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Ariana Grande quits West End role as she plans to step back from the spotlight amid ‘ongoing public scrutiny’ over her appearance

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Ariana Grande has quit her upcoming West End role as she plans to take a break following her tour amid struggles with 'ongoing public scrutiny' over her appearance

Ariana Grande has quit her upcoming West End role as she plans to take a break following her tour amid struggles with ‘ongoing public scrutiny’ over her appearance.

The American singer and actress, 33, is currently on tour her  and plans to step back from the public eye when it wraps in London on September 1.

Her next project was starring opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey in Sunday In The Park with George on stage in London, but her representative has confirmed she will no longer be taking part.

Ariana’s spokesperson told PEOPLE: ‘Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour. 

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‘She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.’ 

‘This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.’

Ariana Grande has quit her upcoming West End role as she plans to take a break following her tour amid struggles with ‘ongoing public scrutiny’ over her appearance

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Ariana's appearance has come under scrutiny in recent months, especially following the release of her new music video, Petal

Ariana’s appearance has come under scrutiny in recent months, especially following the release of her new music video, Petal 

A source close to Ariana explained that Ariana’s tour involves a very physical and athletic performance which she performs at a healthy and high level.

Ariana’s appearance has come under scrutiny in recent months, especially following the release of her new music video, Petal.

She has publicly insisted that she’s healthy but that didn’t stop fans from pointing out how incredibly gaunt she looks in the violent music video.

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In the bizarre clip, Ariana plays the character of Pepper, an aspiring starlet who attends multiple auditions in a bid to become famous.

After failing yet another audition, a group of studio bigwigs brand Ariana ‘unmarketable’, ‘unattractive’, and ‘inauthentic’, before accusing her of having a personality disorder.

‘We miss the old you,’ one tells her. ‘Maybe you could go out and find her and come back and give it another shot?’ 

Ariana leaves, only to return moments later with a chainsaw, which she uses to violently dismember the men. 

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She has publicly insisted that she's healthy but that didn't stop fans from pointing out how incredibly gaunt she looks in the violent music video

She has publicly insisted that she’s healthy but that didn’t stop fans from pointing out how incredibly gaunt she looks in the violent music video 

In the bizarre clip, Ariana plays the character of Pepper, an aspiring starlet who attends multiple auditions in a bid to become famous

In the bizarre clip, Ariana plays the character of Pepper, an aspiring starlet who attends multiple auditions in a bid to become famous 

Now drenched in blood, she returns to the waiting room, only to receive a round of rapturous applause from the other female auditionees.

Despite the clever social commentary in the video, many fans were more distracted by Ariana’s weight than anything else. 

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‘This is like looking at Karen Carpenter and everyone was like [shrug],’ wrote one fan.

‘I am actually so over us normalizing this and acting like this is okay,’ wrote a second.

‘Shocking and heartbreaking’, wrote a third, while a fourth added, ‘For the love of God, please eat something.’

Another wrote, ‘Her bones are literally popping out.’ 

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Despite the concerned comments, other fans defended the singer and said that it was inappropriate to comment on her physical appearance. 

‘If y’all actually cared about her you wouldn’t be publicly making comments about her body,’ argued one.

Fans were shocked by the star's appearance, with many comparing her to the late singer Karen Carpenter

Fans were shocked by the star’s appearance, with many comparing her to the late singer Karen Carpenter 

Ariana murders a group of businessmen with a chainsaw in the disturbing video

Ariana murders a group of businessmen with a chainsaw in the disturbing video

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‘The irony of all the girls over 200 pounds saying she’s “unhealthy.” You think being 200 pounds is healthy? Good lord, the jealousy is screaming from you guys!’ wrote another. 

Ariana released her eighth studio album, Petal, on Friday.

Concerns were raised about whether Sunday In The Park With George was going ahead when ticket sales were halted earlier this summer.

At the time it was suggested that Ariana was still planning to appear in the show next summer, before later backing out.

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There were said to be growing fears that Ariana, who had just kicked off her Eternal Sunshine tour in America, was ‘oversubscribed’.

Ariana, who is now back with her ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, had also just split from her boyfriend of three years Ethan Slater, after meeting on the set of Wicked. 

Ariana was slated to appear opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey in her hotly anticipated West End debut at the Barbican Centre.

Concerns around her appearance in her revival of Stephen Sondheim’s show were sparked after ticket sales were delayed until autumn.

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A source close to Ariana’s camp confirmed to the Daily Mail at the time: ‘There’s no doubt she’s still doing it.’

Concerns were raised about whether Sunday In The Park With George was going ahead when ticket sales were halted earlier this summer

Concerns were raised about whether Sunday In The Park With George was going ahead when ticket sales were halted earlier this summer 

They added: ‘The show is still happening but ticket sales were pushed to September due to her touring and album release schedule.’ 

A source previously had told the Sun,: ‘Ariana has a lot on her plate and there are concerns she is over-subscribed.

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‘It’s too risky to start flogging tickets until it’s all locked down. It will be a demanding production with eight shows a week.’

Ariana proved her acting chops after playing Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of Wicked, opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba.

She will also take to the small screen in the 13th series of American Horror Story.

Ariana appears to be shifting her focus to acting despite her current tour as she told fans: ‘I’m very excited to do this small tour. But I think it might not happen again for a long, long time.’

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Fast Withdrawal Casinos 2026: Best Instant Payout Sites UK

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Fast Withdrawal Casinos 2026: Best Instant Payout Sites UK

A fast withdrawal casino can process a payment within minutes and recent advancements in the casino industry’s ability to payout instantly has led punters to seek out the best instant withdrawal casinos.

We have evaluated the best fast payout casino options for UK bettors, assessing factors such as withdrawal speeds, processing times, verification policies and payment methods to help readers choose the ideal quick withdrawal casino for them.

What is a Fast Withdrawal Casino?

A fast withdrawal casino is an online gambling platform that processes payout requests in less time than most casinos, often within 24 hours on a working day, and in many cases, within just a few hours.

The exact speed will depend on the payment method you choose, but leading instant withdrawal casinos aim to remove unnecessary delays and streamline the entire transaction process.

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The race to be the best casino instant withdrawal option has been heating up in recent months, with several online casinos adopting Fast Funds and Pay By Bank services from major banking branches, meaning they can send funds to a bettor’s account in a matter of minutes.

These services have overtaken PayPal, Apple Pay and similar payment providers as the fastest withdrawal options at some online casinos, while others have removed some e-wallets altogether from their banking section.

Our guide steers bettors in the right direction on which withdrawal option is fastest and where to find their preferred payment service.

Casino

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Fastest Withdrawal Time

Fastest Withdrawal method(s)

Minimum Withdrawal

Verified Payout Time

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MrQ

Instant

Debit card, PayPal & bank transfer

£10

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4 minutes

Bet365

Instant

Apple Pay

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£5

10 minutes

Grosvenor

Instant

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PayPal, debit card, Apple Pay & bank transfer

£5

15 minutes

Betfair Casino

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Instant

Pay By Bank, debit card & Apple Pay

£5

1 hour

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Ladbrokes

Instant

Pay By Bank, debit card

£5

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90 minutes

O’Reels Casino

Instant

Debit card, Apple Pay

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£10

110 minutes

MrQ

Fastest payout method: Debit card, PayPal & bank transfer

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Typical processing time: Instant

Minimum withdrawal: £10

Maximum withdrawal: £10,000

Welcome offer: 200 free spins

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The fastest payout methods on MrQ are debit card, PayPal and bank transfers (The Independent)

Lots of instant withdrawal casino sites promise payments will be completed in minutes, but very few operators are willing to put their money where their mouth is. All except MrQ.

They only have a small pool of payment options, but guarantee that all payments will be made instantly, or they will issue bettors with a £10 casino bonus in compensation.

MrQ are also a pay by mobile casino, but doesn’t offer withdrawals using this method, as explained in the excellent information pack available on payment options.

Some of the information does need updating, but bettors will find enough to give them a clear idea on what to expect when using MrQ.

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Pros

✓ Guarantee instant bank transfers or a £10 casino bonus

✓ Payment system well laid out and easy to understand

Cons

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✗ Fewer options for withdrawals than some competitors

✗ Minimum withdrawal limit could be lower

Bet365

Fastest payout method: Apple Pay

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Typical processing time: Instant

Minimum withdrawal: £5

Maximum withdrawal: Up to £50,000, depending on method

Welcome offer: Up to 500 free spins

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Bet365 ranks among the best options for a secure online casino with fast withdrawal options, and it offers one of the widest ranges of accepted withdrawal methods on the market, with several options available for instant withdrawals.

Apple Pay users will find that this online casino pledges to process withdrawals in a matter of minutes, and they can also unlock the bet365 welcome offer with an Apple Pay deposit. The withdrawal limit of £20,000 using Apple Pay should satisfy most high rollers too.

Away from Apple Pay, Bet365 have other speedy withdrawal methods, with all other processed within four hours. That includes PayPal, Trustly and Paysafecard, with bet365 one of a handful of Paysafecard casinos to allow bettors to make withdrawals.

Pros

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✓ Offer one of the biggest collections of fast withdrawal options

✓ Apple Pay instant withdrawals will suit users of casino apps

✓ Withdrawals from £5

Cons

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✗ Google Pay and Skrill not accepted

Grosvenor

Fastest payout method: Debit card, Apple Pay, instant bank transfer & PayPal

Typical processing time: Instant

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Minimum withdrawal: £5

Maximum withdrawal: £30,000

Welcome offer: Deposit £20, play with £40

The minimum withdrawal is a very favourable £5 on Grosvenor
The minimum withdrawal is a very favourable £5 on Grosvenor (The Independent)

No fast withdrawal casino has as many instant options as Grosvenor. The UK casino claims that nearly all withdrawals are processed instantly and should appear in a bettor’s account within 15 minutes.

That service is available using debit cards with fast withdrawals, Apple Pay, PayPal and instant bank transfer service, with the latter available at all major UK banks.

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Withdrawal limits at Grosvenor should suit all types of bettors and the majority of fast withdrawal methods can be used to unlock the Grosvenor sign-up offer, with the exception of PayPal.

The sign-up offer isn’t as good as some of those available at rival online casinos, with the £20 casino bonus and £20 deposit needed to unlock the welcome bonus carrying 10x wagering requirements.

However, Grosvenor makes up for that with daily offers for existing customers, a great selection of casino games, and, most importantly for those seeking fast withdrawals, a good selection of banking options offering instant payments.

Betfair Casino

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Fastest payout method: Pay By Bank, debit card & Apple Pay

Typical processing time: Instant

Minimum withdrawal: £5

Maximum withdrawal: No published maximum

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Welcome offer: 50 free spins no deposit + bet £10, get 100 free spins.

Betfair are one of the top casinos for responsible gambling messaging
Betfair are one of the top casinos for responsible gambling messaging (The Independent)

Betfair could be the best online casino with instant withdrawal options, depending on a player’s preferences, with three instant options.

Withdrawals made via debit cards tend to be slower than those made via other methods, but all Visa and participating Mastercard card users can expect instant withdrawals from Betfair.

Pay by bank instant withdrawals are also available on Betfair, while Apple Pay is the third casino fast withdrawal option. There are plenty of other methods bettors can use to make a withdrawal, and most transfer requests are processed in four to 24 hours.

All payment options are eligible for the Betfair casino welcome bonus, making Betfair one of the most flexible online casinos around when it comes to real money transactions.

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Pros

✓ Pledge to process the majority of withdrawals instantly

✓ Wide range of withdrawal methods on offer

✓ All payment methods eligible for welcome bonus

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Cons

✗ Some withdrawal methods are slower than competitors

✗ Payment information could be more concise

Ladbrokes Casino

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Fastest payout method: Pay by Bank

Typical processing time: Instant

Minimum withdrawal: £5

Maximum withdrawal: No published maximum

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Welcome offer: Bet £10, get a £30 casino bonus

The fastest payout method on Ladbrokes is Pay by Bank
The fastest payout method on Ladbrokes is Pay by Bank (The Independent)

Ladbrokes is one of the most well-established names in UK gambling and continues to perform at a high level, offering instant payouts via Pay By Bank, while transfers using e-wallets and debit cards are completed within hours.

Ladbrokes have steadily improved payment speeds, with debit card transfers taking around four hours if the user’s bank provides the fast funds service. Withdrawals using PayPal are expected to take around eight hours to complete, which is a little slower than some rival casino sites.

Ladbrokes’ withdrawal limits are noteworthy too as they are one of only a handful of online casinos to allow withdrawals from as little as £5.

Pros

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✓ Great selection of fast payout options

✓ Withdrawals from £5

✓ Payment system well laid out and easy to understand

Cons

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✗ E-wallet withdrawals can take longer than some rivals

✗ Can’t make withdrawals with all deposit methods

O’Reels

Fastest payout method: Debit card, Apple Pay, PayPal

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Typical processing time: Under four hours

Minimum withdrawal: £10

Maximum withdrawal: £10,000

Welcome offer: 100% welcome bonus

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The typical withdrawal processing time on O’Reels Casino is under four hours
The typical withdrawal processing time on O’Reels Casino is under four hours (O’Reels Casino)

O’Reels, one of the latest releases from the Betable Group, claims to process over half of all withdrawal requests instantly, with the other half being completed in around four hours.

During our review, it took over an hour for our withdrawal to arrive, but given that it takes the majority of online casinos the best part of a day to process a withdrawal request, this is still pretty quick.

There’s a good selection of payment methods available on O’Reels, but they could give more information on which are the faster withdrawal options, as this isn’t entirely clear.

Pros

✓ Majority of payments completed in under four hours

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✓ Good choice of payment options

✓ Large withdrawal limit

Cons

✗ More information on withdrawals is needed

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✗ Can’t make withdrawals with all deposit methods

Below is a list of all the casinos that can complete a payment in under one hour. These casinos have been tested and we will continue to keep this list updated for all those looking for under one hour withdrawal casino sites.

Casino

Verified withdrawal time

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Payment method(s)

Bet365

0-5 minutes

Apple Pay

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MrQ

Instant (weekdays)

Bank transfer, PayPal

Sky Vegas

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Under 1 hour

Pay by bank

Betfair

Instant

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Bank transfer

William Hill

Under 30 minutes

Bank transfer, Visa fast funds

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Casumo

Instant

PayPal, Apple Pay, Skrill

Betfred

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Under 1 hour

Visa fast funds

Grosvenor

Under 15 minutes

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Visa fast funds, Apple Pay, bank transfer

There are some small differences between a fast withdrawal casino and an instant withdrawal casino: ‘instant’ withdrawals are understood to be those processed in 15 minutes or less. At the same time, ‘fast’ withdrawals are usually thought to be anything under an hour.

The average UK withdrawal speed across all casinos is typically between 12 and 24 hours. That is due to some casinos now processing payments instantly, while others require 1 to 3 business days.

UK-licensed casinos must follow strict identity and anti-fraud regulations from the UK Gambling Commission, meaning even instant withdrawal casinos must carry out verification checks before releasing funds.

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To that end, users should complete all KYC checks before making withdrawals to enjoy the full benefits of a fast casino withdrawal.

In this section, we provide additional details on the fastest withdrawal methods available at UK online casinos.

Note that Fast Funds and Pay By Bank methods are much quicker than traditional debit card and bank transfer options.

Trustly

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  • Processing times: 10 minutes – 24 hours
  • Withdrawal limits: £10 – £10,000

Instant transfers are available with Trustly, with no bank details needed and limits between £10 and £10,000. However, not a huge number of fast payout online casinos accept Trustly.

PayPal

  • Processing times: Instant – 24 hours
  • Withdrawal limits: £5 – £30,000

Some operators offer PayPal casino instant withdrawal options, and this method is more widely accepted than rival e-wallets. However, recently some major online gambling outlets, such as Betfred, have removed PayPal from their list of accepted payment options.

Apple Pay

  • Processing times: Instant – 24 hours
  • Withdrawal limits: £5 – £40,000

Mobile casino users will be delighted by the way some online casinos have embraced Apple Pay, and, to a lesser extent, Google Pay. Withdrawals can be made with just a few taps on mobile and the limits have increased to cater to more bettors.

Visa/Mastercard Fast Funds

  • Processing times: 30 minutes – 4 hours
  • Withdrawal limits: £5 – £20,000

Old debit card payments can take between 1-3 working days. Fast funds can see payments reach a user’s account in under an hour. Nearly all Visa debit card providers and some Mastercard providers now offer this function.

Pay By Bank

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  • Processing times: Instant – 1 hour
  • Withdrawal limits: £10 – £100,000

Bank transfer was formerly the slowest kind of withdrawal, taking up to a week at times to reach a user’s account. Pay By Bank has transformed this option now with bettor’s still getting the high security and option to make large withdrawals that came with a traditional bank transfer, only with funds arriving in a matter of minutes.

We use a range of criteria to evaluate each fast withdrawal casino, independently testing each of our recommended operators to confirm that they meet our expectations in terms of payouts, licensing and overall player experience.

UKGC licensing: Only licensed and regulated fast withdrawal casinos are recommended. Never use an online casino that doesn’t have a UK Gambling Commission license, or a payment method not accepted on licensed casinos, such as credit cards.

Payment method testing: We test fast payment methods to verify any claims they make over withdrawal times.

Transparency of terms: Choosing a fast withdrawal casino is much easier when an operator gives you information on the banking options available, how to use them and the expected deposit and withdrawal times.

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Player experience: To give us a better insight into instant withdrawal casinos, we check Trustpilot and Reddit to see if fast withdrawal casinos live up to their name when used by punters.

Simple KYC process: We make sure KYC checks can be completed smoothly and without causing a huge inconvenience to the user. The best fast withdrawal casino provide assistance to bettors during the KYC process.

Responsible gambling compliance: Fast withdrawal casinos must comply with responsible gambling guidelines to be recommended.

Even at a fast payout casino, some withdrawals can get held up for various reasons. However, any hold-ups tend to be caused by routine checks or human error, rather than technical problems, and can easily be avoided.

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Common reasons for payment delays include:

Account verification (KYC): UK-licensed casinos must verify a player’s identity before processing withdrawals. To avoid any delays, complete the KYC steps during sign-up.

Anti-Money Laundering: All licensed casinos are required to follow strict anti-money laundering regulations. This may require checks on the source of funds or account activity.

Payment method alterations: Many casinos require withdrawals to be made using the same method as the deposit, which can slow down the process if an alternative is selected.

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Active bonus wagering: Any outstanding wagering requirements must be completed before funds can be released.

Timing of the request: Some online casinos don’t process withdrawal requests at certain times of the day, or outside of usual business hours.

Large withdrawal amounts: Higher-value payouts are often subject to additional internal checks.

Whatever gambling platform you’re using, it’s important to remember to take a safe and balanced approach to gambling online.

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Setting personal limits and sticking to them can help you stay in control. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose, and when the fun stops, stop.

The most reputable instant withdrawal casino sites in the UK offer built-in safety tools, such as deposit caps, cooling-off periods, and full self-exclusion options.

These features make it easier to manage your bankroll, take breaks when needed, and ensure gambling remains fun. Remember not to get too carried away by free bet offers or casino bonuses.

If you start to feel gambling is affecting you negatively, reach out to support services like GamCare or BeGambleAware for confidential help.

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We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

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Celtic bid for Algerian World Cup star ‘rejected’ as Serie A side hold firm

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Belfast Live

The Italians are preparing for their maiden campaign in the top division and view the Algerian international as crucial to their survival hopes this season

Celtic’s initial offer for Fares Ghedjemis has been turned down by Frosinone, according to reports.

The Hoops have been in discussions with the Italian club regarding the winger, who was omitted from the Serie A side’s squad for their weekend friendly against Benevento.

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Celtic were believed to be stepping up their pursuit after failing to secure Ghedjemis in January, and have now tabled their first bid in an attempt to bring him to Glasgow this summer.

However, Sky Sports Italy now report that Frosinone have knocked back the opening proposal and are intent on retaining the 23 year old.

They are preparing for their maiden campaign in Italy’s top division and view the Algerian international as crucial to their survival hopes this season, reports the Daily Record.

Nevertheless, there remains scope for further talks and the circumstances could yet shift.

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Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has been open about his ambition to sign Ghedjemis, acknowledging the champions were extremely eager to complete a deal.

He said: “We have a very, very strong interest in him,” O’Neill said. “I don’t know how close we can get, but we are genuinely making really good progress.”

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Eight killed after Kyiv launches hundreds of drones in mass attack

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: At least three dead after bomb explodes near Moscow restaurant

At least eight killed in mass Ukrainian drone attack on Russia

At least eight people in Russian regions overnight and on Sunday, after Kyiv launched at least 635 drones in a mass attack.

Among the targets was a warehouse belonging to Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, regional officials said.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said it downed 635 Ukrainian drones during the night. Moscow does not typically reveal the total number of projectiles fired by Ukraine.

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The acting governor of Russia’s border region of Belgorod, Alexander Shuvayev, said a Ukrainian drone struck an area next to a playground, killing one child and injuring two.

Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that the strike was “another inhumane terrorist act” by Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ukraine’s drones attacked a Wildberries warehouse in the Samara region, around 800 km (500 miles) from Ukraine’s most advanced military positions, Samara Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said. Fedorishchev said there were no casualties and that a fire that broke out as a result of the attack was being put out.

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Smoke rises after a Ukrainian drone attack on a Wildberries warehouse (Reuters)

Alex Croft2 August 2026 23:19

Death toll of Moscow restaurant explosion rises to five

Russian authorities have increased the death toll of the explosion in Moscow’s Balzi Rossi restaurant to five.

Two people died in hospital following the explosion, Radio Liberty’s Russian Service said according to Ukrainska Pravda, after three deaths had originally been reported by Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee.

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Another six people are in a serious condition, it said.

Alex Croft2 August 2026 23:04

As millions jet off on holiday, meet the men choosing to go to a warzone with total strangers

But some are willing to take things further than others. For four years, one group has seen plenty of new sights – by driving into an active warzone.

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Ukrainian Action, a charity set up after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has just sent its 500th vehicle full of aid and equipment across Europe to support Ukrainians in need on and off the front line. With Russian airstrikes actively targeting ordinary homes, civilian businesses, and infrastructure facilities with ballistic missiles and drones, killing at least 26 people, including four children, in separate attacks this week, Ukraine is a highly volatile place to be.

Read the full article here:

Holly Evans2 August 2026 23:00

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Zelensky asks for Trump’s help to win Elon Musk’s approval for Starlink drones plan

The availability of these interceptors is dwindling amid the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran, with Mr Trump reportedly stepping back from a recent pledge to grant Ukraine a licence for their production.

Read the full article here:

Holly Evans2 August 2026 22:00

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Drone fragments fell in Romanian territory near Ukraine border

Fragments of a drone shot down by Ukraine ⁠near its Danube river border fell on Romanian national ⁠territory on ​a ⁠farm field near the ⁠village of Periprava without ​causing ⁠any damage, ‌Romania’s Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

The drone ‌had previously ‌spent 20 minutes in Romanian ⁠air space before flying into Ukraine, the ministry said without specifying its origin. Romanian F-16 fighter ‌jets shot down three ​Russian drones ‌breaching national ⁠airspace over ⁠three consecutive days in ‌late ​July.

Holly Evans2 August 2026 21:00

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What is Wildberries?

In recent weeks, Ukraine has been turning its attention to attacking large warehouses owned by Wildberries.

Wildberries is Russia‘s largest online marketplace. It has been called the country’s equivalent of Amazon, as its business model resembles a mix of Amazon Marketplace, eBay, and Temu.

Founded in 2004 by Tatyana Kim, who is now Russia’s richest woman, the company has since become the dominant e-commerce platform in Russia and several neighbouring countries.

Hosting millions of third-party sellers, the platform sells almost everything, from electronics to groceries. The marketplace features clothes, books, cosmetics, toys, appliances, household items, sports gear and much more. There’s an “E-Pharmacy” page and a travel section for booking plane tickets or hotels.

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Smoke rises after a Ukrainian drone attack on a Wildberries warehouse
Smoke rises after a Ukrainian drone attack on a Wildberries warehouse (Reuters)

It operates a vast network of warehouses, sorting centres, and logistics hubs across Russia.

In 2021, Kim acquired a small bank and turned it into what now is Wildberries Bank, but that institution has since come under sanctions by the U.K. and the European Union.

Holly Evans2 August 2026 20:00

Moscow attack occurred after Russia tightens security around top officials

Earlier this year, Russia’s Federal Security Service announced that authorities would tighten security around senior military and government officials, after a series of assassination attempts in Russian cities that followed the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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So far, Russian authorities have not drawn any connections between Saturday’s blast and these earlier attacks or the war in Ukraine.

Russia previously said Kyiv was behind a car bombing in Moscow last April that killed Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy head of the main operational department in Russia’s General Staff.

Ukraine did not publicly claim responsibility.

But Ukraine’s SBU security service earlier said it had organized the killing in December 2024 of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, who headed the Russian military’s nuclear, biological and chemical protection forces.

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Kirillov was killed by a bomb hidden in a scooter outside his apartment building in Moscow, a day after Ukraine’s security service leveled criminal charges against him.

Holly Evans2 August 2026 19:00

Why is Ukraine attacking ships in the Caspian Sea?

Ukraine officials have claimed the Iranian vessel was carrying components for drones and missiles from Iran to Russia, but Tehran claimed the vessel was “entirely civilian” and was carrying “no military cargo”.

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Iran is a major supplier of weapons to Russia with its Shahed drones. In August 2024, Ukraine attacked a cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea, destroying a ship reportedly loaded with Shahed-136 drone components and Iranian munitions.

But former British army officer and weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon believes that Ukraine’s most recent attack on the Caspian Sea is a “message to Trump” first and foremost.

He argued that by executing an attack around 500 miles away from Kyiv, Ukraine is demonstrating its capability and showing the US president how it can help take on Iran.

He told The Independent: “Ukraine is trying to show Trump that the Russians are helping Iran out. Ukraine is demonstrating that they can prevent that and help with Trump’s Iran problem, but the US needs to help Ukraine in return.”

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Holly Evans2 August 2026 18:00

Inside the camp in Italy helping Ukraine’s traumatised children

Both teenagers have suffered immensely as a result of Russia’s invasion, recalling to The Independent their grim personal anecdotes including a civilian minibus torn to shreds by Russian gunfire, the kidnapping of family members, and the destruction of their home towns.

Now, for the first time since 2022, the 17-year-olds no longer need fear the sound of a passing aircraft, tucked safely away in the Italian coastal town of Lignano Pineta alongside 30 others, for a camp aimed at alleviating the psychological toll of war for Ukrainian children.

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Read the full article here:

Holly Evans2 August 2026 17:00

Italian-led EU force boards sanctioned tanker from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ in Mediterranean

An EU mission led ​by Italy boarded a tanker belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” on Sunday to verify its nationality and flag registration, Italy’s Defence Ministry said.

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It ⁠was not immediately clear whether the vessel had been detained while the checks were carried out.

The ministry said the Toa Payoh, a tanker under EU sanctions that ⁠was sailing under ​the flag ⁠of Cameroon, had been intercepted in the Mediterranean, west of the Italian island ⁠of Pantelleria, while travelling from Benin to Istanbul.

The ship’s ​captain ⁠initially failed to ‌cooperate, prompting a team of Italian military personnel to board the vessel from a helicopter launched by ‌the Thaon di Revel, flagship ‌of the EU’s EUNAVFOR MED Irini operation.

The inspection, carried out with the support of a Greek vessel and a Polish ⁠maritime patrol aircraft, lasted about two hours and was completed safely, the ministry said.

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Italian authorities were examining documentation obtained during the inspection.

Holly Evans2 August 2026 16:00

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Liverpool transfer need brutally exposed as Leeds stun Andoni Iraola – 5 talking points

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Daily Mirror

LIVERPOOL 2-4 LEEDS UNITED: Daniel Farke’s men scored four goals in 25 second-half minutes to stun the Reds and win in the Premier League Summer Series on Sunday

Liverpool were left stunned as Leeds United produced a scintillating second-half comeback to come from 2-0 down and beat the Reds 4-2 in the Premier League Super Series.

Fresh off the back of beating Sunderland and Championship side Wrexham, Andoni Iraola’s side started on the front foot against Leeds and opened the scoring inside the first seven minutes. Luke Chambers was the goalscorer for the Reds as he smashed home from close range.

Although Leeds did have some opportunities, Liverpool controlled most of the first half and ended up doubling their advantage just before the break. Florian Wirtz found the net for Iraola’s side, as he finished off an excellent team move, tucking the ball home into the corner.

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Both teams made four substitutions at half-time and it was Leeds who came out as the stronger after the break. Brendan Aaronson capitalised on a mistake to pull one back for Daniel Farke’s side on the hour mark, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised with a finish from inside the box.

The comeback was then complete soon after with Sean Longstaff firing home following some neat play from Aaronson. Calvert-Lewin added his second and Leeds’ fourth late on to ensure the Whites were crowned as the winners of the 2026 Premier League Summer Series in the United States.

Mirror Football looks at the big talking points from the game…

Fast Liverpool start

Liverpool scored the first goal in each of their first two pre-season friendlies and that theme continued against Leeds. Chambers, who has come into central defence since Joe Gomez suffered a new muscle injury in the 4-2 win over Sunderland last week, was the man who gave the Reds the lead.

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Dominik Szoboszlai’s outswinging corner was flicked on by Milos Kerkez and Chambers was there free inside the box to slam home from eight yards. In truth, it was a smart finish from the 22-year-old, who could have easily got underneath the ball but he kept his head over it before lashing beyond goalkeeper Alex Cairns.

Huge Leeds injury blow

One of Daniel Farke’s main wishes going into the fixture against Liverpool would have been to avoid any fresh injuries with three weeks to go until the start of the Premier League season. Well, unfortunately for him and the Whites Gabriel Gudmundsson hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring problem.

After going down in the opening stages with a knock, Gudmundsson carried on before being substituted in the 34th minute. The Sweden international went down appearing to hold his hamstring and was treated by the Leeds medical staff before going off and being replaced by Sebastiaan Bornauw.

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Impressive Wirtz

Following a mixed first season and Liverpool’s lack of attacking transfer business so far this summer, it does feel as though there is some pressure on Wirtz to produce in 2026/27. But the German showed in his first appearance back after the World Cup that he can step up and deliver after scoring the Reds’ second against Leeds.

It was well-worked move by Liverpool as Trey Nyoni’s cross-field pass found Jeremie Frimpong who cut the ball back for Wirtz to sweep home first time from inside the box. With just seven goals in 49 matches in his debut season at the Reds, Wirtz will be no doubt wanting to improve on that total this term.

Liverpool punished for mistake

Although it’s much better to iron out mistakes in pre-season, of course, Liverpool won’t want to give too many goals like the one Leeds scored against them in Chicago.

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Milos Kerkez, who endured a difficult first season at the Reds following his move from Bournemouth last summer, gave the ball away inside his own half and Leeds punished them. Ampadu collected the ball and drove at the Liverpool back-line before playing in Aaronson and he slotted low past Giorgi Mamardashvili. It was a slack piece of play from Kerkez and he must eradicate them if he wants to be a success at Anfield.

Impressive comeback from Leeds

Leeds were much-improved after Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Sean Longstaff and Harry Wilson came on at half-time and they produced a scintillating comeback to stun Liverpool.

After Aaronson pulled one back, Calvert-Lewin levelled for the Whites in the 71st minute. A long-throw from Ampadu caused chaos in the box and Joe Rodon’s flick-on was hammered home by Calvert-Lewin from close-range.

Then, just two minutes later, the fightback was complete as Leeds took the lead for the first time in the game. Longstaff was the scorer on this occasion for Leeds, as he swivelled inside the area before drilling home.

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The Whites would go on to score a fourth goal to seal the win and it came from another long throw. This time it was Bornauw who got the flick on and Calvert-Lewin was there once more to tap home from four yards.

It was an impressive comeback from Leeds and excellent character after falling 2-0 down and looking like the game was over at half-time. But Farke has instilled some belief into his side and it was on show in full flow again.

Liverpool transfer priorities clear

If it wasn’t clear before that Liverpool need to sign some players, it certainly is now. The Reds have got to bring in at least two, if not, three ready-made first-team starters before their Premier League opener against Newcastle United.

They have been among the quietest clubs in the top flight when it comes to signing players this summer and it’s seen Iraola’s squad look threadbare with Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah moving on. Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have come in, but neither have made an appearance for the Reds so far.

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The Reds are so light in a number of areas and the one that looked the weakest against Leeds was the centre-back area. While Jacquet is coming in to join Virgil van Dijk and the returning Giovani Leoni, Gomez’s latest injury blow should see Iraola’s side dip into the market to sign another central defender. That is a must.

As well as that, the Reds are lacking a serious right winger following Salah’s departure, while it does still feel like they need a new left-back to help Kerkez and a high-profile central midfielder.

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Valentin Barco: Why Jude Bellingham clashed with new Chelsea FC signing before latest transfer announcement

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Valentin Barco: Why Jude Bellingham clashed with new Chelsea FC signing before latest transfer announcement

Amid Argentina’s post-match celebrations, clips soon circulated of Bellingham hitting Barco seemingly without provocation on the back of the head as the new Chelsea signing joined his team-mates on the pitch, prompting an angry response from the midfielder and those around him.

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Commonwealth Games closing ceremony lights up Glasgow as city gives spectacular send off

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Daily Record

Team Scotland proudly wore their cone heads as flags were waved in the air from around the Commonwealth.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games reached its finale with a spectacular Closing Ceremony at the city’s Ovo Hydro on Sunday, which saw a wealth of Scottish musicians handover to next year’s hosts in India.

The Games, which saw around 3000 athletes from 74 nations take part, left Scotland in fourth place in the final medal table.

The competition took over the city for eleven days, with pop ups and special events at Glasgow cathedral, the City Chambers, Scotland House and the Merchant City.

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Scotland’s top talents made sure the Games finished in style at a spectacular closing ceremony as supporters, volunteers and communities came together for one last celebration.

Singer Sandi Thom kicked off the closing ceremony and opened the show to chants of no Scotland no party wearing a Saltire dress.

She then sang ‘I’m proud to be from Scotland’ to the tune of her hit ‘I wish I were a punk rocker’ surrounded by pipes and drums.

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Cammy Barnes then launched straight into Whisky Roll on the big screen asking whose up next just before Australian Delta Goodrem took over on the live stage.

Pyrotechnics fired off as a flurry of colour filled the stage representing each nation of the Commonwealth as she sang Ecliose form the Eurovision and Warrior.

Team Scotland proudly wore their cone heads as flags were waved in the air from around the Commonwealth.

Leading Indian performers including singer composer Shankar Mahadevan, actress Manushi Chhillar, singer Bhoomi Trivedi and musicians Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan thrilled the audience.

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Simple Minds provided one of the evening’s biggest highlights by reminding people ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’, while Australian singer and songwriter Delta Goodrem represented original hosts Victoria who had to pull out due to financial restrictions, raising the roof with Eurovision style vocals.

Delta said: “Closing ceremonies have such a special energy – they’re a celebration of everything the athletes have achieved and of all the people who have come together through sport. It feels especially meaningful to return to a Commonwealth Games ceremony 20 years after performing “Together We Are One” at Melbourne 2006.”

Inverness folk group Elephant Sessions kept things traditional adding a bit of funk along the way.

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BBC presenter and singer Shereen Cutkelvin also took part, alongside Rapper Bemz.

And to ensure the crowd showed up for the party, Radio DJ and GBX’s George Bowie kept things upbeat with a set worthy of an arena and had the crowd moving with his classic tune, Bits and Pieces.

Dance group Diversity also showed off some impressive moves with an energetic performance, bringing their well known choreography and dramatic style to the Hydro stage.

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The diverse and upbeat ceremony was the final celebration from the city following an impressive run of events.

And the mix of rock, pop, folk, rap, dance, and broadcasting alongside some typical Glasgow cultural references was the perfect send off.

India received the Commonwealth Games flag as the centenary edition of the multi sport event will be held in Ahmedabad in four years time.

The President of Commonwealth Sport, Donald Rukare, officially passed the Commonwealth Sport flag to Neeraj Chopra of Team India.

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It was handed over as the Shiamak Davar Dance Troupe performed a dance and song production that was worthy of the biggest Bollywood movie, with illuminated batons twirled in the air as around a hundred dancers filled the stage.

A collaboration between sitar player Rishab Rikhiram Sharma and bagpiper Ross Ainslie, closed the ceremony with a musical tribute to the Indian 2030 host city.

The whole event also recognised the achievements of the athletes who had competed during the Games, from swimming and netball, boxing and judo to gymnasts, bowlers and the para athletes.

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Volunteers and organisers, who took part in a mass ceilidh. were also acknowledged for the important role they played in ensuring that the event played out brilliantly.

George Black, chair of Glasgow 2026, said: “We have created an unforgettable games now from Glasgow to Ahmedabad – two great river cities.

“As we say in parts of Scotland ‘slanjevar to your good health’ until we meet again.”

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Harry Styles trips up on stage AGAIN but manages to seamlessly continue his song on tour in Mexico

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Harry Styles proved he is every inch the showman as he managed to rectify a stage fall while performing his Together, Together tour in Mexico this weekend

Harry Styles proved he is every inch the showman as he managed to rectify a stage fall while performing his Together, Together tour in Mexico this weekend.

The crowd gasped as the singer, 32, went flying into the air after slipping while performing his song Are You Listening Yet?

Harry looked horrified as he realised what was happening midway through the song, with his arms flailing as he skidded across the stage.

But somehow he managed to land in a perfect pose on his side with his head resting on his cheek, as he seamlessly continued the track.

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The incident happened during night two of the Mexico City leg of his tour, at the GNP Seguros Stadium, during the opening song of his gig.

Harry appeared wearing a red blazer with a black shirt and trousers, teamed with a colourful tie, in typical stylish fashion.

Harry Styles proved he is every inch the showman as he managed to rectify a stage fall while performing his Together, Together tour in Mexico this weekend

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The crowd gasped as the singer, 32, went flying into the air after slipping while performing his song Are You Listening Yet?

The crowd gasped as the singer, 32, went flying into the air after slipping while performing his song Are You Listening Yet?

Harry looked horrified as he realised what was happening midway through the song, with his arms flailing as he skidded across the stage

Harry looked horrified as he realised what was happening midway through the song, with his arms flailing as he skidded across the stage

It is possible that the floor was wet following storms that hit the city before the show began on Saturday. 

Addressing the 68,000-strong stadium, he said: ‘Viva México! Thank you so much for being here. Is everyone all right? OK, it’s just like sweating if you think about it. You survived the rain. Thank you for being here. It means so much to us.’

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Harry was forced to delay the concert after heavy rain swept through the city and concerns for safety were raised. 

British singer-songwriter Jorja Smith, who is opening for Styles in Mexico, was unable to perform due to the timing changes. 

Before heading to Mexico, Harry was forced to cancel his concert in São Paulo, Brazil on due to a ‘health issue’, which he did not disclose.

He offered refunds to fans after the last minute cancellation and a small batch of tickets for the next show were made available.

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A statement from Live Nation Brasil confirmed: ‘We deeply regret to inform you that the Harry Styles show scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at MorumBIS has been canceled due to a health issue on the tour. 

‘Tickets for this show will be refunded through the same purchase channel. An email with more information will be sent by @ticketmasterbr to all ticket holders.

‘The Friday show, July 24, 2026, will take place as scheduled. 

‘Ticket holders for the Tuesday show (July 21) will have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive batch of tickets for the Friday show (July 24), while supplies last. More information will be provided in the email sent by Ticketmaster Brasil to buyers.

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But somehow he managed to land in a perfect pose on his side with his head resting on his cheek, as he seamlessly continued the track

But somehow he managed to land in a perfect pose on his side with his head resting on his cheek, as he seamlessly continued the track

Harry's fall wasn't the first time he has sparked concern during his tour, during one of his 12 Wembley nights he choked on water before collapsing to the ground

Harry’s fall wasn’t the first time he has sparked concern during his tour, during one of his 12 Wembley nights he choked on water before collapsing to the ground 

‘We have worked with the event venue to release as many tickets as possible for the Friday show, but please keep in mind that availability is extremely limited.’

Harry’s fall wasn’t the first time he has sparked concern during his tour, during one of his 12 Wembley nights he choked on water before collapsing to the ground.

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In a clip posted to TikTok, he could be seen blowing water out of his mouth for his famous ‘whale’ spit before visibly choking.

Harry is then captured falling to the floor while he continues to choke for a few seconds.

Thankfully, the star managed to get back up to a seated position, but many fans were left worried about the hitmaker. 

One concertgoer told the Daily Mail: ‘As Harry ran down the stage for the final time in preparation for his famous whale, he sprayed the crowd before he then started to cough. 

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‘Managing to suppress his chokes, he performed the whale before falling to the floor where he lay on his back and continued to cough and splutter. It was quite worrying but he quickly got up to continue with the gig.’

Commenting on the heat at the concert, they added: ‘After the first two songs, he took off his jacket and his shirt was already soaked with sweat, and he was like “oh god look at that! I’ve only done two songs!”

In a clips posted to TikTok, the singer could be seen blowing water out of his mouth before visibly choking

In a clips posted to TikTok, the singer could be seen blowing water out of his mouth before visibly choking

Harry is then captured falling to the floor while he continues to choke for a few seconds

Harry is then captured falling to the floor while he continues to choke for a few seconds

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Worried fans took to the comments on the video

Worried fans took to the comments on the video 

Worried fans shared their concerns on social media, penning: ‘When he fell to his knees, my heart stopped in shock. Harry is incredible, it surely takes immense strength and stamina to perform in these temperatures, and yet he always gives it his all ❤️’,

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‘He’s too dedicated to us, just Breathe Harry,’

‘I nearly had a heart attack watching the live stream!! Thought he collapsed from heat or exhaustion!!! Love you dearly Harry!!’ ‘I was soo worried about him,’  ‘I was so scared, i was like oh noo,’ ‘I got so scared for a second,’ ‘I thought he passed out,’ ‘I DONT LIKE THIS’, ‘Is he okay?’

The Daily Mail contacted Harry’s representatives for comment.

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10,000 runners in York for the Run for All York 10K

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10,000 runners in York for the Run for All York 10K

More than 10,000 people attended the race at Knavesmire today (August 2) with everyone taking a total of 15 minutes to cross the line after the race started just after 9.30am.

Participants took on a scenic tour of the city, passing notable landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and the medieval walls – all while raising money for a good cause and hoping to get a personal best on the flat track.

Can you see yourself or your loved ones below? Full report to follow.

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The ten baby names making a big comeback as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey hits the big screen

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Manchester Evening News

The names have been inspired by Greek mythology

This summer has seen the incredible success of Christopher Nolan’s star studded retelling of an epic Greek poem wit The Odyssey. With the movie garnering rave reviews, it might come to you as no surprise that it has left an impact on viewers.

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One way this has been exhibited is through baby names. The release of the Odyssey has placed Greek mythology back into focus, inspiring a comeback for timeless names like Penelope, Atlas, Apollo and Athena.

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Recently, new Office for National Statistics (ONS) baby name data analysed by JoJo Maman Bébé has revealed which names inspired by Greek mythology are proving most popular with today’s parents.

Anne Varsanyi, head of buying at JoJo Maman Bébé, said: “Choosing a baby’s name is one of the first opportunities parents have to express something about their family, whether that’s honouring tradition, celebrating heritage or simply choosing a name they love.

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“What’s particularly fascinating about this year’s data is seeing how quickly tastes can change. Some names that once filled classrooms have become increasingly rare, while others that were barely heard a generation ago are now among the country’s favourites.”

Top five most popular Greek mythological names for girls

  • Penelope – The famously faithful wife of Odysseus
  • Athena – Goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare
  • Rhea – Titaness and mother of the original Olympian gods
  • Persephone – Queen of the Underworld and goddess of spring growth
  • Gaia – Goddess of the Earth

Top five most popular Greek mythological names for boys

  • Atlas – The Titan condemned to carry the weight of the heavens
  • Ares – The God of war and courage
  • Apollo – God of music, light, truth and healing
  • Artemis – Traditionally, the Goddess of the hunt
  • Perseus – The demigod who defeated Medusa

JoJo Maman Bébé analysed the latest ONS data. Analysis included the most popular names in 2025, names experiencing the largest increases in popularity since 1996, and names experiencing the largest declines in popularity since the same year, reports the Echo.

Data was collected from the ONS Baby Names in England and Wales release, published on July 9, 2026.

Penelope, the heroine at the heart of The Odyssey, already reigns supreme as the number one mythological name, with 1,174 babies born in 2025.

Athena (519 babies) and Atlas (355 babies) have transitioned from ancient legends to modern playground favourites, both proving incredibly popular for parents wanting a name with strength and stature.

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While names like Rhea and Ares are on the rise, parents looking for something truly unique might look to Apollo (39 babies) or Perseus (eight babies) for a standout name.

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how people used the law to fight rumours, insults and rivals

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how people used the law to fight rumours, insults and rivals

For medieval people, reputation was paramount. To be considered reliable, reputable and respectable was important at all levels of society, from the king to the peasantry.

Being of “ill fame” (bad reputation) had serious consequences, which might include social ostracising, legal impediments and financial hardship. A person’s name mattered and medieval people were more than willing to go to court to protect it.

Based on the legal foundation of the Council of Oxford of 1222, a defamation case could be brought against someone if they publicly and “maliciously impute a crime to any person who is not of ill fame among good and serious men”. Common cases involved accusations of theft, perjury, heresy, adultery or forgery.

Defamation could have financial repercussions and petitioners often reported the damages that the crime was said to have caused. This might involve the loss of goods and trade. It could even involve the claim of a wife whose husband “refused to admit her to his bed as he was accustomed to” because of the slanderous words.

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Illumination from the French manuscript Le livre de Lancelot du Lac (circa 1401).
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Such monetary losses were largely irrelevant in the church courts, but they featured prominently in manorial or borough courts. In these jurisdictions, defamation was treated akin to trespass and monetary damages were regularly claimed.

Many cases involving women centred on accusations of sexual impropriety or abusive and slanderous language. Some were deliberate attacks upon business ventures, such as that upon Christine Colmere in 1413. Witnesses in the case claimed that people were afraid to drink her beer because she had been accused of having leprosy by her competitors.

Changes to the way defamation cases were handled reveal the broadening of concerns surrounding reputational damage in late medieval England.

Initially, a person needed to have been accused of a crime – and often a specific crime – for a defamation proceeding. A case against a woman in 1417 was dismissed because she was accused of having said to a priest: “I do not know how to piss holy water as you do.” Such words were abusive but not considered defamatory because no crime was alleged.

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Leprosy victims in a medieval illustration
In one case, people were afraid to drink a landlady’s beer because she had been accused of having leprosy by her competitors.
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Yet increasingly by the end of the 15th century, abusive words could themselves result in a defamation suit. Accusations like “false piking knave”, “town bull” and “son of a butcher” begin to appear within court records. The definition of defamation therefore expanded to move beyond false accusations of criminal activity to include all defamatory or malicious words.

Such was the concern over reputational damage that pressure might be applied on those making accusations. In 1440, Richard Blackburn, a monk of Durham cathedral priory, was accused of fornicating with Margaret, widow of Robert Soulby. The accuser, one Robert Whyte, feared the prior intended to excommunicate him because he himself had defamed Richard. Robert thought this absurd because he had offered no words to slander Richard and Margaret, except to say that he had often seen them spending the night in bed together.

The prior offered Robert the opportunity to amend or withdraw his statement. Choosing his words very carefully, Robert decided not to revoke them, instead confirming that he had seen Richard and Margaret many times in bed, alone with each other, lying naked and exerting (“laborantes”) together, as it appeared to him, though he could not possibly say whether Richard knew her carnally or not.

Public restoration of a person’s good name

The seriousness with which people took any attempt to impugn their reputation can be seen in the lengths John Oll, another Durham monk, went to clear his name in 1446. Accused of being of peasant birth by his enemies, Oll gathered the great and the good of the county to attest publicly to his free status. One witness recalled John Oll playing football in his youth, a game reserved for the better free men of the manor.

Medieval illustration of a nude couple in bed
A public restoration of reputation was especially important for women who were accused of sexual misconduct.
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Receiving a positive verdict in the courts was not enough in itself. The restoration of a person’s good fame needed to be made public. Documents might even be issued to confirm the restoration of a person’s reputation.

This public restoration was especially important for women who were accused of sexual misconduct. The potential for a good future marriage might depend on such outcomes. For example, Margaret was “falsely and wickedly defamed” of falling pregnant with Robert Cresswell in 1450. She received letters from the prior of Durham asserting that she was innocent of the offence, “free and absolved and utterly reputed among her neighbours to be uncorrupted and untainted by a man’s touch”.

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Long before society was concerned with the reputations of celebrities and politicians or the relationship between defamation and free speech, rumour and gossip abounded. Medieval people were acutely aware of how others viewed them and went to great lengths to stave off any threats to their good name.

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