This is the fifth time that similar proposals have been submitted for the former school
A Grade II listed Victorian school in a Cambridgeshire village could be converted into a home under new plans. Under proposals submitted this month, extensions would be added to the Grade II listed Old Day School in High street in Bluntisham.
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This is the fifth time that similar proposals have been submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council. The previous applications were either withdrawn or refused. The plans had been refused previously due to concerns that the scale, mass, design and material finish would result in “a high level of less than substantial harm to this Grade II listed building”.
The current plans for the former school building, which was also used for parish meetings, plays and concerts, would convert it into a two-storey, three-bedroom house. The proposal involves modest extensions and alterations.
The design and access statement for the current plans, written on behalf of applicant Simon Claridge, says: “The proposed development has been carefully conceived to secure the long-term preservation and viable reuse of the former school building through its sensitive conversion to a single residential dwelling.
“The design approach has sought to balance the functional requirements of a modern home with the need to preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building and its contribution to the wider character of the conservation area.”
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The school was built in 1842, with a toilet block added in 1930 and a kitchen added in 1944. The applicant proposes knocking down the toilet block and modern rear extensions to provide “an opportunity to enhance the setting of the listed building and better reveal its original form and proportions”.
In place of the existing additions, a new rear extension is proposed. The design statement adds: “The extension has been designed as a clearly subordinate and contemporary intervention, ensuring that the historic building remains the dominant element of the site.”
There’s more to the capital than meets the eye, with an abundance of unique experiences to try that you might not know about. From live theatre to craft workshops and sporty outings, the capital is alive with exciting activities and opportunities
Escape reality at a new immersive experience in Knightsbridge
Paradox Museum
Step off the everyday streets of the capital and into Paradox Museum London, a new immersive attraction in Knightsbridge, where curiosity is the order of the day.
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Inside, more than 50 mind-bending exhibits invite visitors to question how they see and experience space in unexpected ways. Perspectives shift, gravity appears to alter and clever illusions create plenty of camera-ready moments throughout the journey, like walking upside down on the Tube. Among the highlights is Zero Gravity, an interactive challenge where balance and movement are put to the test, complete with playful missions and a souvenir pass.
Whether you’re a local or visiting with family, friends or out-of-town guests, Paradox Museum offers a distinctive day out in London. Limited slots available daily.
Visit the sights of London along the river
PA
See the capital from a new perspective with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, a fast and scenic way to enjoy the best of London along the River Thames.
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Operating like a river bus, the service links key piers across the city, passing some of the most recognisable sights. Spacious seating, refreshments on board and regular departures make it a desirable alternative to bus and rail travel – it’s the perfect option for both commuters and visitors who want to explore some of London’s top landmarks.
Launching from April 2026, new audio tours narrated by comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner add another fun yet informative layer to the experience, with dedicated themes covering the likes of film locations and the history of the river.
Immerse yourself in the home of cricket
Marylebone Cricket Club
Experience twice the action at one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues this spring bank holiday with two Vitality Blast T20 double headers at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
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On Friday 22 May, Middlesex’s women’s and men’s teams face Kent’s women’s and men’s teams respectively, while Sunday 24 May sees Middlesex’s men’s team take part in a London derby against Surrey, before the women’s team takes on the Leicestershire Foxes.
Just one ticket gets you a full day of fast-paced T20 cricket at the home of cricket. Expect a big hitting, electric atmosphere, food and drink and something for all ages. Perfect for friends, families or entertaining clients in central London.
Visit lords.org to take advantage of the early bird offer to save £5 on adult tickets before 30 April.
Get creative and crafty painting pottery with friends
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Social Pottery
Based across four London locations – Camden Town, Kentish Town, Balham and Westfield White City – Social Pottery is a fast-growing favourite creative studio offering a genuinely hands-on, social and creative experience.
Choose from three fun activities: pottery painting, wheel throwing and handbuilding – with no prior experience needed. Sessions run for between 90 minutes to two hours, all materials and glazing are included, and finished pieces are fired in the studio kiln by Social Pottery’s experts. These can be collected or shipped two weeks after your visit.
Whether you’re coming solo, as a couple or with a group, it’s fun, chatty and even a little therapeutic at times. Private bookings are available for birthdays, hen parties and corporate team-building events. Gift vouchers are also available.
Set the stage for afternoon tea with a touch of drama
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LW Theatres Group
Like any great performance, the Showstopping Afternoon Tea at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is presented in two dramatic acts, including delectable delights and theatrical flourishes. Taking place in the theatre’s opulent Grand Saloon, one of the most stunning Regency rooms in London, it’s truly a feast for all the senses.
Act One is a taste of the stage, with savoury pastries and sandwiches served on a board created from the 101-year-old stage floor, allowing guests to ‘tread the boards’ as they eat. Act Two sees the velvet curtain rise to unveil a selection of sweet treats and unexpected surprises that mirror the thrill of opening night.
Enjoy it all with tea or choose to upgrade to champagne or punch. It’s sure to delight devoted theatregoers or those looking for a unique day out in London.
Laugh the night away at a limited-run comedy musical
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J EDGAR THEATRE PRODUCTIONS UK
Gear up for a night of belly laughs in London’s West End at the world premiere of Here Comes J. Edgar!, an irrepressible comedy musical about the love of power and the power of love.
Brought to you by comedy legends Harry Shearer (star of The Simpsons and This is Spinal Tap) and Tom Leopold (a writer who’s worked on TV classics such as Seinfeld and Cheers), the musical unveils the scandalous life of J. Edgar Hoover, who, as FBI director from 1924 to 1972, wielded great power by collecting secrets on others, while concealing his own sexuality, a flamboyant private life and a lifelong relationship with his deputy, Clyde Tolson.
For theatregoers keen to see the next comedy hit show, this is an unmissable night of fun where you might even learn what a simple black dress and a single strand of pearls can do for a guy.
Escape to Cornwall for an August bank holiday festival
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TUNES FESTIVALS
For a bank holiday with a difference, Tunes in the Park brings four days of music and family fun to the grounds of Port Eliot in Cornwall. The festival takes place over 27 to 30 August, with headliners Faithless, Basement Jaxx, Jessie J, Joel Corry, Kelis and Razorlight leading the packed line-up of more than 100 acts across 10 stages.
Beyond the music, there are a host of activities for all ages, from wellness experiences to archery and axe throwing and a comedy tent featuring Jason Manford, Seann Walsh and Russell Kane. There will also be an array of delicious food and drink options to keep festivalgoers energised over the weekend.
Just three-and-a-half hours by train from London, Tunes in the Park is an easy way to turn a long weekend into a memorable summer escape, with a setting that spans riverside views, open parkland and historic surroundings. More acts to be announced soon.
Find your fitness tribe and get summer-ready together
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The Fitting Rooms
Looking for a fun, social way to get fit this summer? The Fitting Rooms, a boutique personal training gym in London Bridge, offers Shared PT sessions.
Train in small groups of up to four people, matched by goals and ability, coached by expert personal trainers every step of the way. It’s the social workout you didn’t know you needed. Go with a friend or let the team match you with like-minded Londoners.
Every session is tracked, every client gets regular one-to-one check-ins and results are real and sustainable. No contracts, no membership fees, just expert training that fits your life. Plus, the first session is completely free.
Get 10 per cent off any first package with code TFRSUMMER26 at thefittingrooms.london. Offer ends 30 June 2026.
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Indulge in top Italian dining across London
Bocconcino
Redefining la dolce vita across the capital, award winning Bocconcino delivers a polished take on elevated Italian gastronomy.
Anchored by its magnificent flagship restaurant in Mayfair, it pairs elegant fine dining upstairs with vibrant live entertainment below. Each destination has its own distinct character. Bocconcino Soho moves with cosmopolitan energy and a stylish crowd, while Osteria in Covent Garden offers a beautifully relaxed pre-theatre setting.
Named Best Luxury Restaurant and later Best Italian Restaurant Group, Bocconcino has built its reputation on handcrafted pasta, exceptional seafood, wood-fired specialities and carefully chosen wines. With intimate tables and elegant private dining, it is a sophisticated choice for a lingering lunch, an after work dinner or a celebratory evening in London.
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This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, homes and gardens, beauty, travel, finance trends and more
Bolton imam Hassan Patel, 42, lives at the property with his wife, four young children and his nephew
09:40, 11 Jun 2026Updated 09:47, 11 Jun 2026
Moment Bolton imam’s home is firebombed
Horrifying CCTV footage has captured the moment the home of an imam and his family was ‘firebombed’ in an attack.
The attack took place on Eastgrove Avenue in the Sharples area of Bolton last night (Wednesday). The video footage shows a male, who was wearing a helmet and dark clothing, running onto the driveway of the home before the blaze erupts.
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Hassan Patel, 42, lives at the property with his wife, four young children and his nephew. He wasn’t in at the time but spoke today of his shock.
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Mr Patel is the principal for Islamic Education at the Taiyabah Masjid mosque on Blackburn Road and an imam at Masjid e Aish on Seymour Road. He said police were investigating.
Mr Patel said: “I am shaken by it all really, and the children are shaken. It is a quiet community. We have not had any issues before.
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“Everybody is concerned. They are asking why this has happened. The police are investigating. We want to thank everybody who has sent messages. We really appreciate the community coming together.”
No one was hurt in the blaze at just after 9pm. In the footage, a male appears to be holding a bag in one hand, and another item in the other hand which he pours liquid onto.
The item then bursts into flames on the driveway of the home. The footage then captures the male throwing the item on fire towards the front of the home.
He throws something to smash a window towards the front of the house. More liquid is then poured onto the fire, which then quickly spread onto the front of home.
The footage then captures the male grabbing the backpack and running from the driveway.
‘We are all traumatised’
Mr Patel’s son, Umair Yusuf, 19, told how the blaze was quickly put out after one of his younger brothers used buckets of water. A hose pipe was also used.
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Umair said: “My mother, two brothers and sister, and my cousin, were in the house. The neighbours reported that there were two individuals dressed all in black driving up and down the street on a motorbike. One of my brothers was outside at the time.
“He saw they saw him and looked at him. We feel that it was racially motivated. We feel that it was targeted to this house. One person stays on the motorbike and the other intentionally walks up and calmly did what he did. He knew exactly what he was doing.
“My younger brother heard a noise and the smashing of windows. He quickly got a hosepipe and brought it outside. He was screaming. He put the fire out from the outside as my brother, cousin and mother put the fire out with buckets of water.
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“The immediate threat of the house being burnt down was put out before the fire service came.”
He said neighbours came out onto the street to support them.
Umair said: “We are all traumatised and so are the local community. The police have said they are investigating at the moment. My father is very well respected by a lot of people in the community. There were a lot of people here in solidarity with us.
“The community is vey close. It is like one big family and they showed us that yesterday when we were all standing together.
“It could have been a whole lot worse. If it had happened at night and we were all sleeping, who knows what might have happened.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just after 9.15pm on Wednesday 10 June, fire crews from Bolton North and Farnworth attended a house fire on Eastgrove Avenue, Bolton.
“Crews arrived quickly and worked alongside Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe. No casualties were reported. Firefighters departed after approximately an hour and a half.”
Frightening footage shows a masked person smashing a window and throwing a lit firebomb through the front window of a house in Eastgrove Avenue, Sharples – creating a huge fireball.
Police confirmed they have launched an arson investigation, with more details to be issued shortly.
Owner Hassan Patel said: “I wasn’t at home, but my son took the bins outside, and he saw two guys on a motorbike going up. And then when he came inside, everybody heard a big bang. My son was literally near the entrance.
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“And when he heard the big bang, my wife, my kids, they were in the kitchen. They thought that my daughters had fallen upstairs, so they quickly ran. But then my son’s shouting, ‘everybody get out, get out, there’s a fire.’”
Mr Patel said nobody in the house was able to sleep after the incident, which the family believe was a hate crime.
The fire broke out below his son’s room.
Mr Patel came home to find his family in shock and frightened for any future attacks.
Umair Yusuf, his son, said: “It’s become unfortunate that in this day and age, 2026 we’re living in, as Muslims, people of ethnic minorities, it’s become a time where we are scared, with just wandering into the streets.
“Today we got attacked in our own homes, we’ve been attacked in our own mosques.
“These are places where we feel at home, where we’re meant to feel safe.”
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Mr Patel added: “It was shocking.
“Everybody was shaken, obviously.
“But what it is, what’s happening around the world at this moment in time, I don’t know.”
Some residents believe this was a “racially” motivated attack.
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One neighbour said: “I saw fire and I came out to see what happened there were a lot of people around there police and everything.
“You could definitely see the family was shook up- and it was cordoned off so we were just waiting to see what police were doing.
(Image: NQ)
“Not at all usual that’s the biggest shock. It’s the first time ever something like this happened here.
“This neighbourhood is quiet and safe you don’t hear about all this.
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“It was a shock for all of us biggest worry for us as well with everything going on around the country it was to do with that.
“The police were very good and very supportive, and I feel like the neighbourhood were very supportive, a few people gathered outside which shows the unity of the area, providing moral support.”
Another resident added: “I don’t understand what it is. Nothing has ever happened like this it’s just strange.
“A lot of people were about supporting. It came as a shock to me.”
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Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for a response.
Football fans clad in kilts and Scotland strips have been arriving in the east coast of the US.
The Tartan Army has arrived in Boston after making the lengthy journey from Scotland for the World Cup.
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Football fans clad in kilts and Scotland strips have been arriving in the east coast of the US ahead of the opening fixture with Haiti, which will be played at 9pm local time. Anticipation has been building in Massachusetts as Scotland’s men’s team prepares to play in the tournament for the first time in 30 years.
The World Cup begins Thursday night with the opening ceremony and the first game between Mexico and and South Africa. While many have already landed in the US, travel permit drama has meant fresh criminal background checks for some fans.
The Daily Record revealed last week that hundreds of Scotland fans hoping to head to the US have had their electronic system for travel authorisation (Esta) waivers revoked by the US government. Fans were told they’ll need to provide a new criminal background check called an ACRO – supplied by the Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office.
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But they can’t get these background checks completed until well after Scotland’s game against Haiti – with thousands of pounds already spent on flights to the US. Kenny Smith told of his anger at being told he now needs a new background check.
He appealed to US President Donald Trump – whose mum was Scottish – to step in to help stranded Tartan Army footsoldiers. Kenny said: “I would appeal directly to Donald Trump to make an intervention.
“I can’t think for the life of me that Trump – who is very proud of his Scottish roots – would want the Tartan Army to be treated like this. We have a situation where so many Scots seem to be barred for the World Cup for no reason and no-one has heard of a single England fan facing this visa hell.
“This is also puzzling, as the Tartan Army is renowned for bringing so much fun and positivity to the proceedings.”
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He added: “The glaring solution to all this is to allow people who were given last minute Esta revocations the chance to apply for them again. Someone in US immigration – or Donald himself – should surely be able to give the go-ahead for this.”
Security firm boss Kenny, 45, secured an emergency appointment at the US Embassy in London after his ESTA was revoked at the last minute, for no reason, last week. Musician Kenny, from Inverness, has no prior convictions and has undergone enhanced background checks with the MOD and Disclosure Scotland due to the nature of his job.
John Swinney said he would do “all I can to help” those who had their ESTA permit revoked with days to go before the national team play Haiti in Boston at the weekend.
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He told the Scottish Parliament: “I am aware that the United States Embassy has issued advice to individuals affected by ESTA refusals, indicating that they may apply for a visa through the FIFA Pass System, and I have asked officials to convey our hope that they can resolve this so that Scotland’s fans do not miss out.
“I have asked for specific representations and engagement to be taken forward with the Consul General of the United States in Scotland – that has been undertaken and we will do all that we can to help out to resolve these issues.”
Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.
The UK television schedule for the 2026 World Cup has been confirmed, with ITV set to carry England’s opening group stage fixture.
The Three Lions’ years of hurt now number at 60, and Thomas Tuchel is the latest coach to try his hand at bringing them to an end.
Much has been made of the kick-off times for this tournament, but England’s are relatively sympathetic for the British viewership. Some younger punters may need to bend bed-time rules to take in the group stage finale, though, which gets underway at 10pm BST.
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Provided England progress from the preliminary round, the BBC will take on the majority of their knockout fixtures and both networks will broadcast the final – regardless of who plays it.
England at World Cup 2026 TV schedule
Wednesday, 17 June – England vs Croatia – 9pm – ITV1
Tuesday, 23 June – England vs Ghana – 9pm – BBC One
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Saturday, 27 June – Panama vs England – 10pm – ITV1
Quarter-final – TBC – ITV
Final – TBC – BBC and ITV
Where to watch England at World Cup 2026
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TV channel: The matches will be televised on either a BBC or ITV channel.
Live stream: UK TV license holders will be able to watch matches online via BBC iPlayer or ITVX.
Live blog: You can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Lacey Turner is leading the charge for the confirmed Strictly 2026 cast (Picture: BBC)
As we cha cha closer to Strictly Come Dancing season once more, the BBC is kicking off the festivities early this year by already revealing the first cast member.
Last series saw Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu take home the trophy, and there will surely be a string of celebrities keen to replicate their success.
And to say the new cast will be joining Strictly at an important time would be an understatement, as there’ll have been plenty of big changes by the time the BBC flagship show returns to screens.
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So, as bosses look to fill the gaps and carry Strictly into a new era – hopefully free from scandals and internal investigations – let’s take a look at who is confirmed and who is rumoured for the 2026 line-up.
Who is confirmed in the Strictly Come Dancing cast 2026?
Lacey Turner
She’s swapping Albert Square for the Strictly dance floor (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
As the 38-year-old soap actress takes a break from Albert Square to pursue new ventures, it seems her journey is taking her from the cobblestones straight onto the dance floor.
In the announcement, Lacey wrote: ‘I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing.
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‘I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!’
It wouldn’t be the first time an EastEnders icon has appeared on Strictly – who could forget Jake Wood (aka Max Branning) with his Mambo No. 5 salsa?
Who is rumoured for the Strictly Come Dancing cast 2026?
Josie Gibson
Josie Gibson is said to have been on the Strictly bosses’ wish list for a while (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
She rose to fame as a Big Brother winner and has since cemented herself as a British TV favourite.
Josie Gibson is now often seen presenting on This Morning, and, in 2023, she placed fourth in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
If reports are to be believed, though, she could be looking to at least earn herself a place on the podium by signing up to Strictly and wowing on the dance floor.
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‘Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit,’ said a source.
They added to The Sun that the ball is has already started: ‘They’re hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well.’
‘Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs,’ the insider also claimed. ‘Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.’
Josie, 41, certainly wouldn’t be the first ITV daytime star to tackle Strictly, with previous series signing up the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and, who could forget, Ed Balls.
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Delta Goodrem
Could Delta Goodrem succeed in both Eurovision and Strictly in the same year? (Picture: Shutterstock for IOMTV Malta)
Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem has also reportedly been on the Strictly bosses’ wish list for ‘years’.
A source told the Daily Mail that her signing this time is ‘all but a done deal’.
‘They’ve been trying to get her for years. Obviously, she is a good name for the show.’
The 41-year-old is no stranger to live performances thanks to her music career, having been signed in the early 2000s and released a string of hits Down Under. Her debut album, Innocent Eyes, charted at number two in the UK.
Delta has also dabbled in acting, having played Nina Tucker in Neighbours.
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Having sold nine million records, Delta knows a thing or two about success – but could she add another accolade to her name and become a Strictly champion?
If she does ultimately sign on the dotted line, 2026 will prove to be a very busy year for her, as Delta represented her country in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with her song Eclipse, which saw her finish fourth.
Dani Dyer
Will Dani Dyer return to finish what she started? (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
Poor Dani Dyer had one of the briefest Strictly stints ever last year, as she was forced to withdraw shortly after the launch show due to an ankle fracture.
Partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, he went on to reach the final with Amber Davies, while Dani had to watch on from home while recovering.
The former Love Islander has already expressed interest in returning for a proper attempt, and it wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened, as Jamie Laing famously returned the following year after an injury early on made him pull out.
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Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show after her premature exit, Dani said she would ‘love to do’ Strictly again.
‘If they rang me, I’d answer the phone,’ she shared. ‘I was devastated.
‘It was hell for me when I hurt my foot; I was so sad.’
When contacted previously for comments, a BBC spokesperson told Metro that plans for the new series of Strictly will be confirmed ‘in due course’.
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Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
A version of this article was first published on May 31, 2026.
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The FIA has confirmed a new agreement on rule changes to be implemented from the 2027 and 2028 Formula One seasons
The FIA have announced in a statement that an agreement has been secured for regulation modifications to take effect from the 2027 and 2028 Formula One campaigns. The most significant change concerns the division between combustion and electric power in the engine, with the current 53/47 split set to become 60/40 in two years’ time.
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The FIA statement read: “The FIA, FOM, Teams and Power Unit Manufacturers have agreed a package of changes to the Formula 1 Technical, Sporting and Financial Regulations for 2027 and 2028. The agreement follows discussions held since the opening races of the 2026 season, following concerns identified in relation to energy management under the new Power Unit framework.
“The proposed changes are intended to address issues related to energy management and fuel energy flow characteristics and make Qualifying more flat-out while not impacting the positive and exciting racing generated by the new regulations.
“The package introduces a staged rebalancing of Internal Combustion Engine and Energy Recovery System contribution across the 2027 and 2028 seasons. It includes targeted adjustments to internal combustion engine output, fuel energy flow and energy recovery system deployment, together with increased flexibility in energy management.”
The hope had been that the changes would be fully implemented ahead of the 2027 campaign, but it is understood that several power unit manufacturers withdrew their backing for that proposal. A compromise agreement was subsequently reached, which will see the alterations introduced on a gradual basis.
As a result of the ruling, there will shortly be considerably less dependence on the battery, with the expectation that this should tackle issues such as the derating experienced at the end of long straights.
The current season has been blighted by widespread driver complaints regarding faults with the new 50/50 electric-to-combustion engines.
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Max Verstappen has been at the forefront of those grievances, repeatedly voicing his displeasure at the regulation changes and even going so far as to threaten retirement from the sport should things remain unchanged.
The latest announcement at least confirms that steps are being taken to address the very real difficulties confronting drivers. Mercedes‘ Kimi Antonelli currently tops the drivers’ championship and stretched his advantage at the summit this past weekend by claiming victory at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton sits second, with Antonelli’s team-mate George Russell, who will be eager to bounce back following a difficult run of races, occupying third place heading into this weekend’s event in Barcelona.
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
Esh’s Building My Skills is an award-winning programme which first launched in 2009 to help students develop essential employability skills and make informed decisions about their future by bringing businesses into their classrooms to talk about the opportunities for them.
Esh’s Director of Corporate Affairs Darush Dodds said this year the new partnership would help the project push even further ahead to make connections with as many pupils as possible.
Darush Dodds of Esh Group (Image: Sarah Caldecott)
“For 2026-27, we’re aiming to deliver the biggest programme yet, launching in October/November and targeting 100 schools and 20,000 students. That ambitious target will require around 100 businesses across a mix of sectors – but we know the region’s leaders will respond as enthusiastically as they always do.
“A lack of awareness of careers and sectors remains a key barrier to success. Young people can’t be what they can’t see so, working together Esh, BUSINESSiQ and the Chamber hope that careers sessions directly with pupils will mean employers can bring their sector to life with passion and heart, helping to inspire young people while building a stronger, more sustainable future workforce.
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“Crucially, we will make sure the programme is accessible to all – SEND, ESOL, PRU – schools in most need of support.”
The search is now on for businesses who will give their time to helping give these young people their first view of the world of work.
A website is already waiting atwww.eshgroup.co.uk/building-my-skillsfor companies to sign up and find out more about how the programme will operate.
BUSINESSiQ Editor Mike Hughes said he saw this as a chance to make a real difference in the region: “This is an opportunity we have been looking for for some time. As part of The Northern Echo, we don’t believe in just reporting what others are doing to build a bright future for the North East – we want to be a driver of that success as well.
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“We have reported for many years on the passion Esh and the Chamber bring to their work – and the commitment to be changemakers in the many communities they work in. So we are very proud to be asked to join the Building My Skills team and will use all the resources we have to echo what is being done here and provide a platform for what we hope will be its biggest year so far.”
John McCabe, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said Chamber members had a vital role to play in connecting the region’s future workforce with the businesses they might one day join, support or lead.
John McCabe Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce (Image: Stuart Boulton)
He said: “The North East has enormous potential, but we will only fulfil it if young people can see the opportunities available to them and understand the range of careers they can build here.
“That is why Building My Skills matters. By bringing employers directly into schools, the programme helps young people make the link between what they are learning now and the jobs, sectors and businesses shaping our region’s future.
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“We will be speaking to Chamber members and the wider business community about how they can get involved, share their experience and help bring the idea of a career in the North East to life for thousands of school pupils.”
All participating schools will receive four workshops – each delivered by a different company – in an assembly format to a whole year group. Businesses choose the sessions they deliver, with workshops carefully planned by sector to ensure students get the maximum exposure to the wide range of possibilities that are local to them. Students will then complete a ‘checkpoint’ after each workshop and those who complete all checkpoints are invited to a regional interview day.
Mike Hughes added: “This is a big challenge, but we each bring something to this project that we are passionate about. We are all up for it and we know North East businesses will back it as well.”
The dockland site in Bristol which is home to the historic ocean liner SS Great Britain will change its name as part of a rebrand to make it more inclusive.
The 19th century passenger ship, which was once the largest in the world, was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for transatlantic voyages between Bristol and New York. Now a tourist attraction, the ship is found in the dry dock where it was constructed.
The ship and associated museum is billed as Brunel’s SS Great Britain but it will relaunch in July as Bristol Dockyards, as it seeks to focus on the role played by the ship in the days of Empire.
Chief executive of the SS Great Britain Trust Andrew Edwards told The Guardian that some people might view the decision as “woke” but added: “Change is never easy.”
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Mr Edwards said: “You’ll always get those that are resistant, but when we were shaping the vision, I tried to take stock of where the city was and what the city was all about.
“We’ve consciously tried to avoid falling into those stereotypical ideas of what a maritime museum should look like and tried to present something that feels a little bit more rooted in Bristol.”
SS Great Britain was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for the Great Western Steamship Company, and was once the world’s largest passenger ship (Getty Images)
Mr Edwards said some visitors think “SS” in the name of the ship stands for “slave ship”. However, it means “steamship” and SS Great Britain was built following British abolition of the slave trade.
The new name for the site comes as it is set to open an expanded museum in July.
This museum will focus less on the engineering behind the vessel and more on the human stories associated with it, such as passengers’ personal histories and its impact on communities in the Caribbean, India, Australia and the US.
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Mr Edwards said: “We live in a very diverse world and we live in a very diverse city in Bristol.
“I believe the role of organisations like us is to represent that diversity as best we can and to be able to provide a little bit of something that appeals to everybody, whoever they are and wherever they’ve come from.
“Heritage really only works, in my view, when it has ownership within the community within which it sits.”
Though it is changing its name, the site will still be described as “home to the SS Great Britain”, Mr Edwards said, so the ship’s name will not be completely removed from its branding.
WHEN people think of our county, what do they think about? For many people, it will be the moors and the dales. The purple heather, rolling hills and mile after mile of dry-stone walls. Being among not only our county’s greatest asset, but our country’s, invokes a feeling that only pure, fresh Yorkshire air in your lungs can.
In meetings with my team, or with companies looking to work in our region, I often say that our geography is our greatest challenge. Unlike most mayoral areas, our county is sparsely populated, with mile after mile of open green space. In pure economic terms, that means the way mayors have always done things will not work here.
We have to play to what we have, whether that is backing our micro, small and medium-sized businesses, or investing in communities to give them the spaces they need to bring people together.
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Last week, I launched what I think is going to be the single best example of using the make-up of our region to benefit both our residents and our communities.
Our Natural Health Service for North Yorkshire is doing just that. It is the UK’s first protected landscape-led programme of its kind. Led by the North York Moors Trust, the project is bringing together both national parks and two of our national landscapes for the first time.
Working alongside health services and our communities, it aims to do something simple yet radical: use nature as a way of treating and caring for people.
After a short pilot, I can say with real confidence that it works. Not in theory, but in real life. Over the ten-week trial, research by York St John University found that mental wellbeing increased by 24 per cent, social wellbeing by 17.5 per cent, physical wellbeing by 13.5 per cent, and loneliness fell by 15per cent.
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And this is more important than ever because recent statistics from the Health Foundation have shown that healthy life expectancy has fallen across North Yorkshire: down 1.9 years for men and 2.3 years for women. While people are living longer, the amount of time they spend in good health is declining.
That is unacceptable, and it is why we need to see greater investment in prevention across our health service. That is something I have been passionate about and have directed funding towards in our police service and in many of the projects we have supported since I became Mayor.
Investing now not only saves money in the future, but also makes people’s lives healthier and more fulfilling as we live longer.
That is what this is all about to me: people. In a county like North Yorkshire, where many of our residents are objectively prosperous and live in good health, those who do not too often get overlooked for funding and intervention.
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Too many people who struggle, or need a helping hand, have been overlooked for too long. That stings even more when you live a mile away from some of Britain’s wealthiest communities.
That is what our Natural Health Service is seeking to address: bringing nature closer to people through supported and guided time outdoors.
It is the people involved who make this so compelling. One participant from Catterick said: “January is just a really bad month. So for me personally, it starting then and having that positive thing to come and do was really, massively helpful for my brain and my emotions.”
Those groups have stayed in touch, with another participant from Catterick saying: “It’s just what we do on a Tuesday now.”
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It is not just the obvious health and wellbeing benefits either. Someone from the York Carers Centre group said: “I’m even thinking that it might be the right time to think about doing a few hours of employment, which I’ve not participated in for 20 years.”
The trial has proven to be a great example of how we can achieve results when we think outside the box and do things differently. It is a credit to the team at North York Moors Trust and all the partners involved.
That is why the opportunity to continue this project could not be missed. Last week, I was really pleased to commit additional funding for our Natural Health Service to run for the rest of my mayoral term.
We know it works. We have seen it, we have heard it, and we cannot and should not ignore it. This investment means more people reached and more lives changed.
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And if the results continue in the same direction, which I am sure they will, I know this can be a ‘greenprint’ for the rest of the country to adopt.
These are Yorkshire solutions to Westminster’s problems, and I cannot wait to see how the over 1,500 participants get on in the next eighteen months.
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