There are plenty of British politicians who love talking about sport. It makes them appear normal, grounded and relatable to voters.

But it seems that not many enjoy talking about the political side of it – especially the concept of “sportswashing”, when sport is allegedly used by a country to deflect attention away from concerns over issues such as human rights violations it might be involved in.

My recently published research shows that UK politicians have been extremely reluctant to discuss this difficult subject. The term “sportswashing” has been uttered just 37 times in the UK parliament since its first mention in 2021 (that was in relation to the failed plans for a breakaway European super league).

Elsewhere, the idea of sportswashing has become widely discussed, as ever increasing levels of sporting investment are used by (usually authoritarian) governments as a form of global influence.

But even in 2022, referred to by some as sportswashing’s “biggest year” – because of the men’s World Cup in Qatar and the winter Olympics in Beijing – the term was uttered just five times.

This hesitancy to address the topic might appear strange when the UK is home to some of the most high-profile events and teams accused of being associated with sportswashing.

For example, the Premier League’s Manchester City is often cited as an example of sportswashing. It is owned by Sheikh Mansour, vice president and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, which has been widely criticised for its record on human rights.

Some have argued that this kind of ownership transforms the club’s fans into “proxy defenders of the UAE government and Abu Dhabi royal family […] creating a halo effect whereby supporters conflate their joy over their club’s success with its ownership regime”.

Likewise, the Gulf State Bahrain essentially owns the UK-based Formula One McLaren team. Another Premier League side, Newcastle United is majority-owned by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund.

When the Saudi take over was finalised in October 2021, it was the subject of over 400 newspaper articles globally that month – all of which used the term “sportswashing”. But despite the international interest and the controversial nature of the deal, UK politicians decided it wasn’t worth talking about in the House of Commons.

No UK government minister has ever mentioned sportswashing in parliament, other than to confirm that the government does not have an official definition of the term. No official government documents or texts using the word, including research and policy papers, consultations and press releases, can be found on the official UK government website.

No Labour MP has used the term in the House of Commons since the party took office in July 2024, even when legislation on football governance was being passed. Yet part of that bill was designed to strengthen the “fit and proper persons” test for football club ownership.

There was one debate in the House of Lords in March 2024 however, which might help to explain why there has been such limited official discussion. That exchange included mention of the “benefits of inward investment” in the UK’s sports sector.

So perhaps the Conservative government of the time viewed foreign investment in UK sports as a positive development, and had no concerns about its source.

Human rights

Wider investments in other areas of the economy might also be a consideration. Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman warned the then UK prime minister Boris Johnson in 2021 that relations between the two countries would be “damaged” if the takeover of Newcastle United was not permitted by the Premier League.

Bin Salman has previously said he does not care about the accusations, telling Fox News: “If sportswashing is going to increase my GDP by 1%, then we’ll continue doing sportswashing.”

The recent announcement of a £3.7 billion trade deal between the UK and six Gulf States may also help to explain the apparent reluctance of UK politicians to raise the issue of sportswashing.

For sport and politics continue to be deeply entwined. This year’s men’s football World Cup, is a case in point. Human rights groups had suggested that the World Cup 2026 be a “bonanza of sportswashing” in the US, due to concerns about immigration and threats to press freedom.

In the event, politics has never been far from the action on the field.
To mention just a couple of examples, a tournament referee from Somalia was refused entry to the US, while Iran’s team had to move its training base to Mexico as conflict in the Middle East rumbled on.

So debates about politics and its relationship with sport will no doubt continue. But political inaction in sporting issues often represents a strategic decision to not intervene.

Keir Starmer may have felt comfortable calling for the recent Champions League final to be free to air or to ask Fifa not to change
the time of a match between Mexico and England.

But it would appear that he, his government, and many other politicians feel less inclined to get involved in the more difficult discussions relating to sport in the UK.

The US insists the Strait of Hormuz is open, despite Iran saying it has closed the waterway amid renewed strikes.

Hostilities, which flared up again this week, continued on Saturday after the US said it had struck more than 140 targets across Iran.

The attacks were a response to Iranian forces hitting a ship passing through the strait, which it said was using an unapproved route.

Iran has been trying to assert control over the waterway, and early on Sunday said it was closed until further notice.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also launched wide-ranging attacks on US bases and allies across the region on Sunday, marking an escalation in the scale of hostilities.

It said it had hit a US base in Jordan, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain all said they had responded to missiles and drones from Iran.

The BBC has approached US Central Command for comment on the attack in Jordan.

Qatar, a mediator in ceasefire talks, had not been attacked since April, while the UAE had not been attacked since May.

The renewed fire has put in jeopardy an interim ceasefire agreement signed last month, which aimed ​to reopen the Strait and eventually bring a permanent end to the conflict.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared the Iranian attacks meant the ceasefire was over, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of violating the deal.

However, Trump said talks would still continue and mediators were trying to revive the process.

US media reported that Iran told American officials attacks on tankers earlier this week were a mistake and blamed a rogue internal group.

The latest hostilities were sparked after the IRGC said it had fired a naval cruise missile at a vessel that was attempting to sail along an unapproved route.

It was a very star-studded affair for the Men’s Singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday afternoon. 

Hollywood and the British A-list descended on south west London as the two-week tournament came to a close with Sinner’s clash against Zverev.

Pop sensation Jennifer Lopez, 56, looked the epitome of glamour as she arrived in a tight nude midi dress which she paired with a stylish hat and towering heels.

Elsewhere actress Nicole Kidman, 59, looked chic in a white suit as she joined Dame Anna Wintour in the Royal Box – where the Vogue icon enjoyed a rare laugh as she chatted to the Australian star. 

Departing Strictly host Tess Daly, 57, and her daughter Phoebe, 21, Daisy Edgar-Jones, 28, Twiggy, 76, and Nicki Hilton, 42, also made their arrivals earlier in the afternoon and sported glamorous dresses. 

Meanwhile Ben Stiller and Rami Malek looked delighted to see each other and hugged as they took their seats early in the Royal Box ahead of the doubles final match.

Also in the prestigious area – alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and two of their three children George and Charlotte – was Sienna Miller, 44, who wore a pretty frilly mini dress.

Nicole Kidman and Dame Anna Wintour arrived in the Royal Box and took their seats for all the tennis action 

Nicole , 59, looked chic in a white suit as she joined Dame Anna in the Royal Box – where the Vogue icon gave a rare laugh as she chatted to the Australian star

Industry star Marisa Abela wore Wimbledon white as she posed with her husband Jamie Bogyo on finals day.  

Singer Raye, 28, was the epitome of glamour as she arrived for the match in a stylish brown waistcoat and trouser co-ord.

Elsewhere actor Tom Hiddleston, 45, looked smart in a navy suit, while tennis lover Andrew Garfield wore a white Ralph Lauren suit. 

Adolescence star Stephen Graham attended with his wife Hannah Walters who who wore a chic white dress.

Actress Lily Collins, 37, also made an appearance and showed off her toned physique in a strapless white crop top and cropped trousers. 

Zverev secured a place in the final after beating British wildcard Arthur Fery earlier this week while Sinner defeated Djokovic. 

Saturday for the Women’s Singles final was an equally as starry affair with the likes of Hannah Waddingham and Davina McCall attending.

Linda Noskova won her first Wimbledon championship in some style as she roared back in a dramatic third set after missing out on five match points in the second. 

The 21-year-old was making her Grand Slam final debut in SW19 against her fellow Czech – and 2023 French Open finalist – Karolina Muchova. 

After romping to a commanding 6-2, 5-2 lead however, nerves appeared to tell, with Muchova hitting back to send the women through to a decider. 

Sienna Miller chatted away to Nicole 

Pop sensation Jennifer, 56, looked the epitome of glamour as she arrived in a tight nude midi dress which she paired with a stylish hat and towering heels

The icon was dressed head to toe in Ralph Lauren as she arrived for the tennis tournament 

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She was flanked by her security team as she made her way to Centre Court for the final 

She was joined by Kimball Hastings – head of global talent and entertainment at Ralph Lauren

Hollywood and the British A-list descended on south west London as the two-week tournament came to a close with Sinner’s clash against Zverev

Dame Anna also opted for a white look and accessorised with her usual dark shades and a sleek leather bag 

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The pair chatted away as they got comfortable in the Royal Box 

Jennifer Lopez chatted to Tom Hiddleston

They enjoyed a catch up in the stands 

Sarah Pidgeon, Benny Medina, Erana James, Jennifer Lopez, Andrew Garfield and Tom Hiddleston

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They shook hands as they met in the Wimbledon stands 

Nicole and Dame Anna intently watched the match 

Dame Anna clapped between points

They took their seats ready for the match to start 

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Sienna looked as gorgeous as ever 

She flaunted her toned legs in a frilly mini dress

Also in the prestigious area – alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales and two of their three children George and Charlotte – was Sienna Miller who wore a pretty frilly mini dress

The Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive on Centre Court 

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The Hollywood stars mingled with royalty in the box

Departing Strictly host Tess Daly, 57, and her daughter Phoebe also arrived

She looked stunning in a blue and pink patterned dress

Tess also posed with actress Celia Imrie in the Champagne Lanson area

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She added silver Gucci heels to her look

Tess also opted for a chic white look

Michelle Dockery wore a beige blazer and cropped black trousers 

She was joined by her dapper husband Jasper 

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Daisy Edgar-Jones was clad in Chanel for the final

She looked stunning in the black and white dress

She wore her brunette tresses in loose waves 

Actress Lily Collins, 37, also made an appearance and showed off her toned physique in a strapless white crop top and cropped trousers

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She posed with Normal People star Daisy in the Emirates suite 

 Marisa Abela seen arriving in a chic white look

Industry star Marisa wore Wimbledon white as she posed with her husband Jamie Bogyo on finals day

She looked stunning in the summery white outfit as she arrived for the final day of the Championship

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Meanwhile Ben Stiller and Rami Malek looked delighted to see each other and hugged as they took their seats early in the Royal Box ahead of the doubles final match

Mel B and her husband Rory McPhee looked loved-up in the evian suite

Mel B looked stunning in a tight white dress

Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson and his partner Maddie Simpson

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Nicki Hilton on day fourteen of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

She sweetly matched her dress with her daughter 

Jenna Coleman wore a light green dress 

Jenna looked incredible in the lace trimmed satin dress paired with towering platforms

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Top Boy star was also in the Emirates area

But with admirable nerve, Noskova saw out the final set at pace before bursting into tears on Centre Court.

Wimbledon’s 2026 tournament has seemed particularly star-studded, attracting a much wider selection of celebrities from different sectors of the showbiz world rather than just the usual British A-listers.

Bad Bunny made headlines as he appeared at the first day of the tournament last week – the morning after his second London show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

It was his first appearance ever at the tournament. 

The Puerto Rican music superstar, 32, – real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio – took a break from his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour to make his debut appearance, watching Novak Djokovic from the player’s box. 

It came after Djokovic supported Super Bowl icon Benito at his first Tottenham show as he appeared in the pink La Casita – a part of the stage where celebrities and models congregate during his sets.

Stephen Graham and wife Hannah Walters watched with Theo James and his wife Ruth Kearney

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Singer Raye, 28, was the epitome of glamour as she arrived for the match in a stylish brown waistcoat and trouser co-ord

She added dark shades to he stylish look

Lord Frederick Windsor and Sophie Winkleman

Actor Tom Hiddleston , 45, led the early arrivals as he looked smart in a navy suit

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While tennis lover Andrew Garfield wore a white Ralph Lauren suit

Adolescence star Stephen Graham attended with his wife Hannah Walters who who wore a chic white dress

Skins actress Kaya Scodelario wore a chic white suit and toted a designer bag 

Daisy posed with Twiggy 

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Dustin Hoffman shakes hands with Raye

Ben and Rami enjoyed a friendly reunion in the Royal Box 

Rami Malek and Ben Stiller in the Royal Box

They both wore their dark shades as they chatted away

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Raye looked as glamorous as ever 

Twiggy was there with her husband Leigh Lawson

Bridgerton actress Florence Hunt

Leigh Lawson, Twiggy, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Phil Edgar Jones

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Stephen and hide wife Hannah looked on nervously 

He looked in his element as he cheered on his pal and was joined by his stunning rumoured girlfriend Gabriela Berlingeri.

Another huge American name to attend this week for the first time was social media star Alix Earle, 25, – who was seen posing with Molly-Mae Hague in the exclusive evian suite.

Others big stars attending for the first time this year included Euphoria actress Maude Apatow, Arden Cho from KPop Demon Hunters and F1 Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli who chatted to Roger Federer in the Royal Box on day eight. 

The tournament began last Monday with David Beckham making his usual annual appearance with his mother Sandra.

Other British regulars over the last few weeks have included Sienna Miller and Ellie Goulding.

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A major incident has been declared in North Wales, where homes have been evacuated as firefighters battle a large blaze.

Huge parts of the UK face an “exceptional” risk of wildfires as the record-breaking heatwave continues, experts have warned.

Areas in the South East, London and the Midlands are highlighted as being at highest risk, according to Natural England.

Its fire severity index shows by the middle of the week large parts of the country will be at an “exceptional” risk of wildfires, while most of the rest of England and Wales is deemed to be of “very high” risk over the coming days, as the country swelters in the third heatwave of the year.

Emergency services have been fighting a wildfire near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain since Sunday morning and have asked members of the public to avoid the area.

Jami Jennings, the service delivery manager of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment.

“Due to the size and complexity of the incident, operations are expected to continue for some time.”

Natural England uses information such as wind speed, temperature, time of year and rainfall to produce a fire severity assessment, with maps showing the risk increasing throughout the week.

The Met Office has said the scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of the UK are due to last into the coming week, with most areas expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot – all which increase the risk of wildfires.

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, warned that such conditions “significantly increase wildfire risk”.

“But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,” he added.

“Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.

“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.

“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”

The warnings come after Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service were called out to two moorland wildfires in recent days and London Fire Brigade dealt with a blaze involving shrubbery at Stratford Station on Friday evening, which caused rail line closures.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called out to a “large fire in the open” on the South Downs near Eastbourne on Saturday while teams also tackled a blaze at Devil’s Dyke in South Downs National Park in West Sussex.

It comes as hundreds of firefighters have also battled one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires, which has killed at least 12 people in Almeria province in the south of the country.

Four of the dead are believed to be British, according to regional authorities.

The Met Office has warned of possible thunderstorms from Monday in parts of southern England but overall another very dry week is expected.

Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency will remain in place across large parts of England until 9pm Wednesday.

The Met Office has revealed that record-breaking temperatures have led to 2026 becoming the first year to record 35C on six separate days.

This broke the previous records set in 1976 and 2020 when five days were recorded with temperatures over 35C.

This year has also become the first to see temperatures of 35C or higher in three calendar months – and broke the record for most temperatures of 34C or higher, with nine so far this summer.

The hot weather in recent days has led to a number of water-related deaths, with Derbyshire Constabulary announcing that the body of an 18-year-old man had been recovered from the water near the weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex after two teenagers got into difficulty.

Greater Manchester Police said an 18-year-old male died at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, on Friday.

The Met Office warned people planning to enjoy the water to be careful and check the water temperature to avoid cold water shocks.

The hot, dry weather has also led water firms to announce hosepipe bans for the east of England, Cambridge, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and areas of Kent.

By GETHIN HICKS, REPORTER and RIATH AL-SAMARRAI, CHIEF SPORTS FEATURE WRITER and MATTHEW LAMBWELL, TENNIS REPORTER

Updated: 16:29 BST, 12 July 2026

Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live coverage as Jannik Sinner takes on Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon men’s final. 

Key Updates

• Jannik Sinner 3-2 Alexander Zverev

• Jannik Sinner 1-0 Alexander Zverev

• And we’re underway!

• WATCH: Kate and Will arrive

View more

Jannik Sinner 3-2 Alexander Zverev

Zverev misses a huge opportunity to break Sinner.

The German is 30-0 up and loses four consecutive points to hand the Italian the game.

Did you know that Zverev has only had 10 break points in his last six matches against today’s opponent? Oh, and he’s lost their last nine clashes.

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Talk about having that edge over someone…

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Zverev’s impressive forehand

Zverev is already throwing in 137mph serves but it’s the power on his forehand that is most surprising. It’s always a weapon but he’s holding nothing back at all. Clearly looking to make a quick mark on the match but I’d be amazed if he can sustain the accuracy

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Jannik Sinner 2-2 Alexander Zverev

It’s been a really even affair so far with both players dominating their own service games. And Zverev, once again, has done just that.

The German is absolutely crunching his first serves and, when they’re accurate, Sinner has got little to no chance of returning.

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Jannik Sinner 2-1 Alexander Zverev

Zverev was wayward from the baseline there, and it hands Sinner an easy win of his second service game.

The Italian held serve with a delightful dink down the line after Zverev advanced to the net.

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Jannik Sinner 1-1 Alexander Zverev

You can’t help but feel like the first break of the match could be enough to win the opening set.

This pair are arguably the two best servers in the world, so it’s going to take one hell of an effort to overcome that.

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Shock, Zverev holds serve to win his opening game- and the German clocked his quickest serve of the Championships too.

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Jannik Sinner 1-0 Alexander Zverev

Having been down 30-15, Sinner responds with three impressive serves to win the day’s opening game.

Now for that serve of Zverev’s which, I have to say, is something to behold. Some of them were flying over poor old Arthur Fery’s head on Friday!

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First set: Jannik Sinner 0-0 Alexander Zverev

Tremendous play from Zverev to earn his first point of the match.

The big German appears to miscue a backhand and it gives Sinner an advantage, but Zverev manages to find a foothold once more.

He bounds forward from the baseline to the net and, low down his right, volleys across to Sinner to win the point.

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A real show of quality.

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And we’re underway!

Let all the talk finish because, at last, we are underway in Wimbledon.

Jannik Sinner wins the opening point of this final after an unforced error from Alexander Zverev with his second serve.

15-0.

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Tough conditions on Centre Court

On more tennis-y matters, it’s quite breezy on Centre Court so I wonder if that will be a factor today. Would naturally make Sinner the favourite based on his head-to-head record (nine straight wins over Zverez, the past seven in straight sets) but hard to warm to either man. On the latter, we’ll leave it at that but I would expect to go into greater detail in the report later.

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Prince William causes a fuss

One of those Wimbledon quirks is the proximity of well-known or significant faces. A moment ago, there was a minor disruption in one of the walkways adjacent to Centre Court, causing a bemused spectator to ask the guy next to him the reason for the fuss. ‘Prince William is meant to be coming over that bridge and everyone is getting daft about it.’ A very civil kind of unrest etc.  

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Fery was supposed to be in Greece!

Just a brief aside from Sinner and Zverev because, after all, we all loved that Arthur Fery run, right?

Well, the Brit admitted yesterday that he was actually supposed to be holidaying in Greece on the day of his semi-final. The story just keeps getting better and better.

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Read more from Fery’s interview in this piece from the Daily Mail’s tennis reporter, Matthew Lambwell.

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WATCH: Kate and Will arrive

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An out-of-control blaze has sparked a major incident in North Wales as parts of the UK face an ‘exceptional’ wildfire risk amid soaring temperatures. 

Firefighters have been battling the blaze near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain on Sunday as nearby residents are evacuated from their homes. 

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have declared a major incident in the area.

Penmaenmawr Town Council has urged those living in parts of Capelulo, around the Fairy Glen public house, to evacuate the area due to thick smoke. 

Residents in nearby communities have also been told to keep their windows and doors closed, with the Gladstone Inn deemed a place of safety for evacuees. 

Service Delivery Manager Jami Jennings, of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said efforts would continue for ‘some time’ due to the size and complexity of the fire. 

‘Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment.

‘The incident involves a co-ordinated response from multiple fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and partner agencies.

Large swathes of England and Wales are at ‘very high’ risk of wildfires while parts of the south Midlands and southern England are at ‘exceptional’ risk, according to Natural England

‘We would ask members of the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently.’

It comes amid warnings large swathes of England and Wales are at ‘very high’ risk of wildfires, while parts of the south Midlands and southern England are at the highest ‘exceptional’ risk.

Natural England has warned that three successive heatwaves and a prolonged lack of rain have left large parts of the country facing an elevated wildfire risk.

Amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency from 9am on Sunday to 9pm on Wednesday.

An amber alert is in place for the West Midlands and South West England, with officials warning of significant impacts on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths among people aged over 65 and those with existing health conditions.

A yellow alert has been issued for the North West, the East Midlands, the East of England, London and the South East. The UKHSA said similar impacts were possible in these areas, including a potential increase in water-related incidents.

The increased fire risk prompted the London Fire Brigade to urge people not to use disposable barbecues over the weekend.

High temperatures and strong winds have prompted the brigade to raise London’s fire risk from ‘elevated’ to ‘extreme’ between Saturday and Monday.

Visitors are given umbrellas to sheile from the scorching sun outside Sir John Soane’s Museum

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The Met Office has confirmed parts of England and Wales will continue to exceed 30C on Sunday and over the next few days (pictured, riders and their horses cool off in Dorset)

Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, warned that such conditions ‘significantly increase wildfire risk’.

‘But most wildfires start because something provides the spark,’ he added.

‘Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.

‘Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.

‘As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.’

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue has been called out to two moorland wildfires in recent days while London Fire Brigade dealt with a blaze involving shrubbery at Stratford Station on Friday evening, which caused rail line closures.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called out to a ‘large fire in the open’ on the South Downs near Eastbourne on Saturday while teams also tackled a blaze at Devil’s Dyke in South Downs National Park in West Sussex.

It comes as hundreds of firefighters have battled one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires, which has killed at least 12 people in Almeria province in the south of the country.

Four of the dead are believed to be British, according to regional authorities.

People flocked to the seaside resort of Lyme Regis as temperatures soared on Saturday

The warnings come as the Met Office forecasts temperatures will continue to exceed 30C across parts of England and Wales over the coming days.

While a risk of thunderstorms could develop in parts of the south from Monday, most areas are expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster David Hayter said central and southern England and Wales are set for several consecutive days with temperatures above 30C.

He said the bulk of the heat will then ‘gradually’ shift towards western parts of the UK, bringing some much-needed reprieve to eastern coastal areas. 

Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heatwave conditions return by midweek, although a cold front is expected to keep northern Scotland cooler.

2026 has already shattered several weather records, becoming the first year in which temperatures of 35C have been recorded in the UK on six separate days.

The previous record was jointly held by 1976 and 2020, when temperatures exceeded 35C on five days. 

This year also became the first to see temperatures of 35C or higher across three calendar months, as well as temperatures of 34C or higher recorded over nine dates.

The increased fire risk saw the London Fire Brigade (LFB) ask the public to refrain from using disposable barbecues over the weekend (pictured, shrubbery on fire near Stratford Station)

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Forecasters say the heatwave is likely to begin breaking by Thursday as a change in weather pattern ends the prolonged dry spell.

The Met Office has forecast an increasing risk of showers and thunderstorms, particularly across southern parts of the UK. 

It comes after London was plunged into chaos on Friday after wildfires ripped through the shrubbery close to one of Britain’s busiest train stations.

Stratford station was evacuated and temporarily closed on Friday night as 60 firefighters and eight fire engines battled the blaze.

Last month, a huge wildfire tore through Tintwistle Moor near Glossop in Derbyshire, with firefighters battling the blaze for up to 24 hours. 

Three people have died in water-related incidents in recent days.

The body of an 18-year-old man was recovered from near a weir at the Darley Abbey Mills complex, near Derby, after two teenagers got into difficulty. 

An 18-year-old man died at Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham, on Friday. 

Several bushfires broke out near the railway at Stratford station on Friday (pictured)

And the body of a woman was recovered from the Falls of Falloch, a popular beauty spot in Stirling, Scotland, after she got in difficulty in the water on Friday evening. 

Meanwhile, a growing number of water companies have imposed hosepipe bans across parts of eastern England, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Kent, with further restrictions due to come into force this week.

Pressure on water supplies has intensified after successive heatwaves followed the warmest spring on record for England and Wales.

Anglian Water’s restrictions affecting five million customers took effect at 1am on Saturday, while about 850,000 people in Kent are affected by a South East Water ban.

Cambridge Water has announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, which will start at 1am on Friday. 

This marks the first time in three decades it has introduced the restriction, with the company saying teams are working around the clock to maintain supplies.

Affinity Water’s hosepipe ban will affect almost four million customers across parts of London and the South East when it comes into force on Friday.

Zverev, meanwhile, ended British wildcard Arthur Fery’s fairytale run to the last four, swatting the world No114 aside in a comfortable straight-sets victory, after a sticky first set that went to a tiebreak. Now, the Italian and the German go head to head, with the world No1, Sinner, leading the pair’s record against each other. Sinner, 24, has won 10 of their 14 meetings.

They’re raising money for Cure Usher

Emmerdale stars took on an epic challenge ready to raise money for Laura Norton and Mark Jordon’s Cure Usher cause.

Over the weekend, Emmerdale stars Lawrence Robb, Jack Downham, Bradley Riches and Matthew Wolfenden took part in each completing a wing walk. This is where you stand on the wings of a small aircraft while it is in flight.

It’s all for a good cause too, as it’s to raise money on behalf of co-stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon whose children were diagnosed with Usher Syndrome.

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A message on the GoFundMe page reads: “Our good friends Mark and Laura are patrons for Cure Usher Syndrome which raises funds for research into a cure for sight loss with Usher syndrome. Usher syndrome is the leading cause of genetically inherited hearing and sight loss.

“Mark and Laura’s children Jesse and Ronnie both have usher syndrome and we are all on a quest to raise money to go into research to find a treatment for them and all others living with dual sensory loss. Every little helps and they are so close to finding a treatment. We need your help!! Thank you all. Bradley, Jack, Matthew and Lawrence.”

Usher Syndrome causes impairments to hearing and vision, and currently has no cure. Laura and Mark (Jordon) have continuously expressed their dedication to finding a cure, and work closely with the charity Cure Usher, that was founded by Jo Milne.

The actress has previously shared: “In the beginning, it was about our babies. And then you meet other families going through the same thing and it becomes about everyone else.

“It’s such a rare condition and so many people have never heard of it and this community deserves to have people fighting for them and helping raise funds.”

Mark and Laura flooded their friends and co-stars with their support as they took on the momentous challenge. As Laura branded him a “superstar”, Jack gushed: “Flew on the wing of a plane today for an amazing cause… Thank you, to @laura_norts and @markjordondad for the opportunity!!”

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Ahead of the challenge, Jack said: “Something Laura Norton said to me was, deaf people rely on their vision, and blind people rely on their hearing, and this charity is doing a lot of work towards a cure, or preventative measures, which, could change a lot of lives.

“It’s me, it’s Lawrence Robb, it’s Matthew Wolfenden and Brad Riches. We’re all taken off on a plane, on the wing, which I struggle with commercial flights, so it’s gonna be fun.”

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX and YouTube from 7am.