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Belfast-based writer’s award-winning crime thriller set to stream on BBC soon

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The acclaimed feature film will receive its television debut next month on BBC iPlayer

The highly praised feature film Aontas is scheduled to land on BBC iPlayer next month, forming part of BBC Gaeilge’s Seachtain na Gaeilge programming roster.

This Irish language crime thriller has earned global recognition across the film festival circuit throughout 2025 and is set to make its television premiere next month on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Northern Ireland and TG4.

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The narrative focuses on three unlikely criminals, spearheaded by Mairéad (Carrie Crowley), a woman on the brink of breakdown, as they plot to rob a rural Irish Credit Union.

As their plan begins to unravel, Mairéad and her two accomplices, sister Cáit (Bríd Brennan) and Sheila (Eva-Jane Gaffney), swiftly realise they can’t escape their past.

The cast is completed by Seán T. Ó Meallaigh (Colly), Marcus Lamb (Dara), Art Parkinson (Éamonn), Naseen Morgan (Elma), Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh (Brian), Bríd Ní Chumhaill (Nóirín), Mary Ryan (Mary), Christopher Grant (Caoimhín), Frankie McCafferty (Len) and Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhrighde (Con), reports the Mirror.

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Belfast-based writer Damian McCann and Sarah Gordon crafted the screenplay, whilst Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh and Christopher Myers produced for Púca Pictures. Funding for Aontas was provided by Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, BBC Gaeilge and TG4, with support from Yellowmoon.

Aontas scooped Clár Teilifíse/Scannán na Bliana at the Oireachtas Media Awards held in Belfast in November 2025.

It also secured Best Film Feature at the San Diego International Film Festival 2025, San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, Maryland International Film Festival, Three Rivers Film Festival, Ojai International Film Festival, Manchester International Film Festival and Irish Film Festival London.

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Lead actress Carrie Crowley previously shared her thoughts on why she believes “it’s a great time to be an older woman” in cinema.

Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday, she remarked: “‘It’s a very good time to be an older woman. I think maybe 30 years ago, would there have been many interesting parts? Probably not, because they were looking for the hot totty all the time.”

The 1997 Eurovision presenter feels the contribution of older women, and their significance in television and cinema, is at last being acknowledged by the industry. “Now we have come to understand that there are stories in older characters and older women. They don’t have to be the leads in the story but they are very much a part of it.”

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The actress also discussed how young people don’t require much convincing these days as she believes there is a “hunger for the language among the younger generation”.

And she feels its usage is “now much more widespread” as it is “not just the little elite groups but it is being opened out to other people, regardless of the level they can use it”.

She attributes this to artists such as rappers Kneecap and a shift in attitudes, with more people now prepared “to give it a try.”

The film launches on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Northern Ireland and TG4 on Monday 16 March.

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Welsh poll on assisted dying plan shows overwhelming support

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The campaign group which commissioned the poll says it is the largest poll ever conducted on assisted dying in Wales and includes all age groups, socio-economic statuses, and voting intentions

Almost three-quarters of people in Wales back assisted dying being introduced in Wales, a poll has found.

The poll of 4,000 adults across Wales, conducted by Opinium for Dignity in Dying, found 72% support the legalisation of assisted dying compared with just 15% who oppose it. When asked: “To what extent would support or oppose making it legal for someone to seek ‘assisted dying’ in Wales how strong is your view?” 35% said “strongly support” and another 37% said “somewhat support”.

The support group says it is the largest poll ever conducted on assisted dying in Wales and includes all age groups, socio-economic statuses, and voting intentions.

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The 4,000 people asked were over 18 and interviewed between December 23, 2025, and January 19, 2026. The key findings were:

  • 72% supported the legalisation of assisted dying in Wales when asked: “To what extent would support or oppose making it legal for someone to seek ‘assisted dying’ in Wales and how strong is your view?”
  • Three-quarters (76%) said if assisted dying were legal in England it should also be legal in Wales while only 12% disagreed.
  • If assisted dying were legal 62% believe it should be accessible as part of NHS Wales services while just 17% think it should be delivered through a separate non-NHS service.
  • If assisted dying were available through the NHS in England but not in Wales 41% said they would consider assisted dying and would be willing to travel to England to access NHS provision and 19% said they would consider assisted dying but would not be willing to travel.
  • Views were evenly split on which level of government should be responsible for designing an assisted dying service in Wales. Around three in 10 favour the UK Government (31%) while a similar proportion prefer the Welsh Government (30%). A further quarter (25%) express no preference either way suggesting no clear public consensus on governance arrangements.

Senedd members will on Tuesday debate assisted dying in the Senedd. There are strong feelings on both sides of the debate. Noah Herniman is one of those campaigning for it saying he wants the same rules in place in Wales as in England.

But opposing it are a host of medical professionals. More than 250 of Wales’ leading medics have urged Senedd members not to back the proposed new assisted dying law.

The law, formally known as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, would allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life.

It is a UK law which has to be passed by Westminster and not directly a matter devolved to Wales but it does have an impact on areas of politics which are devolved to Wales so a vote has to take place here too. Usually that is a formality but this looks at how assisted dying is delivered in Wales should the Terminally Ill Adults Bill pass.

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The polling shows support for the law comes across the political spectrum with particularly strong backing among Plaid Cymru voters (78%) alongside Welsh Labour voters (77%), Green voters (85%), Welsh Conservative backers (67%), and Reform UK voters (70%) underlining that assisted dying is not a partisan issue but one that commands consistent high public support across party lines.

Just over three-quarters (76%) say that if assisted dying were legal in England it should also be legal in Wales.

If the Senedd votes to approve the legislative consent motion (LCM) this would enable assisted dying to be implemented in Wales in line with the legislation, including through NHS Wales, ensuring people in Wales have equal access to any service in line with those in England. Terminally ill individuals and affected families have warned MSs rejecting the LCM risks creating a system in which people in Wales face additional barriers including being forced to travel to England or rely on private providers at the most vulnerable time of their lives.

Chief executive of Dignity in Dying Sarah Wootton said the findings send a clear message to the Senedd. “This is the biggest poll ever carried out on assisted dying in Wales and it shows beyond doubt that not only do the public support reform, they want their political representatives to engage and actively shape a service fit for Wales,” she said.

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“The legislative consent motion is not about the principle of assisted dying. It’s about fairness and equality for the people of Wales. It’s about ensuring the Senedd has the power to design a system that reflects Welsh values, serves the diverse communities of Wales, and is delivered through Welsh health systems.

“Voting it down won’t stop assisted dying from becoming law – it will only stop the Senedd from shaping it and deny dying Welsh people equal access to choice at the end of life.”

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Mother of Nottingham killer Valdo Calocane asked for son to be admitted to hospital after outburst

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Mother of Nottingham killer Valdo Calocane asked for son to be admitted to hospital after outburst

Valdo Calocane’s mother pleaded for her son to be admitted to hospital after a violent outburst three years before he killed three people in a mass stabbing in Nottingham, a public inquiry has heard.

Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, killed University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65, and attempted to kill three more people in Nottingham in June 2023.

A series of reports into the incident by the NHS so far have highlighted failings in Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust’s management of Calocane, including failures to appropriately assess the risk he posed to himself and others. A public inquiry will now scrutinise prosecutors, police and medical professionals.

During the first day of the hearings on Monday, the inquiry heard that Calocane first had a serious violent episode on 24 May 2020. But mental health professionals ruled Calocane was safe to be treated in the community rather than being admitted.

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Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar were fatally stabbed by Calocane

Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar were fatally stabbed by Calocane (PA)

Counsel to the inquiry Rachel Langdale told the hearing that, during the incident, Calocane, who is referred to as “VC” in proceedings, was found “repeatedly kicking and punching a door” in an attempt to get into a neighbour’s flat.

He was assessed by a mental health professional and found to be suffering from a psychosis mental health episode and “was noted to be presenting with mental health issues, hearing voices, appeared vacant, and had not slept for five days”.

At a follow-up mental health act assessment, Dr Gandhi, along with an approved mental health practitioner, Ben Williams, and a mental health nurse Anna Palmer, agreed he would be offered treatment with antipsychotic medication in the community rather than as an inpatient admission.

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According to the statement, Dr Gandhi said he was leaning towards detaining Calocane “given it was the first presentation of psychosis, and a lack of information on risk history”. But he said that the team of professionals also “considered the research evidence that shows overrepresentation of young Black males in detention”.

Dr Gandhi said it is part of his role in assessments to be aware of research, evidence and data including health inequalities but that it would not have affected the decision to admit or treat Calocane in the community.

The inquiry will look at how appropriate that mental health act assessment was.

KC Langdale’s statement later quotes Royal College of Psychiatrist’s evidence stating there is “there is no evidence that psychiatrists are not admitting patients because they are black. The rates of admission are the same as at the time of the publication of the independent review and recent evidence shows that detentions are going up.”

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She added that in the specific case of Calocane the inquiry may want to consider whether race was a factor however said the evidence so far received does not suggest it was and that it he was admitted on four on four occasions.

Shortly after being released, Calocane was arrested after attempting to get into another neighbour’s flat and causing the the woman to become so scared she jumped out of her first floor window, causing serious damage to her spine.

Following his arrest, Ms Palmer spoke with his mother, Celeste Calocane, who “noted that she would prefer that her son goes into hospital for treatment, as he’s a risk to others in his current mental state”, the inquiry heard.

Ms Langdale added that the chair of the inquiry Deborah Taylor may ask why Calocane was released at that stage and whether release straight into the community was appropriate.

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It was not until the next day, during a further mental health act assessment, that he was recommended for section.

The inquiry will also probe why services deemed, prior to discharging him, that there had been “no incidents of violence” from Calocane despite the episodes in May 2020, as well as a prior incident in which he “had entered a neighbour’s flat to confront those who believed were trying to spy on him and torment his mind”.

Ms Langdale’s opneing statement further revealed in Christmas 2022, Calocane sent his parents files over christmas which included, a document explaining he “had been hearing voices in his head all the time, but this wasn’t the result of mental ill-health”, but it was explained by “mind control technology”, the inquiry heard.

After the attacks on June 13, analysis of Calocane’s phone was undertaken, which show he researched “mind control technology” and watched videos including of a shooting. He also viewed documents with some content relating to the law and police powers, Ms Langdale said.

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He largely kept a low profile during his fourth hospital admission in early 2022, spending most of his time on his phone.

Ms Langdale said the inquiry will “explore with treating clinicians whether they ever asked VC what he was viewing on his phone, if not, why not, and whether patients routinely have unfettered access to their phone”.

His risk assessment was updated for the final time prior to the attacks on February 28 2022 – which noted “that given the history of violence and aggression, there should not be home visits, and if a home visit was required it should be a joint visit; no lone working”.

Ms Langdale added: “We will ask why this assessment of the risks to the community medical team did notapply equally to other students and the wider public.”

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In September 2022 Calocane was discharged from the early intervention in psychosis team which were responsible for his care in the community at the time. He was discharged back to his GP as the team could not make contact with him despite attempts to.

The inquiry will consider whether discharging him to his GP for non-attendance to appointments should have been a signal of his deteriorating mental health.

In the months leading up to the killings in June 2023 Calocane’s GP sent text messages asking him to arrange an appointment, however he was not seen and was not provided with any medication.

“The Inquiry will consider the role of primary care services following discharge of non-engaging patients, especially where the non-engagement may be an indication of deteriorating mental health and increased risk,” the statement said.

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Ms Langdale also said there appears to be a “lacuna” in terms on monitoring patients’ medication as Calocane’s GP claimed this was the responsibility of the trust.

“It does not appear the GP practice took any steps to manage VC’s prescriptions or make any efforts to ensure he received any. VC was essentially in the community disengaged from any health service and unmedicated”, the inquiry heard.

Calocane was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order in January 2024 after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder – something which has been widely criticised by the victims’ families.

The inquiry continues.

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Silent Witness star says Jack Hodgson will be ‘tested’ after unexpected twist

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Jack Hodgson faces a dramatic storyline on BBC’s Silent Witness.

Jack Hodgson has been a fixture on Silent Witness for years – but could his tenure on the programme be drawing to a close?

There has been considerable speculation surrounding his future on the BBC drama following major new spoilers.

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The upcoming episodes, Grace Of God, suggest a concerning development for Jack. The beloved forensic scientist becomes embroiled in a drunken pub altercation tonight, but matters escalate dramatically when the man he fought with subsequently turns up deceased.

Discussing what his character experiences this series, David said: “Jack and Nikki are settling into a new home in Birmingham and getting used to The Bowman Centre, trying to find a bit of balance.

READ MORE: The One Show host takes swipe at guest’s show as they say ‘this is not work’READ MORE: BBC star issues advice after cancer diagnosis as they admit ‘it creates more problems’

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“Jack is still the same stubborn, sarcastic fella, just with a bit more self-awareness. He’s older and more mature. He’s more affected by the trials and tribulations of his work and we see that play out majorly in this series. Jack is really tested in one story, a very personal odyssey he must go on alone.”

In the dramatic instalment, we witness Jack battling to cope as he believes he’s responsible for this man’s death, and matters deteriorate further when he finds himself behind bars. Is Jack in serious peril?, reports the Mirror.

Discussing his character, David Caves spoke candidly about “vulnerable” Jack and his struggles. “The thing I love about Jack is that he’s tough but can be vulnerable. He can fight but knows how to control it. He’s a truth-seeker, a righteous crusader, a bit of a warrior-monk, really,” he said.

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“There’s always something new to find with him. And honestly, the cast and crew feel like family now, the kind you don’t mind seeing again every year. It’s got everything, gripping stories, interesting science, and characters people have grown up with. It’s comforting in a strange way, even though it’s about death.”

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

The concluding instalment of Silent Witness, now streaming on BBC iPlayer, delivers a troubling development for Jack – as his wife Nikki Alexander desperately attempts to protect him using the only means at her disposal.

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The question remains, however – will she reach him in time, or is Jack destined for a far darker fate?

Silent Witness is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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The Bridgerton actress with links to Barnard Castle and Darlington

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The Bridgerton actress with links to Barnard Castle and Darlington

Darlington Soroptimists are collecting ideas for their exhibition on March 7, and so far have compiled some greats from history, like the first female mayor and councillor and the great female crusaders against slavery and for women’s suffrage.

Lady Starmer is therefore among them. For much of the 20th Century, she was Darlington’s version of the Queen Mother and nothing to do with our present Prime Minister. She was president of 38 local organisations and vice-president of 37; she gave huge amounts to charity, including her West End home which is now a sheltered house for elderly people; she was widely loved by the townspeople, even those she ran over with her Bentley due to her erratic driving.

But the Soroptimists are also highlighting women with connections to the town who are still very much making valuable contributions.

Women like Elspeth Robinson, who founded the Kumi Community Foundation which is absolutely crucial to the running of the Kumi hospital in Uganda, and Beryl Hankin, who for many decades ran the unique Guru boutique, and local historian Jean Kirkland and Olympian Joy Grieveson.

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Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton and Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton

Plus there are more nationally famous names like actress Wendy Craig, singer Zoe Birkett and actress Ruth Gemmell who plays Lady Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.

Ruth was born in Bristol in 1967 but her mother, a nurse, was from Barnard Castle and the family moved back to Barney where Ruth grew up. When her parents divorced, her mother moved into Darlington, and Ruth attended Polam Hall school, which regularly put on productions in its own theatre and in the Arts Centre.

“I think it was appearing in the Importance Of Being Earnest and as a fairy which made my mind up,” she told The Northern Echo in 2004, and since then she has appeared in everything from EastEnders to Tracy Beaker and Doc Martin.

More nominations are welcome – about 175 words and ideally a photograph to darlingtonsorops@gmail.com – for the exhibition which will run in St Cuthbert’s Church Hall from 10am to 3pm.

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“We really hope people will come along on the day, discover inspirational women, see who they know and then write down some suggestions for next year,” said Barbara Brown, a Soroptimist for 44 years.

By coincidence, Mike Taylor recently sent in this picture of Lady Starmer doing what she did best. She was president of the Darlington Badminton League and allowed them to hold an annual tournament on the lawns of her home Danby Lodge, which is now an Abbeyfield assisted living home off Coniscliffe Road. This picture was taken after a tournament in September 1967. “I am in the second row from the back, second in from the left with my future wife in front of me holding the ‘wooden’ racquet,” says Mike. “I became secretary of the league in 1971 and so got to know Lady Starmer quite well.” She died at Christmas 1979 with no one really knowing her age as that is one thing you never ask a lady.

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John Davidson ‘deeply mortified’ by involuntary tics during Bafta Film Awards

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John Davidson ‘deeply mortified’ by involuntary tics during Bafta Film Awards

“We take the duty of care to all our guests very seriously and start from a position of inclusion. We took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout, that John was in the room and that they may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.

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The 13 best air fryers in 2026 for fast, effortless cooking, tested with expert advice

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The 13 best air fryers in 2026 for fast, effortless cooking, tested with expert advice

As well as frying your food to perfection, the best air fryers can grill, bake, reheat, dehydrate and roast. By circulating hot air in a compact basket, these appliances reduce cooking times and have become kitchen staples since appearing on the cooking scene about 10 years ago.

“Air fryers have soared in popularity due to their healthier cooking, convenience and versatility,” says Izzy Forgione, small appliances expert at AO. “They also tend to cook food faster than your oven, which makes them great for busy households.”

Today, air fryers are widely available, with brands such as Philips, Instant and Tower offering energy-saving options in a variety of sizes, styles and prices from just over £50 to nearly £300. Ninja, in particular, seems to have a model for every type of cook. To help, we’ve tested the latest models from top brands. Our full reviews are below, followed by some frequently asked questions.

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The best air fryers in 2026: At a glance

How to choose the best air fryer

First, consider size. Two to four litres is appropriate for a one-person household, while larger families (and bigger appetites) will be better served by a model that cooks six litres or more.

Next, think about design. “Single drawer air fryers are the most common and straightforward as they utilise a single cooking basket,” says Forgione. “Dual air fryers are the next step up, with two separate drawers allowing you to cook two meals simultaneously at different temperatures and times.” If you plan to cook multiple components of the same meals in your air fryer, choose a relatively large model with double baskets.

Think about special features. Some air fryers include a rotisserie, enabling them to cook whole chickens in time for Sunday roast. “There are also some air fryer ovens that mimic mini ovens and allow you to bake or grill your food,” Forgione says. And then there are multicookers, which, along with cooking food under timed conditions, can air fry too.

For energy-saving options, Forgione recommends you look for air fryers that come with a lower wattage.

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The best air fryers of 2026

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Italy cricket in crisis over alleged sexual assault by senior figure at national governing body

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Italy cricket helmet in the dressing rooms during the T20 World Cup

Italian cricket is in crisis days after the country’s T20 World Cup debut, as it emerged that a senior national governing body official has been investigated over a sexual assault allegation.

Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) women’s cricket co-ordinator Prabath Ekneligoda, 57, was the subject of a criminal investigation relating to a claim he inappropriately touched a member of the Azzurri women’s national team.

Multiple members of the Italy board are said to have resigned over this case and other governance issues, BBC Sport has been told.

The sexual assault allegation was made to police in Rome in March last year by a player who has represented the national team.

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The player, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, alleged that the sexual assault occurred during a massage on a knee injury at a training session, and she had been scared to report the incident because she feared it would cost her a spot in the team.

An investigation was concluded by a Rome prosecutor in November 2025 and Ekneligoda was interviewed by police the following month.

A decision is now set to be made on whether there is sufficient evidence to bring it to trial. Ekneligoda’s lawyer said his client denies the allegations, that there are ulterior motives to the allegations, and that a witness supports his version of events.

FCRI said in a statement to BBC Sport it “noted proceedings are currently under way before the federal prosecutor’s office” and will “co-operate with the relevant authorities”.

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“The Italian Cricket Federation reiterates that its conduct is guided by principles of fairness, transparency and the protection of its registered members, as well as by the ethical and civic standards that underpin the sporting system,” added the statement.

“The federation therefore defers to the competent judicial authorities for any determinations arising from the matter.”

Ekneligoda, who is originally from Sri Lanka, was suspended from his role with the FCRI in November but has remained a visible presence on the Italian cricket scene.

He is the partner of FCRI president Maria Lorena Haz Paz and accompanied her to India for the men’s T20 World Cup.

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BBC Sport has seen evidence that Ekneligoda attended Italy’s matches wearing official accreditation and was permitted to sit with the rest of the FCRI party.

Ekneligoda was also seen at various events laid on for Italy’s cricket delegation, including a reception at the Italian consulate in Kolkata for officials, players and coaching staff.

The FCRI, its president Haz Paz, and safeguarding officers, had full knowledge of the seriousness of the claims made against Ekneligoda before the World Cup.

Last weekend, Il Messaggero, external and Corriere della Sera, external reported the allegations in the Italian media for the first time.

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As of Monday, Ekneligoda was still listed as the women’s cricket coordinator on the FCRI website.

Sources have told BBC Sport that some members of the FCRI’s board have resigned over the matter, and other governance issues, which has placed Haz Paz’s position under greater scrutiny.

Senior officials in Italian cricket fear potential reputational damage, and the possibility of legal cases, will hamper opportunities to capitalise on their debut T20 World Cup appearance and grow the game further in the country.

Haz Paz was appointed president of the Italian cricket federation in February 2025 until 2028.

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Italy’s debut at the T20 World Cup, and the stories of some of their players, had captured the imagination of the cricket world.

The Azzurri failed to make the Super 8 stage but beat Nepal in Mumbai and gave England a scare in Kolkata in their Group C fixtures.

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New KitKat flavour rolling out in UK supermarkets this month

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New KitKat flavour rolling out in UK supermarkets this month

The brand new bar has finally been spotted on shelves, incorporating new and existing flavours to create an original treat in anticipation of Formula 1.

KitKat Chunky’s new bar consists of a marbled caramel chocolate coating, with the standard crispy wafer inside.

It was announced in partnership with Formula 1 and is one of a number of products tailored towards the upcoming speed contest.

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The brand also recently released small race-car-shaped chocolate bars, signed off as ‘Official Chocolate Bar of Formula 1’.

Stephanie Scales, Marketing Manager for KitKat, Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “Formula 1 brings unmatched energy and global cultural relevance, and we wanted to translate that into something that KitKat fans and Formula 1 lovers could enjoy.

“With its striking marbled effect and smooth caramel flavour, it’s poised to capture attention and generate real excitement for shoppers.”

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The bar is also part of an on-pack promotion, allowing shoppers to win F1 prizes until April.

These include a full expenses paid trip to the Grand Prix in Monaco or Britain.

In the UK, KitKat is an absolute staple. The “Have a break” tagline has been used since the 1950s, successfully positioning the product as a staple for breaks.

It is bought by more than 60% of households annually and is considered the most global chocolate brand, with massive, consistent production (over 4 million bars a week in York alone).

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The bars are being sold individually and in multi-packs, and are available across UK stores now.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s message to Lindsey Vonn speaks volumes after amputation avoided

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Daily Mirror

Lindsey Vonn has shared she nearly had her leg amputated after suffering a horror crash at the Winter Olympics, with Cristiano Ronaldo among those sending messages of support

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a message to Lindsey Vonn after the American skiing legend revealed in an emotional statement that she nearly faced a leg amputation following the severe crash she endured at the Winter Olympics. The 41-year-old was airlifted to hospital after striking a gate merely 13 seconds into the women’s downhill competition.

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After being restricted to a hospital bed in Italy, where she underwent four major operations and subsequently a fifth after returning to the United States, she has now disclosed that she could have lost her leg were it not for Dr Tom Hackett. Taking to Instagram on Monday, she shared a video outlining her injuries and described how her leg was saved.

Vonn said: “I had a complex tibia fracture, I also fractured my fibula head and everything was in pieces, and the reason it was so complex was because I had compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is when you have so much trauma to one area of your body that there is too much blood and it gets stuck. It basically crushes everything in the compartment – muscles, nerves, tendons, it all kind of, dies. Dr Tom Hackett saved my leg, he saved my leg from being amputated.

READ MORE: Lindsey Vonn shares leg amputation truth as Winter Olympics star says ‘doctor saved me’READ MORE: Winter Olympics star who won gold against the odds was forced to return her medal

“He did what is called a fasciotomy, where he cut open both sides of my leg, let it breathe, and he saved me. I always talk about everything happening for a reason. If I hadn’t torn my ACL, which I would have done anyway in this crash, Tom [Hackett] wouldn’t have been there, he wouldn’t have been able to save my leg. I feel very lucky and grateful for him, for this six-hour surgery he put in to rebuild it, which went amazingly well. I was in the hospital a little longer than I hoped because I had very low haemoglobin from the blood loss from all the surgeries.

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“I was really struggling, the pain was a little bit out of control and I had to have a blood transfusion. That helped me a lot and I turned the corner and now I am out. I am in a wheelchair right now, I am very much immobile, and I will be in a wheelchair for a whilst because I also broke my right ankle. I hope I can be on crutches in a little bit but we will see, and I will probably be on crutches for at least two months. But I’ll get right to work on rehab and see what I can do and take it one step at a time, like I always do.”

Amongst the thousands of supportive messages was one from Portugal and Manchester United icon Ronaldo, who posted a stirring tribute. “Champions are defined by the moments they win, and the moments they refuse to give up,” he wrote beneath the post.

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“Lindsey Vonn, the mountains you conquered were never bigger than the strength you carry. Keep fighting. Legends always rise.”

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Vonn has undergone multiple operations in Italy before travelling back to the United States where she had an additional procedure. However, after a gruelling fortnight, she has now returned home where she will carry on with her recovery.

“Now I will focus on rehab and progressing from a wheelchair to crutches in a few weeks,” Vonn continued. “It will take around a year for all of the bones to heal and then I will decide if I want to take out all the metal or not, and then go back into surgery and finally fix my ACL.

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“It will be a long road but I’ll get there. At least I’m out of the hospital. Love you all.”

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‘Illegal lorry park’ sparks concerns about pollution as investigation underway

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Cambridgeshire Live

Local residents have raised concerns about the recent appearance of the site

An ‘illegal’ lorry park has been issued an Enforcement Notice by a Cambridgeshire council. An investigation into environmental concerns relating to the lorry park is ongoing, according to Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty.

Mr Obese-Jecty said Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has issued an enforcement notice and is investigating environmental concerns relating to an ‘illegal’ lorry park on the edge of Brington. The Enforcement Notice has reportedly been appealed by the landowner and a decision by the Planning Inspectorate is due.

Mr Obese-Jecty visited the site earlier this week and said that he had been contacted by nearby parish councils and local residents who have raised concerns about the recent appearance of the site and the activities taking place there.

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He said that the council’s Environmental Health Service had visited the site and investigated concerns regarding pollution, oils, and fluids leaking into nearby waterways. The service requires more evidence of environmental pollution before they are able to take further action, Mr Obese-Jecty said.

The MP said: “I will continue to monitor this situation closely and the outcome of the Planning Inspectorate’s decision.”

A spokesperson for HDC said: “I can confirm we did issue a Planning Enforcement Notice in September 2025 against the unauthorised material change of use of the land. The tenants of the land have submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against our Enforcement Notice, which is currently under consideration and we await the Inspectors [sic] decision.”

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