A POPULAR Ford SUV will see a major interior upgrade in 2025 to incorporate Google and Zoom options as part of a new tech package.

The carmaker has managed to pack in all the extra features while maintaining a “hard cap” on the price.

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The 2025 Ford Explorer is set for a design refresh[/caption]

Ford

Most of the changes will come in the interior[/caption]

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The model will be equipped with Google Assitant, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto[/caption]

The Explorer has been on the market since 1991 and is consistently one of Ford’s best-sellers in North America.

Produced at the brand’s Chicago factory, it is even sold to law enforcement departments across the country as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility.

The model was renewed for a sixth generation in 2022, while a hybrid version was introduced in 2022.

But the 2025 model year will see a mid-generation design refresh, with particular focus on the interior.

The most significant addition is a completely digital dashboard, with everything controlled from a 13.2″ touchscreen coupled with a 12.3″ LED gauge panel.

This also incorporates Google Assistant, which brings with it the full range of apps from the platform.

The voice control software can handle most driver commands, while there’s also Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for those who prefer to do it manually.

There’s even Zoom video conferencing software folded into the package.

However, as you might expect, this does come with some restrictions, with drivers only able to use the video call feature while parked safely.

That’s not to say there have been no exterior tweaks, though, as Ford seeks to freshen up the model’s look.

Customers can now pick from some new paint job options, while the grille has been enlarged and the head and tail lights redesigned.

One of the most unexpected changes is the removal of the locking differential, which reduces the Explorer’s off-road abilities quite substantially.

The all-wheel-drive system and V6 engine options mean it’s still suited to the occasional dirt track, but the more hardcore stuff is best left to others.

On the bright side, Ford have managed to keep a “hard cap” on the model’s price, with the Explorer famously described as the “fastest SUV under $60,000”.

The base level Active trim is priced from $39,755, while the ST version is $44,515 and the range-topping Platinum variant clocks in at $52,150.

It comes after Google unveiled a free feature which could help drivers avoid speeding tickets.

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Drivers can even access Zoom[/caption]

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Ford has kept the $60,000 ‘hard cap’ on the model’s price[/caption]

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But a key off-road feature has been removed[/caption]

A MAN accusing Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of groping him when he was a child has been pictured with the rapper before the alleged assault.

The unnamed John Doe is one of over 100 alleged victims listed in a slew of lawsuits that accuse Diddy of crimes including rape, sexual trafficking and racketeering.

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The filing alleges that Diddy groped his privates at one of star’s infamous White Parties in 1998 when John Doe was just 16 years old.

A photograph included in the suit, filed in New York on Monday, shows Diddy with his arm around the teen after they met at the Hamptons event.

It marks the first child sex assault claim against Diddy and said he dubbed the act a “rite of passage” for breaking into the music industry.

Diddy’s White Parties were infamous in celebrity circles and were attended by hordes of A-List stars in the 90s.

John Doe’s lawsuit claims the parties were a key part of the alleged assaults.

The court filing read: “[He] would tell victims, ”this is what it takes to be famous, what are you willing to do to become a star?

“There existed something sinister – a dark underbelly of crime, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, bribery and prostitution.

“Combs is a menace to society, women and children.”

Diddy denies the allegations against him. 

John Doe was invited to one of the notorious White Parties while living in New York City as a teen.

The filing read: “When he received the invitation, he felt like he finally had the opportunity to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the industry.

“He thought it could be his chance to break into the music industry.

“As John Doe entered, he spotted countless celebrities and A-listers who were from the music and entertainment industry.

“He recognized faces he had seen on TV and on the big screen.

“The young boy was making his way through the crowd and heading toward the restroom when he ‘unexpectedly bumped into Combs’.

“Shocked, John Doe found himself face to face with Combs, a titan in the music industry, standing right in front of him at his own party.”

The picture apparently captured the moment John Doe encountered Diddy – showing them in a vast garden dressed all in white.

John Doe’s filing continues: “Combs took an interest in John Doe and wanted to talk to him.

“They walked to a more private area near the portable restrooms brought in for the party.

“There, John Doe told Combs he was a big fan of Combs and shared his dreams of becoming a star.

“Combs smiled, telling him he had potential and ‘the look.’ When John Doe admitted his voice was not great, Combs assured him that did not matter.

“Combs abruptly told John Doe that he needed to drop his pants.'”

The suit then goes on to describe in detail the alleged assault – saying that John Doe removed his trousers because of “fear, anxiety and the imbalanced power dynamic between himself and Combs”.

It also claims that some of the those accusing Diddy of assault have said he used “lotions or similar body oils… laced with GBH” on his victims.

Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GBH) is commonly known as a “date rape” drug because it is hard to detect when slipped into a drink and can be used as an anaesthetic – producing feelings of drowsiness or relaxation.

In March this year cops raided Diddy’s Los Angeles and Florida homes, seizing drugs, videos and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil.

Lawyer Tony Buzbee is representing some 120 people in lawsuits against the musician.

He has repeatedly said more high-profile people could be named in the documents as the investigation moves on.

Some 25 of those he is representing claim they were minors when they were allegedly abused.

The number of allegations against Diddy began to spiral when a video showing the rapper beating his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a hotel in 2016 was made public this year.

On September 17 he was charged with three federal counts, including sex trafficking, for allegedly forcing victims to take part in drug-fuelled sex parties he called “Freak Offs.”

The Sun has reached out to Diddy’s legal team for comment.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

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(left to right) Beyonce, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Cassie celebrate their 2016 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City[/caption]

MEGHAN Markle has been branded a “diva” who “didn’t like her wings being clipped”, according to esteemed royal commentator Jennie Bond.

The former BBC royal correspondent insisted that the Duchess of Sussex could have been an asset for the royal family, but she wasn’t happy during her time there.

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A royal expert has claimed Meghan Markle didn’t like her ‘wings being clipped’ in the royal family[/caption]

The Mega Agency

Meghan stepped out solo at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala earlier this month[/caption]

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The Princess of Wales met with victims from the Southport attack last week[/caption]

Speaking to Bella, Jennie claimed: “Meghan could have been such a credit to the royal family – she is an independent, forthright woman with her own career, her own thoughts, her own charities and causes.

“She could have been exactly what a modern monarchy needs. I think the monarchy didn’t act as carefully as they should have done. 

“But Meghan is by all accounts a bit of a diva. She didn’t like what she saw, and she didn’t like her wings being clipped.”

This comes as Meghan and Kate have both returned to the public eye in separate continents.

The Princess of Wales has undergone two recent official visits following her announcement that she has finished her chemotherapy treatment.

The first was meeting cancer-stricken 16-year-old Liz Hatton, and the second was sitting down with victims of the Southport attack.

Meanwhile, we saw the Duchess of Sussex looking glamorous in a recycled red dress on the red carpet at the LA Children’s Hospital gala earlier this month.

The swanky appearance was Meghan’s first solo venture in months.

Jennie added: “Catherine and Meghan are indeed two very different women and are now on very different paths.

“Everything Catherine does is to help others: the disadvantaged, the young and now those suffering from cancer. 

“It’s not for money, or fame or self aggrandisement. It is to help people who are in trouble or difficulty and to do good.”

The royal expert claimed Meghan is also using her “star power” to draw attention to good causes, but said she is “very active in the commercial world”, and is also pursuing financial ventures to support their new life in California.

Although the two women both married into the royal family, they appear to be on very different paths, with Kate focusing on the future of the monarchy now doctors have given her the all clear to phase back into work.

Meanwhile, Meghan’s upcoming ventures include a Netflix cooking show about friendship and her lifestyle brand American Orchard Riviera.

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Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond claimed Meghan could have been ‘exactly what a modern monarchy needs’[/caption]

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Princess Kate met with 16-year-old Liz Hatton in her first public outing since finishing chemotherapy this month[/caption]

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Jennie claimed Meghan felt restricted in the royal family[/caption]

Tense friendship

The royal wives have had a number of alleged moments of tension of the years, including Meghan telling Oprah Winfrey Kate that made her cry just days before her wedding.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry recalled in his bombshell memoir Spare that the women had a bust-up after Meghan made a comment about Kate’s hormones.

During an interview with The Cut, Meghan was asked if she thought there was hope of a reconciliation between her and the rest of the royal family.

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Meghan and Kate have had some disagreements in the past[/caption]

Meghan said: “I think forgiveness is really important. It takes a lot more energy to not forgive.

“But it takes a lot of effort to forgive. 

“I’ve really made an active effort, especially knowing that I can say anything.

“I have a lot to say until I don’t. Do you like that? Sometimes, as they say, the silent part is still part of the song.”

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MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry seem to be focusing on solo work projects and increasing living separate lives, according to royal experts.

A PR expert has claimed that the reason for the Sussexes focusing on individual projects is that their “star power wasn’t as successful as they hoped.”

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to focusing on solo ventures[/caption]

The Mega Agency

Meghan stepped out solo at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala earlier this month[/caption]

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Prince Harry flew to Lesotho, Africa to meet with Prince Seeiso at the start of October[/caption]

PR guru Mark Borkowski told Best magazine: “There has been a separation [of their work] for a while. 

“Harry is ‘going back to basics’ with a formula that worked well for him as a Royal Family member, but there’s also the realisation that the couple’s ‘star power’ wasn’t as successful as they hoped. 

“They had to change the narrative.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and after relocating to California initially undertook a number of joint projects, including their £82million Netflix deal and their Archewell foundation.

Sussex divide?

Speaking on our first ever Royal Exclusive Live show, legendary Sun photographer Arthur Edwards revealed how the pair are ‘doing things separately now’ after failing to be spotted together in weeks.

Meanwhile Jennie Bond, a royal correspondent for the last 35 years, also revealed: “Meghan is not popular. She doesn’t want to come back and they are going their own ways, to some extent”.

This comes after it was revealed Harry celebrated the night of his milestone 40th birthday without Meghan in September.

The duke went on a hiking trip with pals to celebrate his big day, leaving his wife and their kids at home.

Sources close to the couple insist it was Meghan who organised the lads’ trip.

Their separate plans, followed by Harry’s solo trips across the past few weeks, has sparked speculation surrounding their relationship.

However, a Sussex confidante addressed rumours, insisting: “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”

Riding solo

Solo ventures the couple have recently done include Harry taking a trip to Lesotho in Africa in honour of his charity, Sentebale.

The Duchess of Sussex ­previously accompanied him to the continent, including in May this year.

Harry also attended a string of events in New York unaccompanied by his wife, and also did a surprise TV stint and tour of a haunted maze on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

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A PR expert claimed the Sussexes’ ‘star power’ wasn’t as successful as they hoped[/caption]

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The couple worked together on their faux-royal tour of Colombia in August[/caption]

He also jetted to the UK capital at the end of September and did not see his father the King, or have any contact with his brother, Prince William.

Instead his time was taken up by honouring seriously ill youngsters at the WellChild Awards in London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex stunned at the LA Children’s Hospital gala in early October, sporting a red gown she had upcycled from a previous event.

Meghan’s personal projects

instagram/@AmericanRivieraOrchard

Among Meghan’s solo projects is her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which is yet to sell any products[/caption]

Meghan’s upcoming solo ventures include a Netflix cooking show about friendship and her lifestyle brand American Orchard Riviera.

The mum-of-two’s lifestyle company recently suffered fresh blows as it was revealed she is ‘struggling’ to secure a CEO, and her team filled in official forms incorrectly, and failed to send enough cash.

Since announcing the project, the former Suits actress is yet to roll out anything other than jams and dog biscuits – products that have only been gifted to her A-lister pals so far.

These issues came in addition to a bitter dispute over exclusive rights to the name American Riviera Orchard.

TOMMY FURY is in line to sensationally TRIPLE his net worth as talks to rematch Jake Paul continue – but with a twist.

Fury looked to have buried two years of bitter feuding when he beat Paul via split-decision in the Diriyah desert in Saudi Arabia last year.

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Jake Paul and Tommy Fury are in talks to rematch[/caption]

But the celebrity boxing rivals have continued their feud to build towards a money-spinning rematch.

And they could even take their rivalry to the MMA cage with a huge two-fight deal being put in place.

Paul is signed to the Professional Fighters League and primed to make his cage debut next year.

And in February, PFL founder Donn Davis told SunSport £15milllion ($20m) was on the table for Fury to fight Paul in MMA and boxing.

Davis said: “Tommy doing a back-to-back boxing and MMA – hardwired together where Tommy couldn’t back out of one or the other – is on the table.

“The rumoured offers of $15-20m to Tommy – which is three times what he could earn for many other of his options – is accurate.

“Is that the best option for Jake? I’ll leave that to Jake and Nakisa [Bidarian]. They’re the best at picking opponents and managing that.

“But that is accurate and that is a possibility.”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Fury even recently posed with PFL gloves on in a YouTube video and called out Paul to a rematch in the cage.

And PFL CEO Peter Murray – ahead of Francis Ngannou’s MMA return in Riyadh – confirmed talks with the 2019 Love Island star are ongoing.

Murray told SunSport: “He was going to be part of this event on the broadcast team. But he’s excited by the sport and that would be interesting.

“Listen, he’s a big event fighter and there’s plenty of money to go around.

“We’re investing in the sport, we’re investing in big events, that would be a mega event and we’re here to put on a spectacle.”

Fury is believed to have earned around £6m for his two wins over YouTube pair Paul and KSI.

Meaning PFL’s proposed double header would see him nearly triple his fight earnings.

Fury, 25, controversially beat KSI, 31, in October and underwent hand surgery soon after as he looks to return by January.

Paul, 27, meanwhile faces heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson, 58, on November 15 in a clash slammed over the 30-year age gap.

But PFL are looking to schedule his MMA debut for next year – possibly right after the Netflix fight with Tyson.

And Paul confirmed in August that talks to fight Fury in the cage are happening.

He said: “I think that’s actually still a discussion. So that could be interesting for sure. Me versus Tommy in MMA.”

The PFL are also working on introducing hybrid-rules fights to help bridge that gap between boxing and MMA.

And a never-before-seen mixed-rules bout between Paul and Fury has not been ruled out.

Murray added: “We’ll see. We haven’t talked about Jake’s debut that would be modified rules.

“It’s a possibility but we’re having those conversations with other fighters, in particular from the boxing world. I think it could be interesting.”

@evolutionfitnessxl

Tommy Fury has called out Jake Paul to a rematch in MMA[/caption]

ONLY those with perfect vision and a key eye for detail can solve this puzzle in a matter of seconds.

In this Halloween-themed brainteaser, it is easy to spot the bird and the wheelbarrow.

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Can you spot the five Halloween pumpkins in just 15 seconds?[/caption]

However, your task is to spot the five pumpkins hidden in the cartoon of a farmer’s market.

With lots of different details to distract you, the creators of this image have not made the puzzle easy to solve.

While you may be quick to find one or two of the pumpkins, some are much trickier as they are hidden behind other objects.

It might be worth knowing that the pumpkins do not all look the same.

Puzzles such as these are not fun as they also carry numerous health benefits such as relieving stress and improving cognitive function.

Now that you have had some time to closely examine the image, how many pumpkins have you found?

If you have spotted all five in less than 15 seconds you can give yourself a pat on the back and brag about your perfect eyesight.

However, if you are struggling two tips might help you out.

Both have to do with how you approach the image and start searching for the vegetables.

It is all to do with giving yourself less to focus on within the image so you notice more and find those pumpkins.

Try dividing the image into more manageable chunks such as quarters and then search each piece carefully before moving on to the next.

Don’t forget to look very closely as some of the pumpkins are very difficult to spot.

If that doesn’t work you can approach the image differently and slowly examine the picture as if your eyes are the hands of a clock.

By slowly going around the picture and breaking it up into more manageable pieces, you can stay focused rather than get distracted by the woman’s eye-popping yellow trousers or the striped awning.

If those pumpkins are just too hard to find, scroll down to the solution image below.

Meanwhile, here are some more mind-boggling puzzles for you to try.

In this fruity image see if you can spot the hidden lemon in just 12 seconds.

Or why not try finding the fish in this sea-themed puzzle?

There are numerous other puzzles to have a go at on The Sun website as well as more pictures below.

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How long did it take you to find all five pumpkins?[/caption]

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Can you find the hidden spider?[/caption]

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There it is! Were you quick enough to find it?[/caption]

AN expert mechanic has warned drivers to refuse two oil change upgrades that are reguarly offered by auto repair stores.

The motoring guru has opened up on the shady tactics used by some garages to rip off customers – especially those with minimal car knowledge. 

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A mechanic has warned drivers to refuse two oil change upgrades that are reguarly offered by auto repair stores[/caption]

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The motoring guru has exposed the tactics used by some garages[/caption]

In a video posted to TikTok, a user has urged customers to stay away from fuel cleaning and fuel additive offers during a regular oil change, and to simply just get their oil changed and tires rotated. 

In the clip, which has more than 103,000 views, the mechanic said: “These car fuel packages are useless and rip off customers for no reason.”

Fuel cleaners are used to remove dirt and debris from the vehicle’s fuel system, while fuel additives aim to improve fuel performance, efficiency, and engine longevity.

However, the mechanic claims these two services are completely unnecessary if you have been regularly maintaining your car and changing its oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. 

He added: “Adding fuel cleaner and fuel additives is useless.

“Gas is very clean in most states. You don’t need to put any cleaner into your gas tank. It makes no sense.”

TikTok users were full of praise for the honest mechanic, with one person commenting: “Honest Mechanic with great advice.”

Another wrote: “I used to be a Service Advisor and my dealership really pushed the fuel system cleaner.

“They claimed the injectors would get clogged up after 30,000 miles, I hated recommending this to my customers.”

And a third simply said: “Gotta protect this man at all cost.”

Generally, staying on top of oil changes and following routine car maintenance will keep your vehicle in great shape.

According to AAA, car owners should change their oil every 5,000 miles or so.

Of course, this can vary depending on your vehicle’s age, the type of oil, and regular driving conditions.

This comes as another expert mechanic has shared a way to keep track of when it’s time for maintenance – and it could save you $100s in unneeded repairs.

YouTuber Scotty Kilmer said it’s not necessary to change your coolant or battery very often, but that it might be difficult to remember when to switch them out.

Elsewhere, a lucky driver has snapped up a bargain Volkswagen for just $1,000.

The used car was sold to them with a suspected fault – but they soon discovered that it needed a part that costs just $4 to work again.

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Staying on top of oil changes and following routine car maintenance will keep your vehicle in great shape[/caption]

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Car owners should change their oil every 5,000 miles or so[/caption]

JAY Slater’s heartbroken mum has slammed investigator Mark Williams-Thomas for reigniting “the trolls” and claims he is hiding key information.

Debbie Duncan begged the ex-Madeline McCann cop to either reveal everything he knows about Jay’s death directly to the family and police or “just stay out of it” for good.

Louis Wood

Ian Whittaker

Facebook

Jay with his mum Debbie[/caption]

It comes after Williams-Thomas claimed he knows the real reason the teen left the Airbnb in Spain before embarking on a doomed last journey in June.

Williams-Thomas has been continuing to investigate the tragic death following Jay’s funeral in August.

On Monday he posted a video on social media saying he has solved two mysteries surrounding Jay: why he left the Airbnb and why he didn’t return.

Despite the claims, the former cop is yet to provide any evidence or explanation but says he is working “closely with the family”.

But a grief-stricken Debbie, 55, has hit out at the former TV sleuth since saying the video has only brought back vile online trolls.

She also said Williams-Thomas’ latest move feels like a “PR stunt”.

The school finance officer told MailOnline: “If he knows something I wish he would say it, otherwise people will think it’s just publicity and it’s not doing me any good.

“Now it’s all over the news again and it’s really knocked me.

“I thought for a second he might have something but now I’m thinking it might just be a PR stunt.

“All it’s done is that it’s got all the bloody TikTokers back and they have never really stopped which is even sadder.”

Debbie has constantly blasted online trolls for the abuse they have given everyone involved in Jay’s case.

The search for the Lancashire teen was hampered by amateur sleuths and conspiracy theorists who kept on spreading wild claims.

For months they have hounded the Slater family and friends while constantly making up lies about Jay and why he may have gone missing.

The 55-year-old mum has said since the video was released by the investigator the abuse has only worsened.

Debbie continued: “I couldn’t sleep at all last night because after he posted what he did it on his social media just kicked off all the trolls again.

“Losing Jay was hard enough but then having to read what some people are writing is torture.

“I’m not good really and I would be lying if I said I was alright, the last few hours have just been awful.

“What he said has knocked me back a million steps, I just wish he would say what he knows or just stay out of it.”

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Debbie with Jay’s older brother Zak reading out a vile letter sent to the family by a troll[/caption]

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Debbie at Jay’s grave[/caption]

The pair last spoke a few weeks ago about Jay, Debbie revealed.

She said she asked Williams-Thomas to run through the case with her one more time as the first few weeks in Tenerife had been incredibly tough on her mentally.

Jay left an Airbnb in the village of Masca on June 17 hours after travelling there with two men he’d met at a music festival.

The search made headlines worldwide after sleuths tried to piece the Lancashire teen’s last moments together.

Police spent almost two weeks combing the vast area he may have walked through with drones, helicopters and sniffer dogs before turning to a private search.

Jay’s desperate dad Warren, 58, and brother Zak, 24, also kept up the hunt – retracing Jay’s steps almost every day in the blistering heat.

His body was found 29 days later after he tragically fell to his death sometime after leaving the Airbnb.

Dramatic images showed the moment a helicopter crewman was winched into the chasm with his arms aloft in the delicate recovery operation.

A post mortem conducted in the UK confirmed that Jay died because of traumatic head injuries, consistent with a “fall from height”.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Debbie said: “Jay was just a lovely boy with a massive personality.

“Everybody just loved Jay being in his company – family, friends and work.

“He was loving and popular, always full of fun and smiling – and the main guy in the group.”

Ian Whittaker

Jay, 19, vanished while on holiday on June 17[/caption]

Ian Whittaker

Dad Warren and brother Zak spent weeks out into the mountains to search for Jay[/caption]

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Devastated brother Zak was a pallbearer for his little brother[/caption]

IN a world with soaring obesity rates, fat jabs have arrived and taken the world of the rich and beautiful by storm.

The injections have allegedly helped celebrities like Elon Musk, Sharon Osbourne and even Prime Minister Boris Johnson shed the pounds.

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UK health chiefs are investigating 20 deaths that have been reported as being potentially linked to fat jabs[/caption]

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We asked the experts key questions on these ‘miracle’ jabs[/caption]

And now, unemployed Brits could be given free weight-loss jabs under plans being drawn up by Wes Streeting.

The health secretary wants to use drugs – including Wegovy and Mounjaro to kickstart a major back-to-work drive.

But there is a dark side to these “miracle jabs”.

UK health chiefs are investigating 20 deaths that have been reported as being potentially linked to the injections, it was revealed this month.

Several celebs, including model Lottie Moss and Stephen Fry, have opened up about all the horrible side effects they experienced while taking the jabs- from contorting on the floor to violent sickness.

The curiosity to try the quick fix has even driven some to turn to the black market for skinny jabs, which can leave people seriously unwell.

To help separate fact from fiction, and arm you with vital information, Vanessa Chalmers asked the experts key questions on injectables.

What are the different fat jabs?

There is one thing all fat jabs have in common — they mimic the hormone (glucagon-like peptide 1) that makes you feel full.

Wegovy is the brand name for the drug semaglutide, also found in Ozempic, approved to treat diabetes.

Dr Aishah Iqbal, a doctor and weight-loss coach who runs mindoverdiets.co.uk, tells Sun Health: “It works by increasing insulin secretion and delays gastric emptying, creating a suppression in appetite.”

Meanwhile, Mounjaro is the brand name for another medication, tirzepatide, and Saxenda contains the active drug liraglutide.

Dr Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, says: “Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity and work to decrease food intake.”

Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is another weight loss jab that’s been available on the NHS since 2020.

While Mounjaro is hailed as the “King Kong” fat jabs, a new weight loss drug dubbed “Godzilla” looks set to displace it.

Containing the active ingredient retatrutide, slimmers trying the drug lost up to 29 per cent of their weight in less than a year.

By comparison, trial results showed semaglutide, known as Ozempic, could lead to 15 per cent weight loss and tirzepatide, aka Mounjaro, to 23 per cent.

Retatrutide acts on three different receptors in the brain, “turbocharging” calorie burning while dulling hunger pangs.

Existing weight-loss jabs only suppress appetite, whereas the new treatment also speeds up metabolism.

The new drug is still undergoing clinical trials so it’s not yet known if it will be made available on the NHS.

Is it safe to use fat jabs to slim down before a holiday or wedding?

Ian Budd, pharmacist for Chemist4U and MyBMI, says: “Using injectable weight-loss medications for cosmetic reasons or without a medical need is not recommended and can be potentially harmful.

“They are not a quick fix or a way to lose a few pounds before a holiday.

“Misuse of these medications can lead to serious health consequences and should be avoided.”

Dr Iqbal adds: “They are for the management of chronic obesity, so they may not be the first step to take if your weight gain has been more recent or over a shorter period of time.”

How much weight can you expect to lose with fat jabs?

With Wegovy, you can expect to see 15 per cent weight loss on average. That is a 31lb weight loss for a person weighing 15st, taking them to 12st 11lb.

Mounjaro is more effective, reducing weight by 20 per cent. And Saxenda is the least effective, with five per cent weight loss, on average.

They are not a quick fix or a way to lose a few pounds before a holiday

Ian Budd, pharmacist for Chemist4U and MyBMI

Dr Dutt says: “Based on clinical trials, 96 per cent of people were able to lose more than five per cent of their body fat using Mounjaro.

“In similar trials, 84 per cent of people lost more than five per cent of their body weight on Wegovy, and 60 per cent on Saxenda.”

Can you get the jabs on the NHS?

Eligiblity hinges on having a body mass index of 30-35 (obese category), coupled with weight-related health issues such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes.

Dr Iqbal explains: “You need to be referred to the NHS specialist weight management service, usually by your GP.”

Mr Budd says: “Access to these medications on the NHS may be considered only in exceptional cases where other weight-loss interventions have been unsuccessful.”

Criteria for a private prescription depends on the healthcare provider. He says: “In some cases, the criteria may be similar to NHS guidelines, while in others, it may be more relaxed.”

Privately, the jabs cost anywhere from £150 to £260 a month.

Canyou buy fat jabs over the counter?

Fat jabs aren’t available over the counter, you need to have a prescription to take them.

Aside from getting a prescription via the NHS, you also have the option for paying for a private prescription.

Your eligibility will still need to be assessed by a pharmacist or GP, according to Click2Pharmacy.

How long do you have to take the jabs for?

Mr Budd says: “In general, these medications are used for a limited period, usually up to 12 weeks.”

Websites touting “15/20 per cent weight loss” refer to clinical trials in which patients were given fat jabs for more than a year.

The NHS website says patients’ prescriptions are continued past three to six months only if a minimum of five per cent body weight reduction has been achieved.

Mr Budd says: “After discontinuing injectable weight-loss medications, appetite may gradually return to normal, the extent of which can vary.”

Although fat jabs appear to be a “magic fix”, Dr Iqbal adds: “These medications should be used alongside lifestyle changes such as dietary changes and exercise.”

What are the potential side effects and risks?

Mr Budd says: “Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, headache and dizziness. The frequency and severity of side effects can vary, and some people may experience none at all.

“Long-term effects of injectable weight-loss medications are still being studied, and the safety profile of these medications over extended periods is not yet fully understood.”

Other side effects reported include vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, flatulence and acid reflux.

Positive research studies show evidence that semaglutide can reduce the risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, addiction, Parkinson’s and even Alzheimer’s.

There were concerns that the jabs were linked to both thyroid cancer and suicide but more recent studies have challenged these claims.

How can you be sure that you are buying your jabs from a reputable place?

An influx of skinny jabs on the black market has resulted in people becoming sick and even risking death.

Mr Budd says: “There’s no way to know what you’re putting into your body.

There’s no way to know what you’re putting into your body

Ian Budd, pharmacist for Chemist4U and MyBMI

“If someone is offering you weight-loss medications with no questions asked, that’s a huge red flag and you should avoid them at all costs.”

He says a legitimate prescriber will have their credentials listed in registers provided by the General Medical Council or General Pharmaceutical Council and pharmacies should be registered with the GPhC.

Arethere any products that give the same effect?

Supplement products may be touted as having the same effect as Ozempic..

Rachell Hipkiss, a nutritional biochemist, says: “Two particular products keep popping up. Berberine, hailed as ‘nature’s Ozempic’ on TikTok, is a bioactive compound. Glucomannan (Konjac) is a root vegetable native to China.”

But neither have the same clinical research backing their effects.

Foods that help manage appetite, helping you feel fuller for longer, include oats, avocados, eggs and nuts.

What you could try…

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Eggs could mimic fat jabs[/caption]

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Avocados are another food to try out for natural results[/caption]

Like fat jabs, there are some foods that Canadian scientists claim could mimic the GLP-1 hormone.

It’s worth giving all of these a go – oats, avocados, eggs, nuts and plenty of vegetables.

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You could also give oats a try[/caption]

and what to avoid

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Be cautious of over-the-counter supplements like Berberine[/caption]

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Another one to be careful about is Glucomannan[/caption]

You should always be cautious of extravagant claims you will see on social media, such as that over-the-counter supplements including Glucomannan and Berbering, are “as good as Ozempic”.

The other surprising ways weight loss jabs can boost your health

Whether it’s wild before-and-after pictures flooding social media or the feral gossip each time a celebrity posts a snap of themselves appearing to look far slimmer than before.

And now, we’re being faced with a barrage of studies claiming the jabs might be good for more than just shedding the pounds.

Most recently, scientists said the medicines could be the cancer hope of the future, and after early studies suggested they could reduce the risk of tumours, for example.

Other experts have said the fat-blasting jabs can silence snoring by treating an underlying health condition called sleep apnoea.

This happens when your breathing stops and starts while you are asleep, causing people to gasp, snore and wake up spluttering during the night.

Medications like Wegovy could affect cognitive disorders and even ward off Alzheimer’s.

The thought stems from a Danish study that followed people with type 2 diabetes for five years.

The scientists found those on weight loss jabs were less likely to develop dementia compared to those not on the drug.

Meanwhile, some women have reportedly become pregnant unexpectedly after taking semaglutide jabs.

This has led to some doctors in the US prescribing the medicine to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

Many people with the condition are overweight and found to have higher levels of testosterone, which is usually thought of as a ‘male hormone’.

Researchers reckon weight loss drugs could help regulate hormones in people with PCOS and so reduce symptoms and complications.

As people get older, they tend to shed muscle and gain body fat, which feeds into conditions often seen in older adults, such as frailty and loss of muscle mass and strength.

There are some trials happening now which are looking into whether drugs such as semaglutide can slow this process down.

As it turns out, weight loss jabs can crush drug cravings in the same way they stop the urge to eat.

The jabs are known to promote feelings of fullness and, it seems, dampen the reward associated not only with food but also drugs.

A Penn University study found liraglutide was as good as a fortnight in rehab for people addicted to painkillers.

The skinny jab could also cut your risk of a heart attack, according to researchers. 

Being a healthy weight can slash your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases like strokes and vascular dementia.

That’s because carrying excess weight can lead to fatty substances building up in your arteries, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) warns.

Meanwhile, French researchers reported the jabs could modestly slow down the advancement of Parkinson’s.

The paper, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, involved 156 people with early Parkinson’s disease who were randomly assigned to take the drug — lixisenatide -or a placebo and followed for a year.

During that time, Parkinson’s symptoms like tremor, stiffness, slowness and balance worsened in those taking the placebo but not in those taking the drug.

It comes as the PM faces criticism for buying a $4.3 million dollar clifftop home.