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Welsh sides agree deal and tributes pour in after Wales star’s announcement

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Wales Online

The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world

These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, March 25.

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Welsh sides agree short-term deal

Scarlets have signed Dragons hooker George Roberts on a short-term loan deal.

Interim director of rugby Nigel Davies is without hookers Ryan Elias and Marnus van der Merwe for his side’s trip to Dublin to face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship on Friday after the duo suffered head knocks against Zebre last week.

With Elias and van der Merwe going through return-to-play concussion protocols, Roberts joined up with the west Wales side this week to provide cover amid the absences.

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The 28-year-old joined the Dragons from English Championship side Doncaster Knights in December and has since played four times for Filo Tiatia’s side.

One of those appearances saw the front rower – who hails from Wrexham – come off the bench to score a try as his side beat Scarlets 28-5 on New Year’s Day.

Confirming the short-term deal on Wednesday, Scarlets thanked the Dragons “for their assistance in allowing George to link up with the squad this week.”

Before moving to Rodney Parade, Roberts spent five seasons with Doncaster, having also represented Wrexham RFC and RGC.

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Tributes pour in after Wales star’s announcement

Liam Williams has been flooded with tributes after the Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back announced his retirement from rugby.

The 34-year-old called time on his international career in January but has now decided to hang up his boots altogether after struggling with a recurring knee injury in recent years.

Williams won 93 caps for Wales, scoring 21 tries and winning two Six Nations titles, while he also played at three Rugby World Cups and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions.

At club level, he won the Pro12 title with the Scarlets and both the Premiership and Champions Cup with Saracens, while he also had stints with Cardiff and Japanese side Kubota Spears before joining Newcastle Red Bulls at the start of the season.

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Announcing his retirement in an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, an emotional Williams said it was “the right time” to step away, with a “new chapter about to begin”. You can read his announcement in full here.

Tributes have since poured in for the Wales icon from former team-mates and clubs, with a comment from the official Newcastle Red Bulls account reading: “It’s been a pleasure having you with us, Sanj. Congrats on an incredible career.”

Wales and Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins wrote “Goat [Greatest Of All Time]” while Ospreys front rower Gareth Thomas said: “Legend! Congrats on a class career my guy.”

A post from the Welsh Rugby Union read: “Diolch Liam & congratulations on an incredible career,” while Cardiff wrote: “Diolch Liam!” and the Scarlets said: “What a career. Congratulations Sanj, Scarlets legend.”

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Ireland and former Scarlets star Tadhg Beirne wrote: “Congrats Sanj! Was a pleasure my man. Serious career,” while Wales centre Nick Tompkins added: “What a boy. Good work spaghetti.”

Welsh back-rower Aaron Wainwright wrote: “Class Sanj” and prop Dillon Lewis said: “What a man,” while England international Courtney Lawes added “Hell of a shift brotha”.

Scotland star departs

Scotland lock Jonny Gray has left Bordeaux-Begles with immediate effect, joining fellow Top 14 side Perpignan until the end of the season.

A statement issued by Bordeaux on Wednesday said that the move had been made at the request of the 32-year-old second row, whose deal at the club expires at the end of the season.

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Gray will swap places with fly-half Hugo Reus, who was meant to leave Perpignan for Bordeaux in the summer but will now make the move earlier than originally planned.

The 22-year-old joined Perpignan in December but will now provide midfield cover for Bordeaux duo Joey Carbery and Nicolas Nicolas Depoortère, who have suffered ACL and shoulder injuries respectively.

Gray will also provide cover in the Perpignan engine room, which has lost his Scotland teammate Jamie Ritchie after he fractured his leg against England in the Six Nations.

He will try to keep the Top 14 strugglers from relegation, with Perpignan 12 points clear of bottom side Montauban but still facing the prospect of facing the Pro D2 runners-up in an ‘access match’ play-off at the end of the season.

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Gang ran cocaine and cannabis enterprise out of garden centre

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Danny Tomlin, 40, was the leader of the drugs enterprise, involving the sale of cocaine and cannabis in south Wales and south-west England.

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A major cocaine and cannabis drugs enterprise operated out of a garden centre. Members of an organised crime group made trips across south Wales and into England in order to make deliveries.

Danny Tomlin, 40, was the leader of the organised crime group (OCG) which was based at Kitts Green Nursery in Gloucestershire. Most of the group’s activity took place between Newport and Swansea, with frequent deliveries made on almost a daily basis during the enterprise.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard Tomlin was the leading member of this group who directed the supply of cannabis and cocaine and the operation of cannabis factories in Pontllanfraith, near Blackwood, and Trebanog, near Porth. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

Tomlin’s mother-in-law was the owner of Kitts Green Nursery where the operation was based.

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Louis Maxwell, 39, was a close associate of Tomlin, and was involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Christopher Preston, 68, played a significant part in the enterprise by carrying out frequent deliveries of drugs.

Ashley Coughlan, 42, served as the driver for Maxwell on two occasions, while Ryan Battersby, 36, was also involved in the delivery of cocaine and cannabis.

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Bradley Williams, 38, was involved in the distribution of drugs on behalf of the group, as was David Gorman, 41.

Kory Preece, 25, was a significant distributor of cannabis for the group, and was aware of the scale of the operation.

Jack Griffin, 21, was also involved in the conspiracy, after Preston drove to his address to collect a laundry bag containing drugs.

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Detailing specific dates of the conspiracy, prosecutor Roger Griffiths said Maxwell, who was driven by Coughlan on two occasions, made trips to the nursery before making trips to Bridgewater, Swansea, Caldicot, Abertillery and Dowlais.

On March 6, Maxwell was arrested on the M4 near Caldicot, and in his vehicle were two boxes containing half a kilo of cocaine each and a separate parcel containing a kilo of cannabis.

Members of the group were seen driving to Preece’s address in Caldicot where deliveries of cannabis were made.

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Preston carried out a number of journeys on behalf of the group, making collections from the nursery in Gloucestershire to Dowlais to meet Griffin, to Swansea, to Abertillery, Blackwood, Newport, Caldicot.

On June 5, Bradley Williams met with Preston in Abertillery and was seen to take a laundry bag into a lane, which he placed between two bins. He was arrested towards the rear of the lane.

On June 18, police searched Preston’s home, where a quantity of herbal cannabis was found and notebooks showing tick lists.

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Battersby made trips to the nursery to make collections and made trips to Swansea, as well as meeting up with Preston in Newport.

Gorman was seen attending the nursery and was also seen by police travelling to Newport and Swansea with Tomlin.

The defendant’s house was raided by police and 1.8kg of cocaine was recovered from his bedroom.

Griffin was visited by Preston at his home in Newport, where he was seen to hand over a laundry bag to his co-conspirator.

In the middle of June onwards, police had a listening device in Tomlin’s vehicle.

They heard discussion about police raiding the cannabis factory in Pontllanfraith and gardening. He talked about the arrests of Williams and Maxwell and spoke about someone in Swansea owing him a “large bill”.

Tomlin was later heard speaking about Preston’s arrest, plans to grow more cannabis and the debts he was owed.

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The cannabis factories in Pontllanfraith and Trebanog were later raided by police. They were found to contain almost 400 plants with a combined potential yield between 10kg and 31kg.

Tomlin, of Valley Road, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and conspiracy to produce cannabis. He has a previous conviction for conspiracy to supply cocaine and received a jail sentence of eight years.

The defendant was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months imprisonment.

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Maxwell, of HMP Parc, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has 20 previous convictions, including an offence of conspiracy to supply cocaine and received a jail sentence of 32 months.

He was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Coughlan, of Caerleon Road, Newport, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine. He has no previous convictions.

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The defendant was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment.

Preece, of Mabey Drive, Chepstow, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has no previous convictions.

He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 180 hours unpaid work

Battersby, of Buttermere Way, Newport, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has previous convictions for conspiracy to murder, possession with intent to supply cannabis, battery, and harassment.

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He was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Preston, of Lawnside, Forest Green, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has no relevant previous convictions.

He was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Gorman, of Manor Lane, Charfield, South Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He has one unrelated conviction.

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He was sentenced to four years and four months imprisonment.

Griffin, of Westfield Way, Newport, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has no previous convictions.

He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, which result in him being released from custody.

Williams, of Higher Meadow, Llanrhidian, Swansea, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has previous convictions for assault, breach of orders and conspiracy to supply cocaine, for which he received a six year jail sentence.

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He was sentenced to five years and nine months imprisonment.

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Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne ‘split after 13 years together’

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Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne ‘split after 13 years together’

The couple, who married in 2017, have faced a series of public challenges throughout their relationship, including past allegations of infidelity, which Osborne has previously addressed. In 2020, he said he had “made mistakes” and acknowledged behaviour he “shouldn’t have done”.

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Reform Wales publishes full list of candidates for the Welsh Senedd election

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Wales Online

Reform Wales is projected to take 30 seat, according to a recent poll, as leader Dan Thomas tips the party to bring ‘common sense’ and a ‘fresh start’

Reform Wales has published its full list of candidates for the upcoming Senedd election. The party, led by Dan Thomas, is on track for a strong surge in seats in May. Polls show it could become the second largest party after Plaid, with Labour’s vote projected to collapse.

The election will take place in May and will be totally different to any previous devolved election. There are new constituencies and a new voting system. Instead of the current mix of constituency and regional seats, there will 16 constituencies which will each elect six Senedd members.

Each party can field up to eight candidates. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

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The most recent poll projects that Plaid Cymru may come out on top and could get 43 of the 96 available seats , while First Minister Eluned Morgan is projected to lose her seat.

Reform Wales is projected to take 30 seats, up from the two it holds now, with 27% of those asked saying they would vote for the party.

The Green Party is projected to get 12% of the vote, which translates into ten seats. Meanwhile the Conservatives are on track to win only one seat, with the polling suggesting that the Lib Dems may fail to get their sole MS, Jane Dodds elected.

Dan Thomas, Leader of Reform Wales, said: “We’re proud to unveil a full slate of candidates for the Senedd Election.

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“After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next.

“Common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

Cardiff South-west Penarth

  1. Joseph Martin
  2. Mark Reckless
  3. Robert Thomas

Bangor Aberconwy, Ynys Môn

  1. Helen Jenner
  2. Thomas Clarke
  3. Richard John Jones
  4. Andrew Winston-Jones
  5. Craig Jones
  6. David Wyn Thomas

Clwyd East, Clwyd North

  1. Adrian Gwyn Mason
  2. Louise Emery
  3. Thomas Montgomery
  4. David Smith
  5. Kristian Salkeld
  6. Tony Thomas

Alyn and Deeside, Wrexham

  1. Cristiana Emsley
  2. Nigel Williams
  3. Robert Williams
  4. William Paul Ashton
  5. Michael Budden
  6. David William Vernon

Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr

  1. Andrew Griffin
  2. Claire Johnson Wood
  3. Karl Lewis
  4. Phillip Robinson
  5. Mark Blake
  6. Richard Pendry

Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire

  1. Susan Claire Archibald
  2. Paul Marr
  3. Michael Allen
  4. Elisa Randall
  5. Peter John
  6. Bernard Holton

Caerfyrddin, Llanelli

  1. Gareth Beer
  2. Carmelo Colasanto
  3. Sarah Edwards
  4. Christopher Brooke
  5. Alan Cole
  6. Michelle Beer

Gower, Swansea West

  1. Francesca O’Brien
  2. Steven Rodaway
  3. Wayne Parsons
  4. Gareth Turner
  5. Patrick Benham-Croswell
  6. Scott Thorley

Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, Neath and Swansea East

  1. James Evans
  2. Iain McIntosh
  3. David Mills
  4. Stephanie Moira Charles
  5. Dewi Thomas
  6. Celfyn Furlong

Aberafan Maesteg, Rhondda and Ogmore

  1. Benjamin McKenna
  2. Sarah Cooper Lesard
  3. Darren James
  4. Louise Musgrave
  5. Catrin Thomas
  6. Zakery Weaver

Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, Pontypridd

  1. Jason O’Connell
  2. Gareth Thomas
  3. Steve Bayliss
  4. Martin Roberts
  5. Mark Lawrence
  6. John Ball

Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Caerphilly

  1. Llyr Powell
  2. Catherine Cullen
  3. Joshua Kim
  4. Jonathan Parker
  5. Glenda Marie Davies
  6. Barclay Nickels

Monmouthshire, Torfaen

  1. Laura Anne Jones
  2. Stephen Senior
  3. Bob Blacker
  4. David Rowlands
  5. Mark Urrutia
  6. Gerard Hancock

Newport East, Newport West and Islwyn

  1. Daniel Thomas
  2. Arthur Wright
  3. Marie-Claire Lea
  4. Nicholas Jones
  5. Rebecca Senior
  6. Tomos Llewellyn

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Claudia Winkleman teases Celebrity Traitors series 2 line-up ‘we’re incredibly lucky’

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Daily Mirror

The TV star spilled some details of the new series as she appeared on The One Show

Claudia Winkleman has admitted she thought Celebrity Traitors bosses were “joking” when they told her the stars who have signed up for the next series.

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The first celebrity series of the BBC hit included big names such as Alan Carr, Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross in the line-up – with the other contestants dubbing them the “big dogs” of the competition.

Presenter Claudia was asked if there were any “big dogs” in the new series as she appeared on The One Show, and teased: “There certainly are.”

“Really?” asked host Vernon Kay, looking excited.

“Yes,” Claudia said. “The people who make it are extraordinary. And they had to repeat the people twice to me. Because I was like, ‘Huh? Are you joking? Come again?’”

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“So we’re incredibly lucky,” she added.

Vernon, who is married to Claudia’s former Strictly co-host Tess Daly, continued: “The success of series one, the list must be huge of people that want to do it. Because it was so much fun.”

“I, yeah, I hope so,” Claudia replied. “We are so grateful that people want to come and play the game.

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“And the people who said yes for series one, I still can’t believe it. I still, and I was sort of shaking when you see Stephen Fry walking around the castle and Alan Carr and Ruth Codd, all of these people who I was sort of obsessed by, so yeah, I am very excited.”

The star insisted that she couldn’t give anything else away, telling Vernon and his co-presenter Clara Amfo with a smile: “Don’t make eye contact with me!”

The last series of Celebrity Traitors was won by comedian Alan, who beat the likes of Kate Garraway, Celia Imrie, Charlotte Church and Tom Daley to clinch the jackpot after a series that had viewers gripped.

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There has been a lot of speculation about which celebs will be headed to Ardross Castle for the second series of the popular game, with names like Ben Fogle, Danny Dyer, Louis Theroux, Jamie Oliver, Ruth Jones and Amanda Holden among those to have been mentioned so far.

The One Show airs at 7pm on BBC One on weekdays.

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EastEnders Bea shock takes shocking action to stay under Honey’s roof | Soaps

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EastEnders Bea shock takes shocking action to stay under Honey’s roof | Soaps
Bea loses her control over Honey, but will she weasel her way back? (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Tonight’s EastEnders puts Bea Pollard in the spotlight, and it’s not a good look. What starts as concern for her well-being quickly turns into something far more unsettling, as the truth behind her latest scheme begins to unravel.

Things pick up in the aftermath of the chaos at McKlunky’s, where Bea is found lying on the floor surrounded by the wreckage. She claims she’s been attacked and that a group of hooligans trashed the place, but viewers already know there’s more to it. Bea herself is the one who’s smashed it all up in a fit of blind rage after being told to leave Billy and Honey’s.

Back at home, Honey is on edge. After asking Bea to move out the day before, she’s now worried sick when she can’t get hold of her. There’s a sense of guilt there too, with Honey clearly questioning whether she’s done the right thing.

Over at McKlunky’s, Will finds Honey amongst the carnage and offers to help her clean up the mess.

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Will Mitchell and Bea Pollard in McClunky's in EastEnders
Bea turns her manipulation to Will (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Bea sticks firmly to her story, playing the victim and insisting she was attacked. Will is horrified at what’s happened and struggles to believe that his mum would throw Bea out, especially in light of what he thinks she’s just been through.

Meanwhile, Honey heads to the doctor, hoping to get some support as she deals with symptoms she believes could be linked to the menopause. The appointment doesn’t go as she’d hoped, though. Instead of being offered hormone therapy, her concerns are brushed aside due to her past with eating disorders, and she’s steered towards antidepressants instead. Honey is devastated and feels dismissed.

When she gets back home, she opens up to Billy about how the appointment went, clearly shaken by it all.

Honey Mitchell sat in a doctors office in EastEnders
Honey feels dismissed after her doctors appointment (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Not long after, Will brings Bea back to the house. She tells them she’s only there to pack her things, but as always with Bea, there seems to be an ulterior motive. Still leaning into her version of events, she continues to play up the ‘attack’, to Will, keeping the focus firmly on herself.

Will, clearly protective, wants to tell Honey and Billy what’s supposedly happened to Bea, but she quickly shuts that down, urging him not to say anything, claiming Honey has enough on her plate, but it feels calculated.

There’s an uncomfortable feeling running through it all. While Honey and Billy are trying to do the right thing, Bea seems one step ahead, quietly manipulating the situation to her advantage.

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Since arriving on the Square, she’s managed to embed herself into Honey’s life, gradually pushing boundaries and making herself at home. From getting involved with the family to overstepping in ways you couldn’t imagine, even going as far as taking a credit card out in Honey’s name! Tonight’s episode makes it clear that she’s not ready to let go of her place under Honey’s roof. And with Honey already feeling vulnerable, it looks like Bea has found exactly the opportunity she needs to stay right where she is.

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London Marathon in advanced talks to make race a two-day event next year

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The 2026 London Marathon is set to take place on Sunday 26 April but the race’s organisers are already putting plans in place to make the 2027 edition a different prospect entirely

London Marathon chiefs are in talks to extend the event across two days in 2027 to double the number of runners. The marathon has been taking place in the capital since 1981 and has been running ever since.

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Traditionally, the race itself has taken place across one day but with numbers swelling, organisers are attempting to extend the event. Plans are in place for the marathon to take place over a weekend, instead of just one day.

A London Marathon spokesperson said: “The TCS London Marathon is the world ’s most popular marathon, and we are continually exploring innovative ways to enable more people to take part, while delivering positive benefits for London.

“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are looking at the intention for the 2027 TCS London Marathon to take place across two days.

“No approval has been given at this stage. Our immediate focus is on delivering an incredible 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April and ensuring every participant has an amazing experience.”

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Chief executive, Hugh Brasher, also spoke out and said: “The TCS London Marathon is the world’s most ­popular mara­thon, and we are always ­exploring innovative ways to enable more people to take part and to deliver positive benefits for London.

“This work is carried out in close collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, whose support is essential in staging this incredible event in the heart of the capital each year.

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“We are currently four weeks away from the 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, and we are looking forward to amplifying one of the original aims of the London Marathon, which was ‘to show happiness and sense of achievement in a ­somewhat troubled world’.

“Poignantly, those words resonate even more now than they did almost 45 years ago to the day, when the first London Marathon took place.”

A Mayor of London spokesperson added: “London is the sporting capital of the world and the Mayor looks forward to working with London Marathon partners to consider if it might be possible to host an event that will run across two days next year.”

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A stunning 1,133,813 people applied through the public ballot to participate in this year’s edition, which is set to take place on 26 April. That represents a 36 per cent increase on 2024’s ballot numbers.

As a result, the event raised a huge amount of money, with the £87.3million intake representing its highest-ever amount. Last year’s event also claimed the Guinness World Record for the number of finishers in a single marathon after 56,640 completed the race.

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England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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The Iranian former commander who could be Trump’s pick to negotiate with | World News

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Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Pic: AP

A former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has emerged as a possible US contact for talks – as the new Supreme Leader’s condition remains uncertain.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is the speaker of the Iranian parliament, has historically portrayed himself as a hardliner, but one the West could do business with.

“He’s a hot option,” one US administration official told Politico. “He’s one of the highest…But we got to test them, and we can’t rush into it.”

However, others have cast doubt on this claim and it is unclear what influence Ghalibaf holds in Iran.

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Ghalibaf waves to residents as he visits the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut in October 2024. Pic: AP

Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf?

Born in 1961 in northeast Iran, Mr Ghalibaf is the son of a shopkeeper. Like many young men of his generation, he joined the paramilitary Guard during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, quickly rising through the ranks.

A trained pilot, he later served as the head of the Guard’s air force and subsequently the head of Iran’s police.

In a leaked recording of a meeting between Mr Ghalibaf and members of the Guard’s volunteer Basij force, he claimed he ordered gunfire be used against demonstrators in 2003.

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“I would like the West to change its attitude to Iran and trust Iran, and rest assured that there’s an attitude in Iran to advance issues through dialogue,” he told The Times in 2008.

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Between 2005 and 2017, he served as mayor of the capital, Tehran, during which time he faced corruption allegations, including over around $3.5m (£2.61m) being donated to a foundation run by his wife.

He ran in presidential elections in 2005, 2013, 2017 and 2024. In 2020 he became speaker of Iran’s parliament.

A Ghalibaf supporter gestures during his run for the presidency in 2024. Pic: AP
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A Ghalibaf supporter gestures during his run for the presidency in 2024. Pic: AP

Ghalibaf and the Supreme Leader

He has reportedly had close ties with Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently became Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father.

“Mojtaba is said to help Ghalibaf as an advisor, financier, and provider of senior-level political support. His support for and closeness to Ghalibaf reportedly remains undiminished,” US diplomats suggested in a 2008 cable published by WikiLeaks.

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It is possible that Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation to Supreme Leader could boost Mr Ghalibaf’s position within the Iranian power structure.


Investigating ‘zombie ships’ in Strait of Hormuz

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Could Ghalibaf speak to the Americans?

That’s what Politico has reported, with US officials perhaps pinpointing him as a negotiating partner.

It’s possible US President Donald Trump will be looking for an Iranian version of Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who replaced ousted leader Nicolas Maduro.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, described reports in Western media as a “political bomb” meant to put the country’s leaders in disarray.

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“Qalibaf [Ghalibaf] was introduced as a negotiating party in order to present a contradictory and non-unified image of Iran,” Tasnim said.

“The mention of Qalibaf’s name was clearly intended to create internal divisions within Iran and to provoke conflict among political forces.”

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Slingsby Gin ‘saved’ in pre-pack administration deal

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Slingsby Gin 'saved' in pre-pack administration deal

Spirit of Harrogate Limited, the Harrogate based retailer and owner of the Slingsby Gin product range, in January instructed Lewis Business Recovery & Insolvency to help place the company into administration.

The company, founded in 2014 by local entrepreneurs Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, had five employees. The venture had a shop, which offered tastings, at 5-7 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate.

The administrators began a search for potential buyers for the business, commenting at the time: “Unfortunately the business has, like many in its sector, struggled with rising costs and difficult trading conditions in recent years.”

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Spirit of Harrogate: gin company enters administration

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Spirit of Harrogate went into Administration on March 18, with a sale of the business and assets taking place immediately after to Harrogate-registered Brightside Spirits Ltd.

Companies House says the business was incorporated on March 11 2026.

A statement from the administrators says the brand and Slingsby product range will continue, ‘some’ jobs have been preserved but the shop in Harrogate has “unfortunately closed due to large overheads however customers can still shop the iconic gin online.”

Some of the Slingsby Gins (Image: Pic supplied)

Joint administrator Gareth Lewis said: “I am pleased to report that the pre-packaged sale will see the continuation of the well-respected Slingsby Gin product range and brand, maintaining continuity of supply to customers across the UK.

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“The sale has maximised the return for creditors and preserved some jobs, all of which will be reported on in line with my duties as Joint Administrator.”

Slingsby Gin co-founders Marcus Black and Michael Carthy said: “We are pleased that the brand will continue and that some of our colleagues will support the new owners in their future journey with Slingsby.  We wish them all every success and are proud that Slingsby will still be available to its loyal and longstanding customers.”

Brightside Spirits Ltd director Chris Williams said: “As a local couple, we are delighted to be part of bringing this much-loved gin back to life.

“As long-time supporters of independent Yorkshire producers, we couldn’t stand by and watch a brand with such strong heritage potentially disappear.

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“When the opportunity arose to acquire the business out of administration, we knew we had a responsibility, not just to the product, but to the community that has championed it from the very beginning.”

Chris continued: “Our immediate focus is on stabilising the business, rebuilding production, and ensuring that the outstanding quality and character of Slingsby remain at the heart of everything we do.

“Over the coming months, we will be investing in the brand, strengthening local partnerships, and exploring new ways to celebrate the craftsmanship that made this gin so special.”

Chris added: “We would like to thank everyone who has reached out with support. The enthusiasm from customers, suppliers, and the wider community has been overwhelming, and it reinforces why this brand deserves a bright future.

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“ We’re excited to get to work and can’t wait to share what’s coming next. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.”

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HuffPost Headlines 3-25

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HuffPost Headlines 3-25

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Iran rejects US 15-point peace plan, state media report

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Iran rejects US 15-point peace plan, state media report

The proposals request that Iran must “commit never to pursue nuclear weapons”, pledge to dismantle nuclear facilities and hand over the enriched amounts of uranium it possesses to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, which is to monitor the issue going forward.

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