LONDON (AP) — Years before the rise of Instagram, Banksy figured out that the key to real influence lay in not being famous, exactly, but in being anonymous.

The mystery of his identity has long been part of the value of his art, which for decades and across continents defied authority from public walls and self-shredded on the auction block. Now, Banksy’s apparent unmasking by the Reuters news agency has generated talk about whether the works themselves retain their cultural and financial value.

It also raises the question: Why pop the red balloon of his mystique in the first place? Many Banksy fans mourned the loss of the mystery and lashed out at the news outlet. One said it was like being told without warning that Santa Claus doesn’t exist.

“I feel like they are telling me how a magic trick is done,” said Thomas Evans, a Denver-based artist on Instagram. “Sometimes I just want to enjoy the magic trick.”

But some art experts say the murals and the message will survive Banksy’s naming because his appeal wasn’t driven solely by his anonymity. He and his works — mischievous and also dark — stand as witnesses to injustice, oppression and inequality around the world, from the artist’s native England to walled-off Bethlehem and war-ravaged Ukraine. Subtract his anonymity, they say, and the work still inspires reflection and discussion.

“People buy his works because they absolutely love it,” said Acoris Andipa, director of the Andipa gallery in London. “The main feedback that I get is that they really, frankly, don’t care if they know who he is.”

Naming the ghost — and the backlash — is engagement, too

Banksy, long thought to have been born Robin Gunningham around 1972, grew out of a tradition of street artists who viewed the undercover act of posting their art in public as a subversive form of expression. The postindustrial landscape of his native Bristol was his canvas and gallery. The walls of London, New York and elsewhere gave him a global stage just before the rise of social media.

Banksy’s apparent identity has been an open secret among protective fellow artists, and long been easy to find online for those who wanted to know. The Daily Mail reported in 2008 “compelling evidence suggesting” that was the artist’s birth name. It has been published by other news outlets, including by The Associated Press in 2016, as part of their coverage of the detective work.

Reuters reported last week that after The Daily Mail’s story, Banksy changed his legal name to David Jones — the second most-popular name in Britain. It’s also the given name of another rock star, the late David Bowie, whose Ziggy Stardust avatar inspired a 2012 Banksy painting of Queen Elizabeth II.

Bansky’s lawyer didn’t respond to a request for comment, and the artist’s spokeswoman declined to participate in this story.

Reuters pieced together that a David Jones traveled to Ukraine with a well-known associate of Banksy’s in late 2022 — just before the artist’s work began appearing on buildings that had been bombed by Russia. Banksy later confirmed that he’d created seven murals in the war zone, including one of a child flipping over a grown man who is wearing a black belt. Russian President Vladimir Putin practices judo.

There’s evidence that even some in the establishment he was protesting have accepted Banksy. They didn’t arrest him, for example, after the Royal Courts of Justice removed a Banksy stencil depicting a judge in a traditional wig and gown beating an unarmed protester with a gavel. Some street artists groused that they might be arrested for creating such graffiti — but when it’s a Banksy, it’s art.

Robin Gunningham wasn’t always so elusive

On Sept. 17, 2000, a Robin Gunningham was arrested for defacing a Marc Jacobs billboard atop a building on Hudson Street in New York.

In a handwritten signed confession, he described the work on the night in question: “I had been out drinking at a nightclub with friends when I decided to make a humorous adjustment to a billboard on top of the property,” he wrote in court records unearthed by Reuters and confirmed by the AP. “I painted eyeshadow a new mouth and a speach(sic) bubble” on the photo of a male model. He was charged with a misdemeanor.

The artist doesn’t need an alleged naming to make news. He created multiple works just in London in 2025, and grabbed headlines elsewhere for having his art sold or auctioned for millions. But Banksy has courted a public image centered around morality, justice and guerrilla tactics — he’s often likened to Robin Hood or Batman.

“Banksy woz ere,” he wrote with his animal murals at the London Zoo, which were removed in 2024.

Still, along with the sadness, there’s ample speculation in the art world and on social media that the artist himself orchestrated this round of naming. He didn’t deny the Reuters story.

That “would be very much in line with his practice of stunts and satire,” observed Madeleine White, the senior sales and acquisitions consultant at London’s Hang-Up Gallery, “As they say, ‘all publicity is good publicity.’”

She noted, however, that the backlash is directed at the media — not the artist, or the potency of his work. Reuters says it opted to publish some, but not all, of the information its reporters uncovered about Banksy’s identity, because he is a public figure, whatever his name — and he’s had an outsized influence on public events and discourse. What’s more, much of his work has been done on other people’s property.

Banksy’s star power is about far more than anonymity

Named or not, Banksy’s stardom lives, art experts say.

It endures in the wonder of his ability to erect new art under the noses of authorities well into the age of closed-circuit television and social media. It appeals because his spectacle and wit draw people in and the settings — the hulk of bombed buildings, for example, or Israel’s towering wall at the border of the West Bank — invite them to reflect. Now, fans are on the lookout for how and whether he’ll respond to the news of Robin Gunningham and David Jones.

Joe Syer, a Banksy expert and founder of MyArtBroker, said that the artist has always responded to world events. “And that’s where the real relevance, and value, sits.”

“If anything, Banksy’s anonymity has functioned less as a celebrity device and more as a way to keep the work universally accessible, detached from personality, ego, or biography,” he said in an email. “It allows the work to sit in public space, politically and culturally, without being anchored to an individual in the way the mainstream press often frames it.”

Christopher Banks, founder of the New York-based Objects of Affection Collection, reads Banksy’s naming “not as a biographical event, but as a structural stress test” of the artist’s system of managing his absence.

“Banksy’s best works carry their meaning without the author. He was there,” Banks wrote, citing the artist’s murals in Ukraine and his solidarity with the war’s victims.

“The name matters less than the presence. The presence was always what the work was about.”

___

Michael Sisak contributed to this report from New York.

The conflict in the Middle East is likely to push up the cost of food in the UK within weeks, a union boss has warned.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), said the whole food supply chain could be affected by the war, with the cost of some crops rising within six weeks.

Rising costs in fuel and fertiliser are some of the effects of Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles around 20 per cent of the world’s natural gas.

Mr Bradshaw warned that a protracted conflict in the Middle East wouldhave a ‘dramatic impact’ and turn the world’s supply chain’s ‘upside down’.

He told BBC Radio 4 that the price of tomatoes, peppers cucumbers could increase next month, as those crops rely on greenhouse production.

The cost of other items such as milk and meat could rise within three to six months.

Farmers of wheat and barley would be better protected as they buy their fertiliser in advance.

Ministers are set to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the impact of the war on the cost-of-living.

The NFU chief added that the government needed to take the threat to food production ‘seriously’.

He said: ‘Amidst this volatile backdrop, it is more important than ever that government keeps other inflationary pressures within its control to a minimum to protect household.’

While retailers and farmers may bear some of the cost of rising fuel, some of the burden is likely to be passed on to consumers, the NFU warned.

The availability of some goods can also be hit by the disruption to shipping routes, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said.

It added that retailers were working to mitigate the cost for consumers and are ‘adept’ at managing disruption to supply chains.

Angela Eagle, the farming minister, said she was monitoring the impact of the conflict on the industry.

There have also been concerns over the cost of red diesel, with the Competitions and Markets Authority having committed to monitoring its pricing.

An extended conflict could also threaten several other sectors, including travel.

Airline bosses have warned that fares could be hiked if the war is extended much further.

While most carriers have ‘hedged’ or locked in fuel costs for the summer months, passengers could feel the pinch beyond then if the Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded.

The UK is particularly vulnerable as it imports up to 90 per cent of its jet fuel.

EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said while there were no ‘immediate issues’, airlines were reliant on Gulf refineries.

The budget airline would not introduce a fuel surcharge, but passengers were likely to notice a gradual increase linked to ‘supply and demand’.

He told the Independent’s Simon Calder: ‘My expectation is that prices will go up.

‘The industry has no choice. It’s a low-margin, highly competitive sector. We make about £7 per seat. If fuel goes up £10, you have to respond.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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Gary Neville believes Manchester City ‘landed a major blow’ on Premier League title rivals Arsenal by winning the Carabao Cup final.

After a cagey and goalless opening hour at Wembley, two goals in four second-half minutes from Nico O’Reilly saw Man City take control against their Premier League title rivals.

The first came from what Neville described as a ‘howler’ from Arrizabalaga – who kept his place in the team ahead of Arsenal’s No. 1 David Raya – as he spilled Rayan Cherki’s cross into the path of a grateful O’Reilly.

The England international headed home again just four minutes later to leave Man City in dreamland and Arsenal stunned.

Arsenal, seeking their first major trophy since 2020, tried to get back into the game but were frustrated by Man City, who gave Pep Guardiola his fifth victory in this competition.

Neville slammed Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga not only for his mistake in the final but also his play leading up to the opening goal.

Arrizabalaga dawdled over the ball often in the second half after Arsenal were marginally the better side in the opening 45 minutes – at one point taking 36 seconds to release the ball.

‘Kepa has got to get rid of the ball because it’s not helping them this,’ Neville said on Sky Sports. ‘All it’s doing is getting the crowd up.

‘It’s not helping Arsenal at all. He hasn’t helped himself, not just with that [his error], he was drawing Man City onto him, rolling his foot on the ball.

‘And then this, it’s a really bad one from the goalkeeper. Kepa, it’s a real howler in a massive moment.

‘Arsenal have shrunk in this game. What’s happened to them? Mikel Arteta’s team have gone missing, what’s happened to them in this second half?

‘Goalkeepers have got to stop doing that, they take the momentum out the game and you send a message to the opposition that you haven’t got any idea. It’s a nonsense.’

While Arsenal’s quadruple dream is over, they are still favourites to win the Premier League, boasting a nine-point lead over Man City.

‘They’ve landed a major blow, Manchester City,’ Neville said after the full-time whistle.

‘The impact that might have… Man City needed something to lift them and they’ve just got it.

‘Arsenal need to recover but Pep Guardiola will be so proud because his team have delivered. They’ve got time to recover, Arsenal, but Mikel has a big job on his hands now.’ 

More to follow…

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Snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan was swiped aside in snooker’s World Open final by a stunning comeback from Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, who recorded a 147

Ronnie O’Sullivan refused to make excuses and admitted that he got a ‘good hiding’ in the World Open final, but is happy to be in a much better place than earlier in the month. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, 40, produced a majestic performance to win just his second ranking title in a 10-7 victory over the Rocket.

O’Sullivan led the final in Yushan, China, 4-0 before Un-Nooh found his groove to play some bewildering snooker. The Thai snooker star recorded a 147 in the penultimate frame of the showpiece event as Un-Nooh won six consecutive frames to claim an impressive comeback.

Seven-time world champion O’Sullivan was in search of his first title win since January 2024 but could only watch on as his opponent clocked significant breaks at the decisive moment. The 50-year-old, who made history earlier in the tournament with the sport’s first 153 break, could not hide how impressed he was with Un-Nooh and his journey.

“I just want to say well done to Thepchaiya today – unbelievable snooker,” said O’Sullivan, “I watched him last night against Judd [Trump in the semi-finals], and I was like, ‘Wow.’ Judd’s obviously the No.1 in the world and he made him look second best. I was hoping that he didn’t play like that again today but he did.

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“He gave me a good hiding really. I was sitting in that chair for quite a long time. But well done to Thepchaiya, brilliant, amazing talent.”

The tournament’s 41st seed was ‘far too good’ O’Sullivan claimed. Nevertheless, the Rocket believes reaching the final showed he was now in a much better place, though he is taking each day as it comes.

“I just want to say well done to Thepchaiya today – unbelievable snooker,” said O’Sullivan.

”I watched him last night against Judd [Trump in the semi-finals], and I was like, ‘Wow.’ Judd’s obviously the No.1 in the world and he made him look second best. I was hoping that he didn’t play like that again today but he did.

“He gave me a good hiding really. I was sitting in that chair for quite a long time. But well done to Thepchaiya, brilliant, amazing talent.”

He added: “Thepchaiya was flowing and had every shot in the book. I have to accept that is how it is.

“If I found that bit extra I could have made it tougher than him. I am in a much better place than I was even two weeks ago. I’m taking each day as it comes.”

Un-Nooh, who pocketed £175,000 for taking the victory, emphasised how much of an honour it was to beat a player of O’Sullivan’s calibre.

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“It is like a double dream final now,” he said. “This has always been my dream, to lift the title against Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final. For the rest of my life this is something I’m not going to forget.

“I went to the practice room in the interval, spoke to myself and managed my emotions. After being sat on my chair watching Ronnie make three centuries, I told myself this is a great final and to enjoy it. I don’t know how what happened after the interval came true.

“I can’t believe it. I’m still stunned with my performance. How did I do that? Sometimes snooker is one-way traffic. To make a 147 in the final against Ronnie O’Sullivan in a final is a great honour. “

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — A California sheriff running for governor has seized more than half a million ballots cast in a November special election from county election officials, saying he’s investigating a ballot count discrepancy.

County elections officials have disputed the claims by Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, called Bianco’s move unprecedented and says it is designed to sow distrust in elections.

Bianco held a news conference Friday saying his office had launched the investigation after receiving a complaint from a local citizens group about the ballot count from a November 2025 special election on redistricting.

In the special election, voters approved a measure to redraw congressional district lines to favor Democrats in the upcoming midterm election. The measure passed in the county by a margin of more than 80,000 votes.

Bianco seized ballots in Riverside County, the inland California county of 2.5 million people where he has twice been elected sheriff. He called the effort “a fact-finding mission.”

“This investigation is simple: Physically count the ballots and compare that result with the total votes reported,” he said Friday.

Bianco is one of two prominent Republicans running for governor in a crowded June primary that includes more than half a dozen Democrats. California runs a top-two primary system that puts all candidates on the same ballot, regardless of party, and sends the two candidates who get the most voters onto the November general election.

Leading California Democrats are worried that their party has so many candidates, they risk splitting the vote and sending Bianco and Steve Hilton, another top Republican, onto the general election. That would be a stunning outcome in the heavily Democratic state.

Bianco said the investigation had “absolutely nothing to do” with his campaign for governor.

“I have a duty to investigate alleged crime in Riverside County,” he said.

The effort came as President Donald Trump has repeatedly disputed the results of the 2020 election, citing unsubstantiated instances of fraud. His administration recently seized ballots and other documents from an election office in Georgia. Some Republicans have mirrored Trump’s rhetoric on voting in their states.

Bonta has repeatedly sent letters to Bianco’s office over the last two months saying his staff is not qualified to conduct a recount. In one of the letters, Bonta wrote that the ballot seizure was “unacceptable” and “sets a dangerous precedent and will only sow distrust in our elections.”

The letters said Bianco seized nearly 1,000 boxes of ballots and elections materials from the county’s elections office with a warrant in February. At issue, Bianco said, is a discrepancy a citizen group reported between the handwritten ballot intake logs and the number of votes reported to the state.

Bianco said the alleged discrepancy amounted to about 45,800 votes — a difference elections officials have refuted at county meetings, saying the machine count and the final count submitted to the state differed by about 100 votes. They argue the handwritten rolls, which were not relied on to check the count, were being kept by temporary elections workers who had worked long days and may have made mistakes.

Bianco said Friday that the count had started and stopped, but would now resume under the supervision of a special master appointed by a judge.

British pensioner Billy Eastment, accused of drug smuggling, is ill in a prison in Chilean, with desperate legal efforts to free him stalling amid attempts to contact family

The British bowls-playing pensioner accused of acting as an international drug runner is fighting for his life behind bars in Chile as desperate legal efforts are launched to free him before it’s too late.

William ‘Billy Boy’ Eastment, who has been locked up since May, is said to be in rapidly deteriorating health after suffering repeated bouts of pneumonia while in custody. Sources close to the case say the 80-year-old has endured four separate episodes of the lung infection since his arrest, on top of a series of serious underlying health conditions.

One insider said: “His health isn’t good at all. He’s very vulnerable, and being in prison is making everything worse. There’s real concern about how much longer he can cope.” Now, his legal team is scrambling to strike a deal with prosecutors to avoid a full trial, in a process described as similar to a plea bargain.

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“They are negotiating a shortened trial and process,” a source explained. “It’s essentially an attempt to resolve the case more quickly, given his condition.”

Eastment remains locked inside the notorious Santiago 1 Penitentiary in Chile, where he has been held since his arrest after authorities allegedly found £200,000 of methamphetamine concealed in his luggage. The Welsh-born bowls and fishing enthusiast was arrested after landing on a flight from Mexico, saying scammers tricked him into thinking he had won a prize.

But hopes of bringing the retired heavy goods vehicle and bus fitter home to Britain have been dashed. Extradition, which could have seen him returned to the UK, is not on the table, with officials warning it could take years to arrange.

“The ideal scenario would have been for the prison sentence to be replaced with expulsion from Chile,” the source added. “That does happen in some cases. But under Chilean law, that simply isn’t an option for drug offences.”

Instead, lawyers are now pursuing a last-ditch compromise that could see Eastment, whose detention stunned neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac of Milborne Port, Somerset, released from jail but only under strict conditions.

Under the proposal, he would remain in the country under surveillance, likely subject to regular monitoring and required to report to authorities. “They are trying to negotiate his release under supervision,” a source said. “He wouldn’t be free to leave, but it would at least get him out of prison, where his health is deteriorating.”

However, even that plan is hanging by a thread. A major obstacle is Eastment’s medical situation. Because he entered Chile as a tourist, he is not eligible for the country’s national health system, leaving him exposed to mounting medical bills. To secure his release, officials require a financial guarantor to cover those costs.

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“The problem is he needs a family member to step forward and act as guarantor for his healthcare bills,” the source revealed. “Without that, he cannot be released. The problem is that they are having trouble tracking down close family’. It’s not like it is that much money is needed to be his guarantor.”

Efforts are now underway to track down other relatives willing to take on that responsibility. “They are trying to contact anyone in his family,” the source added. “If no one comes forward, he will remain in prison.” The situation is made even more desperate by Eastment’s financial plight.

Before his arrest, his only income was his UK state pension. But after spending more than three months outside the country, payments have effectively been cut off.

“He’s no longer receiving his pension and has no way of accessing it from Chile,” a source said. “He doesn’t have any income at all.”

It leaves the pensioner trapped in a brutal Catch-22 – too ill to remain in prison, but unable to secure release without financial backing he does not have. It’s not looking good for him.”

They added: “Everything now depends on whether someone steps forward and whether the authorities agree to the deal. Without that, he’s stuck.”

Eastment has told prosecutors he had been receiving emails he thought were from International Monetary Fund bigwigs. He alleged that a woman called Carolina approached him during a layover in Mexico and said he was headed for Australia.

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Eastment’s lawyer said: “In these emails, a person named Carolina, whose surname he does not remember, informed him that one of his relatives in New Zealand had died and that in order to access that person’s inheritance, he had to travel to Auckland, New Zealand, to sign certain documents at a public notary’s office.”

Months after a nail-biting finale in The Traitors series 4, speculation is rife as to who will take part in the second season of the celebrity edition.

Last year, Claudia Winkleman’s twisted game of lies and deception aired its first showbiz version featuring some major names, including Clare Balding, Tom Daley, Kate Garraway, Paloma Faith, and Sir Stephen Fry.

However, the Traitors certainly didn’t make it easy, with Jonathan Ross, Cat Burns, and Alan Carr donning the iconic green cloaks and murdering their fellow stars in the dead of night, one by one.

In the end, the winning moment made for truly historic television, with Chatty Man’s Alan fooling his competitors right to the end, as the unlikely (often chaotic) Traitor stole the win and bagged a mega £87,500 sum.

So, as we turn our attention to series 2, which has already been green-lit after series 1’s storming success, who do you want to see in the castle?

The rumoured lineup is looking promising, with one legend of film and TV rumoured to be in the running alongside a rock icon, EastEnders actor and This Morning star.

Stephen Graham

According to Daily Mail, the BBC are ‘absolutely desperate’ to score actor Stephen Graham for the show’s second celebrity outing.

The publication’s insider continued: ‘He is one of the most formidable actors of our generation, and the nation adores him, but no one really knows what he’s like as a person, so there is a definite hunger among viewers to see what he is like in a more reality-based setting.’

The 53-year-old is riding high after creating and co-starring in last year’s Netflix hit Adolescence, which prompted nationwide debate about toxic masculinity and the dangers of the ‘manosphere.’

The show went on to win eight Emmy awards and nine Golden Globes.

Stephen does have history in reality TV, previously appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox in 2023 for Stand up to Cancer.

Liam Gallagher

Oasis star Liam Gallagher rather casually confirmed that he’s ‘been asked’ to appear in the next season of The Celebrity Traitors.

Responding to a question from a fan on X who asked if he would ever go on The Traitors, Liam replied: ‘I’ve been asked.’

While the singer has not confirmed his involvement, fans have already been getting carried away online.

Responding beneath, Karen wrote: ‘Oh my god you’ve got to do it… You’d make a great traitor’, while Lexi exclaimed: ‘You’d bring so many viewers.’

As for Oasis fans, we can only hope that the show secures his brother Noel following their shock reunion last year after several years of estrangement.

Bob Mortimer

One name on everyone’s lips last year was comedian Bob Mortimer, who proved to be many fans’ ultimate pick to appear on Celebrity Traitors.

While it seemed for a while that fans would be getting their wish, 66-year-old Bob was a no-show.

Instead, he appeared in – and won – LOL: Last One Laughing UK.

There’s still the chance that he could appear in Celebrity Traitors’ second series though, with executive producer Sarah Fay telling Metro: ‘If Bob wanted to do it next year, we would absolutely love it.’

Bob can currently be seen on the second season of Last One Laughing, defending his crown from the likes of David Mitchell, Romesh Ranganathan and Mel Gedroic.

Louis Theroux

Documentary filmmaker and podcaster Louis Theroux is used to weird weekends, but would he be a good fit in Claudia’s castle?

Well, according to the bookmaker Coral, he’s an early contender for season two. They’ve currently got him at 3-1 odds to be on the next season

“Louis Theroux is among the early favourites to be on the next series of Celebrity Traitors,’ said Coral spokesperson John Hill.

‘The popular documentary maker would make for a great faithful or traitor, so it would be no surprise if he is at the top end of the show’s wish list.’

Like Stephen, Louis is currently man of the moment after descending into the ‘manosphere’ – in this case, a Netflix documentary in which he met with various controversial figures involved.

Cheryl

Girls Aloud icon Cheryl is reportedly considering a showbiz comeback, and surely The Celebrity Traitors is the perfect way to do it?

The pop star, 42, has kept a low profile since becoming a mum to son Bear, dipping out of public life completely in October 2024 following the death of his father and her ex-partner, Liam Payne.

Now, it’s been claimed that Cheryl is itching to get back to work, but there could be one thing holding her back from committing to a stint in the castle, as she doesn’t want to spend too much time away from her eight-year-old.

A source told The Sun: ‘Cheryl is taking baby steps about returning to the limelight. Bosses know she would be a huge draw. 

‘They think she would be brilliant at playing the game. Especially as she is so straight-talking.

‘Of course, filming over several weeks would take her away from her son, which could be a reason she turns it down.

‘Bookers are keen for the best stars to take part and not reality-TV has-beens.’

Jamie Oliver

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is also on the menu if recent reports are to be believed.

The Sun reports that producers think the cheeky cook’s charisma alone makes him a perfect fit for the castle.

‘Jamie would be a brilliant choice,’ an insider told the paper. ‘He’s well liked by the public, with a natural charm that could bamboozle contestants.’

‘They wouldn’t be sure if he was a Faithful, or really a Traitor hiding behind his nice guy persona — much like the 2025 winner, Alan Carr.’

As exciting as this is for viewers, I think this might be a savvy move by the production team to improve catering in the castle.

Carol Kirkwood

No sooner had veteran broadcaster Carol Kirkwood quit her BBC job than rumours started to fly that she was about to take a trip to the Scottish highlands.

Casino Beats has given the presenter 9/1 odds of appearing on the next series of Celebrity Traitors, with a spokesperson adding the Scottish presenter will ‘feel at home’ in the castle.

Steve Pemberton

Steve Pemberton, of League of Gentlemen and Inside No 9 fame, is also reportedly in the frame for season 2. The Lancashire-born funnyman is apparently a huge fan of the show and is keen to visit Claudia’s castle.

An insider told The Sun that the BBC is hoping the 58-year-old award-winning actor will be a Jonathan Ross-style ‘Big Dog’, as he’ll understand the game better than other celebs taking part.

‘As an award-winning actor who can transform himself from one character to another, Steve would be a similar figure [to Jonathan] and a formidable contestant for the players to contend with,’ the source said.

Here’s hoping he can convince Reece Shearsmith to come with him…

Amanda Holden

Alan Carr’s best mate, Amanda Holden, is also rumoured for a Celebrity Traitors stint. According to The Sun, BBC bosses think the Britain’s Got Talent judge will be ‘comedy gold’, and they’re keen to sign her up.

However, there’s a small wrinkle. The Celebrity Traitors is apparently filmed at the same time as the BGT semi-final,s which may make her appearance a bit of a juggling act for the producers.

Danny Dyer

Also throwing his hat in the ring is EastEnders star Danny Dyer – we can totally see him ripping into people at the roundtable and taking no prisoners.

It’s believed the BBC eyed up Danny for series 1, only for him to snub them. Now he’s singing a different tune.

A source told The Sun: ‘Danny was always top of The Celebrity Traitors wish list but had zero interest until seeing the fun and games last autumn.

‘As soon as his tune changed, it was all systems go.’

His change of heart came after he watched chat show Traitor Jonathan in action in the Scottish Highlands.

Speaking on his Live And Let Dyers podcast with daughter Dani Dyer, he declared: ‘I’m into it.’

‘They did sniff round me about it,’ Danny revealed. ‘It was a no from me because, for one, I hadn’t seen it, but now I’m into it.

‘If you’re going to do it, if you’re famous, it needs to be an indulgence project — you have to love the game.

‘It’s quite a simple game. I thought it was too complicated, but it’s actually just about people manipulating each other and a lot of lying.’

The soap actor said he was ‘enjoying’ the first celebrity series, predicting that it’s actually harder to be a Faithful as players risk ‘overacting’ and it ‘backfiring’.

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Does that mean he would make a good Traitor? Something tells us Danny would have no qualms about taking on that role.

Alison Hammond

Beloved broadcaster Alison Hammond is reportedly on the BBC’s ‘hit list’.

In fact, they’re hoping she could take the baton from Alan and continue providing us with iconic moments, which certainly isn’t impossible given Alison’s already colourful history with memes and viral videos.

A source added to The Sun that Alison herself is ‘keen’ to get involved.

‘The Beeb think she could be ­comedy gold, just like Alan Carr. Alison is naturally very funny, and they think she could end up being hugely successful,’ they said.

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However, understandably, celebs are lining up in droves to play the game, with the insider teasing that ‘the pot of talent wanting to take part is overflowing’, meaning execs ‘have a lot to weigh up’ if they want to make the best telly.

‘The first series of The Celebrity Traitors was dynamite, so the ­second series needs to have the same weight.

‘Contracts won’t be signed until closer to the start of production, but the BBC are already keen to get Alison on board.’

Ruth Jones

While we’d give anything for Nessa herself to play The Traitors, we’ll accept that having actress Ruth Jones is the next best thing.

The Gavin and Stacey favourite has reportedly already been approached by bosses, who are eager to make the series 2 cast as ‘impressive’ as it can be.

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‘Ruth would be an incredible addition to the cast if she can fit it into her schedule,’ added the insider.

However, the Welsh star has dampened rumours that she might join the cast, telling The Mirror: ‘I want to address this. I was asked about doing it. I do love the show and did think: “Wouldn’t it be great?”

‘But then I thought: “Oh, gosh, I’d have to swim in a lake, put on a wetsuit.” So I’d rather watch it. I’m not doing it.’

The Bafta winner has got plenty to keep her busy elsewhere, as it was recently revealed that she and Smithy actor James Corden have signed a big-money deal with AppleTV.

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So, if she can find time to squeeze some cloak-and-dagger activity into her packed itinerary in the next year or so, we’d be majorly thankful.

Daisy May Cooper

If anyone is guaranteed to bring the laughs, it would be Daisy May Cooper.

It’s said that the This Country actress was due to take part in series 1; however, after the birth of her son, Benji, she dropped out to avoid being away from home.

Could it be second time lucky for casting execs?

‘Daisy is telly gold. She’s hilarious and would be perfect,’ teased a source.

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‘Show bosses are pulling out all the stops to make this ­happen.’

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Tom Hiddleston

How these things tend to work is that show bosses will communicate with a celebrity’s team and basically entice them with various promises and fees, right?

Well, that hasn’t been the case with The Celebrity Traitors, as the A-listers themselves are begging to take part.

Enter Tom Hiddleston, who even sent a come-and-get-me plea to the BBC as he declared himself a ‘massive, massive fan’ of both The Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing.

Following his revelation on the campaign trail for the new series of The Night Manager, the rumour mill began swirling.

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Saying he would ‘absolutely’ love to take part, insiders reckon a Celeb Traitors stint – which films for one month – is more likely than four months of Strictly training.

‘What an absolute gift to his BBC bosses to hear their leading man is up for both,’ they said.

The Traitors is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

A version of this article was first published on January 17, 2026.

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The annual Chocolate and Cheese festival will be welcomed once again to Ramsbottom Civic Hall around the urn and church gardens in celebration of two dairy-based delights.

The event will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 11am to 4pm with a selection of food traders offering a wide variety of chocolate and cheese.

Alongside them will be a selection of local makers with more savoury and sweet options.

Ramsbottom Chocolate and Cheese Festival (Image: Danny Crompton)

In addition, the day boasts a calendar jam-packed with entertainment such as live music within the Civic Hall and a roaming magician who will perform in and around the town centre.

Organisers say the festival aims to bring people into the town for a relaxed day out while supporting independent businesses such as chocolatiers and cheesemongers.

The event is expected to attract visitors from across Greater Manchester and further afield and adds to the town’s growing programme of community events.

A spokesperson for the event said: “It’s about creating something simple that brings people into Ramsbottom and supports local traders.

Ramsbottom Chocolate and Cheese Festival (Image: Danny Crompton)

“There’ll be a good mix of food and a bit of entertainment across the day, so people can come down, have a wander and enjoy the town.”

Entrance will cost £1 per adult.

Last year’s event, held in April, proved to be a sweet success and attracted crowds of hundreds to the town.

Visitors came from as far as Leeds and Sheffield for the occasion, eager to try new and quirky flavour combinations of salty and sweet.

The crowd-pulling event began in 2009 as solely a chocolate festival.

It then evolved to incorporate other foods before its current focus on chocolate and cheese.

The pandemic saw it being put on hold for a couple of years before a very welcome return in 2023.

Fans lined the Tottenham High Road to welcome the Spurs team.

Supporters scaled railings and sat on the top of bus shelters as their struggling side arrived to face relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

The coach drove through a haze of blue and white smoke surrounded by thousands of fans as it crawled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Protests had been shelved in recognition of the magnitude of the game, one which would have seismic repercussions on Spurs’ season.

Goals from Teddy Sheringham, Jurgen Klinsmann, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were played on the big screens pre-game before Cristian Romero delivered a message: “We’ll fight for everything, all together.”

Just under 90 minutes later fans streamed out of the stadium after Taiwo Awoniyi scored Forest’s third.

They went from a parade to pointless. Tottenham are in deep trouble.

The players responded to the fans for 45 minutes. Igor Jesus hit his own bar, Richarlison pressed and harried and Mathys Tel produced one of his better displays.

Yet Igor Jesus’ header in first-half injury time – followed by Morgan Gibbs-White’s strike – increased Spurs’ relegation woes.

Gibbs-White, of course had to have a say in the game after his aborted move to north London last summer.

Spurs thought they had their man as they looked to trigger a £60m release clause, only for the deal to collapse and Forest to threaten legal action.

It was a prelude to the chaos and calamity that was to come this season.

Awoniyi’s late third sparked an exodus – some fans had already started leaving with 20 minutes left – and those who remained booed the team off.

The togetherness seen outside the stadium had evaporated, with Spurs fans only united in concern about the future.

“From Tottenham‘s point of view, there was a lot of fighting spirit in the first half, encouraged by a jubilant crowd who wanted to support their team,” former Spurs and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5Live.

“But, when you go to support your team like that you have to give something back, which didn’t last.

“In the second half they were tactically weak, they were devoid of ideas, and the manager changed the personnel two or three times, and there was nothing there today to suggest that they can get out of that mess.”

Xavi Simons’ relegation to the bench baffled seasoned Spurs viewers, following his best performance and two goals in Wednesday’s win over Atletico.

Tel was lively and hit the bar immediately after Igor Jesus’ opener but faded in the second half with Forest’s defence – expertly marshalled by Nikola Milenkovic – repelling everything.

Forest made their hosts wait on the pitch almost four minutes before emerging for the second half, Tottenham will have wished they had stayed in the dressing room.

“I don’t see a structure,” said Robinson. “A gameplan, or a way of playing. I don’t see a tactical idea.

“They look devoid of ideas, and a manager who is looking for something that he is yet to find, and no time to find it.”

The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world

These are your evening rugby headlines on Sunday, March 22.

Update issued after Welsh match halted

The Dragons have issued an update on Harry Beddall after the young flanker was stretchered off the field during the Welsh side’s URC clash with the Stormers.

Former Wales U20s star Beddall got his head on the wrong side of a tackle as he attempted to bring down Stormers back rower Evan Roos and took the full force of the South African’s knee to the side of his head.

He lay motionless on the ground as referee Andrew Brace blew his whistle to stop the game and medics immediately rushed to his aid to begin treatment.

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The game in Cape Town was then halted for around five minutes as the 21-year-old was treated on the field before being carried off on a medical cart and replaced by Thomas Young.

In a promising sign, Beddall had managed to raise his hand to give up a thumbs up to the medical staff and, following full-time at the DHL Stadium, the Dragons issued an encouraging update on the young star.

“Thanks for all the messages about Harry Beddall,” the club wrote on its X account. “Pleased to report he’s up and around in the changing rooms, conversing with players and staff, and being looked after by the medical team.”

Filo Tiatia’s side were beaten 29-21 by their hosts in Cape Town, with Springboks superstar Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributing 19 points, including two first-half tries.

French rugby in mourning

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) says “the entire rugby family is in mourning” following the death of beloved and “indispensable” staff member Christian Babassud.

Babassud served as the head of the FFR’s volunteers division for 18 years, helping to organise France Test matches, sevens tournaments and the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He also volunteered at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

He was at the Stade de France last Saturday to watch Les Bleus retain their Six Nations title with a dramatic victory over England, but has now sadly passed away.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the FFR said: “It is with immense sadness that we learned today of the passing of Christian Babassud, our head of the volunteers division at the Federation for over 18 years.

“Since 2008, when he joined the FFR after organizing the World Cup, Christian was one of those indispensable behind-the-scenes figures without whom nothing would be possible.

“For nearly two decades, he worked with passion to mobilize, structure, and support our thousands of volunteers at the biggest events we organize, such as the matches of our #XVdeFrance or our Sevens tournaments.

“He also had the privilege of participating, once again as a volunteer, in the #Paris2024 Games, where he still embodied that kindness and joy that defined him.”

The statement continued: “Everyone who crossed his path will cherish the memory of his dedication and his infectious smile.

“He was still with us last Saturday at the Stade de France, helping make that victorious Crunch possible, sharing in the Blues’ joy and this new title in the Six Nations Tournament.

“A discreet but essential craftsman, deeply appreciated by all, he fully embodied the values of solidarity and sharing that are the strength of our sport.

“Today, the entire rugby family is in mourning. We extend our most heartfelt thoughts to his loved ones, his family, as well as to all the volunteers and colleagues who had the privilege of crossing his path. Thank you for everything, Christian. You will leave an indelible mark on our history.”

Tiatia pleased with character

Dragons boss Filo Tiatia was pleased with his side’s character despite their 29-21 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town.

The hosts at the DHL Stadium secured a bonus-point win with two tries in either half, but the Welsh region have come away with the match with plenty of positives, having scored three tries of their own against a team pushing for the title.

While they were, in Tiatia’s own words, “exposed” at their set-piece, the Dragons held their own in collisions in open play and would have come away with at least one losing bonus point if a disallowed try had stood.

Following the full-time whistle, the head coach said: “I was really happy with the character and staying in the fight. The last passage of play when we kept them out was a real Gwent mentality, it’s staying in it, Stormers had momentum, but we snuffed some things out.

“We didn’t start well and the Stormers did a good job around the aerial game and we just couldn’t get the ball. We didn’t scrap enough around it. We gave two penalties early for side entry and we are not learning quickly enough and adapting fast enough. We have got to be more agile around the law, but when we got it right, we built pressure and showed we could score tries.

“It’s about how we hold onto possession and have pride around creating pressure,” Tiatia added. “We didn’t get much of roll today with disallowed tries, it could have been different.

“We should have been 14-14 at the break or us in front, but we weren’t because we weren’t accurate enough when the opportunities arose. We didn’t execute. We’ve got to keep instilling belief and trust and keeping moving forward and growing.”

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