BEST LATIN

Anitta and Shakira – Choka Choka

Bad Bunny – NUEVAYoL

Fuerza Regida – Tu Sancho

Karol G – Papasito

Rosalía – La Perla

Ryan Castro, Kapo and Gangsta – La Villa

Shakira and Burna Boy – Dai Dai

BEST K-POP

Blackpink – Jump

BTS – Swim

Cortis – Redred

Katseye – Pinky Up

Le Sserafim – Spaghetti

Lisa – Dream

 BEST COUNTRY

Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas

Kacey Musgraves – Dry Spell

Lainey Wilson – Somewhere over Laredo

Luke Combs – Back in the Saddle

Shaboozey – Cowgirl

Stella Lefty – Boston

Tucker Wetmore – Brunette

BEST DIRECTION

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love me

Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Gener8ion – Storm

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

Taylor Swift – Opalite

Sabrina Carpenter is tied with Grande, having scored seven nods

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky

Lisa – Dream

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Shaboozey – Cowgirl

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST EDITING

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Lisa – Dream

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Gener8ion – Storm

Harry Styles – Dance No More

Katseye – Pinky Up

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

Jisoo and Zayn – Eyes Closed

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Raye – Click Clack Symphony

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST ART DIRECTION

Charli XCX – SS26

Lady Gaga and Doechii – Runway

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Sombr – My Body Isn’t Ready

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

Swift has a chance this year to break her dead heat with Beyonce, with whom she is tied for most VMAs ever at 30

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Madonna shocked fans as she made a blockbuster return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage on Sunday, 23 years after her steamy kiss with Britney Spears made pop culture history.

The Queen of Pop, 68, who has emerged as the artist with the most nods with 11 nominations, showed off her toned frame in a Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello ensemble – but fans quickly slammed the star over her ‘utterly unfocused’ performance.

Madonna donned a black satin trench coat, a red leotard and knee-high boots as she performed hit Bring Your Love with collaborator, Sabrina Carpenter, 27. 

The pop icon was seen draped in latex in a steamy visual, accompanied by the statement, ‘It’s mother!’ before dancers contorted themselves on stage – while lasers shot from their crotches.

Beginning her performance with her legs spread while sat on top of a piano played by Carpenter, Madonna exuded confidence as she belted out the anthem.

The star stripped off to the leotard before she was carried across stage onto a platform, where a choir belted out Bring Your Love.

The star was bundled onto a moving platform by scantily-clad dancers – but fans quickly noted the star seemed ‘out of breath’ during the performance

Madonna donned a black satin trench coat, a red leotard and knee-high boots as she performed hit Bring Your Love with collaborator, Sabrina Carpenter, 27

The star writhed about as she was taken through the crowds before Charli XCX’s entrance.

Madonna joined Charli for a high octane rendition of Danceteria Afterhours remix – but fans watching on TV were left furious as the ceremony was delayed due to an overrunning football game. 

The raunchy segment saw a scantily-clad Sombr make a shock cameo by a toilet cubicle, before Madonna was lifted into the air by a hunky dancer. 

However fans flocked to social media to accuse Madonna of lip-syncing and share their fears after the star was seen seemingly out of breath onstage. 

One fan wrote, ‘MTV & CBS really fumbled Madonna tonight. The delay was bad enough, but those HORRIBLE camera angles during her performance? Come on. She deserved so much better.’

Another wrote, ‘I wish I could’ve seen Madonna in her prime! Mama is TIRED and out of breath on this MTV #VMAs stage. And yes, I know she’s almost 70, so I’m not expecting 1985 Madonna, but whew!

‘I’ll still give her credit where it’s due: she released one of the best albums of the year.’  

Others wrote, ‘Ima say something controversial. Madonna this is boring.’

‘madonna performance… wow… utterly unfocused and just a got damn MESS!!!!!!!’

The star struck sultry poses as she was carrried through the crowd 

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The star was joined in a bizarre leather urinal scene by Debi Mazar 

The star straddled a dancer in a toilet cubicle

Seth Rogen also joined the hitmaker, while clad in a leather ensemble

Madge was joined by Julia Garner, whose name has been floated to play the hitmaker for years in a biopic

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Madonna later joined British bombshell Charli XCX for a high octane rendition of Danceteria – but fans watching on TV were left furious as the ceremony was delayed due to an overrunning football game

Fans quickly called out the pop icon for her performance 

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‘Madonna doesn’t know how to hang it up. This is one of the weirdest and most cringe things I’ve ever seen. Why are the MTV Music Awards on CBS after football?’

Others praised the star for her ‘iconic’ performance, which also included cameos from Debi Mazar and Seth Rogen. 

One fan wrote, ‘She’s 68, bravo to her for still being able to get up in stage and move it the way she did.’ 

Madonna and Carpenter later won best collaboration, beating out Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T and Malice for Chains & Whips as well as Shakira and Burna Boy for Dai Dai, Teyana Taylor and Lucky Daye’s Hard Part, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s Stateside and French Montana and Max B’s Ever Since U Left Me. 

This marked Madonna’s first VMAs win since 1999. 

Accepting the award, Madonna said, ‘I would like to briefly say how this collaboration came about.

‘Everybody who knows me knows how impatient I am’ adding that five days passed without her hearing back from Carpenter

‘I DM’d her’ she revealed, ‘She answered me back, and I don’t know, within a week we were in the studio together, It was fabulous.’

Madonna’s winning streak continued as she later scooped Artist of The Year. 

During 2003’s MTV VMAs, Madonna had a prolonged kiss with Spears during their opening performance for the ceremony.

Spears opened the show by singing Madonna’s Like a Virgin, emerging out of a wedding cake while dressed as a bride, as Madonna did in her 1984 VMAs performance.

Other fans praised the star for the epic

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Madonna and Carpenter later won best collaboration for Bring Your Love

Madonna famously performed at the first-ever VMAs in 1984, bursting from a gigantic wedding cake while dressed in a bridal gown for a rendition of Like a Virgin

During 2003’s MTV VMAs, Madonna had a prolonged kiss with Spears during their opening performance for the ceremony

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Madonna’s VMAs coup comes after she earned a burst of critical acclaim and fan adoration for her latest album Confessions II, which was released July 3 and serves as a sequel to her 2005 smash hit Confessions on a Dance Floor

Soon after that, Aguilera joined Spears onstage for the song before Madonna appeared and launched into her single Hollywood. During the performance, Madonna leaned over and kissed Spears, before locking lips with Aguilera

During the broadcast only the image of Spears and Madonna was aired, followed by a reaction shot of Spears’ former flame Justin Timberlake.

The sapphic moment has gone on to be one of the most memorable in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards.

After their public make out session, Spears and Madonna went on to collaborate on the hit single Me Against The Music.

Madonna’s VMAs coup comes after she earned a burst of critical acclaim and fan adoration for her latest album Confessions II, which was released July 3 and serves as a sequel to her 2005 smash hit Confessions on a Dance Floor.

Madonna’s Confessions II (The Film) is also up for dance video of the year, against such competition as  Aperture by Harry Styles, Runway by Lady Gaga and Doechii and New Religion by Bebe Rexha and Faithless.

The other nominees in that category are Dance… by Slayyyter, Stateside by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson and Nobody’s Girl by Tate McRae.

Madonna and Taylor Swift, 36, will be vying against each other for the evening’s top honor, video of the year, with Swift up for The Fate of Ophelia and Madonna for Confessions II (The Film). 

MTV Video Music Awards 2026 NOMINEES

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

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Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Gener8ion (starring Yung Lean – Storm

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – Tears

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia 

 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Ariana Grande

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Bruno Mars

Madonna

Morgan Wallen

Sabrina Carpenter

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Taylor Swift 

Madonna has the most nominations of the year with 11

 

SONG OF THE YEAR

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BTS – Swim

Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas

Huntr/x – Golden

Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love

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Olivia Dean – Man I Need

Raye – Where Is My Husband

 

BEST NEW ARTIST

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Bella Kay

Cortis

Magnus Ferrell

Malcolm Todd

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Myles Smith

Sienna Spiro

Stella Lefty

BEST COLLABORATION

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Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T and Malice – Chains & Whips

French Montana and Max B – Ever Since U Left Me

Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

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Shakira and Burna Boy – Dai Dai

Teyana Taylor and Lucky Daye – Hard Part

BEST POP

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

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Charli XCX – SS26

Lisa – Dream

Olivia Rodrigo – Drop Dead

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

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Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

Taylor Swift is trailing just behind the Queen of Pop with nine nods to her name

 

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BEST HIP-HOP

Cardi B featuring Kehlani – Safe

Don Toliver – E85

Drake – Janice STFU

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Megan Thee Stallion – Lover Girl

Travis Scott – Dumbo

Tyler, The Creator – Sugar on My Tongue

 

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BEST R&B

Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Chris Brown – It Depends/Obvious

Dave & Tems – Raindance

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Justin Bieber – Yukon

Kehlani – Folded

Mariah The Scientist and Kali Uchis – Is It a Crime

  

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BEST ALTERNATIVE

Geese – Taxes

MGK and Fred Durst – Fix Ur Face

Noah Kahan – The Great Divide

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Olivia Rodrigo – The Cure

Sombr – Homewrecker

Tame Impala – Dracula

Twenty One Pilots – Drag Path

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BEST DANCE

Bebe Rexha and Faithless – New Religion

Harry Styles – Aperture

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Lady Gaga and Doechii – Runway

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Slayyyter – Dance…

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Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

 BEST LATIN

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Anitta and Shakira – Choka Choka

Bad Bunny – NUEVAYoL

Fuerza Regida – Tu Sancho

Karol G – Papasito

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Rosalía – La Perla

Ryan Castro, Kapo and Gangsta – La Villa

Shakira and Burna Boy – Dai Dai

Ariana Grande has landed a total of seven nominations

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BEST K-POP

Blackpink – Jump

BTS – Swim

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Cortis – Redred

Katseye – Pinky Up

Le Sserafim – Spaghetti

Lisa – Dream

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 BEST COUNTRY

Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas

Kacey Musgraves – Dry Spell

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Lainey Wilson – Somewhere over Laredo

Luke Combs – Back in the Saddle

Shaboozey – Cowgirl

Stella Lefty – Boston

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Tucker Wetmore – Brunette

 

BEST DIRECTION

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love me

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Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Gener8ion – Storm

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

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Taylor Swift – Opalite

 

Sabrina Carpenter is tied with Grande, having scored seven nods

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

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Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky

Lisa – Dream

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

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Shaboozey – Cowgirl

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST EDITING

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

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Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Lisa – Dream

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

 

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Gener8ion – Storm

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Harry Styles – Dance No More

Katseye – Pinky Up

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

 

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

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Jisoo and Zayn – Eyes Closed

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Raye – Click Clack Symphony

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

 

BEST ART DIRECTION

Charli XCX – SS26

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Lady Gaga and Doechii – Runway

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Sombr – My Body Isn’t Ready

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

Swift has a chance this year to break her dead heat with Beyonce, with whom she is tied for most VMAs ever at 30

 

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Almost every front page is dominated by what the Telegraph suggests is an “Iran link to RAF bomb plot”. It reports five men have been arrested for “terror and explosive offences” after three suspicious vans were reported travelling towards RAF Fairford. Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the incident at the base, according to the paper. It says that in July, Iran threatened to attack the base, on the basis that anywhere used to launch strikes on Iran was a “legitimate target”. Following the incident on Sunday morning, the paper reports that RAF Fairford is on its highest state of alert, and RAF Lakenheath, which also hosts US troops, has had its threat level increased.

By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR

Published: 16:27 BST, 27 September 2026 | Updated: 01:44 BST, 28 September 2026

Amandaland’s Lucy Punch has replaced Dawn French as the star of Marks & Spencer‘s big budget Christmas campaign, according to reports. 

The actress, 48 – who is best known for her portrayal of wannabe influencer and alpha mum Amanda in the BBC comedy series Motherland and spin-off show Amandaland – will front the retailer’s first ever joint fashion and food festive advertisements.

Previously, Dawn, 68, has fronted the M&S Food TV ads since 2021, while the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Hannah Waddingham, Jennifer Saunders, Tan France and Zawe Ashton have also starred in Christmas campaigns for the company.

However, this year there is just one advert which will combine both fashion and food.  

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A source told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Amandaland is one of the most popular shows on telly right now, and bosses thought it would be really fun to cast Lucy in their Christmas ad to promote both their food and fashion ranges.

‘Filming has already taken place with a massive budget. Lucy’s character Amanda wears a lot of M&S clothes in the series so she is the perfect model for them. It’s all under wraps until November, but fans aren’t going to be disappointed.

‘There are still a few surprises in store, too.’

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Amandaland’s Lucy Punch (pictured far left)  has replaced Dawn French as the star of Marks & Spencer’s big budget Christmas campaign, according to reports

Previously, Dawn (pictured), 68, has fronted the M&S Food TV ads since 2021, while the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Hannah Waddingham and Jennifer Saunders have also appeared

The Daily Mail has contacted Lucy’s representative and M&S for comment.  

Last year, more than 3.1million viewers tuned into the Amandaland Christmas special, placing it in the top ten most-viewed programmes of Christmas Day.

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Lucy previously discussed the show’s success, observing that many people think they ‘know’ a woman like the lead character.

The actress told Radio Times: ‘Everyone says they know an Amanda, but she’s based on a lot of people I’ve come across.

‘She’s lots of little pieces. She’s not a caricature; there’s stuff that’s endearing, and stuff that’s horrific and obnoxious. She can’t just be one thing, otherwise she’d have no friends and not be able to function.’

Lucy also acknowledged that while she’s like her on-screen character in some ways, she’s very different in others.

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The actress said: ‘I’m hopeful like she is, and can find the positive in a situation. I hope I’m a lot more self-aware, not as pretentious and snobby.’

Lucy has also been shocked by the longevity of her alter ego.

Asked if the character’s longevity was a surprise, Lucy replied: ‘I couldn’t have imagined ten years later I’d be here, but that first script was incredible, as was the cast. And here we are.’

The SDLP leader Claire Hanna called for “political leadership” and said it was “necessary to de-escalate”.

Hanna, who was at the protest, has called on the chief constable and Northern Ireland secretary to “use every power available” to intervene, and said she had reminded both that they had the “ability to revoke any permission for this parade”.

Following talks at Hillsborough, her party called for an international mediator to help resolve the dispute, with Sir Chris saying he is “giving consideration to anything that anybody comes up with”.

He said he is determined to keep on working and talking with people, but added that “we haven’t got a solution yet”.

Also speaking after the meeting, UUP leader Jon Burrows said the rule of law needed to apply to “everyone”, and that Stormont has been “put under threat”.

“It is vital that everyone obeys the law. I don’t care who that is. I don’t care how senior you are. The law applies to everyone. It cannot be enforced basically on the basis of it might be politically inconvenient,” he added.

The man has been identified as 56-year-old Leighton Brown, an employee of the New York City Housing Authority.

According to local news, he was walking through east Brooklyn neighbourhood working an extra shift when the deadly incident occurred.

“We mourn deeply for the loss of Leighton Brown, a NYCHA employee who faithfully served Brooklyn residents and who was known for his warm personality,” the Office of the NYC Public Advocate wrote on social media.

The nor’easter has caused widespread power cuts. More than 160,000 households, nearly all in the north-eastern US, have lost electricity, according to tracker PowerOutage.

More than 2,400 flights were delayed and another 1,199 grounded on Saturday, according to FlightAware.

A full moon was projected to worsen coastal flooding. Streets and homes were inundated with floodwater in the coastal New Jersey communities of Surf City and Manasquan on Saturday.

‘Stand tall up in heaven my boy as your legacy goes on in your four beautiful children’

The mother of a Welshman who died while on holiday in Spain has shared a moving tribute to mark the second anniversary of his death. Nathan Osman, a 30-year-old welder, disappeared in Benidorm on September 27, 2024, and was later found dead at the bottom a cliff on the outskirts of the city.

The Pontypridd dad-of-four went missing within hours of arriving on the holiday with friends. His loved ones have long claimed Spanish authorities failed to fully investigate all lines of enquiry.

In a social media post on Sunday, his mother Elizabeth Osman wrote: “How have two years passed Nathan since your life was taken? It has been the most horrendous time of our lives having to go on without you here with us to love.

“I’m not going to go on about our pain because you all know and have been on our journey with us. Today the anniversary of Nathan’s passing is no different to any other day, it’s just a reminder of so much heartache in such little time.

“Looking back I’m so damn proud of us and all Nathan’s friends for the continued love and strength shown. Our fight is so real. Our lawyer is outstanding. Our fight is now ongoing and we are forever united in solidarity.

“My boy was sooo loved and protected for 30 years and will be sooo loved forever and a day. When I think of Nathan I am totally filled with love, a love that can’t be removed or replaced.

“Nathan’s infectious smile and humour were his personality from a small boy and he excelled to share his love with us all. It’s true that where there is deep love then there is deep grief. Yes we feel it but I’m so grateful to have had Nathan in my life for 30 years. You blessed me and I’m thankful to God for every beautiful memory we shared.

“I know your with us everyday as I feel you always. Stand tall up in heaven my boy as your legacy goes on in your four beautiful children. The best Daddy ever. Keep smiling and keep being the inquisitive, smart, intelligent, funny, loving soul you are. Love you Nath with all that I am xxx.”

The death was still being investigated by Spanish police as of December last year, according to a Sky News article from that time reporting on the family’s concerns over the handling of the case.

Local authorities had reportedly closed the case before the family carried out their own investigation and presented their findings to Spanish prosecutors as evidence that others may have been involved. This led to the case being reopened, according to Sky News.

Nathan’s family previously told the BBC they believed Nathan was abducted while walking alone to his hotel where he was staying with friends, before being robbed and taken to a remote area.

They claimed attempts were made to use Nathan’s bank card after his body was found, and that his movements would have been captured by CCTV cameras.

The family also claimed a health app on Nathan’s phone tracked his last movements to the cliff and suggested he was in a vehicle, rather than walking or running.

Elizabeth said her son had “everything to live for” and had been “so excited” for the last-minute trip away as a break from working two jobs.

We previously reported on the efforts of four of Nathan’s friends to raise funds to support the family’s campaign to ensure the case is properly investigated. The friends drove 1,400 miles to Benidorm in a £200 car so the family could meet legal and travel costs.

“He was just one of those people who had everything going for him,” said one of the friends, Lloyd Perry. “He was the kind of person who was everyone’s friend.”

Last year South Wales Police said it was “carrying out enquiries on behalf of HM Coroner and a family liaison officer has been appointed to provide support”.

Five men have been arrested as counter-terrorism detectives investigate whether Iran was behind a suspected car-bomb plot targeting US troops at RAF Fairford.

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Counter-terrorism investigators are examining whether Iran orchestrated a suspected car-bomb conspiracy targeting an RAF base

Armed police detained five individuals, observed travelling in three vehicles, following an apparent alert from a courageous member of the public.

However, President Donald Trump cautioned the suspected plotters intended to inflict “big damage”, stating they had been “under investigation” for “a long time”.

Scotland Yard and MI5, working alongside American intelligence operatives, were yesterday evening attempting to establish whether Tehran masterminded the plot to murder American personnel stationed at RAF Fairford. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared in July it would not permit US bombers to operate from Fairford, stating any base used to launch strikes would be a legitimate target.

The five suspects were originally detained on suspicion of “committing offences under the Explosives Act”. They were subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.

The individuals were stripped to their torsos over concerns they might also have been wearing suicide vests, reports the Express.

The five suspects were originally detained on suspicion of “committing offences under the Explosives Act”. They were subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.

The individuals were stripped to their torsos over concerns they might also have been wearing suicide vests. A police source informed the Daily Express: “This was intelligence led policing, pure and simple. There has been a lot of covert activity in the background.”

Explosive ordnance disposal specialists were sent to inspect the devices discovered in the three vehicles, with approximately 85 households relocated from their properties to a neighbouring leisure facility during the high-stakes operation.

A remotely operated device from the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal unit manoeuvred between the three stationary vehicles, with what looked to be substantial black containers positioned outside the van.

Detectives are investigating multiple potential explanations, including whether the group was executing instructions on behalf of Tehran or Moscow, or whether it constituted an Islamist terror conspiracy.

President Trump stated: “We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”

RAF Fairford had served as a launching point for US long-range bomber aircraft during military engagements in Iran. A frightened local resident in Whelford, Gloucestershire, contacted authorities after observing a “large group of hooded and ‘balaclava’d’ men” near the military installation during the early hours of Sunday morning.

The farmer, who requested anonymity, stated: “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.

“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.

“We knew the air base had a credible threat of a terrorist attack before last night. So as soon as I saw them I was worried.”

The resident also suggested police and intelligence agencies may have been in possession of vital information beforehand.

She said: “We thought something was going on as they had housed B1 bombers at the base until earlier this week when they were moved. And then suddenly they started blocking entrances to the air base.

“They started blocking those with diggers and tractors and things early in the week, which seems a bit Dad’s Army to be honest.

“By Friday they had sent all their civilian staff home, and then because this is a small village, we started noticing people who weren’t local and the suspicion was they were plain clothes police of some kind. We all knew something unusual was going on.”

She added: “A plucky amateur shouldn’t be spotting an unusual bit of activity at 1am when the air base is on high alert. I think it’s absolutely astonishing.”

One of the vehicles inspected by bomb-disposal units was marked with “FUEL 2YOU” on the side in red lettering, along with a telephone number.

However, there is virtually no public trace of such a firm. A business with a comparable name, Fuel 2U, confirmed to the Daily Express that they owned two vans, and both were at their depot in London.

It raises the possibility that the alleged attackers were attempting to remain inconspicuous by masquerading as a fuel delivery firm. The firm released a statement saying: “We want to make it absolutely clear that neither the vehicle nor any of the individuals involved has any connection whatsoever with Fuel2U, its directors, employees or current business operations.

“We are extremely concerned that our company’s name has been used without our knowledge or permission.

“We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and will assist them with any enquiries.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham admitted the “incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country.”

He added: “The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe. The investigation remains ongoing, and I would urge people not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts.”

The Republic of Ireland players were jeered by the small number of Israel fans in attendance when they emerged for their pre-game warm-up.

While the FAI confirmed no tickets would be sold to Republic of Ireland supporters, a handful of fans were spotted inside the stadium.

Hallgrimsson confirmed Bazunu would be included in the squad for Thursday’s game against Austria in Dublin, but not for the second match against Israel.

“I think he is very happy that we have won the game,” said Hallgrimsson.

“Nobody was questioning his decision. It was only the timing that was difficult for us to kind of react to it, but none of us were asking him not to take his stand and now he’s flying back with us on the plane.”

When asked if player’s opinions regarding the fixture were taken into account when selecting his team for Sunday’s game, Hallgrimsson said: “Absolutely not.

“This team selection was about who we thought could make the best performance for Ireland.”

During a dramatic day on Saturday, doubts emerged over whether the game would take place after the Republic of Ireland’s pre-match news conference was postponed because of the squad meeting.

When the news conference commenced at 14:30 BST on Saturday – more than five hours later than planned – Courell said a players’ vote on whether to play the game passed by a “significant majority”.

Courell added that the Republic of Ireland would not engage in pre-match formalities such as handshakes.

In 2024, the Ireland women’s basketball team chose not to shake hands with Israel players or stand on court for the anthems before a EuroBasket qualifier in Riga, but the teams did exchange handshakes when they met again last year.

The Republic of Ireland have faced calls to boycott the matches since the Nations League draw in February.

Last November, the FAI approved a motion calling for Uefa to suspend Israel from Uefa competitions.

In May, the team’s friendly against Qatar was interrupted after fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestinian flag on to the pitch.

In June, the FAI confirmed their home fixture would be played behind closed doors in Backa Topola instead of Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, citing “operational challenges that could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil”.

At an extraordinary general meeting in July, delegates backed an FAI motion to proceed with the games amid concerns that boycotting the fixtures would cause “significant and lasting harm” for the association.

Calls for the Republic of Ireland to boycott the games have intensified in recent weeks. Earlier this week, more than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter by Irish Sport for Palestine group urging the team not to play.

Courell also said last week Uefa had rejected a request for the Republic of Ireland and Israel to be kept apart in future competition draws.

Tensions between the teams were raised this week when the Israel Football Association accused Hallgrimsson of “ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity” after the coach said, “we’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide”.

Speaking on Saturday, Hallgrimsson said it was “a wrong word for me to use”, while Israel FA head of communications Shlomi Barzel said he would not apologise for his association’s response but said he would “take back the word stupidity”.

The armed Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

In response, Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza, during which more than 73,000 people have been killed, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

Israel has repeatedly denied that it has committed genocide, as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity. It says its military operations in Gaza have been conducted in self-defence and in accordance with international law.

By JEFF PRESTRIDGE, MONEY EDITOR AT LARGE

Updated: 23:33 BST, 27 September 2026