louis is even quoted backstage before a Dublin show boasting: ‘I have never seen either of them in a bad mood.’

The official book also reveals that in their first flush of fame Louis put the brakes on a proposed appearance for the twins on Celebrity Big Brother in 2010, stating: ‘They just weren’t prepared to give us enough money.’

He bragged by April 2010 that he was turning down countless jobs for Jedward as the money rolled in with the pair booked solid for months.

Louis said: ‘Everyone wanted them, from Celebrity Big Brother to huge magazines, and we have just had to turn down so many people.

‘They can’t be everywhere so we have to go with the best offers for them and things that are going to stand for John and Edward, long-term.

‘They are now signed to Next Models and this is going to be huge for them. If they weren’t pop stars, then they could easily be models – anyone can see that.’

But the brothers would go on CBB a year later – 2011 – alongside when they finished third and became best pals with US actress Tara Reid in the process.

Louis – who once claimed he turned down a million pounds to go in the I’m A Celebrity jungle – then followed suit by going into the house this year.

While furore over Louis’ comments continues to build outside the house, fears have been sparked that he could quit CBB following close friend Sharon’s exit.  

It has been claimed Louis had made it clear he would not sign up for the show without Sharon – meaning he is now at risk of walking.

Sharon was in the house for a week as a ‘Celebrity Lodger’ and headed home on Tuesday night’s live show. It is thought she has been paid £500,000 for the stint.

If Louis does leave, he will still reportedly receive his full fee which is believed to be a whopping six figures.

A source told The Sun of his potential exit: ‘Louis would only go into the show with Sharon booked in there with him. CBB pulled out all the stops to make it happen.

‘They know Louis is a flight risk now Sharon is gone and no one would be surprised if he left. Louis will still receive his full fee, so he has nothing to lose.

‘Without Sharon he will be lost as they have such a close friendship in the house. Everyone is on high alert for Louis to throw in the towel, but he’s making such good television, the producers are praying that he will stay.’

ERIK TEN HAG promised to save Manchester United’s season when he told Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Stay with me.

The Red Devils boss claims his side are right behind him ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

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Defeat could jeopardize the Dutchman’s position with former Chelsea coach Graham Potter, England chief Gareth Southgate and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi linked with his job.

But defiant Ten Hag sent a message to new co-owner Ratcliffe, stating: “Sometimes you have setbacks and we have had a lot this season.

“It’s about staying together, you have to go at it together, make sure you’re on the same page together.

“There is always noise around Manchester United, don’t let it distract you, know together where we are going.

“And how can we improve to always give your best every day and then finally achieve your goals.”

Ten Hag has seen his side decimated by injuries this season, while also dealing with a series of player controversies.

He loaned the hapless Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund and had to lose striker Mason Greenwood to Getafe.

And he has also had to deal with the fallout from Marcus Rashford’s match in Belfast in January, with the England star calling in sick for training the next day.

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Ten Hag says his entire team has come together under him as they prepare for Jurgen Klopp’s quad-chasing juggernaut.

The Dutchman admitted: “We have to save the season. And the only chance of silverware is the FA Cup.

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“We have to do our best and it is a test, but we like a challenge.”

United will again be without key defenders Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, while Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are in doubt.

Mason Mount, who has made just 12 appearances since joining from Chelsea for £55m last summer, has been out of action since November.

But the attacking midfielder could be in United’s squad today.

Ten Hag added: “If he gets his rhythm, he will contribute to a successful Manchester United.”

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MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: All the latest news from Old Trafford

RUGBY League Test chiefs insist blocking Scotland and Ireland from the next World Cup is not a sign of southern hemisphere bias.

Instead, they believe it will make the sport stronger in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Lack of participation is why the home nations, plus Italy and Lebanon, have been downgraded from full members to affiliate nations by the International Rugby League.

That rules them out of qualifying for the next tournament in 2026, although the latter will play if they reach the quarter-finals in 2022.

But while it is undoubtedly a blow to Northern Hemisphere countries – many top players will now be unable to represent their heritage on the biggest international stage – IRL is confident it is not writing off half the world.

Secretary General Danny Kazandjian, who also relegated already-suspended Russia, told SunSport: “This is certainly not a sign of weakness in the Northern Hemisphere.

“Rather, it is now up to those countries to develop the sport by growing the number of locally registered players and active clubs playing in increasingly longer and more substantive championships.

“Only by doing that will rugby league gain popularity and strength in a country, and that is the fundamental mission of any national federation.

“In addition, the other European full members all showed growth in the key registered player sections and there are some great organizations in the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, America and Africa all pushing the boundaries of the game in a sustainable way.

“Participating in a World Cup is not a sign that rugby league in a particular country is strong, it is just a sign that the national team that country can field is strong.

“For example, Ireland has competed in every modern men’s World Cup, but there is no link between those appearances and the growing sport in Ireland.

“Rugby League’s global growth depends on IRL’s greatest asset – its National Federation members – developing the sport locally and authentically.”

After the World Cup shrank from sixteen to ten teams, the move is the latest blow to rugby league in the Northern Hemisphere.

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IRL says their failure to meet the terms of its membership policy, which requires countries of their size to have a minimum of 250 locally registered players, four affiliated clubs, states or provinces, a senior league of at least six teams and a tournament with at least four in the under-15 to under-19 age group, are behind the call.

Countries must have a development program for women and girls and a business plan for at least three years.

Kazandjian added: “Although all five countries that have been reclassified as associate members have different records, the common factor is participation.

“All five full members did not meet those minimum standards.”

Rugby League Ireland chairman Jim Reynolds believes his organization has already taken steps to quickly regain full membership.

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“RLI thanks IRL for recognizing the significant transformation we have achieved since Covid-19 in addressing the non-compliance issues raised at RLI over the past decade,” he said.

“We have worked hard to exceed good governance standards and as our youth groups have grown a year older, they are now also eligible to help us regain full IRL membership status this year-end.”

IRL says that the respective governing bodies have not met the terms of the IRL membership policy for five years and that each of them will receive a parachute payment to invest in areas in which they are not compliant.

Kazandjian continued: “We continually work with member federations to improve their operations and governance, and we see standards rising both on and off the field.

“In the long term, ensuring compliance with IRL’s regulatory framework will result in a greater, more sustainable and productive sport.”

PUNCHES have struggled to claim winnings from new Lotto operator Allwyn – with one even sending a check that bounced.

Paul Simpson, 69, spent weeks chasing his £800 prize with a HotPicks ticket.

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He was eventually sent a check, but it bounced.

TSB told him: “This check has not been cleared due to suspected fraud/counterfeit checks within the clearing cycle.”

Former government worker Simpson and his wife Pam, 71, had three numbers on January 31.

He tried to make a claim at a post office but was told to contact Allwyn.

After hours of calling and emailing, he was sent the dodgy check and advised to request a new one or a bank transfer.

Ultimately, after threatening a small claims lawsuit, he was paid – over a month after his victory.

Mr Simpson, from Leicester, said: ‘I felt like a criminal. But their procedures are chaotic and feel like a scam.

“I will never play that game again. When you win, it’s like they want to exhaust you, so you just give up or you’ll lose your ticket.

Meanwhile, 64-year-old Graham Crerar has spent five weeks chasing the £800 prize for completing three numbers on February 7.

Carpenter Crerar, from Notting Hill, west London, said: “They just drag on and it makes me feel like I’ve done something wrong.

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“They don’t know what they are doing and behave very unprofessionally. Never mind Allwyn, they should be called No-win.”

And Peter Wilson, 70, is also waiting for an £800 prize payout, six weeks after his grades were announced.

The retired sales manager, married to Yvonne, 68, and from Nuneaton, Warks, said: “I don’t know what else I can do to claim my prize. I will not do it again. I can’t worry about the stress.

“It’s chaotic and I’m concerned about the impact this will have on local communities and charities losing out on funding.”

We told last week how Amelia Barnham, 69, from Hammersmith, west London, had an investigator sent to her home by Allwyn because she had won several times in the past.

Allwyn replaced Camelot as National Lottery operator on February 1.

The payout rules have been changed so that prizes between £500 and £50,000 can no longer be collected from post offices.

Sources said this had led to early “teething problems”.

Allwyn said: “This is a brand new claims process following the Post Office’s decision to no longer pay out National Lottery retail prizes between £500.01 and £50,000.

“The time the process takes will vary depending on whether we require further information from the player to process their claim and how long it takes for us to receive the player’s ticket or scratch card.

“Because people are still not familiar with the new process, we also notice that a large number of players are contacting us.

“We are very sorry for any delays this may cause and we have increased the number of colleagues helping players with their claims, allowing them to receive their prizes more quickly.”

Allwyn has contacted Mr Crerar and Mr Wilson to notify them.

Celebrity Big Brother bosses have broken a strict show rule by informing a housemate they have been nominated for a major award, leaving them in tears.

American actress Marisha Wallace, 38, is up for Best Actress in a Musical at the Olivier Awards but has until now remained in the dark about earning the recognition, which is highly sought after in her field.

In Thursday night’s episode, Marisha is overcome with emotion when she finally gets the news, while the rest of her co-stars congratulate her on the achievement.

Before the show’s most dramatic nominations, which require housemates to vote in person, Big Brother turns the Garden into a carnival and Marisha plays her hand at the Wheel of Fortune machine, revealing: ‘There are exciting things ahead, on Sunday April 14, you will be a nominee at the Olivier Awards.’

Under the show’s rules, celebrities are not allowed to have any contact with the outside world, but a TV source told MailOnline they felt Marisha’s OIivier nomination was too special to keep secret.

A show insider said: ‘Producers decided to give Marisha a message about her OIivier Award nomination.

‘It’s a big moment in her life and now she’ll never forget how she found out, surrounded by her co-stars in the Celebrity Big Brother house. She was surprised by the news and really overcome with emotion.’

Marisha is nominated in the Best Actress in a Musical category for her role in Guys & Dolls at the Bridge Theater.

She faces competition from Nicole Scherzinger, 45, who has gained recognition after her performance for Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre.

The theater star’s nomination comes after her housemate Louis Walsh claimed she needed ‘a few more years’ before being voted in for a Tony Award, insisting his former X Factor colleague Nicole was more deserving of the award.

When evicted housemate Gary Goldsmith asked if Marisha could be nominated for a Tony this year, Louis replied, “In the long run… she needs a few more years, this is Nicole’s year.”

Viewers can expect one of the show’s most dramatic episodes on Thursday night after the housemates are nominated in person.

As the fair comes to an end, Fern Britton picks up a raffle ticket, which reads: “Roommates, the fun at the fair is over, now it’s time to nominate at the kissing booth.”

Typically, celebrities nominate in private conversations within the confines of the Diary Room, but in an explosive twist, they tell each other how they feel personally, causing bitter consequences.

Former Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has branded one of her co-stars as ‘fake’ and says she predicted their judgment of her because of the show that made her famous.

Tensions are rising between Fern and Ekin after the former This Morning presenter questioned whether the reality star is making money from OnlyFans or posting bikini photos to her Instagram to increase her following.

She said: ‘I knew this was going to happen, this convicted me because I had been on a show before. You’ve been close to me this whole time, so you’ve been fake to me this whole time.”

Five housemates face the public vote ahead of Friday’s elimination, which will see two celebrities dropped from the competition.

• Celebrity Big Brother continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX

MANY Dream Team managers are switching their allegiance to North London from red to white this week.

At the time of writing, Bukayo Saka (£5.8m), William Saliba (£3.3m) and Gabriel (£4m) are among the most transferred players ahead of Gameweek 28.

Conversely, Son Heung-min (£4.6m), Pedro Porro (£3.6m) and James Maddison (£4m) are among the most popular recruits.

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PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR FOR THIS WEEKEND’S PROMOTION – SOMEONE SHOULD WIN A £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

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At first glance this may seem strange considering Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League, but the players making the move to Tottenham are actually following sound logic.

The Gunners are one of only six teams not to play a match in matchweek 28. Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United are the others.

This scheduling error is due to the fact that six top clubs will compete in the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend, meaning their league matches have been postponed.

Mikel Arteta’s side are comfortably the main absentees in the upcoming Gameweek, with four players among the 20 most selected players at the moment. Saka and Saliba are in third and fourth place respectively.

After their clean sheet, Arsenal will face Manchester City at the Etihad in their first match after the international break.

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While they will be confident of a competitive match against Pep Guardiola’s side after being beaten 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium in October, it is clearly a difficult match.

Saka and his team will also face Luton (at home) in Gameweek 29, which is a more promising fixture, but it is understandable why the Dream Team bosses are distancing themselves from Arsenal’s assets this week.

Spurs’ league match with Fulham at Craven Cottage will go ahead as planned in Gameweek 28 and the smart money should be on the visitors after their 4-0 against Aston Villa.

Son is currently the best player this Gameweek after plundering 16 points at Villa Park, so it’s no wonder he’s an early favorite for Gameweek 28.

Porro scored eight points against the Villains, but the telling statistic about the Spanish full-back is his season average of 6.4 points per game – the highest among all defenders in 2023/24.

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In midfield, only three players are averaging more points per game than Maddison’s 7.2 this season, while only top strikers Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.5m) have better averages than Spurs’ South Korean superstar (7.5 million). ).

Postecoglou’s side also have a relatively favorable series of matches after the international break with Luton (home) and West Ham (away) in Gameweek 29 and Nottingham Forest (home) in Gameweek 30.

It may well be that Arsenal’s players will find favor again after the international break, especially if they are still active in the Champions League, but for now it certainly seems wise to make the switch to the Spurs stars.

A successful Dream Team manager knows that there is little room for loyalty in this game.

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CHRISTIAN Horner breathed a huge sigh of relief after receiving more support from Red Bull bosses.

Horner hugged and shared a joke with Red Bull CEO Franz Watzlawick on the grid before the race, as both sides tried to draw a line under their recent feud.

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Even Helmut Marko, the outspoken Austrian who works as Red Bull’s motorsport adviser and who had clearly aligned himself with Horner’s rival Jos Verstappen, called for calm – just 24 hours after hinting he could be banned.

It was a good day for Horner as Max Verstappen, who was again miles ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.

It was Verstappen’s 56th win and his 100th podium in yet another crushing display that will now surely concern F1 chiefs.

The Dutchman’s success goes against the model of American sport and the audience that the American Liberty Media has tried to win over.

Verstappen, who started from pole, said: “All in all a fantastic weekend for the whole team and myself.

“I felt very good with the car and that was also the case during the race. The last stint took a little longer than we would have liked, but with the Safety Car you had to go for it.

“So the last few laps with cold tires and rear markers it was a bit slippery, but we had good pace everywhere and were able to handle it, so overall very happy.”

British racer Oliver Bearman impressed on his debut for Ferrari when he came on for Carlos Sainz, who suffered appendicitis the day before and underwent surgery.

The Spanish star, who was here at the circuit to assist Bearman’s first race in F1, where the 18-year-old was voted Driver of the Day after finishing seventh ahead of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.

It was a great ride from the Essex-born racer, who had just one practice session to get up to speed before qualifying yesterday.

Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri finished fourth for McLaren behind Charles Leclerc, who took the final spot on the podium.

The result and the call for mussels ensured Horner had a relatively normal day after a whirlwind month following allegations of inappropriate behavior from a female colleague.

The consequences were spectacular and although Marko has now promised to hold the line, Verstappen’s future within the team remains very much in doubt.

What started as Horner’s personal controversy has turned into a power struggle within Red Bull involving Horner, Red Bull’s head of corporate projects and investment department Oliver Mintzlaff and Red Bull majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidyah.

Horner will receive the support of Yoovidyah while Mintzlaff, who was in Saudi Arabia but not at Watzlawick as expected, was on the grid with Horner.

Yoovidyah and Mintzlaff are expected to meet in Dubai on Sunday to try to bridge the remaining gap between Red Bull’s Austrian and Thai factions.

The news comes after Horner told Max Verstappen he could leave the team if he wanted.

It follows a whirlwind ten days in which Horner was acquitted of inappropriate conduct towards a female colleague.

Verstappen threatened to leave Red Bull if team advisor Helmut Marko (80) is forced to leave because the consequences of the Horner investigation continue.

Marko will meet Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff at the Saudi Arabia GP after being questioned about rumors he could be banned and miss the next race in Australia.

Horner and his wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, showed another show of unity during the race following the sexting allegations.

But her second public show of support in a week was dented by another joke from Red Bull world champion Max Verstappen’s father Jos, who repeated calls for Horner’s head.

And he twisted the knife by revealing he supports the unidentified team employee who has been suspended after accusing her boss and sending hundreds of “sexually suggestive” texts.

On Thursday, Horner greeted his “phenomenally supportive” wife but insisted it was time to “draw a line” under the scandal.

But his accuser has won the support of Caroline Nokes, head of the British parliament, who encouraged her to take her case to an employment tribunal.

The Sun revealed on Thursday that Horner’s accuser had been suspended, with insiders claiming it was down to “inconsistencies” in her evidence to a lawyer-led investigation.

Pals said Horner found it impossible to avoid his workplace accuser, one of 1,600 employees at the team’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks.

HR bosses intervened and suspended her with full pay on Monday. She is currently considering whether to appeal the dismissal of her complaint.

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