But the controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson – who has quit the House of Lords, resigned from the Labour Party, been removed from the Privy Council and faces a criminal investigation following new revelations from the so-called Epstein files – has led to intensifying questions about the Prime Minister’s political future.

All eight competitors—including 2025 champion Luke Humphries—posed with the sculpture ahead of the opening night at the Utilita Arena on Thursday (December 5) night.

Mr Humphries said: “Newcastle is a really fun place to come for the darts and we’re all excited to get the 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts campaign underway.

Premier League Darts returns on Thursday. (Image: BETMGM)

“Seeing BetMGM’s giant dart on the Tyne today with the iconic bridge behind us has set the scene perfectly and I can’t wait to defend the title I won last year, particularly with BetMGM’s 18ct gold darts up for grabs again.”

The tournament features a weekly league format over 16 weeks and a £1.25 million prize pool.

BetMGM is offering a set of 18ct gold darts worth £30,000 to any player who throws a nine-darter.

In 2025, it was achieved five times.

Dan Towse from the bookies said: “The opening night of the BetMGM Premier League Darts is unique, and we wanted to help build the anticipation this year with an eye-catching display at one of Newcastle’s most iconic locations.

“Today’s stunt sets the tone for the energy and entertainment fans can expect from BetMGM throughout the Premier League Darts season.”

Adam Perfect, head of commercial at PDC, said: “The Premier League has a long and special relationship with Newcastle, and launching this year’s event with BetMGM’s giant dart on the banks of the River Tyne is a fantastic way to celebrate that.”

This year’s players include Luke Littler, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price.

The move at the Original Factory Store entering administration last month.

The retailer employs 1,180 staff nationally 137 stores nationally, including at Ripon, Northallerton, Hornsea, Kippax and Garforth.

At the time, administrators Interpath Advisory said the stores would continue to trade while they found ways to keep it afloat.

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However, the Ripon store has posted online: “We now have most of our departments on sale. Everything must go so pop in and grab some bargains.

“Everything in store is now sold as seen so check the sizes try them on in our in store fitting room as returns are no longer accepted.

“During this time myself and my team are working extremely hard so please be respectful and show some patience as foot flow is obviously increased and my staff are under extreme pressure too.

The post added: “Also we do not have a closing date as stated in my previous post I will update as soon as any information is received.

“Many thanks again for your support and kind words.”

All the stores nationally are now due to close.

The Northallerton branch also said it would be closing and the Kippax branch has closed already. Garforth and Hornsea are also staging closing down sales.

CambridgeshireLive readers have clashed over plans for new Grantchester to Cambridge walking and cycling path with sharp differences over demand, cost and transport policy

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CambridgeshireLive readers have been sharing their thoughts on the plans for a new walking and cycling path, with sharp differences over demand, cost, and the wider aims of transport policy.

A new walking and cycling path has been planned on a route currently used by around 20 people each day. The route connecting Grantchester and Cambridge is expected to attract more than 300 people per day once complete, according to the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP).

The new all-weather path is planned alongside the historic ‘Baulk Path’. Forecasts predict that more than 250 cyclists and around 50 pedestrians will use the new path each day, according to papers published by the GCP.

The plans have certainly divided our readers, with Calumen Nomen writing: “Nobody wants, or has asked for, these ‘greenways’. Anyone who wants to cycle or walk from Barton to Cambridge has already got at least three options right now.”

While Weneedqueenmeghan disagrees: “We need more cycleways. It always makes sense. Dig up some roads and convert them!”

Skipper asks: “Do we have a costing for this? Who made the estimate of the number of people likely to use it? Are cyclists going to be charged a fee for their use until the cost has been paid off (like the Dartford Bridge, even though it was paid off years ago, and we are still paying)? The idea of a toll for push bike riders to pay for their facilities is a good one, I think.”

Freddly says: “This is good as far as it goes, but it’s tinkering at the edges. Real modal shift, the sort that will transform cities, will only come by taking space away from car and van drivers on main roads in cities. They do not remotely pay the actual cost of driving, and their taste for larger and larger battering-ram type cars holds up buses and ambulances and makes active travel unpleasant and unviable.”

Brexit498 comments: “We had ridiculous forecasts for the use of Milton Rd by cyclists, and that upgrade (£33 million) has made little difference to cycling and walking use – I have lived close to it for 10 years. The GCP needs to be shut down. The size of the car makes no difference to congestion. Don’t forget, bus drivers and emergency vehicle drivers need cars to get to work. The contribution car drivers make to the economy is £22 billion and 538,000 jobs: a tad more than cyclists, of which I am one.”

Freddly writes: “Driving creates significant costs that are not reflected in the price of petrol or vehicles, such as air and noise pollution, which contribute to healthcare costs and environmental damage. Traffic jams represent a major “deadweight loss” to the economy, resulting in lost time, reduced productivity, and wasted fuel.

“Roads, parking, and associated infrastructure are often subsidised by governments, meaning non-drivers often pay for the infrastructure that drivers use. For individuals, the high costs of car ownership (depreciation, insurance, fuel) can consume a large share of disposable income. Auto-dependency encourages urban sprawl, which is less dense and, in the long run, can be less economically efficient to service with infrastructure than, for example, public transport, studies suggest.”

Whynot3 asks: “Which century are you actually living in? Do you have electricity or gas? Do you still have an outhouse, or do you use a chamber pot at night? Power goes off in the middle of the night. Sorry, can’t fix it till tomorrow. The maintenance crew can’t get to work. Buses don’t start till 0600 hours! I take you don’t get mail or packages delivered to your door? Need an ambulance, sorry you’ll have to wait. The horse is getting new shoes put on, but the cargo bike will be ready once we fix the puncture! Where would you be without motor vehicles?”

Banthebikes questions: “Why build cycle ways? Nobody uses them, anything that involves cycling is a complete waste of money.”

Specialized says: “You’re deliberately missing the point. The current facility is poor. So it is little used. When it is improved it will be more used. Build it and they will come. It won’t change van drivers at all. Vans are necessary as you state. Singly-occupied cars at the busiest times of day, less so. This path will enable people to bypass traffic jams, thereby helping them. It doesn’t affect vans and doesn’t affect you, so why are you objecting?”

Whynot3 comments: “Just remember the old adage, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it. If they go ahead and build it, it’ll make that £98 a bus passenger look cheap, but as it’s not their money, so why should they care?”

Brexit498 adds: “Driving creates significant revenues that are not reflected in the price of petrol or vehicles, such as road fund licence, repairs and spares, motorsport (VAT) and a viable infrastructure (roads) so businesses can operate an effective distribution system – I am assuming that you consume.”

Is a new cycleway really needed? Comment HERE or below to join in the conversation.

Next time you go on a long haul journey – whether it be a flight, bus trip or car journey, consider following this important advice issued by a medical professional

When going on a long journey, you shouldn’t just think about which items to pack in your suitcase.

For the sake of your health, you should also be mindful about the outfit you’re wearing. Sitting in a confined space for hours isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be bad for your health.

In serious cases, immobility can lead to clots that restrict blood flow. This can cause life-threatening emergencies such as stroke and heart attack, so it’s crucial to mitigate risks where possible.

Providing important information on the matter, Dr José Manuel Felices posted his advice on TikTok.

The medical professional said: “Blood clots are life-threatening and increasingly common, even in young people. What you may not know is that they can be prevented.

“Blood clots form when blood flow stagnates and eventually coagulates. The legs are the key point, as the returning blood has to overcome gravity, for which the pumping action of our heart is crucial… That is why they are so common on long journeys, when we spend a lot of time sitting down.”

The expert recommends taking the following three precautions – and also had a clothing recommendation to share.

1. Walk before travelling

Physical activity like walking helps keep your blood flowing smoothly through your legs. This reduces the chance of blood pooling and clotting, which can happen when you’re inactive for long periods.

Spending at least twenty minutes walking in the hour before a flight or train departure helps activate circulation and prepare the body for the hours of inactivity that will follow.

Instead of sitting down before you board the plane, consider browsing the shops or walking around your gate instead.

2. Do exercises

Stretch your legs by walking around in the cabin when it’s safe to do so. Alternatively, do some exercises to get the blood pumping.

The doctor recommended: “Every hour, choose one of these two options: either heel raises, which you can do in your own seat, or get up and do some squats.”

3. Think about your outfit

Avoid tight clothing that can restrict blood flow in your legs. Under loose layers, you should also think about your choice of socks. Consider wearing graduated compression stockings, which help promote blood flow in your legs.

If you notice symptoms such as swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in your legs after a flight, seek medical attention promptly.

You should also consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

The lucky lady won the prize in a draw on October 2025

A lady from Cambridgeshire, who buys a lottery ticket from the same shop each week has won £120,000. The winning ticket was a Lucky Dip ticket in the Set For Life prize draw which was drawn on October 9, 2025.

The retired winner, who said the win came as “an absolute shock”, has won the equivalent of £10,000 every month for one year.

The winner said: “I couldn’t believe I’d won and still can’t believe it now – it’s been such a lovely surprise! I’m planning to treat myself to an iPad and continue with the renovations on the house.”

Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, congratulated the winner saying, “What wonderful news for our Set For Life winner! £10,000 per month for a year is a fantastic prize, and we’re thrilled she can now enjoy her retirement even more whilst continuing her home improvements. Congratulations!”

The National Lottery has awarded players over £102 billion in prize money, creating more than 7,700 millionaires. Each week, players help generate around £32M for National Lottery-funded projects. With over £52BN raised for Good Causes since launch, this funds hundreds of projects in every postcode area across the UK.

There have certainly been glimpses of what this team could be in recent weeks.

There was a devastating first-half display against Chelsea, a spirited hour away to Paris St-Germain and a fine opening half an hour or so at Anfield.

But games are not won in snatches.

It has been a frustration of the coaching staff that they have lacked the training time during an unrelenting run of fixtures to really work on things and piece it all together like they have during previous sticky spells.

Instead the players have come to rely on meeting rooms, analysis sessions and walk-throughs.

This is the reality of life at clubs who aspire to fight on multiple fronts, of course, but competing in four competitions was an unprecedented feat for Newcastle going into February.

The relentless nature of the schedule has had a knock-on effect on the squad – Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar are all currently sidelined, while Anthony Gordon hobbled off with a hamstring issue on Wednesday night.

It has also had an impact on the adaptation of Newcastle‘s summer signings who, aside from defender Malick Thiaw, are still finding their feet at the club.

Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa all joined in the final fortnight or so of a turbulent window, in which the club operated without a sporting director and missed out on a host of top targets.

Newcastle, remarkably, are still searching for a settled combination in the final third despite spending £179m on forwards.

Elanga enjoyed a lively second-half cameo at the Etihad, but Woltemade was substituted at half-time – having failed to score since December – while the rusty Wissa missed a host of good chances in both legs.

It leaves Newcastle with more questions than answers as they embark on a crunch run of fixtures.

“Where does that leave our season?” Howe asked. “We’re still fighting on several fronts.

“The games are coming thick and fast. There’s no let-up for us. We need to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible. It’s the only thing that gives you new energy.”

Mercury angles with Uranus today, meaning that plans and projects could be shaken up. Adaptability is your friend.

Gemini, Aquarius and Virgo, a little chaos never fazed you. Keep this mantra today, and find new perspectives underneath the unexpectedness of stirred plans.

Know that what is meant for you will be yours and try not to regard things too deeply today. Enjoy detours in your plans, as life is all about the journey, not just the destination.

Ahead, you’ll find all the star signs’ horoscopes for today: Thursday February 5, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Don’t be surprised if plans go sideways or show signs of ingenuity. A conversation could take an unexpected turn, jolting you into a new way of thinking. Tech glitches or surprising news may pop up, but so can lightbulb moments. Stay flexible, and don’t dig your heels in, as innovation thrives when you allow the unexpected. Financial surprises may require you to move fast, so be prepared and stay upbeat.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

You like your routines, but today’s cosmic mix brings opportunities, perhaps quickly, and especially around career or public image. A fast-moving idea or conversation could challenge your usual way of doing things, but don’t dismiss it. But don’t see this as a threat. The world may zig when you want to zag, but going with the flow could open doors you didn’t know existed. Expect the unexpected and enjoy it, Taurus.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, an insight or a tech hiccup shakes things up. Travel plans, studies or digital projects may need quick revisions. Luckily, your agile mind thrives in chaos. Stay open to strange solutions, as they might just be brilliance in disguise. Inner restlessness could point to a deeper need for freedom or inspiration. A quirky conversation may lead to a breakthrough.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

A relationship could take an unexpected turn, generating ideas that challenge your usual comfort zones. Friends or collaborators might surprise you with wild suggestions, but don’t dismiss them too quickly, as there’s wisdom hidden here. Financial matters or shared resources may need attention, so keep a cool head. Stay open and curious, and don’t be afraid to rethink something you thought was set in stone.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

A conversation with a partner, colleague or creative collaborator could veer wildly off script, but don’t panic. Behind the chaos lies a fresh perspective or ingenious twist that could change everything for the better. Just don’t cling too tightly to old plans or pride, as flexibility will serve you well. Stay gracious under pressure, as sometimes a brilliant breakthrough arrives disguised as a slightly awkward moment.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Just when you thought you had your week neatly colour-coded and bullet-pointed, Mercury angles towards Uranus and tosses a wild idea or detour into your carefully planned schedule. Don’t fight the twist. This cosmic mishap might push you towards a more innovative way of working, thinking or even travelling. A surprising chat or insight could unlock a puzzle you’ve been pondering.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

A flash of brilliance could disrupt your usual rhythm, but in a good way. An unexpected shift in finances or shared resources might demand a quick decision. While you’re known for weighing every side, this event asks you to trust your gut and go with the flow. Dialogue could take an eccentric turn, revealing hidden truths or unspoken feelings. Keep your cool, stay charming and be ready to improvise.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Today, home truths and relationship revelations may burst forth like lightning on a clear day. Something unexpected could shake your foundations, but it’s not here to destroy, it’s here to wake you up. A family member or partner might share something, or you could find yourself saying what’s long been bottled up. Stay cool and curious, not controlling. Flexibility is your best asset now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

An awkward line-up could turn your day into a wild brainstorm session, ready or not. An unexpected comment, message or piece of news might shake up your routine, but it also ignites ideas that are nothing short of genius. Just don’t rush into action without a second thought. Tech hiccups or schedule blips may test your patience, but they’re just nudges to think outside the box.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Thinker Mercury’s angle to the edgy Uranus could shake up your best-laid plans just when you thought everything was nailed down. An unexpected idea, comment or event could jolt you into seeing things from a wildly different and refreshingly creative angle. Try not to dig your heels in, as flexibility is your secret power now. A surprise expense or tech mishap could arise, but it might lead to a smarter solution or even a long-overdue upgrade.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

Expect a lightning bolt of brilliance and maybe a little chaos too. Your mind is buzzing with possibilities, but your words might come out sideways or cause unexpected reactions, especially on the home front. Try not to bulldoze others with your big ideas, even if they are fantastic. An unexpected shift in plans may actually work best for you – especially if you’re open to an unusual workaround.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

With Mercury stirring your intuitive depths and squaring off with wild-card Uranus, your thoughts may sparkle in brilliant but unpredictable ways. Flashes of insight come when you least expect them, perhaps mid-coffee or mid-dream. Conversations could veer off course or reveal surprising truths, so stay flexible. A tech glitch or schedule shake-up might frustrate you but could redirect you towards a better path.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of February here.

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You have until February 25 to make sure you are prepared

The Home Office has issued travel guidance to over a million Brits ahead of a significant rule change coming in just three weeks. Latest figures reveal that approximately 1.26 million Brits currently possess dual nationality.

From February 25, 2026, dual British citizens will require a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement to enter the UK. The Home Office cautioned that airlines will be verifying travellers possess the correct documentation.

This follows modifications to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which individuals will need if they don’t require a visa for brief visits of up to six months, or lack existing UK immigration status. From February 2025, eligible visitors without an ETA won’t be permitted to board their transport and cannot lawfully journey to the UK.

In an Instagram announcement, the Home Office stated: “For dual citizens coming back home to the UK. From 25 February 2026, you will need a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement to travel to the UK.

“Airlines will check you have permission to travel before departure. This change supports the UK’s move to digital permission to travel and strengthens border security.”

Travel guru Simon Calder branded the alterations as ‘extremely significant’. In a clip shared on the Independent’s Instagram page, he explained: “If you happen to be a dual national, which means that you’re lucky enough to be a citizen of both the UK and another country, then there is a very significant change to passport rules that’s happening on the 25th of February.

“Let me tell you what it is. At the moment, suppose you are a British citizen but you choose to live abroad. You’ve got a foreign passport. You’re perfectly entitled with that passport to come and go from the UK on short stays to see family, to be a tourist, or to go on a business trip. But from the 25th of February, that will all change.

READ MORE: Travel warning issued for anyone going to SpainREAD MORE: Simon Calder alert to anyone with dual nationality

“From that date, everybody who is not British or Irish has to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to come to the UK. And you might think, ‘Well, that’s alright, I’ve got a French, or an American, or an Australian passport; I’ll just get my ETA through that’. But not so fast.

“The British government says that if you have British citizenship-which might be because you were born here but you then moved abroad, or because you got it through descendancy-then you have to have one of two things in order to travel legally to the UK: Ideally, it will be a British passport. If you don’t have one of those, well, I suggest you get one quickly.

“Or, it could be a Certificate of Right of Abode in the UK. But since that is going to cost you nearly £600 and it’s going to run out whenever your foreign passport runs out, then I urge you to try to get a British passport if you’re planning to travel to the UK anytime soon.”

The right of abode that Mr Calder refers to means you’re permitted to live or work in Britain without facing any immigration restrictions. If you hold the right of abode, there’s no requirement for a visa or ETA when entering the UK.

There’s also no cap on how long you can remain in the country.