With Reds boss Jim Magilton turning down overtures from east Belfast during the week, there were subplots aplenty ahead of kick-off

Glentoran shrugged off the ongoing managerial vacancy at the club to earn a gutsy victory over Cliftonville at Solitude on Saturday.

With Reds boss Jim Magilton turning down overtures from east Belfast during the week, there were subplots aplenty ahead of kick-off. And after defeat on home turf, former Northern Ireland star Magilton admits there will be a lot of soul-searching in north Belfast this week.

“I’ve been in the game long enough. My only focus was on getting a result today for Cliftonville,” said Magilton. “But we didn’t defend well, our two centre-halves didn’t win enough headers. We weren’t aggressive enough.

“We’ve got a big week ahead, a bit of soul-searching. That wasn’t anywhere near the levels I’d expect of our team.”

His side took the fight to the visitors from the off and came close to scoring inside a minute.

Ben Quinn delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box which deflected off a Glentoran head and was set to dip under the bar until Andrew Mills got a hand to it to tip it over.

The Glens grew into the contest and some sharp pressing from Ben Gallagher almost led to the opener as he caught Dean McMaster dawdling in possession before drawing a fine save from Peter Morrison.

Further slack play from Cliftonville was duly punished in the 15th minute. Shaun Leppard failed to clear his lines, heading weakly to Ross Clarke, who clipped a cross to the back post for Jack Malone to nod home.

Liam McStravick passed up a good chance to equalise, drilling a low shot against Mills’ legs after Quinn’s pass had sent him scampering clear.

A moment of magic from McMaster levelled it in the 33rd minute. Taking aim from 25 yards, the midfielder whipped a beautiful free-kick over the wall and beyond Mills.

Quinn teed up McStravick again shortly after, with Mills making another important stop for the visitors, and the sides went in all square at the break.

Glentoran came out for the second half on the front foot but it was Cliftonville who nearly went ahead after Brian Healy pounced on Marcus Kane’s header back to Mills, only to lift his shot over the bar from five yards.

The busy Mills pulled off another fine save, denying Quinn after Cliftonville skipper Rory Hale unlocked the Glentoran defence with a slide-rule pass into the winger’s path.

The home side’s frustration intensified when McMaster’s corner found Leppard unmarked in front of goal and the defender slammed a volley against the crossbar when he really should have scored.

At the other end it was Morrison’s turn to perform heroics, somehow deflecting the ball over when Clarke spun and shot from point-blank range.

But the Cliftonville keeper was powerless to stop the Glens’ 83rd-minute winner, as Jordan Jenkins capitalised on a frantic spell of pinball in the box to rifle into the net from eight yards.

Five minutes later, Malone — who had earlier been booked following an altercation with McStravick — saw a second yellow for a late hack on Hale.

But the Reds were unable to take advantage of the extra man as the Glens dug in for all three points.

Cliftonville: Morrison, Samuels (Conlon 20), Campbell, Hale, Healy, Leppard, McClelland, McMaster, Quinn (Gormley 71), Bannon, McStravick (Hawthorne 63).

Glentoran: Mills, Cooney, Kane, Clarke, Stewart, Sloggett (Kelly 76), Brown, Gallagher (Jenkins h-t), Larmour, Malone, Douglas.

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An oncologist told the couple that had they not returned to hospital when they did, Joshua Smith may not have survived another two or three months

A Welsh woman says her husband’s agonising headaches and unusual symptoms were initially “dismissed” by doctors, before a scan revealed a 4.5cm brain tumour. Now, as Joshua Smith battles aggressive glioblastoma, the couple from Wrexham are campaigning for better access to clinical trials and treatment in Wales.

2026 was meant to be their year. After meeting on a dating app a decade ago, building a life together, getting married in Scotland and spending weekends exploring Wales in their newly renovated camper van, Kelly and Joshua Smith were ready for their next chapter. They had their two dogs. They had their home. Next they wanted to start a family.

“This time last year, I was looking forward to the possibility of having a family,” Kelly, 33, said. “Having a little baby. But our plans were turned upside down.”

In January, 34-year-old Joshua started to experience strange symptoms. It started as something of a brain fog. Feeling spaced out. Then came a strange tingling sensation down the left side of his body. But, things took a real turn when he developed a migraine so severe that he told Kelly it felt as though “his head was going to explode”. It lasted for 10 days.

“We went away in our camper van one night during those ten days and he was literally crying because of the pain,” she recalled. “That’s when I knew – something is seriously not right here.”

Kelly, who is a nurse, pushed Joshua to see his GP; however they were reassured that there was nothing seriously wrong.

“I remember saying there were red flags,” she said. “Josh hadn’t been to the GP since 2009, and for him to have 10 days of migraines just wasn’t normal.”

Kelly flagged these concerns to the doctor, pushed for blood tests and said they would seek private medical care if they had to. Instead, Joshua was referred to an optician.

The checks came back clear but Joshua’s pain did not. The migraines continued.

And then they became unbearable.

“He just kept saying his head was going to explode,” Kelly said. “Then while he was in work, he phoned me and said he didn’t feel right so I said – ‘That’s it. We have to go to A&E.’”

At hospital, Joshua was assessed and given morphine before being sent home, according to Kelly, with advice to return if his condition became worse. But in the early hours of Saturday morning, Kelly’s instincts told her they needed to go back.

“By 3am, I just knew something wasn’t right,” she said. “I can’t explain it. I think, being a nurse myself, it was just instinct. Josh even tried to go to work, but I said: ‘No, we’re going back.’”

This time, doctors carried out further tests, including a CT scan.

However, nothing could have prepared them for what that scan had found. “They pulled us into a room as a family and told us they had found a 4.5cm mass on his brain.”

In an instant, the future they had been planning seemed to disappear.

Joshua struggled to comprehend what he was being shown. “I think Josh thought it was just a smudge on the screen,” Kelly said. “He asked if doctors were sure they had the right person.”

But Kelly knew immediately that the scan was showing an abnormality.

Following this, Joshua remained in hospital and they were lifted up by the possibility that the mass was not cancerous. “They told us it wasn’t cancer, they thought it was some kind of infection,” Kelly claimed. “That gave us hope.”

But that hope lasted just 24 hours. The following day, the couple were given devastating news.

“They came to us and said, ‘We are sorry – it looks like glioblastoma.’ We were like, ‘What’s that?’,” she recalled. “That’s when they said ‘glioblastoma is an aggressive brain tumour….with not a great outcome’.”

Glioblastoma is a grade 4 brain tumour that tends to grow quickly and infiltrate surrounding brain tissue. Even following treatment, it can return.

For Joshua and Kelly, the word itself was almost impossible to process. “To hear that after being told that it was likely not cancer… that was devastating,” Kelly said. “It felt like we’d been lifted up and then completely crushed.”

The couple knew only one person who had publicly spoken about having glioblastoma – Tom Parker, the singer from The Wanted, who died from the disease in 2022.

“You never think it’s going to be one of your own,” Kelly said. “That something like this could happen to you.”

Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, the couple powered forward – with Joshua determined to remain positive about the situation. They travelled to The Walton Centre to meet a surgeon, where Joshua was given three options. They could leave the tumour where it was. They could take a biopsy. Or they could attempt to remove as much of it as possible.

They chose the third option.

Joshua signed consent forms acknowledging the risks of major brain surgery – including death, paralysis and the possibility that he could be left significantly changed afterwards.

The operation was scheduled for Tuesday, February 24.

“It was a rollercoaster,” Kelly said. “One week we didn’t even know he had this in his head – the next he was having major brain surgery.”

The operation lasted around two to three hours, with surgeons removing approximately 95% of the tumour, according to Kelly. However, in the middle of one of the darkest periods of their lives, came a moment of unexpected normality.

Kelly had returned home to let their dogs out when her phone rang. It was the theatre nurse. Joshua had woken up… and he wanted KFC.

“He was demanding a KFC… a bargain bucket,” Kelly said with a laugh. “I had to get one of them on speed dial.”

Within three days, Joshua was home; for Kelly, seeing him walking and talking so soon after brain surgery was extraordinary. “It’s incredible that someone can have brain surgery and be up, walking and talking within 24 hours,” she said. “But in a weird way, I also think that almost makes it harder to process, because everything feels so normal when it’s not.”

But Joshua had made his position clear from the beginning.

“He said he will never give up,” Kelly said. “He has always been strong in that. He’s very brave.”

This mindset would be crucial in the period that followed, as Joshua began six weeks of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Glan Clwyd Hospital in April.

Every day meant a journey of around an hour from home, with radiotherapy sessions just 15 minutes at a time. Kelly arranged appointments in the morning to make sure Joshua had to get out of bed and keep moving, even on days when treatment made doing so difficult.

“He did amazing, to be honest,” she said. “He showed up every day.”

But then came one of the most terrifying moments of the journey. Joshua was at home when he told Kelly he didn’t feel right. The next moment, he was staring at her.

“I said ‘Josh, can you talk to me?’ And then he just went into this seizure,” Kelly shared. “That was the most frightened I had been – I thought I was going to lose him.

“I put him into the recovery position but he was in the seizure for 12 minutes. He went to A&E after that, but was discharged the next day and went for radiotherapy again. It was like a vicious cycle.”

During this, the couple began looking at clinical trials and Joshua was put forward for a treatment called Optune, available in Clatterbridge, England. But there was a condition: he needed a stable scan to be eligible.

After completing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Joshua underwent an MRI, however the scan showed slight progression; meaning he could not enter the trial.

“It was devastating to learn that,” Kelly said. “You get your hopes up and it feels like all that we’ve had is bad news.”

Joshua was transferred back to Glan Clwyd, where he underwent two further cycles of chemotherapy. Then another scan brought more difficult news.

There had been further progression. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here

“It was one thing after the other but then we were told about another a trial… this time in Cambridge. We had a meeting with the specialists based there and they went through the side effects of this trial – one of the major effects being, Josh could lose all of his vision.”

This side effect – paired with the fact that the couple would have to drive three hours there and three hours back, four days a week – led them to decide against it.

“It wouldn’t have been a good quality of life,” Kelly said.

As a result, Joshua is now having even stronger chemotherapy treatment – however if this does not work, the couple may have exhausted the options available to them through the NHS.

“We have explored alll treatments on the NHS and they wouldn’t be able to offer anything else, which is why we set up the GoFundMe page,” Kelly shared.

“I never thought we’d do something like that – we aren’t the type of people to ask others for money but we’d soon be having to look at going private or trials abroad which costs a stupid amount of money.”

The couple don’t know exactly what treatment might come next, but they want to be prepared. “If there comes a time soon where we have to look elsewhere, at least we know that the money is there to do that,” she added. The GoFundMe can be found here.

Researching clinical trials, genomic testing and treatment options, also made the couple increasingly aware of what they believe are gaps in access to treatment and research opportunities for patients in Wales.

“When Josh found out he had further progression, he said, ‘Even if it’s not for me, I would like change for the future and help families in the future who may have to go through this,’” Kelly said. “So he has put all his efforts into trying to make a change.”

The couple began working with Brain Tumour Research and became involved with its work around brain tumour treatment and research in Wales.

Among the priorities highlighted in the charity’s Welsh manifesto are increasing access to clinical trials, making trials available more widely across Wales and improving access to genomic testing.

Indeed, Joshua has undergone genomic testing himself, and Kelly believes the results have influenced which trials have been open to him. “If that was given to everybody, that would make things so much easier,” she said.

This week, Kelly and Joshua were invited to the Senedd with Brain Tumour Research to speak to a Senedd member about the issues they have experienced.

For them, it is another step in a campaign they never expected to be fighting.

“Trying to make a change is keeping Josh here,” she said. “I think it would be so easy for him to go into a downward spiral, but he’s choosing not to.”

For Kelly, Joshua’s story also carries a message for anyone who feels that something about their health is not right.

“Listen to your body,” she said. “We always say that if anybody feels something’s not right and they’re not themselves, then go to the GP or take yourself to A&E.”

Kelly says Joshua’s oncologist told them that, had they not returned to hospital when they did, he may not have survived another two or three months.

“That really puts things into perspective.”

But Kelly refuses to let a prognosis become the entirety of Joshua’s story.

“Accept the diagnosis, not the prognosis,” she added. “I say to Josh – I could go out tomorrow and get hit by a car. You never know what lies ahead. Just take every day as it comes and make it count… I say that to people who aren’t even going through what Josh is.”

And that is what they are doing; they are still travelling when they can; they are still spending time with their dogs; they are still making plans where possible.

And they are still holding onto the ordinary moments that existed before the diagnosis.

The support from family, friends, colleagues and strangers has also become a source of strength. One woman even gave the couple tickets to watch Wrexham play – something Kelly says has been one of Joshua’s biggest wishes.

“Honestly, everyone’s kindness has blown us away,” she said. “We have been so lucky to have amazing people around us, from our family to our work family to strangers. Thank you to everyone who has supported and donated to the page. It has been overwhelming, and meant the absolute world.”

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The future they imagined at the beginning of the year may look very different now but Joshua’s fight has not stopped. Neither has Kelly’s.

And alongside the treatment, the fundraising and the campaign for change, there is still the life they are determined to live, one day at a time.

“Joshua’s story is still being written,” Kelly said. “And we’re holding onto every bit of positivity we can.”

For more information on the Brain Tumour Charity, click here. To donate to Josh’s GoFundMe, click here.

Delays are expected in Swansea on Sunday as parts of the city host the annual Swansea Bay 10K.

According to traffic monitoring service Inrix: “Delays expected due to the Swansea Bay 10k with road closures now in place until 5pm on Roads between Swansea Beach, along the coast and towards Mumbles Beach (Oystermouth Square).”

You can see a full list of road closures here.

Chris Appleton has roped in his best pal Kim Kardashian to judge his Strictly Come Dancing moves in a new video shared to Instagram on Saturday. 

The celebrity hairstylist, 43, performed his Strictly moves in an underground car park as the reality star held up a score padle from a car. 

Chris joked that ‘Kim was a tough judge’ as she held up a score of two after messing up and laughing during the dance. 

Kim, who was dressed to the nines in a brown leather bralette and skirt, said: ‘For that, not being good under pressure, just because you are you,’ she held up the number two padel. 

Chris insisted his dance moves ‘don’t look as good here’ in the carpark as he performed a second Strictly move which Kim awarded him an eight. 

Kim replied in the comments: ‘You better work on dancing under pressure. But what do I know?! Have u seen my DWTS??? Maybe don’t take advice from me, YOU’RE GONNA KILL IT!!!’ 

The celebrity hairstylist, 43, performed his Strictly moves in an underground car park as the reality star held up a score padel from a car

Head judge Shirley Ballas begged the SKIMs mogul to join the BBC show panel, she penned: ‘I mean our desk IS big enough for five chairs ngl.’ 

It is currently unknown whether Kim will make an appearance during the BBC show but she has recently spent time in London for the opening of a Regent Street branch of her SKIMS store. 

During Saturday’s show, it was revealed that Chris is paired with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden.

The celeb contestants were split into groups of five to take part in three specially choreographed dance routines to find out their partner, in a new show shakeup. 

During the opening show the new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe made their debut.

The trio took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the BBC show at the end of the 2025 series. 

The hosts joined the dance floor for the first ever time as they welcomed back judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Sharing his nerves, Josh said: ‘It’s a little bit overwhelming to be here but we are so excited…’

‘We cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you,’ Emma said.

Chris joked that ‘Kim was a tough judge’ as she held up a score of two after messing up and laughing during the dance

Chris insisted his dance moves ‘don’t look as good here’ in the carpark as he performed a second Strictly move which Kim awarded him an eight

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Kim replied in the comments: ‘You better work on dancing under pressure. But what do I know?! Have u seen my DWTS??? Maybe don’t take advice from me, YOU’RE GONNA KILL IT!!!’

Head judge Shirley Ballas begged Kim to join the BBC show panel, she penned: ‘I mean our desk IS big enough for five chairs ngl’; L-R Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley and Anton Du Beke

During Saturday’s show, it was revealed that Chris is paired with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden 

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Viewers at home hailed Emma ‘the goddess of British TV’ as she launched the series in a plunging glitzy dress.

While the TV personality went down a hit with fans, bemused fans asked: ‘Why do we need three hosts?’ as they shared their verdict on social media.

Users wrote on X: ‘i love emma, jojo and josh but it feels so odd without tess and claude, this is gonna take some getting used to; I can’t understand why we need 3 presenters???; 3 hosts are different but I love emma willis so happy she’s part of this,’

‘Emma and Johannes have got this but Josh just does not fit #Strictly.’

Emma marked her first ever Strictly show with an emotional post on Instagram, writing: ‘Week one… I guess it’s officially happening then. Dress on, game face ready and fully prepared for the glitter to take over… Strictly, let’s be having you.’

As the hosts previously explained, the new presenting format is fluid with no ‘like-for-like’ replacements for Claudia and Tess. 

Instead, seasoned TV presenter Emma, comedian Josh and Strictly pro dancer Johannes tried out different combinations during the launch show episode.  

Pre-recorded last week, it saw the new crop of celebrities find out who they will be dancing with for, potentially, 13 weeks as they vie for the Glitterball trophy.

Taking to Instagram before the show, Tess wished the new trio the best of luck as she wrote: ‘BBC Strictly class of 26! So excited for tonight! And to finally be able to watch Strictly in flat shoes’.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER 

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AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’

DELTA GOODREM

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!’

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CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’

DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’

BETHANY ANTONIA 

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AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’

GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

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AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’

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TABBY STOECKER 

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

MELANIE WALTERS 

AGE: 64

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’

DANI DYER

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AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’

CHRIS APPLETON

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AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’

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WILL BEST

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’

JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 

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AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’

LAWRENCE ROBB

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AGE: 34

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s Emmerdale

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’

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JOHN NELLIS 

AGE: 33

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’

 

The X Factor has added fuel to the fire of speculation with the release of an update to its Facebook page.

It was reported earlier this month that a reboot of the ITV talent show has been in the works since December, with those in the know sworn to secrecy.

Before being axed, The X Factor had run every year from 2004 until 2018, producing 15 series (plus a celebrity spin-off in 2019).

During this time, it was responsible for discovering some of the biggest names in British music, including Alexandra Burke, Olly Murs and One Direction.

ITV confirmed that the show had officially been cancelled in 2021, while forging ahead with Simon Cowell’s other star-making behemoth, Britain’s Got Talent.

With rumours of a reboot picking up steam, The X Factor has suddenly changed its profile picture on Facebook – leaving fans more convinced than ever that the show is coming back.

This weekend, The X Factor quietly updated its Facebook page, changing the profile picture back to that of its 2016-2018 logo.

This is the third redesign of the branding, which stripped away the words ‘The’ and ‘Factor’ from the design, leaving only the iconic X.

Its final redesign, released in 2018, was a gold version of the logo with a bigger series of X’s at its core.

This update was the validation fans needed that their beloved show is coming back, with Rhodri writing on Facebook: ‘So this has confirmed the speculations about the show is coming back.’

Emma described it as ‘a sign,’ while Lynne was convinced that the show is ‘making a comeback’

‘It’s time to get the band back together!’ Bethan exclaimed, as Ellie added: ‘If it’s not Sharon, Simon and Louis, I don’t want to know.’

Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh are perhaps the show’s most well-known iteration of the judging panel, having debuted when the show first aired in 2004.

In the years that followed, judges came and went, with the likes of Cheryl, Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Nicole Scherzinger all bringing their expertise to the panel.

Prior to its cancellation, the show’s 15th series saw Simon lead a judging panel which consisted of Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field.

If the 2016-2018 iteration of the logo serves as a clue, then Louis, Sharon and Nicole all appeared on those series, with Simon once again leading the charge.

During this time, the show was hosted by Dermot O’Leary, in the second of two presenting stints.

The This Morning star, who hosted The X Factor from 2007-2014 and 2016-2018, is rumoured to be coming back when (or if!) the show makes its return.

However, he played coy when questioned by Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain this month.

‘It’s six years since it was on air which doesn’t sound like that much of a long time, but the world has changed and the music’s changed, and how we communicate and how we watch things has changed so much in those six years,’ Dermot said.

He continued: ‘I’m fascinated as to what they’ll do if they do bring it back. It’d have to be, in many ways, a very different show [but] you still want the nostalgia of how it was in the first place.’

It was also reported that Love Island host Maya Jama is a ‘frontrunner’ in talks to host the rebooted X Factor.

An insider told The Sun that Maya is ‘perfect for the reboot,’ with ‘plenty of experience hosting live shows and is one of the hottest talents on telly right now.’

‘The X Factor want to appeal the show to younger viewers and they feel Maya’s Love Island hosting and her huge following make her an ideal candidate.’

Metro has contacted ITV for comment.

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Scott James McNeice, 40, was discharged from the Army on medical grounds after he had his leg amputated following a training injury.

In 2018 he represented Team UK in six sports at the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games.

He died at his home in Leeming Bar on April 22 after 18 months of mental-health problems and depressive episodes.

At his inquest at Northallerton Coroner’s Court on Thursday, September 17, assistant coroner Dr Gill Kane said Mr McNeice joined the Army in 2003, served as a healthcare assistant in the Army Nursing Corps and completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He injured his knee during a training exercise in 2017 and chose to have his leg amputated after 12 operations, complications and an infection.

Scott James McNeice

The Army medically discharged him in 2019.

The inquest heard after leaving the Army, Mr McNeice struggled with his mental health and used alcohol to cope. He also represented Team UK in six sports at the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games, winning medals in archery, volleyball and wheelchair rugby.

Later in 2018, the Armed Forces Para Snowsports Team introduced him to snowboarding and described him as “having an interest in many activities”.

The inquest heard that Mr McNeice was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital on February 9, 2025, after experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Staff found he posed no immediate risk and discharged him.

On April 9, 2025, he was taken by ambulance to Darlington Memorial Hospital after self-harming.

Scott James McNeice

But he left before staff could carry out an initial assessment.

The inquest heard that Mr McNeice saw GP Dr Rufus Barraclough in person on April 10, was diagnosed with a depressive disorder and given antidepressants.

Dr Barraclough told the inquest that Mr McNeice was “low in mood” and that he referred him to mental-health services.

“During that appointment, Mr McNeice didn’t give any indication that he had suicidal thoughts, and I diagnosed him with a depressive disorder and gave him antidepressants,” Dr Barraclough said.

Scott James McNeice

The coroner told the inquest that Mr McNeice’s ex-partner, Caitlin, received a ‘worrying’ WhatsApp message on April 21 and went to his home in Leeming Bar.

She brought a neighbour with her, and they found Mr McNeice snoring in bed before leaving.

When they returned the next day, they found Mr McNeice on the bed and not breathing.

Emergency services attended, and Mr McNeice was pronounced dead just before 5pm.

Assistant coroner Dr Gill Kane said she was “satisfied that Mr McNeice was given the help, advice and support” and that the “risk factor had been weighed up” by the medical professionals who treated him.

Dr Kane recorded Mr McNeice’s death as suicide.

• The Samaritans say that whatever you’re going through, you can call them for free, at any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

Fuel prices are tipped to hit a record high this week as a result of the ongoing conflict in Iran

Petrol and diesel drivers in the UK have been advised to fill up their fuel tanks before 10am on a Friday in order to save money, as the price of fuel is expected to hit an all-time high next week.

Gordon Wallis, an expert at Interfuels, has cautioned that the time motorists visit the pumps can have a significant impact on both price and efficiency. Fuel costs can fluctuate several times throughout the day, with changes influenced by wholesale market movements, local competition and consumer demand.

This means refuelling early in the morning can offer its benefits, with charges likely increasing by late morning and around lunchtime as new wholesale prices are factored in.

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The advice comes as the price of petrol and diesel is forecast to spike to its most expensive level since April over the coming days, as the war in Iran continues.

Motorists are currently paying an average of 169.68p per litre for unleaded petrol and 191.68p for diesel, according to figures from RAC Fuel Watch on Monday, September 14. Costs have also exceeded the diesel peaks of 191.54p recorded on April 15, as the Middle East conflict continues to push up oil prices.

Motorists are now confronting some of the steepest prices seen in recent years. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said fuel prices are now at levels not witnessed since early August 2022, just a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Mr Williams told GB News: “With oil well over $100 (£74.20) a barrel, there’s no end in sight to high pump prices and the pain it brings to drivers who depend on their vehicles. In fact, the average price of diesel may be on the way to overtaking the record high of 199.05p set on June 25, 2022.”

He added: “Petrol, however, is still a long way from its all-time record of 191.53p on July 3, 2022.”

Retailers don’t always update their forecourt displays straight away, so there can be a brief window where costs are marginally lower and reflecting the previous day’s figures. At a time when petrol and diesel prices are continuing to climb almost daily, capitalising on lower wholesale rates can be vital.

Gordon Wallis told the Express: “By late morning, many retailers have already adjusted their prices to reflect overnight changes in wholesale costs. That means drivers filling up around midday are often paying a premium. Late morning and early afternoon tend to be busy periods, with people stopping during errands, commutes or lunch breaks. When demand is steady, there is less pressure on retailers to keep prices low.”

Gordon added that for motorists refuelling regularly, selecting the right time of day could save over £100 annually. He said: “Midday is often one of the busiest times at service stations. Refuelling earlier or later can mean shorter queues and a smoother visit overall.

“Tracking patterns at your local station and adjusting your habits accordingly can help you avoid paying more than necessary,” he added. “In a period of higher fuel costs, these small, practical steps can make a real difference over time.”

Timing might not be the only factor that matters, with motorists advised to fill up before the weekend surge.

Motoring specialists at Save at the Pump, an advice platform providing guidance on reducing fuel expenses, disclosed that Friday and Saturday are usually the most costly days to refuel.

The experts noted that drivers can anticipate being charged approximately 1-3p per litre more towards the end of the week and through the weekend. If forecourt prices still reflect the preceding day’s wholesale cost during the morning hours, filling up at 10am on Friday morning might be the final opportunity to benefit from the lowest rates.

On the front line of the battle to save lives, charity workers say they are seeing the devastating impact of the new synthetic opioids first-hand.

In the woods at Glenbarr on the Kintyre peninsula, staff from the drug, alcohol and mental health charity With You are trying to treat trauma in a group designed to help former drug and alcohol users reconnect with nature.

Gareth Balmer, the charity’s national harm reduction lead, says nitazenes and other synthetic opioids are now appearing across the drug supply, from benzodiazepine (street Valium) pills and cannabinoids, known as spice, to cocaine and heroin.

“This is a frightening new landscape,” he said. “I don’t think drugs have ever been as risky or as dangerous as they are now.”

The result is that some users are experiencing unexpected and sometimes catastrophic overdoses.

“Some of these substances are so potent that a grain would be enough to take somebody over,” Balmer warned, adding that access to naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is now more important than ever.

Neil Jones has been left without a Strictly Come Dancing partner for another year.

The professional dancer, 44, joined the BBC dance competition in 2016 and has not been assigned a partner for seven of the ten years.

He was last paired with singer Toyah Willcox in 2024, where they lasted only two weeks before being eliminated.

Strictly 2026 launched with a pre-recorded show on Saturday where the pro dancers found out their celebrity partners, but once again Neil has been relegated to the subs bench alongside three of the new professionals. 

The show veteran addressed the snub in an Instagram video posted during Saturday night’s launch show which saw him attempting to throw a pen into a cup before it was replaced with a much bigger bin, alongside the caption ‘if I get the pen in the bin I will get a celeb partner’.

The dancer still missed, with fellow pro dancer Kai Widdrington, who has landed a celeb partner, catching the pen off camera.

Alongside the clip, he joked: ‘You know I love being part of @bbcstrictly and honestly after adding 2 Guinness World Records last year to my 45 titles around the world, I feel like it would be greedy to win the glitterball as well so I wanted to give the others a chance.’

15 new celebrities descended on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor on Saturday night as the 24th series kicked off in spectacular style

Fans and Neil’s co-stars flooded the post with laughing face emojis as they praised his optimism. 

It was previously revealed that Neil missed filming several pre-recorded group dances after suffering an injury during rehearsals.

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Neil is a much-loved and valued member of the cast, but sadly not all the pros can get a partner.

‘Bosses love him because of his jokey personality, so expect to see him on set as much as possible.’

15 new celebrities descended on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor on Saturday night as the 24th series kicked off in spectacular style. 

As the launch show got underway, fronted by new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, the dance partnerships were announced. 

The celeb contestants were split into groups of five to take part in three specially-choreographed dance routines to find out their partner. 

Dani Dyer, 30, returned for her second year after an ankle injury forced her to withdraw early in last year’s competition. 

She was reunited with her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 28, whom she was paired with last year.  

House of The Dragon actress and West End star Bethany Antonia, 28, partner was Nancy Xu, 35.

Bethany had requested a female dance partner after she was inspired by Nicola Adams and Katya Jones’ coupling in 2020 as they helped with her coming out journey.

‘That was life-changing for me – to see my family so supportive of an all-female couple and what that meant,’ she said.

Nancy missed out on a partner last year so was delighted to be back in the competition once again. 

Love Island star Cach Mercer, 25, has been paired with one of the five new Strictly pro dancers Maddie Ingoldsby.

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, is with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden.

Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, 41, is with Kai Widdrington whilst dog trainer Graeme Hall, 59, is with Lauren Oakley.

Actress Jaime Winstone, 41, has been partnered with Carlos Gu, who will be hoping to replicate his 2025 win with Karen Carney.

Sports Youtuber John Nellis, 33, is with the show’s longest-serving professional Katya Jones.

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38, has landed fan favourite Vito Coppola whilst Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, 34, is with Jowita Przystał.

The oldest celebrity in the new series, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, 64, is in good hands with long-time pro Aljaž Škorjanec.

Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, has been paired with Julian Caillon whilst former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, is with Alexis Warr.

British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, 25, is with another new pro Mark Karmalita and Big Brother presenter Will Best, 41, is with show favourite Dianne Buswell, who lifted the Gitterball in 2024.

Strictly continues on BBC One on Saturday September 26. 

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER 

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AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’

DELTA GOODREM

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!’

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CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’

DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’

BETHANY ANTONIA 

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AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’

GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

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AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’

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TABBY STOECKER 

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

MELANIE WALTERS 

AGE: 64

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’

DANI DYER

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AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’

CHRIS APPLETON

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AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’

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WILL BEST

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’

JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 

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AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’

LAWRENCE ROBB

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AGE: 34

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s Emmerdale

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’

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JOHN NELLIS 

AGE: 33

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’