Strictly’s launch show will also give fans a behind-the-scenes look at preparations and rehearsals, with an appearance by last year’s champion, former England footballer Karen Carney, who will dance a jive with her professional partner from last year’s series, Carlos Gu.

Aubrey Plaza has sold the Los Angeles home that she shared with her late husband at a loss just weeks after welcoming her first child.

The actress, 42, first listed the picturesque Spanish-style property in September 2025 for $6.5 million, eight months after her husband Jeff Baena died by suicide in the home at age 47. 

And now it has been revealed that Plaza sold the property for $4.375 million in a deal which closed Friday according to property records which was less than the $4.7 million they had bought it for in October 2022.

The property was tough to unload as it had multiple price cuts over the year it was on the market as most recently it was listed for $5.3 million in May after a previous sale quietly fell through earlier this year.

By March, reports suggested the home had found a buyer, but the deal collapsed by mid-May, leading to the property being pulled from the market before being relisted again on May 21.

The 1928 Los Feliz compound features four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a pool, and period details including stained glass windows and terracotta floors. 

The actress, 42, first listed the picturesque Spanish-style property in September 2025 for $6.5 million, eight months after her husband Jeff Baena died by suicide in the home at age 47; Above, the former couple in LA in 2016

The sale comes less than two months after Plaza welcomed a child with her boyfriend, Girls actor Chris Abbott. 

The infant – whom they welcomed in July – is the first child for Plaza and her boyfriend Christopher Abbott, 40. The White Lotus star first confirmed her pregnancy in April. 

Plaza was spotted arriving at the Winter Garden Theatre to support her boyfriend at his final performance of the Broadway revival, Death of a Salesman.

She was last pictured with her baby bump two weeks ago while enjoying a walk in the Big Apple.  The White Lotus star first confirmed her pregnancy in April.

In the new listing, the 4,064-square-foot home is described as being ‘tucked away on a private street’ in the ‘coveted’ Los Feliz Oaks neighborhood, per Realtor.com. 

‘This is more than a home … it’s a private sanctuary, brought back to life with care, style, and enduring character. 

‘A rare opportunity for those seeking space, seclusion, and authentic Spanish charm.’

The property also features a range of outdoor amenities beyond the main house, including several al fresco living areas ‘designed for dining, lounging, and entertaining.’ 

The sale comes less than two months after Plaza welcomed a child with her boyfriend, Girls actor Chris Abbott (they are seen at the Tony Awards in New York City in June)

The stunning kitchen is filled with natural light and opens directly to the backyard through large glass doors, creating an easy indoor-outdoor connection

Bathrooms are finished with custom stone and wood accents, while one of the secondary bedrooms opens onto a sunroom with its own private balcony

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 A striking swimming pool sits on a grassy lawn, surrounded by mature trees. 

The stunning kitchen is filled with natural light and opens directly to the backyard through large glass doors, creating an easy indoor-outdoor connection. 

Bathrooms are finished with custom stone and wood accents, while one of the secondary bedrooms opens onto a sunroom with its own private balcony. 

The home also boasts a screening room, a wine cellar, and a fully integrated, state-of-the-art sound system. 

The infant – whom they welcomed in July – is the first child for Plaza and her boyfriend Christopher Abbott, 40. The White Lotus star first confirmed her pregnancy in April; Above, in 2020

Plaza and Baena bought the Los Feliz home just over a year after quietly revealing they had tied the knot, with the actress confirming the marriage in a May 2021 Instagram post where she described him as her ‘darling husband.’

The pair, who had been together since 2011, largely kept their relationship out of the public eye before officially separating in September 2024.

Baena was found dead inside the property on Jan. 3, 2025, with the Los Angeles County Coroner later ruling the death a suicide.

Speaking later about her grief, Plaza told fellow comedian Amy Poehler that the loss felt like a ‘giant ocean of awfulness.’

On Poehler’s Good Hang podcast in August, she added that while she was coping day by day, it remained a ‘daily struggle,’ saying: ‘Sometimes I just want to dive into it, and just, like, be in it. Then sometimes I just look at it, and sometimes I try to get away from it. But, it’s always there.’

‘Overall, I’m here and I’m functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I’m OK, but it’s like a daily struggle, obviously.’

In April, Plaza and Abbott were seen together publicly for the first time since news of their pregnancy broke, attending the opening-night afterparty for the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman at Katz’s Deli in New York City.

The couple had previously kept their relationship low-key, despite working together on the 2019 indie psychological drama Black Bear, followed by the Off-Broadway revival of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, which ran from October 2023 to January 2024.

Plaza later addressed her pregnancy for the first time on the Smartless podcast in April, revealing: ‘There is a baby inside of me right now.’

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. 

The United Nations has voted to replace the predominant world map with one that vastly increases the size of Africa – while shrinking the UK and US.

It is the culmination of a recent campaign led by African countries and advocacy groups to reject ‘cartographic colonialism’.

The General Assembly has accepted the ‘Correct the Map’ resolution and decided to move away from the centuries-old Mercator map and replace it with a new map, the Equal Earth projection.

Critics of the Mercator map, which was originally designed for sea travel and not general use, have long argued it reflects Western assumptions about the world by making Africa smaller.

The Mercator projection makes Greenland and Africa appear about the same size, even though Africa is in reality about 14 times larger.

Campaigners argue the map causes a psychological effect by making some places look smaller than they are and others larger, as we instinctively view bigger things as more important. 

The General Assembly has accepted the ‘Correct the Map’ resolution and decided to move towards a new map, the Equal Earth projection (pictured)

Graphic showing how the Mercator map increases the apparent size of countries in the northern hemisphere, while shrinking those near the equator 

A supporter of the change, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, told news agency Reuters: ‘A fair world begins with a fair map.’

He told a UN briefing earlier: ‘A map is never neutral. It shapes perceptions, influences how the place of peoples and continents in the world is understood.’

Friday’s resolution was sponsored by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, passing with 164 member states voting in favour.

Only the US voted against it while six other countries – Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine – abstained. 

The new resolution does not ban the Mercator projection or impose a replacement, it only encourages governments and institutions worldwide to use the Equal Earth projection.

‘Maps shape our understanding of the world,’ the global body quoted Togo´s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey as saying before the vote. ‘They guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions.’

But US representative at the UN, Yaryna Ferencevych, said the resolution mocked the work and purpose of the UN General Assembly.

She said: ‘Instead of focusing on genuine problems of international peace, prosperity, or good relations, this body is debating map projects from the 16th Century, and their role in promoting reparations and “cognitive justice”.’

The US was also critical when a UN resolution was adopted in March declaring the transatlantic slave trade ‘the gravest crime against humanity’.

The Mercator map was designed in 1569 by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator to help Europeans navigate across the world at sea.

But to help with this task, he distorted the map to accommodate the curvature of the Earth by making countries near the equator seem smaller than they are, with countries nearer the poles appearing larger.

Whenever a map of the world is drawn, compromises need to be made, as it is impossible to accurately represent the surface of a globe on a two-dimensional chart.

Geographers say the traditional map is only useful for navigation. ‘Outside of that very narrow navigation application, there is no point in using it,’ according to Mark Monmonier, a Syracuse University professor of geography.

Despite its issues, more than 450 years on, Mercator’s creation is still the basis for many of the maps we see in classrooms, on TV and online, including Google Maps.

In an effort to address Mercator’s weaknesses, a team of cartographers in 2018 created an equal area map they called the Equal Earth projection.

It follows the Earth´s curvature and shows continents in their true proportions. 

But to do this, it sacrifices the straight lines that made the Mercator projection perfect for navigating with – meaning it cannot be used for measuring the true distance between different places. 

Africa No Filter, one of the lead campaigners for the adoption of the new map, hailed the resolution, adding: ‘We want to see accurate maps in schools, textbooks, newsrooms, businesses and on the digital platforms billions of people use every day.’

Several countries hailed the adoption, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot writing on X after the vote: ‘Changing the map obviously doesn´t change the world. But correcting a representation that distorts it is already an act of truth.’

Lerato Mogoatlhe from Africa No Filter, one of the groups behind the campaign to ditch the Mercator map, told the BBC: ‘Africa’s misrepresentation on world maps is not just a cartographic error – it’s a narrative issue.’

She claims it was part of efforts to stop the ‘world’s longest misinformation and disinformation’ about Africa.

Kenyan geographer Kioko Muendo argued it implicitly downplayed Africa’s vast resources, population and investment opportunities.

What is the Mercator map? 

In 1569 the the Mercator map was created by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator.

Its main purpose was to help European sailors navigate the oceans. 

Cartography Professor James Cheshire at University College London claims Mercator wanted a straight line to be drawn on a map to look like a straight line in reality if you followed a compass bearing.

Gerhardus Mercator (1512-1594)

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That was the map’s purpose, and it did what he intended it to do ‘brilliantly well’ he told the BBC.

But to keep the angles correct on a flat map, Mercator had to stretch the grid lines wider as they moved away from the equator toward the poles.

This means the curvature of the Earth warped the map by making countries near the equator seem much smaller than they are, with countries nearer the poles appearing stretched.

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Two beloved stars returned to Holby City Hospital during the Casualty double-bill

Beloved British actor Derek Thompson has returned to Casualty as Charlie Fairhead, and fans are delighted.

Back in 2024, the actor bowed out of the BBC drama after 38 years in his role. Charlie was notably left fighting for his life after being stabbed by a patient, which led him to decide to retire from the hospital.

At the time, Derek said in a statement: “The time has come for me to hang up Charlie’s scrubs. Charlie Fairhead was inspired by a real nurse – Pete Salt. Together with the writers and producers, I have tried to bring Charlie the compassion, kindness, heroism and sound judgement that we all see and love in Pete and I want to say thanks to Pete and everyone else over that time who has inspired me in bringing this character to life.”

Casualty fans were delighted on Saturday (September 5) when Charlie returned to the drama as part of the show’s 40th anniversary specials. Two episodes were aired back-to-back to celebrate the major milestone, reports the Mirror.

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During the instalments, the doctors were forced to contend with the aftermath of a deadly explosion at a neighbouring hospital, which left many dead. Dylan Keogh (William Beck) struggled to cope after the death of his ex, Sophia Peters (Kellie Shirley), in the blast, but Charlie was soon on hand to help him.

That’s not all, as Charlie was also joined by Ethan Hardy (George Rainsford), who left the show back in 2023. Ethan left the emergency department so he could spend more time with his young son, Bodhi, and manage his health following his Huntingdon’s disease diagnosis. Meanwhile, actor George decided that he was “ready to have a break”.

As the pair left the hospital at the end of the emotional double-bill, Ethan said: “I just wanted to feel useful, you know? I wanted to believe that I still could be.”

Charlie imparted his words of wisdom, replying: “Well, you were. You are. There’s more to it than high-risk resus meds. There’s more than one way to be a doctor.”

Viewers were delighted to see Charlie and Ethan return. They also found themselves surprised to see Charlie sporting a full beard, as he’s known for his clean shaven appearance.

Charlie star Derek Thompson is 78 years old, with fans quickly sharing their surprise as they feel he looks “much younger”. One person wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “THE SCREAM I LET OUT SEEING ETHAN AND CHARLIE.”

Another added: “I think Charlie looks well for 78.” A third said: “I didn’t recognise him at first!”

Someone else echoed the sentiment, saying: “Charlie does not look 78!” A fifth viewer similarly shared: “He never ages! I need to know his skin care routine.”

Casualty is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Tonight’s National Lottery Lotto winning numbers are:

Round 1: 51, 10, 49, 03, 04, 20 and the bonus ball is 36.

Round 2: 35, 36, 26, 08, 28, 21 and the bonus ball is 52.

Tonight’s estimated jackpot is: £6.8million.

The National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 08, 22, 34, 38, 10.

The Thunderball is: 04.

By CAMERON ROY, INNOVATION EDITOR

Published: 19:45 BST, 5 September 2026 | Updated: 20:05 BST, 5 September 2026

Police have launched an investigation following the ‘unexplained’ death of a child in woodland near a Staffordshire village. 

Officers and an air ambulance rushed to a wooded area near Strawberry Lane in Great Wyrley after reports of a youngster in cardiac arrest at around 8.45am on Saturday.

But the child was pronounced dead by paramedics a short time later.

Staffordshire Police said the death was being treated as unexplained, with officers cordoning off a fishing lake in the Wyrley and Essington Branch Canal Local Nature Reserve.

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The force has not confirmed the child’s age or released any further details.

Roads around the area were closed throughout the day as detectives continued to conduct their inquiries into the incident, remaining at the scene into the evening. 

Officers and an air ambulance rushed to a wooded area near Strawberry Lane in Great Wyrley after reports of a child in cardiac arrest at around 8.45am on Saturday

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Staffordshire Police said the child’s death was being treated as unexplained and officers remain at the scene

Pictures from the scene show a tend in the wooded area was near a pond

The circumstances surrounding the child’s death remain unclear. One witness said she directed paramedics towards the area around the fishing lake.

Drone images from the scene show at least four tents and camping chairs positioned next to each other, close to fishing platforms. 

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Staffordshire Police said: ‘We were called to land off Strawberry Lane, Great Wyrley, at 8.45am today by colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service, who were responding to a report of a child in cardiac arrest.

‘Officers attended alongside Midlands Air Ambulance.

‘Sadly, the child was pronounced dead by paramedics a short time later.

‘The death is currently being treated as unexplained.

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‘Officers remain at the scene.’

By FRANCINE WOLFISZ, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 20:03 BST, 5 September 2026 | Updated: 20:14 BST, 5 September 2026

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to trace after a woman was raped close to a crowded area of Central London.

A woman in her 20s was approached by a man unknown to her as she walked along the busy streets of Covent Garden.

The victim made her way through Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus and Drury Lane, before being dragged into a doorway in Macklin Street, at around 5.20am on Saturday, August 22.

She managed to flee and submitted a report to the police shortly after. The victim continues to receive support from specialist officers and dedicated services.

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Met Police detectives have found CCTV showing a man in the vicinity of Lisle Street and Drury Lane who they are keen to speak to.

The man is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall with short brown hair. 

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to trace after a woman was raped in Covent Garden, central London, on August 22

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Met Police want to trace the man, who was seen in the vicinity of Lisle Street and Drury Lane

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Since this offence occurred, my team has diligently pursued every available line of enquiry and identifying this man remains a priority for us, as does supporting the victim.

‘Through extensive CCTV enquiries, we have established that the man we are working to trace spent a considerable amount of time moving alone throughout the West End and through some of London’s busiest streets during at least a two-hour time period.

‘I believe there is a strong likelihood that someone will recognise him from his appearance, clothing, movements or his presence within the area during the early hours of that Saturday morning.

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‘While there is no evidence at this stage that links this offence to any others, it is vital that we speak to this man as soon as possible.

‘If you know who this man is, now is the time to come forward. Please do not assume someone else has already contacted us. 

‘The piece of information you hold, however small or seemingly insignificant, could be key.’

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD reference 5512/22AUG26, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Married at First Sight star Holly Ditchfield has announced the loss of her twin boys, nine days after their birth.

Last week, the reality TV star – who was paired with Alex Henry when she appeared on the show in 2024 – shared that she’d given birth to sons, Georgie and Marley, four months early.

The babies were immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit, where they were cared for by doctors.

However, Ditchfield – who also has a 16-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter from a previous relationship – has revealed that both boys have died, only four hours apart from each other.

Sharing the news to her Instagram account, Ditchfield included a picture of her and partner Aaron Summers cradling one of the newborns.

‘It has been the hardest, most heartbreaking, yet most magical 9 days of our lives,’ Ditchfield began.

In the full post, she continued: ‘At 1pm on 03/09/2026, our darling Georgie peacefully passed away. Then, at 5am on 04/09/2026, his beautiful brother Marley followed him. 💔

‘My boys both took their final breaths in the arms of me and their daddy. There is no greater privilege, and no greater pain, than holding your children as they leave this world.

‘They gave us the most precious week of our lives. A week I would live over and over again, just to have those moments with them. To hold them. To look at them. To love them. To be their mummy and daddy.

‘My boys are together again now, just as they should be, and I pray with all my heart that they are finally at peace. 🤍

‘Nothing could ever prepare you for losing your children. Nothing prepares you for having to walk your babies to a mortuary. We have seen and faced more in these 9 days than I ever imagined possible, and my heart feels completely bruised.

‘My body feels different. It feels like a part of me is no longer here, because a part of me truly isn’t. I miss my boys more than words could ever explain.’

Ditchfield continued: ‘I would have given absolutely everything to have watched Georgie and Marley grow, to hear their voices, watch them take their first steps, and see the beautiful lives they deserved to have.

‘But for 9 precious days, they were here. They were ours. They were loved beyond measure. And they will forever be our beautiful boys. 🤍

She went on to ask everyone to ‘respect how incredibly difficult this is for me and Aaron right now, explaining: ‘We are trying to process a pain no parent should ever have to know.

‘Georgie & Marley, thank you for giving us the most precious 9 days of our lives.

She finished: ‘You will forever be our sons, our babies, and the biggest part of our hearts. Until we meet again, my beautiful boys.

‘Mummy & Daddy love you forever. 🤍🕊️’

In the comments below Ditchfield’s post, she and Summers were flooded with messages of love and support.

This included MAFS UK star Helen Johnson, who wrote: ‘I’m so sorry for your loss💔 I can’t even put into words how you must be feeling mother to mother😭 I’ll be thinking of you, your partner and your beautiful boys💔 sending you the biggest hug my love. I’m so heartbroken for you🪽’

Amy Kenyon also shared: ‘So sorry Holly, this is heartbreaking 💔. Sending all the love to you both and here if you need me, always ❤️’

Series Eight star Ella Morgan commented: ‘Im so sorry. This is heartbreaking. Sending you both all my love and thoughts 🤍🕊️💔’

Said Traitors star Leanne Quigley: ‘Holly I’m so sorry my heart is breaking right now. They will always be your babies and you will always be their mummy. Rest in piece to your beautiful boys they will look over you forever. No words will ever ever be right but please be kind to yourself 🤍🤍’

Meanwhile, Teen Mom UK star Amber Butler added: ‘Im so sorry for your loss, thinking of you both and sending lots of love 🕊️💔’

By JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 20:03 BST, 5 September 2026 | Updated: 20:15 BST, 5 September 2026