Virginia Sibanda worries that her 17-year-old daughter will be forced to elope with one of the well-off local men or one of the many gold-panners that have descended on the nearby Runde River in Zimbabwe’s parched Mwenezi district.
“Everyday I worry and fear that my daughter will fall pregnant for one of these gold-panners who often come to flash money in the community or that she might be enticed into having sex with one of the elderly men that are better off,” Sibanda says.
“Those who are panning for gold are able to get some money and they are using that money to entice young girls into sex, with several young girls in the community falling pregnant. I fear that my daughter will fall for this because of our situation,” she adds.
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International development and humanitarian financing from the United States – under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – and from other western countries had been pivotal in providing food aid and in supporting income generating projects in Zimbabwe. With the impacts of the climate crisis becoming more frequent and disruptive, international aid has been a key intervention in resilience and adaptation.
However after the Trump administration essentially shut down USAID last year, communities in the region have been hammered hard and families left struggling and desperate.
Sibanda’s daughter dropped out of school after the USAID agricultural support and food assistance that was sustaining her family was abruptly cut. The little money that Sibanda could spare for school fees when USAID was helping to provide food aid is now being channeled towards survival, with the family living on only one meal a day.
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Families have been left struggling thanks to drought (AFP via Getty Images)
Dropping her daughter, and another of her children, out of school was a painful but necessary decision for the family. Sometimes Sibanda stays awake at night, pondering over the future of her children tears welling up in her eyes as she describes the family’s plight and her fears over her daughter’s prospects with life. “There are no jobs; there is nothing to talk about regarding employment prospects,” she says.
An outbreak of January Disease – a tick-borne disease prevalent during the rainy-season from December to March – has decimated family cattle herds in that people in Mwenezi often sell-off to sustain livelihoods or pay for school feeds.
Earlier rains for the current cropping season brought hopes of bumper harvests but that too is quickly turning to despair as the current and lengthier dry spell in several of the country’s provinces has dented expectations of meaningful yields of the staple maize crop.
The UN’s WFP and Food and Agriculture Organisation have been providing food assistance in other parts of Mwenezi and Zimbabwe but not in Sibanda’s area this year.
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The WFP says it is stretched for resources; where it was planning to assist 538,000 people with food assistance during the current season, it will only manage to provide food aid to fewer than 200,000 people in four of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces.
‘A high increase in poverty’
Yet it’s not just in Zimbabwe where communities that counted on international aid funding for livelihood and food programs are now struggling to move on with life after the shutdown of USAID.
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Malawi has also been hit hard by Donald Trump’s aid cuts (AFP via Getty Images)
In neighbouring Malawi, the level of vulnerability and poverty has intensified since Trump slashed aid funding, Sekai Mudonhi, Malawi country representative for Catholic Relief Services (CRS), tells The Independent.
“Agriculture programmes… have been affected by the aid funding cuts and once agriculture is affected you will have a high increase in food insecurity and the poverty and level of vulnerability just increases,” she says.
Funded by USAID and other donors, CRS and other Catholic charities such as CAFOD taught farmers in Southern Africa new agriculture techniques to adapt to climate change impacts, helping to reduce these issues.
They also helped to drill boreholes in dry areas, bringing to life gardens that also acted as income generating projects for communities and individual rural farmers.
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One of the projects that CRS ran in Malawi involved the disbursement of cash transfers to communities which assisted with buying of food after climate shock events such as cyclones, flooding and droughts.
“They [communities] were banking on that support,” says Mudonhi, adding that she and her team – most of whom have also had to be laid off – “had to go back to the communities and tell them that that support will no longer be coming” due to the new policy under Trump.
‘I can’t imagine what they are going through’
In Zimbabwe, Amos Batisayi has also witnessed first-hand the impact of the withdrawal of US and other international funding. He worked with the Mwenezi District Training Center (MDTC), a local NGO that utilised USAID funding for community development and humanitarian programs in the Masvingo province.
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Amos Batisayi speaks to one of the female beneficiaries of Mwenezi District Center for Training (MDTC) in Zimbabwe. US funding for most of these programmes was cut by the Trump administration in 2025 (Mwenezi District Center for Training (MDTC))
He says that the organisation was targeting dry areas with boreholes for water access for agriculture and community water drinking in remote areas. MDTC, using USAID funding, also ran vocational training programmes for unemployed youths and provided support for income generating projects in remote areas such as Chiredzi.
With USAID shut down, irrigation schemes and gardens that had been brought to life through rehabilitation and drilling of new boreholes are now in trouble. This means that communities in remote and hard to reach areas such as Chiredzi where villagers walk up to three miles (five kilometres) to get to the nearest water source are now struggling.
“Now all these programmes have all stopped and this means that our communities, villagers and farmers are no longer able to generate an income, making their lives all the more difficult; I cant imagine what they are going through,” Batisayi says.
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One such beneficiary of the USAID-funded programs under MDTC was Silence Ncube from Ramadhaka Village in Chiredzi South, some 270 miles from the capital Harare.
Ncube enrolled for vocational training as a bricklayer through financial assistance from USAID while others in her community were given the ability to start raising chickens and begin vegetable gardening.
This, she says, provided valuable skills, income opportunities and access to clean water. But when the stop orders for financing of such initiatives under USAID were issued by the Trump administration last year, Ncube and her community were hit.
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Silence Ncube and Meriyini Baloyi constructing pit latrine toilet at Ramadhaka community Borehole in Chiredzi. USAID supported vocational training for community members (Mwenezi District Center for Training (MDTC))
Their lives and sources of livelihoods ground to a halt and hopes for the future turned bleak. Today, they are “struggling to move on with life”, she says.
‘The energy to go panning’
The challenges of the severe drop in US funding have prompted NGOs – previously focused more on competition to secure funding – to increasingly focus on collaboration and sharing of resources, skills and data.
It is a shift that is fuelling a broader rethink regarding international aid, according to Matthias Spaeth, Zimbabwe country director for Welt Hunger Hilfe. He says that the problem of international aid funding cuts is bigger than USAID, as countries like the UK also cut funding.
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He adds that his biggest fear regarding the impact of cuts to development aid is that “nothing changes” in the future and the cuts come coming at a time when communities are in dire need.
Back in Mwenezi, Sibanda hopes that one day soon donors such as the UN agencies that will return assist with food rations so that she can be able to go and pan for gold – the price of which has skyrocketed on international markets.
“If we can get donors who can assist us with food then we can have the energy to go panning for gold or if we are lucky we can get some money for income generating programmes such as farming,” she says.
This article has been produced as part of The Independent’s Rethinking Global Aid project
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for his brief imposition of martial law in a dramatic culmination to the country’s biggest political crisis in decades.
Yoon was ousted from office after a baffling attempt to overcome an opposition-controlled legislature by declaring martial law and sending troops to surround the National Assembly on Dec. 3, 2024.
Judge Jee Kui-youn of the Seoul Central District Court said he found Yoon guilty of rebellion for mobilizing military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize the liberal-led Assembly, arrest politicians and establish unchecked power for a “considerable” time.
Martial law crisis recalled dictatorial past
Yoon’s martial law imposition, the first of its kind in more than four decades, harkened back to South Korea’s past military-backed governments when authorities occasionally proclaimed emergency decrees that allowed them to station soldiers, tanks and armored vehicles on streets or at public places such as schools to prevent anti-government demonstrations.
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As lawmakers rushed to the National Assembly, Yoon’s martial law command issued a proclamation declaring sweeping powers, including suspending political activities, controlling the media and publications, and allowing arrests without warrants.
The decree lasted about six hours before being lifted after a quorum of lawmakers managed to break through a military blockade and unanimously voted to lift the measure.
Yoon was suspended from office on Dec. 14, 2024, after being impeached by lawmakers and was formally removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He has been under arrest since last July while facing multiple criminal trials, with the rebellion charge carrying the most severe punishment.
Yoon’s lawyers reject conviction
Yoon Kap-keun, one of the former president’s lawyers, accused Jee of issuing a “predetermined verdict” based solely on prosecutors’ arguments and said the “rule of law” had collapsed. He said he would discuss whether to appeal with his client and the rest of the legal team.
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Yoon Suk Yeol told the court the martial law decree was only meant to raise public awareness of how the liberals were paralyzing state affairs, and that he was prepared to respect lawmakers if they voted against the measure.
Prosecutors said it was clear Yoon was attempting to disable the legislature and prevent lawmakers from lifting the measure through voting, actions that exceeded his constitutional authority even under martial law.
In announcing Yoon and Kim’s verdicts, Jee said the decision to send troops to the National Assembly was key to his determination that the imposition of martial law amounted to rebellion.
“This court finds that the purpose of (Yoon’s) actions was to send troops to the National Assembly, block the Assembly building and arrest key figures, including the National Assembly speaker and the leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties, in order to prevent lawmakers from gathering to deliberate or vote,” Jee said. “It’s sufficiently established that he intended to obstruct or paralyze the Assembly’s activities so that it would be unable to properly perform its functions for a considerable period of time.”
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Protesters rally outside court
As Yoon arrived in court, hundreds of police officers watched closely as Yoon supporters rallied outside a judicial complex, their cries rising as the prison bus transporting him drove past. Yoon’s critics gathered nearby, demanding the death penalty.
There were no immediate reports of major clashes following the verdict.
A special prosecutor had demanded the death penalty for Yoon Suk Yeol, saying his actions posed a threat to the country’s democracy and deserved the most serious punishment available, but most analysts expected a life sentence since the poorly-planned power grab did not result in casualties.
South Korea has not executed a death row inmate since 1997, in what is widely seen as a de facto moratorium on capital punishment amid calls for its abolition.
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Other officials sentenced for enforcing martial law
The court also convicted and sentenced several former military and police officials involved in enforcing Yoon’s martial law decree, including ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who received a 30-year jail term for his central role in planning the measure and mobilizing the military.
Last month, Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison for resisting arrest, fabricating the martial law proclamation and sidestepping a legally mandated full Cabinet meeting before declaring the measure.
The Seoul Central Court has also convicted two members of Yoon’s Cabinet in other cases. That includes Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who received a 23-year prison sentence for attempting to legitimize the decree by forcing it through a Cabinet Council meeting, falsifying records and lying under oath. Han has appealed the verdict.
Yoon is the first former South Korean president to receive a life sentence since former military dictator Chun Doo-hwan, who was sentenced to death in 1996 for his 1979 coup, a bloody 1980 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Gwangju that left more than 200 people dead or missing, and corruption.
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The Supreme Court later reduced his sentence to life imprisonment, and he was released in late 1997 under a special presidential pardon. He died in 2021.
Arsenal missed the chance to move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against bottom-of-the-table Wolves.
That setback at Molineux on Wednesday handed control of the title race to Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side are five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, with the two teams set to play each other at the Etihad in April and meet in the Carabao Cup final in March
Arsenal’s dismal second-half performance at Wolves showed the pressure of chasing a first Premier League title in 22 years is getting to them.
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Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Wolves
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Mikel Arteta’s side have now managed just two wins in seven Premier League games and they have dropped four crucial points in successive draws away at Brentford and Wolves.
Next up for Arsenal is the north London derby at Tottenham on Sunday and their wobble comes at a decisive stage in the season.
So what does the start of the title run-in look like? Here’s how both team’s schedule compare…
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Arsenal’s next five Premier League fixtures
Tottenham (A) – February 22
FA Cup vs Mansfield Town (A) – March 17
Carabao Cup final vs Manchester City – March 22
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Bournemouth (H) – April 11
Manchester City’s next five Premier League fixtures
Coronation Street fans think they have spotted a major ‘problem’ in Sam Blakeman’s plot to bring down groomer Megan Walsh
Coronation Street fans have spotted a major ‘problem’ in Sam Blakeman’s plot to bring down groomer Megan Walsh after figuring out her relationship with fellow teen, Will Driscoll.
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Those who follow the ITV soap know that Megan first appeared in Weatherfield last year, and it wasn’t long before it was revealed that she had been carrying out an illicit affair with Will, who has only just turned sixteen.
She was encouraged to stay on the cobbles after Will kicked off to his family about having to leave his athletics training behind as his dad, Ben Dricsoll, surprised partner Eva Price by moving from Hull back to Weatherfield to run the Rovers Return.
To cover her tracks, she’s been seen striking up a romance with Daniel Osbourne, who has also helped her land a teaching role at Weatherfield High.
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More recently, Megan has discovered she’s pregnant, telling Will the baby is his. But in another twist that has since aired in Corrie, Will hasn’t been Megan’s only victim as Will’s former rival, Lee, made an appearance and later confirmed to him that he and Megan had previously slept together while he was under age.
And it was after that when Sam Blakeman started to pay attention to what Megan was up to as he overheard a conversation between Will and Lee. Megan has since become aware that Sam is onto her but dismissed his concerns as nothing more than teenage crushes.
But when Sam stood by what he thought to be true, Megan turned more sinister and made a clear threat to the teen to keep quiet. However, Sam isn’t let it go and this week, Corrie fans have seen his latest attempts to try and catch Megan out once and for all.
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With Megan now lodging at his step-mum Leanne Battersby’s flat, Sam noticed Will sneaking in. When Will said he was only stopping a short while to arrange a sports meeting, Sam decided to record the time he was there, watching them emerge after more than an hour.
In the flat, Megan became stressed about having Will over and decided to book a hotel room for them both, and was freaked out when she saw Sam watching. She exclaimed: “Has he gone now? Sam! He’s everywhere!” but Will said: “Sam is not as smart as he thinks he is, right? We’re fine, come on,” before they drove off into the night having decided to stay at a hotel to avoid being caught.
Then, during the latest episode of Corrie on Wednesday (February 18) night, Sam headed to the flat, claiming he had come round to revise and that Leanne gave him a spare key. Megan masked her unease and told Sam that she’d be back by 4pm. She then found Will at the precinct and told him about the visit.
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With both clearly alarmed, Megan suggested he play the ‘good cop’ to her ‘bad cop’ in a bid to keep Sam onside. Later, Will was seen inviting Sam to a gig, before telling Megan via text: “I’ve sorted it!” But it’s far from it as it was revealed to viewers that Sam had set up a hidden camera in the flat to try and catch Megan and Will once and for all.
However, Corrie fans were flocking to social media to point out the same problem. @joy9kat said: “#Corrie That camera couldn’t be more obvious!.” @BrewGuy_ mocked: “Couldn’t get a bigger camera Sam #Corrie.” @PSwoo3465 quipped: “Sam’s camera well hidden. MI5 eat your heart out #corrie.”
@RKT0v posted: “#Corrie #CoronationStreet The hidden camera is a bit…visible.” @matt_johnson_89 predicted: “Sam planting a hidden camera in Megan’s flat, which will no doubt get found #Corrie.” @demelcy added: “Not a very conspicuous camera #corrie.”
A man in his 70s was arrested on Monday (February 16)
A man in his 70s has been arrested after police discovered a cannabis factory in a Cambridgeshire town. Cambridgeshire Police carried out a warrant search in Crease Bank, Whittlesey on Monday morning (February 16).
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Officers discovered a cannabis factory with around 270 plants inside. A man in his 70s was arrested.
He has since been bailed while investigations continue. A police spokesperson said: “It was an early start for our rural and neighbourhood officers on Monday as they carried out a warrant in Crease Bank, Whittlesey.
“A cannabis factory consisting of 270 plants was uncovered. A man in his 70s was arrested and has since been bailed while investigations continue.”
North Yorkshire Police has had reports of burglars breaking into homes, stealing car keys, then driving off in the vehicle parked outside.
A spokesperson for the force said few simple precautions can help protect you from these opportunistic ‘2-in-1’ thieves.
PC Tom Birkinshaw said there have been particular issues in the west of the city.
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“Although incidents of this nature are uncommon, they highlight the importance of keeping homes and vehicles as secure as possible, particularly during the night,” he said.
“Always ensure all doors and windows are locked before going to bed, including patio or side entrances.
“Keep keys out of sight and away from doors, windows, or letterboxes. Avoid leaving them in accessible drawers near entry points.
“Use security lighting at the front and rear of your property where possible.
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“Consider additional security measures, such as alarm systems, CCTV, or doorbell cameras, to deter offenders and keep vehicle keys upstairs or in a secure location that cannot be easily accessed. Also ensure vehicles are locked and remove any items from view.
“If your vehicle uses keyless entry, consider signal‑blocking pouches (Faraday pouches) to prevent relay theft attempts and consider physical security measures, such as steering wheel locks.
“Burglary is a particularly invasive crime that can have a lasting impact on victims. If you have been a victim and need support and help, you should have been offered the services of Victim Support. You may have declined at the time, or not noticed the offer, but can refer yourself at any time by either calling 0808 168 9111 or visiting their website www.victimsupport.org.uk.
“Burglars do not want to get caught, so taking action to make your home or business premises safe and less attractive to thieves can go a long way to reducing the risk.
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“If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.”
Britain’s Got Talent is returning to screens this weekend as the 19th series kicks off
Tianna Corbin TV Reporter
09:23, 19 Feb 2026
The countdown is nearly complete as ITV audiences prepare to welcome back Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and KSI for a fresh series of Britain’s Got Talent.
With the opportunity to claim a staggering £250,000 prize, alongside a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance, contestants simply need to secure approval from three judges.
Though they could bypass the competition entirely and advance directly to the semi-finals if they earn a golden buzzer from either the judging panel or hosts Ant and Dec..
Before the series launches, Amanda revealed her impressions of the panel’s newest member, KSO, reports Belfast Live.
KSI formally joined the judging line-up this year, having made guest appearances in 2025. He took over from Bruno Tonioli, who stepped down owing to diary clashes.
When questioned about what the YouTube star contributes to the team, Amanda remarked: “He is super cool, really personable. To be honest with you, I feel like I’ve known him for ages.
“I feel quite protective over him, I don’t know why, a tiny bit mother-y. I think what he brings is that he cuts to the chase, so there’s no waffling. He sort of says exactly what he thinks, which is quick and succinct.”
In the YouTube clip, which was posted on Instagram, Amanda admitted she’s never encountered anyone other than herself quite so eager to engage with the performers on-stage.
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.
Yet, whilst discussing KSI, Amanda couldn’t resist taking a playful dig at his musical endeavours.
When questioned about whether she was a fan of his music, she pulled a face and smirked, evidently reluctant to respond.
As the video included the sound effect of crickets chirping, the ITV judge remarked: “I have to say, I loved his last single. I did love his last single.”
Britain’s Got Talent returns to ITV1, ITVX on Saturday February 21 at 7pm.
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It’s now been almost five years since Daniel Craig’s departure from the James Bond franchise in No Time To Die – and somehow there’s still been no confirmation of who will be succeeding him as 007.
Meanwhile, off the back of Wuthering Heights’ box office success, it now looks like a certain Australian star may also be a hot favourite for the job.
As we dive into the latest 007 speculation, here are 20 stars who’ve all been rumoured for the job…
Who is he? The Australian actor has been a star on the rise ever since his break-out role in the teen drama Euphoria.
Following acclaim in films like Saltburn, Priscilla and The Narrow Road To The Deep North, Jacob landed his first Oscar nomination in 2026 for his performance as the creature in Frankenstein, the same year he also got everyone talking thanks to his work as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights.
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Where did the rumour come from? Jacob’s name was first mentioned as a serious contender to play James Bond in the summer of 2025, when Variety suggested he was at the top of producers’ wishlists.
Following this, World Of Reel claimed he’d met with director Denis Villeneuve, with the gossip site DeuxMoi suggesting shortly after Wuthering Heights’ release that he’d been offered the role of James Bond.
What’s he said? He previously told Extra of calls for him to play James Bond: “That’s beautiful… I just like that people maybe want to put me in their movies. That makes me really glad.”
Who is he? Callum Turner has been putting in the work for more than a decade now, but he’s enjoyed a real breakthrough in the last few years.
Some of his most recent projects include the Fantastic Beasts movies, in which he played Theseus Scamander, the sports drama The Boys In The Boat and the star-studded Apple TV+ series Masters Of The Air.
Where did the rumour come from? In December 2025, several news outlets spotted that betting odds had been suddenly slashed on Callum being cast as James Bond.
Since then, Callum’s name was mentioned in an article published by the Mail, suggesting he’d been “blabbing all over town” that he’d landed the coveted spy role.
What has he said? Despite the Mail’s reports about Callum’s loose-lipped approach to his Bond casting, he hasn’t said anything publicly yet.
Who is he? Until recently, Aaron has been widely considered as the frontrunner for the role of James for more than a year now. His past credits include the superhero comedy Kick-Ass, the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.
Since then, he’s appeared in projects as varied as Marvel’s Kraven The Hunter, the arthouse horror flick Nosferatu and Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later.
Where did the rumour come from? In November 2022, Aaron supposedly met with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli (who has since left the franchise), with follow-up reports claiming the meeting “went well”.
Who is he? The James Bond rumour that’s being going around the longest time involved Idris Elba, whose acting credits include the Thor films, Beasts of No Nation, the Fast & Furious series and the BBC detective drama Luther.
Where did the rumour come from? Idris has been rumoured to be in the running to play 007 for more than a decade (since the speculation began in 2014, there’ve been three new films in the series released), with leaked emails from Sony executives suggesting he was a favourite for the part. Following this, then-Bond boss Barbara Broccoli said Idris has been “part of the conversation” about who the role goes to next.
However, in August 2022 it was reported that Idris had made the decision to take himself out of the running – and in the last few years his casting has seemed less and less likely… although we’d kind of love it if he got the opportunity to play Bond at least once, given just how long he was associated with the franchise.
What has he said?“James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey. Of course, if someone said to me, ‘Do you want to play James Bond?,’ I’d be like, ‘Yeah!’. That’s fascinating to me.”
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TOLGA AKMENTOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Who is he? A more recent addition to the list of rumoured potential 007s is another Aaron, this time fellow Brit Aaron Pierre.
As well as voicing the title character in Disney’s Mufasa, Aaron appeared in The Underground Railroad, played Malcolm X in the anthology series Genius and starred opposite Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal in the sci-fi dystopian drama Foe.
Where did the rumour come from? The news appears to come from movie “insider” Daniel Richtman, who claimed in June 2025 that Aaron is “being considered” for the part.
What has he said?He told Chris Evans on Virgin Radio: “If that opportunity ever presented itself, that would be insane.”
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Who is he? After getting his start in indies like Beach Rats and Triangle Of Sadness, British star Harris Dickinson’s profile has had a real boom in the last few years off the back of roles in Babygirl, The Iron Claw and A Murder At The End Of The World.
He’ll next be seen in action as John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles movie project – which, to be fair, means he may have too much on his plate to take on 007 too.
Where did the rumour come from? Variety’s piece on Amazon’s supposed “James Bond wishlist” in the summer 2025 that mentioned Jacob Elordi as a contender also included Harris (as well as Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland).
“The role of James Bond is interesting,” he said. “The circumstances of Bond are interesting. The character, the world, what he goes through, that’s interesting.”
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He also praised director Denis Villeneuve, who will helm the upcoming 25th James Bond film.
Mike Marsland via Getty Images
Who is he? He’s Tom Hardy! You may have seen him in films including Max Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Legend, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception or Venom.
Where did the rumour come from? Like Idris Elba, speculation about Tom Hardy playing 007 goes way back.
Things hotted up in 2020, though, when the film blog The Vulcan Reporter claimed he’d done several auditions for the part and was “basically locked into the role”.
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What has he said?“You know, there’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you’re automatically out of the race. So I can’t possibly comment on that one! If I mention it, it’s gone.”
Jeff Spicer via Getty Images
Who is he? Probably best known for his role as Loki in the Marvel universe, Tom also won a Golden Globe for his performance in the drama The Night Manager.
Where did the rumour come from? Around the time The Night Manager was airing, many viewers pointed out that the British actor might be a good James Bond, and he was soon spotted having a meeting with the franchise’s chief Barbara Broccoli.
What has he said?“What can I say that you don’t already know? It’s interesting in itself that I’ve suddenly become very aware of what I’m saying, is it not?
“Because there’s something about what I’m saying that becomes the story. Not for you, but the world outside. Whatever I say, I’ve found, generated more questions.”
Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Who is he? After rising to fame in Game Of Thrones, the Scottish actor later won a Golden Globe for his leading role in Bodyguard.
Where did the rumour come from? The action-packed Bodyguard led to Richard being tipped to succeed Daniel Craig as Bond, with the Daily Mail reporting at the time that the drama had caught the eye of former 007 boss Barbara Broccoli.
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Bodyguard’s producers even teased that a potential second series of the drama would depend on “what happens with James Bond”.
What has he said?“I’m more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I’m very flattered and thankful. It’s a really brilliant thing to be in.
“I don’t want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that’s the curse of that. If you talk about it, you’ll curse it.”
NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Who is he? James is perhaps best known for his TV roles, which have included Happy Valley, Grantchester, McMafia and The Trial Of Christine Keeler, though you may have also seen him in action in the recent big-screen adaptation of Little Women.
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Where did the rumour come from? While many of the actors named as potential replacements for Daniel Craig are based on anonymous “insiders” and source quotes, the rumours about James seem to stem primarily from bookies’ odds.
What has he said? “It’s so weird and bemusing. But yet again, it’s based on pure speculation and it makes for a good little clickbait moment in the media. Other than that, it’s just fun and bemusing.”
Who is he? Jack Lowden has had a massive few years, scoring Bafta, Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work in Slow Horses and appearing with Nicole Kidman in the breezy Netflix mystery The Perfect Couple.
Where did the rumour come from? This is another story that’s based on bookies’ odds, with Jack’s name soaring towards the top of the list when Amazon acquired creative control of the spy franchise.
Who is he? The British star of films like Crazy, Rich Asians; A Simple Favour and the Guy Ritchie action film The Gentlemen.
Where did the rumour come from? After Daniel Craig’s exit from the James Bond franchise was confirmed, fans began campaigning for Henry to take over the iconic spy role.
What has he said?“[The speculation] definitely [came] from Crazy Rich Asians, maybe the white suit coming out of the park. [And] because I’m Asian and everybody’s fighting for a diverse Bond – sorry, white guys.
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“I don’t know. It’s an honour to even be in the conversation. It’s one of the greatest film roles ever, you’d be stupid to be like, ‘I don’t want to do that.’
“Isn’t it great that people are like, ’OK, now’s the time, why the hell can’t we have a black Bond, an Asian Bond, a mixed-race Bond, a non-distinct Bond?”
Jeff Spicer via Getty Images
Who is he? After appearing in Sunshine On Leith and Pride, George landed his biggest role to date when he took the lead in the Bafta-winning 1917, and he’s since appeared in Femme and The End.
Where did the rumour come from? According to a 2021 report in Page Six, Bond producers were hoping to reboot the franchise after No Time To Die, making the Bond character younger, which is where the idea to have George play a rather different 007 was reportedly born.
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What has he said? “You’ve got to consider it for sure. I mean, it’s an amazing thing, but it would also be a massive thing. I don’t know if that’s a reality, but if it ever became one, of course, it would be a consideration. But be a careful one.”
David M. Benett via Getty Images
Who is he? Regé-Jean became an overnight sensation in 2020 thanks to his role as the main love interest in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton.
Where did the rumour come from? Fans immediately began suggesting Regé-Jean as a potential Bond, and when he announced he wasn’t returning for the second season of Bridgerton, the rumour mill hotted up even further.
What has he said?“Ah, the B word. I think if you are British and do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that.
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“That’s fairly normal and I’m flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed.”
Who is he? Charlie’s biggest acting credits include Green Street, Queer As Folk, Sons Of Anarchy and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen. In 2025, he caused a stir when he was cast as Ed Gein in the third season of Ryan Murphy’s Monster.
He was also famously cast in the role of Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades Of Grey franchise, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and was replaced by Jamie Dornan.
Where did the rumour come from? Charlie’s name being linked with playing James Bond largely stems from his devoted fanbase, as well as bookies’ odds.
What has he said?“I would be so flattered and honoured to be considered to play James Bond as an Englishman. But my intuition tells me that I shouldn’t be waiting for that phone call to come. I think there are many people ahead of me on that list.
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“It’s very flattering sort of fan dialogue. Nobody’s ever, on a professional level from within the industry, brought that up to me.
“As much as people want to talk about me playing James Bond – please continue. Maybe that’s the genesis of these things. Maybe fan chatter leads to industry people actually talking about it in a more serious way.”
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Who is he? Sam is best known for playing one of the lead roles in the historical drama Outlander.
Where did the rumour come from? Sam has actually been on Bond producers’ radars for a while, having previously auditioned to succeed Pierce Brosnan in Casino Royale, which would eventually become Daniel Craig’s first outing in the role.
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What has he said?“I don’t know if there is a conversation being had apart from in the media, but I think it’s an incredible franchise and a great character, so of course I would jump at it.”
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Who is he? Henry is famous for playing Superman in the superhero’s most recent big-screen offerings, and also has the lead role in the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher.
Like Sam Heughan, Henry also auditioned for Casino Royale, back when he was just 21 years old.
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What has he said?“I would absolutely jump at the opportunity. At this stage, it’s all up in the air. We’ll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.”
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Who is he? The chart-topping singer made a name for himself as a member of One Direction, before making a name for himself as a Grammy-winning solo artist.
In addition to his music career, Harry also had a short-lived career as an actor, first appearing in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk before getting mixed-at-best reviews for his work in Eternals, Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman.
Where did the rumour come from? This might sound like the work of over-excited Directioners, but in 2021, The Sun reported that Bond producers were hoping to take the character in a “new age” direction, and tipped Harry for the role.
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What has he said?Harry’s reps said the rumours were “not even remotely true”. Too bad, tbh.
Who is he? Ted Lasso fans will recognise Phil from his Emmy-nominated performance as Jamie Tartt.
Where did the rumour come from? Interestingly, unlike most of the names on this list, this rumour comes straight from the horse’s mouth, with Phil confirming that a “conversation” was had about him playing Bond – albeit a short one.
What’s he said? “There was a conversation one of my agents had but they quite firmly shut the door in their face.”
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Who is he? Another addition to the list of rumoured James Bond stars, Lucien Laviscount’s past credits include Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Ryan Murphy’s Scream Queens and Emily In Paris.
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Where did the rumour come from?The Daily Mail first reported in December 2022 that Lucien had caught the eye of James Bond producers, with an unnamed source claiming he “ticks all of the boxes” as a “super talented” and “extremely handsome” young actor.
However, it appears there’s one drawback.
According to the Mail, Lucien’s reality TV past (after leaving Waterloo Road, he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, and was involved in a brief showmance with a certain Ms Katona) has put off some execs behind the scenes.
What has he said? Again, he’s yet to address the rumours directly, so make of that what you will.
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A South Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison after he imposed martial law in the country in 2024.
Yoon was found guilty of abuse of authority and masterminding an insurrection, stemming from his mobilisation of military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize the liberal-led National Assembly in December 2024, in a case that meant he also faced the death penalty.
The 65-year-old staunch conservative had defended his decree as necessary to stop liberals, whom he described as “anti-state” forces, from obstructing his agenda with their legislative majority.
Image: Supporters of Yoon react after the guilty verdict.
Pic: Reuters
The emergency rule triggered a national political crisis.
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Martial law lasted for around six hours, before being lifted after politicians managed to break through a blockade by hundreds of heavily-armed troops and police, unanimously voting to lift the measure.
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From 2024: How six hours of martial law unfolded in South Korea
Prosecutors sought the death penalty in January, saying “his unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law undermined the function of the National Assembly and the Election Commission… actually destroying the liberal democratic constitutional order.”
South Korea has not executed anyone since 1997 – a move widely seen as a de facto moratorium on capital punishment.
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Image: Yoon’s supporters staged a rally outside the Seoul Central District Court.
Pic: AP
The court also convicted and sentenced several former military and police officials involved in enforcing the martial law decree.
Former defence minister Kim Yong Hyun received a 30-year jail term for his central role in planning the measure and mobilising the military.
Yoon was sentenced last month to five years in prison for resisting arrest, fabricating the martial law proclamation and sidestepping a legally mandated full cabinet meeting before he declared martial law.
The Seoul Central Court has also convicted two of Yoon’s cabinet members in other cases, including former prime minister Han Duck-soo, who received a 23-year prison sentence for attempting to legitimise the decree by forcing it through a cabinet council meeting, falsifying records and lying under oath. He has appealed the verdict.
