Dan Schneider has defended his relationship with a teenage Amanda Bynes and revealed he supported her decision to pursue parental emancipation aged 16.

The producer, 58, who has faced numerous allegations of inappropriate behavior  on the set of children’s TV shows, spoke out in the wake of documentary Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV – which made shock claims about the ‘toxic environment’ at the network.

Schneider, who was disturbingly filmed in a hot tub with a then-16-year-old Bynes in 2002, said he helped Bynes after she ran away from home and was ‘concerned for her safety’ when she decided to leave her parents.

Speaking with former iCarly actor Bobby ‘BooG!e’ Bowman on his own YouTube account, Schneider said of Bynes’ decision: ‘She wanted that for herself. We supported her.  

‘Amanda was between the ages of 16 and 17 and she wanted to get emancipated from her parents, which was a fairly common thing with successful young actors — at least at the time.

‘She wanted that for herself, so she turned to her team, which included her lawyer, her agent, her manager, her publicist, me — because she included me as part of her team, thought of me that way. 

‘We supported her, she tried to get emancipated and it ended up not working out and she didn’t.’

Schneider claimed matters came to a head one night when Bynes called him following a row with her parents – which led him to call a person he trusted to take her to the police.

He said: ‘One night very late, well after midnight, 1 or 2 in the morning, phone rang, I answered, it was Amanda.

‘She was upset. She was in distress. She had had some conflict with her parents, I think her father, and she called me. I was immediately concerned about her safety. 

‘I called someone that I knew was fairly nearby. That person was able to go and pick her up. I knew she was safe, I felt better. She ended up being taken to the police.’

Bynes did pursue legal emancipation from her parents Lynn and Rick – but later withdrew the petition. 

The 19-minute video saw Schneider discuss Quiet On Set, released at the weekend, which he said had made him ‘face his past behaviors.’

Schneider admitted that had previously overstepped professional boundaries and conceded he owed ‘some people a pretty strong apology.’

Schneider, who was previously described as ‘Nickelodeon’s golden boy,’ began by addressing the furor head on as he explained: ‘Watching over the past two nights was very difficult. 

‘Me facing my past behaviors – some of which are embarrassing and that I regret. I definitely owe some people a pretty strong apology.’

Schneider, who began working at the network in 1993, is said to have ‘launched the careers of child actors who became major stars’ including Miranda Cosgrove, Jamie Lynn Spears and Ariana Grande.

But he was later flooded with allegations before being sued over accusations of gender discrimination, hostile work environment and harassment – many of which were divulged in the new documentary.

It wasted little time in dishing that the period of the 1990s and 2000s ‘marked one of the darkest chapters,’ writer Scaachi Koul said.

Christy Stratton and Jenny Kilgen were hired as co-writers for The Amanda Show and split a single salary – as the network got ‘two writers for the price of one.’

‘It was early on when we first started that Dan said he didn’t think women were funny,’ Christy said.

‘He had fostered this very casual, fun atmosphere but I felt that Dan could be very volatile and could turn any moment. I was scared.’

She said that staff were left feeling ‘paranoid and uncomfortable,’ concluding: ‘Working for Dan was like being in an abusive relationship.’

Jenny also dished on having a similar experience, sharing that he ‘didn’t really value women in the writers’ room.’

But that was not all because, dishing on the depths of the inappropriate behavior at the channel, she claimed: ‘Dan was showing pornography on his computer screen. He asked me several time to massage him in the writers’ room and in the studio…

‘You always felt like disagreeing with Dan or standing up for yourself could result in getting fired. 

‘One of the worst, we were in the writers’ room and Christy was talking about high school which is relevant because we are writing for a young girl. 

‘And Dan just said: “You know what would be funny? If you leaned over the table and acted like you were being sodomized and told that story about high school.”‘

Jenny said that Christy had initially said no but Dan kept insisting and ‘she couldn’t get out of it.’

‘So she just leaned over the table and did what he asked her to do. It was upsetting to watch because I knew Christy at this point and I didn’t feel at all comfortable complaining to him.’

She concluded: ‘It was probably the wrongest thing I have ever seen happen to a woman in a professional environment ever.’

Christy herself declined to talk about the incident but remarked that she felt sorry for her former self as she was just a young woman at the time. 

Ultimately, after quitting her role at the network, Jenny decided to sue Dan because she ‘didn’t want it to happen to other women in the future.’

‘I hired a lawyer and started blowing whistles. My lawyer filed complaints against the production company for gender discrimination, hostile work environment, harassment – and in response they did an internal investigation and they settled.

‘But it had a lasting impact on my career… To learn that it didn’t stop and that it was all for nothing.’

Former assistant Amy Berg also took to X, formerly Twitter, in recent days to slam Schneider as a ‘f***ing a**hole.’

She branded him as a ‘psychological tormenter’ and a ‘manipulator’ before claiming his treatment caused her to suffer panic attacks, anxiety, and develop a ‘heart arrhythmia.’

Addressing the widespread reports of inappropriate behavior in the writers’ room, Schneider said: ‘Let me just say no writer should ever feel uncomfortable in any writers’ room. Ever. Period. The End. No excuses.

‘Most TV writers comedy writers have been in writer rooms and they are aware that a lot of times there a re inappropriate jokes made and inappropriate topics come up.

‘But the fact that I participated in that e specially when I was leading the room embarrasses me. I shouldn’t have d one it.’

He continued: ‘I can tell you why it hurts really bad for me. I remember very clearly my first experiences in the entertainment business.

‘I was green, I was scared, I was excited – it meant the world to me that I was getting those opportunities and I went in and I got lucky because they were great.

‘My first couple of experiences were fantastic and t he fact that I didn’t pay that forward to every employee that walked through my door it hurts my heart because I should have. I wish I could go back and fix that.’

Schneider conceded: ‘In the writers’ room there’s no doubt that sometimes those jokes went beyond t he pale and I said things that went too far or made practical jokes that went too far.

‘That was wrong and that was because I was an inexperienced producer. I was immature – it wouldn’t happen today but I’m just really sorry it happened.’

Elsewhere, he also apologized for his frequent requests for massages from female members of staff while in the studio.

‘It was wrong. It was wrong that I ever put anyone in that position. It was wrong to do. I’d never do it today. I’m embarrassed that I did it then. I apologize to anybody that I ever put in that situation,’ Schneider said.

‘Additionally, I apologize to the people who were walking around because there were lots of people who witnessed it who also may have felt uncomfortable so I owe them an apology as well.’

BooG!E urged Schneider to directly address the people who did not have a good experience working for him as he dished: ‘I hate that anybody worked for me and didn’t have a good time… I would let the pressure of doing 40 or even more episodes per year get to me – which a good boss should never, ever do…

‘I would snap at people sometimes, I would be snarky when I could have given them a nicer answer, I would not give people the time that they needed, I would be in too big a hurry to get on to the next thing I had to do.

‘Watching [Quiet On Set], there were so many times I wanted to pick up a phone and call some of those people and say “I’m so sorry and let’s talk about it and I wish you had a better time and I wish I could have shown you a better experience.”‘

The documentary had also explained that Nickelodeon had raised eyebrows under Schneider’s leadership with some of its shows that were ‘full of uncomfortable sketches.’

Among them were ‘disturbing’ scenes that ‘sexualized’ child stars – including Ariana Grande who featured in scenes sticking her hand down her throat, putting her toes in her mouth, and talking about being ‘soaking wet’ at the age of 16.

Other parts also showed Ariana trying to get juice from a potato – which involved her squeezing it as hard as possible and letting out loud moaning noises – and attempting to drink water upside down in a provocative position – which resulted in it spilling all over her head and chest. 

‘It was clear that there was a permissibility around these sexualized jokes with children,’ commentators in the documentary shared.

Responding to the criticism, Schneider said: ‘All these jokes that you’re speaking of… every one of those jokes was written for a kid audience because kids thought they were funny – and only funny.

‘Now we have some adults looking back at them 20 years later through their lens and they’re looking at them and they’re saying “oh you know I don’t think that’s appropriate for for a kid show.” 

‘I have no problem with that if that’s how anyone feels then let’s cut those jokes out of the show.

‘I want my shows to be popular… so if there’s anything in a show that needs to be cut because it’s upsetting somebody let’s cut it.

‘The last thing I want to ever do is put any content in a show that’s going to upset my audience and make them want to turn off the TV. Why would I ever want to do that?  That makes no sense.’

Schneider also insisted that there were ‘many, many levels of scrutiny’ at every stage to get a joke approved and also denied that he had ever been banned from his own set – branding it as a ‘false rumor.’

In recent days, a resurfaced clip being circulated online shows Schneider in a hot tub with an underage Amanda Bynes during a Nickelodeon sketch.

The scene in question – which is understood to have been filmed in 2002, when Bynes was around the age of 16 – shows Schneider sitting next to a bikini-clad Bynes for the skit, which he wrote himself, with commentators branding it as ‘very uncomfortable.’

But Schneider, who is 20 years Bynes’ senior, defended his friendship with the child star and said he had only been trying to help her ‘regardless of what some people may think.’

It was also revealed in the Quiet On Set expose that three members of Nickelodeon staff were charged over child sex abuse to varying degrees – as Drake Bell spoke for the first time about being abused by dialogue coach Brian Peck who was described as ‘very much one of the cogs in the Dan Schneider machine.’ 

But, in his new interview, Schneider was quick to distance himself from the predators and stated that he had not been responsible for hiring Peck.

He added: ‘When Drake and I talked and he told me what had happened I was more devastated by that than anything that ever happened to me in my career thus far.

‘I told him “I’m here for you, what do you need” which Drake mentioned in the show.’

Schneider went one step further by slamming the famous faces who had continued to show their support to Peck even after the charges came to light – sitting on his side in court and writing letters of support during sentencing.

He fleetingly broke down in tears as he said that Drake’s mom, who he is still in contact with now, had gone to him for advice in writing her speech for the judge at the time.

‘That was probably the darkest part of my career,’ he said.

Schneider began wrapping up by admitting that there are ‘definitely’ things that he would do differently.

‘One that I think would be really, really important is when you’re hiring young actors – minors – to work in television I would suggest that we have a licensed therapist there to oversee that process for the specific reason of making sure that those kids really wanted to do this job – that they really wanted to be on television.

‘Maybe they should even be informed about what that means – what’s it going to mean if you’re famous, what’s that going to mean on social media, what’s it going to mean within your family. Let them find out.

‘That way if a kid doesn’t want to be on a TV show they can opt out.’

He continued: ‘Additionally, the main thing that I would change is how I treat people. I definitely at times didn’t give people the best of me.

‘I didn’t show enough patience. I could be cocky and definitely overambitious and sometimes just straight up rude and obnoxious. I am so sorry that I ever was.’

He concluded: ‘When I watched the show I could see the hurt in some people’s eyes and it made me feel awful and regretful and sorry.

‘I wish I could go back – especially to those earlier years of my career and bring the growth and the experience that I have now and just do a better job and never, ever feel like it was okay to be an a**hole to anyone ever.

‘I wanted to make funny TV shows for kids and we definitely did that but if I could go back I would get it done in different ways. I would just be nicer as often as possible and listen more to the people on my team.

‘I would do everything that I could to make sure that everyone had a good experience.’

Schneider left Nickelodeon in 2018 and said at the time he was parting ways to pursue ‘other opportunities and projects.

By Pranav Harish for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 5:14 AM EDT, March 21, 2024 | Updated: 09:27 EDT, March 21, 2024

MILLIONS of households will breathe a sigh of relief after the Bank of England left interest rates unchanged again today.

The decision-makers at the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) have now kept interest rates at 5.25% for the fifth time in a row.

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Banks and lenders use the Bank of England’s (BoE) base rate to set the interest rates it offers customers on mortgages, loans and savings.

BoE Governor Andrew Bailey said: ‘In recent weeks we have seen further encouraging signs that inflation is easing.

‘We have again kept interest rates at 5.25% today because we need to be sure that inflation falls back to our target of 2% and stays there.

“We are not yet at the point where we can lower interest rates, but things are moving in the right direction.”

At the last meeting, the MPC voted by a majority of 8 to 1 to maintain the bank rate at 5.25%.

One member preferred to reduce the bank rate by 0.25 percentage points to 5%.

It comes just a day after the CPI measure of inflation fell to 3.4% last month – down from 4% in January and the lowest since September 2021.

Most economists had expected interest rates to be 3.5%.

It means inflation is now closer to the BoE’s 2% target.

Inflation is a measure of how much the prices of everyday goods such as food and clothing, and services such as train tickets and haircuts, are now compared to a year earlier.

Economists generally agree that interest rate cuts will happen later this year.

And the Bank has indicated at recent meetings that cuts are likely in the future.

It would reverse a four-year trend of raising rates or leaving them unchanged at each Bank meeting.

An interest rate cut is expected to reduce mortgage costs for millions of households.

This comes after bank interest rates rose from an all-time low of 0.1% in December 2021.

It was increased to tackle rising inflation.

High interest rates are intended to dampen demand and spending, thereby reducing inflation.

Since September, the bank rate has been held at 5.25% as inflation has declined, easing the burden on mortgage holders.

We explain below what exactly a new rate pause means for your finances.

What does it mean for my mortgage?

When interest rates rise, it usually means that your mortgage costs will increase, depending on the type you have.

Those with fixed rates are usually safe until they remortgage.

However, other mortgages, such as tracker mortgages or standard variable rate (SVR) mortgages, could be immediately affected.

Homeowners with an adjustable-rate mortgage may not see their payments increase immediately, but they are likely to increase shortly after interest rates increase.

But the exact amount depends on your loan and your loan-to-value.

However, if the BoE freezes the current interest rate, your lender may choose to do nothing.

This will come as a huge relief to those who have experienced fourteen consecutive increases in their mortgage bills.

Either way, your bank should warn you of any increase in your rate before it goes up.

We’ve also explained how to find the best mortgage rate.

What does this mean for credit card and loan rates?

Again, if the base rate is increased, the cost of borrowing through loans, credit cards and overdrafts could increase as banks are likely to pass on the increased rate.

Certain loans that you already have, such as a personal loan or car financing, usually remain the same because you have already agreed on the rate.

But rates on future loans could be higher, and lenders could increase rates on credit cards and overdrafts – although they should let you know in advance.

But if interest rate hikes are halted, nothing will likely change.

However, you can still cancel a credit card and have 60 days to pay off the outstanding balance.

What does it mean for my savings?

Savers are the largest group that has actually benefited from the last fourteen interest rate increases at the banks.

That’s because banks tend to enter the fray by offering market-leading interest rates.

Although banks typically act much slower than passing on higher interest rates.

If the base rate does not rise, banks will probably benefit from this and also leave their interest rates unchanged.

Anyone currently getting a low rate on easy-to-access savings might find it worth shopping around for a better rate and moving their money.

A major lender has cut its mortgage rates after inflation fell more than expected and ahead of a key Bank of England meeting.

NatWest has announced it will reduce mortgage deals by up to 0.24% for those who refinance, and some deals by up to 0.07% from tomorrow.

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The bank will offer a five-year fixed rate remortgage deal for someone with a loan-to-value (LTV) of 90% at 5.30%, down from 5.54%.

Mortgage holders with a Loan-to-Value value of 60% can get a five-year remortgage deal at 4.48%, up from 4.59%.

The LTV is the percentage of the outstanding mortgage compared to the value of the home.

It comes after the latest inflation figures came in lower than expected, fueling expectations that the Bank of England could cut its key interest rate sooner than expected.

The CPI measure of inflation for February was 3.4% – down from 4% in January and the lowest level since September 2021.

Most economists had expected interest rates to be 3.5%.

Inflation is now moving closer to the Bank of England’s 2% target.

Inflation is a measure of how much the prices of everyday goods such as food and clothing, and services such as train tickets and haircuts, are now compared to a year earlier.

A target of 2% has been set for a steadily growing economy.

It comes ahead of tomorrow’s latest interest rate decision.

The Bank is expected to keep its base rate at 5.25% for the fifth time in a row, but the latest drop in inflation could see it fall sooner than expected.

Lenders tend to price their mortgages in anticipation of what the Bank will do in the future, rather than immediately. Hence NatWest’s decision to reduce some mortgage rates.

Rohit Kohli, director of estate agency The Mortgage Stop, said borrowers would see “some light at the end of the tunnel” after NatWest’s decision to cut rates.

Meanwhile, Ben Tadd, director at Lucra Mortgages, said other lenders could follow NatWest’s lead by cutting rates.

He added: “NatWest is the first major bank to take action on the positive inflation figures released this morning.

“We hope this could be the start of a new interest rate war in the mortgage market.”

It comes after a number of lenders cut mortgage rates in January, ahead of the BoE’s rate cuts this year.

But three major lenders, including Halifax and Santander, raised rates earlier this month after months of fluctuating swap rates, which underlie fixed-rate mortgages.

Other brokers were more cautious as NatWest also announced it would also increase rates on some two-year trackers by up to 0.4% tomorrow.

Tracker mortgages are more tied to the BoE base rate, meaning they can rise or fall at any time, unlike fixed interest rates which remain the same for the life of the deal.

Gareth Davies, director at South Coast Mortgage Services, said: “It is intriguing to observe NatWest’s decision to increase the prices of tracker products, especially when they are experiencing strong demand.”

Many homeowners looking to take out a new mortgage have opted for a tracker in anticipation of a drop in fixed mortgage rates this year.

Economists expect inflation is now likely to fall below the Bank of England’s 2% target in April or May, thanks to the upcoming 12% fall in the energy price cap on April 1.

They said this could pave the way for the Bank to start cutting rates in August or possibly as early as June.

How to get the best deal on your mortgage

Finding the best mortgage deal depends entirely on what’s available at the time, but there are ways to get ahead of the competition.

Usually, the larger the deposit, the lower the interest you can get.

If you take out a new mortgage and your loan-to-value ratio has changed, this could also give you access to better rates than before.

A change in your credit score or an increase in your salary can also help you access better rates.

If you have a fixed rate, you could see higher interest rates at the end of the current term, after the BoE increases rates from 2022 until last year.

And if you’re nearing the end of a fixed deal in the next six months, it’s worth contacting your broker now to lock in a rate.

If they drop between now and the end of your deal, you can always apply for a different rate before taking out a new mortgage.

If you leave a fixed deal early, you’ll typically be charged an exit fee, so you’ll want to avoid these additional fees.

But depending on the cost and how much you can save by switching or staying, it may be worth leaving the deal, but compare the costs first.

Use one to find the best deal Mortgage comparison tool to see what’s available.

You can also go to a mortgage broker who can do comparison shopping for you, with most offering free advice to help you secure the best deal for you.

Some brokers charge for advice, so ask them first.

It may cost a few hundred dollars, but it could save you thousands of dollars in total on your mortgage.

You will also need to consider the costs of the mortgage, although some have no costs at all, or you can add these to the cost of the mortgage.

But keep in mind that this means you will pay interest on it and it will be more expensive in the long run.

You can use a mortgage calculator to see how much you can borrow.

Please note that if you decide to take out a new mortgage with a new lender, you will need to pass affordability checks.

It can also check your credit file to see if you have repaid previous debts.

You may also need to provide documents such as utility bills, proof of benefits, your last three months’ pay slips, passports and bank statements.

It is possible to avoid new affordability checks by taking out a new mortgage with your existing lender, provided you do not want to borrow more or extend your term.

Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.

MILLIONS of households may soon be able to catch their breath again as interest rates are forecast to remain at their current levels.

Decision-makers at the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) are expected to keep the base rate at 5.25% for the fifth time in a row on Thursday, March 21.

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The MPC will assess whether economic conditions are suitable to reduce, maintain or increase interest rates.

The Bank has indicated at recent meetings that cuts are likely in the future, although rates are expected to remain unchanged this week.

It comes as the base rate has risen from an all-time low of 0.1% since December 2021.

Experts now assume that an interest rate cut will likely take place in the summer, between June and August.

The Bank of England meets during the summer on May 9, June 20 and August 1.

Sarah Coles, personal finance expert at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “At the end of last year, markets were reasonably confident that we would get a rate cut from the Bank of England in May or June, but persistent inflation at the start of the year forced them to think again.”

“At this stage, May looks highly unlikely, June is in the balance and the market is increasingly expecting a rate cut in August.”

Savings rates

What it means for savings

Savers have benefited from recent increases in the base rate, and would likely be negatively affected if it were to fall.

However, banks tend to compete for your money by offering market-leading interest rates, so make sure you do your research.

Sarah explains: “For savings, the good news is that you don’t need to know exactly what’s in the card to make the right decision, because your emergency fund should be in a competitive, easy-to-access account, so everything you need what you need to do is find the best rate available today.”

Putting money aside for any reason is always a good thing.

However, it’s good to have a plan you’re saving for as this will help you choose the best savings account for you and ensure you get the most out of your hard-earned money.

There are different ways to put money in a savings account.

The most popular are easy access accounts, which usually pay a variable interest rate that can change at any time, but you can access your money at any time, without any penalty.

The best savings rates are usually found on fixed-rate bonds. These pay a fixed interest rate over a specific period, such as one, two or five years, and you get your money and interest back once the product term expires.

What it means for your mortgage

Anyone who already has a fixed interest rate will not see their payments fall if the Bank of England cuts rates, as they are fixed for a fixed period.

So those looking to take out a mortgage must decide whether to get one now or wait until interest rates drop in the summer.

But other mortgages, such as a tracker or standard variable rate (SVR) mortgage, can also be directly affected.

SVRs are generally higher than fixed rates for this reason.

Sarah says: “For remortgagers, you are faced with the question of whether you should choose a fixed rate or switch to a tracker rate.

“Fixed rates are still quite expensive, but they do offer certainty about your expenses.”

“Tracker prices may be a bit higher today, but if prices fall from August onwards, you will see that decline.”

If you want to borrow around this time, that is also good news for you.

Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest, said: “Rate cuts would be a huge relief for many borrowers, especially those struggling with heavy debt or oversized mortgages.”

“A rate cut in the summer, perhaps as early as June, would provide a huge boost to potential buyers and existing homebuyers desperate for some relief from skyrocketing financing costs.”

What it means for credit cards

Certain loans you already have, such as a personal loan or car financing, usually remain the same because you have already agreed on the rate.

So you’re not likely to see any difference, but rates on future loans may be lower, and lenders may reduce rates on credit cards and overdrafts.

This doesn’t mean you should take out unnecessary loans or credit cards, as rates could rise again in the future.

Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

You can also become a member of our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.

Dame Laura Kelly has hinted that a miscarriage and desire for a second child could be the reason behind her shock retirement.

Britain’s five-time Olympic gold medalist today announced that she has retired from cycling after ending her dream of qualifying for this summer’s Olympic Games.

The mother-of-two, 31, from Harlow, appeared on BBC’s Woman’s Hour, where she discussed how motherhood had affected her distinguished career and how juggling both had meant constant ‘sacrifice’.

During the candid interview, she also revealed that a miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy she suffered in 2021 played more of a role in the decision than I ever realized.

Speaking to hosts, Laura opened up about raising her two children Albie, six, and Monty, eight months, with husband and seven-time champion Jason Kenny, 35.

She said: ‘I was very open about having a miscarriage and the ectopic condition [pregnancy].

“I think that might have meant more than I ever realized or expected.

“All I ever wanted for Albie was a brother or sister. I always thought of Albie as a big brother – and that might not happen and I might not have another baby…

“Once it was here and I had another one, I just didn’t want to waste that time.”

Before Monty turns eight months old tomorrow, Laura said she feels a growing need to spend more time with her children.

She also shared that parenthood wasn’t as “easy” this time around compared to when she had her first son Albie, admitting that she may have “taken that time in her life for granted.”

She explained, “He is [Monty] is eight months tomorrow. I mean, I don’t know where that went, and I’ve been with him every step of the way, you know.

“Maybe I can sit here now and say that I took Albie for granted a little bit – how easy it was to have Albie. How easy everything seemed at the time. I would just ask my parents to come and take care of him.

‘While this time I just didn’t want to. I wish I was. I didn’t want to miss anything.”

Last year the Harlow-born athlete revealed the heartbreaking news that she had suffered a miscarriage, leaving her ‘so lost’ and ‘sad’.

Britain’s most successful female Olympian revealed in an Instagram post that the miscarriage occurred in November 2021 and that one of her fallopian tubes was removed in January 2022 due to an ectopic pregnancy.

She has since spoken openly about the personal difficulties she faced in competing, namely pursuing a fourth Games in Paris, despite only giving birth to her second son, Monty, last July.

With her chances of selection judged to be ‘slim’ by British Cycling bosses earlier this month, Laura decided to end her illustrious career altogether at the age of 31.

Speaking on Woman’s Hour, she spoke in detail about the physical challenges of mothering two children.

She said: “It just seemed right at the time [after birthing Albie] I was really into it, I went for it completely. While the recovery took longer this time, it took 12 weeks before I could cycle again.

‘And it’s just a lot. It’s just a lot to leave someone so young who was still eating. I mean, I’m still breastfeeding. It’s a lot to sacrifice’.

In response to a question about the pressure of having to qualify for the Olympics ‘so quickly’ and before next month, Laura noted that the ‘pressure’ was ‘really daunting’.

“It meant leaving them quick and sharp,” she added.

‘I just couldn’t do it. I just didn’t want to do it.”

She added that comments from her eldest child about being “sad” that she would be leaving for the Olympics were not something she could “live with”, and also revealed that she struggled being separated from Albie at the time athletes had to lock up two weeks before the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Olympics.

Last week, pop star Lily Allen sent shockwaves across the country over comments that having her two daughters “completely ruined” her career.

In response, Laura disagreed and instead said that women “can have it all,” but questioned whether it was “worth it” in the long run.

She said, “I mean, I think you have to be prepared. I was recently asked this; someone said to me: was it worth it? Can you do both? Can you have it all?

“And I would say, yes, and I could have gotten back on the bike and I could have possibly qualified for the next Olympics, but you have to think about whether it’s worth it.

“Because in the long run it’s your luck that you’re playing with, you know – and it was chaos.

“Albie traveling the world and traveling the world with him and qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics was an absolute bloodbath.”

She admitted that she and her husband Jason made it look “easy,” “but it was far from it” and “there were some seriously heartbreaking sacrifices along the way.”

Laura won gold in the omnium and team pursuit at both London 2012 and Rio 2016. After giving birth to her first son Albie in 2017, she won the team race at Tokyo 2020 alongside Katie Archibald, as well as silver in the team. pursue. She also claimed seven world titles.

Kenny wrote on social media: ‘Thank you cycling for everything you’ve given me – including a husband and our growing family!

‘For people to say that I have inspired women and girls to get active and get on their bikes means a lot to me.

‘Thank you to Team GB, British Cycling and all the partners who supported my journey. A special thank you to every teammate I have had over the years and of course to my family for being the best support unit I could ever ask for.

“Now it’s time to move on, but stay tuned for the next chapter.”

Kenny says she hopes to be in Paris in ‘some capacity’ but has ruled out becoming a coach like her husband Jason, who will work with the British men’s sprint team after his retirement in 2022.

“Nothing is set in stone, but there are things I’m so interested in,” she told the BBC. ‘Something to help the younger generation, whether that could be some kind of academy.

‘I could never become a coach because that’s just too much pressure for me, but maybe something in the background that gives the young people the opportunities that I had.’

Paying tribute to Kenny, British Cycling performance director Stephen Park said: ‘Laura hangs up her wheels not only as one of the sport’s greatest riders, but as one of the greatest sporting talents our country has ever produced.

‘Anyone who has had the pleasure of watching Laura compete will testify to her peerless combination of craft and determination, which led her to become Britain’s most successful female Olympian and the first British woman to win gold medals in three consecutive Olympic Games.

‘Equally impressive, however, is the impact Laura has had on her fellow Great Britain Cycling Team riders and the next generation of Olympic hopefuls.

‘She has been a beacon of inspiration to so many, young and old, and I am sure the entire British cycling community will wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.

“From Welwyn Wheelers and our talent pathway to the very top of the sport, we are so proud of everything she has achieved, and I am sure she will remain one of our team’s biggest supporters for many years to come. ‘

AMAD DIALLO was given a second warning after taking off his shirt following his last gasp win in the FA Cup.

The Manchester United winger’s actions were foolish because referee John Brooks had done so NO other option than showing a red card for his party.

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This law came about because players made political statements.

That wasn’t the case here, so I would like to see the law changed because fans want goals and emotional celebrations.

If Brooks had shown common sense, he would have been beaten by his bosses for not properly applying the law.

After the match, Diallo admitted that he forgot he had a yellow card.

But he didn’t want the dismissal to put a damper on his day.

He told ITV: “What a game. Today I think we deserved this win. One of the best games of the season so I’m very happy. It was an important moment, I think it’s the best goal of my career used to be.”

“I don’t believe it, but this is football, so you have to believe every moment. When he (Garnacho) gave me the ball, I wanted to give it again, but I shot.

“I forgot the first yellow card, so I’m very disappointed that I got the red card, but the most important thing for me was to get the win.

“Everyone came up to me and said I deserved it. The most important [thing] for me today was the victory.”

United won a thrilling match at Old Trafford 4-3.

They got off to a perfect start when Scott McTominay scored after just 10 minutes.

However, Liverpool turned the game on its head before half-time with a quick double from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.

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The visitors should have put the match beyond doubt before Antony equalized for United with just three minutes left on the clock.

In extra time, Harvey Elliot restored Liverpool’s lead, but Marcus Rashford leveled his team again.

Then, in the 120th minute, Ivory Coast’s Diallo raced clear to fire home the fourth to give his club a famous victory.