The Bolton half-marathon and 10k made its debut today, March 1, bringing a large-scale run event to brighten up everyone’s winter.
Competitors were on the start line at Queen’s Park for 9am, with all manner of skills and ages being eagerly cheered on by the crowds, who lined the paths of the park and the streets of the town centre and past the town hall.
The run, which was organised by Epic Events, was thought in the lead-up to be harder than other half-marathons, such as their recent Southport one, with Bolton being much hillier.
But while the best time at Southport was 1:14:57, the hills proved no issue for our half-marathon winner Jonathan Sangster, aged 41.
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Jonathan Sangster, 41, the half-marathon winner, with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Oliver (Image: Newsquest)
He completed his half in 1:17:38, not bad going for a much hillier course – and was even seen overtaking the lead bike at one point!
Jonathan, who is Bolton “born and bred”, said: “It was challenging, but it was great. It is a great event.
“It is great to see this in Bolton. Obviously we had the potential return of the marathon a few years ago but it didn’t happen, but this has been a big event and to have it on home soil is perfect.
Meanwhile Tom Race, aged 24, not only has the best name a runner could have, but breezed the 10k in the fastest time of 36 minutes and 18 seconds.
The Rawtenstall man said: “It is not my fastest time, but this is a difficult course, there are a lot of ups and downs and corners, so it is hard to keep a rhythm.
“I think it is a great thing, everyone should have this on their doorstep.
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“It is great for your mental wellbeing, and it is not even 10am and I’ve already done something good with my day, and have the rest of it to go.
“It is such a buzz when you finish.”
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, ready to hand out medals (Image: Newsquest)
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, was on hand to give out the medals to competitors.
He said: “I think it is fantastic, I have seen so many people this morning, male and female, it is absolutely great.
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“I hope it will be an annual event.”
He also had his own personal connection, with his son, Matthew Chadwick, taking part in the 10k.
They were serenaded off at the break. O’Neill made changes, as he had to. On came Reo Hatate and Sebastian Tounekti and off went the new men to this fixture, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Junior Adamu. O’Neill could have pulled the trigger on many more, but he left it at two. And it worked. He got his team very badly wrong to begin with, but he righted the wrongs thereafter.
The mentality of sport. You could spend 100 years studying it and still not understand it. Yes, it was about new blood and new tactical thinking, but it was more than that. A team with all the belief suddenly started running out of it. A team with zero belief were suddenly reborn. Confidence is a fickle beast. From nothing, Celtic lorded the second half.
Hatate, a player who has looked a poor version of his best self this season, had a huge impact. He forced the first save out of Jack Butland after 55 minutes. Celtic were now on top. Rangers were in full retreat.
When Kieran Tierney pulled one back with a header it was just reward, Rangers were idling and Celtic were desperate. Where was this urgency earlier on? Daizen Maeda and Luke McCowan could and should have scored.
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The thought occurred that after getting out of jail so often in recent times, maybe time was going to catch up with them again. Maybe all of this pressure was too little, too late. There was no act of escapology against Hibernian last week – and with a few minutes to go, you struggled to see one coming here.
It did, of course. The way this season is going – drama at every turn – a late, late penalty was never going to cut it in terms of theatre. No, no. There had to be more.
Hatate’s penalty was saved by Butland, as was his shot on the rebound. Ibrox contorted itself as the goalkeeper performed heroics and then the place let out a guttural groan as Hatate made it third time lucky. The visiting Celtic fans away in the distance went berserk. Sanity plucked from the jaws of madness.
Celtic had their draw. Not what they came for, not what they needed, but it was more than they thought they were getting at the break. And a lot less than what Rangers thought they were getting.
An oil tanker suspected of belonging to the Russian shadow fleet has been seized in the North Sea in a joint Belgian-French operation.
The captured vessel is named Ethera and is on the European Union’s sanctions list, according to Belgian officials.
Announcing the raid, French president Emmanuel Macron called it “a major blow to the shadow fleet“.
Posting on X, he wrote: “In the North Sea, our French Navy helicopters helped last night in the boarding by Belgian forces of an oil tanker under international sanctions.
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“Europeans are determined to cut off the sources of funding for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine by enforcing sanctions.”
Image: The joint Belgian-French raid on the Russian shadow fleet tanker Ethera. Pic: EmmanuelMacron/X
Moscow is believed to be using a network of poorly-regulated ships with opaque ownership structures to circumvent Western sanctions aimed at cutting its oil revenues.
The ageing tankers are typically prone to spills, mechanical failures, and leaks, and often sail without top-tier insurance or safety certification.
Belgian defence minister Theo Francken said the seized ship was suspected of sailing with a “false flag and false documents”.
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He said: “Without his shadow fleet Putin can’t wage war against innocent Ukrainians. So we take these vessels out. One by one. Till his war of aggression stops.”
The ship is now being escorted to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, Francken said.
Belgium’s federal prosecutor’s office has also opened an investigation.
In a post on X, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said: “We urge all partners to follow this example, counter Russia’s shadow fleet resolutely through sanctions and concrete action, and advance peace through strength.”
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The Russian embassy in Belgium said it was not notified about the basis for the seizure, and added that it was seeking information on whether any Russian nationals were on board.
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The French navy intercepted the tanker Grinch in the Mediterranean in January and only released it a month later after the owners paid a penalty worth “several million euros”.
Previous seizures of tankers carrying Russian cargoes have been called “piracy” by the Kremlin.
Related violence expanded Sunday to a growing number of places, with a rising death toll. A major Israeli strike targeted Tehran. Iran fired drones and missiles at Israel and U.S. military installations around the Gulf, and also at the global business and tourism hub of Dubai. Several people were killed in clashes after protesters stormed the U.S. consulate in Pakistan.
The joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which started on Saturday, carried the potential for a wider war and the fallout could hit the world economy. Global reaction ranged from jubilation to condemnation. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to seize the moment and “take over.”
The latest strikes came two days after the latest U.S.-Iran talks as Trump pressured Tehran for a deal to constrain its nuclear program.
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Iran’s provisional governing council started its work Sunday, and is expected to name a new supreme leader. Iran’s theocracy has struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests that began over the economy but turned into anti-government ones.
Supreme leader was one of the first targets
Israel said it had worked with the U.S. for months to plan the attacks. The U.S. military said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.
One of the first strikes hit near the offices of the 86-year-old Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989 and held ultimate power. Iranian state television and state-run IRNA news agency reported Khamenei’s death, without details.
Israel said it killed 40 top Iranian military officials, including the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and the defense minister. Iranian state media said at least 200 people have been killed.
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The U.S. and Israel also struck Iran last June during earlier nuclear talks, greatly weakening Iran’s air defenses, military leadership and nuclear program. The Trump administration has asserted that Iran had been rebuilding its nuclear program, which Tehran has insisted is for peaceful purposes.
‘Crossed our red line’
Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Three U.S. service members have been killed, according to U.S. Central Command.
“You have crossed our red line and must pay the price,” Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address Sunday.
The authorities said 10 people have been killed in Israel, and loud explosions caused by missile impacts or interceptions could be heard in Tel Aviv.
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Air defense fire thudded over Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ commercial capital, which has long drawn business and expatriates by billing itself as a safe haven in a volatile region. Shrapnel from Iranian attacks on the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi killed two people, state media said.
Attacks also extended into Oman — Iran’s longtime interlocutor with the West.
Saudi Arabia said Iran had targeted its capital and eastern region in an attack that was repelled. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters, and three buildings were damaged in the capital, Manama, and Muharraq city.
Kuwait’s civil aviation authority said a drone targeted the main international airport, injuring several employees. Explosions could be heard in Qatar. Jordan said it “dealt with” 49 drones and ballistic missiles.
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Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from leadership.
Trump tells Iranians ‘take over your government’
In announcing the “major combat operations,” Trump indicated the U.S. was striking for reasons beyond Iran’s nuclear program. On Friday, he voiced frustration over lack of progress in negotiations to stop Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons.
He listed grievances stretching back to the beginning of the Islamic Republic following a revolution in 1979 that turned Iran from one of America’s closest allies in the Middle East into a foe. Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for armed proxies in the region were other issues.
Trump on Saturday told Iranians to take cover but urged them to later rise up and topple the Islamic leadership.
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“When we are finished, take over your government,” Trump said. “It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
US military plans to maintain pressure
Trump later said “heavy and pinpoint bombing” in Iran would continue through the week or longer.
The U.S. had assembled a fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region as it negotiated with Iran about a deal over its nuclear program. The fleet has added more than 10,000 U.S. troops to the region.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in January to bolster the number of warships. The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and four accompanying destroyers were later dispatched from the Caribbean to head to the Middle East and are now in the Mediterranean.
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U.S. Democrats are leading efforts to limit Trump’s war powers, notably after he pledged to end with ’’forever wars″ abroad.
Fighting impacts other countries, disrupts air travel
The strikes elicited mixed global reactions, including angry protests, celebrations and calls by world leaders for a return to negotiations and peace.
At least nine people were killed in clashes with police and paramilitary forces Sunday after hundreds of Shiite protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in the Pakistani port city of Karachi, authorities said.
Shipping companies suspended their vessels’ traffic through the Suez Canal. The strikes could rattle global markets, particularly if Iran makes the Strait of Hormuz unsafe for commercial traffic. A fifth of worldwide traded oil passes through the strait.
Hundreds of thousands of travelers were stranded or diverted to other airports after Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain closed their airspace. There was no flight activity over the United Arab Emirates, flight tracking website FlightRadar24 said.
11 mins: Chelsea win themselves a free kick inside the Arsenal final third.
Pedro Neto flicks the ball into the box and a deflection knocks the ball to Mamadou Sarr.
He tries to volley a shot at goal but miscues it and turns it wide instead.
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Decent opportunity for Chelsea though.
Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:41
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
8 mins: Shots at either end and neither is very good.
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Cole Palmer takes the first one having drifted in from the left before firing wide.
At the other end, Martin Zubimendi gets the ball on the edge of the box and lifts his effort too high having lent back during his strike.
Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:38
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Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
5 mins: What has gone on there?
Robert Sanchez pushes up to the edge of his own box and takes a heavy first touch after a back pass.
He almost loses it and has to throw himself on the floor to poke it across to his nearest teammate.
An awkward moment for the Chelsea goalkeeper.
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Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:36
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
3 mins: A poor pass from Piero Hincapie sees the left-back send the ball out of play and Chelsea recover possession.
The Gunners have beaten the Blues twice in recent times having won both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final played between the two teams.
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Is today a chance for some redemption?
Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:33
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Declan Rice kicks off the game and pings the ball to David Raya who boots it over to the right side of the pitch.
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A headed clearance sees the ball come back to Gabriel and he passes it back to Raya for another long ball forward.
Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:31
Arsenal vs Chelsea
The Gunners stride out onto the pitch knowing anything less than a win will be a huge advantage for Manchester City in the title race.
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Chelsea though need three points to increase their hopes of winning a Champions League place after victories for Man Utd and Liverpool this weekend.
Which way will this one go? Kick off is up next…
Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:25
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Eze to shine today?
Eberechi Eze has scored each of his last 11 Premier League goals in London, with all six of his goals for Arsenal this season coming in London derbies.
That’s the most ever by a player in a season without scoring outside of London derby games.
The last Gunners player with more derby goals in a season was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018-19 (7).
(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:20
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An issue of discipline?
Chelsea have received six Premier League red cards this season, more than any other club and their joint-most ever in a single season.
They saw Moisés Caicedo sent off against Arsenal earlier this season and have only received more reds against Liverpool (8) than the Gunners (7).
(Getty Images)
Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:15
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Signs aren’t good for Chelsea
Chelsea have lost eight of their last nine away Premier League matches against sides starting the day top of the table, winning the other 2-1 against Man City in May 2021.
They’ve played nine away top-flight games against Arsenal when the Gunners are top and won just once – a 2-0 win in March 1948.
Mike Jones1 March 2026 16:10
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Rare errors from Arsenal
Only Tottenham Hotspur players (5) have made more errors leading to goals in the Premier League in 2026 than Arsenal’s (4), with 44% of the goals the Gunners have conceded this year coming from an error (4/9).
The M62 is closed westbound between J20 (Rochdale) and J19 (Heywood) following a serious collision.
An Air Ambulance has attended.
The eastbound carriageway is currently blocked J19-J20 at Rochdale and Heywood.
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There are delays of 60 minutes on the M62 eastbound J18-J19.
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
A spokesman for National Highways said: “North West Motorway Police Group have requested a closure westbound between J20 and J19. It is anticipated that accident investigations will be requied.
“National Highways traffic officers are providing assistance with road closures.”
DIVERSIONS
Traffic travelling westbound is advised to follow the solid circle diversion route:
Leave the M62 westbound at J20.
At M62 Jct 20/A627(M) Roundaboutt, take first exit onto A627(M) Southbound and follow for 1.7km.
Leave A627(M) at A627(M)/Slattocks Link Road Roundabout.
At A627(M)/Slattocks Link Road Roundabout, take second exit onto Slattocks Link Road Westbound and follow for 1.1km.
At Slattocks Link Road/A664 Rondabout, take third exit onto A664 Westbound Slattocks Link and follow for 2.2km.
At A664/A6046 Jct, turn right onto A6046 Norhbound Hollin Lane and follow for 2.6km.
At A6046/M62 Jct 19 Roundabout, take first exit and rejoin M62 Westbound.
The spokesman added: “If this incident impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
“Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed.
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“Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.”
The Married At First Sight UK Series 10 cast will reunite for one last time tonight
Samantha King Content Editor
16:17, 01 Mar 2026
E4 viewers are bracing themselves for what promises to be a fiery reunion episode tonight (March 1) as the Married At First Sight UK Series 10 cast sit down together for one final time.
The explosive season concluded in November last year with the group last shown to viewers enjoying a reunion dinner party shortly after making their final vows. A fresh reunion special will air tonight on E4, catching up with the cast months after their love stories aired on TV.
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Since the series wrapped nearly all of the couples have split, with just one still going strong today. Abigail Lindsay and John Shepherd were late arrivals to the series but proved the strongest match of all, and the duo recently announced they were moving in together. They also teased that they had “a little secret” to reveal to viewers at the reunion tonight.
Reflecting on her own MAFS UK experience ahead of the special episode, Abigail posted: “What started as an experiment turned to be our real love story. And now we’re taking the next step moving in and building our future together. Here’s to love, growth and proving that sometimes the most unexpected journeys turn into the most beautiful ones.”
E4 has been busy teasing viewers about what they can expect from tonight with a series of sneak peek clips, with one of the key confrontations in the reunion taking place between Rebecca Fenney and Bailey Smith.
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The couple were consistently one of the strongest throughout their season, despite an initial hiccup at their wedding when Rebecca questioned how attracted she was to Bailey. However, during their honeymoon they found a spark that carried them through the whole series.
Viewers watched them make their emotional final vows where Rebecca said she would uproot her life in Liverpool to join Bailey and his young daughter down south, and they were still together at the last reunion.
However, after the final episode of the season aired, the pair revealed they had split up. While they have kept the details of their split mostly under wraps, the duo are set to address their relationship breakdown at the reunion.
What time does the MAFS UK reunion start and end?
In one preview clip, Rebecca can be seen confronting Bailey for his actions after their split around the dinner table. He admits he “got with someone too soon” after they parted ways, but doubled down that he hadn’t done anything wrong. The back and forth descended into a full shouting match as Rebecca insisted she didn’t consider herself his ex.
Viewers will be able to watch the dramatic reunion tonight at 9pm on E4, with the episode running until 10.35pm. It will also be made available to stream on Channel 4’s catch-up service after airing.
Married at First Sight UK: Reunion Special airs on E4 tonight at 9pm. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.
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The 23-year-old had been leaning against the balcony of the apartment he shared with his father to look out for a pizza delivery when the railings reportedly broke
15:38, 01 Mar 2026Updated 15:47, 01 Mar 2026
A heartbroken mum has paid an emotional tribute to a young man from Co Derry who died after falling five floors from his apartment in central London.
Joshua Robbins, 23, who was originally from Claudy but had moved to London with his father in recent years, tragically plunged to his death at around 8.20pm on January 29.
It has been alleged that the 23-year-old fell from the fifth floor of the apartment block at Holland and Thurston Dwellings on Newton Street, in Holborn, after a “railing gave way” as he looked over a ledge to see if a pizza delivery had arrived.
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Joshua’s heartbroken parents, Fiona Garrett and Will Robbins, issued a statement in the wake of the young man’s death saying that they are devastated by his loss and that they will be seeking “truth and accountability” into the alleged safety failings at the apartments.
They said: “Josh lived at Thurston Dwellings on Newton Street in London WC2. Originally from Claudy, Co Derry. Josh moved to London as a young man to seek opportunity, sharing a flat with his dad and building a future for himself.
“On the evening of Thursday, 29 January 2026, at approximately 20:37 hours, when the flat buzzer sounded, Josh assumed it was his pizza delivery. He went out of his front door onto the communal landing by the lift area to see if it was the delivery arriving.
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“As he looked over the railing, it gave way. Josh fell from a height of five floors and died on impact.
“Josh’s father Will witnessed the immediate aftermath of his son’s fall, something no parent should ever have to see. He is deeply traumatised by what he witnessed.
“This is not an allegation or speculation. The railing gave way. Our son did not climb it or behave recklessly. A safety barrier that was meant to prevent a fall gave way, with catastrophic consequences.
“Josh was a happy, go-lucky young man who loved life. He loved playing games online with friends and staying connected to people, wherever he was. Growing up in Claudy, Josh loved the craic at the GAA pitch. He didn’t play for a team, but that never stopped him being the best supporter.
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“He had a smile that lit up every room and was widely described as kind, funny, and full of charisma, with impeccable manners and an ease with people that made him instantly likeable.
“Josh’s favourite quote was: ‘Every day is precious, just like you.’
“Our family is absolutely devastated. We have lost our son. We should not be planning a cremation. We should not be waiting for pathology reports. We should not be writing statements like this or trying to navigate trauma and bureaucracy at the same time.
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“Yet here we are. We are seeking answers not only for Josh, but so that no other family ever has to endure this pain. Not one more.”
Fiona shared a fresh tribute to her son on Friday as she and Joshua’s dad prepared to ‘lay our beautiful boy to rest’.
“My son. My heart. My forever child. Twenty-three years was never enough. Not for his kindness, his gentle soul, his quiet goodness. I don’t know how a world keeps turning when yours stops. I carry you with me always, Josh,” Fiona wrote Fiona in a message shared on Twitter / X ahead of her son’s cremation.
Fiona has launched a GoFundMe in a bid to raise money to help secure legal representation for the family as they seek answers into Joshua’s death.
“Josh was deeply loved. He was gentle, kind, and quietly thoughtful – the sort of young man who made people feel valued in his company. He had plans and hopes for the future. Our lives have been irrevocably changed by his death,” Fiona said in a message shared on the fundraising page.
“Securing appropriate legal representation and independent expert input is essential to ensure that Josh’s death is fully and properly examined, and that our family’s interests are represented.
“These steps carry costs that are frequently beyond the reach of bereaved families. This fundraiser has been created to help us meet those necessary costs and to manage the financial impact Josh’s death has had on us as his parents.”
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Today, we look at the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by US-Israeli attacks on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump released a statement late in the evening saying he was targeted via intelligence and tracking systems.
International editor Jeremy Bowen joins Laura and Paddy to discuss how it happened, what it means for the future of Iran and the region, and how the rest of the world is reacting.
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The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
MP for Scarborough and Whitby, Alison Hume, is urging those who have family or loved ones currently abroad in the Middle East to contact her team for support.
It comes after British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates cancelled flights to the region, with all flights in and out of Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airport in Dubai now suspended.
Recommended reading:
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It follows news that Iran, which was struck by the United States and Israel yesterday (Saturday, February 28), launched retaliatory attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The government said it is reaching out to UK nationals in the region to help support them.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said in a statement: “I know the British people and communities across our country will be deeply concerned about what this means for security and stability and for the fate of innocent people across the region – which for so many of us includes friends and family members.
“Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies – as Britain has done before, in line with international law.”
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He added that the government had increased protections for British bases in the Middle East to the “highest level”.
Ms Hume offered advice to those wanting to get back home, adding: “Eighteen-thousand flights worldwide are currently affected.
“If you have British family or loved ones currently abroad in the Middle East and are concerned about them, please get in touch with me by emailing alison.hume.mp@parliament.uk or telephoning 01723 679333 and my team will provide support.
“For the most up-to-date information, residents should consult Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for the following countries:
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• Bahrain: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bahrain
• Kuwait: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kuwait
• Qatar: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/qatar
• United Arab Emirates: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates
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“Please share this information with anyone who may find it helpful.”
Sweat rarely smells on its own. Body odour develops when bacteria on the skin break down compounds in sweat and release volatile chemicals that evaporate into the air.
This interaction between sweat and microbes explains why some areas of the body smell more strongly than others, why odour varies between people and how deodorants and antiperspirants reduce it.
Sweat is a clear, salty liquid produced by glands across almost the entire surface of the skin. Its production is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates automatic bodily functions such as temperature and heart rate. The main function of sweat is cooling. When body temperature rises during exercise, stress or hot weather, sweat evaporates from the skin and carries heat away.
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There are three main types of sweat gland, each producing slightly different fluids. Eccrine glands sit across most of the body and release a thin, watery sweat made mostly of water and salt. Apocrine glands, found mainly in the armpits and groin, produce a thicker fluid that contains fats, proteins and sugars. Apoeccrine glands, also concentrated in the armpits, produce sweat that is more similar to the watery type but in larger amounts.
Odour develops when bacteria on the skin break down the substances in sweat. The skin naturally hosts many kinds of bacteria. Groups with names such as Corynebacteriaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Propionibacteriaceae are commonly involved. As they feed on sweat, they break its ingredients into smaller chemicals that evaporate easily and reach the nose, creating smell.
Some Corynebacterium species produce compounds often described as goat-like. These smell-producing chemicals can stick to clothing, which absorbs both sweat and bacteria, allowing odours to linger. Research confirms that specific bacteria are linked to characteristic odours.
Armpits and feet tend to smell more strongly because they combine dense sweat glands with warmth and moisture, creating favourable conditions for bacterial growth.
Washing removes sweat and reduces bacterial numbers, helping to limit odour. Changing clothes after heavy sweating is also important, as fabrics can trap sweat and microbes. Regular bathing and clean clothing reduce the build-up of odour-causing compounds.
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Some people sweat excessively without heat or exercise. This condition, known as hyperhidrosis, affects around 2% of the population and often requires medical treatment rather than improved hygiene alone. Treatment options include prescription-strength antiperspirants, medications that reduce nerve signals to sweat glands, botulinum toxin injections, and iontophoresis, a treatment that uses a mild electrical current passed through water to temporarily reduce activity in sweat glands. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
Deodorants and antiperspirants tackle odour in different ways. Deodorants mainly target bacteria, using antimicrobial ingredients to slow their growth and fragrances to mask residual smells. Some plant-based products contain substances such as tea tree oil, potassium alum or pentagalloyl glucose, which also have antimicrobial effects.
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Antiperspirants reduce the amount of sweat reaching the skin. Aluminium salts, such as aluminium chlorohydrate, form temporary plugs in eccrine sweat gland openings, limiting moisture and reducing the resources bacteria need to produce odour. Many products combine both approaches.
Body odour varies between people and can be influenced by genetics, age, diet, stress and health conditions. Food and drink can also play a role. Compounds from garlic, onions and some spices can circulate in the bloodstream and be released through sweat, altering its smell. Alcohol is partly excreted through breath and skin and can increase sweating, giving bacteria more material to break down.
Medications can affect body odour in similar ways. Some increase sweating, while others alter metabolism or change the balance of bacteria on the skin. Antibiotics, for example, can shift microbial communities, and certain antidepressants and diabetes medications may increase perspiration. These changes are usually temporary.
Men generally have larger sweat glands and tend to produce more sweat, which can support larger bacterial populations and higher levels of volatile fatty acids such as isovaleric acid, a compound produced when bacteria break down sweat that has a strong, cheese-like smell.
Occasionally, changes in body odour signal an underlying condition. Trimethylaminuria is a rare inherited disorder in which the body cannot properly break down trimethylamine, resulting in a strong fish-like smell. There is no cure, but symptoms can often be managed through diet, specialised soaps, antibiotics that reduce certain gut bacteria and supplements that can help limit production of the chemical.
Other medical conditions can also alter body odour. Uncontrolled diabetes can produce a sweet or fruity smell on the breath, liver disease can cause a musty odour, and advanced kidney disease may lead to a urine-like smell. Certain infections and metabolic disorders can also change how the body smells.
For example, researchers have investigated whether analysing volatile chemicals released from the body could help detect infections such as malaria. One study examined whether odour profiles might assist diagnosis through chemical signatures in breath and skin emissions.
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Sweat remains essential for regulating body temperature. It does not meaningfully remove toxins, despite common claims. Detoxification is carried out primarily by the liver and kidneys. This means you cannot “sweat off” a hangover or “sweat out” a cold. Alcohol is broken down by the liver, and viral infections are cleared by the immune system, not through sweat.
However, prolonged sweating during intense exercise or hot weather can lead to fluid and electrolyte loss. To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink enough fluids, and during sustained exertion drinks containing electrolytes may help replace what has been lost.
Body odour is not simply a matter of cleanliness. It reflects the complex interaction between sweat glands, skin bacteria, clothing, diet, medication and individual biology. For most people it is manageable and normal. In some cases, persistent or unusual changes in smell may warrant medical advice.
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Strange Health is hosted by Katie Edwards and Dan Baumgardt. The executive producer is Gemma Ware, with video and sound editing for this episode by Anouk Millet. Artwork by Alice Mason.
In this episode, Dan and Katie talk about a social media clip via YouTube from Alexandrasgirly.
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