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Pope Leo XIV slams US-Israeli war in Iran, demands peace talks

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Pope Leo XIV slams US-Israeli war in Iran, demands peace talks

ROME (AP) — In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday denounced the “delusion of omnipotence” that is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and demanded political leaders stop and negotiate peace.

Leo presided over an evening prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day the United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan and as a fragile ceasefire held.

History’s first U.S.-born pope didn’t mention the United States or President Donald Trump in his prayer, which was planned before the talks were announced. But Leo’s tone and message appeared directed at Trump and U.S. officials, who have boasted of U.S. military superiority and justified the war in religious terms.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money!” Leo said. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”

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In the basilica pews was the archbishop of Tehran, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu. The U.S. was represented in the diplomatic corps by its deputy chief of mission, Laura Hochla, the U.S. Embassy said.

In the first weeks of the war, the Chicago-born Leo was initially reluctant to publicly condemn the violence and limited his comments to muted appeals for peace and dialogue. But Leo stepped up his criticism starting on Palm Sunday. And this week, he said Trump’s threat to annihilate Iranian civilization was “truly unacceptable” and called for dialogue to prevail.

On Saturday, Leo called for all people of good will to pray for peace and demand an end to war from their political leaders. The evening vigil in Rome, which featured Scripture readings and meditative recitation of the Rosary prayers, was taking place as simultaneous local prayer services were being held in the U.S. and beyond.

Praying for peace, Leo said, was a way to “break the demonic cycle of evil” to build instead the Kingdom of God where there are no swords, drones or “unjust profit.”

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“It is here that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive,” he said. “Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.”

Leaders have used religion to justify their actions in the war. U.S. officials and especially Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have invoked their Christian faith to cast the U.S. as a Christian nation trying to vanquish its foes.

Leo has said God doesn’t bless any war, and certainly not those who drop bombs.

Leo presided over the service sitting off to the side of the altar on a white throne, wearing his formal red cape and liturgical stole and praying with a Rosary in his hands. Many of the priests and nuns in the pews fingered Rosary beads as the “Our Father” and “Hail Mary” prayers were recited.

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The Vatican is particularly concerned about the spillover of Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, given the plight of Christian communities in the south.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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Monte Carlo Masters: Jannik Sinner beats Carlos Alcaraz to return to world top spot

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Jannik Sinner holds the Monte Carlo Master trophy alongside Carlos Alcaraz

After exchanging early breaks, neither player was really able to impose themselves on the match with both having to work hard at times to hold serve.

However, in the tie-break, Sinner upped his first serves and after squandering the first of two set points, an Alcaraz double fault gave him the initiative in the match.

Sinner started the second set sluggishly and had to come from 15-40 down in his opening service game before Alcaraz broke to go 2-1 ahead and hold for 3-1.

But the Italian managed to stay in the match as Alcaraz failed to dominate his service games, taking a 4-3 lead to put the pressure on his 22-year-old opponent, who had won 10 of their 16 previous encounters.

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Another shaky service game from the Spaniard gave Sinner another break point, and from there he made no mistake, quickly wrapping up his 27th ATP Tour victory.

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Eamonn Holmes breaks silence after stroke with heartwarming update

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Belfast Live

The GB News presenter shared an Instagram update after being rushed to hospital on Tuesday

Television presenter Eamonn Holmes has broken his silence following a stroke that saw him hospitalised on Tuesday. The 66-year-old broadcaster, who remains in recovery, has now addressed the health emergency publicly.

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Taking to Instagram, he shared a touching photograph of his granddaughters holding up a handmade card bearing the words “get well soom”.

The presenter playfully referenced the endearing spelling error in his caption, writing: “Got this first thing this morning, from my two lovely granddaughters,” and “So now doing my best to get well SOOM!!”

READ MORE: Eamonn Holmes in hospital after suffering a strokeREAD MORE: Eamonn Holmes’ son issues health update after presenter suffers stroke

Supporters flooded the comments section with messages of encouragement. One follower shared their experience, saying: “Get Well Soon…my Husband had a stroke over a year ago…he’s back to work and enjoying life again, with a few little changes, but we will take that. Speedy recovery.”

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A second commented: “Eamonn … The little things like this mean the most in life .. get your self well soom as the gorgeous girls say.” While another wrote: “Eamonn, Your lovely granddaughters, with their get well messages, will give you strength to aid your recovery x”, reports the Mirror.

The post follows an earlier update from his son regarding his father’s progress. Declan Holmes, 37, issued a statement on the family’s behalf.

Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support, he provided reassurance about his father’s medical status. The broadcaster’s son stated: “I just wanted to share a quick message to say we hugely appreciate all the messages, it means a lot to us as a family.

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“What happened came as a real shock, but dad is doing OK given the circumstances and we’re taking it one step at a time. For now, we’re focused on him and keeping things steady around him.”

He continued: “We’d really value a bit of privacy as we navigate it, and what lies ahead, but thank you again for the support as it means so much to dad and the rest of the family.”

GB News confirmed on Saturday that Holmes had experienced a stroke. The network stated the presenter is receiving hospital care at present.

In an official statement, the broadcaster revealed: “Eamonn was taken ill last week and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke. He is currently responding well to treatment. Eamonn has asked for privacy as he focuses on getting better.”

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Following the announcement, his co-presenter Ellie Costello expressed her concern: “Thinking of you Eamonn and wishing you a speedy recovery.” Meanwhile, Alex Armstrong, who will cover presenting duties during Eamonn’s absence, commented: “Thinking of you Eamonn Holmes. Such a shock to all of us. You’re sorely missed. Get better soon.”

Holmes had been scheduled to return to GB News Breakfast the following week for his programme alongside Ellie Costello. The duo normally present from Monday through Wednesday, though Alex will now deputise for the experienced broadcaster.

GB News Chief Executive Angelos Frangopoulos issued a statement after Holmes’s medical situation became public knowledge, saying: “Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we’re with him every step of the way as he recovers.” Taking to Instagram on Friday evening, Eamonn’s partner Katie Alexander shared her thoughts on the week, without referencing Eamonn’s health. In her post, she said: “What a week. Prayer, a little visit to church to have a word with the good Lord himself, prayer each day.” This was posted the day before details of Eamonn’s medical situation emerged.

Eamonn and Katie’s relationship started following his separation from his estranged wife Ruth Langsford. The couple, who had been married for 14 years, parted ways in 2024 and are now going through divorce proceedings. It’s understood that Ruth is receiving updates about her former husband’s health through their son Jack.

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Mystery of mum who vanished decades ago and could have been killed

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Cambridgeshire Live

The former RAF servicewoman was last seen at her Cambridgeshire home in November 1993, but there have been no traces of her since

There are many cases of murders or missing people that have been left cold for many years. Over the last few decades, there have been cases left with no trace of investigation across Cambridgeshire.

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A case left as a mystery for over three decades is the disappearance of Davina McMillan from Godmanchester. The former RAF servicewoman, aged 36 at the time, was last seen alive at her home in Godmanchester on November 25, 1993.

It was believed she went to Germany to look for work. When there was no sign of her, she was reported missing by her brother, Gary Coulson, on December 27.

Since then, there has been no trace of her. At the time when she was last seen at her home, she lived with her four-year-old daughter Rebecca. Davina’s family said she would have never left her beloved daughter.

In 2020, Gary claimed that he had been told by a cold case detective that Davina’s case had changed from a missing person’s investigation to a murder investigation. At the time, he appealed to the public to share any vital information with Cambridgeshire Police.

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Gary told The Mirror in 2020: “I hope more people will come forward to help the investigation. Even after all this time it could only take one key witness to crack the case.

“Losing Davina still hurts as much now as it did then. I have a daughter who is a ringer for my sister and every time I see her it makes me think of her.

“I’m desperate for the case to be solved. I’ll never stop fighting to find out what happened.”

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Where to watch the Masters: TV channel and live stream for round 4

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Where to watch the Masters: TV channel and live stream for round 4

Masters Sunday is upon us once more, with the 2026 edition of golf’s prestigious first major of the year set for a typically thrilling conclusion at Augusta.

World No2 McIlroy made a mess of Amen Corner during a rollercoaster day and wound up shooting a one-over 73, which was only good enough to see him head into round four tied at the top of the leaderboard.

He shares the lead on 11-under with Players Championship winner Cameron Young, who was eight shots off McIlroy to begin Saturday but came roaring into contention with a magnificent seven-under 65.

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Also hitting a seven-under 65 on Saturday was a certain Scottie Scheffler, who is in the mix at four shots adrift along with Haotong Li.

Where to watch the Masters

TV channel: As ever at the Masters, the amount of action shown on television is restricted by tournament organisers.

But that is slightly relaxed over the weekend, with main fourth-round coverage getting underway in the UK on Sky Sports Golf from 4:30pm BST on Sunday.

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Sky Sports Main Event also picks things up at 6:45pm until the finish, after the Premier League showdown between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

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Police seek whereabouts of missing man last seen near Grand Central Station Belfast

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Belfast Live

Officers said they are “growing increasingly concerned” for the missing man

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of Richard Marcus who was last seen in Belfast last Friday.

Officers said Richard is 45-years-old, approximately 5ft5 inches tall and of medium build. He has ginger hair with a stubble beard.

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Richard was last sighted on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 7.45am walking from Grand Central Station Belfast towards Glengall Street.

READ MORE: Dublin fuel protesters say they felt ‘ambushed’ by police during late-night operationREAD MORE: NI woman on devastation of dad’s terminal cancer diagnosis days before Christmas

He was wearing a blue puffer coat, grey/white hoodie underneath and dark bottoms. It is believed Richard was also carrying a green backpack.

If you have any information on Richard’s whereabouts that may assist police, contact 101 quoting serial 1630 of 10/04/26.

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Jet2 warns of flight delays to and from Portugal destination

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Jet2 warns of flight delays to and from Portugal destination

The airline, which is primarily based at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) said it is “aware of adverse weather conditions” currently affecting the Portuguese region of Madeira, specifically in its capital, Funchal.

In recent days, Portugal has seen heavy rain and thunderstorms, which resulted in yellow weather warnings for all mainland districts.

In a statement this afternoon, Jet2 shared: “We are aware of adverse weather conditions currently affecting Madeira (Funchal).

“Our UK Based Operations Team are working hard to minimise any disruption to flight to and from Madeira (Funchal).”

The UK air carrier urged customers to find out if their flight has been affected by entering their flight number on the arrivals and departures section of its website, for the most up to date information.

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It added: “We have credited your boarding passes with €10 each towards some light refreshments.

“If you are currently delayed in Madeira (Funchal) and are awaiting confirmation of your new flight times back to the UK, please refer to the communications we have sent to you via SMS & Email for confirmation of your new flight date and time.

“Information will also be included regarding check-in opening times for your new flight.



“Safety is our number one priority and we’re sorry if you’re affected by any flight disruption during this period.

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“We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.”

Full list of delayed Jet2 flights from Madeira to UK departing today

Jet2 has informed its passengers of the below delayed flights, now expected to depart on Sunday (local time):

  • LS3624 Bournemouth via London Stansted – 8.25pm
  • LS1226 Birmingham – 8.35pm
  • LS736 Edinburgh via Leeds Bradford – 9.25pm

Visit the Jet2 website (a link to which can be found above) to find out more information about possible flight delays.

Jet2 announces brand-new flight route to La Palma

Earlier this month, Jet2 marked the launch of its brand-new route to La Palma, after the first flight departed from Manchester Airport on April 3.

Luqa, Malta - May 28, 2025: Jet2 Boeing 737-800 (REG: G-JZBO) arring in the late evening light.Has your Jet2 flight been cancelled this week? (Image: GORDON ZAMMIT/Getty)

The full flight signalled the start of Jet2 operating flights and holidays to La Palma for summer 2026 – its fifth destination in the Canary Islands. 

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As a result of the new flying programme, Jet2 now has two weekly services (Monday and Friday) on sale year-round from Manchester Airport to La Palma.

In addition to this, holidaymakers from London, Essex and the Southeast will also be able to experience La Palma’s subtropical landscape, natural beauty and culture from November 6 this year, as Jet2 will offer weekly Friday flights to the Canary Island from London Stansted Airport from this date.

Emirates confirms it is operating a ‘reduced flight schedule’

The latest travel news from Jet2 comes as the Dubai-based Emirates airline has warned UK travellers it is currently operating a “reduced flight schedule” to more than 100 destinations, after the US and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire.


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In a statement on Friday (April 10) Emirates said: “Following the partial reopening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule.

“You can check our latest flight schedules for upcoming flights and book seats to travel.

“We continue to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

“We would like to thank you for your understanding and patience.

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“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority and will not be compromised.”

Have you got a flight booked with Jet2 that’s been disrupted or delayed? Let us know in the comments below.

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The hidden gem Cambridgeshire villages you should visit this summer

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Cambridgeshire Live

We have compiled a list of four hidden gems in Cambridgeshire just waiting to be explored

With the warmer months upon us, many people will be looking to make a list of places to branch out and explore this summer. We are so lucky to have a county filled with numerous pretty villages offering unique attributes, fun days out, and intriguing history.

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The Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Oliver Cromwell’s House in Ely, and Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge are all fun-filled days out in Cambridgeshire. However, for many who have lived and explored Cambridgeshire for many years, you may have visited these well-known places time and time again.

There is so much more to this county than the most famous attractions. There are also so many small, lesser-known villages with cute cottages, hidden history, and gorgeous houses. To help you narrow down your search of places to visit this summer, we have compiled a list of four hidden gems in Cambridgeshire.

Hemingford Gre

This picturesque village, Hemingford Grey, located east of Huntingdon is home to one of the oldest continuously-inhabited houses in Britain called The Manor. The pretty village features a lovely meadow that pops with colour.

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Sitting against the banks of the River Great Ouse, this village is arguably known best for its stunning thatched cottages and countryside walks. Visitors can enjoy a delightful lunch at the charming pub – The Cock – which offers a varied selection of food and drink as well as dining pods in the outside area ideal for the summer.

Doddington

Doddington sits around halfway between Chatteris and March. It is home to a war memorial and a lovely plant life. Doddington has its own horticultural society and two independent garden centres.

Debatably the busiest time for this village is during the first weekend of July when it hosts their annual vibrant carnival dating back over a hundred years.

Bourn

Perhaps the most popular feature in this village, is for having one of the oldest windmills in England. Bourn is a petite village located in South Cambridgeshire. It is filled with properties considered ‘chocolate box’ houses and extensive countryside.

It is home to Cambridge Country Club offering endless facilities for a relaxing day. It is no wonder this village has been recognised as one of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire by Muddy Stilettos.

Grantchester

Nestled beside the River Cam sits Grantchester, home to an array of characterful cottages, tree-lined streets, a medieval church, several pubs, and arguably the most riveting – a tea garden known for its previous famous guests.

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The Church of St Andrews & St Mary is not just filled with history, but also features in the ITV drama ‘Grantchester’. Although it’s a small village, it has four pubs called The Red Lion, The Grantchester Green Man, The Blue Ball Inn, and The Rupert Brooke.

Better yet, The Orchard Tea Garden, offering delectable items including scones and homemade cakes, has seen a few notable faces over the years. This includes English poet, Rupert Brooke, Virginia Woolf, philosophers Bertrand Russell, and Ludwig Wittgenstein.

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We stepped back in time as the stunning Settle to Carlisle line marks 150th year

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Daily Mirror

As the world famous Settle to Carlisle line celebrates 150 years of service, the Mirror joined the 1 m passengers expected this year.

150th anniversary of Settle to Carlisle line

It is widely lauded as one of the best train journeys in the world, and is just about to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

A huge public outcry and an appeal that raised £3m saved it from closure in the 1980s.

The Settle to Carlisle line survived and remains one of the most scenic in the country, crossing the Pennine Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria’s Eden Valley.

It celebrates 150 years since its first rail passenger journey with a series of events including a steam train service.

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The Mirror joined some of the 1 million passengers expected to travel on the route this year.

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson shows off birthday cake given to him by David BeckhamREAD MORE: Omeprazole patients with acid reflux told ‘red flag issue’ by NHS GP and BBC star

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It was wet, wild and stormy as we ventured south from Carlisle to the Ribblehead Viaduct.

Its magnificent 400m arches are 400 meters (1,300 ft) long. A huge workforce of 6,000 men – 2,300 specifically on the Viaduct – built it between 1870 and 1875.

You can imagine the conditions they faced during winter on the wide open moorland surrounding the giant structure.

The navvies who died are buried in the cemetery at Chapel-le-Dale. Even in the pouring rain, the path passing under its 24 arches remains busy with hikers and cyclists.

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You must take a short break during your train journey to see the viaduct in all its glory.

From your train seat, you have a breathtaking backdrop of rolling countryside.

Wind bent the trees on the distant hills. The stations are straight out of a 1930s black-and-white film.

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“I say that is my office window,” said Yvonne Harland, 52, a Carlisle-based conductor on the route.

“It is absolutely stunning. Many passengers are hikers and dog lovers heading outdoors.

“It does not matter if you are in the valleys around Dent or the Ribblehead Viaduct.

“It is a tonic. You have to get off the train to see the viaduct; otherwise, you only catch a glimpse.

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“The Three Peaks are just beautiful too. No disrespect to people who work in an office, but it takes some beating.

“I was in education for 20 years, and I fancied a change.”

Regular passenger Robin Gilder, 83, a retired ITV newsman, remembers the campaign to save the line in the 1980s.

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Now he enjoys bringing along his grandson Finley Doran, 12, for days out. “I use it regularly now,” he said. “Especially since I retired.

“They had a dog sign the petition to save the railway and there is a statue to him at Garsdale station.

“There was huge public outcry when they announced they were closing this line.

“They raised millions of pounds to keep it open. So I think we should use it as much as we can.”

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Finley, tucking into some sweets and pop, added: “I have been on about twenty times now. We use it all the time.”

For Scottish pharmacist Amy Robertson, it is her maiden journey. The 28-year-old is heading to Leeds to see a former friend with the misty hills rolling by her window.

“It does remind me of Scotland,” she said. “This is really lovely and you get some really nice views when you go up to the north of Scotland around Fort William.

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“The weather may not be very good, but the countryside is beautiful.”

Northern recorded 995,000 passenger journeys on the line in 2025, the highest number since the Covid-19 pandemic.

But demand is expected to rise this year. Commercial and customer director Alex Hornby said he was confident passenger numbers would hit 1m.

“Customers can enjoy miles of breathtaking scenery, which changes throughout the year, and there are plenty of opportunities to get off and explore,” he said.

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The Settle to Carlisle section of the line was completed in 1875; freight trains ran for a year before passenger trains were introduced on May 1, 1876.

The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company will run a chartered steam train between Carlisle and York on May 23.

Karen Morley-Chesworth, their community rail officer, told the Mirror: “The Lonely Planet said it was in the Top 10 most scenic railway journeys in Europe.

“So it brings in many tourists and serves local people all year round. It runs down the backbone of Britain through Cumbria, Yorkshire and the Pennines.

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“But it is the beauty of it that stays with you; every station takes you back in time, and the history of the line still fascinates people. It remains important to communities all along the route.”

Northern is set to offer £1.50 tickets to customers travelling on the route to mark the milestone.

Thousands of workers contributed to its complex construction, which includes 14 tunnels and more than 20 viaducts along its 72 miles (116km) of track.

In 1983, British Rail announced plans to close the line to passengers amid concerns about the cost of repairing the Ribblehead Viaduct. But £3m was spent between 1988 and 1991 to bring it back into use.

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The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company’s chairman, Pete Myers, said the company was working with communities along the line to mark the “special anniversary year.”

He said: “The Settle to Carlisle line is unique, connecting communities from Yorkshire through to Cumbria, and also providing a sustainable and beautiful way for visitors to explore the Yorkshire Dales, Westmorland Dales and Lake District.”

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Late Mateta winner piles pressure on Eddie Howe at Newcastle

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Late Mateta winner piles pressure on Eddie Howe at Newcastle

Crystal Palace came from a goal down to beat Newcastle and add to growing pressure on Eddie Howe. William Osula had given Newcastle the lead in the first half after an excellent passing move but they wilted after the introduction of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr from the Palace bench. Mateta scored twice and Newcastle seemed intimidated by his presence.

Howe will not have many better chances than this to quieten discussions about his future. Newcastle seemed in charge after taking the lead against a Palace team clearly prioritising their European campaign. Yet a position of strength was squandered, raising another period of uncomfortable questions about Newcastle’s direction of travel.

Something fundamental has shifted in Howe’s team, from upward-trajectory upstarts to tired under-deliverers. A can-do attitude has become can’t. They had chances to add to William Osula’s opening goal, Osula himself spurning the best early in the second half. His replacement, Nick Woltemade, was placid when attacking a cross when he should have been attacking it with fury.

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Mateta was the opposite, a menace with his application and intelligent centre-forward play. Sarr added attacking composure allayed with speed of thought which the game had been lacking and the two combined for the equaliser, Sarr benefitting from Tino Livramento missing a cross before chipping it up for Mateta to head in. A penalty, awarded for the softest of shirt-pulls on Jefferson Lerma by Sven Botman, was thundered in by Mateta.

It was a largely untidy game, with the tone set with the opening kick-off, when Sandro Tonali took a long run-up and duly found touch around the Palace 22. The resulting line-out was the most exciting moment of the opening half hour.

This was Palace’s first Premier League game for almost a month due to the international break and rescheduled fixtures against teams still in domestic cup competitions. They would rather be anywhere than here in this competition, with just three home league wins all season and only one in their last 10.

Their season is now all about the Europa Conference League and the increasing possibility of a third trophy in two years under Oliver Glasner. No, you would not usually count the Community Shield but an exception can be made for Palace.

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Mateta, Sarr and Adam Wharton arrived with 25 minutes left, delaying recognition that Palace would need more than their second string to trouble an increasingly composed Newcastle defence. From then, the wobbles crept in and previously steady performances evaporated. There was no surprise that Palace equalised but their winner was harsh on the visitors.

Red flags for Howe or just a bad run? Six games of their season remain to find out either way. 

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Strictly bosses ‘snap up new Giovanni Pernice’ after brutal culling of pro dancers

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Strictly bosses 'snap up new Giovanni Pernice' after brutal culling of pro dancers
Is this one of the new Strictly Come Dancing professionals? (Picture: Instagram)

After giving several professional dancers the chop ahead of the next series, Strictly Come Dancing bosses are introducing fresh blood.

In the latest reports, it’s been claimed that an American dance star has been snapped up to join the pro roster.

Named D’Angelo Castro, the 25-year-old has already been tipped as a replacement for Giovanni Pernice, 35, who was axed from Strictly in 2024 along with fellow Italian star Graziano Di Prima, 31, after a bullying investigation prompted by ‘numerous serious complaints’ about his behaviour in training. He denied all allegations.

D’Angelo already has an impressive following, having appeared on Dancing with the Stars in the US.

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And on a recent trip across the pond, it’s said he caught the eye of Strictly execs.

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A source told The Sun: ‘Strictly bosses are on the lookout for fresh faces and love the look of D’Angelo; he ticks all the boxes.

Strictly bosses 'snap up new Giovanni Pernice' after brutal culling of pro dancers D?angelo Castro
D’Angelo Castro is said to have impressed Strictly bosses (Picture: Instagram)
Strictly bosses 'snap up new Giovanni Pernice' after brutal culling of pro dancers D?angelo Castro
The 25-year-old has already appeared on Dancing with the Stars in America (Picture: Instagram)

‘They hope he could be the new Giovanni Pernice.’

D’Angelo appears to already be connected with the Strictly family, as recently axed pro Nadiya Bychkova follows him on Instagram, as do newbie pro Alexis Warr and It Takes Two host Janette Manrara.

According to IMDb, he also has a screen presence thanks to appearances in Cody Fry: Waltz for Sweatpants (2023) and World of Dance (2017).

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In his Instagram bio, he describes himself as a ‘dancer, performer, and teacher’, stating that he is currently based in Miami and New York.

His online content showcases his undeniable talents, as he frequently uploads dancing videos, earning high praise from viewers.

As rumours of his signing swirl, Strictly fans have been weighing in, with FabulousCat7823 on Reddit saying he’d be a ‘great’ addition.

Strictly Come Dancing. Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington 2023,23-09-2023,Generics,Giovanni Pernice & Amanda Abbington,BBC,Ray Burniston
D’Angelo is thought to be somewhat of a replacement for Giovanni Pernice, who was axed in 2024 (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Maurizio D'Avanzo/MDPhoto/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock (15026385v) Bianca Guaccero And Giovanni Pernice, Federica Pellegrini And Pasquale La Rocca 'Dancing With The Stars' TV show Final, Rome, Italy - 21 Dec 2024
The star went on to win Strictly’s Italian version with Bianca Guaccero, whom he is now dating (Picture: Maurizio D’Avanzo/MDPhoto/ipa-ag)

‘They would be daft not to hire him. He was an incredible troupe dancer for DTWS. His Latin moves are insane,’ added Travellinglense.

CanEnvironmental6204 echoed that they would ‘LOVE’ him to join the show, while forevertrueblue exclaimed: ‘Really hoping this happens!’

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This year marks a significant shake-up for the flagship BBC programme, which began when hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would be stepping down after the 2025 Christmas special.

Having always insisted they would ‘go together’, the duo – who made history as primetime TV’s first female presenting duo in 2014 – decided it was the ‘right time’ to pass the baton.

This was seemingly the catalyst for a string of other changes, with some of the most popular and longest-serving professionals being informed that their contracts wouldn’t be renewed, allegedly leaving them ‘distraught’.

Along with Ukrainian pro Nadiya, who joined in 2017, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas have also announced their exits.

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Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly stepping down as hosts was the catalyst for major changes in the Strictly world (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

In her Instagram video announcement, Karen said it was a ‘tough’ one to make, but she’s decided to ‘close this chapter and take on new projects’, while Luba wrote of feeling ‘deeply grateful for the past 10 years’ as she prepares to ‘follow [her] dreams beyond the show’.

Meanwhile, Michelle, who only joined in 2022, released a statement saying it’s been an ’emotional time’ as Strictly was ‘a big part of [her] life’.

Her post followed a tell-all interview with The Sun, in which the Cypriot pro claimed she was dropped during a 30-minute Zoom call, which she ‘didn’t see coming’.

‘I thought I had more time,’ she told the publication. ‘When she told me I wasn’t coming back, there was a moment of shock. I felt my story was unfinished.’

It has further been claimed that Spanish pro Gorka Márquez, who’s been on Strictly for 10 years, has been axed. However, he is yet to speak out.

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In additional changes, Neil Jones and Nancy Xu are set to be ‘benched’ in the upcoming season, meaning they will not receive a celebrity partner.

TX DATE:16-11-2025,TX WEEK:46,EMBARGOED UNTIL:16-11-2025 00:00:00,PEOPLE:Nadiya Bychkova,DESCRIPTION:,COPYRIGHT:BBC Public Service,CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy
Nadiya Bychkova was reportedly ‘distraught’ upon being informed that her contract wouldn’t be renewed (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo of Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas during Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing show on BBC1. Issue date: Saturday October 5, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
After joining in 2022, Michelle Tsiakkas was allegedly dropped during a 30-minute Zoom meeting (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Then, of course, there’s still the small matter of new presenters to sort.

Chemistry tests for a new pair are thought to be taking place this month, having been pushed back from January.

Currently, the frontrunners include Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Angela Scanlon, Emma Willis, and Fleur East.

Bradley Walsh and Alex Jones have also had their names in the mix for a while, and comedians Miranda Hart and Mel Giedroyc have been tipped as replacements for Claudia’s chaotic claudiatoriam segments.

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When contacted for a comment, a BBC spokesperson told Metro that plans for the 2026 series would be revealed ‘in due course’.

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