Star: Alex Iwobi (Getty Images) After a childhood spent idolising Jay-Jay Okocha and Ronaldinho, it is no surprise to learn that Alex Iwobi plays his best football when he can express himself. Iwobi was inspired watching his uncle, Okocha, and Ronaldinho play together at Paris Saint-Germain and countless days on the school playground where spent … Read more
Move over mistletoe: the bow has officially claimed Christmas. From slithers of ribbons tied around candles, to super-size bows hanging off door-knockers, if it’s got a bow on it – it’s inherently festive. Of course there are other ways to decorate your home for the big day; we’ve asked tastemakers and creatives around the capital … Read more
Kensington and Chelsea Council has approved extending a ban on contractors involved in the Grenfell Tower fire from future contracts. The decision was finalised during a leadership meeting on December 11 and comes after the proposal was announced last month. Cllr Sof McVeigh, lead member for housing management, safety and new homes, said extending and … Read more
Vaccination rates for flu are lower in London than any other region in England, new figures show, as NHS bosses warned of a “tidal wave” of cases this winter. Analysis by the Standard found that 1.7 million flu jabs had been given out in the capital as of December 8, the lowest total of any … Read more
A homeless mum was unable to live with her two disabled children for over a year and a half after a South London council placed her in a flat that wasn’t wheelchair accessible. The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO), which handles complaints about local authorities, has ordered Lambeth Council to pay the woman at least £15,000 … Read more
Ellie Goulding has reportedly sold her £3.1million London home more than four years after first putting it on the market. It comes the same year that the singer, 37, split from husband Caspar Jopling. She and the art dealer called time on their four-year marriage in February and continue to co-parent their son Arthur, four. … Read more
Nutcracker is ballet’s annual sugar rush – a gulp of delicious dance and Tchaikovsky’s music. Hitting the literal sweet spot between trashy and smugly tasteful can prove tricky, but English National Ballet’s new production – fun, cohesive and astoundingly pretty – delivers Quality Street levels of moreish pleasure. It’s a collaboration between Aaron S Watkin, … Read more
The Royal Variety Performance is back again for another year. The 2024 event features the likes of Sir Elton John, Stephen Mulhern and 2024 Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas. The Royal Variety Performance is the world’s longest running entertainment show and this year was attended by King Charles III. Queen Camilla was due to accompany him, but was … Read more
A criminology student accused of stabbing physical trainer Amie Gray to death on Bournemouth beach used the Snapchat name “Ninja Killer” and researched murderers and knives online, a court has heard. Nasen Saadi, from Croydon, south London, is on trial at Winchester Crown Court charged with the murder of the 34-year-old at Durley Chine Beach, West … Read more
A baby girl was left fighting for her life after being attacked by her family’s XL Bully, according to reports. Arabella Williams, just eight months old, was attacked at a property in Hawkinge, Kent on Wednesday, and had to be airlifted to King’s College Hospital, where she is being treated for serious injuries. The dog, … Read more