US President Donald Trump has claimed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, though Iran disputes the reports

Donald Trump has broken his silence over reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have died following overnight US and Israeli strikes on Iran, despite Tehran’s denial of the claims.

The US President asserted that Khamenei had died, branding him “one of the most evil people in History” and framing the development as part of his broader ambitions to establish peace across the Middle East.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.”

He continued: “He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.

“We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. As I said last night, “Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!

“Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated.

“The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”

Prior to publishing his Truth Social post, the US President spoke to NBC News, and when questioned about reports of the Iranian Supreme Leader’s death, he stated: “We feel that is a correct story.”

The Daily Star reported that Israeli officials told The Associated Press on Saturday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had reportedly been killed during a significant joint military offensive on Iran carried out by Israel and the United States. Iran has since refuted claims that he is dead.

During a brief telephone interview with NBC News, Trump went on to assert that “a large amount of leadership” of Iran had been killed, adding: “I don’t mean like two people. “

He further claimed that “most” of Iran’s senior leadership is “gone,” including numerous key decision-makers within the regime. When questioned about who might succeed Iran’s supreme leader, Trump quipped, “I don’t know. But at some point they’ll be calling me to ask who I’d like” before clarifying he was “only being a little sarcastic” with the remark.

The purported assassination of the Islamic Republic’s second leader, who had not named a successor, would cast significant uncertainty over the nation’s future and heighten the possibility of prolonged conflict amid Iranian vows of retribution. During a nationally broadcast address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had been killed when Israel targeted his compound in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Following the address, two Israeli officials confirmed his death. Both sources requested anonymity ahead of an official statement and provided no additional information. Khamenei took over from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who spearheaded the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

He wielded ultimate authority over all significant policy decisions, overseeing Iran’s clerical establishment and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard – the two principal power bases within the country’s theocratic system. As the strike on Iran developed, President Donald Trump called upon the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” by challenging the Islamic leadership.

In a video statement announcing the “major combat operations,” Trump addressed Iranians directly, saying: “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. his will be probably your only chance for generations. “

Donald Trump has claimed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel strikes, calling him ‘one of the most evil people in history’, though Iran denies the reports

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Donald Trump has spoken out regarding claims that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have perished following overnight US and Israeli military action against Iran, despite Tehran’s denials of such reports.

The US President has declared that Khamenei has died, branding him “one of the most evil people in History”. He went on to frame this development as aligned with his goals of establishing peace across the Middle East, reports the Daily Star.

In a post on Truth Social, he wrote: “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.

“He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us.”

“As I said last night, “Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death! Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. T

“hat process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!”

Prior to his Truth Social statement, the US President addressed NBC News this evening and when questioned about reports surrounding the Iranian Supreme Leader’s death, he stated: “We feel that is a correct story.”

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was allegedly killed during a significant strike on Iran carried out by Israel and the United States, Israeli sources informed The Associated Press on Saturday. Tehran has subsequently dismissed claims of his death.

During a short telephone conversation with NBC News, Trump went on to claim that “a large amount of leadership” within Iran had been eliminated, emphasising: “I don’t mean like two people.”

He further suggested that “most” of Iran’s top-tier leadership has been “gone,” including numerous key decision-makers. When questioned about who might succeed as Iran’s new supreme leader, Trump quipped, “I don’t know. But at some point they’ll be calling me to ask who I’d like” before clarifying he was “only being a little sarcastic” with that remark.

The reported assassination of the Islamic Republic’s second leader, who had not named a successor, would cast uncertainty over the nation’s future and heighten the possibility of prolonged conflict amid Iranian vows of retaliation. During a televised national address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had been killed in Israel’s strike on his compound early Saturday morning.

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Following the address, two Israeli officials confirmed his death on condition of anonymity, pending an official announcement, though they provided no additional information. Khamenei took over from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who led the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

He held ultimate authority over all significant policies, heading Iran’s clerical establishment and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard – the country’s two primary power centres within its theocratic system. As the assault on Iran developed, President Donald Trump called upon the Iranian people to “seize control of your destiny” by challenging the Islamic leadership.

In footage announcing the “major combat operations,” Trump addressed Iranians: “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. “

Two women have been convicted of stalking an ICE agent in Los Angeles following last summer’s protests in the city.

Cynthia Raygoza, 38, and Ashleigh Brown, 38, were found guilty Friday following the incident that took place amid anti-immigration enforcement protests in August.

On August 28, Raygoza and Brown followed the agent from a federal building in downtown Los Angeles to his home, live-streaming the incident on social media and providing directions to the address, their trial was told.

They also encouraged viewers to share the stream with others, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, with clips of the stream being played at the trial.

The agent, identified during the trial as Rogelio Reyes Huitzilin, told jurors that he had been headed home to meet up with his wife and two young children for a “surprise” when he noticed the women wearing masks, according to The Los Angeles Times.

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Upon arriving at the victim’s residence, shouted to bystanders while livestreaming that their “neighbor is ICE,” “la migra lives here,” and “ICE lives on your street and you should know.”

According to Essayli they also shouted racial slurs at the agent’s wife and his children had witnessed the incident.

Huitzilin said during the trial that his family had lived in fear since the incident and that they had moved out of their neighborhood, though he admitted he had not sold the property. He also said one of his sons had requested to be homeschooled and that his wife had needed therapy as a result.

However, he later admitted that no other protesters had come to his house after that day and that he had never heard from Brown and Raygoza again. It’s understood that no other similar incidents occurred at the home.

Brown and Raygoza were both found guilty of one count of stalking but acquitted of one count of conspiring to publish personal information about a federal employee. They were charged alongside a third woman, Sandra Samane, who was acquitted of both counts.

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During their trial, which lasted a week, Raygoza and Brown claimed that they had believed they were following the agent to an ICE raid, rather than his home, The Times reported.

Following ICE and Border Patrol agents to enforcement sites has become a common tactic used by protesters in cities including LA, though this appears to be the first instance of a federal agent being followed and confronted at their home, according to The Times.

“We thank the jury for bringing justice to these agitators who violated the law and endangered the safety of this federal officer and his family,” Essayli said in a statement.

“Peaceful protests are protected by the Constitution, political violence and unlawful intimidation are not.”

Essayli and federal prosecutors in LA have filed more than 100 cases against protesters over the assault and hindrance of immigration agents. Despite securing 23 guilty pleas, until Friday, they had so far lost every case taken to trial.

Brown and Raygoza face up to five years in prison for their crimes and are due to be sentenced on June 8.

Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road. City start the game in rude health, with four wins and a draw from their last five games in this competition, 13 points secured with the new signing Marc Guéhi in the team and a win today, which would make it three in a row for them in LS11 for the first time since 1928, would put them only two points behind Arsenal at the top after 28 games each. A first home victory for Leeds in five meetings, stretching back to 2004 the year when they fell out of the top flight and endured 16 years of trauma, would put them on 34 points, the same as Brighton, but they would remain in 15th.

Leeds’ transformation since walking into the away dressing room at the Etihad in November 2-0 down, changed ‘base formation’ as Daniel Farke always calls it, scored twice yet ultimately lost by virtue of Phil Foden’s exceptional skill and tenacity, has become a well-worn story. In the 14 matches since that defeat they have taken 20 points with four wins and eight draws but they have not played with an orthodox 3-5-2, the home victory over Chelsea apart, for all that many minutes, evolving styles and shapes as the game demands, innovation particularly on the right side of their defence with the right centre-back often galloping up the wing and the right wing-back drifting from inside-right to No 10 and even inside-left, whence Bogle scored against Nottingham Forest.

City’s system remains as fluid as ever and, with the addition of one of the best three goalkeepers in the world, England’s centre-half and the sprightly and spite-like Antoine Semenyo charging left, right and centre, to their cadre of world-class players, they will be as formidable as ever. Leeds fans will cling to that second half performance four months ago and to the imperishable memories of Stuart Dallas and a Marcelo Bielsa-orchestrated 10-man away victory over an even better City side in 2021, but they will need their team to show more belief and attacking gusto than they did against Arsenal a couple of weeks ago when they soiled the bed against a side they seem unable to match anymore. 

Time, though, is on their side. Of the 11 Leeds televised Premier League games this season that have kicked off after 4.30pm, they have won five, drawn six and lost only one, all five wins and two of the draws at home.

Noah Okafor alone is on Leeds’ casualty list while City’s Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are at home still nursing long-term injuries. 

Sir Keir has repeated his long-standing condemnation of Iran and, in particular, its retaliatory actions this weekend against Israel and several Gulf nations which host US military bases. He was careful to emphasise that the British warplanes airborne in the region are there in a defensive capacity, within international law – in other words offering protection for allies who are facing attacks from Iran.

Lexi Medforth, 13, from Pocklington, was born missing her left hand after being diagnosed with amniotic band syndrome while in the womb.

The condition occurs when bands of tissue in the uterus wrap around the baby and restrict blood flow – causing limb loss and abnormalities.

Her mum Becki said: “We found out at the 18-week scan that she would be born missing her left hand, and while it was a shock and left us worried about how she would manage, Lexi has grown into a strong and inspiring young girl who approaches life with courage and creativity.”

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Lexi developed a love for football and art but faced “more noticeable” challenges as she grew.  

The teen began exploring her options, and after trialling a prosthesis supplied by the NHS, decided to push forward with her dream of using a bionic Hero Arm.

“I have been doing things I could only dream of now I have two hands” (Image: Supplied)

The multi-grip arm is developed by Open Bionics and is equipped with special sensors which detect upper arm muscle movements, allowing patients like Lexi to use it for everyday activities.

The Hero Arm is offered on the NHS and despite meeting the necessary criteria, Lexi faced a years-long waiting list.

Becki said: “Lexi found this news really difficult.

“At the time, each hospital visit had left her feeling deflated and frustrated, questioning whether she would ever feel ‘normal’.”

“So far, I have used it to brush my teeth, have a drink, eat a slice of pizza and even to shake someone’s hand” (Image: Supplied)

Amid the frustration, Lexi’s family came across The Open Bionics Foundation – a charity which works alongside people hoping to receive a bionic arm.

The charity informed Lexi that if £20,000 could be raised, she would be able to have her arm built and moulded privately before Christmas.

Social media fundraisers – Hand It To Lexi – were set up alongside a dedicated GoFundMe page – and the Pocklington community came together to make Lexi’s dream a reality.

She received her Hero Pro – an upgrade to the previous Hero Arm – after visiting the Open Bionics clinic in Bristol on Wednesday (February 25).

Speaking about this, she said: “I have only had the arm for four days, but it has already been life-changing for me.

“I have been doing things I could only dream of now I have two hands.

“I know it will take some time to get used to but so far, I have used it to brush my teeth, have a drink, eat a slice of pizza and even to shake someone’s hand.

“I can’t thank my mum and dad enough for all the organising they did to raise the money, as well as all the support from family and friends.

“The people of Pocklington have been amazing at getting behind the fundraising events – not just with donating money but goods and volunteering as well.

“Even stranger further afield have helped – so thank you to everyone for making my dreams come true.”

Robbie Williams led a performance in honour of the singer and Black Sabbath frontman during the Brit Awards in Manchester

Those watching The BRIT Awards 2026 unfold live from Manchester were left divided as Ozzy Osbourne was honoured with a posthumous Brit Awards lifetime achievement award before a musical performance in his memory.

The singer and Black Sabbath frontman, known as the Prince of Darkness, died aged 76 in July last year just over two weeks after his Back To The Beginning farewell concert where he was reunited with his bandmates.

The music star died of a reported heart attack on July 22 after suffering a string of health issues over the years, including multiple surgeries following a fall in February 2019 and being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

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Black Sabbath formed in 1968 and are widely credited with defining and popularising the sound of heavy metal. Ozzy, who also had a successful solo career, found a new legion of fans when he appeared in the 2000s reality TV series The Osbournes, starring alongside wife Sharon and their two youngest children.

His legacy was recognised by the Brits during its annual award show on Saturday (February 28) night as the ceremony was broadcast live from Manchester’s Co-Op Live for the first time.

Ozzy’s wife, Sharon Osbourne who was in attendance on the night alongside her daughter, Kelly, took to the stage to accept the award and said in her speech: “First of all [censored], all of us, everyone in this place tonight are joined. We’re one because everyone in this place loves music, and it brings us all together. Such amazing artists tonight. I mean, everyone’s a winner, everyone. How lucky are we all to be in this business? It’s a gift. It really is.”

She continued: “I’m honoured to accept this award for my gorgeous husband, this lifetime achievement award. God knows, I wish he was here to accept it himself. But you’ve got the booby prize, you’ve got me doing it! But I know that Ozzy is looking down on us all right now, and I know what he’s thinking. He hated making speeches, he hated listening to speeches, and he’ll be saying [censored] ‘Just say thank you and get off that stage’. But, I’m not going to because I have to waffle on a bit.

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“We all know how fickle this industry can be, and my old man was blessed with a one-in-a-million career. He was at the top of this game for 56 years. I could go on about his achievements but that’s boring. Ozzy was authentic, he was gifted, totally unpredictable, a wild man. He was a true artist.

“He came from a small working-class neighbourhood in Birmingham. He rose to become one of the most recognisable and respected musicians of his life, and it was filled with extraordinarily wonderful high times, but very real lower times. He never stopped tirelessly pushing himself to do better, he always wanted to do better, both personally and professionally. He never felt that words were enough to thank everybody for the life that he was given and for the life that he led.

“To be honest with you, he was the most humble, egomaniac you could ever meet. And yes, at the end of the day he will always be a rockstar. We spent most of our lives touring the world, but Ozzy’s heart never left England. Wherever we were in the world, he was always proud to be a working class Brummie, and he never let anyone forget it.”

Sharon went on to share: “I’m accepting this for Ozzy, but this award goes to his incredible family. It goes to the so many musicians that helped Ozzy along the way, and I wanted especially to thank his crew that was always there and never let him down. We were blessed to have one of the best crews ever on the road. And thousands of people who lined the streets of Birmingham to say goodbye, and of course the millions of fans around the world, he loved them, for giving him his extraordinary career and for their loyalty that they gave him.

“I know that they loved him back as much as he loved them. If Ozzy was here tonight with us he would be showing that gorgeous smile that he had, and I know he would be so proud to receive this from the country that he loved. So, he may not be here, but he left us one amazing body of work that will never be forgotten by the country that made him.”

The speech was then followed by a tribute performance, curated by Sharon, which consisted of a special arrangement of Black Sabbath’s 1991 song No More Tears, with family friend Robbie Williams also joined on stage by musicians who have previously played as part of Ozzy’s band, including keyboardist Adam Wakeman, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, drummer Tommy Clufetos and guitarist Zakk Wylde.

But it did leave some divided, with some loving Robbie’s performance, while others were hoping to see Yungblud lead the tribute, after he won the Grammy for best rock performance for his revved-up rendition of Ozzy’s ‘Changes’ at the 2025 Back to the Beginning concert in Villa Park.

@shazzamac1973 said: “Prove all the haters wrong @robbiewilliams show them what you can do. Love the t-shirt #ozzyforever #Brits2026.” @Maffffffff commented: “Robbie Williams sings ozzy better than he sings Robbie Williams #Brits2026.” @JenniCostello wrote: “Robbie doing a tribute to Ozzy, great end to the ceremony! @robbiewilliams #BRITsAwards #Brits2026 #OzzyOsbourne.”

@trogsrus2 gushed: “Go on Robbie!!!!!! My man!!!! Suits you!!! #Brits2026.” @jazzy_j_97 wrote: “Robbie killed it with his performance tribute to OZZY, I loved it! #BRITs.” @Lou_Gou_ typed: “Well I loved that Ozzy tribute; Robbie Williams smashed it! #BRITs #BRITAwards.”

However, @lovesickluce posted: “This Ozzy Osbourne tribute isn’t right, surely Yungblud would have been a better choice? #Brits2026.” @garynetchells echoed: “Big fan of Robbie, but if anyone should be doing the Ozzy tribute it should be @yungblud #Brits2026.” @FleuritoFaveees shared: “Surely it would have made more sense to get yungblud to do this but idm at all cos robbie is doing an amazing job #BRITs2026.”

Meanwhile, @shazzamac1973 rounded off: “Everyone saying it should have been Yungblud doing the Ozzy tribute. There’s more singers than Yungblud. Yeah he’s a great singer but I think @robbiewilliams just proved he can do it. I’m sure Sharon had her say who she wanted to do it. That was a lovely tribute #Brits2026.”

“No one does it like Manchester”. That’s what we’re told minutes before the cameras start rolling inside Co-op Live – the home of The BRITs 2026.

For the first time in its history the most raucous music awards ceremony has decided to head up the M1 and make Manchester its new home – well for two years at least.

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Seconds later host Jack Whitehall has declared Manchester the ‘G-spot of the North’ and bestowed Noel Gallagher the title of ‘Manchester’s final boss’.

Yeah, we’re definitely in Manchester folks.

Don’t underestimate the power of a move up North to invigorate a ceremony of this pedigree because its Manchester makeover is looking rather good on it.

For tonight’s proceedings, it only felt right that Harry Styles kicked things off with Aperture. Because of the song’s title, meaning to embrace the uncertain and let the light in, it’s fitting that it’s the ceremony’s big opener as the dimmed lights slowly rise to create an illuminated stage where winners, and history makers, will be made over the next few hours.

Marking the first performance of the single, Harry is joined by a large cohort of dancers as they synchronise and essentially perform a rendition of Ring-a-Ring-a-Roses. It’s glorious and an energetic start to proceedings.

A quick reminder of our location for the night is dished up by Manchester’s Finest Bez and Shaun Ryder, who not only hand Wolf Alice the award for Best Group but keep host Jack Whitehall on his toes during a chat spanning everything from Aitch – not H – the rapper, bad role models and things we can’t repeat about Paddington Bear.

They’re also replacing Tess and Claudia on Strictly, apparently.

The Greater Manchester – and a bit of Warrington – contingent kept coming too as YouTuber and I’m a Celeb winner Angryginge took the stage with his best mate, darts master Luke Littler.

Wholesome right? Not quite, but pride in where you’re from comes out in the strangest of ways sometimes, hence his comment about “people realising London is a ****hole” (which was bleeped for those watching at home).

Away from awards, and just over a week after gracing the Co-op Live stage, RAYE was back to reclaim her flowers, having previously won a record six awards at the last ceremony. She delivered a jazz-ed up version of Where Is My Husband! Backed by her band, the medley with her latest single Nightingale Lane showed her voice is at its finest and has already claimed her stake at next year’s awards.

“My albums out next month,” the fiercely independent artist reminds fans.

The stars of K-Pop Demon Hunters brought a pre-recorded performance outside Co-op Live, surrounded by many of the young adoring fans who have made the Netflix film their latest obsession.

Meanwhile, Catalonian superstar Rosalia represented one of the big international performers on the 2026 show. Performing Berghain, the polyglot oozes elegance on the stage with what Jack Whitehall saying it was the ‘closest thing to opera on the ITV since the Go Compare adverts’.

Performing Berghain, from her latest magnum opus Lux, the performer showed off her esteemed classical training at the Catalonia College of Music. It’s was a stunning performance that is without fault. A mix of colosseum chic, mixed with street party and night club rave, she’s then joined by Bjork, appearing out of nowhere dressed as the Purple One from a Quality Street tub. Camp, beautiful, eloquent and sheer utter talent. A showstopper.

As we come back down to earth, Bobby Gillespie had the honour of awarding a special prize to one of our most famous exports – Noel Gallagher.

‘Manchester’s Final Boss’, as Jack Whitehall so aptly put it, stepped onto stage to accept Songwriter of the Year – a credit to his more than 30 years of songwriting. He’s was in a sentimental mood, too.

“Yes, Manchester, I’m going to start by saying I’ve got to thank my brother and Bonehead, and Guigsy, Tony McCarroll, Alan White, Gem, and Andy,” says Noel.

“They brought those songs to life, without them, I’d just be a singer-songwriter, and nobody gives a shit about singer-songwriters. More importantly, I’d like to thank you, the people who’ve kept those songs alive for the last 35 years.

“Without you, you’ve given us the most extraordinary life, and thank you very much for that. Have a great night. Up the f*****g Blues!” – which was bleeped again for ITV viewers.

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Wolf Alice rolled out a kitsch IKEA showroom for a rendition of The Sofa, while Olivia Dean brought a romanticised arena to their feet with a dazzling and majestical rendition of Man I Need. Not content with that, American artist Alex Warren performed massive hit Ordinary, featuring a cameo from the one and only James Blunt.

Mark Ronson’s medley of hits featured American rap legend Ghostface Killah emerging out of the back of a car, Dua Lipa appearing from above an oversized disco ball in a white fur coat and a poignant tribute to Amy Winehouse featuring some of the band members she performed with. A “fake” stage invasion during Sombr’s set and we were on the home stretch, arriving at one of the most poignant parts of the night.

There was also a poignant tribute from The Charlatans legend Tim Burgess to The Stone Roses guitarist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, who died in November. He told the audience, “I know he was loved by so many of you here tonight and many more watching on TV. Mani was a kid from a few miles up the road. He changed music and inspired generations ahead of him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy, along with his unforgettable smile and uncontainable enthusiasm.

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“He was truly one of the phenomenal ones, and they are far and few between. So, I just want you to think about Mani for a moment,” he said as the crowd cheered.

“There will never be another f****** Ozzy Osbourne” shouted Sharon Osbourne at the top of her lungs to a room hanging on her every word. Following his passing last year, she and daughter Kelly accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf. A household name and a “proud brummie” it’s an emotional tribute to a man who had such a large impact on the music industry, his fans and his family.

A man of such influence deserves an all-star lineup and that’s exactly what he got as the show closed out in true BRITs style. The tribute performance, curated by Ozzy’s wife Sharon, featured a special arrangement of Black Sabbath’s 1991 song No More Tears, with Robbie Williams joined on stage by musicians who have previously played as part of Ozzy’s band, including keyboardist Adam Wakeman, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, drummer Tommy Clufetos and guitarist Zakk Wylde. The crowd up on their feet, it couldn’t have been more fitting end for a historic night and Manchester’s epic BRITs debut.

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Ahead of the show, the red carpet set up for the event was simply extraordinary. A huge tent was set up on the main Co-op Live car park, with a massive security operation around the whole of Eastlands in place given the number of famous musicians and VIPs in attendance.

An area was sectioned off for the public who whooped and cheered with every star arrival at the arena, naturally the biggest cheers of all reserved for homecoming hero Harry Styles.

There were three long rows of red carpet with representatives from seemingly the entire nation’s media in attendance – showing the sheer scale of this event.

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The BRITs move to the north for the first time this year was warmly welcomed by stars who spoke to the MEN on the red carpet. Mark Ronson, who won an outstanding achievement award on the night, hailed the significance of Manchester music in his own life, and said that holding the BRITs in the city gave the event “a new energy”. He said “It feels fresh, and obviously this is a great arena.”

He added: “Winning this award in Manchester is particularly special to me because my very first gig was at the MEN Arena with Dizzee Rascal, so Manchester will always be a very special place to me.”

Meanwhile, Robbie Williams agreed, adding: “The north has been starving for something like this for so long.”

Already admired for its cobbled market square, stone cottages and surrounding Dales scenery, Grassington has found a new audience after doubling as the fictional town of Darrowby in Channel 5’s hit series All Creatures Great and Small.

Now, with filming underway for series seven and the show recently crowned Best Drama Series at the TV Choice Awards, the spotlight on this picturesque Dales town shows no sign of fading any time soon.

Long before television crews arrived, Grassington was regularly praised by visitors as “beautiful,” “full of character,” and “idyllic”.

Grassington (Image: ANDREW QUINN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Its historic square, lined with independent cafés, galleries and small shops, has always made it a natural stop for day-trippers exploring Wharfedale.

But since the 2020 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small, inspired by James Herriot’s beloved veterinary tales, the town has taken on a second identity.

Each series sees Grassington carefully transformed into 1930s and 40s Darrowby.

Modern signage disappears, shopfronts are redressed, and vintage props line the cobbled streets, transporting visitors back almost a century.

Producers chose Grassington for its authenticity.

The town’s stone-built architecture and preserved market square require little alteration to recreate the world of Herriot’s stories.

Fans wandering through the square will quickly spot familiar backdrops.

The Devonshire Arms is reimagined on screen as The Drovers Arms, where many of the drama’s key scenes unfold.

Just outside Grassington (Image: BRIAN GRAY/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

The Stripey Badger bookshop becomes Endelby’s Grocers, while a private residence in the town serves as Skeldale House, the surgery and home of James Herriot and his colleagues.

The Devonshire Arms previously described being approached by a location scout in summer 2019, initially unaware that the production would be a remake of All Creatures Great and Small.

“Little did we know that this would be the beginning of a huge adventure,” the pub said, recalling how the show became “the worst-kept secret in the Dales”.

They added that watching the transformation process, from dressed shopfronts to props such as the temporary portico and even period post boxes, has been “fascinating”.

The square has also hosted large-scale scenes, including the annual Darrowby Show, bringing much of the fictional community together on screen.

The series has become Channel 5’s most successful drama to date, reaching more than 14 million viewers across its first five series and remaining the channel’s top programme year after year.

It has also developed a strong international following, particularly in the United States, through PBS.

That popularity has translated into a surge of visitors to Grassington.

Filming for All Creatures Great and Small (Image: CHANNEL5)

Tourists often arrive clutching maps of filming locations, eager to stand outside the pub, the grocer’s shop and the vet’s surgery they recognise from television.

Local businesses have reported steady increases in trade, from overnight stays to café footfall, as the town cements its place on the tourist map.

While filming can bring temporary road closures and disruption, many residents have embraced Grassington’s starring role, expressing pride at seeing their home celebrated on screen.

The cast and crew recently thanked fans after the show was named Best Drama Series at the TV Choice Awards.

In a social media message marking the end of series six, which concluded with an emotional Christmas Eve episode set in 1945, the team said: “What an honour to be named Best Drama Series.

“Thank you to every single person who voted and supported Series 6. Your support truly means the world to us.”

With series seven now filming in the Yorkshire Dales and both series seven and eight confirmed, Grassington’s future as Darrowby appears secure.

Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, described the programme as “a jewel in 5’s drama crown”, praising its warmth, humour and heart set against the beauty of Yorkshire.

Yet even without its television fame, Grassington offers plenty to draw visitors.

Beyond browsing the square’s independent shops and stopping in its traditional pubs, visitors can explore riverside walks along the River Wharfe, head onto Grassington Moor for panoramic views or plan their trip around one of the town’s well-known events, including its Christmas market and summer arts festivals.

As staycations continue to appeal to travellers seeking slower, more scenic breaks, Grassington stands out as both a quintessential Dales market town and a small-screen star.

Online betting platforms have provided a new means for people to become war profiteers, with millions of dollars reportedly spent on bets related to the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, according to a new Axios report.

Early on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on Iran. Since then, Iran has retaliated, launching its own drone strikes and missiles at U.S. allies in the region, with Trump saying the attack killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

As bombs fell and people died, gamblers around the world took advantage of the chaos to make a buck.

Kalshi, a prediction market, reportedly saw $36 million in bet volume related to whether or not there will be a regime change in Iran.

A similar online betting site, Polymarket, saw more than $31 million in trade volume relating to whether or not Khamenei would still be in power come March 31.

Other questions — drawing in millions of dollars in bets — asked whether or not a ceasefire will be announced or if the U.S. will carry out a full invasion of Iran.

It’s not the first time gamblers have made major money by betting on Trump’s military actions. When the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, an individual with a relatively new account pumped $30,000 into a bet that Maduro would be ousted. Hours later, the Trump administration captured Maduro, earning the gambler more than $436,000.

That wager led to speculation that someone with insider knowledge used the market to enrich themselves. While betting using insider knowledge is prohibited on the platforms, enforcement of those rules is left up to the sites themselves, not regulators.

Now there are suspicions that other insiders used the Iran strikes to get rich. Six accounts on Polymarket reportedly won approximately $1.2 million by predicting the U.S. would launch a strike on Iran on February 28, according to CoinDesk.

Blockchain analyzer Bubblemaps noted that the bets were made just hours before the strike, and that the accounts had no activity before making the Iran strike bets.

The Independent has requested comment from Polymarket.

For those hoping to get some geopolitical bets in, there are plenty of questions still open on the market.

Kalshi has an entire Iran section, where bettors can wager on whether or not Tehran will close the Strait of Hormuz and who will become the next Supreme Leader. Currently, the leading response to that question is that the position will be abolished, suggesting a belief that there will be regime change.

Polymarket is still accepting bets on whether or not Khamenei will be leading Iran come March 31. Right now, 93 percent of bettors say no.

Real gamblers can bet on which country the U.S. attacks next. As of this report, more than $2 million has been bet on that question, and 93 percent of gamblers have picked Somalia as Trump’s next target.