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Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host revealed! Ellie Taylor takes over from axed presenters four years after appearing as a contestant

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Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis has revealed that Ellie Taylor has been named as the new presenter for the spin-off show

Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two will be hosted by former contestant Ellie Taylor, it has been announced today ahead of the new series of the show.

Emma Willis, 50, who hosts a Saturday lunchtime show on BBC Radio 2, was the first to share the news publicly after months of speculation.

Ellie joined Emma on her programme for a ‘Strictly special’ where her new role was announced, as Emma gushed she is ‘so glad they are in it together’. 

Emma told listeners: ‘With me right now is the brand new host of It Takes Two! Mystery host of It Takes Two…,’ before revealing it was Ellie.

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Ellie said: ‘I am over the moon! I feel giddy. So nice to get the secret out. I’ve had the theme tune in my head since I found out… I was like stop it woman!

‘It was the same when I found out I was a contestant. I am so thrilled to be back in the Strictly world. I found out a month ago, but I’ve been a good girl.

Strictly Come Dancing host Emma Willis has revealed that Ellie Taylor has been named as the new presenter for the spin-off show

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Ellie pictured arriving to Emma's BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday

Ellie pictured arriving to Emma’s BBC Radio 2 show on Saturday

‘I told mummy and my partner. I didn’t tell the kids.’ 

Sharing a statement about the news, Ellie said: ‘What a total joy to return to Strictly in this new role. I feel incredibly honoured to follow in the footsteps of the phenomenal line-up of hosts who’ve made Strictly – It Takes Two so loved over the years. 

‘I can’t wait to immerse myself in all the gossip and sequins flying out of the ballroom in order to bring my fellow Strictly fans everything they need to know. I’m so excited, I could cha cha! (But I won’t – don’t worry… no one needs to see that again.)’

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Ellie was hotly tipped to be announced as the new host of the show earlier this month after the former hosts were axed in this year’s huge show revamp.

The show has had a huge overhaul ahead of the 2026 series as main presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been replaced by Emma, Josh and Johannes while several pros have been given the boot. 

A source has told The Sun: ‘Ellie was hugely popular with viewers when she appeared as a contestant on Strictly in 2022, and her infectious personality was also a hit with the senior production team.

‘She very much featured in the discussions when they were looking to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the main show, and although she didn’t get that job, she remained in the executive team’s thoughts.

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‘They were very keen to get her on It Takes Two which they felt was too boring and needed a major revamp. So she’s been hired for the It Takes Two hosting job.’

Most recently, Fleur East and Janette Manrara hosted It Takes Two during the 2025 series but it was announced that they were being replaced.

Ellie appeared as a contestant on the show in 2022 with professional partner Johannes Radebe, who was announced as one of the main show's new hosts

Ellie appeared as a contestant on the show in 2022 with professional partner Johannes Radebe, who was announced as one of the main show’s new hosts

Emma pictured arriving to BBC studios ahead of announcing the news on her show

Emma pictured arriving to BBC studios ahead of announcing the news on her show

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Emma has returned to her regular slot after ‘a few weeks off’ on holiday, but revealed she was now back into the swing of work and ready to kickstart Strictly season.

She said that Friday was her ‘first full work day’ with her co-hosts with Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe as they filled the day doing press for the show.

Emma told listeners: ‘It’s a Strictly special. Because I’m going to introduce you to the brand new host of It Takes Two, they’re in the building and coming into the studio!

Yesterday Strictly Come Dancing’s new hosts Emma and Johannes were seen arriving for a photoshoot alongside the stars of this year’s series.

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In October, Tess Daly caused shockwaves when she announced she was stepping down from hosting after 21 years alongside her co-host Claudia Winkleman, who had fronted the show alongside Tess for 15 years.

After months of speculation, in May it was announced Emma and Johannes, 39, would be joining Josh Widdicombe in hosting the show, following a bloodbath among the line-up of pros – of which Johannes was previously included.

While the duo looked delighted to be arriving, there has been much discussion over the line-up – with some branding the cast ‘the worst to date’.

Some of the best known of the line-up are Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone, Will Best and Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters, however many of the stars have been deemed unrecognisable to viewers. 

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After months of speculation, in May it was announced Emma and Johannes, 39, would be joining Josh Widdicombe in hosting the show, following a bloodbath among the line-up of pros – of which Johannes was previously included

After months of speculation, in May it was announced Emma and Johannes, 39, would be joining Josh Widdicombe in hosting the show, following a bloodbath among the line-up of pros – of which Johannes was previously included

Emma looked sensational in an androgynous ensemble comprising a cropped, unbuttoned waistcoat layered over a sleeveless shirt and trousers. 

She wore her trademark cropped locks slicked back while wearing minimal make-up and thin wired glasses for her big first day.

While he may be used to the dancefloor, Johannes was taking on a whole different job as he too headed in sporting a slick white jumper. 

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Strictly is one of the BBC‘s most popular shows, with millions tuning in every weekend and the professional dancers quickly becoming household names. 

This year, however, there’s been one big problem – that the dancers are better known than the ‘stars’ they’re set to partner up with. 

YouTuber John, for example, doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page. 

But that doesn’t seem to matter to producers, who are said to have specifically selected stars who have large social media followings.

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Stars such as Kim Kardashian’s hair stylist Chris might not be a household name, but he does boast a huge social media following with 4million fans on Instagram. 

John has an even bigger fanbase, with 15.7million YouTube subscribers.

However, loyal fans have been left scratching their heads over the lineup, with many of the comments on the Strictly social posts asking who the celebrity is, rather than expressing any excitement. 

Indeed, while bosses may be keen to attract Gen Z (14 to 29 years old), the majority of Strictly viewers are currently Gen X (46 to 61 years old) and Baby Boomers (62 to 80 years old).  

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Four York streets face traffic restrictions during roadworks

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Four York streets face traffic restrictions during roadworks

A temporary traffic restriction will be in place on Gladstone Street, York, for water main works from 9.30am on Monday, August 17.

The works will end at 3.30pm.

Similar restrictions will be put in place for Mill Lane, Heworth, from Monday, August 24, at 8am, to Friday, August 28, at 5pm.

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Landing Lane, York, will also have water mains works from 8am on Monday, August 24, to 5pm Monday, October 5, with restrictions in place for traffic.

Ashville Street, York, will have works from 9.30am on Wednesday, August 26, to 4pm Friday, August 28.

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Grealish, Savinho, Rodri, McAidoo – Man City injury news and return dates ahead of Arsenal clash

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Manchester Evening News

The latest on the Manchester City injury front as they prepare to face Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff tomorrow afternoon.

It might be viewed as a glorified friendly by some, but Enzo Maresca is keen to bag the first trophy of the season at Manchester City when they face Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff tomorrow.

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Maresca’s XI will likely be missing a whole host of the club’s biggest stars as they continue to build up match fitness after their post-World Cup breaks, and there are also a couple of injury concerns to contend with.

Ahead of Maresca’s first game as City boss on British soil, here’s a look at the injury latest:

Jack Grealish

Injury: Foot

Grealish has only recently returned to team training after recovering from a foot injury picked up while on loan at Everton last season. Grealish looks set for an exit this summer and he is unlikely to play any part this weekend having only just returned to training.

Should he play for the Blues again, a return in the first game of the season against Bournemouth looks to be the earliest date he could possibly return.

Possible return date: Bournemouth, August 23

Savinho

Injury: Illness

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Savinho is another who looks set to leave City this summer, with Spurs once again interested in his signature. The Brazilian did not take part in training on Thursday.

Speaking about Savinho on Friday, Maresca said: “He was not part of the session [on Thursday], he was a little bit ill. We’ll see today, the session is in the afternoon, so we’ll see how he is today and we’ll decide [whether he is available vs Arsenal].”

Savinho seems unlikely to feature on Sunday having missed training this week, and so a return against Bournemouth looks more likely should he represent the Blues again.

Possible return date: Bournemouth, August 23

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Rodri

Injury: Back

Rodri underwent minor back surgery after the World Cup this summer and only returned to England this week. He is another who looks to be on his way out of the Etihad exit door, and it is unclear whether he will play for the club again as Barcelona step up their interest in him.

Either way, Sunday will come too soon and it will take him time to get back up to match fitness.

Possible return date: Crystal Palace, August 28

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Ryan McAidoo

Injury: Shoulder

McAidoo picked up an injury during City’s pre-season tour of Asia.

Speaking on Friday, Maresca said: “The only one is Ryan McAidoo. He had a small problem in pre-season, but he’s already worked with us so everyone is fit. Knowing that some of them have arrived just two days ago.”

McAidoo looks unlikely to feature against Arsenal.

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Possible return date: Bournemouth, August 23

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Bonnie Tyler’s celebration of life attended by fans in Mumbles

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Black and white image of Bonnie Tyler from 1980.

People have been invited to “pay their respects” on Saturday afternoon by lining roads in Newton and Mumbles, a seaside suburb of Swansea, while others began gathering outside her home in the morning.

“She was lovely – just like a friend you’d known all of your life,” said Angela Powell who was among the first to arrive.

“My mam used to cut Gaynor’s husband Bobbie’s hair and so he would let her into the nightclubs [which he managed] in the town without having to queue.

“She actually met my father in one of them, The Townsend, where Bonnie would regularly perform.

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“My father is unwell so my mam is home looking after him and can’t be here, so I wanted to come on behalf of us all to thank her.

“I’ve met her a few times – in Marks and Spencer and on a flight to Portugal.”

Andrea Witts from Bryncoch and Maggie Phillips from Gorseinon said they both grew up with Tyler’s music and wanted to honour her.

“Many years ago I worked in Skewen and taught her niece. The whole family were lovely. I would often bump into her in local shops and restaurants and was she was always lovely,” said Maggie.

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Man United v AC Milan LIVE: Team news and latest updates as Ruben Amorim faces former club in pre-season friendly as Marcus Rashford returns to bench

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Man United v AC Milan LIVE: Team news and latest updates as Ruben Amorim faces former club in pre-season friendly as Marcus Rashford returns to bench

The return of Ruben…

Of course it’s only a pre-season friendly, but one intriguing narrative this afternoon is Ruben Amorim facing his former side, now as AC Milan boss.

Things fell apart for the Portuguese at Old Trafford after a turbulent 14-month spell that ended with him going on a rant at the club’s hierarchy and being duly sacked less than 24 hours later back in January.

The 41-year-old left with a win percentage of 38 per cent, the lowest of any permanent Manchester United manager since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson and was out of football for a few months before getting the Milan job in June.

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He’s trying to implement his patented three-at-the-back system at the San Siro now and you’d imagine he’ll be given an unpleasant reception by the United fans in attendance today.

Ruben Amorim is AC Milan manager now (Reuters)

Luke Baker15 August 2026 15:00

What’s the deal with Marcus Rashford?

Marcus Rashford’s future at Man United has been up in the air for a while, ever since he was frozen out by Ruben Amorim (more on him in a minute…) and then had loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona.

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But he’s back in the mix, Barca appeared to turn down the opportunity to sign the England international permanently, so he’s available for United.

“He’s our player. He’s come back great, like any other player. I’ve known him a long time, he gives us something a bit different,” said Carrick. “He’s been in great spirits since he’s been back, he’s been back two or three days.”

Marcus Rashford could play today
Marcus Rashford could play today (PA Wire)

Luke Baker15 August 2026 14:50

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Michael Carrick makes six changes from Wednesday night

Five Manchester United players keep their place after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds, with Senne Lammens, Ayden Heaven, Andrey Santos, Amad Diallo and Partick Dorgu starting.

In come Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha.

That means Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Amass, Tyler Fletcher, Joshua Zirkzee and Bryan Mbeumo all drop out.

And Marcus Rashford returns to the bench. He could make his first Manchester United appearance since December 2024 as a substitute.

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(Getty)

Jamie Braidwood15 August 2026 14:41

Marcus Rashford on the bench for Man United

Substitutes: Heath, Mee, Amass, Dalot, Martinez, Yoro, Collyer, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Mainoo, Gabriel, Lacey, Mbeumo, Rashford, Zirkzee

Jamie Braidwood15 August 2026 14:33

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Manchester United confirmed line-up

Manchester United XI: Lammens: Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Andrey Santos, Tielemans; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha

Jamie Braidwood15 August 2026 14:31

Team news imminent

We should be finding out how the sides will line up today very shortly. Which United players will be returning from their post-World Cup break?

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Luke Baker15 August 2026 14:29

Man United prepare for pre-season finale

United touched down in Poland yesterday and are getting ready in Wroclaw today

Luke Baker15 August 2026 14:25

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LAST TIME OUT: Man United beat Leeds in penalty shootout after friendly draw

Croke Park, Dublin, was the location of Man United’s penultimate pre-season clash and they earned a satisfying shootout win over rivals Leeds following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.

Noussair Mazraoui scored the decisive spot-kick in the 5-4 shootout triumph after James Justin’s effort struck the crossbar, with United skipper Bruno Fernandes having earlier surprisingly missed from the spot before it went to sudden death.

Joshua Zirkzee had fired United in front in the 16th minute, set up by the excellent Bryan Mbeumo before Leeds drew level with their first real chance around the 30-minute mark as Brenden Aaronson applied the finishing touch after fine work from former United winger Daniel James.

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The 90 minutes ended in bizarre fashion after two young fans ran on to the pitch to take selfies with Fernandes and when security did not immediately intervene, at least three others joined in and play did not restart before referee Neil Doyle blew for full time.

Luke Baker15 August 2026 14:20

Early AC Milan team news

Meanwhile AC Milan could hand a first start to their own star signing of the window, Portuguese forward Goncalo Ramos, who signed from PSG for a club-record €74m fee plus add-ons last month.

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He came off the bench for a cameo against Chelsea last time out.

Possible AC Milan XI: Torriani, Terracciano, De Winter, Pavlovic, Chukwueze, Modric, Comotto, Estupinan, Loftus-Cheek, Ramos, Leao

Goncalo Ramos joined AC Milan from PSG this summer
Goncalo Ramos joined AC Milan from PSG this summer (Getty)

Luke Baker15 August 2026 14:12

Early Man United team news

Mason Mount remains a doubt for United after suffering a foot injury in the friendly with PSG, but Harry Maguire, who was rested for Wednesday’s pre-season clash with Leeds, is set to return.

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Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford are all expected to make appearances for the first time this summer, while summer signing Andrey Santos has impressed thus far and is likely to be given another start.

Possible Man Utd XI: Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw, Tielemans, Santos, Amad, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbeumo

Marcus Rashford could make his first Man United appearance of the summer
Marcus Rashford could make his first Man United appearance of the summer (Getty)

Luke Baker15 August 2026 14:08

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Jason Arday’s death will send shockwaves through a divided academia

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Jason Arday pictured during a TV interview in March 2023. He wears a black turtle-neck top.

There was another reason this row had such a high profile. Jason Arday was a celebrity academic known as much for the remarkable life story he told, of an autistic child who didn’t speak until 11, or learn to read and write until 18.

Other aspects of his personal narrative came under scrutiny, and he had to clarify that £5m raised for charity had been as part of a group effort, and that a 600 mile running challenge had taken twice as long as originally claimed.

Some who had signed a public letter of support quietly removed their names.

By the time he resigned his Cambridge position last week Jason Arday said the “relentless accusations” had taken a “profound toll” on him and his family. He suggested they had been racially motivated.

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There are many unanswered questions which a coroner will no doubt be expected to consider about his circumstances and state of mind in the days before his death.

In the immediate aftermath of his death, his family said Jason Arday had been subjected to a “campaign of misinformation” that was too much for this “gentle man”.

Others think that he attracted so much scrutiny because he was a black man in a prominent position.

Sir Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said Jason Arday had been “the victim of a pernicious public shaming that other people in his position simply wouldn’t have faced. His death was a tragedy, but once again it should be a wake up call for all of us.”

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There has been deep unease among some academics of colour who feel the ferocity of the debate was due to Jason Arday being a young black academic.

Professor of Black Studies Kehinde Andrews, a friend of Arday, told Newsnight in the wake of his death: “This is not just something that has happened in the past two weeks, we’ve seen the stories, this goes back three and a half years.

“The very day he got the position at Cambridge he had a Freedom of Information request asking about his credentials. He had all the right-wing people in America and the UK writing in to see if he was credible.

“Some people didn’t believe a black man should be in that position at Cambridge.

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“It’s been a three-and-a-half-year toll which has come its head now.”

What is certain is that Jason Arday had sought to defend his reputation, using a high-profile firm of lawyers to send a letter to a journalist from Times Higher Education who first questioned his work.

The University of Cambridge initially robustly defended Jason Arday then announced an investigation into his appointment and tenure amid growing disquiet.

In 2023, as an elite university which had been criticised for a lack of diversity, Cambridge had been keen to make some high-profile non-white appointments. It had already made a huge effort to ensure admission of students was more diverse.

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Whoever was appointed into such a high profile post would have faced scrutiny and Jason Arday had a slighter research track record than some others in the field.

Dr Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, described Jason Arday’s death as “devastating”.

“There are so many questions that need to be answered. The level of harassment he suffered and the racism he was subjected to, has been sickening. It must be investigated.”

For the University of Cambridge now there will be the difficult task of holding together an academic community divided and shocked by the controversy and now the death of Jason Arday.

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It had announced an investigation into his appointment and tenure at the university and a review of how senior staff are chosen.

Now all of that has been overtaken by his sudden and shocking death.

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Police searching for missing Annfield Plain woman Celine

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Police searching for missing Annfield Plain woman Celine

Celine was reported missing from her home in Annfield Plain, having last been seen at 7.10pm on Friday (August 14). 

Durham Police said it is becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of the 61-year-old, who is deaf and also has dementia. 

She may be wearing a pink long sleeved top and black trousers.

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If you have seen Celine, or know where she is, please contact the force on 101, quoting incident number 248 of August 15.

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New Beckham book bombshells: Cruz tried to distance self from family name

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Daily Mirror

The latest explosive claims from new warts-and-all biography about Brand Beckham allege new friction within the famous family with Victoria said to have stepped in to prevent Cruz and Brooklyn deviating from their cultured image

An expose on life behind the veil at Brand Beckham leaves no stone unturned in its claims about David and Victoria’s relationship with their family, and each other. Brand Beckham: The Fame. The Feuds. The Fallout by Alison Boshoff goes into explicit detail about the inner working of the family and how Brooklyn, 27, allegedly wasn’t the only sibling to try and carve a career away from the shadow of the Beckham name. Brooklyn effectively ended his relationship with parents David and Victoria, his siblings and the lucrative family brand following the publication of a lurid six-page statement earlier this year.

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Ever since, interest in the machine behind the power family has hit fever pitch. Here are the most explosive claims.

Victoria ‘scuppered’ plans for Cruz to drop Beckham name for the sake of his career

He’s currently half a dozen singles into a burgeoning music career, but Cruz Beckham’s decision to launch himself as the charismatic frontman of indie band The Breakers followed the sacking of his entire management team.

According to Boshoff, concerned mum Victoria stepped in after management firm TaP attempted to separate the young musician from Brand Beckham and inevitable nepo baby connotations by dropping his surname and playing a series of ‘ordinary London pubs… to make his rise look more organic.’

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The former Spice Girl’s subsequent decision to share footage of Cruz performing at film director friend Guy Ritchie’s pub went against their plans, and TaP ‘parted company’ with Cruz ‘on friendly terms,’ with a source adding: ‘The whole point was to distance him from being Posh Spice’s baby boy – she scuppered it.”

Cruz eventually relaunched his career with the Breakers in October 2025, with parents David and Victoria promoting his music across their own hugely followed social media channels as he prepared to release his first single, the double-A side Optics/For Your Love.

Victoria allegedly stopped Brooklyn from launching a fashion line

The book claims fashion designer Victoria, 52, also denied Brooklyn use of his own surname after he planned to launch a £3million clothing range with affordable online brand BoohooMan, purportedly because of its association with ‘fast fashion’ – despite previously launching her own cost-effective range with Target.

According to sources, Victoria had a ‘change of heart’ after initially agreeing to the use of his surname. “It did get into a bit of the war with the brand,” an insider told Boshoff. “And the deal then did not happen.”

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Brooklyn ‘feels the pain’ and is ‘so sad’ about family estrangement

Despite the acrimony, the US based cooking influencer allegedly mourns the absence of his immediate family, with friends claiming he feels the ‘pain of separation keenly’ and is ‘so sad about it still.’

Additionally, actress wife Nicola Peltz, 31, is believed to be open to her husband maintaining a relationship with his immediate family and will ‘never stop’ him travelling to the UK for a potential reunion, despite being ‘over’ the ongoing drama herself.

Nicola Peltz and Victoria are ‘very similar’

Victoria’s notorious wedding dance with Brooklyn is one of the biggest takeaways from his six-page Instagram statement, but sources claim there are distinct parallels between the former Spice Girl and her daughter-in-law, Nicola.

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According to the book, Brooklyn ‘married his mother’ after exchanging vows with Nicola at her family’s sprawling Florida home in 2022. ‘Nicola and Victoria are very similar people,’ a source added.

Friends also claimed how Brooklyn was often naïve while dating and became easily ‘besotted’ by girlfriends, among them influencer Hana Cross, long before his first meeting with Nicola.

It’s claimed the family members expressed concern over his ability to be ‘absorbed’ by whoever he is dating with the alleged comment: ‘If they like poodles, he likes poodles.’

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Victoria had a ‘low status’ in The Spice Girls and was repeatedly teased by one bandmate

Girl Power may well have been the ethos that turned them into global icons, but female empowerment didn’t always extend to The Spice Girls’ attitudes towards each other, according to the new book.

Famed for her Posh Spice moniker, Victoria allegedly had a ‘low status in the band’ and was frequently teased by her bandmates – notably Scary Spice Mel B.

Following the departure of Geri Halliwell the group eventually embarked on respective solo careers in 2000, but the financial lure of The Spice Girls brand prompted a tense reunion in 2007, during which Geri ‘annoyed everyone.’

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Victoria later claimed The Spice Girls’ publicist once told her to say her famous black tube dresses were purchased at Gucci – ‘even though they were from Miss Selfridge.’

The Mirror approached representatives for Victoria, David, Brooklyn and Cruz Beckham, Boohoo Man, Mel B and Geri Halliwell for comment.

Brand Beckham: The Fame. The Feuds. The Fallout by Alison Boshoff is available to purchase now.

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

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Elegant Cambridgeshire wedding venue with 18-carat gold leaf ceiling and wartime secret

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Cambridgeshire Live

It has been named among the best wedding venues in the county

A wedding day is one of the most important events in a couple’s love story and making the right decisions to create a wedding they will remember for the rest of their lives is a delicate matter. Thankfully, Cambridgeshire is home to so many beautiful venues to tie the knot.

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However, one wedding venue featuring a gold room with an 18-carat gold leaf ceiling and an intriguing wartime past to impress the history enthusiasts particularly stands out. Holmewood Hall is a stunning Tudor Gothic-style manor surrounded by 10 acres of manicured grounds & parkland in the charming village of Holme and near Stilton.

The venue has stunning reception spaces that are steeped in history and exuding elegance. Its ultimate draw is its Gold Room which you can exchange vows in.

The room offers seating for up to 77, a 50-foot-long aisle for a grand entrance, an incredible 18-carat gold leaf ceiling, period fireplace and huge stained glass windows.

Holmewood Hall dates back to 1611 when it was sold to the 1st Baronet of Connington, Sir Robert Cotton. Later, the Cotton family went on to sell the manor to London merchant Thomas Truman.

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After his death in 1769, Truman passed all of his Huntingdonshire estates including the now-loved wedding venue to Elizabeth, his niece, and her husband William Wells. The Wells family, who were responsible for much of the hall that can be seen presently, went on to built a beautiful legacy.

Work began again on site in 1873 and and it became virtually unrecognisable from the buildings that had stood there previously. The great hall and staircase were inspired by the Jacobean era, whilst the original drawing room was transformed into the venue’s iconic Gold Room.

Following the death of Sir William Wells in 1889, the house was passed onto John Ashton Fielden, one of the richest men in England.

Four decades later, Holmewood Hall took on a completely different role in wartime Britain as a base for the US Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Fast forward to nowadays, the venue has become a highly sought-after venue for couples to say ‘I do’.

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Its website states: “With Personal Wedding Managers to guide you and a dedicated team of chefs to create your bespoke menu, the team at Holmewood Hall are backed by 25 years of experience in making wedding dreams come true.”

Depending on whether the weather is kind, the Mr and Mrs to be can have a magical outdoors ceremony at The Bandstand. The happy couple can experience dining to remember in the Banqueting Hall with captivating views across the lake, then party the night away in the Vault.

To complete your dreams, the venue offers 18 bedroom suites, including a bridal suite for the couple and their guests to retire to at the end of a long and beautiful day.

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It was also named among the most popular wedding venues in Cambridgeshire by Hitched, the wedding tech platform, also globally known as The Knot, in its Wedding Awards for 2026.

With 4.6 stars out of five on Google, this wedding venue is truly sought after. One person wrote: “Holmewood Hall is the most stunning venue, and one my family, and I had the pleasure of experiencing prior to it being a wedding venue.

“We always knew this would be the place me and my now husband would choose for our magical day. The building is steeped in so much history, and the architecture and extensive grounds speak for itself. It is truly a royal, hidden gem.”

Another wedded pair said: “Even from our first visit, we fell in love with the venue and grounds, and knew we wanted to get married there. The bridal suite in particular completely blew us away, it is such a stunning room!”

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Trump says he will declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory

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Trump says he will declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory

Donald Trump has threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory, escalating his rhetoric over control of the waterway amid the war with Iran.

The US president said he would make the designation “pretty soon”, as Tehran and Washington remain at an impasse over the future of the strait nearly six months after it was closed when the US and Israel launched their war on 28 February.

“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz strait a territory of the United States,” Mr Trump told a crowd of law enforcement officers.

“Essentially, that’s what it is. We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.”

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Donald Trump claims Iran is being ‘badly defeated’
Donald Trump claims Iran is being ‘badly defeated’ (AFP via Getty)

Iran has remained defiant in its stance, calling on the US to accept defeat and declaring that Tehran had decided not to resume talks.

“This strait will be opened and closed only under Iran’s command, and so long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and stop indulging in fantasies, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade,” Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, posted on X early on Saturday.

On Friday, just two vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz with no crude oil shipments visible, according to analysis from ship-tracking firm Kpler. Before the war, more than 130 ships would transit the strait daily.

Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian news outlet Shahrara News in an interview published on Saturday that Washington must meet Iran’s conditions on the strait in order for shipping to resume.

Vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on 10 August
Vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on 10 August (AFP/Getty)

Addressing the June ceasefire which has been left in tatters, Mr Araghchi added: “We did not have a ceasefire in the first place that we would now want to extend. We had ‘the end of the war’, and now there is a new situation.”

But Mr Trump, speaking to a political rally in New York’s Garden City, warned Americans they will have to accept higher gas prices as the war continues.

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That paying “a tiny little bit more for your gasoline” is worth it to ensure “a very evil country” cannot have a nuclear weapon, is one of the president’s stated rationales for the war.

The average US price of a gallon of gasoline was about $4.08 (£3.02) on Friday, up 29 per cent from a year earlier, according to the American Automobile Association.

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Manchester United vs AC Milan LIVE confirmed squad, early team news and how to watch fixture vs Ruben Amorim

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Tyrone Marshall

It makes sense to play as close as possible a team to the one that will start against Hull here, which is what I would do. That means Lammens in goal, obviously. Dalot and Shaw are clearly the first-choice full-backs and I’d play Maguire and Yoro together at centre-back.

Midfield is a tricky one, because it was Mount, but his injury is now something of a mystery. Tielemans is ahead of Mainoo from a fitness point of view so has to start alongside Santos, who is a lock in midfield. Fernandes should also be ready to start his first game of pre-season.

Sesko’s absence also remains a concern and even if he is fit next week, there is no way he can start. Mbeumo has been very good at centre-forward, Amad can continue on the right and I’d start Cunha on the left.

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Steven Railston

It’s the final game of pre-season, so it’s advantageous for the line-up to mirror the XI who will start on the opening day of the campaign against Hull. Maguire should start alongside Yoro if he’s fit.

Mount missed the game against Leeds in Dublin as a precaution and I would have brought him back into the team if he had been included, but he’s absent again, so Tielemans should start instead.

Mbeumo is nailed on to start down the middle again. Dorgu hasn’t really done much wrong on the left wing, but his final ball lacked a bit against Leeds, so I would like to see Cunha given a chance from the first whistle.

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