Britain is facing the threat of fuel shortages this winter without the approval of the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, Labour has been warned.
Neil McCulloch, the boss of Adura – the company behind Jackdaw, said it was ‘hyper critical’ that the field 150 miles east of Aberdeen is given the go-ahead.
He said the UK had limited options in the event of a ‘gas supply emergency’ as he piled pressure on Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, to grant approval.
As part of his Net Zero agenda, Mr Miliband has banned new oil and gas exploration off Britain’s coastline.
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But Andy Burnham, who is almost certain to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister on 20 July, has said he is ‘open-minded’ about ramping up drilling in the North Sea.
Mr McCulloch’s warning comes amid growing calls – including from Labour MPs and the party’s trade union backers – for Mr Miliband to soften his stance on fossil fuels.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Burnham faced a ‘choice’ when he becomes PM of either pushing for cheaper energy or allowing ‘Net Zero madness’ to ‘hold our country back’.
Industry regulator, the North Sea Transition Authority, is currently considering a revised application for Jackdaw, as well as the Rosebank field off Shetland.
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Britain is facing the threat of fuel shortages this winter without the approval of the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, Labour has been warned
As part of his Net Zero agenda, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has banned new oil and gas exploration off Britain’s coastline
Initial approval of both sites – which was given by the previous Tory government – was later withdrawn when a court ruled consent was granted unlawfully following a case brought by environmental campaigners.
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This forced the owners to seek fresh permission to extract oil and gas from the fields, with a final decision set to fall to the Energy Secretary if the NSTA gives its approval.
Mr Miliband, who has been touted as Mr Burnham’s potential Chancellor, has repeatedly insisted that ramping up North Sea oil and gas production ‘won’t take a penny off’ domestic energy bills because fossil fuels are traded on international markets.
But Mr Miliband, who is bidding to decarbonise the UK’s electricity by 2030, is under increasing pressure to alter his position due to the impact of the Iran war on global energy prices.
Adura – a joint venture between Shell and Equinor – has been required to update its environmental impact assessment for Jackdaw, which was released on Wednesday as a public consultation was also launched.
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Speaking to the BBC from the Jackdaw field, Mr McCulloch said the project was in its final stages and could meet 6 per cent of the UK’s gas needs from 1 October if given approval.
‘If I were the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, I’d be looking closely at where’s my next source of energy security, and you’re standing on it’, he said.
‘The wells are drilled, they’re hooked up. We’re just readying the systems. It will be ready for 1 October. Jackdaw will play a vital part of this winter’s gas supply.’
Mrs Badenoch said that opening Jackdaw was ‘common sense’, adding: ‘Britain needs cheap, abundant and reliable energy if we are going to grow.
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‘Jackdaw alone could supply around 6 per cent of our gas needs this October.
‘Andy Burnham has a choice. Back British energy, British jobs and lower bills or let Labour’s Net Zero madness hold our country back.’
Whitehall sources dismissed claims that Britain faced the threat of fuel shortages this winter without the approval of the Jackdaw field.
They pointed to how the National Energy System Operator (NESO) said in a recent report that it expects to meet demand this winter.
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‘Our current view is that the electricity system will remain secure and reliable through winter 2026/27,’ NESO said in its ‘Winter Watch’.
‘We expect a surplus of 5.5GW between 31 October 2026 and 31 March 2027, with an 8.8 per cent buffer over expected peak demand.
‘The outlook is positive, but winter conditions can change. NESO will continue to monitor global gas markets, European electricity flows, weather conditions and periods where supply and demand may be more finely balanced, particularly in January.’
As Britain’s third heatwave of the summer strikes this week, workers are ditching their sweltering home offices in favour of cool air-conditioned offices.
Companies operating businesses throughout the UK have informed the Daily Mail that they have witnessed a surge in people coming into the office – and believe a desire to beat the heat is behind the boost.
Flexible office firm Office Space in Town (OSiT), which has five locations across London, reported a 75 per cent increase in office attendance at their sites during the ‘red alert’ heatwave in the capital, from June 22 to July 3.
The spike in numbers, the company said, was as a result of people seeking fully air-conditioned office environments as opposed to increasingly hot temperatures at their homes.
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In fact, OSiT said approximately 60 per cent of workers that used their facilities during periods of extreme heat felt it was ‘more convenient’ to travel to and work in an air-conditioned office.
Sarah Singlehurst, co-founder of OSiT, said employees are choosing cooler environments ‘where they can work comfortably’.
‘It highlights how extreme summer temperatures are now directly shaping day-to-day working decisions.’
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Workers across Britain look set to ditch sweltering WFH conditions in favour of cool air-coned offices as the third heat wave hits
A 75 per cent increase in office attendance was reported by OSiT, a London-based workspace company, during the rising heat
ADAPT Workspace, who offer over 3,000 offices to rent across London, cited a similar upwards trend of people using their workspaces because of the appeal of the aircon.
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Of the providers it works with, the company said, increases of double-digits in occupancy were reported during the hot weather, in particular ‘cool, modern, air conditioned buildings’ with in-office amenities.
Chris Meredith, CEO & Founder of ADAPT, said the company has ‘definitely’ seen the heatwaves change how businesses are using office space.
He said: ‘The office is no longer just somewhere to put desks. During a heatwave, a cool, comfortable workspace becomes a genuine employee benefit.
‘Good air conditioning, meeting space and breakout areas are playing a much bigger role in attendance, collaboration and productivity.
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‘Companies are investing in better workplaces that give people a reason to come into the office, and extreme weather is definitely accelerating this change.’
Outside of London, where temperatures are still reaching up to 30C, a similar story can be found.
Department UK is an office workspace operator in Manchester and Leeds.
FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon have also been cited as pulling crowds into cool office spaces
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Abigail Chew, operations director at Department UK, said the company is seeing ‘more’ of their members ‘choosing to spend time in the workspace where there is air conditioning’ as the hotter weather emerges.
Ms Chew said: ‘We’re seeing more of our members choosing to spend time in the workspace where there is air conditioning.
‘In workspaces like Department at Bonded Warehouse, with its exposed brick walls, it offers a more comfortable place to work for both focused work and collaboration during this heatwave, and it’s been great to see the spaces being well used.’
Yet it is not only the draw of the aircon that is tempting workers into the office.
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In fact, major sporting tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon have been cited as pulling crowds into office spaces by the same companies.
Ms Chew added: ‘The World Cup’s also been a brilliant reason for people to come together, with members coming into the office to watch the matches and enjoy the atmosphere with their teams.
‘With venues across St John’s showing the games right on our doorstep, it has made it easy for teams to head out together straight after work, while others have been using lunch breaks to watch Wimbledon on The Green.’
Ms Singlehurst also cited a rise in in-office viewings for the World Cup at OSiT during periods of hot weather that coincided with England fixtures.
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Britain’s third heatwave of the summer has come into full force this week
Amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency from Thursday
She said: ‘While we hear chants of the football coming home, we have seen the reverse in the movements of our employees, who want to go into the office and catch the excitement of the matches with their teams and the crowds gathering in the communal screening amenities in our locations.’
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The surge in office attendance comes as Britain’s third heatwave of the year is in full force this week.
Parts of south-east England officially entered a heatwave on Monday, after three days at or above the threshold temperature which varies by region but is 28C in London.
Hot weather is expected to last throughout this week and next with meteorologists saying the heatwave threshold could be met for as many as 14 days in some areas.
On Thursday and Friday, the Met Office expects areas of south-east England, including London, to reach highs of 35C to 36C.
The alerts will remain in force until at least Sunday, and indicate ‘significant impacts’ are likely across health and social care services because of the weather – including a ‘rise in deaths’, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
There’s nothing worse than finally climbing into bed after a long day, only to spend the night tossing and turning because you’re too hot to sleep. While things like your bedroom temperature, bedtime routine and the weather all play a part, your bedding has a bigger impact than you might realise. The wrong sheets can trap heat, hold onto moisture and leave you waking up hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, especially during a heatwave.
The good news is that the right sheets can make a noticeable difference. But staying cool at night isn’t simply a case of choosing the thinnest fabric you can find. Different materials vary in how breathable they are, how well they wick away moisture and how easily air can circulate, meaning some are far better suited to hot sleepers than others.
To find out which sheets are really worth investing in, I spoke to sleep experts about what to look for when shopping for cooling bedding, the materials they recommend and why the right fabric can help you sleep more comfortably.
What sheet material is best for people who sleep hot?
Dr. Louis Lerebours, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Freeman Recovery Center says the best materials for hot sleepers are those with “natural breathable fibres with good air circulation.” These materials can include cotton, linen, bamboo-derived viscose, and Tencel.
He explains: “These breathable fibres will also allow your body to move some moisture during the course of the night. This is important because most people who experience excessive nighttime sweating (or what’s commonly referred to as night sweats) have an inability to move enough sweat out of their skin to cool themselves down properly during the night. In other words, they retain too much heat in the upper layers of their skin. As this excess heat builds up, it causes them to become excessively warm and sweaty at night. So, breathable fabrics may be beneficial to you if you find yourself getting hot and waking up multiple times throughout the night.”
How do different fabrics compare when it comes to breathability and temperature regulation?
According to Dr. Lerebours, there are some differences in how these materials work. Linen, he explains, is made with a large weave that doesn’t cling to the skin, whereas cotton will feel cooler due to its crisper texture.
“Bamboo and Tencel are also examples of breathable sheet materials,” he adds. “They’re also softer than heavier materials such as microfibre or densely woven sateen.”
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How to reduce your temperature while sleeping
There are some sleep tricks you can follow to try and stop your body temperature rising at night. According to Dr Tim Mercer, NHS GP partner and GP trainer, adjusting your sleep position helps more than you might think.
“Sleeping on your side can improve airflow and reduce contact between your body and heat-retaining surfaces like your mattress and bedding,” he explains. “Minimising contact points may help your body stay cooler overnight. If you share a bed, avoid physical contact during sleep, as body heat transfer can worsen discomfort.”
Best linen bedding
Naturalmat organic linen bedding
Ranked as our best overall bedding, reviewer Ali Howard called this set a “strong choice if you want relaxed linen with proper sustainability credentials.”
She added: “In testing, the fabric had a soft, airy feel with a slightly more substantial handle than very lightweight linen, and the pure white shade kept the bed looking clean, unfussy and inviting. It washed well, keeping its airy handle and drying with a gentle crumple that didn’t need ironing. The brand’s breathability claim held up well, making this one a sensible year-round option rather than a purely summer switch.”
Why we love it
GOTS certified
Soft, airy texture
Matching Oxford pillowcases available
H&M linen duvet cover set
Linen bedding can certainly add up in price, so for a good budget option Ali Howard recommends this set from H&M. She wrote in her review: “ The washed linen has a relaxed, lightly crumpled texture and feels perfectly breathable in use. While this one might not be the softest straight out of the packaging, it becomes more and more supple after washing. Pure linen bedding is not cheap, and it is not created equally, but for an affordable entry point, H&M’s set does the job really well.”
Why we love it
Relatively affordable pure linen
Snap poppers
Washed texture
Best cotton bedding
Woolroom arinta organic cotton linen bundle
“Woolroom’s arinta bedding keeps things simple in the best possible way, and is the best bedding set I tested,” wrote reviewer Ali Howard in our guide to the best bedding sets. She added: “Made from 100 per cent organic cotton percale, it has the kind of crisp, smooth feel you get in a good hotel – cool, breathable and noticeably fresh against the skin.”
Why we love it
Naturally hypoallergenic
Super soft
Breathable
Take note
Needs a pre-wash to soften
Dunelm Durham stripe 100 per cent cotton duvet cover and pillowcase set
For a budget cotton set, Ali Howard recommends this set from Dunelm. For £20, she says it’s great value, adding that the stripe design “is simple enough to work in most bedrooms.”
She continues: “Crafted from 100 per cent cotton with a 144 thread count, the bedding feels light and breathable, but still durable enough for heavy, regular use. The button fastening keeps everything in place, and I found it refreshingly easy to care for, too: machine washable, low tumble dry and a cool iron if needed, making this an effortlessly chic option. “
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Why we love it
Budget-friendly
Fresh, modern colourways
Reversible
Take note
Lower thread count
Not as soft as others
Meet the experts
Dr. Louis Lerebours, MD: Bard-certified family medicine physician at Freeman Recovery Center
Ryhope Junior School in Sunderland was rated as meeting ‘strong standards’ in four out of six categories following a visit by Ofsted.
The team praised the school’s environment, describing it as one where pupils “feel safe, are happy and feel valued as members of ‘Team RJS’.”
The report also underlines the quality of relationships and safeguarding culture at Ryhope.
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Well‑trained and vigilant staff are said to understand the context of each individual pupil, building highly positive relationships that create a clear sense of care and nurture.
Inspectors note that bullying, derogatory language and other poor behaviours are “very rare”, and that pupils have confidence that problems will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.
Inspectors said: “Pupils at Ryhope are very well prepared for life in the community beyond the school gates.”
They also found them to be “superb ambassadors for their school.”
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Ofsted noted that the school’s focus on personal development, behaviour, inclusion, and leadership were particular strengths.
The report highlighted the pride pupils take in their roles across the school and the positive impact of these responsibilities on attendance.
Inspectors also commended the “very high-quality pastoral support” and the effectiveness of tailored assistance for pupils with additional needs.
In the two categories rated as ‘expected standard’, Ofsted recognised the progress made in curriculum and achievement.
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The report noted that while most pupils achieve well and are prepared for the next stage of their education, further work is needed to close the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.
“A collaborative approach between leaders and governors ensures that their actions have demonstrable impact”, it added.
The school’s motto of “learn to live” is described as central to pupils’ wider development, with inspectors concluding that pupils are valued members of a community where they “do very well from their different starting points.”
It’s now been 25 years since The Office premiered on the BBC – and changed comedy forever.
To mark the occasion, the show’s creator – and David Brent himself – Ricky Gervais recently reminisced to Empire about making the classic sitcom
During the interview, the After Life creator was asked just how much intervention there was from the BBC when he was making his breakthrough comedy series, to which he admitted that the broadcaster “really didn’t” have too many notes for him at the time.
However, he did admit then when suggestions came in, he purposefully tried to keep the broadcaster away from his show.
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“I remember thinking whenever I walked into the BBC or on to the set, that I had a big flaming sign on me saying, ‘Get away, get away from me!’,” he joked. “And I think that’s because I was in my late thirties and I was thinking, ‘Just let me fail, just let me fucking fail, right?’.”
He continued: “There was a time when we were in the edit and I was told ‘Oh they didn’t like this’, and I said, ’Okay, send it back to them with a note saying, ‘How’s this?, but don’t change anything’, and the reply came back saying, ‘Thanks – much better’.”
Ricky Gervais as David Brent in the original UK version of The Office
He also shared an anecdote about BBC producer Jon Plowman, who questioned the initial demo video he’d made showcasing David Brent in all his cringeworthy glory.
The Bafta winner recalled: “He really liked it but he had one question: ‘If David Brent is so bad at his job, how has he kept it?’. And I said, ‘Let’s have a walk around the BBC, shall we?’. And he laughed and said, ‘Good point’. And that was it.”
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Ricky’s interview comes amid remarks from co-star Martin Freeman that he was “annoyed” that the show’s creators had claimed that nothing was improvised on-set – which is clearly not how he remembers things.
It has spawned numerous international remakes, most notably a US version starring Steve Carell, and started a trend for mockumentary sitcoms like Parks And Recreation and Abbott Elementary.
A street has been taped off by police in Glasgow after reports of a late-night rape.
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Officers were called to the scene on Warroch Street near the city centre at around 10.45pm on Wednesday, July 8. Police say inquiries into the street attack are at an early stage.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 10.45pm on Wednesday, 8 July, we received a report of a serious sexual assault in the Warroch Street area of Glasgow. Inquiries are ongoing and at an early stage.”
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
The gates of one of York’s best used parks are currently locked whilst the heatwave rages on and preparations get underway for Live at York Museum Gardens – a music festival led by Futuresound Group.
Live at York Museum Gardens returns from Thursday, July 9, to Saturday, July 11, followed by the York Comedy Festival at the venue on Sunday, July 12.
RECOMMENDED READING:
This year’s festival opens its doors at 5pm with a sold-out headline performance from synth-pop duo Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, who will be joined by Heaven 17 and China Crisis as well as rising star singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin.
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Taking the Friday night slot – also at 5 – is Mercy Prize nominated artists Self Esteem, supported by by London-based indie group the Big Moon, South African “future ghetto funk” pioneer Moonchild Sanelly and Nigeria-born now Sweden-based spoken word artist and musician Joshua Idehen.
Super Furry Animals will close the music festival on the Saturday from 4pm, with indie musician Baxter Dury, indie-pop’s Los Campesinos!, Nottingham-based alt-country band Divorce and Welsh Music Prize nominees Pys Melyn.
A notice on the gates of Museum Gardens (Image: Ben Hardy)
On the Sunday, York Comedy Festival will see performances from Russell Howard, Ross Noble, Joanne McNally and more from 3pm.
Rachel Hill, project manager at Futuresound, said the group is “so proud of how Live at York Museum Gardens has grown”.
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She said: “We’re looking forward to seeing the changes we’ve made to the site this year, ensuring that everyone enjoys their time in such a beautiful space.
“None of this would have been possible without the continued collaboration, trust and support of the team at York Museums Trust; the opportunity to put together such an incredible bill for the summer makes us excited for the future of our partnership.”
Former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, who is tipped for a major role in a Burnham Cabinet, insisted Andy Burnham had a blueprint for his first 100 days in No10
PM-in-waiting Andy Burnham has been working on his plan for Downing Street for at least a year, close ally Louise Haigh has said.
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The former Transport Secretary – tipped for a major role in a Burnham Cabinet – insisted the ex-Greater Manchester Mayor had a blueprint for his first 100 days in No10.
Her comments came as Mr Burnham’s path to power became clearer as nominations opened on Thursday in the Labour leadership contest to replace Keir Starmer.
Former defence minister Al Carns – believed to be his last remaining Labour MP mulling a challenge- confirmed he would not stand against him. It means Mr Burnham will almost inevitably take office on July 20 without a contest.
Appearing on the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, Ms Haigh was asked how long Mr Burnham had been thinking about what he might do as Prime Minister.
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She replied: “I don’t think I am breaking any state secrets to say Andy has been thinking and has had his ambition, his ambitions have been clear for some time.”
She added: “Of course he’s run for leader twice before, so this is hopefully, touch wood, third time, third-time lucky. So he’s, you know, he’s been thinking about this and certainly planning for this, for this moment, for at least a year.”
Asked on whether there was a plan for the first 100 days, Ms Haigh said: “Yes, of course there’s a plan.” But she added: “I’m not going to tell you about it here.”
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Ms Haigh – a crucial figure in Mr Burnham’s victorious Makerfield by-election campaign – has been involved in transition talks with the civil service in recent weeks.
She has been working alongside Mr Burnham and James Purnell, who is set to be the new No10 chief-of-staff, with a focus on national security, the economy, and devolution.
He said early mistakes including the decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners, “defined the government in a way that really did us a lot of damage”.
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Ms Haigh rejected claims Mr Burnham was “unprepared or inexperienced” because of his nine years away from Westminster while Mayor of Greater Manchester.
She said: “He has spent that time thinking very deeply about how the country is run, what holds regions like Greater Manchester, and therefore most regions and the devolved nations of this country, back. He has got very, very clear ideas and a plan to put that right.”
Ms Haigh also criticised the outgoing Mr Starmer for the “hurtful” way he removed her from Cabinet and accused his operation of deliberately seeking to “knock my character down” with briefings afterwards.
The Sheffield Heeley MP quit as transport secretary in 2024, several months after Labour came into power, after it emerged she had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence related to incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.
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She told the BBC that Downing Street had initially signed off a statement from her saying she had previously disclosed the matter to Mr Starmer – but then his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney rang and asked her to resign.
She said: “I had to really push even for a conversation with Keir, he didn’t want to have that conversation with him himself, and both Morgan and he kept saying, ‘Well, additional information has emerged’, but at no point would any of them tell me what that additional information was.
“And afterwards they repeated that. And it was painful because they could have said, ‘Look, these headlines are awful, and it’s not going to be nice for you to ride them out’.
“And it wasn’t. And to be honest, I would have agreed, and I would have gone on that basis because I didn’t particularly want to ride them out. It was embarrassing, and it wasn’t pleasant to go through.
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“But to pretend that I hadn’t told him and to brief so consistently and so viciously for quite a number of weeks after that was a deliberate attempt to knock my character down.”
Dust off those dancing shoes – it’s Strictly season! (Picture: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing fever is well underway ahead of the 2026 series, with several members of the cast already being revealed.
This year’s batch of competitors will no doubt be hoping to replicate the success of Lioness Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu, who emerged as last year’s winners.
And the newcomers will be joining Strictly at an important time, with a number of enormous changes taking place on the BBC’s flagship dancing show.
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As bosses look to usher Strictly into a new era – hopefully scandal-free from now on – let’s take a look at who has been confirmed and who is rumoured for the 2026 line-up.
Who is confirmed in the Strictly Come Dancing cast 2026?
Cach Mercer
In at number five is Love Island’s very own Cach Mercer (Picture: BBC)
Rolling in at number five is influencer Cach Mercer, who is already in good standing after winning reality show Love Island with his partner Toni Laites in 2025.
Off the back of his Casa Amor victory, he’s trading sunny days in Mallorca for the high-energy Strictly dance floor.
Although he may well feel right at home, given his social media fame comes from posts showing off his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves.
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‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’ he said in a statement.
Time will tell if his moves, which have won over 1.3 million TikTok followers and counting, will be enough for the general public.
Chris Appleton
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is joining the fray (Picture: BBC)
Born in Leicester, the 43-year-old creative has made it all the way to Hollywood as a hairstylist to the stars, including bestie Kim Kardashian and other A-listers like J-Lo, Sofia Vergara, and Ariana Grande.
In 2023, Kim K even officiated his wedding to screenstar Lukas Gage (the couple later divorced), and his career continues to ascend even higher.
Now, he’s cha-chaing his way onto the dance floor to show just what he’s soaked up from all the performers he’s hung out with over the years.
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He said in a statement: ‘I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.
‘I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can’t wait to get started.’
Delta Goodrem
Delta Goodrem was the third star announced (Picture: BBC)
The Australian singer-songwriter, Delta Goodrem, was just 15 years old when she signed her first record deal and her careers gone from strength to strength ever since.
Still, there’s a difference between singing and dancing, but that’s a challenge Deta is keen to take on.
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‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is, however, one stage I’ve never stepped onto, and that is the ballroom floor,’ she said in a statement.
‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!’
With an attitude like that, is it any wonder Delta has reportedly been on the Strictly boss’s wishlist for years?
Lacey Turner
Lacey Turner is leading the charge for the confirmed Strictly 2026 cast (Picture: BBC)
As the 38-year-old soap actress takes a break from Albert Square to pursue new ventures, it seems her journey is taking her from the cobblestones straight onto the dance floor.
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In the announcement, Lacey wrote: ‘I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing.
‘I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!’
It wouldn’t be the first time an EastEnders icon has appeared on Strictly – who could forget Jake Wood (aka Max Branning) with his Mambo No. 5 salsa?
Dani Dyer
Will Dani Dyer return to finish what she started? (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)
Poor Dani Dyer had one of the briefest Strictly stints ever last year, as she was forced to withdraw shortly after the launch show due to an ankle fracture. But now – she’s back!
Dani was originally partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, who went on to reach the final with Amber Davies when she filled in at the last minute.
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The reality TV star previously said on The Jonathan Ross Show that she would ‘love’ to do Strictly again, saying: ”If they rang me, I’d answer the phone. I was devastated. It was hell for me when I hurt my foot; I was so sad.’
Her dream has now become a reality, as she’s become the second celebrity to be confirmed for the 2026 line-up.
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‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’ the 29-year-old said in a statement.
‘I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!’
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Who is rumoured for the Strictly Come Dancing cast 2026?
Dame Sarah Storey
It’s believed that Dame Sarah Storey will be the next name confirmed (Picture: Getty Images)
Paralympic athlete Dame Sarah Storey, 37, is said to have signed up to this series of Strictly, with an official announcement rumoured to be on the cards.
A source told The Sun: ‘Sarah is delighted to be taking part in Strictly and is really excited to be learning a new skill.
‘She is obviously very competitive and hopes to give the contest her all, while letting viewers get to know her personality.
‘She’s also keen to embrace the glamour of the show and is looking forward to getting dressed up.’
Cyclist Dame Sarah is Britain’s most successful Paralympian, having won 30 medals – including 19 Gold – over the course of her career.
Jeff Brazier is the former partner of late Big Brother star of Jade Goody (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
The Brazier name will be familiar to Strictly fans – in 2023, EastEnders actor and model Bobby Brazier danced his way to runner-up with professional partner Dianne Buswell.
According to The Sun, Bobby’s father, 47-year-old Jeff, is in talks to compete in the upcoming series of the show.
A source told the publication that he had become ‘tempted’ after being approached by the BBC.
The insider added: ‘Previously he said he wouldn’t do it because he didn’t want to step on Bobby’s toes. But three years have passed now and it’s a massive opportunity for Jeff.
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‘He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go. Jeff has yet to sign his contract but everyone around him is urging him to do it.’
Josie Gibson
Josie Gibson is said to have been on the Strictly bosses’ wish list for a while (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
She rose to fame as a Big Brother winner and has since cemented herself as a British TV favourite.
Josie Gibson is now often seen presenting on This Morning, and, in 2023, she placed fourth in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
If reports are to be believed, though, she could be looking to at least earn herself a place on the podium by signing up to Strictly and wowing on the dance floor.
‘Josie has been on the BBC’s radar for a while, and they’ve not given up their pursuit,’ said a source.
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They added to The Sun that the ball has already started: ‘They’re hoping this year is the year, and talks are progressing well.’
‘Bosses are convinced her down-to-earth charm will be the boost this year’s new-look show needs,’ the insider also claimed. ‘Warm and engaging, she’s just what they require right now and will be a sure-fire hit with fans.’
Josie, 41, certainly wouldn’t be the first ITV daytime star to tackle Strictly, with previous series signing up the likes of Alison Hammond, Ruth Langsford, Charlotte Hawkins, and, who could forget, Ed Balls.
Jake Quickenden
I’m A Celeb’s Jake Quickenden is no stranger to reality TV (Picture: Shutterstock)
Rising to fame on the X-Factor in 2012, Jake Quickenden has his roots in reality TV.
Subsequently appearing on I’m A Celeb and Dancing On Ice (which he won, back in 2018), Jake currently stars in the CBBC series Jamie Johnson FC.
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Of those Strictly rumours, a source told The Sun: that he’d ‘caught the eye of the Strictly bookers.’
They added: ‘He’s fun, hunky and known as an all-round nice guy. He’s an actor and singer, so is a natural performer. And he won Dancing On Ice, so has clearly got the moves. And now he’s in the BBC stables, he’s part of the gang.’
The 37-year-old star said that he’d be keen to take part, revealing that he’d ‘love to do it’ should the opportunity arise.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to the BBC in September.
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A version of this article was first published on May 31, 2026.
On Thursday afternoon, the BBC revealed that Cach would be the second former Love Island star to be taking part in the new series, joining fellow champion Dani Dyer on the line-up.
He said: “I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast.
“Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!”
Since leaving the vila, he’s enjoyed work as a model and DJ, and become a major presence on social media, with the BBC noting that he has accrued tens of millions of likes on TikTok, thanks to his posts “showcasing his Afrobeat, hip-hop and street dance moves”.
Stirling MP Chris Kane spoke in Parliament after the comments made by Rupert Lowe about the Tragedy on a recent episode of the podcast.
An array of local politicians have reacted angrily to comments made by the Restore Britain MP Rupert Lowe on a podcast – where he described the Dunblane Tragedy as “one murder”.
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The right-wing politician has faced fury from across the political spectrum after the comments on the Joe Rogan podcast.
Sixteen children and teacher Gwen Mayor lost their lives in the Tragedy at Dunblane High School in March 1996, with locals quietly marking its 30th anniversary earlier this year.
Mr Lowe, a businessman and former owner of Southampton Football Club, appeared on the episode of the popular show and was asked to discuss gun laws in the UK.
On the episode, Lowe tells Rogan: “If you don’t have a farm, you’ll find it very difficult to get a gun of any kind. Even if you have a farm.”
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Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, continued: “They don’t want the public to have guns. As you probably know they banned handguns in the 90s, right in the late 90s, because there was a murder up in Dunblane.”
He added: “So everybody, my father used to shoot pistols for Oxford University and he had, he’s dead now bless him, but he had all his pistols were taken away.”
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Stirling and Strathallan MP Chris Kane was among those who denounced Lowe’s remarks.
He submitted a point of order in the House of Commons, where he said the comments had caused “profound offence” and “diminished” those who gave their lives in 1996.
The point of order continues: “The people of Dunblane responded not with division, but with dignity, compassion and a determination that no other community should endure such horror.
“It is because of their courage, and the united action of this House, that the United Kingdom has some of the strongest firearms laws in the world and an ongoing cross party approach to ensuring those protections will not be weakened.”
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Mr Kane followed those remarks up on social media, adding: “Like most reasonable people, my initial reaction to Rupert Lowe’s comments was one of fury and disbelief.
“However, unlike Mr Lowe, many of us have thankfully chosen to take the lead of the courageous parents and families forever touched by the Dunblane Tragedy and from the community that I am both proud and humbled to represent.
“They have conducted themselves with dignity, with a desire to unite people rather than to divide them, and in the hope that generations to come will be protected in a way that 16 – yes sixteen, not one – innocent five and six year olds and their teacher Mrs Mayor were not.
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“Families across our country have children and grandchildren in our schools today who are alive because of that kind of selflessness and the determination that something positive would come from unimaginable evil.
“Mere words can never describe the sort of darkness that was visited upon Dunblane Primary School and our nation on March 13, 1996.
“Many people on that terrible day and since have lived with a kind of acute consciousness and pain that should never be visited on any human soul.
“The least the rest of us can do is to ensure that is forever acknowledged and honoured.
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“Mr Lowe’s attitude does not reflect the sort of thoughtful society the vast majority of our nation and its people wish to have and which has been displayed day in and day out in my constituency for over 30 years.
“We can all learn something from the example of the good people and families of Dunblane. We can only hope that one day that includes Mr Lowe.”
Mr Kane’s remarks were echoed by Dunblane’s MSP and SNP deputy leader, Keith Brown, who said: “Rupert Lowe is a stain on our politics and his comments are beyond despicable.
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“Despite these hideous remarks from Rupert Lowe, the Snowdrop Campaign that followed that terrible day ensured a ban on the private ownership of most handguns – that is the proud legacy of the bereaved families and the local community.
“Their courage and determination in the aftermath of the attack is something we should never betray and our community will never let the likes of Rupert Lowe do exactly that.”
Meanwhile, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Stephen Kerr, whose children went to school close to Dunblane and were in lock-down during the attack, said: “Rupert Lowe’s comments are astonishingly insensitive and profoundly disrespectful to the victims of Dunblane, their families and everyone in Scotland who remembers that horrific day.
“To describe Dunblane as ‘one murder’ is not simply inaccurate – it diminishes one of the darkest days in Scotland’s modern history.
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“Sixteen children and their teacher were murdered, and fifteen other primary school children were wounded.”
A Restore Britain spokesman told the Record: “Rupert was clearly referring to one incident.”
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