Line of Duty finale: H was revealed, and the reviews are in

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-56945425

The continued peace in Northern Ireland is a credit to its people, the Queen has said.

In a message to mark 100 years since the creation of NI, she called it "a significant centenary for both the United Kingdom and Ireland".

"This anniversary reminds us of our complex history," she said.

She added that it provided "an opportunity to reflect on our togetherness and our diversity".

Her message came exactly 100 years since the state was founded on 3 May 1921.

Legislation was enacted which created a border in Ireland for the first time, and led to its partition.

The Queen also paid tribute to NI's "rich mix of identities, backgrounds and aspirations".

She said political progress and the peace process were "rightly credited to a generation of leaders who had the vision and courage to put reconciliation before division".

"Above all, the continued peace is a credit to its people, upon whose shoulders the future rests," she added.

She also acknowledged the contribution of "our friends and closest neighbours" towards peace in Northern Ireland. She recalled her visit with Prince Phillip to Ireland ten years ago.

Sending her warmest good wishes, she said: "Across generations, the people of Northern Ireland are choosing to build an inclusive, prosperous, and hopeful society, strengthened by the gains of the peace process.

"May this be our guiding thread in the coming years."

1921 – Under the British Government of Ireland Act, Ireland was partitioned into two self-governing territories, Northern and Southern Ireland.

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce says the Baggies need a "magic miracle and fairy dust" to stay in the Premier League after drawing the Black Country derby with Wolves.

This desperate cleat-chaser must be next-level obnoxious. She's been pumped & dumped by half the NFL, but none seem to stick around long. No one will love her more than she loves herself.

Britney Spears accuses NYT and BBC pop documentaries of hypocrisy for slamming the press then doing exactly the same

It's hard not like the way Potter has Brighton playing.

Marcel Stellman, creator of Channel 4's long-running gameshow Countdown, has died at the age of 96.

Belgian-born Stellman was also a record producer and lyricist who wrote songs for stars including Cilla Black, Charles Aznavour and The Shadows.

Among his best-known tracks was the Max Bygraves hit Tulips From Amsterdam, released in 1958.

Countdown was Channel 4's first show at its 1982 launch and has become one of the world's most enduring game shows.

Stellman's nephew wrote on Twitter: "It is with our deepest sorrow we share with you news of the death of our beloved Uncle - Marcel Stellman, 96, who passed away late last night. Marcel is survived by his beloved wife Jean."

Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman, who appeared on the show for 26 years from 1982 until 2008, was among those paying tribute, crediting Stellman with making Countdown a "juggernaut".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn3FRUJcOjg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pklLYkr_i1o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBUs7P2kIAs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PozVPAfYias

Tensions between the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) and cycling's governing body over the controversial closure of the investigation into four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome's use of salbutamol in 2018 have been revealed.

The rider was cleared of any wrongdoing over the legal asthma drug almost three years ago.

In correspondence days later, now obtained by BBC Sport, the UCI president David Lappartient told Wada's then-president Sir Craig Reedie that the agency "appears to be placing full responsibility for the decision squarely on the UCI's shoulders".

"We both know very well who took the initiative of closing this case and the reasons why," Lappartient continued in the letter.

"It is disappointing to see that your organisation is not taking responsibility on the ground that technically the decision had to be taken by the UCI."

Lappartient also suggested the UCI had "concerns" about Wada's rules regarding the use of salbutamol, but did not reveal them to Froome because of "an understanding [Wada] would then support the UCI in justifying what, to the public, is a very difficult decision to understand".

Covid: Japan town builds giant squid statue with relief money

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56978075

Scotland bounced back from successive defeats at the World Women's Curling Championship to beat Italy 9-6.

Eve Muirhead's rink are now joint fourth in the round-robin standings with a 4-2 record.

The Scots face the Czech Republic and hosts Canada on the fifth day of competition in Calgary.

The Russian Curling Federation and Switzerland remain unbeaten after six victories each and Estonia enjoyed their first ever championship win.

Skipped by Marie Turmann, the Estonians edged Germany 11-9 after an extra end.

Having lost out to Korea and Sweden it was important for Scotland to get back on track and they led from the start against Italy, taking a two from the first end.

"I'm really pleased with the team's performance and the flow of that game," said Muirhead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9qEiOKSgWU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhxF9Qg5mOU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1SR3GeCYLM

Lafayette

Metroid Prime 4 is an upcoming video game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It was announced during an online showcase at E3 2017, and was reportedly initially developed by Bandai Namco Studios. In early 2019, development restarted under Retro Studios, developer of the previous Metroid Prime games, retaining producer Kensuke Tanabe.

Former Republic of Ireland and Portsmouth midfielder Alan McLoughlin has passed away at the age of 54.

Manchester-born McLoughlin, whose other clubs included Swindon Town and Southampton, revealed in March that he had cancer.

He made his Republic debut in 1990 and won 42 caps.

McLoughlin is best remembered for his equalising goal against Northern Ireland which clinched qualification for the 1994 World Cup finals.

He was diagnosed with a kidney tumour in 2012 and had a successful operation but McLoughlin said in March that he had cancer and it spread to his kidney, chest wall and lung.

The FAI paid has paid tribute to McLoughlin, who scored two goals in a nine-year international career and was in the Republic squad for the 1990 and 1994 World Cup finals.

"The Football Association of Ireland extends our deepest sympathies to Debbie, Abby and Megan McLoughlin following the death today of our former international midfielder Alan McLoughlin at the age of 54," the FAI said on Tuesday.

"Alan had bravely faced into a second battle with cancer in recent months with his courage in adversity an example to all those who knew him and loved him.

"Capped 42 times by the Republic of Ireland under Jack Charlton and Mick McCarthy, Alan famously scored the Windsor Park equaliser against Northern Ireland in November 1993 that sent the Republic of Ireland to USA '94. He was named Ireland's Player of the Year in 1996."

FAI President Gerry McAnaney added: "Alan will always be remembered for that goal in Belfast 18 years ago, a goal that brought the entire country to its feet.

"He was a great player for Ireland, a fantastic footballing man who coached so many young players and a very proud family man.

"We were lucky to have him as one of our Irish football family and I know I speak on behalf of everyone involved with Irish football when I sympathise with Debbie and his family at this most difficult of times."

Alan McLoughlin played more than 300 games for Portsmouth between 1992 and 1999

Rotherham