A hero farmer alerted police over an alleged car bomb plot on RAF Fairford after stumbling upon five ‘Middle-Eastern-looking, masked’ men on the way home from a party.

Several suspects were taken into custody on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after viable incendiary devices and chemicals were found in a van parked near the army base in Gloucestershire on Sunday. 

The group, some wearing balaclavas, was found with three white vans and were filmed during their arrests as they sat shirtless while handcuffed, indicating officers may also have suspected they were wearing suicide vests.

A villager had reportedly been driving home from a party in the early hours of the morning before spotting the abandoned vehicles on a quiet country road.

She was said to have accelerated away before calling the police – stopping to also message a local WhatsApp group where she warned people to lock their doors.

The men were arrested less than 25 minutes later, with footage showing them sat in handcuffs in the middle of a road.

The woman described herself as ‘quite lucky’ considering ‘what could have happened if they had tried to stop me’ driving away.

‘I just thought what the hell are they doing… I saw a group of Middle-Eastern-looking young guys running off through the trees. Some of them had masks or balaclavas on, and they all scattered ahead of us as we drove back past.

The group was rounded up and put in handcuffs sat on the road as security bosses sent in Army bomb experts and the SAS to tackle the threat

Three white vans have been probed by a wheeled robot attached to the bomb squad after five men were arrested following a ‘foiled terror plot’ on RAF Fairford (pictured)

‘Some of them ran into the fields, and some of them turned to run towards the air base. We realised this was something pretty serious,’ she told the Telegraph. 

She added it was ‘pretty incredible’ to think she may have ‘foiled a terrorist plot’ – adding a ‘plucky amateur should not be spotting an unusual bit of activity at 1am when the air base is on high alert’.

The farmer said she had spotted the vehicles ‘blocking the road’ before seeing a ‘large group of hooded and ‘balaclava’d’ men’ while driving home. 

‘I think it’s absolutely astonishing,’ she added.

RAF Fairford is the US Air Force’s command outpost for Europe-based operations and has been used for American strikes on Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The base was the subject of a warning from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in July, with the regime warning Britain not to allow US bombers to fly from the base.

The farmer’s revelation comes despite US President Donald Trump suggesting authorities already had the suspects under investigation.

Mr Trump said earlier: ‘It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job.

‘We had them under investigation. They, they were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.

‘It may have been Scotland Yard, I don’t know. We worked with a lot of them.

‘We had them under view for a long time, and we got them. Thank you.’

Julian Tudsbery, who has lived in Whelford for 30 years, said a resident had reported three ‘suspicious vans’ in the village.

The bomb disposal robot was seen going between each of the parked vans

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The robot was captured travelling down a deserted road before it probed three white vans

‘Evidently, they phoned the airbase police, who didn’t answer the phone,’ he said. ‘It just rang out so she dialled 999.’

Mr Tudsbery said he was evacuated from his home at around 7am.

He added: ‘(The police) were then banging on the door, so I went downstairs in my dressing gown.

‘There were several police, three police cars in the drive, and they said you need to evacuate, there’s been a major incident, said he couldn’t elaborate.’

He said he had left behind his cat, Misty, at the home he shares with his wife.

It comes as aerial footage captured by a helicopter showed a bomb disposal robot probing three white vans parked near the airbase. 

The wheeled robot was seen travelling down a deserted rural road before approaching the vehicles. The rear doors of two of the vans were open and large black items could be seen scattered inside. 

Earlier, Gloucestershire Police said the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team would examine a number of vehicles in the village of Whelford.

The force has not confirmed which vehicles were being examined, or mentioned the use of a bomb disposal robot during its investigations.

Counter-terrorism police are understood to be leading the investigation into the incident amid suspicions a potential attack may have been foiled.

Jason, 50, left his Whelford home with his family, their 11-week-old puppy and two cats to travel to a nearby leisure centre. 

He said around 40 or 50 people had been evacuated from their homes, with about 20 people remaining at the centre as of 12.30pm. 

Between 40 and 50 residents have been evacuated to the Cirencester Leisure Centre

Armed police around the village of Whelford, near RAF Fairford this morning

A B-1B Lancer bomber pictured at the air base, which has been used to mount US strikes against Iran since the US-led war began

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A vehicle which appeared to be a tractor blocked a gate at RAF Fairford this morning

Jason said the village ‘always feels pretty safe’ but that there had been ‘heightened tensions’ due to the base being used by the US Air Force. 

‘I think some of the other residents have noticed more police patrols and things like that,’ he said. ‘But I’ve not really noticed any particular difference.’

He said there were messages on a village chat about vans blocking one of the lanes and that he heard a helicopter overhead about 1.30am today. 

‘Then I went to bed,’ he said. ‘Then we were woken up about 6am with a couple of police at the door.’

A Government spokesman said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being ‘kept updated’ from Liverpool, where the Labour Party conference will be held today.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said of the incident: ‘We can be reassured that this is being dealt with.’

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the incident was ‘contained’ on X.

She wrote: ‘I would like to thank emergency services for their swift response to the major incident in Gloucestershire this morning and their reassurance that they believe the incident is contained.

‘Whilst investigations are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.’

Emergency service vehicles including fire engines descended on Whelford as the major incident was investigated

In June, the US government said it would spend around $500million (£377million) on ‘expansion and military infrastructure’ at RAF Fairford, understood to include a new hangar complex.

A month earlier the Royal International Air Tattoo, set to be held at the base in July, was cancelled after the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) said the ‘escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East’ had required a ‘significant increase in real-world operational missions’ from RAF Fairford.

RAFCTE said both the Royal and US air forces needed to ‘maintain unrestricted, 24/7 operational readiness at the base’.

Shortly after the US and Israel began the war with Iran on February 28, roads surrounding RAF Fairford were closed in a bid to ‘address safety and access issues’.

Protective screens were mounted on the base’s perimeter fences in March to stop filming after it became popular with plane spotters when US bombers began arriving.

That month US military personnel at the base were pictured preparing explosives at the base as Washington intensified strikes on Iran.

The Burnage brothers will stop off in Glasgow, Manchester, Munich, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Boston, Las Vegas, Ireland and Knebworth

Tickets for Oasis’s 2027 tour have now sold out, the band confirmed.

The iconic Manchester band will play 42 shows across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the United States between May and September next year.

Oasis will stop off in Glasgow, Manchester, Munich, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Boston, Las Vegas, Ireland and Knebworth.

Click here for the latest on Oasis including ticket and 2027 tour details in our WhatsApp group

The huge tour will kick off at Glasgow’s Celtic Park before heading to Manchester’s Etihad Stadium for 11 dates in June. In September, the tour will end with six huge shows at Knebworth Park.

Fans were told to sign up to register their interest in tickets, and asked to identify their preferred venue.

Lucky fans were then sent codes to access sales windows on Ticketmaster, which have been running from Friday until 8pm today (September 27).

Now, after the final window closed, the band confirmed that all tickets for the tour have now sold out.

Standard ticket prices were fixed and ranged from between £71.50 and £266.60, including fees, for all dates in the UK, according to Ticketmaster. There was also VIP packages available, which varied in price per venue and add-ons.

Richard Ashcroft is once again the special guest support act, but Liam Gallagher has said that more acts are set to join the line-up.

And Liam has also said that fans can expect to hear a different set list to the original 2025 reunion shows.

It is just two weeks since the Burnage band confirmed they would get back on the road for a second tour in as many years. A spectacular drone show took place over the Etihad Stadium.

Last year, 2025, saw the brothers reunite on stage after 16 years apart. Last summer saw the rockers play a staggering 41 shows as part of their Oasis Live ‘25 reunion, running from July through November.

Even since, fans and press have speculated that the huge tour, which stopped across the UK and Ireland and an international leg, would not be the last time the brothers and the band would appear on stage.

In recent weeks, it was confirmed that Oasis’ tour promoters, Manchester’s SJM, had secured the necessary permissions to host gigs at the sprawling Knebworth House park, which added further fuel to the fire surrounding the Oasis 2027 dates.

Knebworth was the scene of two huge Oasis shows in 1996, as they rode the crest of a wave following the release of the previous year’s album (What’s The Story) Morning Glory.

Oasis has issued a reminder for fans to be ‘vigilant’ following ticket sales for their 2027 tour, with all shows officially sold out.

Over the weekend, fans who registered ahead of the sales and received a unique, non-transferable code were assigned one of nine on-sale windows to manage traffic and reduce waiting times.

It’s fair to say the process was anything but stress-free, though, as many raged over ticket prices, which started at £170.50, and after encountering technical difficulties on Ticketmaster.

Nevertheless, the 42 shows sold out in their entirety, so all Liam Gallagher, 54, and brother Noel Gallagher, 59, have to do now is remain civil enough to ensure the tour goes ahead.

Kicking off in May in Glasgow, the Oasis Live ’27 dates will then cover Manchester, Munich, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Boston, Las Vegas, Slane Castle, and finally Knebworth, wrapping up on September 26.

It’s been confirmed that ‘no further shows will be added to this tour’ by Oasis and their team.

Following confirmation that the band’s gigs are sold out, they issued a warning to those unsuccessful in securing tickets.

‘All tickets for Oasis’ eagerly anticipated Oasis Live ‘27 tour sold out over the weekend during three days of on-sale windows,’ a press release announced on Sunday evening after three days of buying.

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‘Fans are now reminded to remain vigilant and avoid scams selling tickets on social media. These tickets will be fake and invalid.

‘Tickets currently seen on secondary websites are also liable to be cancelled.’

They stated that ‘resale tickets will only be available via Ticketmaster and Twickets, at the price originally paid, nearer to the tour dates’.

Famously feuding siblings Liam and Noel also took to X with their own post, writing on the Oasis page: ‘Tickets for Oasis Live ‘27 have now sold out. See you in 2027!’

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As expected, countless fans were disappointed not to have been successful in the sales, with @leonlfc calling the system – which did not have a general sale or any other public presales outside of the process – a ‘shambles’.

@DianaUpton20633 argued that the ‘cost of tickets ruined it for proper fans’, while @anoyingdevils raged that it was ‘shocking’ how they ‘never even got a code’.

Meanwhile, @laurathomas141 demanded to know what the band is ‘going to do’ about the extortionate cost of resale tickets already being advertised on various platforms, with some exceeding £1,400, but still with the danger of enticing the right person who wants them badly enough.

‘These should be cancelled simple as’, @liamjdbutler said of the resold tickets.

@Madferit31_ has already predicted a ‘stressful fight for resale’ after failing to bag tickets this weekend, with @jordanc5991 calling the sales ‘brutal’.

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Throughout the weekend, Liam, who is no stranger at all to an online clap-back, has been bantering with fans trying to secure a spot in the stadiums while also hitting out at critics of the pricing system.

On Friday, he instructed people to ‘stop moaning’ about the pricing, stating simply, ‘Don’t buy them’ if they had complaints.

Still, he was all for fans grabbing tickets to attend multiple shows where possible, with one user joking: ‘so you want all our money huh’.

He wrote back cheekily: ‘What else you gonna spend it on’.

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Full list of Oasis 2027 tour dates

• May 21 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• May 23 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• May 25 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• May 28 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• May 29 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• June 4 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 6 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 8 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 11 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 12 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 15 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 18 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 19 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 22 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 25 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 26 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• July 2 Munich, Allianz Arena
• July 3 Munich, Allianz Arena
• July 6 Munich, Allianz Arena 
• July 10 Barcelona, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
• July 11 Barcelona, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
• July 16 Amsterdam, Johan Cruijff ArenA
• July 17 Amsterdam, Johan Cruijff ArenA
• July 20 Paris, Stade de France
• July 23 Paris, Stade de France
• July 26 Rome, Stadio Olimpico
• July 29 Rome, Stadio Olimpico
• July 30 Rome, Stadio Olimpico
• August 10 Boston, Gillette Stadium
• August 13 Boston, Gillette Stadium
• August 14 Boston, Gillette Stadium
• August 20 Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium
• August 21 Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium
• August 24 Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium
• September 4 Slane Castle, Ireland
• September 5 Slane Castle, Ireland
• September 11 Knebworth, UK
• September 12 Knebworth, UK
• September 18 Knebworth, UK
• September 19 Knebworth, UK
• September 25 Knebworth, UK
• September 26 Knebworth, UK

In 2025, having announced that the ‘guns had fallen silent’ and they were reuniting after splitting in 2009, Liam and Noel hit the road.

Their Oasis Live ‘25 tour became an instant phenomenon from the moment they walked out in Cardiff holding hands, and what followed were months of unprecedented levels of euphoria and – for the first time in over a decade – unity and togetherness.

More than 10 million fans attempted to buy tickets from 158 countries, with an estimated £1billion generated for the UK economy alone as a result.

Speaking recently about the decision to tour again, Noel explained on Talksport: ‘It was after about the second Wembley show.

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‘Nobody really knew what was going to happen at the (time). Well, you can see it on the documentary, but nobody really knew how it was going to go.

‘We did Cardiff and Manchester, and then by the time we got to Wembley, somebody said, “Well, you know,” and it was decided we were going to do it, and it was all set in motion then.’

Alas, both brothers have denied that they’ll be adding new music to the set list, and while Liam has hinted that 2027 ‘could be the last time’ they play live together, Noel gave a marginally more hopeful answer of, ‘I don’t know’ when probed on whether the band will continue into the future.

Besides, while festival bosses shut down the rumours this time, there’s still every chance they’ll headline Glastonbury again…

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MORE: Amelia Dimoldenberg slams ‘puppet’ Ed Sheeran in brutal SNL UK monologue

MORE: Oasis codes land this weekend – here are 7 ways to survive ‘ticket anxiety’

MORE: Jeremy Clarkson defends Ed Sheeran after Macklemore controversy: ‘Who’ll get cancelled next?’

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Switched On

Get plugged into the week’s must-watch shows, unmissable moments, and expert reviews with Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr.

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Motsi Mabuse made a very cheeky remark to new presenter Josh Widdicombe during the first Strictly Come Dancing live show on Saturday night – as he was branded a ‘spare part’ by viewers.

Things got off to a shaky start with new presenting trio Josh, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman this year.

Comedian Josh, 43, was presenting from the dance floor with Emma, 50, as Tess did previously, while Johannes interviewed the stars from the auditorium like Claudia.

However, the decision didn’t go down well with viewers, who remarked that Josh looked like a ‘spare part’ next to seasoned professional Emma, before noticing that he missed his cue twice during the show.

Josh was also on the receiving end of a sassy comment from judge Motsi, 45, as Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, and her pro partner Julian Caillon were getting their feedback.

After Craig Revel Horwood gave his rather cutting feedback, Motsi turned to him to say that she actually agreed with what he was saying for once, which led to Craig quipping: ‘Great – we can move on to Shirley [Ballas] then!’

Motsi burst out laughing before then replying: ‘Well I have to do my job too!’

Josh then jokingly shouted: ‘Shirley!’ as if to skip over Motsi’s feedback like Craig had suggested.

Things got off to a shaky start with new presenting trio Josh, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman this year

Motsi then cheekily remarked to Josh: ‘Well are we going to be friends or enemies, you choose now!’ as the audience and Josh laughed it off.

Reacting to the moment on X, one viewer said: ‘Josh feared for his P45 in Week 1. Motsi ate him up.’ 

Emma, Josh and Johannes have received mixed reactions since they took over from Tess and Claudia, who departed the BBC show at the end of the 2025 series. 

No doubt with a lot on her mind, Emma joked she was feeling ‘nervous’ about the live aspect of the show before introducing the judges and contestants to the stage.

And after it was revealed Josh and Emma would present together on the dance floor Josh was branded a ‘spare part’ by some. 

He did, however, earn some praise for making a ‘change partners’ joke, in a playful throwback to the new musical chairs-style format used to announce the pairs in the launch show. 

As Josh stood on the dancefloor looking bemused Emma, Johannes and judge Craig appeared alongside him, while Josh wailed ‘change partners’, leaving viewers in hysterics. 

Many reacted to the new trio on X as they penned: ‘I’m not going to be one of the people hating on Josh. For me the problem is that three hosts just aren’t needed. He’s just standing there awkwardly next to Emma without much to do. Josh should’ve been up where Johannes is and Johannes should be dancing imo.’,

‘ngl, i’m not a fan of this hosts setup. i’d switch jojo and josh around, why book a comedian and not put him causing chaos and fun in the clauditorium (or whatever we call it these days) #Strictly.’,

Amid his presenting Josh was also on the receiving end of a sassy comment from judge Motsi, 45, as Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, and her pro partner Julian got their feedback

Reacting to the moment on X, one viewer said: ‘Josh feared for his P45 in Week 1. Motsi ate him up’

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Many reacted to the new trio on X as they penned: ‘I’m not going to be one of the people hating on Josh. For me the problem is that three hosts just aren’t needed…’

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‘Ok. I still don’t feel it. It might have fared better if it was just Josh upstairs and Emma on her own. I feel that dynamic would’ve had more flow. What’s everyone else thinking??.’,

‘Everyone is being quite hard on Josh but he’s really not the problem. He should be up in the Clauditorium to crack jokes with the contestants. Emma is fantastic and such a natural so she should be on her own on the main floor. Three hosts are too much.’

No one will be leaving the show this week, with the scores from week one combined with next week’s before the first elimination next Sunday. 

Up first to perform was Big Brother presenter Will Best, 41, who performed the Samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams with his partner Dianne Buswell. 

While there was rapturous applause from the audience, Craig Revel Horwood was quick to point out Will’s ‘sloppy’ arms, and awarded him four points, the same as Shirley Ballas. 

Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke awarded Will scores of five, giving him a total score of 18. 

Then it was time for British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, 25, to jive to Animal by KATSEYE with new pro Mark Karmalita. 

She particularly impressed Anton, who said it was like seeing last year’s winner Karen Carney back on the dancefloor. He awarded her a score of seven. In turn, Motsi gave six, and Shirley five for a very respectable first week score of 22. 

Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, was paired with Julian Caillon and they took on the Quickstep to C’est Magnifique by Kay Starr. 

After a few mistakes in her routine, Dame Storey was awarded a three by Craig and fours by the remaining judges, giving her a final score of 15. 

Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, 34, and Jowita Przystał performed the Paso Doble to Aperture by Harry Styles, earning him a four from Craig, fives from Motsi and Shirley and a six from Anton, totalling 20. 

Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, stepped up to perform the Cha Cha to Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell, with his partner Alexis Warr. 

He failed to impress, earning a two from Craig, fours from Motsi and Shirley and five from Anton for 15 overall. 

House Of The Dragon actress and West End star Bethany Antonia, 28, performed a Quickstep to Stop This Flame by Celeste. 

She was paired with Nancy Xu, having requested a female dance partner after Nicola Adams and Katya Jones’s coupling in 2020 helped with her coming out journey.

The move paid off, with the pair’s dance branded the best of the night so far and earning them a score of 26 – consisting of sixes from Craig and Shirley and sevens from Anton and Motsi. 

However, they didn’t stay top of the leaderboard for long.

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38, performed a Cha Cha to How Will I Know by Whitney Houston alongside fan favourite Vito Coppola, earning a standing ovation from Shirley. 

The routine earned them 27 – with sevens from Craig, Shirley and Anton and six from Motsi. 

Comedian Josh, 43, was presenting from the dance floor with Emma, 50, as Tess did previously, while Johannes interviewed the stars from the auditorium like Claudia 

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During Strictly’s first live show YouTuber John Nellis surprisingly topped the leaderboard as viewers finally warmed to the ‘worst-ever’ lineup

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, teamed up with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden to Tango to No Roots by Alice Merton. 

They scored 16 – made up of three from Craig, four from Motsi and Shirley and five from Anton.

The oldest celebrity in the new series, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, 64, took on the Cha Cha to Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee.

Paired with long-time pro Aljaž Škorjanec, she scored a total of 15 – including two from Craig, fours from Motsi and Shirley and five from Anton.

Love Island star Cach Mercer, 25, performed a Quickstep to I Just Might by Bruno Mars with new pro dancer Maddie Ingoldsby. 

The pair were criticised for adding too much freestyle to the ballroom routine but still scored a respectable 20 – three from Craig, sixes from Motsi and Anton and five from Shirley. 

Dog trainer Graeme Hall, 59, was a dark horse on the night as he showed off his skills doing the Cha Cha to Hound Dog (Smokey Joe’s Café version) with his partner Lauren Oakley. 

Craig, Motsi, Shirley and Anton all awarded him six points for a total of 24. 

The stakes were high for actress Jaime Winstone, 41, who was paired with reigning champion Carlos Gu for her Tango to I Feel Love by Donna Summer. 

Yet she proved she could hold her own, and while there were some criticisms for not including enough ballroom moves, she still scored 21 – fives from Craig, Motsi and Shirley and six from Anton. 

A year later than she’d hoped, Dani Dyer, 30, finally made it onto the dancefloor, reuniting with her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin after an ankle injury forced her to withdraw before the live shows last year.

The pair’s first dance was a Samba to Lush Life by Zara Larsson, and it was worth the wait, with Dani earning sixes from Craig and Anton and fives from Motsi and Shirley for a score of 22. 

They were cheered on by Dani’s famous father Danny – who sat proudly in the front row of the audience. 

Sports Youtuber John, 33, and Katya then had their dance labelled the ‘best’ of the night – earning scores of eights from Shirley, Motsi and Anton and a seven from Craig to send them rocketing to the top of the leaderboard. 

Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, 41, rounded off the show by performing the Samba to Baianá by Barbatuques with her partner Kai Widdrington.

They scored 29 after eight from Motsi and sevens from Craig, Shirley and Anton.

The live show allowed viewers to warm to the celebrity contestants, after the lineup was previously branded ‘the worst ever’.

The celeb lineup was announced on social media this year rather than on radio and TV, but many followers had never heard of the names.

John, for example, a ‘sports content creator’, 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, rather than being known to the average Joe.

In recent years, BBC bosses have started to introduce content creators, reality stars and online influencers to the lineup in a bid to attract Gen Z viewers.

It’s a move that paid off, with YouTuber Joe Sugg, Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri for example, all proving popular with fans and reaching the final.

Yet this year, that idea was put into overdrive, with an insider claiming the series has actively targeted stars with a big social presence to attract younger viewers.

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 four million fans on Instagram.

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

However, loyal fans were 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 – the majority of Strictly viewers are in fact Gen X and Baby Boomers.

Audience demographic data indicates that around 60 per cent of the audience is aged 55 or older, putting the average viewer age firmly in the mid-50s and above.

Yet this year, it’s been suggested Strictly is following a similar, hugely successful social media strategy employed by its US counterpart Dancing With The Stars.

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.’

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DELTA GOODREM

AGE: 41

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

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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!’

CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

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

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

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AGE: 48

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.’

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GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

AGE: 59

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

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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!’

TABBY STOECKER 

AGE: 25

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

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 

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AGE: 64

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!’

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CHRIS APPLETON

AGE: 43

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

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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.’

WILL BEST

AGE: 41

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

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

JAIME WINSTONE

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AGE: 41

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!’

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LAWRENCE ROBB

AGE: 34

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JOHN NELLIS 

AGE: 33

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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!’

 

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British couples have lost tens of thousands of pounds after an IVF clinic in Portugal filed for insolvency – leaving many in limbo mid-treatment – in what has been described as the “biggest disaster globally in the sector”.

Ovom Care continued to take payments from its patients and administered treatments just days before they abruptly closed their business. Given that many of their patients had not paid via a credit card to avoid hefty exchange fees, they have been informed they are ineligible for refunds and have received no word about compensation.

Investors in Ovom said claims for prepaid treatment can be registered with the insolvency administrator.

One couple believe the ordeal has cost them upwards of £30,000, while another woman says she was left devastated to discover she had paid for three IVF rounds – despite her new doctor informing her she likely suffers from endometriosis.

At least 38 British patients are known to have been with the clinic at the time it became insolvent. However, The Independent has been told Ovom likely had around 200 clients and that around 60 per cent were UK nationals.

Ovom Care’s chief executive told The Independent the clinic was “deeply sorry” to patients for distress caused, but those who had paid for treatment they had not received would now need to contact insolvency administrators. She suggested a: “number of claims circulating publicly are factually not correct”, without specifying.

Pippa Hogg and her wife Jay Brown, both 39, had always known they wanted children. As a same-sex couple, they were aware of the financial pressures of undergoing IVF in the UK, which can spiral into the tens of thousands of pounds.

After researching various clinics and speaking with friends, they decided to pick Ovom Care as they felt protected by EU rules and were pleased that Portugal had almost identical laws to the UK on sperm donation. They travelled to the country and felt reassured by the staff and enjoyed a good relationship with their doctor – so decided to proceed with treatment.

After months of living on “the extreme frugal side”, they transferred £5,000 for a round in February which failed, and then made a second £10,000 payment on 15 August for three egg collections, as well as an additional £2,800 for their sperm donor vials.

Ms Hogg underwent her first scan on 21 August and began her simulation three days later. But the couple were left blindsided when they were informed on 28 August that Ovom were insolvent.

“It’s been really hard to be honest,” Ms Hogg told The Independent. “It was such a shock, I got really, really upset. As a queer person, you’ve already gone through other barriers and it felt like the final nail in the coffin. I also found it hard while also being treated for hormones and the procedure – I’ve not been back to work since. I’ve found it hard to be normal.”

Ms Hogg and Ms Brown are now undergoing treatment with Avenues. Given that they are now seeking another sperm donor and their bank has refused their fraud claim on the money paid to Ovom, they now believe the process has cost them in the region of £32,000.

A spokesperson for Ms Hogg and Ms Brown’s MP, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: “Miatta is very saddened and concerned to read about the experiences of those affected by the situation at Ovom Care.

“We would strongly encourage the constituents affected to get in touch with our office directly if they have not already done so. We will be looking out for their cases and will ensure that they are treated as a high-priority case by our office.”

Michelle, who does not wish to include her surname, 42, and her husband had been trying for a baby for years. They chose Ovom Care due to the high quality of doctors advertised but now feel their “one shot” of having a child has been taken from them.

Prior to beginning their treatment with Ovom, Michelle says she went for a scan at a clinic in Harley Street, London, and was informed she may have endometriosis. Upon asking Ovom’s specialist doctors if she should investigate further, she said was reassured further scans were not necessary.

In December 2025, she underwent her first egg transfer. She discovered that the transfer had failed on Christmas Day, but claims to have felt pressured to continue with her second transfer in February, which also failed.

“I was in such a bad way mentally and thinking ‘what’s wrong with me physically, I’m killing these things. I’m the reason this isn’t working, I’m a bad person’,” she said.

Given her age, she asked if she should take part in another egg retrieval or undergo further testing, but says she was once again reassured by the clinic that all was well, and she should proceed with her third and final transfer in August.

She discovered this had also failed on 26 August, just one day after Ovom filed for insolvency and two days before they informed their patients.

An estimated 60 per cent of Ovom’s patients were British and London-based Avenues clinic, run by Ovom co-founder Dr Cristina Hickman, has offered to take over their care. Avenues subsequently informed Ms Haworth that her initial scans had shown endometriosis, endometrioma and adenomyosis.

Michelle and her husband believe they are now £20,000 out of pocket, and are unsure how to raise the funds for a second opportunity. They have joined forces with other affected patients to launch a fundraiser, with the hope of using it to recuperate costs and pay for future treatment.

Dr Hickman, who said she left Ovom in 2024 over disagreements with the direction the clinic was taking, said there had been a “misalignment between healthcare and venture capital business”, which had failed to prioritise patients.

The clinic had been backed by venture capital firms Alpha Intelligence Capital, Ananda Impact Ventures and Merantix Capital, and received a €4.8m (£4.1m) investment in 2024.

“It’s hard to navigate the private equity and venture capital space as a healthcare provider as you want different things, there is a different target,” Dr Hickman said.

“Six months before your runway of money runs out you should do a transfer of care, stop further care from starting and transfer the embryos. There is a way to shut down clinics and there is no registered doctor I know that would have done this.

She added: “You don’t just announce an insolvency and walk away. People remortgage their households to do this treatment.

“This is the biggest disaster I have seen globally in the IVF sector, this is as bad as it gets.”

Ovom Care’s German parent company is separately subject to its own insolvency proceedings. Restructuring measures are initiated and a mergers and acquisitions process is organised.

The insolvency administrator and Portugal’s regulator for assisted reproduction, the CNPMA, approved a process for stored eggs, sperm and embryos to be transferred to the Ava Clinic in Lisbon. Ovom say this was safely carried out under the CNPMA’s authorisation and clinical data is also being securely transferred.

Rachael and Anthony Jones, 38 and 36, had been trying for a baby but had suffered three miscarriages. They were drawn to Ovom Care after continuously seeing their adverts “popping up online”, and after conducting their research and having a “no pressure” consultation, they felt that the clinic was a good fit.

In April, they made an up-front payment of more than £8,000 to cover three cycles of IVF and embryo transfers, and began the process in May. After travelling to Portugal for their egg retrieval, they felt encouraged by the “lovely” staff and nurses, and had no concerns about their treatment.

In July, they were informed that they could not undergo the embryo transfer as essential building work was taking place at the clinic, and on 21 August, they were disappointed when their transfer was delayed again due to a scan showing Rachael’s womb lining was not sufficiently optimal.

Just one week later, they received an email at 5:30pm on a Friday to inform them that the clinic had filed for insolvency.

“That weekend was just horrendous,” Rachael said. “I don’t think we slept properly. We were trying to contact Ava Clinic, where we were told the eggs would be transferred to, but they had also only found out on the Friday and were inundated with queries. They couldn’t get in touch with Ovom either. Ava only got our eggs a week ago and until then, it has been massively stressful.”

“We feel fleeced,” Anthony said. “The financial side has had to really dictate our choices. There’s the context of it as well – we’ve had three miscarriages which we haven’t really gotten over. You then take the scientific route and hope it will be a bit more in your control. We just feel like the unluckiest people in the world.”

Similar to Pippa and Jay, they are now also with Avenues, which has offered to retrieve their eggs for no additional cost. They are now hoping to embark on a new treatment plan in a few weeks, but the stress from the ordeal is believed to have triggered Rachael’s Graves’ disease, which means it is unlikely that they can go forwards with the embryo transfer for another six months.

Ovom Care chief executive, Felicia von Reden, said in a statement to The Independent: “I would like to start off by saying that we as management are deeply sorry for the distress and uncertainty caused by the insolvency proceedings.

“Stored eggs, sperm and embryos, together with patients’ clinical records, have been transferred to AVA Clinic in Lisbon, with the authorisation of the Portuguese health authority (CNPMA). If you are currently undergoing treatment, or wish to continue your care, please contact AVA Clinic directly. They are able to advise on next steps.

“If you have paid for treatment that was not provided, this is a claim against the insolvent estate.

“We are currently in the process of finding a fair outcome for patients who paid for treatment that was not delivered, and I will communicate further as soon as there is something concrete to share.

“The circumstances surrounding the insolvency, including the operational decisions taken after the court appointed an independent administrator, are before courts in Portugal and Germany. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on matters under judicial review.

“I will say, however, that a number of claims circulating publicly are factually not correct.

“My focus, and the priority of everyone involved, is making sure patients get the support and answers they need – we are working on this with all the resources we have.”

A spokesperson for the Ava Clinic said: “Portugal has a long-standing reputation for safe, reliable and high-quality fertility treatment. Ava Clinic is proud to be part of that tradition, with more than 25 years of experience in assisted reproduction that patients can trust.

“The situation with Ovom Care is unfortunately an example of poor business practice which can impact any sector in any country; but should never be allowed to impact patients. For this reason, Ava Clinic had no hesitation in doing everything possible to ensure the safety of Ovom Care patients and their frozen reproductive material.

“When our support was requested by the court-appointed insolvency administrator and by Portugal’s assisted reproduction regulatory authority, our priority was immediately to protect patients and ensure continuity of care. Our team worked intensively to safeguard frozen reproductive material, preserve clinical records and support every patient who wished to continue treatment.”

A joint statement from Alpha Intelligence Capital, Merantix Capital and Ananda Impact Ventures said: “Our funds invested in Ovom Care between 2023 and 2024. Alpha Intelligence Capital and Merantix Capital had representatives on the board of its German parent company; Ananda Impact Ventures held an observer position on the board.

“The insolvency of the Portuguese clinic and its German parent company is the subject of court-supervised proceedings in Portugal and Germany. Management acted throughout on legal advice, and both entities cooperated, and continue to cooperate, fully with the insolvency administrators and the courts. As the proceedings are ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on matters under judicial review.

“As Ovom has set out, patient safety measures were taken, including the transfer of biological material to an authorised backup facility, AVA Clinic in Lisbon, with the approval of the Portuguese health authority Claims for prepaid treatment can be registered with the Insolvency Administrator.

“Our sympathies are with everyone affected, particularly the patients whose treatment has been disrupted, and the clinic’s staff.”

The USS Klakring was struck by a missile and sank in the North Atlantic during the operation at the MOD’s Hebrides Range.

A US Navy warship has been sunk in Scottish waters as part of a joint military operation. The USS Klakring was struck by a missile from the USS Paul Ignatius with Royal Navy vessels and aircraft also involved in the operation at the MOD’s Hebrides Range.

UK and US forces have been undertaking live-fire exercises in the North Atlantic off the coast of the Western Isles this month. Known as Atlantic Thunder 2026, the operation included a joint-exercise targeting the USS Klakring, a decommissioned warship.

Dramatic footage published by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet shows the moment the frigate was hit by a missile during the exercise. After launching a missile from the USS Paul Ignatius, explosions can be seen onboard the USS Klakring as smoke and flames erupt from the vessel while it is destroyed.

The operation was originally planned to take place in May, with the sinking of USS Klakring by co-ordination between British and American forces the centrepiece, but it was delayed by four months.

Launched in 1982, the USS Klakring was an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate named for after World War II Rear Admiral Thomas B. Klakring. It was decommissioned in 2013 after three decades in active service and had been stored at the Philadelphia Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Pennsylvania before it was brought to Campbeltown ahead of the exercise.

All hazardous materials had been removed from the vessel before being sent to the bottom of the ocean.

It is not the first time a former US warship has been sunk as part of training exercises between UK and US forces off the coast of Scotland. A previous Atlantic Thunder operation took place in September 2022 in which HMS Westminster, a Wildcat helicopter and three RAF Typhoons sank the decommissioned frigate USS Boone alongside the US Navy and the US Air Force.

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Two women on a mission to rescue 10 dogs died after a minibus, two trucks and a van collided in Romania.

Allison Condon, 61, and Rachael Harvey-Purkiss, 41, were in a minibus driving along the DN6, near the village of Vălișoara, Thursday morning.

The vehicle went on the wrong side of the road and crashed head-on into a lorry, injuring the 60-year-old driver, according to Romanian news outlet Informat.ro.

The lorry hit another HGV, trapping the minibus, before another van crashed into the pile-up.

Rachael, from Essex, and Allison, from Northamptonshire, died at the scene just after 11am. Eight of the 10 dogs also died.

The women were in western Romania to take the dogs to France for the UK-based Homeward Bound, which helps street dogs in Turkey.

Allison’s daughter, Sammie Condon, said on Facebook that she has received an ‘incredible outpouring of support’ from well-wishers.

‘This wasn’t supposed to happen…I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact it did and we still don’t know why or how just yet,’ she wrote.

‘This was supposed to be a beautiful adventure that brought dogs to the life they dreamed of. Then we were going to go home, carry on with our lives and try to build a better one

‘And all of it is gone.’

Sammie added that at least one dog survived the crash and is with a Romanian rescue shelter.

‘We cannot take away their grief’

Claire Dalton, the founder of Homeward Bound, said on social media that she is ‘heartbroken’.

An admin of the organisation’s Facebook group said Allison and Rachael’s hearts were ‘full of nothing but love and care for animals’.

‘Today we’re grieving in a way I can’t explain to you,’ they said, describing them as ‘two beautiful rare diamonds’.

More than £23,000 has been raised for Allison and Rachael’s families to cover the costs of flights, vet bills and supporting the remaining dogs.

‘We cannot take away their grief. But together, we can help ease the financial burden that has fallen on them so suddenly,’ the fundraiser says.

The Foreign Office is aware of the incident and in touch with the local authorities.

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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said a crew from Acomb was called to The Green, in Green Hammerton, at 9.56am today (Sunday, September 27).

The stack measured 20 metres by 30 metres and crews needed assistance from a water bowser from Tadcaster.

A service spokesperson said: “Crews used a 45mm hose and ground monitor to extinguish the fire.”

Thousands of homes in parts of West Sussex have water supply issues and a number of roads have flooded after what police are describing as a “significant” leak.

Roads around the Southgate Roundabout in Crawley have been closed on Sunday morning due to the burst water pipe, Sussex Police said.

Southern Water said around 9,000 customers were impacted and it was setting up bottled water stations.

A company spokesperson said: “Our teams are on site and working as quickly and safely as possible to repair the burst and restore supplies.”

The company said customers were experiencing a loss of water supply or low pressure in the following areas – Woolborough Road, Holmcroft, Southgate, Tilgate and Furnace Green.

It reported at 12:00 BST that supplies had returned to some homes.

At about 18:00, Crawley Borough councillor Duncan Crow said about 4,000 properties had seen their supplies returned.

The Southern Water spokesperson added: “Restoring water to customers as quickly as possible remains our highest priority.”

John Boulton, who is 82, and his partner are without water.

He said: “It’s pretty disgusting, really – we pay so much for the water supply.”

Boulton said he had just paid £22 for bottled water in a shop.

By WILL HALLOWELL, NEWS REPORTER and NATALIA PENZA

Published: 18:17 BST, 27 September 2026 | Updated: 18:42 BST, 27 September 2026