The family of three-year-old Noah Woods has received an apology after NHS staff members attempted to access his medical records without authorisation.

On September 15, the toddler went missing, prompting a major 24-hour search comprising 1,300 people, helicopters, and dog units in the village of Brantham, Suffolk.

His body was discovered in the pond by police divers the next day, with an inquest later hearing that he had left a play area ‘through a gap in the fence’.

Noah’s family paid tribute to the ‘happy, cheeky, playful’ boy, with his mother, Charlie, urging people to ‘hold their children a little tighter’.

But as his family grieves, an internal probe has been launched by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust after concerns were flagged about employees trying to access Noah’s private patient data.

This led to 10 employees reportedly being removed from duty.

It’s believed that the ‘breach of trust’ began on September 17 and stemmed from the high-profile nature of the case.

As reported by The Sun on Sunday, an information governance team audited the main electronic patient record system from 5.30pm on the evening Noah’s disappearance was announced on the night of September 16, when his death was confirmed.

The publication understands that the Trust is also investigating other possible violations on systems where Noah was previously treated.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Martin Mansfield called the acts ‘completely unacceptable’.

‘We have apologised unreservedly to Noah’s family for the extra anguish this breach of trust has caused them at an already devastating time,’ his statement read.

‘As soon as we became aware of concerns that Noah’s medical records may have been viewed inappropriately, we launched an urgent internal investigation.

‘Immediate steps were also taken to secure the records and prevent further access that was not for a legitimate, clinical reason.’

He added that the matter has also been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office, and Noah’s family will be kept updated.

‘We will take disciplinary action where needed,’ he declared.

Noah’s parents previously shared that their little boy was being assessed for autism. He also had mild hearing loss and had delayed speech.

Despite the ‘challenges he faced’, they said, he continued ‘learning every day’ and had begun ‘saying new words’ and ‘using his little voice’.

His mother identified his body at Ipswich Hospital on the night he was found by Decoy Pond.

Police said Noah’s body had been five metres from the edge, within submerged tree roots around 1.8m deep.

Suffolk Coroner’s Court heard from officers how the boy had walked from the park to a memorial garden, which he left through the gate before running down a path on a housing estate towards the pond.

CCTV from the area showed he had been supervised by a relative that day, which was ‘part of a normal routine’. The family also described them as a ‘treasured relative’.

While the family member was seen to be following him, they lost sight of Noah from East Bergholt, after which the police were called.

They are not treating his death as suspicious.

Assistant coroner Jyoti Gill also called the situation ‘very sad and tragic’ while opening the inquest.

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While few people now rely on the moonlight to work late into the evening, it remains a special night for stargazers, with the dazzling full moon also drawing photographers keen to capture its beauty.

The Bolton News reported on September 23, the autumn equinox, the moon looked incredibly bright. That is because it was in its waxing gibbous phase.

The phase gets its name from the increasing amount of the Moon’s surface lit up by the Sun. During this stage, the bright section continues to grow until the Moon reaches its fully illuminated state.

It acts as a countdown to the full moon, with the lunar surface becoming increasingly bright night after night.

The Harvest Moon or corn moon is so called because this is when crops are gathered at the end of the summer season. At this time, the moon appears particularly bright and rises early, letting farmers continue harvesting into the night. This moon is also sometimes named the barley moon, and it is often the nearest full moon to the autumnal equinox, earning the title of harvest moon.

Ryan Cowie was last seen in the town centre area on Friday morning.

Cops have launched a frantic search in an effort to trace a man who vanished in the early hours of the morning in Dunfermline.

Ryan Cowie is missing from Cardenden and was last seen around 3am on Friday, September, 25, in the town centre. Officers describe the 29-year-old as white, around 6ft and of slim build with brown hair and a beard. He was wearing a blue and white Ralph Lauren shirt, cream trousers and brown shoes when he was last seen.

Police Scotland urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.

Inspector Stuart Hay said: “It is completely out of character for Ryan not to keep in contact with his family and friends, and we are becoming increasingly concerned for his wellbeing. “Searches and enquiries are ongoing throughout the west Fife area to trace him. We would urge anyone who has seen Ryan since Friday morning, or who has any information regarding his whereabouts to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0154 of 26 September.”

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It was great fun while it lasted. But probably summed up England. So near and yet so far.

They were undone by world champions Spain in a five-goal thriller at Wembley in what turned out to be a case of another missed opportunity. Thomas Tuchel’s nearly men were 2-1 up when Harry Kane smashed a penalty against the crossbar and with it the chance to put the game out of sight. If there was one player you would bank on to score, it would be Kane. Sadly, Spain came back and turned this brilliant rollercoaster game on its head again.

Spain ended up victorious because they have just a little bit more quality than England despite a battling, gritty and entertaining performance from Tuchel’s men.

It was not the victory which Tuchel wanted to kickstart England’s Nations League campaign but it was still enough to get the Wembley crowd back onside after the World Cup. You could not help but be entertained and yet it did again highlight the gap between the world and European champions and Tuchel’s brave battlers.

It was a nightmare start for England. Nico O’Reilly passed the ball to Manchester City teammate Marc Guehi who was guilty of a shocking mistake completely out of character.

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Blimey, City might be facing the possibility of relegation after being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules but they are not playing in League Two just yet.

Guehi turned into trouble, clearly did not see Lamine Yamal behind him and just ran the ball straight into the Spain teenager’s path. Yamal raced free, fired the ball past England keeper James Trafford and it went in off the far post to give the world champions the lead inside two minutes.

It was also an unhappy introduction for Leeds keeper James Trafford as this was his big audition and a chance to show Thomas Tuchel what he can do. Tuchel is giving Trafford and Jordan Pickford two games each in these four Nations League games.

England’s sloppiness continued. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s pass across his own box – unforgivable at Sunday League level – set up Spain’s Marc Cucurella who could not take full advantage.

Ferran Torres went clean through as England’s defence was sliced wide open again. This time, Trafford came out and made a great block. The offside flag went up but Torres was clearly onside and it would have counted. Torres missed another one-on-one.

Tuchel was getting angry on the touchline – and it was easy to see why. In trying to play a bit more like Spain, they were guilty of playing their way into trouble. Spain could have been out of sight.

Then came the most remarkable turnaround. The game turned on its head in the space of four minutes. First, Spain winger Nico Williams lost possession, Elliot Anderson led the break, Anthony Gordon’s flick found Jude Bellingham.

It was Bellingham’s perfectly timed pass which released Gordon and the England winger buried a low shot past Spain keeper Unai Simon. That was more like it for England. Pace, speed and English cut and thrust.

England were ahead after 40 minutes. Gordon’s pass set up O’Reilly and his cross reached Harry Kane and the England captain’s header was deflected in off Cucurella.

From being given the runaround, England were ahead. This felt like they were back at the World Cup, the game slipping away against DR Congo or Norway and then suddenly they showed incredible spirit to haul themselves back into it.

England then wasted a glorious chance to put the game to bed. They were awarded a penalty after VAR ruled Rodri tripped Bellingham.

But inexplicably, Kane smashed the spot kick against the crossbar. Kane’s standing foot slipped in the run-up and that explained his miss. Kane looked crestfallen – and his despair quickly got worse.

Spain drew level on the hour mark. O’Reilly gave the ball away, Dani Olmo set up Spain substitute Alex Baena who steered his low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.

And how Spain made England pay. Baena’s lovely through ball played in Spain substitute Mikel Oyarzabal who dinked the ball past Trafford. The rollercoaster ride was complete.

Bellingham, as ever, was terrific and never stopped trying and even weren’t close in injury time. But it was a case of what might have been.

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Westlife star Mark Feehily is suing a surgeon over weight-loss surgery in a private hospital he says caused recurring sepsis.

The 46-year-old stopped touring with the hit band two years ago amid a period of ill health, undergoing at least four major surgeries since 2020.

He spent months in an intensive care unit during the Covid-19 pandemic, before suffering from pneumonia, a chest infection and developing a large incisional hernia.

Mr Feehily claims in his court documents that the problems all stem from a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a type of weight-loss surgery, he received in 2020 at Spire Portsmouth Hospital in Hampshire, The Times reports.

The musician alleges that Nick Carter, a bariatric surgeon, left behind a portion of tissue that became infected, because he had failed to remove enough of his stomach during the procedure.

This caused a dangerous leak which left him with recurrent sepsis and severe abdominal infections, Mr Feehily says in the documents – and meant he had to have his entire stomach removed in an operation in May 2023. Carter denies claims of negligence.

The claim was lodged with the High Court in 2025 and is valued at over £200,000 but Mr Feehily’s legal team, Leigh Day Solicitors, have outlined a baseline threshold meaning the case can go to the highest court level and a larger sum can be claimed should they win.

A preliminary split trial is expected to take place at the court between May 28 and July 31, although if Mr Feehily is successful no damages will be decided during this period.

The musician alleges that Nick Carter, a bariatric surgeon, pictured, left behind a portion of tissue that became infected, because he had failed to remove enough of his stomach

The court will decide if Carter was negligent and whether Feehily’s severe complications were a result of the surgeon’s actions. 

Witness statements are expected to be filed on Monday and will be followed by expert surgical and radiology reports in November. 

Leigh Day partner Suzanne White said: ‘Mark has been dedicated to keeping his fans updated on his health during a period that has been extremely challenging for him, but he has faced it all with his characteristic strength and resilience.

‘Mark very much appreciates the continued support. In order to respect the ongoing court process, he will not be commenting at this time.’

Carter filed a defence earlier this year denying liability, court records show, although the surgeon admitted that a portion of stomach tissue remained after the operation and a leak started at its staple line.

But he argued that this decision was appropriate and leakage was a recognised complication and happened in only about 1 per cent of cases and did not necessarily imply negligence. 

He also claims the agreement was sealed through Streamline Surgical, a private weight loss and bariatric medical group, which treats patients at the Spire Portsmouth Hospital, and he did not have a personal contract with Mr Feehily.

Carter’s legal team said: ‘As proceedings remain ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment on the matters raised.’

Mr Feehily claims his health problems began after he underwent the routine gastric surgery in August 2020.

A few days following the procedure, he claims he experienced severe pain and was rushed to hospital, where complications developed into sepsis.

He spent months in the intensive care unit during the Covid-19 pandemic and required emergency surgery to address it.

In late 2021, he became seriously ill before a scheduled concert and was diagnosed with pneumonia.

The star claims that his health problems stem from a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a type of weight-loss surgery, he received in 2020 at Spire Portsmouth Hospital, pictured

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This chest infection forced him to miss shows on Westlife’s Wild Dreams Tour and marked another significant setback in his recovery.

He claims that following his pneumonia, he continued to face complications from his earlier illness and surgeries.

He developed a large incisional hernia — a weakness or tear at the site of his surgical incision — which required further major surgery.

Reports state he has undergone four major surgeries related to these health battles since 2020.

Mr Feehily stepped down from touring with Westlife in February 2024 following a brief hiatus in late 2022.

Mr Feehily in December 2025 shared an update with his fans following a period of ill health after battling several illnesses over the past few years. 

It read: ‘Heya! A little message from me to you from the heart. It’s been so long, sorry about the lack of posting… I’ve missed ya!

‘It’s been quite difficult to watch my band’s big World Tour launch knowing I won’t be able to be there with you all to join the party.

‘However, it’s been really amazing to see our band still flying so high, and the incredible global support that’s still there for us. YOUR support!

‘That same phenomenal support you have blessed us with from day ONE in Sligo back in the late 90s & as we slowly but surely went on to build the Westlife legacy piece by piece for over 3 decades, literally thousands of days and nights together on stage and in studios and on trains, planes and automobiles, is something that blows my mind to this day, something I am so proud to be a part of.

‘The 25th anniversary tour is gonna be a really special celebration of what we have all built and achieved together!’

Mark went on to thank his fans for all of their unwavering support before revealing he still isn’t well enough to get on stage for the world tour.

He continued: ‘All of this really drives home the honest truth that I’m simply not ready to take on a massive world tour yet.

‘My body and my mind need time. However, thankfully, sitting in a chair to do a radio show is a completely different physical and mental demand to doing a massive world tour and I feel very lucky to be able to do this new @rteradio1 show.

‘It’s not quite a stadium show but it’s a HUGE deal and achievement for me! Right now, to sit back and do absolutely nothing would make things much worse for me both medically and emotionally – so here goes!’

The star has had brief stints doing broadcast work, hosting Mark Feehily’s Musical Icons on RTÉ Radio 1.

“Great quality, perfect for a bedroom. Lots of storage space”

Shoppers are in luck as Dusk has an item of furniture up for grabs that doubles up as storage and an extra ‘comfortable’ chair. The Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe in berry is now available for £118, down from £189, at Dusk, saving buyers £71.

If this isn’t the colour scheme everyone is after, the Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe comes in three other colours too: light grey (£95), olive (£118) and sand (£127). Its main features are its button-tufted design and the fact it can be used to store things away like blankets, books and toys.

Not only this, but it can then be closed and used as a footrest or an extra seat in the living room. Dusk advises to choose the olive, berry or sand colours for a rich and luxurious feel or the light grey for a more understated, neutral look.

READ MORE: Dusk shoppers race to buy reduced quilt bedspread that’s ‘huge and luxurious’

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Other options include the Stockton Boucle Round Storage Pouffe in off white for £114, down from £189, at Dusk. This one is upholstered in a premium fabric and finished with soft, rounded edges and a removable lid for storage.

Dunelm then has its Fulton Blanket Box for £104.30, down from £149, offering savings of £44.70. Slightly different to the others, this one has a warm wood‑effect finish and is designed with a large storage space inside.

Also at Dunelm is the Zoe Pinstripe Fabric Square Storage Footstool for £99.50, down from £139.30. This one comes in a variety of colours but the price here is for the blue option, which is upholstered in a pinstripe fabric.

The Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe is available from Dusk

The pouffe is designed with hidden storage options to stash away blankets, books and toys.

Lastly at Dunelm is the Holland Woven Stripe Square Tray Table Ottoman for £74.50, down from £149. This one is upholstered in a woven stripe fabric and has a soft, cushioned top for added comfort.

The Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe in berry has been rated highly over at Dusk, however, as one person said: “Great quality, perfect for a bedroom. Lots of storage space.

“I would definitely recommend it.” Another added: “Love the large round pouffe.

“I bought it for my dressing room and it adds that little bit of luxury, plus it’s great for storage like my hair drier and bits.” A third person commented: “Really pleased with this purchase.

“It’s a lovely colour and good quality.” Another wrote: “Ottoman is as described.

“No assembly required. Good size and looks amazing.

“Great service from Dusk!” This shopper said: “This item is better than expected, lovely, comfortable and very sturdy.

“Would highly recommend purchasing.” Another said: “Absolutely love the pouffe.

“My living room was missing something and it really ties the room together – gorgeous colour, too, and the quality is amazing. Storage is a bonus.”

Another said: “Very good quality and good for storage. As seen in the picture online.”

This buyer wrote: “Really pleased as the quality is great and the button round storage pouffe looks so good, so I will definitely shop again at Dusk.” There are no negative reviews, however it’s worth noting that the colour might not suit all decors and the shape of the pouffe may not be suitable for tighter spaces.

The Paisley Buttoned Round Storage Pouffe in berry is available from Dusk.

Welcome along to our live coverage of the opening Saturday night of the new rugby season. We start with a cracker of a Welsh derby as the Scarlets host Cardiff.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and Steffan Thomas will be bringing you live updates from Parc y Scarlets.

A reminder of the teams…

Scarlets: Murray; Mee, J Roberts, E James, Page; Anscombe, Blacker; S O’Connor, Elias, Henry Thomas, W Evans, Cuckson, Lousi, Macleod (capt), O Williams.

Replacements: McKee, J Morse, Hawley, Groves, T Davies, Hughes, Hawkins, I Jones.

Cardiff: Winnett; Beetham, Malan, B Thomas, Grady; Sheedy, Mulder; Sio, Belcher (capt), Sebastian, McNally, T Williams, Mann, D Thomas, Basham.

Replacements: E Lloyd, Barratt, Wainwright, Thornton, Botham, Bevan, J Evans, Millard.

For the past five years, Bowen Pies has been a familiar sight on Market Street in Chorley, selling everything from meat and potato and chunky steak pies to the Lancashire favourite, butter pie.

But tomorrow, Saturday, September 26, the shutters will come down for the last time.

Owner Paul Bowen said it was not one single problem which brought about the closure, but a combination of falling footfall and rising costs which eventually made the shop unsustainable.

He said: “We’ve closed for a few reasons.

“The footfall in the town has declined massively and unfortunately the standalone store, along with the increase in employer’s National Insurance, energy bills, business rates, wages and everything else, there just isn’t enough left.

“We either put prices up, cut hours, stop taking people on or, like we’re doing here, close.

“Everything is tight. It’s a vicious circle.”

For Paul, the closure is particularly difficult because he sees the challenges facing his shop reflected across the town centre.

He estimates there are already 12 empty shops within around 200 metres of Bowen Pies, with his soon to become another.

He said: “Imagine if each shop was full and open and employing a few people.

“There’s just been a slow decline since we opened in 2021.

“It was never going to be super busy but we just had to make a decision to protect the business as a whole.

“We had to cut an arm off.”

The timing of the decision was also influenced by the shop’s lease coming up for renewal.

Continuing would have meant committing to another five years and, in the current climate, Paul said that was simply too big a risk to take.

He said: “The lease was coming up as well, so we would’ve had to lock in for five years and we can’t afford to take that risk.”

But while Market Street is closing, this is far from the end of Bowen Pies.

The family-run business, which dates back to 1994, will continue baking, with its shops at Harpers Lane in Chorley and Chorley Road in Adlington remaining open.

Behind the shopfronts is also a much larger operation, with Paul saying the company produces and delivers around 30,000 pies every week.

Paul secured a deal to supply Manchester City Football Club and Bowen Pies has now been providing pies to the club for the past five years.

Its range includes traditional meat and potato pies, chunky steak pies, steak puddings, butter pies, pasties and other savouries, while it also supplies wholesale customers and delivers orders across the country.

Paul, who appeared on BBC’s The Apprentice in 2024, said protecting that wider business had to come first.

However, he believes what is happening on Market Street should also serve as a warning about the pressures facing independent businesses more widely.

He said: “It’s not all just about me.

“The Government needs to do something drastically with the next Budget.”

And amid the disappointment of closing the shop, Paul’s message to customers is not simply to keep buying from Bowen Pies.

Instead, he wants people to support the independent bakeries and businesses which remain on their own high streets.

He said: “We appreciate all the support and would love if people can still support us.

“If you can’t use us then please use your local bakery.

“We’ve had three shut in the past three years in Chorley.

“It’s a really rough time for businesses.”

Announcing the closure, Bowen Pies thanked the people who have walked through the doors of the Market Street shop over the years.

The company said: “Thanks to all of our Market Street customers over the years, and we hope to bake for you again soon at one of our other shops.”

For Bowen Pies, the ovens will keep going.

But after five years on Market Street, tomorrow will mark the end of one chapter for the family business.

The Bolton News has contacted the Department for Business and Trade for comment.

Ministers have been criticised over plans to convert a historic sea fort into a processing centre for small boat migrants – less than a mile from what will be Britain’s largest immigration detention centre. 

Residents of Gosport, near the proud naval city of Portsmouth, fear their town will become the ‘capital’ of the small boat crisis and face further violent protests like those seen in recent weeks. 

Fort Blockhouse, which was built in the 19th century to guard the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, could be used as a reception centre as part of contingency proposals for dealing with small boats crossing the Channel into Hampshire. 

Typically, small boats have sailed towards Kent, but smugglers have recently shifted tactics by launching vessels from Normandy towards Hampshire – a route that is both longer and more dangerous. 

Protests broke out in Gosport on Tuesday after convicted criminal turned anti-migrant activist ‘Danny Tommo’ told his supporters that 50 small boat migrants were about to be brought ashore there.

To avoid the mob, Border Force boats rerouted the migrants to Dover. But violence broke out in Gosport, leading to six arrests, while three coaches waiting to pick up the asylum seekers required police escorts.

Gosport is already home to Haslar Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), which closed a decade ago but is set to reopen after an expansion that will allow it to house 600 foreign criminals and illegal migrants over three storeys.

Tensions over illegal migration are high in the local area, and nearby Portsmouth Lifeboat Station was recently forced to suspend operations after its volunteers suffered physical and online abuse.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP for Gosport, said opening a new processing centre at Fort Blockhouse would serve to encourage more illegal migrants to come to Britain.

Gosport is already home to Haslar Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), which closed a decade ago but is set to be reopened and enlarged to house 600 foreign criminals and illegal migrants

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Protesters – some wearing masks – gathered in Gosport on Tuesday when small boat migrants were due to dock there 

‘This week’s chaotic scenes reinforced the argument made by local police, council leaders, and me that Portsmouth Harbour is an inappropriate disembarkation spot for migrant boats,’ she told the Daily Mail. 

‘Hopefully future Channel crossings towards our area will now be taken straight to Kent, with its existing processing infrastructure.

‘We don’t have appropriate facilities or transport infrastructure and opening up new sites here would simply incentivise more illegal boats to make this perilous journey from France.’

Local retiree Lesley Cox, 78, said she was ‘disgusted’ by the plans for Fort Blockhouse. 

‘We weren’t told about Fort Blockhouse. It’s the secrecy of it all. Why is it not out in the open? I’ve lived in Gosport for 30 years and I’m most definitely seeing it become the UK capital for illegal migrants.

‘Immigration has always happened in the area and it’s not been a problem, but now it’s changing out of all proportion.

‘I have to think about my family and the impact it will have. My eldest son was in the Navy fighting for this country, and you think what for?

Cllr Zoe Huggins, the leader of Gosport Borough Council, has written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to protest against the proposal.

She said the area has already seen a series of anti-immigration protests, including an incident on September 6 when 200 people gathered at nearby Eastney beach to confront 140 migrants being brought ashore from a packed dinghy.

‘We should learn from these events when considering potential locations and ensure that the characteristics and constraints of each site are properly understood and researched before decisions are made,’ she told Ms Mahmood.

Ms Huggins pointed out that Fort Blockhouse is located on a peninsula with only one route out, which would make it easy for protesters to block any coaches attempting to leave the site.

Hundreds of protesters clashed with police near Eastney beach in Portsmouth earlier this month after a dinghy carrying 140 asylum seekers was escorted to the shore

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Migrants try to board a small boat off the beach of Equihen-Plage in northern France in a bid to cross the Channel

Across town, near Haslar IRC, residents complain that their lives have been made ‘hell’ by two years of ‘constant’ building work beginning in the early hours of the morning.

It is being refurbished after shutting down in 2015 following a parliamentary review, which highlighted immigration detention as ‘expensive and damaging to detainees’.

The newly expanded facility will have 600 beds for detained men, who will be unable to leave the centre or access the local area.

Vick, a local resident and member of the armed forces, who did not want to give her surname, said the IRC expansion and fort conversion could lead to further unrest in the local area. 

She said: ‘I’m not against the IRC being used in its current capacity. It’s good for job opportunities in Gosport. But the additional 600 I don’t agree with.

‘I’m worried about the number of migrants in the area attracting trouble – not just because of them but also the so-called “patriots” it’s been attracting.

‘They were up and down the street the other night when that small boat was brought in from the Channel.’

Colin, another armed forces member, said: ‘If I’m honest I’d prefer it’s all down there at the fort rather than spread between there and the IRC. 

‘It’s going to cost so much to refurbish them both when costs for redoing sites is already astronomical for the MOD.’

Amid growing concerns over Labour’s response to the small boat crisis, this week has seen two dinghies reach UK shores without being intercepted by Border Force.

The deepening crisis in the Channel saw 781 migrants arrive on Wednesday – the highest daily tally this year. 

With a further 44 arrivals on Thursday, it pushed the total since the 2024 general election to 83,323 – passing the British Army’s 83,000 soldiers, said Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.

The figures will be embarrassing for Ms Mahmood, who claimed on September 2: ‘We are boosting officer numbers to record highs to crack down on small-boat launches and the gangs behind them. This work is bearing fruit.’

Danny Tommo, real name Daniel Thomas, was denied bail on Friday having pleaded not guilty to criminal damage after he was filmed allegedly using a knife to slash a dinghy used by migrants to cross the Channel to Britain. 

The 37-year-old also pleaded not guilty to failing to disclose the PIN for his mobile phone to police, contrary to Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Thomas appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning, with Tommy Robinson attending to support his friend.

A Government spokesman said: ‘The Border Security Command works around the clock to protect our border and will continue to detain, check and process every small boat arrival.’ 

The first live show of Strictly Come Dancing finally kicked off on Saturday night, with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe at the helm.

The trio have received mixed reaction since they took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the BBC show at the end of the 2025 series. 

Emma began the show by joking she was feeling ‘nervous’ after Johannes said ‘anything can happen’ on the live show, before introducing the judges and contestants to the stage. 

It was then revealed that the new format would see Emma and Josh present from the dancefloor as Tess did previously, while Johannes interviewed the stars from the auditorium like Claudia. 

However, the decision didn’t go down well with viewers, who remarked that Josh looked like a ‘spare part’ next to seasoned professional Emma. 

Josh did, however, earn some praise for making a ‘change partners’ joke, in a playful throwback to the new musical chairs-style format used to announce the pairs in the launch show. 

As Josh stood on the dancefloor looking bemused the likes of Emma, Johannes and judge Craig Revel Horwood appearing alongside him, while Josh wailed ‘change partners’, leaving viewers in hysterics. 

However, it didn’t go down well with viewers, who remarked that Josh looked like a ‘spare part’ next to seasoned professional Emma

No one will be leaving the show this week, with the scores from week one combined with next week’s before the first elimination next Sunday.  

Up first to perform was Big Brother presenter Will Best, 41, who performed the Samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams with his partner Dianne Buswell. 

While there was rapturous applause from the audience, Craig Revel Horwood was quick to point out Will’s ‘sloppy’ arms, and awarded him four points, the same as Shirley Ballas. 

Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke awarded Will scores of five, giving him a total score of 18. 

Then it was time for British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, 25, to jive to Animal by KATSEYE with new pro Mark Karmalita. 

She particularly impressed Anton, who said it was like seeing last year’s winner Karen Carney back on the dancefloor. He awarded her a score of seven. In turn, Motsi gave six, and Shirley five for a very respectable first week score of 22. 

Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, was paired with Julian Caillon and they took on the Quickstep to C’est Magnifique by Kay Starr. 

After a few mistakes in her routine, Dame Storey was awarded a three by Craig and fours by the remaining judges, giving her a final score of 15. 

Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, 34, and Jowita Przystał performed the Paso Doble to Aperture by Harry Styles, earning him a four from Craig, fives from Motsi and Shirley and a six from Anton, totalling 20. 

Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, stepped up to perform the Cha Cha to Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell, with his partner Alexis Warr. 

He failed to impress, earning a two from Craig, fours from Motsi and Shirley and five from Anton for 15 overall. 

House Of The Dragon actress and West End star Bethany Antonia, 28, performed a Quickstep to Stop This Flame by Celeste. 

She was paired with Nancy Xu, having requested a female dance partner after Nicola Adams and Katya Jones’s coupling in 2020 helped with her coming out journey.

The move paid off, with the pair’s dance branded the best of the night so far and earning them a score of 26 – consisting of sixes from from Craig and Shirley and sevens from Anton and Motsi. 

However, they didn’t stay top of the leaderboard for long. 

Josh did, however, earn some praise for making a ‘change partners’ joke, with the likes of Emma, Johannes and judge Craig Revel Horwood appearing alongside him

The skit was a playful throwback to the new musical chairs-style format used to announce the dancing pairs in the launch show 

Up first was Big Brother presenter Will Best, 41, who performed the Samba to Rock DJ by Robbie Williams with his partner Dianne Buswell

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Then it was time for British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, 25, to jive to Animal by KATSEYE with new pro Mark Karmalita

Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, was paired with Julian Caillon and they took on the Quickstep to C’est Magnifique by Kay Starr

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38, performed a Cha Cha to How Will I Know by Whitney Houston alongside fan favourite Vito Coppola, earning a standing ovation from Shirley. 

The routine earned them 27 – with sevens from Craig, Shirley and Anton and six from Motsi. 

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, teamed up with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden to Tango to No Roots by Alice Merton. 

They scored 16 – made up of three from Craig, four from Motsi and Shirley and five from Anton.

The oldest celebrity in the new series, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, 64, took on the Cha Cha to Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee.

Paired with long-time pro Aljaž Škorjanec, she scored a total of 15 – including two from Craig, fours from Motsi and Shirley and five from Anton.

Love Island star Cach Mercer, 25, performed a Quickstep to I Just Might by Bruno Mars with new pro dancer Maddie Ingoldsby. 

During last week’s partner pair up, it was revealed Dani Dyer, 30, reunited with her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 28, whom she was paired with last year before an ankle injury forced her to withdraw early.

The pair’s first dance is a Samba to Lush Life by Zara Larsson. 

Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, 41, was paired with Kai Widdrington – with pair set to strut their stuff to the Samba to Baianá by Barbatuques. 

While dog trainer Graeme Hall, 59, is set to Cha Cha to Hound Dog (Smokey Joe’s Café version) with his partner Lauren Oakley.

Actress Jaime Winstone, 41, will perform the Tango to I Feel Love by Donna Summer with her partner Carlos Gu, who will be hoping to replicate his 2025 win with Karen Carney.

Sports Youtuber John Nellis, 33, was teamed with the show’s longest-serving professional Katya Jones. They will perform a Foxtrot to Ordinary by Alex Warren.

Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, 34, and Jowita Przystał performed the Paso Doble to Aperture by Harry Styles, earning him a total of  20

Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, stepped up to perform the Cha Cha to Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell, with his partner Alexis Warr

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House Of The Dragon actress and West End star Bethany Antonia, 28, performed a Quickstep to Stop This Flame by Celeste, with partner Nancy Xu

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38, performed a Cha Cha to How Will I Know by Whitney Houston alongside fan favourite Vito Coppola, earning a standing ovation from Shirley

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, teamed up with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden to Tango to No Roots by Alice Merton

Yet viewers remained unconvinced by the contestants, after the lineup was previously branded ‘the worst ever’.

The celeb lineup was announced on social media this year rather than on radio and TV, but many followers had never heard of the names.

John, for example, a ‘sports content creator’, doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page.

But that doesn’t seem to matter to producers, who are said to have specifically selected stars who have large social media followings, rather than being known to the average Joe.

In recent years, BBC bosses have started to introduce content creators, reality stars and online influencers to the lineup in a bid to attract Gen Z viewers.

It’s a move that paid off, with YouTuber Joe Sugg, Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri for example, all proving popular with fans and reaching the final.

Yet this year, that idea was put into overdrive, with an insider claiming the series has actively targeted stars with a big social presence to attract younger viewers.

Stars such as Kim Kardashian’s hair stylist Chris might not be a household name, but he does boast a huge social media following with 4million fans on Instagram.

Sports YouTuber John has an even bigger fanbase, with 15.7million YouTube subscribers.

However, loyal fans were left scratching their heads over the lineup, with many of the comments on the Strictly social posts asking who the celebrity is, rather than expressing any excitement.

Indeed, while bosses may be keen to attract Gen Z – the majority of Strictly viewers are in fact Gen X and Baby Boomers.

Audience demographic data indicates that around 60 per cent of the audience is aged 55 or older, putting the average viewer age firmly in the mid-50s and above.

Yet this year, it’s been suggested Strictly is following a similar, hugely successful social media strategy employed by its US counterpart Dancing With The Stars.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER 

AGE: 38

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’

DELTA GOODREM

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘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!’

CACH MERCER

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AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘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!’

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DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian 

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’

BETHANY ANTONIA 

AGE: 28

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’

GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

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AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’

TABBY STOECKER 

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AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

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MELANIE WALTERS 

AGE: 64

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’

DANI DYER

AGE: 30

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘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!’

CHRIS APPLETON

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AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’

WILL BEST

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’

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JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 

AGE: 44

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’

LAWRENCE ROBB

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AGE: 34

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s Emmerdale

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’

JOHN NELLIS 

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AGE: 33

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’

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