Claudia Winkleman’s career doubt emerged when the Strictly Come Dancing host feared The Traitors BBC gamble would fail – but the show became one of her greatest successes

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Claudia Winkleman has disclosed that she once worried a significant TV opportunity might fail, confessing she told her husband, “I think it’s over,” during a period of uncertainty about the project.

The presenter, best known for hosting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly, said she had substantial doubts before accepting what would become one of the most successful programmes of her career.

Looking back on the decision, she told Closer: “Traitors was not supposed to be what it was. I remember phoning my husband and saying, ‘I think it’s over’,” before explaining that she had been encouraged to watch an international version and take a risk.

That leap of faith ultimately proved worthwhile. The UK version of The Traitors, which debuted in 2022, rapidly became a success and has since enjoyed multiple successful seasons, alongside a celebrity spin-off. The programme has played a significant role in solidifying Winkleman’s status as one of the UK’s most popular television personalities.

Despite her achievements, she admitted the experience still leaves her feeling uncomfortable in an unexpected way, saying: “It makes me want to scratch myself, but in a weird way. I am incredibly lucky.”

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Away from the reality competition, Winkleman has continued to broaden her career. She recently fronted her own chat show, The Claudia Winkleman Show, on BBC One. While the programme marked a significant milestone, she acknowledged it received a mixed reception and described the role as “nerve-wracking” and something she initially “didn’t like,” reports the Mirror.

Despite her considerable prominence across British television, Winkleman remains reluctant to embrace the notion of celebrity. She insisted: “I don’t think I’m famous. I take the tube everywhere and I don’t go around singing the Strictly theme tune. I think it is a state of mind.”

Away from the cameras, she shares her life with her husband Kris Thykier and their three children: Jake, 23, Matilda, 19, and Arthur, 14. According to Winkleman, her family remain largely unbothered by her public profile. She joked that while she has encouraged them to embrace “nepo baby” labels, none of them have any interest in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

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Claudia and Tess spent 11 years at the helm of Strictly Come Dancing, establishing themselves as one of the show’s most recognisable and enduring presenting duos on Saturday night television.

Winkleman also revealed how she and Tess are planning to cope when the latest series launches on the BBC later this year. “Tess and I have already planned it,” she told Closer. “We’re having jacket potatoes and salmon. She’s coming to ours, she and [husband] Vern. I’m going to set her up with a nightie and we are going to watch and support.”

Police were called just before 11pm on Saturday (April 25) to North Road in Durham City, outside the bus station, after an e-bike had crashed at speed with the woman.

The bike fled the scene, leaving the victim in the road unconscious, having suffered injuries to her head, shoulder, arm and legs.

She was taken to University Hospital of North Durham by officers, and released in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police say they are scouring CCTV as part of their investigation.

Sgt Chris Milburn from Durham’s roads and armed police unit said: “This was an awful incident for the victim, and her friends stood close to her. We are doing all that we can to trace the rider of the e-bike.

“I’d also like to thank members of the public who came to assist the female victim, before police attended, and provided first aid to her.

“This meant a lot to the victim of this collision and showed the true kindness of the good people of Durham.”

A force spokesperson added: “Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam footage that could assist their enquiries, as there were a number of people and vehicles in the area at the time.”

If you have any information, please call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 535 of April 25, or email Christopher.Milburn@durham.police.uk.

Lauren Bell leads the pace attack with Lauren Filer and Issy Wong, while all-rounders Dani Gibson and Freya Kemp offer seam-bowling options.

Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn, a recent mainstay of England’s T20 squads, was not considered for selection as she is recovering from a broken finger and has not played this season.

England start their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on 12 June at Edgbaston.

They play white-ball series against New Zealand and India before the World Cup.

The T20 squads are the same as for the World Cup, while wicketkeeper Kira Chathli and all-rounder Jodi Grewcock earn their first call-ups for the one-day internationals against the White Ferns.

Beaumont, who has played 140 one-day internationals, is not included for either series.

England T20 squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Charlie Dean (vice-captain) Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

ODI squad v New Zealand: Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Em Arlott, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Kira Chathli, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong.

Elise Thomas, 17, was a passenger in a Ford Fiesta that broke down on the motorway as she and three friends were on their way to a gig, when another vehicle ploughed into the back of the car

An “amazingly talented” teenage girl died on a motorway after the Ford Fiesta she was travelling in broke down, and was subsequently smashed by another car.

Elise Thomas, 17, was a passenger in the Fiesta that was struck by another vehicle after it had suddenly broken down on the M1. The front tyre of the Fiesta had frayed and come off, and within minutes of Elise and her two friends waiting for assistance, another car ploughed into the back of the vehicle.

The force of the impact sent the car spinning to one side. Elise sustained life-threatening injuries while one of her friends was left seriously hurt. Full details of the incident emerged during a trial at Hull Crown Court, where the driver of the other vehicle was charged with causing Elise’s death by careless driving and causing serious injury to the other passenger by careless driving on 12 August 2023.

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Jeremy Barton, prosecuting, explained that at around 8.15am, the driver left her Dewsbury home with her friends to travel to Doncaster to watch The Vamps – “a band they all liked and followed”. They were travelling in a maroon or red Ford Fiesta, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Elise was seated in the front passenger seat, while the other passenger was positioned directly behind her in the rear nearside seat. The group joined the M1 at Junction 40, where four running lanes were in operation at that point. The car was overtaking a lorry and was roughly halfway past it when the Fiesta “began to make a rumbling sound” and the front offside tyre came away from the rim or wheel. “Pieces of the tyre started to come apart,” said Mr Barton.

“The remainder of the tyre began to bounce in front of the Fiesta.” The driver brought the car to a stop in lane three and attempted to work out what to do about the vehicle being stranded on the main carriageway.

“Traffic was still passing by at motorway speed,” said Mr Barton. The drivers of 16 vehicles managed to spot and navigate around the stationary car, just before the southbound Junction 39, in the Wakefield area.

However, about 29 seconds after the Fiesta came to a stop, a silver Vauxhall Corsa, which had just overtaken another vehicle and moved back into lane three, ploughed into the rear of the broken-down Fiesta. It was not alleged to have been speeding, but it failed to slow down or show any signs of braking and “drove directly into the rear of the car”.

The prosecution argued that the driver could not have been paying attention to the road ahead. The Fiesta carrying the three friends was sent spinning into lanes one and two before coming to a standstill.

Both the Fiesta driver and the Corsa driver managed to get out of their vehicles. Elise and the other passenger were trapped inside the car before being freed by other people, who stopped their cars and ran to help, along with the fire service. “Elise Thomas died in hospital, from the injuries that she suffered, at 11.45pm on 18 August 2023,” Mr Barton confirmed. The second passenger sustained life-changing injuries.

CCTV footage captured elements of the incident, including the Fiesta’s front tyre beginning to deteriorate and the vehicle rolling along the road before coming to a halt. The defence argued that the Corsa driver may have experienced a phenomenon known as “looming” at the time of the collision.

This condition could have impaired his ability to gauge how rapidly objects were approaching him – or how quickly he was closing in on them. It is possible the driver was almost upon the obstruction before he noticed it.

He told officers he believed the lane in front of him was clear, yet CCTV footage proved otherwise. “He did not see the vehicle at all – for whatever reason, we cannot say,” Mr Barton stated.

The trial of the 51-year-old Leeds driver was halted midway through proceedings. Following the judge’s direction, he was acquitted of all charges and the jury was dismissed.

Following Elise’s death, her devastated family released a tribute, saying: “Elise was a beautiful soul. She was an inspiration to others and was amazingly talented with her photography.

“Even at such a young age, she was successful. Everything she touched turned to gold.” Alongside her love of crafts, her greatest passion was wildlife photography.

Japan is witnessing a sharp rise in bear sightings as animals emerge from their winter hibernation, with authorities warning of increased danger ahead of upcoming national holidays.

In recent years, bears have been spotted in urban areas across northeastern Japan, prompting alerts in Fukushima, Iwate and Aomori prefectures. More worryingly, bear encounters have grown increasingly dangerous, with 238 attacks last year leaving hundreds of people injured and at least 13 dead.

In a recent incident, a woman was found dead in Iwate after a suspected bear attack and a police officer was injured nearby. It was believed to be the first fatality from a bear attack this year.

In another case, police shot and killed a 100kg bear in a residential area after a prolonged standoff.

Five people were killed in animal attacks in Iwate between July and October last year, according to government data.

The last known bear attack before the hibernation period took place on 3 November in Yuzawa, in neighbouring Akita prefecture, according to the environment ministry.

This year, authorities issued a warning after at least five Asiatic black bears were seen within 10 days in Aomori. Similar alerts were issued in Iwate and Fukushima.

A town in northeastern Japan has responded to a rise in bear sightings by moving daily exercise indoors, according to Asahi Shimbun. In Kurihara in Miyagi prefecture, residents have become increasingly fearful following dozens of bear encounters last year and a fatal attack on a 75-year-old woman in October.

A local supermarket has now opened a 560m climate-controlled indoor walking course for people to exercise without the risk of encountering bears, which the paper says are appearing more frequently near residential areas.

In the face of a surge in bear attacks last year, the Japanese government had deployed the military in the Akita prefecture to help contain the problem. The warnings come ahead of Japan’s “golden week” from 29 April to 5 May containing multiple public holidays.

Last year, experts said that a shortage of beechnuts could be pushing bears into towns. This year, local authorities and residents are hoping for relief as experts predict a better crop of beechnuts, a key part of the bear diet.

The Japanese black bear, found across much of the Asian country, can grow to nearly 130kg, while the brown bear inhabiting the northern island of Hokkaido can weigh up to 400kg.

Mami Kondo, a bear-control specialist with the Akita prefectural government, told local media that a “turbulent spring” often followed a winter with an unusually heavy presence of bears.

This pattern was apparent after the end of 2023, which recorded the second-highest number of bear attacks since 2006, according to Ms Kondo.

“I have significant concerns this spring as well,” she said.

Bears appearing near human settlements in spring may stay around until late autumn or early winter, feeding on persimmons and other crops. They may even hibernate nearby and reappear in the spring.

Shinsuke Koike, an ecological professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, warned of a “potential hike in bear sightings this spring”.

Mr Koike said people collecting edible wild plants in the mountains were particularly at risk of attacks, since bears also fed on these plants after coming out of hibernation.

“It’s particularly important to implement preventive measures from spring so that bears cannot access any human food sources,” Mr Koike said.

“These steps include, for example, locking up warehouses containing edible items and not leaving anything to eat under eaves.”

HMRC has reminded workers to check their payslips are correct following the increase

Workers have been reminded to take a closer look at their payslips this month and make sure something is different. It comes as new minimum wage rates came into effect nearly a month ago, increasing the hourly rate employees should be earning across the UK.

The National Minimum Wage is set as an hourly rate and applies to all eligible employees, regardless of their pay schedule. This means that, whatever payment method is used, people must still calculate their equivalent hourly rate to confirm they are receiving the minimum wage.

Since April 1, workers and their bosses need to be aware of the legal adjustment that will see account balances rise as employees become entitled to an improved minimum wage. The new rules came into effect this month, so workers need to check that everything has changed properly.

What is the new National Minimum Wage in 2026?

HMRC recently announced on X that the National Minimum Wage had risen from the start of April 2026, reports the Express. Anyone employed in jobs paying this rate should notice an uplift to their basic hourly pay as follows:

• Apprentice and under 18: £8 per hour (increase from £7.55)
• 18 to 20-year-olds: £10.85 per hour (increase from £10)
• 21 and over: £12.71 per hour (increase from £12.21)

Apprentices qualify for the apprentice rate if they’re either under 19 or any person over 19 who hasn’t finished the first year of their apprenticeship. Beyond the one-year point, they must be paid according to their age (for instance, if an apprentice is 21 or over, they should receive a minimum of £12.71 per hour from their second year onwards).

If you’re already earning more than the new National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, your employer isn’t legally obliged to raise your salary. Pay rises for higher-wage employees are typically determined by company policy and often depend on individual job performance.

Employers are not legally required to offer a pay rise every year unless it is explicitly stated in your contract. While many companies conduct annual salary reviews to address cost-of-living adjustments or performance, these reviews are usually discretionary. Even with good performance, a company’s financial position may mean that it cannot offer a rise.

How to check if you are being paid correctly

Workers can check they’re being paid properly using the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator available on GOV.UK website. No specific documents are needed, though you’ll need to know some essential information.

The online tool requests details about your typical working hours and payment frequency in days. It also factors in whether employers cover accommodation or other work-related expenses. People can access the calculator here.

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The official GOV.UK website said: “If your payslip is wrong, immediately check for unauthorised deductions, incorrect hours, or tax errors, then contact your employer’s HR or payroll department informally to request a correction. If they fail to fix it quickly, formally raise a grievance, gather evidence of hours worked, or contact the Pay and Work Rights helpline.”

The Pay and Work Rights helpline offers advice for workers and employers on rights and obligations at work. Call on 0300 123 1100 between 8am and 6pm (Mon-Fri). People could also get advice on the Acas website.

A senior lecturer in Persian Studies at St Andrews University confirmed the translation to Metro. Narguess Farzad, a senior lecturer in the same subject at SOAS University in London, translated the verse: “Better than we all of us lay down our lives, than surrender our country to the foe.”

The rebrand affects the Black A Moor Inn at Bridge Hewick near Ripon Racecourse, a former coaching inn, which will become the Furlong and Furrow.

Laura Davis and James Campbell, who until this year managed the 16th Century Malt Shovel at Brearton, between Ripon and Knaresborough, have now explained their decision.

They posted on Facebook: “The name change is simply because in today’s era, some would feel the name a little insensitive due to its relations to the slave trade and European artistic trope from the sixteenth to the eighteen centuries.

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“We want our venue to be inclusive to all and to carry no unwelcomed bad relations to racism. Whilst we totally respect the history behind it, we hope that the public will understand our reasonings for this in today’s modern era.”

After questioning, the couple further explained using a description from Google.

“Black-a-moor” is an archaic, offensive term for a Black person, often labelled as a racial slur in modern dictionaries. Historically used to describe people of African origin in Tudor England, the term’s derogatory nature led to its ban in contexts like competitive Scrabble. Pubs with this name often face scrutiny for perpetuating historical racism.”

The couple added: “We’d like to avoid any associations with this for the future so we’ve chosen a name that we feel compliments its location close to the racecourse and it’s relations to farming and agriculture. We hope that the public will understand our reasonings.”

Earlier, Laura and James explained why they took over the former Black A Moor Inn, which closed on Sunday, with plans for a ‘soft re-opening’ on May 15.

They said: “Part of the reason we fell in love with the Black A Moor, is because of its stunning historical features and it’s traditional rustic charm. We promise we will be leaving that well alone and keeping it as a traditional pub and eatery.”

“The pub exterior will go back to its original historical heritage, in line with the beautiful buildings in Ripon’s historic market town. So we’ve opted for an off white with black window detail. Look out for this, is going to look stunning!

“The inside will carry its charming historical features with a good clean and freshen up. We hope to bring traditional elegance to the venue with space for both diners and a place to enjoy a good local ale.

“Initially we won’t be letting the rooms. We have plans to upgrade these to a charming boutique style incorporating local culture and character. But this is a work in progress.”

“Customers in the meantime, can expect Gastro seasonal dining. Our menus and website will be available in early May.”

“We promise to do the Black A Moor proud and look forward to new beginnings and welcoming Ripon and beyond to the Furlong and Furrow.”

Its former owner Callum Burnet is to take over the Old Red House Pub in Thirsk, which is currently closed, but he posted is due to re-open in June.

The Corinthians: We Were The Champions will be shown at The Light cinema on Thursday, April 30, with a special VIP event featuring a green, football-themed carpet, a post-film Q&A, and appearances by former players, the director, and guests.

The screening follows a successful earlier run in Bolton, where the film prompted what organisers described as an “outpouring of pride” for the team’s founder, Percy Ashley, and his daughter Doris.

Filmmakers said the reaction was sparked in part by local coverage in The Bolton News celebrating the pair’s Bolton roots, which led them to organise a return event focused on their legacy.

Directed by Helen Tither of Manchester-based production company Films Not Words, the documentary tells the story of Corinthians Ladies FC, a team formed in 1949 at a time when women’s football was banned by The Football Association.

The pic of the team in Portugal has Percy centre, Doris is front row centre, blond hair and white top with the ball. (Image: Films Not Words)

Despite the ban, which ran from 1921 to 1971, Percy Ashley – a former Bolton Wanderers scout – established the team so his daughter Doris could play, going on to train a squad that achieved major success both in the UK and abroad.

The team later beat Germany to win an unofficial European Cup in 1957 and defeated Juventus in 1970, and has since been described by the National Football Museum as one of the most successful women’s teams the country has seen.

Ms Tither said the response in Bolton had been particularly significant.

“We were really blown away by the response to the film in Bolton and how proud people were to have this Boltonian legend at the centre of the film,” she said.

“On the day our film has its first national screenings, we wanted to make the Bolton event extra special.

“Percy Ashley was what we would call a true ‘male ally’ these days.

“He founded a women’s football team against all odds, defying the establishment to help his amazing footballer daughter, Doris, play the game she loved.

“Today they are recognised as one of the greatest women’s football teams this country has ever had.

“Unfortunately, Percy and Doris never lived to see the historic apology their story has sparked from The FA, but we want to keep the memory of his contribution alive.”

She added the Bolton event would be “a real celebration”, with behind-the-scenes stories and previously untold memories shared during the Q&A..

Corinthians Ladies FC on tour at sporting Lisbon 1958 Portugal (Image: Films Not Words)

The film, told entirely in the words of 10 surviving players including Myra Lypnyckyj, Anne Grimes, Pauline Hulme, Marlene Cook, Freda Ashton, Monica Curran, Margaret ‘Whit’ Whitworth, Jean Wilson, Jan Lyons and Margaret ‘Tiny’ Shepherd, combines archive footage, animation and a punk-inspired soundtrack to bring their story to life.

It has also drawn national attention for its role in prompting an apology from The Football Association for the historic ban on women’s football, after early screenings at HOME in Manchester led to a public campaign backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.

In a statement, the FA said: “Manchester Corinthians Ladies FC were pioneers of women’s football.

Through their unwavering spirit, talent and determination, they blazed a trail for women’s football around the world.

“We are sorry that a ban on women’s football was introduced in 1921 and not revoked until 1971.

“We recognise the courage of the teams and individuals who continued to play the game during this period.”

Early Corinthians Ladies FC team pic, 1958 (Image: Films not Words)

The documentary has won Best of The Fest (Feature) at NEIFF and Best Documentary at the Northampton Film Festival, and had its London premiere at the Women in Film & TV Festival in Covent Garden.

Supported by the National Football Museum and backed by England and Manchester United player Ella Toone, the project was funded through crowdfunding, along with sponsorship from BT Group and Tech Mahindra.

The Bolton screening will also mark the film’s first nationwide release, with showings planned at 14 Light cinemas across the country.

Tickets for the Bolton event are available via The Light cinema website.