Drop-red gorgeous
Rio gifts £500k for a very good Claus
IT’S hard to see where Dame Helen Mirren ends and the red carpet begins as she attends the premiere of her latest movie, Collateral Beauty.
The Oscar-winning star looked radiant in the scarlet floor-length gown in London’s Leicester Square. Slashed at the back, the 71-year-old’s dress flashed her calves and a pair of high heels.
She was joined by fellow actress Naomie Harris, 40.
Both star in the Will Smith drama about a man struggling to cope with a personal tragedy.
But Dame Helen stole the show in those Collateral booties.
WAYNE Rooney was yesterday singled out in a stinging attack by MPs on the “culture of tax dodging” in football.
The Manchester United striker, who is facing a probe over alleged involvement in an avoidance scheme for image rights, came under fire from Tory Charlie Elphicke.
He also claimed the Old Trafford club was implicated in the investigation.
Mr Elphicke told the Commons: “HMRC says it’s investigating 43 Premier League players and 12 clubs for image rights tax dodging, believed to include Manchester United.
“Would you agree fans are right to be angry that big clubs, including players like England captain Wayne Rooney, stand accused of dirtying the beautiful game with a culture of excessive FOOTIE great Rio Ferdinand is giving Santa a run for his money this Christmas by donating £500,000 of toys.
The ex-Man United star, 38, right, made the generous gift to children’s charity Cash for Kids, run by radio station Key 103, after greed and tax dodging?” But Sports Minister Tracey Crouch replied: “You are asking me to comment on a matter HMRC is still investigating.”
The clubs, players and managers are being probed over claims they avoided tax on income from merchandise.
Rooney, on £300,000 a week, could have to pay back £3.5million after reportedly offsetting tax on his earnings from the pitch by putting millions of pounds into film investment scheme Invicta 43. The 31-year-old has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
His spokesman said: “All Wayne Rooney’s tax affairs, including those involving his image rights, are conducted in full compliance with the law.”
HMRC chief executive Jon Thompson warned a clampdown is needed to stop players exploiting the loophole over image rights. A court ruling in 2000 stated those earnings and wages should be treated as two separate income streams.
That means stars can put some cash into foreign tax schemes. Mr Thompson said: “I want to review this.”
Manchester United said: “The club operates within the rules set by football’s governing bodies and HMRC has full visibility of all agreements and payments.” being moved by its work. He said: “As a dad, I couldn’t see children going without a present. I’m glad I can help put a smile on kids’ faces this Christmas.” Russell Feingold of Manchester-based Key 103 said: “We’re overwhelmed by Rio’s contribution.”