A £12.4m innovation fund aims to make foster care more flexible, inclusive and better suited to modern life
For Chanice, the difference began with weekends. Not a single life-changing moment, but ordinary time spent with someone who kept coming back. There were trips to the theatre, new places to visit, things to learn and a relationship that grew slowly into something enduring.
“Having a Weekender is different from having a parent,” she tells Positive News magazine. “For me it was about having someone who kept showing up, who took me to new places, taught me things, introduced me to theatre and believed I could do more. When you are in care, people can come and go, so having a consistent adult who is still there years later really matters. [Carer] Sara became part of my life, not just for a weekend, but for the long term.”
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That idea – that a child in care may need not only a foster home, but a wider circle of adults who can stay close over time – is at the heart of a new effort to rethink fostering in England.
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The government has launched a £12.4m Fostering Innovation Fund, designed to help modernise foster care and make it more accessible to a wider range of people. It forms part of a wider government pledge to create 10,000 additional foster care places during this parliament, amid concern that the number of approved fostering households has fallen in recent years.
At the end of March 2025 there were 42,190 fostering households in England, with numbers having declined steadily since 2021, according to Ofsted. The number of mainstream local authority fostering households has fallen particularly sharply in recent years, while charities and fostering organisations have warned that too many children cannot currently be matched with the right family, in the right place, at the right time.
The decline is less a story of people caring less, and more a sign that the system has made it too hard for many of the right people to step forward, and too hard for some existing carers to stay.
The new fund is not simply about asking more people to do an already difficult job. Its ambition is to change who feels fostering is possible for them in the first place.
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The idea that a child in care may need not only a foster home, but a wider circle of adults who can stay close over time, is at the heart of a new effort to rethink fostering in England. Image: Pressmaster / Shutterstock
For years, fostering has often been imagined through a narrow picture of family life, built around a couple, a spare room and at least one adult with enough time to provide care in a fairly traditional way. That model will continue to be right for many children and many carers, but it does not reflect the full range of households, working patterns and support networks that exist now.
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The new approach is intended to test ways of making fostering more flexible, without weakening safeguarding or lowering the level of care children receive. That could mean supporting carers to make better use of the space they already have, creating stronger local clusters of support around foster families, or developing models in which people offer regular weekend care or respite, building long-term relationships with children while supporting full-time carers.
One example already being developed is Weekenders, led by NOW Foster, which gives people a route into building a relationship with a child when full-time fostering is not possible.
For me it was about having someone who kept showing up, who took me to new places, taught me things, introduced me to theatre and believed I could do more
Sara Fernandez, NOW Foster’s chief executive, knows the power of that model personally. She first met Chanice when she was 26 and did not feel able to foster full-time.
“We started with weekends and sleepovers, doing very ordinary things: swimming, bike rides, knitting, crochet, theatre trips, cooking and chatting,” says Fernandez. “Over time, those ordinary weekends became an enduring relationship, still going strong over 12 years later. That is what is so powerful about the Weekenders model. It gives people a flexible, realistic route into being there for a child, more like an auntie, uncle or godparent, while giving children another trusted adult who is committed to them as they grow up. It helped me learn more about fostering and I went on to do other fostering roles over the years too,” she says.
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More flexible routes into fostering aren’t aiming to replace full-time foster care but instead, look to strengthen it, offering children more trusted adults and giving potential carers the confidence, training and experience to consider taking on more in future.
More flexible routes into fostering aren’t aiming to replace full-time foster care but instead, look to strengthen it, offering children more trusted adults and giving potential carers the confidence, training and experience to consider taking on more in future. Image: fizkes
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Other models are trying to tackle different barriers. Room Makers, for example, supports carers to adapt their homes so they can welcome a child or keep siblings together. In Greater Manchester, one foster carer who had been limited by space was given a £7,800 grant through the scheme to reconfigure her home and will soon be able to care for siblings.
The Mockingbird model, meanwhile, builds constellations of foster families around a central “hub home”, so carers and children are not left to manage alone. It is a simple but powerful insight: foster families, like any families, are more likely to thrive when they have practical help, friendship and people nearby who understand what they are carrying.
Amy Burns, who is care experienced, describes what the absence of that support can feel like.
“There were two years between Mum dying and being fostered,” she says. “There was breakdown. There was chaos. There was danger. And then there was a new home, a new start and a new village. My foster family saved my life, as much as my social workers, as much as anyone who came before. You don’t have to be a full-time foster carer to make a difference. A village for someone who is care experienced might look like teachers, neighbours, people from past foster placements. But it has to exist.”
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You don’t have to be a full-time foster carer to make a difference
Fostering is not easy, and presenting it as a simple act of kindness would be misleading. Children in care may have experienced grief, trauma, neglect, instability or repeated moves. Foster carers need proper training, respect, financial support and access to skilled professionals when things become difficult.
Children’s minister Josh MacAlister said the investment would help move fostering “into the 21st century”, by opening it up to a wider range of people and changing more children’s lives through stable homes.
The test now is whether that ambition reaches children quickly and carefully enough. The strongest reforms will be those shaped not only by systems and targets, but by the voices of people who know what care feels like from the inside.
For Chanice, the lesson is simple. A weekend was never only a weekend. It was a beginning, and it became a relationship that lasted.
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Main image: Pressmaster / Shutterstock
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Bournemouth, meanwhile, are looking to finish Andoni Iraola’s tenure as strongly as possible and have their own significant ambitions as a point will confirm a place in Europe for the first time in the club’s history, though a win would keep them in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog!
Police are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ about a man who was reported missing in Prestwich. Chris, whose surname was not disclosed by police, was last seen at Prestwich Hospital at around 3pm on Tuesday (May 19).
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A search for the 49-year-old has been launched. A photo of Chris was shared by police as part of a public appeal, and anyone with information is urged to report it.
He is described as a white male, of medium build and with brown, thinning hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, cap and coloured yellow and black trainers.
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A statement shared by Greater Manchester Police said: “Can you help find Chris, 49, from Prestwich? He was last seen leaving Prestwich Hospital at around 3pm on Tuesday May 19.
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“Chris is described as a white male of a medium build with brown thinning hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black cap with yellow emblem, coloured trainers yellow and black (unbranded), black trainers.
“Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call police on 101 quoting log 2055 of 19/05/2026.”
From Spider-Man, Pokemon, massive ships, swimming and seriously impressive stunt riders – this spring Bank Holiday and half term around Cardiff is a cracker
It’s not just half term, it’s also May’s second bank holiday weekend and if you’re searching for things to do or places to go with the family we’ve picked out a strong list of options.
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Some are free – yey! – including some Aardman and Shaun the Sheep fun in the city centre, or a lido that’s like being abroad. There’s a huge new food festival in the city’s Bute Park and also a huge crocodile at the New Theatre…don’t be afraid, it’s a puppet.
The weather’s looking great so pack the suncream and get out of the house! From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
1. Circus Extreme, Leckwith
Featuring an elite cast of world-class performers, jaw-dropping special effects, stunning visuals, and edge-of-your-seat thrills, Circus Extreme’s latest show, Rock It Out delivers a two-hour adrenaline rush for the entire family.
It mixes live rock music with mega circus stunts, including Globe of Death riders, the fearless Double Wheel of Death, breathtaking aerial trapeze artistry, explosive freestyle motocross backflips, high-speed street bike stunts, fire-infused aerial performances, and the sensational Double Ukrainian Swing!
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We are zonked just thinking about it! Circus Extreme is at Cardiff City Stadium until May 31.
The Cadw castle will transport you back to the Middle Ages this bank holiday, with fun for knights, princesses and adventurers of all ages from May 23 – 25, 11am to 3pm.
3. Feast On, Bute Park
Feast On Cardiff, which takes place from Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, will see Brecon-based burger restaurant, Hills, pop-up in the Welsh capital. 2024 British Streetfood Awards champions, Pasta a Mano, Bao Selecta and Mr Croquewich, Pasture will be there and is known for its fire-based cooking and regenerative, pasture-raised beef; as will Lakeside’s Bodega. Tickets are on sale now, available from HERE.
4. The Enormous Crocodile, New Theatre
‘For my lunch today I would like… a nice juicy little child!’
The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.
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Catch the Roald Dahl adaptiation from May 28-30. Tickets, here.
5. Pokemon trail at Tredegar House
Get active outdoors on the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evaluation Trail at Tredegar House. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges. The trail is running from May 23.
6. Fonmon Castle’s Spider-Man weekend AND Dinosaur Week
The castle near Barry is hosting Spider-Man Weekends, either end of the half term week (May 23/24/25 and May 30/31) and during the week there’s going to be a dinosaur week, of course including the castle’s beloved dino trail.
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But that’s not all… your ticket includes access to the entire park FREE Kids Stamp Trail, Welsh Folklore Story Trail, Medieval Grange, Tractor Park & Play Areas, Jurassic Wales, Craft Centre, Woodland Walks, Castle & Gardens… and more! Looking for extra fun? Try: Face Painting, Archery, Axe Throwing, Footgolf and Discgolf.
7. Free Aardman workshops and Shaun the Sheep trail, St David’s Shopping Centre
There are free Aardman clay workshops as well as a Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock augmented reality trail at the city shopping destination. Guests will get to hunt down nine markers throughout St David’s, each unlocking an interactive AR scene. Along the way, families can complete fun challenges with Bitzer the dog, pose alongside animated characters, and capture photos and videos to share with family and friends.
To take part, families can pick up a trail map and a free Shaun the Sheep headband from the St David’s Guest Services team, located on the upper level of the Grand Arcade – near Bershka, Stradivarius and Starbucks.
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To participate in the Shaun the Sheep AR trail, families will need to download the Fun with the Flock app and enter the location code 2403, either in advance or on site.
The Shaun the Sheep A.R. Trail will be at St David’s until Sunday, May 31. The workshops will run on May 26 & 27. Shaun the Sheep will be at the centre on May 28.
8. Go to Ponty Lido (FREE for kids)
The pool, found in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, will open for sessions all day during term and school holiday time from June 1. But if you’re keen to get an early dip in the pool this May bank holiday weekend it will have all-day sessions – from May 2-4, including bank holiday Monday.
Keen early-morning swimmers can also book weekday and weekend sessions from 6.30am until 8.45am. For all ticket options, visit the Lido Ponty page on Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s website.
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Kids under 16 swim for free and adults will pay £4 a session. If you don’t want to swim, just take the kids. You’ll pay £3.50.
9. Jump on board a Spanish galleon, Cardiff Bay
The Galeón Andalucía will call at Cardiff, marking the start of its grand 2026 European tour in the UK. A unique replica of the Spanish galleon, the Andalucía will port at Britannia Quay from May 29 to June 7.
Visitors will be able to discover what life was like on board these ships that linked continents and explored new worlds. Opening hours are 10 am to 8 pm each day it’s in Cardiff.
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You can book your tickets now, ahead of time – which is the cheapest way – at tickets.velacuadra.es. Schools and organisations must book their visit by emailing ecampos@velacuadra.es.
Chelsea, though, are rather ailing after defeat in the FA Cup final at the weekend, which left them with just two wins in their last 12 matches across all competitions. The squad will have fresh inspiration for the tie, though, as they look to impress incoming manager Xabi Alonso, who will not be in attendance but will surely be watching on somewhere ahead of officially taking charge on July 1.
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — More than 17,000 people were under evacuation orders in Southern California on Tuesday as a wildfire threatened suburban homes.
The wind-driven Sandy Fire was reported Monday in the hills above Simi Valley, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.
By Tuesday morning, it had consumed more than two square miles (five square kilometers) of dry brush and destroyed at least one home, according to the Ventura County Fire Department.
The flames were initially pushed by gusts that topped 30 mph (48 kph), but firefighters were aided by calmer winds overnight, said department spokesperson Andrew Dowd.
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“We’ve made a lot of progress against this fire with those improved weather conditions,” Dowd said. Crews hoped to make further progress before winds increased again, he said.
There was zero containment. The cause is under investigation.
Evacuation orders and warnings were still in place for several neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people.
Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 23-square-mile (59-square-kilometer) blaze on Santa Rosa Island, off the Southern California coast. The fire destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.
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Santa Rosa, a popular destination for camping and hiking, is home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals.
The award-winning Kites Nest in Ceredigion offers a romantic retreat surrounded by breathtaking Welsh scenery
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Travel plans can sometimes feel uncertain, which is why a relaxing staycation can be the perfect answer. Wales offers plenty of hidden gems. One award-winning escape attracting attention is the Kites Nest. The unique glamping pod has been crowned by Sykes Cottages, winning the 2025 gold award for ‘best for couples‘.
Set in the tranquil village of Pont-rhyd-y-groes in Ceredigion, The Kites Nest is far from your average glamping stay. The wooden pod features a curved roof, circular windows and large patio doors designed to make the most of the surrounding countryside views.
Built by award-winning company My Shire House, which appeared on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, the property has been crafted to an exceptionally high standard using FSC graded timber including oak, larch and red cedar.
Inside, there is a compact kitchen equipped with essentials for preparing meals, while a comfortable sitting area provides a place to unwind. The sleeping area features a cosy double bed, alongside a modern shower room. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here
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Outside, step onto the decking and you’re greeted with panoramic views across rolling hills, valleys and woodland. The scenery creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Adding to the luxury feel is the Kites Nest’s hidden private garden, where guests can soak in an opulent outdoor copper bath surrounded by nature.
For couples inspired to book, a seven-night stay at The Kites Nest starts from around £800, with plenty of availability across the summer months.
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Those who have stayed in the Kites Nest have reviewed the property very highly. One visitor said: “We spent a week here to celebrate our 10 year anniversary, there’s not much you need to bring from home. The hosts have thought of everything to make your stay comfortable. The Kites nest is beautiful and the views are breathtaking. The outside bath has hot water and not overlooked. It really is a little slice of paradise.”
Another visitor, praising the helpful hosts, said: “There hospitality during our stay at the Kite’s Nest was best we have ever received. One day we hope to return and we will be recommending to others!! The Kite’s Nest was a cute warming stay with amazing view and scenery in such a pretty part of Wales!! This will be something we will remember forever!! Thank you so much!!”
A third guest gave the Kites Nest a five star rating and said: “Superb. We loved it so much we instantly booked for two weeks next year.”
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For those who perfer a spacious holiday home, the Shorebase Annexe in the beautiful seaside village of Mumbles is an option. The cottage can sleep two guests and is available on holidaycottages.co.uk.
Another gorgeous property, found on Luxury Cottages, is the Little House in Oxwich, also located near the beautiful south Wales coastline, described as a “perfect setting for a romantic escape in total peace and tranquillity”.
It didn’t seem like it was exactly his choice when the Red Devils opted to sign Senne Lammens on transfer deadline day in September.
Martinez had looked extremely likely to leave Villa Park, waving to the fans with tears in his eyes on the final home game of the 2024/25 season.
The World Cup winner was left out of the Villa squad as they hosted Crystal Palace on August 31, with Marco Bizot starting in goal.
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It looked as though this was the signal that Martinez was about to depart, although Unai Emery gave little away, responding to questions on the Argentinian’s future by repeating: ‘Bizot. Marco Bizot.’
However, Martinez went nowhere and was back in the team for the next Premier League outing, remaining first choice ever since.
Old Trafford had appeared to be where the ‘keeper was heading, but the Red Devils opted to bring in Lammens instead, a move which has proved largely successful so far.
Senne Lammens has had an impressive first season at Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)
The 33-year-old is now preparing for the Europa League final with Villa on Wednesday night, when they take on Freiburg in Istanbul, and he says he is pleased with how everything played out.
‘Well, I say goodbye and I cry when I left my family from Argentina to England as well,’ Martinez said of his tears at the end of last season. ‘Sometimes football can change, managers can come in and go. You know, in football people move around the place. It doesn’t mean that I don’t have full respect for the club. I love the club.
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‘I have a commitment with Aston Villa. I am a World Cup winner with Aston Villa, I have won two Golden Gloves with Aston Villa. I will always and forever love this club. One day I am going to retire, so someone else will need to be between the sticks.
Martinez cut an emotional figure at Villa Park in May last year (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Listen, I am in a European final and we have got Champions League again with all the circumstances that we have had and battles we have had this year. We are one of the lowest spenders in the Premier League.
‘We have a top coach, a top captain [John McGinn] and a decent core of the team. When we stick together and when we fight together, I think that we can beat anybody. I am really proud to stay – I made the right choice.’
Martinez has been full of praise for Emery, who is bidding for a fifth Europa League title on Wednesday, having won the competition three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.
‘I think we deserve it, I think the fans deserve it, and obviously the manager has had four or five finals in this competition,’ said the goalkeeper.
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Unai Emery is bidding for a fifth Europa League title (Picture: AVFC/2026 Aston Villa)
‘We don’t wish anyone else apart from him on the bench tomorrow, he doesn’t have to do the European final, but listen, every time I go into a final I never think I always think about the outcome.
‘I always think about where I come from, leaving my family behind when I was young. When I’m in the game, whatever happens, I know how tough times are in England.
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — A joint operation against Islamic State fighters by Nigeria and the United States has killed 175 of the fighters over the past few days, the Nigerian military said Tuesday.
Military spokesperson Samaila Uba said in a statement that the strikes also destroyed weapons, checkpoints and financial networks of the militants across the northeastern region of the country.
The gains against the militants followed the killing late last week of the group’s local chapter deputy, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, in the first successful targeting of a senior militant in more than a decade of insurgency in the country.
The Nigerian military on Tuesday reported the killing of another senior leader, Abd-al Wahhab responsible for coordinating finance and attack planning and logistics.
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The U.S. Africa Command confirmed the attacks, saying no U.S. or Nigerian troops were harmed.
In February, the U.S. sent troops to Nigeria in what was deemed a mostly advisory and training role, but the joint operation in recent days signals more active U.S. involvement.
The struggle of resisting temptation proved too much for Oscar and Josh and thus they succumbed to their desires, sharing a passionate kiss at the Prince Albert, before heading into the toilets to take things further.
Jasmine, who was locked up for her role in Anthony Trueman’s (Nicholas Bailey) demise, previously dated Oscar. Josh, meanwhile, is none other than Jasmine’s estranged twin.
Josh and Oscar struggled to resist one another (Picture: BBC /Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
Jasmine’s return led to her rekindling things with Oscar, who – despite his evident love for her – remains drawn to Josh, who reciprocates such feelings.
The past week has seen Josh join Jasmine on numerous outings with Oscar, allowing the estranged twins to bond for the first time in decades, but Oscar has found it challenging to be around Josh, given that his feelings for him are getting stronger.
Who should Oscar be with?
Josh – their chemistry is electric and they’re meant to be
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Jasmine – it’s clear that they’re still in love
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Oblivious Jasmine, meanwhile, struggled to hide her hurt when she found out that, after she was taken away as a child, Josh had played the game they invented together with his adopted mum Sandra (Dawn Steele). This discovery drove a wedge of sorts between the siblings, making their attempt to get to know each other somewhat difficult.
Oscar, meanwhile, found himself stuck in the middle and, despite his best efforts to stay away from Josh, the feelings he has for the young lad consumed him and thus he kissed him at the close of Tuesday’s (May 19) episode.
Jasmine has a dangerous side as demonstrated in the past – will she take revenge on the two? (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)
The question is: just where does this leave Jasmine? Has Oscar made his choice?
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And what’s more, how will Jasmine react when she finds out? It’s clear that the barmaid is jealous of the life Josh had in comparison to her own so it’s safe to say she won’t be too pleased about her sibling having slept with her boyfriend.
From what we know about her past, plus her terrifyingly brutal campaign against mum Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) – which included locking her in a burning building, by the way – to her cruel threats against Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who she pushed down the stairs and left for dead (not to mention her claims that Max Branning tried it on her with her), it’s safe to say that Jasmine isn’t someone you should cross.
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Josh and Oscar had better watch out!
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
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An incredible £80 million jackpot is up for grabs in tonight’s Euromillions draw. The Euromillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday and a ticket costs £2.50. That includes automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker draw which creates new UK millionaires every week. The overall jackpot can rise to €190m (approximately £167m).
If you bought a ticket you can check your numbers below. Good luck!
The Thunderball game also takes place tonight. The winner will claim £500,000 if they match five numbers from one to 39 as well as the all-important Thunderball number from one to 14.
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How many numbers do you need to win?
If you have got two numbers or one number and two lucky stars or better then you are a winner. Players must match all five main numbers and two lucky star numbers to claim the jackpot. The Thunderball draw is also made tonight and the results will also be displayed below. The Thunderball draw takes place at 8pm and the Euromillions draw takes place at around 8.15pm.
In May 2022 Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, became the UK’s biggest-ever Euromillions winners after netting £184m with a lucky dip ticket. Their record did not last long, though, after another UK winner came forward in July 2022 to claim a jackpot of £195m. However they have not gone public.
Prior to Mr and Mrs Thwaite’s win the previous record was held by an anonymous winner who scooped £170m in October 2019. On June 4, 2021, a ticketholder in the UK scooped the £111m jackpot in the Friday-night draw, matching all seven numbers to become the country’s ninth-biggest lottery winner ever at that stage.
In June 2019 a single ticketholder in the UK won £123m in the Tuesday night Euromillions draw. It was the third-biggest Euromillions jackpot in the UK since the draw launched in 2004. It meant they instantly became as rich as Fifty Shades of Grey author EL James (£127m) and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page (£125m). June 2023 was a lucrative month for UK players with a ticketholder bagging a £117.1m jackpot on June 2 while another winner scooped the £55m jackpot on June 20. Euromillions is played in nine European countries.
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