HMS Dragon, deployed to protect British air bases in Cyprus, has docked for maintenance – less than a month after leaving Portsmouth.

The Type 45 destroyer is capable of shooting down the types of drones and ballistic missiles being launched by Iran.

Iran war latest: ‘A whole civilisation will die’, Trump warns

However, the vessel has a “minor technical issue” with its water systems, and the ship has docked in the eastern Mediterranean for what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has described as a “routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period”.

The MoD added in a statement: “HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during this period, able to sail at short notice if required.”

HMS Dragon is one of a number of British military assets in the region which are defending UK bases and allied nations from Iranian-made drones and other weapons.

Read more: HMS Dragon and its weapons

A Shahed-136 drone hit RAF Akrotiri – one of two major British bases in Cyprus – on 2 March, prompting the prime minister to deploy the ship.

But it took another week to leave Portsmouth, and then around another two weeks to arrive in the eastern Mediterranean.

It has raised concerns among some military analysts about the UK’s military preparedness and ability to respond to threats.

Read more from Sky News:
Is US about to commit war crimes?
Iran undermines US ‘air dominance’
Has Britain let down Cyprus

Former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe told Sky’s This Is Why podcast that one reason is down to a “30-year decline” in defence spending.

But at the time, Defence Secretary John Healey pointed out that the crew completed the necessary work to prepare for deployment in six days, compared with the usual six weeks.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been critical of the UK’s decision to provide only defensive support.

He compared Royal Navy ships to “toys”, adding they are “too old” and “broken-down”.

Military sources said the technical issue has not affected the ship’s operation, and the crew have access to water for washing and catering as normal.

In an update about the ship, the MoD confirmed in a statement: “HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the Eastern Mediterranean, allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems, and conduct maintenance.”

The Only Way is Essex icon is back on ITV

I’m a Celebrity South Africa viewers agreed that Gemma Collins has “saved” the series moments into her entrance.

The ITV spin-off series has returned to viewers screens, and it features a stacked cast of famous faces from some of the most memorable series in the jungle of years gone by.

With episode one out of the way, it was time for two new stars to enter the Savannah and meet their fellow campmates. Joining the existing celebrities, it was former Coronation Street star Craig Charles and Essex icon Gemma Collins.

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The last time Gemma was in the jungle, she quit after 72 hours back in 2014, but revealed that she’s determined for viewers to see a different side of her. Additionally, she’s confident she won’t quit.

“Going on All Stars is a real moment for me in my career – it’s redemption. To be able to do this again is the greatest honour ever. I am going to be the best campmate and get those stars. None of us will be starving under my watch,” she told ITV.

Gemma continued: “My soul told me it was right for me. I’ve never been to South Africa before. I think that is why they made a show on Essex people, because none of us have really left Essex! The fact I am now here is amazing.”

On Tuesday (April 7) night, the campmates were adjusting to life in camp, but change was on the horizon as Craig and Gemma got into their designated helicopters.

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As Gemma prepared to get into a helicopter once more to face her fears from 12 years ago, she ended up enjoying the view from above.

On X (formerly known as Twitter), viewers expressed their excitement that Gemma had returned to the series. @fansvfavourites wrote: “obsessed with gemma overcoming her fear of helicopters within 4 minutes of being on the show! that’s our winner”.

@itsbbplus added: “Gemma Collins being on #ImACeleb for about 3 minutes & has already saved the entire series” as @felixw1 agreed: “2 minutes and Gemma Collins have already saved this series”.

She moved to Ireland eight years ago has detailed seven aspects of life that have been “ruined” for her after living in the Emerald Isle for so long

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An American woman who moved to Ireland has listed seven things the country has “ruined” for her after eight years of living there.

Ireland is known and loved for many things, from its dramatic, rugged and varied landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher and the scenic beauty found along the famed Wild Atlantic Way, to its cosy and traditional pubs, vibrant music scene, and plenty more.

It’s an ideal mix of history and culture, with cities like Galway offering a bohemian atmosphere, while Dublin is one for the history buffs. Tosin Cullen moved to the country from America and has adapted to the noticeable differences in life in the Emerald Isle.

READ MORE: Doctors and Air Corps praised for reuniting 96-year-old cancer patient with wife before he diedREAD MORE: Linda Ervine among Irish president’s appointments to Council of State

She’s documented her experiences on social media, with a recent Instagram post detailing seven elements of life in Ireland which have forever changed her. The post is made up of a carousel of images with text added over the top offering her thoughts, according to the Irish Mirror.

In the caption accompanying the post, Tosin penned: “A few I forgot to mention in my initial post. Consider this the last part of my little love letter to the Emerald Isle”.

In the first image, she said: “Things Ireland has ruined for me (as someone who has lived here for eight years)”. She then began: “Getting off the phone. If I don’t say ‘bye-bye-bye-bye-bye’ at least six times, the call isn’t over.”

Tosin continued: “The post-dinner cuppa: dinner isn’t officially over until the kettle is on. If there’s no tea, did we even eat?

“The career break. Try explaining to someone outside of Ireland that you’re just ‘nipping off’ for a year to find yourself and your job will be waiting.

“The word ‘grand’. It no longer means money. It is a feeling, an emotion. Heartbroken? Grand. Won a free meal? Grand. In a hurricane? ‘Ah sure, it’s grand’.”

She then moved on to discuss the airport and said: “‘Welcome home’ from the immigration officer melts my heart every time. It just feels like a hug the second you land.”

After that, she detailed the sense of “trust” abundant in Ireland. She explained: “It’s kinda ruined my ability to deal with strict rules. Whether it’s ‘tap to pay’ for water at the airport or the ‘Luas is free’ joke – nowhere else has that same ‘sure it’ll be fine’ energy.”

To finish, Tosin added: “‘Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin’ translates to ‘there’s no hearth like your own hearth’ which essentially means there’s no place like home.”

In the comments section, fellow Instagram users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “I love this!! American here – just moved to Ireland six months ago with my husband (who’s Irish).

“I laughed out loud about the post-dinner cuppa. As someone who has never liked tea, I now get so excited when my husband turns on the kettle after dinner. Add a biscuit and I’m in heaven.”

Another said: “I know… the ‘welcome home from immigration’ OMG every time I just want to hug them. It’s so special.”

A third commented: “The cupán tae after dinner is so real! I don’t feel right if I don’t have it. Don’t think I ever thought about it this much before but I always have to have one! Haha.”

A fourth said: “You’re one of us now girl! No turning back”. Someone else shared: “Ireland is my favorite place on Earth!”

Another said: “Wow wow wow you have explained our island perfectly, thank you”. And another added: “Ah this post is so lovely. I could relate to every bit of it. There is no hearth like your own hearth.”

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As EastEnders viewers prepared to welcome back the Mitchell Princess, Sam (Kim Medcalf), last year, they were probably expecting another does of her patented blend of sex, criminal capers and shoddy parenting.

Even with the pre-return announcement that Sam’s return would involve a cancer plot, the shock of the perennially devilish diva returning as a frightened, vulnerable shell of her former self was a shock.

While she initially took her typically chaotic approach to things, cruelly manipulating the dementia suffering-Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and stealing the contents of big brother, Phil’s (Steve McFadden) safe, it was in the presence of her son, Ricky Branning (Frankie Day), that she began to waver.

Young Ricky could tell something was wrong when she told him that she was trying to secure him a nest-egg to help with his future. As she lamented her failings as a mother, Ricky was left unnerved.

Confronted by baby daddy Jack (Scott Maslen) and Phil, Sam’s front faltered, and it became incredibly apparent how terrified she truly was that she’d lose her life to the same illness that claimed her beloved mum, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).

With the support of Phil, Jack and various other Walford residents, Sam found the courage to fight back. Once officially diagnosed with breast cancer, she received a date for her lumpectomy and told Ricky the truth about her condition.

Sam faced an agonising wait for her results, but they came, and in the middle of a verbal catfight with frenemy and former co-conspirator, Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), she revealed that she was cancer free.

As she faced a return to Portugal to begin a gruelling course of radiotherapy, she learned from Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) that Ricky desperately wanted her to stay and Sam had a moment to take everything in.

A character always defined by her utter selfishness and single-minded focus on herself had grown to become a loving, dependable mum, a supportive sister and a confidante to Zack Hudson (James Farrar), George Knight (Colin Salmon), Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and even former enemies like Chrissie, Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) and Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan)…and she decided to stay, beginning her radiotherapy treatment, leaning on Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) as it took both a physical and emotional toll on her.

Next week sees her resume her role as support system for Zack, as he struggles with the upcoming wedding between Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), with whom he’s been fighting a growing attraction.

As the respective stag and hen parties begin, Zack opens his heart to Sam, and tells her of his recent tryst with Vicki, as well as the undeniable connection between them, moments before he’s forced to act as a stripper for her…

The following day, Zack lays it on the line for Vicki, who rejects him. He heads to Harry’s Barn to sink a few drinks before he’s joined by Sam. As the two engage in another heart to heart, she reveals that further tests have shown that she remains all clear for cancer.

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That’s right. She faced it, fought it and won. That’s our girl.

MORE: EastEnders legend stages return as Sam Mitchell opens up on cancer treatment

She was found at the airport on Easter Sunday and has now been reconnected with her human

A parrot who was found in Terminal 1 of Dublin Airport on Easter Sunday has been reunited with her owner.

Lola, who airport staff named “Troy” while she was in their care, has been reconnected with her human, Gheorghe, Dublin Airport confirmed on Tuesday evening.

Posting to social media, the airport shared a snapshot of Lola heading home with her owner after saying goodbye to Airport Police.

READ MORE: Dublin Airport desperately seeking to find owner of lost parrotREAD MORE: Ryanair passenger removed from Dublin flight sparks passport rules debate

“Lola (Troy) is officially back home,” they said. “After being spotted near Terminal 1, cared for by Airport Police and briefly rebranded as “Troy”, she has now been reunited with her owner, Gheorghe, this evening.”

Dublin Airport said they confirmed that she was going home with the right pet owner by her tag number and her response to hearing her real name. After being named Troy for her short stay, she is “happy enough” for “Troy” to be her middle name from here on out.

After finding her owner, Dublin Airport learned a few new things about the now-famous bird. Lola is nearly two years old and has a major soft spot for watermelon and strawberries, Dublin Live reports.

She’s definitely not the silent type and will get very vocal if she feels like she isn’t getting enough attention, and she is simply delighted that her shift at the airport is finally over.

“Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this happen, and a special shout out to the Airport Police K9 unit who built Lola a custom cage and kept her well fed (bananas and apples were the favourites on shift)” said Dublin Airport.

When asked how Lola came to be in the airport in the first place, Dublin Airport remained coy. “That’s another tale that is not ours to share” they said.

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A woman has been arrested

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Police have launched an investigation after a man was discovered dead at a property in Salford, with a woman subsequently arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse offences. Officers were called to an address on Gus Risman Street at approximately 1pm on Good Friday (April 3) following reports that a man’s body had been found. Tragically, the 29-year-old, named in tributes as Lewis Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A formal investigation was immediately launched by the force, and a 30 year old woman was taken into custody. She was questioned on suspicion of domestic abuse offences.

The woman has since been released on bail while enquiries continue. Police confirmed that “enquiries into the circumstances regarding his death remain ongoing”.

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Heartfelt tributes to Mr Kent were posted on social media throughout the Easter weekend, including one believed to have been written by his mother. She described him as a “lovely, big-hearted lad” and said he “would never hurt a fly”, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Another tribute read: “What a a lovely lad.” A further tribute added: “He was such a innocent loveable lad.”

In an official statement, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “At around 1pm on Friday 3 April, officers responded to reports of the body of a man in a property on Gus Risman Street, Salford. Officers attended and sadly, a 29-year-old man was found dead at an address.

“Enquiries into the circumstances regarding his death are currently ongoing. As part of the investigation, a woman, aged 30, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse offences.

“She has since been bailed pending further enquiries.”

At a press conference on Monday, Trump doubled down: “The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might ​be tomorrow night,” he said. “Every bridge in Iran will be decimated… Every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be ‌used again.”

The crime drama is available to stream in the UK and viewers have already been hooked

The popular crime drama is now available to stream in the UK.

A forgotten crime drama with a Gilmore Girls icon has landed on UK streaming, with the series gripping fans from start to finish.

Having first been released back in 2013 on CBC, Cracked follows one former SWAT officer, Detective Aidan Black, who was reassigned following a public incident. He was transferred to a newly created psych crimes and crisis unit as the series became a huge hit with viewers.

Starring Gilmore Girls icon David Sutcliffe (who is known for his role as Christopher Hayden), as Detective Black, the show spanned across two seasons before it was cancelled from television screens.

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Now, season one is available to stream on Prime Video and is currently trending on the streaming platform. However, the second season has not yet been made available.

Prime Video teases: “Former SWAT officer Detective Aidan Black is taken aback when he learns that his new partner isn’t a cop.

“He’s been assigned to work with forensic psychiatrist Dr. Daniella Ridley in a newly established unit tasked with solving the city’s most horrific crimes. Their contrasting perspectives and methods are meant to help crack even the toughest cases.”

With 13 episodes in season one, Cracked has been dubbed a must watch by viewers.

One IMDB reviewer wrote: “The First season of CRACKED had the promise of being something TRULY GREAT and the first of its kind on Canadian TV.” They later added: “Its rare that ANY television show has made me care so much for ALL of its characters. Even the weekly antagonist.”

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Another said: “I love the crime show genre, and this one is different enough to stand out from the crowd and entice me to watch every episode. Too many crime shows are built from the same mould.

“This show contains plenty of storyline and plot development, but still has a certain amount of thrill to it…so its not just mindless guts and gore, its not just another Drama, not just another who-dun-it show. I think it dips its toes just enough into each.”

A third said it was “excellent… excellent… excellent”, adding: ” The show has the suspense and also the drama. I was literally holding on to my pillow as I watched this show, trying not to miss even the tinniest details.”

Viewers may also recognise Stefanie von Pfetten as Dr. Daniella Ridley , Dayo Ade as Leo Beckett and Luisa D’Oliveira as Detective Poppy Wisnefski. Other familiar faces include Karen LeBlanc, Paul Popowich and Brooke Nevin.

Cracked season one can be streamed on Prime Video.

The Ryanair pilot had to abort his landing because the passenger refused to sit down and fasten his seatbelt

A drunken aircraft passenger has been jailed for 10 months for his aggressive and abusive behaviour on a flight returning to the UK from Poland. Stephen Blofield, 61, was so intoxicated on the Ryanair flight that both crew and fellow holidaymakers feared for their safety.

Bristol Crown Court heard Blofield became disruptive as the plane travelled from Krakow to Bristol on November 11 last year.

He had started drinking doubles at the airport to calm his nerves ahead of the flight and carried on while on board – becoming abusive towards the Polish cabin crew, WalesOnline reports.

As the flight was on approach to Bristol Airport, the British pilot had to abort his first attempt at landing because Blofield refused to sit down and fasten his seatbelt.

An earlier hearing was told he screamed ‘I’m savage, I drink JD” and “You can’t tell me what to do, I’m English”.

When the plane finally landed, the police were waiting to arrest him.

Ian Fenny, prosecuting, said: “When the officers boarded the flight and approached him, they found him to be drunk, aggressive and confrontational.

“Because of the confined space within the fuselage of an aeroplane, they were concerned that he might strike out and inflame the situation where they noticed that other passengers were already agitated.

“Eventually he was arrested and handcuffed and indeed during this process he struck out, narrowly missing the passenger to his left.

“The principal officer describes the defendant’s abuse as effectively the worst that he had to endure in 20 years as a police officer.”

Mr Fenny said Blofield’s behaviour was “so alarming and potentially dangerous” that he had to be removed from the plane using an ambulift, which is normally reserved for disabled passengers.

“As a consequence of the defendant’s behaviour, passengers were effectively marooned on board as the police, and most particularly cabin crew, tried to evacuate the plane quietly and safely,” Mr Fenny said.

“Because of the defendant’s behaviour and because of where he was actually sitting within the plane, that proved very difficult.

“Thus, a number of the passengers had no option but to be further exposed to what was described by the police as the defendant’s vile verbal aggression.”

At a previous hearing, Blofield, of Goshawk Road, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft, using threatening or abusive language to cabin crew, failing to comply with the pilot’s instructions, and an offence under the Public Order Act of using threatening abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Sam Louwers, defending, explained the defendant had lost his medication for back pain, depression and anxiety ahead of the flight to Poland and turned to alcohol for the trip home.

“Ultimately, Mr Blofield was a man who has come from a difficult background and eventually found himself in Poland due to tracing of family roots,” he said.

“When he found himself in Poland without his medication, he went into a form of withdrawal, confining himself to his hotel room and decided on that basis that he needed to return to the UK earlier than planned.

“When he got to the airport, his anxiety, depression, pain levels were sky high and he became incredibly nervous of flying and so foolishly decided that now would be the right time to settle his nerves, as many do, with a drink at the airport.”

He said the defendant had “no recollection” of the incident but had seen videos posted on social media of his behaviour.

“He’s never denied his behaviour, he’s never denied his actions, and as he explained to the police the reason he was struggling so much was because of that medical withdrawal,” Mr Louwers said.

“Mr Blofield is distressed by his behaviour, he’s distressed as to what he has witnessed in these videos.

“He is also distressed as to the fact that he has found himself before you today.

“He understands that his behaviour could have easily, and has, disrupted other passengers and the airline.

“He understands that it could have caused distress to other people, and most importantly, he understands that his behaviour is nothing short of unacceptable.”

Judge Euan Ambrose jailed Blofield, who is on benefits and has a lengthy criminal record, for 10 months.

“This is a case where only a custodial sentence can be justified,” he said. “It is so serious that no other form of sentence would be appropriate.

“You were drunk when you got on board and you continued to drink whilst on board, becoming increasingly drunk during the flight.

“Your behaviour deteriorated, you became disruptive and aggressive and refused to follow basic safety instructions from the crew, such as being asked to sit down, fasten your seatbelt and matters of that sort.

“You caused great concern and fear amongst fellow passengers and also fear and alarm to the crew.

“Your behaviour was such that the first attempt at landing into Bristol had to be aborted and when the plane finally did manage to land, police were called and boarded the plane.

“When they approached you, they found you drunk, aggressive, confrontational and extraordinarily abusive towards them.”