One in seven Labour MPs represents constituencies in the capital. The prime minister is a London member of parliament, as is his deputy, David Lammy, as well as the man who wants Starmer’s job, Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The Secretary State for Housing, Steve Reed, completes the quartet of powerful London MPs in the Cabinet. A significant percentage of the party’s activists, and the members who choose the party’s leaders, live in the capital. Losses here will hurt Labour’s core.

This summer is the 60th anniversary of the greatest triumph in English football history.

Advertisement

THE BEATLES sang Yellow Submarine, Batman appeared on our TV screens for the first time, we saw the first satellite images of the Moon’s surface and Harold Wilson announced plans for decimalisation. But 1966 is remembered for one thing – Sir Alf Ramsey’s Wembley aces beating West Germany 4-2. Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick, the Russian linesman and that crossbar goal, Kenneth Wolstenholme’s iconic ‘Some people are on the pitch’ commentary line. Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy. Bobby Charlton. Gordon Banks. Nobby Stiles’ jig around the Wembley pitch. Ramsey’s Wingless Wonders.

This summer is the 60th anniversary of the greatest triumph in English football history. And to mark the occasion, we have produced a stunning souvenir special – the Boys of ’66. From goalkeeper through to centre-forward, we throw the spotlight on every player in Ramsey’s World Cup-winning XI, detailing how they got there, the role they each played, the highs and the lows that followed for some after.

We detail how the manager hit upon his revolutionary Wingless Wonders system – and why he stuck by it amid mounting criticism of the tactics. We tell the story of Jimmy Greaves, the goalscoring genius who Ramsey built his hopes upon, but whose record-breaking career is best remembered for the one game he missed. We go through the drama of every game England played in the tournament – how they got through their group, the tempestuous quarter-final victory over Argentina, Eusebio’s tears as Portugal were downed by Bobby Charlton in the semis. And, of course, there is the tale of Tofiq Bahramov, aka the Russian linesman, who controversially awarded Hurst’s second goal against the Germans. We detail the brilliant story of Pickles the dog, a border-collie who became the most famous canine in the world by finding the World Cup after it was stolen from a London exhibition. We assess the 60 years of hurt endured since, and to put things into real perspective, we tell you 66 things you probably didn’t know about the year of 1966.

So, can Thomas Tuchel’s team end those six decades of World Cup hurt by triumphing across the Atlantic this summer? After the success of Ramsey’s Class of ’66, the gap has become way too big for a proud football nation which boasts the best league in the world. If Harry Kane and Co need inspiration, they need only look at what happened exactly 60 years ago – when football really DID come home.

Buy your copy today HERE or in participating supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents from Wednesday April 29, 2026. Any online orders will be dispatched from Wednesday April 29 and postage and packaging applies.

Natalie, a former member of a noughties girl group, is make a return to television screens searching for love

Advertisement

A noughties pop star is barely recognisable as she makes her way to the First Dates restaurant on the hunt for love. A brand new series of the hit dating show has returned with a brand new series to Channel 4, with hopeful singletons making their way to an upmarket restaurant in Bath in search of love.

With the assistance of French maître’d Fred Sirieix and his team, the popular show follows everything from budding romances to cringe-worthy encounters, with fresh episodes dropping every Friday at 10pm. The latest episode (May 1) will feature a former girl band member on the lookout for her ideal partner, alongside a weightlifting octogenarian.

Channel 4 teases: “Confident soldier Paul is the opposite of what ex girl band member Natalie goes for. But will she fall for his charm? And can weightlifting octogenarian Dave woo elegant Clare?”, reports OK!. The brand new episode will kick off with ex girl band member Natalie, from London, who has been matched with someone far removed from her usual type.

Arriving at the swanky Bath restaurant, Natalie, now 41, looks worlds apart from her younger years when she was a member of pop girl group Tymes 4. Fans may recall Tymes 4 from 2001 to around 2005, known for their hits including ‘Bodyrock’ and ‘She Got Game’.

Made up of Natalie, Holly (who later departed and was replaced by Leah), Taymah and Melissa, the group also featured on programmes such as Top of the Pops and The Saturday Show. Speaking to First Dates producers at the start of the show, Natalie explains: “At 17 years old I was in a group called Tymes 4”, pointing to a photograph on her phone, she added: “That’s me.”

Natalie, who now sports blonde hair, continues: “We were on tour with people like Blue, Liberty X, Atomic Kitten. I was so thin, I had abs.” During her date with soldier Paul, Natalie explains: “Fun fact about me, definitely. Years ago when I was fresh and young….much younger. I used to be in a girl band.”

Leaving Paul stunned, she adds: “Yeah when I was like 17, signed to a record label and we were off touring around the world. So I did that for a few years, loved it.”

Speaking to producers, Natalie adds: “My children know that I was in a band and have seen the videos but I feel a part of them still doesn’t believe it’s actually me and it’s true.

Advertisement

“I met my husband when I was 16, he went through all my girl band days and probably kept me quite sane. He was amazing, but sometimes things just don’t work out.”

According to Natalie’s own Instagram page, she is currently a civil servant and event manager, as well as an ambassador for Action For Children.

Commenting on an old YouTube video of a Tymes 4 song, one person wrote: “They were so good I wish they had more publicity.” Recently, another said: “Omg forgot all about this song. Love these girls and the chorus particularly.”

Whether Natalie manages to find a romantic spark with Paul is yet to be determined, and viewers will need to tune in tonight at 10pm on Channel 4 to find out.

First Dates airs every Friday at 10pm on Channel 4, with episodes also being made available to stream online.

Paul Thwaite, NatWest’s chief executive, said: “We have started the year with positive momentum, underpinned by healthy customer activity – growing all of our three businesses, expanding our capabilities to meet more of our customers’ needs and further improving productivity as we use AI at scale across the bank.”

Alison Hammond is reviving iconic gameshow Name That Tune and she says it will take some serious self control after ruling herself out of the Strictly Come Dancing top job

Alison Hammond has vowed to bring the noise when she presents the reboot of Name That Tune – but warned she may struggle to stay off the mic!

The legendary musical gameshow, hosted by Tom O’Connor and then Lionel Blair before it ended in 1987, is being revived by ITV and Alison jumped at the chance to join. It is expected to air on Saturday nights and could explain why the 51-year-old wasn’t in talks to host BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.

It is the latest vintage ITV show being brought back with new hosts, including Bullseye with Freddie Flintoff and Wheel of Fortune, presented by Graham Norton. Name That Tune involved contestants trying to guess songs from clues and it is exected to get a very modern makeover with a big glitzy production and a dedicated band to play the tracks.

Alison has spoken about the opportunity and says she had to say yes having spent her childhood tuning in. She said: “As a massive music lover, my biggest challenge as a host will be trying not to grab the mic and start singing along when one of my all-time favourite tunes comes on! And trust me… that will take serious self control!

“I grew up absolutely loving the original show so being part of this now feels like a real full-circle moment. I cannot wait to get into the studio, put the contestants through their paces, and see who really knows their music.

“Let me tell you, being joined by the super-talented Name That Tune band, who’ll be belting out some of the biggest songs on the planet in their own unique, electric style… oh, it’s going to be next-level. Bigger, louder, and more feel-good than ever this is going to be EPIC!”

The much-loved presenter, who has also said no to the Traitors, ended speculation she was set for Strictly last month. Alison was a contestant on the BBC Saturday night favourite in 2014 and managed to reach 10th place alongside Aljaž Škorjanec. She had been heavily linked to take over the reins following last year’s shock departure of long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The BBC is yet to confirm who is due to take over the reins at the ballroom, or the names lined up to appear on Traitors with some big stars expected at the round table when filming starts in the next few weeks.

She told the Radio Times: “I’m so busy, that I’m not sure it [Strictly Come Dancing] is going to happen. It’s unrealistic. I’m so happy they considered me but, like Traitors, I can’t do it because everything clashes.”

“I would have loved to have done it, anybody that gets it, they’re going to land the perfect job. But I’m so happy with everything I’ve got. What would I drop, to do Strictly?”

We still don’t know who the new hosts will can and in their initial announcement, Claudia began with: “Hi, it’s Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings, and we want you to hear this from us…” Tess added: “Yeah, we have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictl,y we have decided the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton…”

“The very sparkly baton…” Claudia continued before she turned to Tess and said: “You’ve been here since the beginning…” Tess, who used to host the show with the late Bruce Forsyth, then replied: “2004 with Brucey – lovely Bruce.

“That’s over two decades ago and a lot of that time has been with you. It’s been a huge part of our lives, hasn’t it? Since our children were literally babes in arms and now they’re young adults and I think, genuinely we have cherished every second.”

Claudia added: “We have, we’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and we just want to thank the Strictly team because Strictly is the people who make it so thank you…” Tess agreed: “They are the very best team in television we’ve been so lucky.

“And the audience as well, they’ve been so wonderful. They’ve been with us for this entire journey of 21 years and we wouldn’t have a show without them and they’ve been just so loyal and supportive.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Britney Spears has been charged with drink and drug driving, weeks after being arrested in California and then checking into rehab.

The 44-year-old singer was charged with driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs on Thursday, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office said.

This comes after the chart-topper left rehab on Wednesday night, after voluntarily checking herself in in early April, following the incident.

Her case is due in court on May 4 but she may not have to appear in person, the Attorney’s Office said, as it is a misdemeanour charge so her attorney can appear on her behalf.

If the singer pleads guilty to reckless driving, she will receive 12-month probation during which she is required to complete a driving under the influence (DUI) class and pay state-mandated fines and fees.

This is because she has no prior DUI history, there was no crash or injury in her arrest, and she had a low blood alcohol level, according to the Attorney’s Office.

The Toxic singer was arrested in California on March 5 after she was seen driving ‘erratically’.

Police said Spears ‘showed signs of impairment and submitted to a series of field sobriety tests’ after being pulled over.

Spears, who police said was alone in her black BMW 430i, was arrested for ‘driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol’ and taken to Ventura County Main Jail, northwest of Los Angeles.

A representative at the time said the ‘unfortunate incident’ was ‘completely inexcusable’, adding it would ideally be ‘the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life’.

They added: ‘Her boys are going to be spending time with her.

‘Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for wellbeing.’

She is now said to be ‘healthy and happy’ after leaving rehab, having been pictured for the first time since then in the passenger seat of a car in Calabasas, California.

A source told New York Post column Page Six: ‘[She is] doing really well … She’s healthy and happy and feeling very positive and excited to start afresh. Rehab was a great opportunity for her to ground herself.

‘She’s looking forward to a bright future.’

The publication reports Spears left rehab on Wednesday night and a second source added the singer is ‘continuing counselling remotely’.

In 2007, the Mississippi-born singer avoided a criminal hit-and-run trial by paying damages after photographers pictured Spears steering her car into another vehicle as she tried to park in a California car park, before walking away after assessing the damage to her own car.

Her arrest comes after she sold part of her rights to her back catalogue in February to music publisher Primary Wave for an unknown fee.

The purchase came after Spears’ 13-year conservatorship, which had control of her career decisions and finances, ended in 2021.

Most recently, Spears released a collaboration with Sir Elton John in 2022, and later collaborated with Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am on a track titled Mind Your Business in 2023.

Spears’ decades-long career has seen her achieve six UK number one singles and eight UK top 10 albums, and she has also collaborated with stars such as Madonna, Rihanna, Iggy Azalea and Backstreet Boys.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: Hollywood legend Goldie Hawn close to tears remembering how aliens ‘touched’ her

MORE: Nicole Kidman makes elegant appearance at the Chanel Cruise in backless black dress

MORE: Tom Hanks’ son reveals he’s moved into a trailer park

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered American Airlines and United Airlines to reduce their scheduled flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport to prevent delays and cancellations this summer

Airlines operating at the world’s busiest airport are being forced to slash their schedules to reduce operational chaos ahead of the summer months. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reportedly compelling operators at Chicago O’Hare International Airport to trim their services in a bid to minimize disruption.

The move has led major carriers American Airlines and United Airlines to axe nearly 2,700 May flights between them. This follows an announcement from the FAA in April stating it would take “action to prevent endless delays [and] cancellations at Chicago O’Hare.”

The airport is keen to boost performance in 2026 after a difficult season last year. It is understood that fewer than 60% of arrivals and departures ran on time at O’Hare last summer, prompting the current push to streamline operations and ensure a more reliable schedule for travellers, reports Daily Star.

O’Hare airport is expected to handle almost 15% more flights on busy days this year compared to summer 2025, according to MSN. This raises the prospect of over-scheduling, with airlines instructed to reduce flights to ward off travel disruptions, reports the Mirror.

“We appreciate the airlines working together with us to reach a responsible level of operations that strengthens safety and delivers a more reliable travel experience for the American public,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium on week-on-week timetable alterations revealed that United and American combined have axed a total of 2,696 return flights at the airport in May. This works out at roughly 87 flights daily. While this is minimal against O’Hare’s total operations, it will still create some operational disruption for passengers.

American Airlines’ May figure has fallen by 787 return journeys from 32,410 to 31,623. The carrier has been forced to slash at least 10 rotations across 24 of its Chicago routes in May 2026.

United Airlines is responsible for the majority of these reductions, with 1,909 services having been scrapped. The carrier’s footprint at O’Hare will decline from 43,271 planned return flights to 41,362 in May.

Reports indicate that 53 routes have experienced 10 or more May departures removed from United Airlines’ O’Hare schedules.

Even United Airlines’ biggest US hubs haven’t escaped the reductions.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport have all witnessed 10 or more May cuts.

Drivers have been caught in congestion on the M25 snarling back for miles after a crash involving a van.

Traffic has ground to a halt on the M25 clockwise in Surrey after a crash during the morning rush hour.

Motorists are being held between junction J10 (Guildford) and J11 (Woking) after a collision.

Queues are stretching for six miles, causing delays of around 45 minutes, National Highways warned.

Footage from the scene appears to show at least one van on the central reservation with its front smashed in.

National Highways said: ‘Surrey Police are now on scene with traffic officers. There are currently delays of 45 minutes and 6 miles of congestion on the approach.’

There are also severe delays on the anticlockwise carriageway, with queues stretching back towards Heathrow Airport and J13.

Meanwhile, the early May bank holiday is expected to be the busiest on roads in 10 years – despite the sky-high petrol and diesel prices.

The UK’s motorways and A-roads are forecast to see around 19 million trips over the weekend, the motoring expert RAC predicts.

Today has been labelled the ‘Frantic Friday’ as 3.7 million people are set to hit the roads.

Saturday is expected to the busiest day of the entire weekend, with 4 million trips in the pipeline.

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.

MORE: Major London train station closed on May bank holiday weekend

MORE: UK airline shuts down amid fuel crisis and cancels all flights

MORE: UK travel company closes after 23 years — trips to Greece, Turkey and more cancelled

Asda is recalling its Exceptional by Asda Beer Battered Cod Fishcakes because of the possible contamination, which makes them unsafe to eat.

A spokesman for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned: “ASDA is recalling the above product.

“Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product.

Thursday 30 April – @asda recalls Exceptional by ASDA Beer Battered Cod Fishcakes because it may contain pieces of plastic or metal #FoodAlert https://t.co/qx80JZsVn2 pic.twitter.com/NKJ8APqwXR

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) April 30, 2026

“These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.

“If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to your nearest ASDA store for a full refund. For further information, please contact ASDA’s customer relations team on 0330 053 0111.”

The recalled fishcakes come in packs of 290g and have use by dates of May 1, May 2, May 3, May 4 and May 5.

Recommended Reading:

An Asda spokesman said: “We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.

“If you have purchased Exceptional by ASDA Beer Battered Fishcakes with the above use by dates (no other use by dates are affected), please bring it back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund.

“You do not need your receipt.”

Food Recalls Explained

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.

This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

My husband and I have date nights at Facing Heaven in Hackney. It’s a tiny gem of a place; great atmosphere, punk rock soundtrack and chef Julian’s mind-blowing mix of Sichuan, Haitian and American comfort food… Dan dan noodles, smacked cucumber, French toast. Chequerboard vinyl floor. Disco light.