He knew what he was doing when he flirted with Gabby to get what he wanted – to agree to help tutor Sam Dingle (James Hooton) in the art of dance. Gabby misconstrued this as come-on attempts and embarrassed herself by throwing herself at the farmhand’s feet.
She’s usually an eat-men-for-breakfast boss bitch kind of gal, but this rejection from Ross truly throws her, especially as it comes mere months before her fiancé discovered he was in fact gay.
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‘I think obviously with that rejection, and seeing Vinny all over the village absolutely fine makes her be like, “let’s take control of our life, we don’t need anybody else”’, actress Rosie Bentham revealed to Metro.
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These trying times see Gabby want to seize control of her life, and if we cast our minds back a wee while, we know where this is heading. When she was with her ex Nicky, she demonstrated some worryingly obsessive behaviour. And while with Vinny, on the lead up to their engagement party she took a terrible dip into body dysmorphia.
The latter saw her end up in hospital.
But there are hints that this, along with disordered eating, are about to rear their ugly heads once again.
During the recent dance class, the first blink-and-you’ll-miss-them red flag waved – she refused chocolates offered to her by the girls in favour of a measly protein bar and shirked her beloved cocktails for an ice water. Innocuous on their own, but subtle signs that all is not well.
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Gabby started spiralling after being rejected by Ross (Picture: ITV)
Gabby starts becoming incredibly interested in her health and wellbeing (Picture: ITV)
The next sign is that she decides to make over The Hide’s menu with a healthier edge. She gets rave reviews for this change, and it spurs her on to pursue it further.
‘I think she’s looking for something else to put her focus in and what can be seen as quite a healthy thing, investing in your health and everything, at what point does that become an obsession and unhealthy?’ Rosie says, confirming it’s not just a business decision.’
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She adds: ‘So, it’s where that’s going to go, which I actually don’t know yet, but it will be exciting to see.’
After the resounding praise, Gabby is seen scrolling on social media, and it’s not long before she’s falling into the darker side of the internet, where the obsessions with food and body image take on a frightening turn.
She’ll no doubt work hard to keep this a secret. How long before someone notices something is seriously wrong?
The popular ITV soaps are often moved, extended or sometimes axed from the schedule due to sport.
They have already been hit with several schedule changes so far in recent weeks due to the competition, and the week ahead will be the same again.
Here’s what the changes are and which episodes the latest TV schedule shakeup affects.
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What are the Emmerdale and Corrie schedule changes next week?
Monday (June 22) will see Emmerdale and Corrie air with extended times at 8pm and 9pm respectively, being an hour long each rather than their usual half-hour episodes.
On Tuesday (June 23), both ITV soaps will air at a later time, due to the match between Portugal and Uzbekistan.
Emmerdale will be on from 9pm to 9.30pm, with Coronation Street following from 9.30pm to 10pm.
Neither soap will be on ITV on Wednesday evening (June 24), with Switzerland and Canada taking up the slot that evening.
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On Thursday (June 25), both soaps will once again be extended to hour-long episodes, with Emmerdale on at 8pm and then Corrie at 9pm.
Neither soap will air on Friday evening (June 26) due to the World Cup game between Norway and France.
Despite the changes, Emmerdale and Corrie fans will get their two-and-a-half hours of each soap this week, just in a different format.
Emmerdale star to return as new character 9 years later
Emmerdale fans will see a previous Emmerdale star make her return to the show nine years since she was last seen.
Pippa Fulton has previously been seen in the Dales in two different roles in 2014 and 2017.
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Now, she is back on the ITV soap once more, this time as a new villainous character.
She will be involved in a story with Lewis Barton (played by Bradley Riches), who will be taken hostage whilst he is on the way to the airport.
The kidnapper will be revealed to be a woman named Kylie (Fulton).
Kylie will abduct Lewis while he’s on his way to the airport, being bundled into the back of a van by masked assailants.
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His danger is relayed via text to his brother Ross Barton (Michael Parr), informing him of the kidnapping.
The message warns Lewis is in danger unless his father returns a ‘Penny’ to the kidnapper.
Pippa first appeared in 2014, enjoying a one-night stand with Ross, before returning in 2014 as a customer at Dales business, Take A Vow in 2017.
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The actress rose to fame in 2002 on the BBC talent show Fame Academy, where she reached the fourth week of the competition.
She has also appeared in Coronation Street as Aurora, the friend of Steve McDonald’s date.
Do you prefer Emmerdale or Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments.
The Ukrainian president claimed his Russian counterpart is “physically afraid of his own army” in a new post on X after the largest Ukrainian attack on Moscow since the start of the war in February 2022.
It comes amid reports Donald Trump may be looking to adopt a harder approach against Putin once again following a friendly G7 summit earlier this week.
Writing on X, Zelenskyy said: “There’s no doubt that Putin fears the return of his army home.
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“That is why he is so afraid of the war ending without victory.
“And there will be no victory. He is physically afraid of his own army.”
The Russian president has repeatedly dragged his feet over peace negotiations to end his land grab in Ukraine, even when Trump forced Kyiv into making major concessions to the aggressor.
Now the US president has signalled that he will increase sanctions on the Russian oil trade again, a move which will hit the country’s economy.
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That’s terrible news for Putin, who has forced his army on in Ukraine despite accumulating more than 1.2 million casualties – many more than Ukraine has endured.
Zelenskyy also said: “That is why, if there is no ceasefire backed by specific security guarantees, he will return to war. And this time, others may be the ones under attack.”
“Today, Ukraine is de facto the second army of Nato – one that is not inferior to the second army in the world,” he added.
“And that is why Nato needs us – specifically us – de jure. This is already a fact recognised by all leaders.
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“Putin will remain in the Kremlin until his death, and he has one goal: the restoration of the Soviet Union.
“Without Ukraine, this is impossible, and that is why things are so difficult for us.”
Speaking after meeting senior EU leaders in Brussels, Zelenskyy said the bloc was looking to step up sanctions on Russia again.
He said: “Putin doesn’t want to stop, and all his talk about seeking peace is nothing but lies. All partners, all Europeans, feel this. But everyone is confident that together we will stop him.”
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BANGKOK (AP) — World shares were mixed Friday and U.S. futures declined as optimism over the U.S.-Iran deal to end their war was dimmed by the postponement of high-stakes talks on reopening negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and getting oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. markets will be closed Friday for Juneteenth.
Planned talks in Switzerland between Iran and the United States over their efforts to reach a permanent end to war were delayed, while Israel’s military said its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area.
“Both sides are trying to show some good faith,” Bas van Geffen of RaboResearch said in a commentary. “But even if the water appears calmer, there is still a strong undertow. The agreement remains fragile on multiple fronts.”
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Germany’s DAX rose 0.2% to 25,079.30, while the CAC 40 in Paris was nearly unchanged at 8,467.75. Britain’s FTSE 100 shed 0.2% to 10,376.64.
The futures for the S&P500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were down 0.2%.
Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 wavered between gains and losses but closed 0.3% higher at a new record of 71,250.06. The government reported that consumer prices excluding volatile fresh foods was unchanged, but analysts said it would likely pick up in coming months despite higher fuel costs.
Higher inflation was a factor driving the Bank of Japan to raise its benchmark interest rate earlier this week to a three-decade high of 1% as it gradually adjusts its policies after years of near-zero or negative rates.
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In South Korea, the Kospi lost 0.1% to 9,052.42, just shy of its record set a day earlier. The S&P/ASX 200 in Australia declined 0.9% to 8,828.70, while India’s Sensex lost 0.8%.
Markets in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taiwan were closed for the Dragon Boat festival.
On Thursday, stocks rose on Wall Street, erasing most of their losses from a day earlier to notch weekly gains thanks to big advances for heavyweight technology companies. The decline on Wednesday was driven by anticipation that the Federal Reserve will likely raise interest rates this year in an effort to fight inflation.
The S&P 500 rose 1.1% and the Dow industrials added 0.1%. The Nasdaq composite surged 1.9%.
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Technology stocks had some of the biggest gains and the most influence on the broader market’s rise. Intel surged 10.6% after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the semiconductor giant will make chips for Apple in the U.S. Other big semiconductor companies gained ground. Nvidia rose 3% and Micron Technology jumped 8.7%.
On the losing end, SpaceX fell for the second straight day since its big debut on the U.S. stock market last week. The Elon Musk-led rocket maker and AI company was down 3.6% following a 4.9% loss Wednesday.
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Oil prices wavered after the United States and Iran signed an agreement to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic. Brent crude, the international standard, spent most of the day lower before settling 0.4% higher at $79.85 per barrel. U.S. benchmark crude fell 0.2% to $75.85 per barrel.
Early Friday, Brent crude was down 0.4% at $79.50 per barrel. U.S. benchmark crude was flat at $75.85 per barrel.
Prices for crude oil are still above roughly $70 per barrel from before the war, but are well below the $100-plus price from a few weeks ago.
Rising energy costs have been putting more pressure on already hot inflation. The average price of gasoline in the U.S. has dipped below $4 a gallon, but is still 25% higher than a year ago. Prices have been rising for a wide range of goods because of higher shipping costs.
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The Federal Reserve kept is key interest rate unchanged this week but hotter inflation means it will likely raise rates by the end of the year. Lower interest rates make borrowing easier for businesses and households, spurring growth, but they also tend to stoke inflation.
In other dealings early Friday, the U.S. dollar fell to 161.31 Japanese yen from 161.38 yen. The euro was unchanged at $1.1458.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
If you’re not counting down to sunnier days all year, you’re lying to yourself. There’s something electric about the summer: it means freedom, holidays, frolicking, and picnics.
It’s pretty much perfect, aside from of course the impending doom of hayfever and the fact you need to find the right sunscreen to wear.
Should you be unfortunate enough to be afflicted by sensitive skin like me, you’ll know the struggle of trying to find an SPF that sufficiently protects you from the sun, is easy to apply, won’t pill, or break you out into hives and blemishes every time you use it.
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It’s enough to ruin the thrill of sitting in the sun, but this year I was determined to not let a few pesky rays ruin my fun.
To save all of the sensitive skin sufferers out there, I made it my mission to find the best sensitive skin face sunscreens on the market right now.
And good news: I found a range of options from high street to K-beauty, which come in between £5 and £26.
How I tested the best sensitive skin face sunscreens
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With some of the sunniest days ahead of us, I tried out 15 of the best face sunscreens for sensitive skin.
To make sure they were up to the mark, I tested them multiple ways, including: on top of my usual skincare, without any skincare at all (à la post-swim skin), underneath makeup, on top of makeup, and as a top up half way through the day.
I also wore them while inside, on my commute, on a long hike, and when going swimming to see if they’d break me out or leave a white cast.
For each sunscreen, I considered value for money, formula, UVA and UVB protection, active ingredients like green tea and hyaluronic acid, bottle type, and volume.
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My 15 favourites are outlined below.
The 15 best face sunscreens for sensitive skin to shop now
Should the sun add insult to injury for your dry skin, this Eucerin sunscreen will keep you plenty moisturised under its glare. It’s loaded with hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep your face looking plump and fresh, and won’t leave a white cast. It’s a little thicker than other options, though, so it’s not ideal for those with skin on the oilier side.
Rating:4/5.
Like the Eucerin formula, this scent-free sunscreen applies fairly thick, but it melts into your skin almost immediately. Unlike other pump bottles, this one doesn’t get stuck and has no problem dosing out the perfect amount. As well as being vegan and cruelty-free – and of course filtering out UVA and UVB rays – Green People’s formula also contains key antioxidants to support your skin texture.
Rating:4/5.
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As someone who often gets a rash on her face, I’m a big fan of SOS’ face and body serum for cooling and soothing my skin. This sunscreen feels just as gentle on the face, and while it’s quite oily-feeling on first application, it is barely noticeable on the skin within seconds.
Rating: 4.5/5.
Fresh pharmacy brand Avène has been my go-to for dry, rash-prone skin for most of my life. Shoutout to its Cicalfate range for getting me through some rough years of extremely visible neck eczema. So it’s no surprise, really, that this sunscreen leaves your skin feeling nourished and doesn’t break you out. Be warned, though, some reviewers say it has a slight tinted tinge on darker skin tones.
Rating: 4/5.
Honestly, I’m a sucker for anything cute. I love this round pink packaging, which homes a sweet-smelling watermelon sunscreen. Admittedly, it’s not for everyone, and I was at first suspicious of using a scented sunscreen on sensitive skin, but I haven’t had any problems with it. In fact, it leaves my skin looking glowy (as the brand name suggests) and it’s easy to pick up and chuck in my bag.
Rating: 4.5/5.
This tiny stick is in the running for my favourite sunscreen on the list. Not only is it minuscule – it’s only slightly bigger than an AirPods case – but it’s so invisible, you can barely tell you’ve applied something to your face. While that might be a little offputting for some users, I love that I can just do a quick swipe while I’m out and about without having to think about getting my dirty hands all up in my face. I find that it even mattifies my skin a little, which is much needed when I start sweating profusely the second a hint of moisture hits the air. TBC on how much the product stretches, but I’ll definitely be repurchasing.
Rating: 5/5.
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If you’re not sure about whether you want a thick or a light formula, this Q&A option is the perfect in between. The pump bottle is small enough to fit in your hand luggage, and it delivers a non-greasy sunscreen that is suitable for combination, oily, and dry skin alike. Should you feel dubious towards face moisturisers that claim to contain SPF, this is an ideal formula to wear under makeup as it also hydrates your face and (supposedly) boost collagen, so you look plump and fresh.
Rating: 4.5/5.
When they say silky, they mean silky. There’s really no other way to describe the texture of this cream, which slips and slides over your skin when it’s first applied, before drying to feel glossy and somehow matte. It won’t pill or leave a white cast, making it great to wearing under makeup. You might end up feeling shiny half way through the day, though.
Rating: 4/5.
Forking out £20 on a face sunscreen isn’t everyone’s prerogative, and that’s okay. I’ve relied on this Boots number to keep me burn-free on holidays for years. It has a nice sheen to it, is small enough to fit in your carry-on and, more importantly, won’t break you out.
Rating:3.5/5.
“Years ago, I went to a dermatologist to find out once and for all which products could save my “problem” skin. She recommended La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF 50, which I’ve never parted from since. It’s super-lightweight, it doesn’t make me break out, it sinks in quickly, and (most importantly) it consistently safeguards my very sun-sensitive skin. Its fragrance-free formula and broad-spectrum coverage means it’s ideal for anyone who wants high-strength protection with zero irritation — and who doesn’t?“ – HuffPost lifestyle writer, Amy Glover.
Rating: 5/5.
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For even more of a budget option, this Superdrug ‘face fluid’ is half the price of the Boots formula, for the same volume. It’s slightly more greasy when it hits your skin, but sinks in quickly. It does pill quite easily, though, so may be best reserved for when you’re bare-faced on a beach.
Rating: 3/5.
Call me vain, but I love how my skin looks with this sunscreen on. Plump, hydrated, and glowy as hell. The formula feels creamy when you put it on, so you know the areas you’ve applied it to (that’s none of my business to remember off the top of my head). Fine, K beauty knows its stuff.
Rating: 5/5.
Yet another example of K beauty killing it, this spreadable formula is almost completely transparent. If you tend to get any unwanted redness with SPF, that’ll completely disappear with this sunscreen, which is packed with green tea extract to reduce just that. It’s also blended with PDRN (AKA salmon DNA) to improve your skin elasticity and centella to soothe irritation. Once again, full marks.
Rating: 5/5.
Unfortunately after testing these products I’m going to have to take back my initial suspicion of Korean skincare. This dewy serum is designed to sit under moisturiser, and truly makes my skin look like I’ve had some kind of injectable done immediately after putting it on. Of all the formulas on this list, this one makes the best combo for face makeup.
Rating: 4.5/5.
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Maybe I’m lazy, but anything that comes in a stick formula is automatically irresistible. Or maybe it’s just that every time I think about trying to put sunscreen on at the beach, I have a full-body reaction. Attitude has created a mineral sunscreen stick that would be great for kids and adults alike, thanks to providing UVB and UVA protection and going on in less than a few seconds. It feels a little waxy on the skin, but not in an awful way, and it means you can trust it’s there.
Iran has insisted that a ceasefire in Lebanon is necessary for talks to continue, according to a Hezbollah MP.
14:12, 19 Jun 2026Updated 14:20, 19 Jun 2026
Israel and Lebanese militia Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire, according to a US official.
The two countries are said to have agreed to a truce which the official said came into effect at 2pm UK time (4pm local time) today.
There has not yet been any confirmation from Israel or Hezbollah on the ceasefire.
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Previous ceasefires between both sides, struck at multiple points during the war, have not lasted, however.
A comprehensive ceasefire was supposed to apply from today “on all fronts” of the Iran war, including Lebanon, according to the framework deal struck by the US and Iran.
However Israel has attacked areas in Lebanon’s south overnight, saying it killed “dozens of Hezbollah terrorists”.
Lebanese officials said that women and children were among those killed.
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Benjamin Netanyahu framed this as a response to Hezbollah attacks that killed four Israeli soldiers.
This morning Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported at least 16 people were killed in Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area.
Meanwhile, Israel said four of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in southern Lebanon, including a lieutenant colonel.
Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James are just some of the names who feature in Nike’s Rip the script World Cup advert.
Adidas’ Backyard Legends offering doesn’t scrimp on A-List talent either with Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane all included. Even an AI David Beckham makes an appearance.
They look more like Hollywood blockbusters than traditional adverts and those stars don’t come cheap.
The German brand spent a whopping £50m making theirs, according to reports. Neither company will disclose exactly how much they spent (we did ask), but you can be sure that the bills will run into tens of millions.
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Eye-watering budgets are nothing new, but this year both Nike and Adidas have gone bigger and bolder than ever before.
If we’re judging purely on YouTube views, there’s only one winner at the time of writing.
Nike’s has pulled in 76 million views with Adidas’ ad on about seven million.
Camilo Andrade, the vice-president and general manager of Nike Global Football, said: “What has changed is the speed and shape of culture. In the digital age, stories travel faster, fragment faster, and get reinterpreted faster. That means the old model of one polished film doing all the work is no longer enough.
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“With Rip The Script, we’ve built something broader: a football universe that lives both digitally and in real life.
“With this campaign in particular, success was never going to be measured only by how many people watched a film, but rather how we open the world up to give fans, players and creators something they could interpret, remix and take further themselves.
“When that starts happening, you know the work is moving beyond advertising and becoming part of football culture.”
If you are a fan of mashed potatoes, a simple swap in your kitchen will take your dish to the next level
Charlotte Smith Senior Lifestyle Content Editor
13:52, 19 Jun 2026
If you’re seeking to enhance your next meal, a straightforward substitution in your kitchen could be the solution. According to culinary professionals, the key to creating the creamiest, most delicious mashed potatoes is to abandon milk in favour of one unexpected refrigerator essential.
While conventional recipes frequently require milk or butter to create a smooth texture, chefs recommend utilising full-fat cream cheese for a superior result. This straightforward change does more than simply add richness; the gentle tanginess of the cream cheese enhances the overall taste profile of the potatoes.
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According to chef Mark McShane, who is a food safety specialist at Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate, the effectiveness of this approach starts with choosing the appropriate type of potato. Professionals like himself advise selecting floury potato varieties, such as Maris Piper or King Edwards, reports the Express.
These varieties are highly valued for their consistency, as they can absorb cream cheese without becoming airy and light. “Instead of using milk to add to the potatoes, I would recommend full fat cream cheese”, the chef said.
“Full-fat cream cheese will provide a rich addition, but the subtle tang of the cream cheese will help to lift the flavour of the potatoes and prevent the mash from being too heavy.” The technique for preparing the potatoes is crucial, he notes.
Once boiled, it is vital to thoroughly drain all surplus water from the potatoes, he explains. “I always use a floured potato variety like Maris Piper or King Edwards because these potatoes absorb the cream cheese very well and remain light and fluffy.”
After draining, allow the potatoes to steam dry for one minute – a critical step to eliminate residual moisture before adding any additional ingredients. Once the potatoes are piping hot, mash them thoroughly before folding in the cream cheese.
“After completely draining off excess water from the potatoes, I allow them to be steamed dry for one minute,” he said. “Then, I mash the potatoes while still piping hot and incorporate the cream cheese into them.. The chef says the result is a mashed potato that is smooth with a ‘luxurious’.”
The chef explains that the outcome is a velvety mashed potato with a ‘luxurious’ quality. “This provides me with a wonderfully smooth mash with a silky feel,” he said.
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Mashed potatoes are remarkably adaptable, making them an ideal accompaniment to hearty, comforting dishes. “This technique makes it perfect to serve with sausages, roast chicken or cottage pie,” Mark said.
What goes well with mashed potatoes?
Mashed potatoes go well with hearty, flavourful proteins such as roast chicken, sausages and steak, as well as slow-cooked dishes like pot roast and beef bourguignon. They also complement roasted veggies (like Brussels sprouts or asparagus) perfectly and are well-known for being served with sausages, gravy, and glazed carrots.
People in 51 counties across the UK have been warned to brace for dangerously high temperatures in the coming days
Joe Smith and Annette Belcher
12:40, 19 Jun 2026Updated 12:49, 19 Jun 2026
The Met Office has issued extreme weather alerts in 51 counties across the UK, including in parts of Cambridgeshire. The Amber warnings, which are in force on Monday and Tuesday, warn of widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.
The Met Office has said the sharp rise in temperatures is likely to cause adverse health effects for people vulnerable to extreme heat,. Among the wider population there it was likely people will suffer with sunburn or heat exhaustion, dehydration, nausea and fatigue and other heat related illnesses, the forecaster said.
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“Some changes in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required,” the warning continued, adding that there may be an increased change of travel disruption with potential for welfare issues for those stuck on roads, trains and planes in the heat. There will also be an increased likelihood of power outages and disruption to other services as equipment starts to fail in the heat.
The warning covers parts of East of England, London and South East England, South West England, Wales. Cambridgeshire is on the list of the 51 areas to be impacted, Mirror reports.
A Met Office forecast said: “Following very warm weather on Sunday, very high temperatures are expected on Monday and Tuesday and will likely bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure.
“In addition to high daytime maxima, temperatures overnight will remain very warm, especially in larger urban areas, and it will also feel humid. Temperatures are likely to reach the mid-30s Celsius in places on Monday and Tuesday.
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“Some places, particularly in urban areas, may see temperatures remain above 20 Celsius overnight. The very high temperatures may continue across a smaller area into the middle of the week, but there remains some uncertainty regarding the extent of this.”
Brits have been warned to keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm and keep their curtains closed to avoid overheating indoors. “If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat,” the Met Office advised.
During the previous record-breaking heatwave , from May 24 to 31, the UK saw a horrifying death toll of 19 children and adults killed in water related incidents during one week. In response the Mirror launched our ‘Save Lives for Sam’ campaign to stop the “catastrophic” deaths of 33 children who drown in England every year – “the equivalent of a classroom of children lost”.
Bereaved families, Olympic legends and safety organisations have joined together to call on the Government to take five key steps to save young lives across the country.
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People heading to the coast in the coming days should be mindful that sea-surface temperatures are not as high as they would be in mid-summer, the Met Office warned. Samantha Hughes is the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI. She said: “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.
“If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink—everyone floats differently.
“Where possible, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency remember to call 999 for the coastguard.”
A local described the family who owns and runs the zoo as ‘hard-working’
Residents have described their shock that a three-year-old boy was left seriously injured after he was rescued from a zoo’s crocodile enclosure. Emergency services were called to Johnson’s Zoo in Old Hurst, near Huntingdon, at around 1.24pm on Thursday (June 18).
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Officers received reports a three-year-old boy had “ended up” in the crocodile enclosure and was left with serious injuries. Officers arrested a 30-year-old man from Norfolk on suspicion of attempted murder. He has since been bailed until September 18 as he was assessed as not fit to interview.
Locals who live along the small road near the zoo shared their reactions to the incident. One man, who wished to remain anonymous, described the incident as “absolutely shocking”.
He added: “I go to the [Johnson’s] farm shop. They are a hard-working family and they work really well. They are doing the right thing. I just can’t believe what happened.”
Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was stunned by the news. She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. It’s such a freak thing to have happened, especially in a nice family place like Johnson’s.”
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The woman, who has visited the zoo before, added that it is a “lovely place” to walk around and that the “animals are well cared for”. The crocodile enclosure at Johnson’s remains closed until further notice.
In a social media post, the owners of the zoo shared their “thoughts and prayers” with the young victim and his family. They added: “Out of respect to the family, our tropical house will remain closed until further notice.”
The rest of the zoo, as well as the farm shop and café, remains open.
The historic football dates back to the 1500s and has been a key exhibit at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling – but is now heading to Miami for an exhibition ahead of Scotland’s last World Cup group match.
A special piece of football heritage is heading on a special journey Stateside to give some extra luck to Scotland’s World Cup journey.
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The world’s oldest football – believed to date back around 500 years and discovered lodged in the rafters behind oak panelling in the Queen’s Chamber at Stirling Castle – has been based at the city’s Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
But it has set off for a trip across the Atlantic this morning as it prepares to go on display at the Coral Gables Museum in Miami as part of their headline exhibition – ‘Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game From Scotland to Brazil to Haiti’.
The football, which scientific testing has dated to between roughly 1540 and 1570, will also attend Scotland’s final group stage match against Brazil on June 24, making it the first time the ball has attended a match at the tournament.
Caroline Mathers, Director of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, said: “This is one of the most exciting moments in the recent history of the Smith. The world’s oldest football belongs to Stirling, and to see it travel to the United States to take its place alongside the world’s greatest football tournament is a source of enormous pride.
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“It is a reminder that a small, free-to-enter museum in central Scotland holds objects of genuine international importance — treasures that tell the story of our nation to the world. We are delighted to share it on the global stage, and we look forward to welcoming it home again.”
Neil Benny, chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Smith, added: “The Smith plays a vital role in the cultural life of Stirling and central Scotland, and this loan is a powerful demonstration of that role.
“We are grateful for the continued support of Stirling Council and our partners, whose backing makes it possible for the museum to care for and share collections of this calibre.
“An object that has been part of Stirling’s story for nearly five centuries is now an ambassador for the city on the world stage. We hope it inspires people across central Scotland to come and discover everything else the Smith has to offer.”
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Roughly the size of a small melon, the ball is made from thick leather panels stitched together and turned inside out for a smoother, more aerodynamic surface, with a pig’s bladder forming the inner core.
Recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest football in the world, it is celebrated as one of the “History of Scotland in 25 Objects” and remains the prize exhibit of the Smith’s collection of more than 40,000 artworks and objects.
The football was seen off at a special ceremony at the museum at 11am before heading on a plane to cross the Atlantic.
Faroque Hussain, Honorary Consul of Brazil KPM, based in Glasgow, said: “This partnership brings together Scotland, Brazil and Miami through a shared love of culture, heritage and football.
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“It is a privilege to help support the journey of such an extraordinary object from Stirling to the global stage, and to celebrate the historic links and friendships that make this project possible.
“We are proud to work with the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, Coral Gables Museum and our sponsors and supporters to share this remarkable story with audiences in the United States.”
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