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NewsBeat

US shoots down four Iranian drones bound for Strait of Hormuz

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US shoots down four Iranian drones bound for Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military reported shooting down four Iranian drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, then striking some of the Islamic Republic’s coastal surveillance radar sites in retaliation.

U.S. Central Command stated on social media that “The attack drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic.”

The military is enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports in response to Tehran’s restrictions on the vital shipping route for global oil and natural gas exports, a move that has driven up energy prices.

It marks the latest in back-and-forth attacks straining a tenuous ceasefire and efforts to extend that truce.

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Earlier this week, Iranian drones heavily damaged a passenger terminal at Kuwait’s main airport, killing one, wounding dozens, and briefly closing the airfield

President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that ‘the situation with Iran seems to be going quite well’
President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that ‘the situation with Iran seems to be going quite well’ (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite the attacks raising new concerns that the ceasefire could collapse, President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that “the situation with Iran seems to be going quite well.”

“We’re going to come out of Iran very quickly and it’s going to be very strong one way or the other, whether it’s a piece of paper or the very tough way,” Trump said at an event with farmers in Wisconsin. “The very tough way is maybe the easier way, but we’re going to come out, and your fertilizer prices are going to go way down, just like they were four months ago.”

His administration also has touted the latest ceasefire agreed to this week by the Lebanese government and Israel after U.S.-brokered talks in Washington. That’s despite the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group rejecting the agreement and new attacks launched by both sides.

The fighting in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have seized large swaths of the south, also threatens efforts to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has demanded that any lasting truce extend to Lebanon.

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State Pension warning as retirees with extra income face tax bill for first time

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Cambridgeshire Live

The full New State Pension rose by 4.8 per cent in April to £12,548 – just £22 below the Personal Allowance

An increasing number of elderly individuals are expected to face income tax obligations as the State Pension climbs to within £22 of the Personal Allowance this year. The full New State Pension rose to £12,548 annually in April following a 4.8 per cent uplift under the Triple Lock, which ensures yearly increases aligned with earnings growth, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation or 2.5 per cent – whichever proves highest.

While the enhancement means those retired are nearly £1,300 better off than had the State Pension merely increased with CPI inflation at 3.8 per cent, it also leaves many perilously close to incurring income tax. It is crucial to note that individuals whose only income stream is the State Pension will not face tax.

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Nevertheless, with the Personal Allowance frozen at £12,570 until April 2031, pensioners now require merely £22 of supplementary income before they begin paying income tax.

This represents a stark shift from several years ago. During the 2021/22 tax year, pensioners could receive over £3,200 on top of their State Pension before breaching the tax threshold.

Fresh analysis from Vanguard demonstrates the impact is already being experienced. The number of taxpayers aged 66 and above has surged from 6.7million in 2021/22 to 8.8million in the previous tax year – a rise of nearly 2.1million individuals, reports the Daily Record.

James Norton, head of retirement and investments at Vanguard, cautions the most recent State Pension increase is likely to drag even more retirees into the tax system, especially those with modest private pensions or savings income. He explained: “The value of the Triple Lock is clear, with the inflation-busting increase confirmed.

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“Our analysis shows that those receiving the full new State Pension are almost £1,300 better off compared to if there was just an inflation link in place.

“But with the Personal Allowance frozen, many pensioners will find they are paying tax for the first time or paying more than expected. A considered approach to retirement income is essential to avoid unnecessary tax.”

With the State Pension now accounting for nearly all of the tax-free allowance, retirees are being advised to manage any additional income with care.

This may encompass earnings from private pensions, savings interest or investments, all of which could push total income beyond the tax threshold.

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Experts at Vanguard warn that withdrawing too heavily from private pensions risks triggering avoidable tax bills, while keeping money invested for longer could help limit tax exposure.

Couples are additionally being urged to plan their finances jointly, making full use of both partners’ allowances and potentially lowering their overall tax liability.

The figures shine a light on an increasingly pressing concern for older people, whereby rising State Pension payments are being counteracted by frozen tax thresholds — drawing ever more retirees into the income tax net each year.

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Dr Amir Khan’s weight gain message to women – ‘it’s natural’

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Wales Online

Dr Amir Khan explains how hormonal changes can cause women to gain belly fat and weight around the tummy

A doctor has explained why women tend to develop belly fat as they get older, describing it as a “normal” aspect of ageing. The expert said women can anticipate changes in their weight distribution as they grow older.

In a clip from his podcast No Appointment Necessary, posted to his Instagram account, Dr Amir Khan offered some reassurance regarding weight fluctuations before and after the menopause. He described how fat is stored differently across the body as a result of this hormonal shift.

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Menopause is a natural life stage that usually occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It takes place when hormone levels in the body decline to a point where periods stop altogether.

As a result of these hormonal changes, the body can go through a wide array of symptoms that can affect both physical and mental wellbeing. These include hot flushes, mood swings, and brain fog.

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Yet it can also influence how your body distributes fat. On the podcast, his co-host Cherry Healey said: “Lots of women find that when they go through perimenopause and menopause, they gain weight.”

Dr Amir responded: “So, before the menopause, fat distribution in women is usually around the hips, thighs, and buttock area. And that fat distribution is completely normal and healthy and women should have fat there, you don’t want to lose it.”

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He explained why. “It’s really good for your fertility,” he said.

“It’s really good for your overall health. It is expected and needed.” However, following menopause, you may find yourself more susceptible to weight gain around the abdomen. Dr Amir continued: “After the menopause, as the hormones shift, things change.

“And that fat usually deposits around the tummy area and the hips as well and so people can refer to it as a ‘meno belly’. It’s not really a great term but it is just the shift of weight, really.”

He added: “Normal, natural, not the end of the world, part of being a woman, an adult woman.” His guidance aligns with the NHS website, which states: “Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is common.

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“It often happens around the stomach and upper body.”

Other symptoms of menopause

The other symptoms of menopause, as listed by the NHS, include:

  • Changes to your periods
  • Hot flushes and night sweats
  • Sleep problems
  • Mood changes, poor memory and brain fog
  • Vaginal problems such as dryness, a burning feeling, irritation or itching in and around the vagina
  • UTIs (urinary tract infections)
  • A faster, slower or more noticeable heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Weakening bones (loss of bone density), which can lead to osteoporosis
  • Feeling the need to pee more or not being able to control when you pee (urinary incontinence)
  • Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
  • Muscle aches and joint pains
  • Hair thinning or hair loss
  • Skin changes, including dry and itchy skin
  • Reduced sex drive (loss of libido)
  • Sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems

The health body says you should contact your GP if:

  • You think you have symptoms of menopause or perimenopause and want to know what your options are
  • You have symptoms like a fast heartbeat (palpitations)
  • You still have periods but your bleeding pattern has changed and you’re bleeding more, not less, than before
  • You have not had a period for 12 months or more, and you have any vaginal bleeding

The most commonly prescribed treatment for menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

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Physio and hydrotherapy now on offer for Bishop Auckland cats and dogs

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Physio and hydrotherapy now on offer for Bishop Auckland cats and dogs

Wilson Vets, located on Tenters Street, has launched a dedicated rehabilitation service with a focus on supporting recovery, mobility, and long-term wellbeing in pets.

The service combines physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to offer a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and preventative healthcare.

Wilson Vets in Bishop Auckland has introduced specialist physiotherapy and hydrotherapy services for dogs and cats (Image: Chris Booth)

Claire Bake, practice manager at Wilson Vets, said: “The combination of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can be life-changing for some pets.

“From helping dogs walk confidently again after surgery to supporting weight loss and improving mobility in older pets, these services are about giving animals the best possible quality of life.”

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Wilson Veterinary Practice, Bishop Auckland. The vets now have a hydrotherapy pool together with physio and hydrotherapist Ellie Campbell. Border terrier Stark undergoes a physio assessment. (Image: Chris Booth)

The service is led by a qualified physiotherapist with a degree in animal physiotherapy and further qualifications in hydrotherapy and laser.

It is designed to support pets recovering from orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue injuries, and neurological conditions.

Older animals with arthritis and those needing help with weight management or general fitness are also eligible for treatment.

Wilson Veterinary Practice, Bishop Auckland. The vets now have a hydrotherapy pool together with physio and hydrotherapist Ellie Campbell. Border terrier Stark undergoes a physio assessment. (Image: Chris Booth)

Hydrotherapy uses warm water and low-impact exercise to help pets build strength, improve mobility and regain confidence while reducing strain on painful joints and muscles.

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The launch means local pet owners no longer need to travel long distances to access specialist rehabilitation services.

Tailored treatment plans are now available as part of their pet’s ongoing veterinary care.

Ms Bake said: “By offering both physiotherapy and hydrotherapy under one roof, we can provide a truly joined-up approach to care.

“Every pet is different, so we create tailored rehabilitation programmes to suit their individual needs, helping them recover, regain confidence, and enjoy a more active, comfortable life.”

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The service is also available to healthy pets looking to improve fitness, maintain mobility and support their long-term wellbeing.

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Rapist Paul Quinn in Andrew Malkinson case finally jailed

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Paul Quinn convicted of rape that jailed Andrew Malkinson

Paul Quinn, now 52, was 29 years old when, on his way home from a night out in Farnworth, he followed a lone woman and dragged her to a secluded motorway embankment and raped her.

His devastating crime in July 2003 would lead to one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British legal history when security guard Andrew Malkinson was jailed in Quinn’s place.

Nearly 23 years later, a packed courtroom at Manchester Crown Court heard Quinn’s actions had devastated two lives that night.

A statement from the woman he had raped said: “After 20 years, I now have justice, but that does not change the fact that two lives have been impacted in such a way.

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Andrew Malkinson wrongly spent 17 years on jail for Paul Quinn’s crimes (Image: PA)

“I am aware that someone has been robbed of 17 years of his life as a result of this case.”

Her statement said that after the attack on her by Quinn: “I live in constant fear that someone is behind me, even in places where other people wouldn’t feel at risk.”

She said that she has been left in fear during normal activities like shopping and family holidays.

Her statement said: “For him it was one night of his life, for me it was one night that changed my life”.

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Quinn watched on in silence and with no show of emotion from the dock as the statement was read out and as John Price KC, prosecuting, brought home his actions.

Paul Quinn committed the rape in 2003 (Image: GMP)

Mr Price said: “This was a lady who was swept from a public place to a secluded place.

“She was taken to a place where nobody would know where she was, and she was at his mercy; she was beyond help.”

For 23 years, Quinn denied his crimes even after Mr Malkinson, a security guard at the Ellesmere Shopping Centre, was arrested, tried and wrongly convicted.

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Mr Malkinson was not present in court, but Mr Price said the court also had to take into account the devastation caused to the innocent man, who was only freed in 2020.

While Mr Malkinson was still in jail, evidence showed that by 2019, Quinn had been monitoring his case with internet searches.

Mr Price said: “In the end, it is a question of causation whether it can be said that the harm caused was by the actions of this defendant.”

He added: “There is a clear inference that between those dates he was monitoring that case for his own sake.”

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Paul Quinn in his police interview (Image: GMP)

Quinn was convicted of two counts of rape, one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of choking with intent to rape after a trial earlier this year.

Lisa Wilding KC, defending, said the arrest and conviction of Mr Malkinson had come about because of other means and that Quinn had not directly implicated him.

She said that Quinn, now of Whipton Barton Road, Exeter, had not been convicted of any other crimes since 2003.

Ms Wilding said: “The simple fact is that he has not offended in that way since.”

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She added: “Almost all of his adult life has passed since before.”

Mr Justice Robert Bright said he regarded the woman at the centre of the case not as a victim but as a “hero” for twice putting herself through the legal process.

He said: “It is she, not you, Paul Quinn, whom I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Paul Quinn has finally been jailed (Image: GMP)

He added: “She, far above any of the police or the lawyers or the DNA scientists, is the hero of this story.”

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Mr Justice Bright noted that the evidence showed that Quinn, long before anyone else, knew about “the horrible fate of Mr Malkinson”.

He said: “It is utterly clear that you knew throughout that another man had been arrested, convicted and imprisoned.”

Mr Justice Bright also noted that Quinn’s rape of the woman was “unusually violent, even by the standards of stranger rape”.

Quinn, who stood in the dock in a black jumper, white shirt and blue jeans, appeared to show no emotion as Mr Justice Bright sentenced him.

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Andrew Malkinson was finally freed in 2023 and his conviction was quashed in 2023 (Image: PA)

He was jailed for 21 years with an extension of three years, coming to a total of 24 years.

He will serve at least two-thirds of the custodial element in prison, coming to 14 years.

Quinn appeared to briefly blow out his cheeks as he went down to the cells in silence.

Mr Justice Bright closed by thanking all those who had brought the case against him, in particular the woman he had raped and who gave evidence against him.

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Speaking after the hearing, Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, senior investigating officer on the case, said: “When Paul Quinn attacked and raped a lone woman late that night in July 2003, he knew what he had done. He knew his crime was horrific, and he knew how cowardly he was for watching another man go to prison.

“Twenty years later, he denied it – telling us he would have been ashamed of committing such an offence. Well, tonight I hope that shame runs deep to his core.

“We know this outcome has come two decades too late for those impacted by this case. However, we will not allow time to be a barrier to justice for anyone who has further information about Paul Quinn and any further potential sexual offending.

“To commit such a violent attack raises concerns that there may be other victims out there.

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“If you believe you have been a victim or have information you have not yet shared with us, please know we want to hear from you. We promise you that we will support you and we will listen to you.”

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Ryanair announces new route to major UK airports as part of big expansion plans

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Daily Mirror

Ryanair is forecasting that around four million passengers will be transported on average every single year as a result of the expansion as part of a huge investment

Ryanair has announced it is expanding its operations and running new routes to major airports in the UK.

At Warsaw Modlin airport, Ryanair’s eight based aircraft will operate 30 routes, including to five new destinations in Bristol and Manchester – along with Bratislava, Shannon, and Zagreb.

Meanwhile, at Warsaw Chopin, Ryanair is adding seven new routes including Liverpool – as well as Bari, Bologna, Catania, Naples, Turin, and Venice —bringing the total to 16 destinations.

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With 46 routes and 12 destinations being served, Ryanair is forecasting that four million passengers will be transported on average each year from Warsaw Modlin and Warsaw Chopin airports.

Two additional planes will be added to Modlin Airport, increasing the current fleet size to 8 planes at the airport and an investment of $800 million.

It comes after the budget airline released a statement following the cancellation of more than 100 flights at short notice, which left passengers stranded.

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The carrier condemned what it described as an ‘illegal wildcat’ strike by Belgian air traffic controllers which resulted in 100 Ryanair flights to and from Charleroi and Zaventem Airports being cancelled with minimal warning, disrupting the travel plans of nearly 20,000 passengers, according to the airline.

“It is unacceptable that passengers travelling to/from Belgium today (2 June) are suffering flight cancellations and delays as a result of a tiny number of Belgian air traffic controllers’ decision to strike with zero notice given to airlines who pay millions of euros annually for ATC services, which have been withdrawn today without any prior notice,” the airline said in a statement.

“If Belgian ATC controllers must go on strike, they should provide fair and sufficient notice – at least 24 hours – so that airlines can reorganise flights and protect passengers – many of whom are travelling on holidays with young families – from unnecessary cancellations.”

Ryanair’s Chief Executive Officer Michael O’Leary stated that while the airline respects the right to strike, “it is unacceptable that airlines were given zero notice of today’s Belgian ATC strike.”

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O’Leary said that if a strike must occur, then fair notice should be provided to airlines to enable them to reorganise schedules and minimise the impact on people “who pay for these high priced but low service ATC.”

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When will Taylor Swift get married? Fans have some ideas

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When will Taylor Swift get married? Fans have some ideas

Fans, like Curley, who spoke to the BBC, pondered whether the superstar will wear a romantic lace gown or if she’ll opt for cowboy boots over heels for the festivities, as a nod to her country-music roots. Others wondered if Swift will sing at the reception, if Kelce would have a groom’s cake, and whether the ceremony might incorporate her beloved cats.

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China can build humanoids at scale. The hard part is finding enough buyers

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China can build humanoids at scale. The hard part is finding enough buyers

Chinese-made humanoid robots are making waves with their ability to do backflips, direct traffic, and even make coffee as the companies developing them seek ways to expand and dominate the market.

Robot makers in China say they have thousands of orders from both the government and private businesses for humanoids that can do such things as sort parcels at postal centers, as the country finds ways to cope with an aging population and rising labor costs. However, some experts believe demand for humanoids lags the capacity to build them.

China and the United States dominate research for what Morgan Stanley estimates is a $5 trillion humanoid robots market.

By some measures, the U.S. holds an upper hand in developing the artificial intelligence for such robots’ high-level computing power, or “brains.” But as the world’s factory floor, China leads in mass production capacity, supplies of hardware and harvesting of data for training robots.

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Robot makers say real-life demand is growing

The Shanghai-based startup Matrix Robotics makes humanoid robots that employ AI. Its flagship humanoid robot, the “MATRIX-3,” stands nearly 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) tall and is equipped with hands able to make finely controlled movements. They are priced at around $99,000 per unit.

Customers for the roughly 1,000 orders it has received include coffee chains and hotels, its founder and CEO Allan Zhang, who formerly worked for Tesla, said at a recent robotics expo in Macao.

So far, Matrix has made only a few hundred of the robots, though it said it will be capable of delivering 5,000 units within this year, depending on the number of orders.

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EngineAI, a startup based in southern China’s Shenzhen, says its full-sized humanoid robots could be used as security guards and museum guides. They also perform, with dancing and boxing.

A basic edition of its humanoid costs 180,000 yuan ($26,600). “The next step will be to move into more real-life scenarios,” said Issac Li, EngineAI’s head of brand and marketing.

Demand for robots may lag behind

Most humanoid robots are still performative rather than functional, falling short of working in messy, unpredictable environments, said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese technology.

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“The use cases of these robots are still so limited,” said Chibo Tang of the venture capital firm Gobi Partners, which invests in technology startups including robotics companies. “Without the demand and without that scale from the market, these companies are not able to really go into mass production.”

China had more than 140 humanoid robot manufacturers and more than 330 models in 2025, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Last year, the Chinese government even publicly warned about the risk of a bubble in the industry given the lagging state of commercialization and applications.

Corporate and academic labs are buying humanoid robots for research. And in China, many of the more than 2 billion yuan ($295 million) worth of orders in 2025 came from state-owned enterprises for use in places such as power plants, data centers or for entertainment, Morgan Stanley said.

“The economics are tough: humanoid robots remain expensive to produce, fragile in operation, and dependent on highly structured environments to function,” Sacks explained. There’s “a long way to go to get to a level of functionality where people will actually feel comfortable having them in their homes providing care for elderly or children,” she said.

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Still, compared to other countries, China is keen on humanoids

The more viable commercial path will more likely be through industrial and logistics settings, Sacks said. But many factories in China and elsewhere already are equipped with non-humanoid robotic arms that perform repetitive single functions and may not need many humanoid robots.

In Japan and in the U.S., humanoid robot startups are also struggling to find buyers in industrial and other work settings.

Yet over the past year, real-world deployment of humanoid robots in China has accelerated.

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Chinese people are relatively “used to this rapid change in terms of technology,” said Ye Tian, an ex-Apple engineer and founder and CEO of the Chinese startup RoboScience, which focuses on developing the systems behind AI-powered robots.

As the technology matures, humanoids could perform heavy-lifting and mundane tasks in warehouses, factories and ports, said Lian Jye Su, with the technology research group Omdia.

Humanoid robots also can fill in gaps where work is dangerous or repetitive, Matrix’s Zhang said. There’s also a “very large household market” for handling chores in hundreds of millions of homes in China, he believes.

In Beijing, freelance social media content creator Yang Ning recently tried out a cleaning service with a helper robot with mechanical arms and hands. It can do simple tasks like organizing shoes, folding clothes and changing garbage bags, but it’s accompanied by a human cleaner.

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Watching the robot sort shoes at her doorway was “amazing,” she said. Still, she thought the helper robot was not that efficient and was “a bit too big and difficult to move around in a small house.”

China leads the global humanoid robots market

Last year, Chinese humanoid robots accounted for around 85% globally, according to a recent research report by Barclays.

Startups in China have the advantage of massive state support, in line with the ruling Communist Party’s 2026-2030 five-year plan targeting the frontiers of technology, including advancements of humanoid robots.

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Of the more than 13,000 humanoid robots shipped in 2025, AGIBOT and Unitree, two of China’s leading robotics companies, each shipped over 5,000, while U.S. rivals like Figure AI and Tesla each shipped a few hundred or less, according to Omdia.

Morgan Stanley expects China’s humanoid sales to more than double this year to around 28,000 units. Omdia forecasts that annual shipments of advanced robots could surpass 1 million units by the early 2030s.

Some robot makers say they are already profitable. Unitree said it made 1.7 billion yuan (around $250 million) in revenue last year, with a profit of over 278 million yuan ($41 million).

Robot makers argue that as production of humanoid robots increases, costs will drop. Using more locally made parts also helped make Chinese robots 20% or more cheaper than foreign models on average, Morgan Stanley said. It estimates the average price could fall to about $21,000 by 2050, from $46,000 last year.

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Some humanoid robots in China were priced at below $6,000.

Even so, cost remains an obstacle

A report by the Mercator Institute for China Studies said while China’s humanoids are already cheaper than those made elsewhere, they are still “far too expensive for widespread deployment.”

Another challenge for manufacturers is to accumulate enough good data to train more robots.

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Wang Xiaogang, co-founder of the Chinese AI software company SenseTime and chairman of ACE Robotics, said his company is collecting a lot of human-centric data from factories, retailing and offices settings that could guide advanced robots to perform complicated functions.

For humanoid robots to learn more than single tasks, data from a wide variety of scenarios in public and private settings with a reasonable level of difficulty is needed, said Eric Guo, founder and CEO of Shenzhen-based AI² Robotics. But that could take years to massively scale up.

“The mass production capability in (the) robotic area is still at the very early stage,” Guo said.

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Associated Press video journalists Olivia Zhang and Wu Jia in Beijing contributed to this report.

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World Cup 2026 Betting Offers & Free Bets

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World Cup 2026 Betting Offers & Free Bets

The World Cup is the biggest sports event on the planet, which inevitably makes it one of the largest betting events, and every four years, UK bookmakers roll out World Cup free bets and offers.

It can be difficult to gauge which World Cup betting offers are worthwhile and which are best left alone in such a saturated market.

Our aim at The Standard is to fill you in on all the best free bets and offers for the World Cup.

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How we assess World Cup free bets

The Standard’s betting experts have been through a long list of free bets for the World Cup, reviewing each one in turn. Firstly, we considered the headline value of a welcome offer, assessing whether it represents fair value.

Certain qualifying bet requirements can impact the strength of a welcome offer. For example, a lower minimum stake would make a World Cup free bet offer far stronger. We also consider the flexibility of the free bets, such as whether bettors are restricted to specific markets, bet types, or stakes.

User-friendly terms are also important, with expiry windows and any wagering requirements weighed up.

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Beyond the welcome offer, we run a similar process when looking at World Cup free bet offers for existing customers.

Best World Cup free bets 2026

Bookmaker

Welcome offer

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Min qualifying bet

Min odds

Free bet expiry

Key terms

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Betfair

Bet £10, get £30 in free bets

£10

Evens (2.0)

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30 days

Free bets for multiples.

Pay By Bank, Apple Pay or debit card deposits only

BetMGM

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Bet £10, get £40 in free bets

£10

Evens (2.0)

7 days

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Free bets, profit boosts and odds boosts do not qualify

Half of free bets are restricted to bet builders

BOYLE Sports

Bet £10, get £40 in free bets

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£10

Evens (2.0)

7 days

30 days to qualify from registration

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Limited payment options

Unibet

Bet £10, get £30 in free bets

£10

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Evens (2.0)

7 days

Opt in required.

Debit card deposit only

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Free bets not valid for racing

BetUK

Bet £10, get £40 in free bets

£10

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Evens (2.0)

7 days

Opt-in required at signup.

Qualifying bet must be placed within 7 days

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Paddy Power

Bet £5, get £40 in free bets

£5

Evens (2.0)

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30 days

Use promo code YSKATF

Debit card deposit only

Based on our selection criteria, our betting experts at The Standard have chosen six World Cup free bets for this summer’s tournament from UK Gambling Commission-licensed bookmakers.

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Betfair’s World Cup free bet offer is one of the largest on the market. However, it is slightly restrictive, with free bets only able to be used on bet builders, accumulators or other multiple types of bets.

That being said, the 30-day expiry is the standout window on this page – over four times longer than four competitors’ offers. The 30-day expiry window covers the full tournament, meaning you could save a token in order to have some World Cup final free bets.

Betfair are clearly trying to keep punters engaged for the entirety of the tournament. Their eye-catching Golden Boot offer applies if you bet £10 or more on the World Cup top scorer market on the Betfair Sportsbook. Every time your selection scores in the tournament, you get a £1 free bet.

Punters can also take advantage of Betfair’s 90-minute guarantee, where bets are paid out at 90 minutes if winning, no matter the final outcome. On top of that, there are regular odds boosts, whilst the Betfair Exchange is available to dip into for bettors seeking sharper odds on certain markets.

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The exchange is worth considering for those looking at World Cup futures betting or if they are interested in taking on the role of a bookmakers and laying a bet.

  • No promo code required
  • 30-day expiry covers the majority of the World Cup
  • Free bets are restricted to three bet types
  • Limited World Cup free bet offers for existing customers

The BetMGM welcome offer provides £40 in free bets once bettors have stake £10 on any market at odds of evens or greater. The free bets are paid out in four tokens, 2 x £10 free sports bets and 2 x £10 free bet builder bets, and the entire welcome bonus can be used to wager on the World Cup.

BetMGM are known for running tournament-specific promotions around major events such as the World Cup, including bet and get deals, and this year is no different. Punters who wager £10 or more on the World Cup top scorer market will receive a £2 free bet every time their selection scores in the tournament.

Punters can also claim a winnings boost, an acca boost, and an early payout on World Cup matches. There is also the free-to-play scores prediction game, featuring free bets and cash prizes.

  • The entire BetMGM welcome offer can be wagered on the World Cup
  • Ongoing top scorer promotion
  • Smaller market selection for World Cup games
  • Infrequent free bet offers

The BOYLE Sports welcome offer features a £40 World Cup free bet, but the ongoing promotions are the real story. Customers who wager £20 or more on the World Cup winner market before June 18 will receive a £5 free bet each time their selection wins.

The operator’s Acca Rewards and Acca Loyalty will also run throughout the World Cup, providing potentially excellent value on the days multiple matches are being played.

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This provides sustained value for regular punters, an important factor to consider during a long tournament like the World Cup.

Finally, players can take advantage of BOYLE Sports’ early payout promotions and price boosts on selected games throughout the World Cup.

  • Best ongoing accumulator free bets, with recurring weekly value across the tournament
  • Bet and get offer for the World Cup outright market
  • Mobile app less polished than some rivals
  • Free bet with sign up bonus can’t be split up

Unibet offer £30 in free bets to new users placing an initial £10 wager. To take advantage of the welcome offer, bettors must opt in to the correct welcome offer, whilst the initial deposit must be made via debit card.

It is important to bear in mind that free bets credited via the welcome offer can only be used on bet builders and accumulators. However, that would suit a World Cup bettor, particularly in the early stages of the tournament.

Unibet also has a loyalty programme called the Rewards Centre, where customers can earn points that convert to free bets. That being said, the free bets are not as regular as they are with Paddy Power.

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However, as well as the Rewards Centre, Unibet also offer free bets as a reward for completing betting missions and through a refer-a-friend scheme.

  • Unibet World Cup free bets perfect for multiple bettors
  • Daily rewards on offer at the Rewards Centre and Missions
  • Welcome offer (£30) is lower than most rivals on our list
  • Rewards Centre could be more generous with prizes

The World Cup free bets from the BetUK welcome offer are paid out in four tokens, with an initial £10 qualifying bet unlocking £40 in free bets.

All four tokens will work on World Cup markets, setting up many different bet types. There is a restriction with bet builder free bet tokens, as they require minimum combined odds of 3/1.

The BetUK free bets club is one of the best around, giving punters a £5 free bet when they wager a minimum of £10. This makes the BetUK free bets club better value than bigger operators such as Paddy Power, Sky Bet and Betway.

An acca profit boost on accumulators with three or more legs is available, which fits nicely with group stage multi-match betting.

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Beyond that, BetUK falls down with ongoing promotions, as their choice is much narrower than that of larger competitors.

  • Four tokens covering both outright/match betting and bet builders
  • Top value free bet club
  • Some restrictions with welcome offer free bets
  • BetUK lack ongoing promotions, such as regular bet boosts

Paddy Power’s welcome offer is very consumer-friendly as it involves both the lowest qualifying stake on our list and the joint-longest expiry window. With a £5 initial bet, new punters will receive £40 in free bets, matching or exceeding the amount of free bets offered by competitors for an initial £10 wager.

Once the free bets are credited, bettors will have 30 days to use them.

There is also a return value with Paddy’s Rewards Club, Wonder Wheel and money back specials. All of those added together means that Paddy Power will have one of the largest quantities of World Cup betting offers for 2026.

  • Best value return of any welcome offer
  • Great range of accessible World Cup free bet offers for existing customers
  • Money back specials are market-specific and sporadic
  • Wonder Wheel prizes vary; free bet not guaranteed on every spin

Types of World Cup free bets

There are many kinds of World Cup free bets available, both via welcome offers and ongoing promotions.

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  • Bet and get: These offers are typically reserved for welcome offers – for example, Paddy Power’s bet £5, get £40 welcome offer. Smaller rewards are on offer for existing customers through this type of offer, such as Betfair’s Golden Boot offer where punters who wager £10 on the top scorer market get a £1 free bet every time their selection scores.
  • Money-back specials: Punters place a bet and get their money back if they lose. There is usually a minimum bet amount attached to these wagers and the money is normally returned in free bets.
  • Acca insurance: Bettors get their stake back as a free bet if one leg of the accumulator doesn’t win. Wagers must meet minimum odds and legs requirements set by the operator.
  • Free bet clubs: They typically require punters to opt in and then wager a certain amount over a pre-set number of bets or days. For example, Paddy’s Rewards Club requires bettors to place five lots of £5 bets in order to claim a free bet. This is usually available once per week.
  • Deposit bonus: Deposit a set amount and receive a bonus, usually paid as free bets. This is quite similar to bet and get, but is viewed as superior as you do not have to wager the money to receive the free bet. The drawback is that the free bets credited usually have restrictions, such as wagering requirements, minimum wager or odds.
  • Prize giveaways: Punters to claim a free bet as a prize from a free-to-play game. Stakes tend to be quite small on these types of free bets.

World Cup free bet terms and conditions: What to look for

Of course, there is no such thing as a free lunch, with specific requirements and limiting factors that are important to consider.

Free bets represent good deals for casual punters and serious bettors alike, but the terms and conditions of each bookie can make the difference when it comes to selecting an offer, so be sure to read all the offer details.

It is important to consider qualifying bet requirements, such as the minimum stake, minimum odds, and eligible markets.

For example, all six of The Standard’s chosen World Cup free bets require the initial wager to be placed at minimum odds of evens.

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A factor that can vary greatly is the deposit method. Some bookmakers may have stricter deposit methods just for the free bet offer, with more banking options available for future deposits.

Bettors are advised to check whether there are restrictive conditions in place on the qualifying bet and/or free bets for World Cup betting offers.

Qualifying bets usually come with certain requirements, while free bets can be locked to specific markets or bet types.

Expiry windows should also be considered. Whilst most bettors will likely use the free bets shortly after claiming the offer, for a month-long tournament like the World Cup, punters may like to use their free bets over the course of the tournament. Longer expiry windows give players more flexibility.

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Finally, it is important to remember that cashed-out, price boost or voided bets typically don’t count towards qualifying requirements.

How to claim a World Cup free bet

  1. Register: Visit your chosen bookmaker via the links on this page and complete the sign-up form. You will need to verify your identity – name, address, date of birth – most likely with a form of ID.
  2. Opt in if required: Some bookmakers will require bettors to opt in to the welcome offer before placing the qualifying bet. Check the bookmaker’s promotions page during registration.
  3. Make a deposit: Use an eligible payment method to make a first deposit. Credit cards cannot be used for gambling at UK-licensed sites.
  4. Place the qualifying bet: Place a wager, making sure to meet the minimum stake and minimum odds stated in the offer T&Cs. Pre-match bets on World Cup fixtures are a straightforward qualifying option for most offers.
  5. Receive your free bet: Once the qualifying bet settles, the free bet is credited to a bettor’s account, usually within 24 hours. Make sure to check the expiry date.
  6. Use the free bet: Choose a bet, add it to the bet slip and choose ‘free bet’ from the stake options. If the bet wins, receive the net winnings only – the stake is not returned.

Betting on the World Cup can elevate the fun of following the tournament, but gambling should never be treated as a source of income.

The World Cup can sweep fans up into emotional storylines and feel never-ending with constant games. Be careful not to chase free bets, nor any losses. You must never bet more than you can afford to lose.

Responsible gambling can help punters to enjoy betting on the World Cup. Most bookmakers will provide tools to help you gamble responsibly.

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Think about setting either deposit or session limits, whilst self-exclusion is always an option via Gamstop. If you require further support or resources, please visit BeGambleAware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.

Sports gambling in the UK is only legal for those aged 18 and above.

World Cup free bets: frequently asked questions

What are World Cup free bets?

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World Cup free bets are free bets provided by bookmakers to be used on the World Cup this summer, either via welcome offers or ongoing promotions, such as prize giveaways and loyalty programmes. Free bets are wagers where punters do not stake any of their own money, instead using credit or tokens provided by the betting website.

Which World Cup free bet has the best value?

It is entirely dependent on what a bettor is looking for and what best suits their needs. Some bettors will prefer the flexibility of an extended expiry window, increasing the value in their eyes of certain offers. Others will not be concerned by the expiry but rather by how restrictive the free bets’ requirements are.

Can I use a free bet on World Cup outright markets?

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Generally, yes, although it is subject to minimum odds and other possible bet requirements. Some World Cup free bets are restricted to certain bet types, so it is important to always check the T&Cs.

Are there World Cup free bets for existing customers?

Welcome offers are for new customers only, but existing punters can find free bets at various World Cup betting sites. Remember, creating new accounts to take advantage of welcome offers whilst already having a registered account is against the terms of service of bookmakers.

Can I use a free bet on the World Cup final?

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Free bets can be used on the World Cup final, although it is advisable to check what restrictions are put in place on whichever offer is selected. Some World Cup free bets are for accumulators only, making them useless for the final itself. But others, like bet builders, can be used on the July 19 title decider.

What is the difference between a free bet and a profit boost?

A free bet means no real-money stake is required, whilst bettors get to keep net winnings. For example, a £10 free bet on a single with odds of 3/1 would return £30 if it came through. Profit boosts require a real money wager, often capped, with returns boosted by a percentage. A winning wager of £10 on a 3/1 bet boosted by a profit boost of 10% would return £44, for example.

We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK’s best online gambling companies.

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Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.

Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.

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NewsBeat

Scotland in for summer cold snap as temperatures drop

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Daily Record

Latest weather maps show temperatures are expected to drop well below the seasonal average

Parts of Scotland could drop to just 2C, as temperatures across the UK plummet.

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While forecasters from the Met Office and MeteoGroup – which provides data to BBC Weather – said Brits face an increased chance of heatwaves this summer, next week Scotland could experience an early summer freeze.

Although warm conditions shouldn’t be too far away, the ECMWF weather model suggests a cold spell is on the cards next week, starting on Tuesday. Minimum possible temperature maps show every inch of the UK – all 92 counties – could see temperatures below 10C at around 6am, reports the Mirror.

Predictably, the coldest conditions on Tuesday are expected in northern Scotland, where 4C is on the cards in the morning – but even in the south-east of England, where temperatures tend to be warmest, the mercury could struggle to surpass 8-9C.

ECMWF model data for Wednesday morning shows a similar picture, this time with temperatures dropping to 2C in Scotland.

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For Northern Ireland, northern England, central England and Wales, the mercury could reach just 6-8C. The data does however show minimum temperatures hitting double digits (just 10C) in the south-east of England on Wednesday morning.

On Thursday morning, northern Scotland might see highs of just 1C.

The maps for Thursday do however show slight improvements in southern England, particularly in the south-west where minimum temperatures at 6am are shown as reaching 10-11C.

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Temperature anomaly maps for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week show the whole country shaded in blue. This indicates where temperatures are expected to drop well below the seasonal average.

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READ MORE: Probe to be held in private after man found dead in Edinburgh City Chambers toilet

Met Office’s latest weather forecast

The Met Office forecast also shows a grim picture heading into next week. It predicts “often breezy” conditions and below-average temperatures for the start of the week, with long spells of rain possible too.

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The Met Office forecast for June 9 to 19 states: “Changeable early in this period with Atlantic frontal systems moving across the UK. These will bring showers or longer spells of rain at times, with wettest conditions in the northwest, drier in the southeast. Strong winds may affect parts of the UK at times, especially the northwest.

“Later in the period, higher pressure and more settled conditions may begin to become more prevalent, especially in the south. There will probably still be some wet interludes though.

“Temperatures are likely to be near to or a little above normal overall.”

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Inside Anthony Head and Sarah Fisher’s love story as they die just months apart

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Daily Mirror

Anthony Head and his longtime partner Sarah Fisher were introduced to each other in the early 80’s backstage at the National Theatre – they met and stayed together until their deaths

Actor Anthony Head, best known for his roles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has died at the age of 72. It comes months after the death of his partner, Sarah Fisher.

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Anthony Head, who died of “complications due to pneumonia” on Friday, and his longtime partner Sarah Fisher died suddenly on January 1 at age 61, the couple’s daughters, Emily and Daisy, confirmed in a Facebook post at the time.

“We are so sorry to have to share the news that our extraordinary, kind and talented mother, Sarah, passed away recently,” Emily and Daisy wrote in their Facebook statement, adding that the passing was “immensely shocking to us all” as it “came with very little warning.”

“No words could ever express all that she encompassed, or begin to describe the crater her absence has left.”

Here’s everything to know about Anthony Head’s wife and kids.

They met backstage at a show

The couple was introduced to each other in the early 80’s backstage at the National Theatre, where Head was performing in a run of “Danton’s Death.”

“I was doing a play called Danton’s Death and for the last entrance I had to come on as a soldier taking traitors to the guillotine,” he recalled to Hello! Magazine in 2001, per People. “I’d wait in a corridor at the back with my musket and one day this beautiful lady walked past carrying a pint of beer for some guy front of house.”

Head continued, “I got there earlier and earlier in the hope I’d see her again. Eventually, we’d sit and chat before I’d have to go on for a beheading.”

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Head told The Mirror in January 2012 that they never actually married. “I’ve asked her to marry me several times, but she’s not interested,” he said.

Fisher was an animal welfare advocate

Prior to her death, Fisher lived with Head in Bath, England, where the animal rights advocate ran Tilley Farm — a sanctuary for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.

While she and Head were together from 1982 until her death, Head revealed in 2018 that Fisher simply had no desire to get married.

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“She just isn’t interested [in getting married]. She says f–k off and then runs off to throw up,” he joked to the Daily Telegraph.

Still, he considered himself to be “married” and added, “I just can’t imagine my life without Sarah. And I definitely wouldn’t want to.”

They had two children together

Head and Fisher welcomed two daughters, Emily and Daisy. As they grew up, Emily and Daisy often stepped out with their parents for public events, including award shows and red carpets.

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Daisy and Emily both followed in their father’s footsteps and became actresses.

Fisher died in December 2025

Fisher sadly died in December 2025, her daughters announced on Facebook.

“It is immensely shocking to us all, and came with very little warning,” the post read. “No words could ever express all that she encompassed, or begin to describe the crater her absence has left.

The post continued, “We know how profoundly she has impacted the lives of so many, and we couldn’t be more proud of the legacy she is leaving behind.”

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Head then passed away in 1999.

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