Carrick, who is feeling the heat after a winless run of four games, welcomed back Luke Shaw from injury at left-back after the England international’s spell out with a thigh problem, while summer signing Carlos Baleba was amongst the substitutes for the first time since his move from Brighton, having arrived at Old Trafford with a pre-existing ankle issue.

Indonesia is home to about 36 per cent of the world’s tropical peatlands, and the degradation and draining of these landscapes has worsened the situation. When parched, the peatlands can burn for weeks, releasing more toxic fine particulate matter and carbon than tropical forest fires. 

The El Niño, which typically brings hotter, drier weather to Southeast Asia, has exacerbated the situation. 

“Indonesia is only about three weeks into its fire season, but we’re seeing fire activity track sharply upward, similar to 2015,” Robert Field, a Columbia University researcher, told NASA Earth Observatory. “The strong El Niño is making the dry season drier over the fire-prone parts of the country and exacerbating burning.”

On Thursday, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned there was almost a 100 per cent chance the weather phenomenon will continue through to February – the strongest level of certainty it has ever given in an El Nino/La Nina update. 

“If this trajectory continues, it may be stronger than anything since our monitoring began – so literally off the charts we have used for the past four decades,” Celeste Saulo, the WMO Secretary-General, told reporters in Geneva. 

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

Associate Editor Tom Bryant falls in love with the charismatic five new Strictly professionals – who reveal all about joining the biggest show on TV

Following the biggest shake-up of Strictly’s professional line-up in years, five new dancers have been thrust into the limelight. And after spending time with all of them, I suspect that winning over viewers will be the easiest routine they learn all year.

There is 22-year-old Ukrainian Aleksandra Isaeva – a hilarious force of nature who her new colleagues describe as “a firework”. Then there is fiercely bright South African Lethabo Monametsi, 23, deep-thinking Italian Cristian Priori, 34, and laid-back Canadian Mark Karmalita, 23, whose new colleagues already predict will become something of a Strictly heartthrob.

And for 21-year-old Brit dancer Maddie Ingoldsby, who is paired with Love Island’s Cach Mercer, joining the show is a lovely full-circle moment.

“Shirley [Ballas] used to actually be my teacher,” Maddie laughs. “It’ll be like going back to when I was younger.”

Head judge Shirley has coached many of the pros over the years, and Maddie knows from experience exactly how demanding she can be. “She’s like my strict dance mum… I’ll just be trying to get it perfect for her,” she admits.

Viewers will instantly warm to Maddie. But the Bournemouth dancer still seems slightly bemused that any of this is actually happening – and reveals that she initially ignored the email from producers asking to meet her.

“I thought it was spam… I didn’t think it was real,” she smiles. “It’s very weird. I don’t believe it’s real right now. “I’m, like, ‘Oh, am I really going to be on TV tomorrow night?’”

Maddie’s CV suggests she has little reason to be daunted. She is a UK National Ballroom Champion and eight-time Amateur 10-Dance World Champion who has also been crowned World Rising Star and Under-21 World Ballroom Champion. The others arrive with equally formidable dance backgrounds.

Aleksandra is a multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion, and is ranked among the world’s top 21 Latin dancers. Her dance partner Cristian is a four-time Italian Latin Champion, while Canadian Mark is a two-time National Latin Champion.

Lethabo, meanwhile, is an undefeated South African Latin Champion – and also has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Law major from the University of the Witwatersrand. “She is super smart… any interview with her should be at least three hours long as she is so knowledgeable,” Aleksandra says.

Lethabo also says that when she got the call from Strictly, she had to swear her family to secrecy and “there were tears, including from myself”. She first fell in love with dance after watching the South African version of Strictly Come Dancing.

Lethabo says: “My dance journey started because of Strictly, and then to come all these years later and find myself entering Strictly, it was just… ‘I can’t believe this is happening’.”

Cristian and Aleksandra both teach at a dance studio in Italy and had to sneakily arrange replacements without telling their students where they were going. Cristian says: “We had to keep it secret from them ‘til the last moment before we did a call with everyone. They were delighted for us, and gave us a cake with our picture and Strictly on. It was very moving.”

Mark had been teaching in Toronto and found himself having similarly mysterious conversations. “I had to keep it, like, ‘Guys, I have to leave, but I can’t tell you where and why’,” he says. “Everyone was trying to guess. Then when the news came out, it all made sense.”

There is one thing Mark’s fellow newcomers think he may be rather less prepared for, though. “When we go to Blackpool, all the girls will be screaming his name,” Aleksandra laughs, calling him “the cutest boy”. And Cristian agrees, joking: “I think he will steal the hearts not just of teenagers, but also all the mums of England.”

Mark, who is paired with Olympian Tabby Stoecker, is rather more bashful about the prospect of becoming a sex symbol, though. “I don’t want to say that’s going to happen,” he laughs.

“I appreciate the compliment, but I don’t know. I’m just going to try to be the best version of myself. Whatever happens, happens.”

The five newbies have already had their first taste of the showbiz world, joining the rest of the Strictly cast at the National Television Awards as the show picked up another prize. But anyone thinking they stayed up celebrating into the wee small hours would be mistaken.

“We didn’t join the party because the day after it was a very early morning call at the studios and we had to record,” Cristian says.

But Mark adds: “I actually got to meet Gordon Ramsay. I thought that was really epic.” And for Aleksandra, Strictly also gives her a platform to talk about where she comes from. She says: “Ukraine is everything to me: it’s my identity, my blood, my DNA. For four years, we haven’t had much good news, but I’m so grateful to be able to share my love for dance while also sharing the Ukrainian roots and the place I come from.”

All five dancers are also prepared for the inevitable moment Craig Revel Horwood delivers one of his less-than-complimentary verdicts.

“The competitive dance world can be cutthroat,” Lethabo says. “You get accustomed to learning to take criticism and learning to take any form of feedback and understanding that it’s not personal.”

Maddie agrees. “I’ll always take it…even if it’s grumpy and grouchy, and Craig saying, ‘That was awful, darling’.”

And if viewers want an idea of quite how excited the newcomers are, Aleksandra probably sums it up best. “Imagine how planet Earth was created,” she said. “This is bigger.”

Set against the backdrop of Pendle Hill, the route takes visitors through the village landscapes linked to one of England’s most infamous witch trials, allowing walkers to follow in the footsteps of people whose names are still remembered more than 400 years later.

The Pendle witches story dates back to 1612, when 12 people from the area around Pendle Hill were accused of witchcraft. Most were connected to two rival families, the Demdikes and the Chattoxes, whose long-running feud became caught up in a wider investigation.

The accused were eventually tried at Lancaster Castle, with 10 people executed after being found guilty.

Today, their story has become one of Lancashire’s most famous pieces of folklore and heritage.

The walking route explores many of the places connected to the trials, beginning in and around the villages beneath Pendle Hill before passing through countryside that has changed little since the 17th century.

One of the most popular sections starts in Barley, a village often used as a gateway to Pendle Hill. From there, walkers can explore the surrounding area, including Newchurch-in-Pendle, where visitors can find the so-called “witches’ grave” bearing the Nutter name, a reference linked to one of the accused, Alice Nutter.

The route also takes in sites associated with stories from the trials, including locations where some of the accused were said to have lived or met, as well as viewpoints across the landscape that became forever linked with the events of 1612.

While the history attracts visitors from around the world, the scenery is equally impressive. The route passes beneath Pendle Hill, which rises to 557 metres and dominates the skyline across much of East Lancashire.

Pendle Hill has been named among the most scary walking routes in the UK (Image: Getty)

Walkers are rewarded with sweeping views over the Ribble Valley, Burnley and the surrounding countryside.

For those wanting a longer challenge, Lancashire is also home to the Pendle Witches Walking Trail, a route based on part of the journey taken when the accused witches were marched to trial at Lancaster in 1612.

The trail begins at the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford.

More than four centuries after the trials, the Pendle witches remain woven into the identity of the area.

From statues and heritage attractions to walking routes and annual events, their story continues to draw thousands of visitors to East Lancashire every year.

For walkers looking to combine a countryside hike with a fascinating piece of Lancashire history, few routes are quite as memorable as the Pendle Witch Walk.

By ROBERT FOLKER, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 19:58 BST, 20 September 2026 | Updated: 20:12 BST, 20 September 2026

By ELEANOR MANN

Published: 19:09 BST, 20 September 2026 | Updated: 19:45 BST, 20 September 2026

Mia Tindall followed in her mother’s equestrian footsteps at the weekend – and was the spitting image of Zara competing around the same age.

The 12-year-old took the reins for the team show jumping competition at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire on Sunday.

Wearing traditional uniform as she rode her pony Bunny Two Twirls, Mia looked very much like Zara did when she took part in an Animal Fun Day charity event at Ascot Racecourse in 1992 aged 11. 

Her mother beamed as she watched her daughter, having competed at Blenheim herself earlier this weekend on her horse Classicals Euro Star, affectionately known as Casper. 

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The mother and daughter daughter were pictured chatting and smiling in jodhpurs this morning, both looking in their element as they prepared to saddle up. 

Later on in the day, Zara was spotted helping Mia prepare to compete, watching her do a practice round of the jumps and feeding Mia’s pony. 

The young royal looked confident as she cleared the jumps, competing in the showjumping section of the trials as part of her team Minchinhampton Pony Club, which is based near Stroud, Gloucestershire. 

Mia looked grown up and smart in her traditional riding uniform, donning black polished riding boots, a fitted competition jacket, and her hair swept back into a low bun beneath a black helmet. 

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Experienced equestrian Zara cheered her daughter Mia (pictured on her horse, Bunny Two Twirls) on at Blenheim Palace this weekend 

The royal watched from the sidelines as her daughter cleared the jumps on a grey gelding pony

Zara had competed herself two days earlier at the same event on her horse Classicals Euro Star 

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Mia had been spotted grooming her mother’s horse at Blenheim on Saturday before competing herself the next day. 

Zara, who is married to former England rugby player Mike Tindall and is the King’s niece, was dressed casually in white skinny jeans on Saturday and a navy blue jacket, as she cheered Mia on. 

The royal completed her equestrian look with her hair tied back in a low bun and a pair of stylish sunglasses. 

Zara, who won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and was once voted BBC Sports Personality Of The Year, proudly supported her eldest daughter at the junior event. 

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It is perhaps no surprise that the young royal has inherited her family’s love of horses. Her grandparents, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, both competed at the Olympics in horsing events. 

Zara and her daughter looked right at home in matching jodhpurs as they attended the event together this weekend

Queen Elizabeth II, meanwhile, rode as a small child up until a few weeks before her death aged 96 in 2022.

In a 2019 interview, Zara revealed that both her daughters, Mia and Lena, had taken to riding at a young age, adding: ‘They both ride. Lena is in a little basket on the saddle, purely a passenger. But we just bought Mia a new pony called Magic.’ 

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The Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, which take place at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, ran from Friday to Sunday, with the Dressage phase running from Thursday to Friday, while the Cross-country phase began on Saturday. 

Zara has competed at the prestigious equestrian event several times – and in 2005 won individual and team gold on Toytown during the European Championships. 

The legendary BBC host left Strictly in 2025 along with Tess Daly

Strictly Come Dancing legend Claudia Winkleman has given her verdict on replacement host, Emma Willis.

The new presenter – who’s fronting the BBC One flagship show alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe – made her debut last night, Spetember 19.

Willis – like hosting team before her, Winkleman and Tess Daly, shared her outfit of the week on her Instagram, showcasing the stylish, rose gold-coloured sparkly dress for week one.

Her comment section was awash with compliments from celebs including Claudia herself. The Traitors host simply wrote “knockout” in her verdict on Willis’ look. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.

Alison Hammond also commented saying “stunning” as did fashion guru, Gok Wan.

It was announced last year that hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would be stepping down from their hosting duties after an incredible run. Tess, 57, had hosted the BBC One dance series since the very start in 2004 while Claudia, 54, had joined in 2010.

After months of anticipation and speculation, Tess and Claudia’s replacements were finally revealed as Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and pro dancer Johannes Radebe. Incredibly, Emma, 50, will be hosting the pre-recorded The Voice UK at the same time as live Strictly Come Dancing.

Talking about becoming hosts and hitting back at any backlash, the trio opened up in an exclusive interview with Radio Times. “You can’t please everyone and everyone has an opinion about Strictly. Some people won’t be happy that it’s us presenting, but there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m not here for negativity.” Josh, 43, shrugged, according to the publication. “What can you do? It’s a joyful show. I never read that kind of stuff before and I’m not going to start now.”

Strictly Come Dancing’s live shows start on September 26 on BBC One.

Hayden Panettiere was honored by her celebrity friends at a memorial in Malibu, California, on Saturday.

Panettiere’s former Nashville costars Connie Britton, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio attended the celebration of life at Malibu Pacific Church.

Ruby Rose, Beverly D’Angelo, Evan Ross, filmmaker Storm Santos, celebrity colorist Erick Orellana, makeup artist Beau Nelson and other friends and entertainment industry figures were seen in exclusive photos obtained by the Daily Mail.

The gathering began around 5pm outside the church where up to 150 guests ate food from Pizza Girl on a mezzanine. 

At around 5:30pm, several doves were released in a symbolic gesture.

The group then moved inside the church for a moving ceremony, where a large photograph of Hayden was displayed alongside the words: ‘Honoring the life & legacy Hayden Panettiere 8.12.89 – 8.16.26.’

Beverly D’Angelo and Ruby Rose were among 150 guests at the memorial

During the evening, Nashville actor Jackson was seen in tears as he was comforted by fellow cast member Sam Palladio

A large photograph of Hayden was displayed alongside the words: ‘Honoring the life & legacy Hayden Panettiere 8.12.89 – 8.16.26’

During the evening, Nashville actor Jackson was seen in tears as he was comforted by fellow cast member Palladio.

Security guards were stationed at the entrance to the church throughout the evening, while local Sheriff’s deputies were also in attendance. The celebration of life concluded at around 7.30pm.

A source told TMZ that the gathering was ‘emotional and beautiful.’

A band was set up inside the church and Britton and Charles Esten read speeches.

Esten also performed a song from their show, Nashville.

Panettiere’s mother Leslie Vogel, from whom the actress was estranged, was reportedly not in attendance, while her father Skip was.

Skip was seen wearing a suit with Hawaiian-style lei flowers around his neck. 

A source close to Vogel denied that she was invited but told TMZ she couldn’t attend due to a family emergency.

A somber-looking Britton was pictured looking out over a balcony. She wore a black dress with a lacy skirt

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Evan Ross was at the event where 150 people gathered to honor the actress’ life

Filmmaker Storm Santos, celebrity colorist Erick Orellana, makeup artist Beau Nelson and other friends and entertainment industry figures were seen 

At around 5:30pm, several doves were released in a symbolic gesture

Panettiere’s on–off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach have reacted to being snubbed from the late actress’s memorial.

The brothers understand why they were not included in Panettiere’s celebration of life, according to TMZ.

Panettiere died one month ago at age 36, after going into cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose in South Carolina, where she was staying at an Airbnb with Brian, 37, and Zach, 38.

Amid the Nashville star’s death, Brian is said to be spiraling and has reportedly lost 40 pounds since Panettiere died.

Last month, detectives confirmed to the Daily Mail that they responded to a 911 call from an ‘acquaintance’ of Panettiere, who described her as ‘unresponsive.’

Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, was found on a mattress in the loft apartment where the actress was staying, TMZ previously reported.

Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said that Panettiere’s autopsy has been completed and that no signs of trauma were found on the star’s body.

She had arrived in Greenville with Brian one day earlier.

More guests are seen arriving to the gather at Malibu Pacific Church on Saturday

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Panettiere’s father, Skip (not pictured), was seen wearing a suit with Hawaiian-style lei flowers around his neck

Panettiere’s on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach were snubbed from the late actress’s memorial; pictured in 2018

In the weeks since Panettiere’s shock death, Zach (pictured) and Brian have run into trouble with the law

According to the Greenville Police Department’s incident report, Zach told police that Brian was sleeping in a separate room of the Airbnb when he arrived and found the actress unresponsive in a chair. 

Zach stated that Brian administered Narcan – a medication that reverses opioid overdoses – and that they performed CPR while communicating with 911 dispatchers.

Earlier this month, Brian and Zach were involved in a bar brawl, leading to the former’s detainment and the latter’s arrest for disorderly conduct.

The brothers had been drinking at Wild Wing Cafe, an eyewitness told TMZ, when other patrons allegedly heckled them over Panettiere’s August 16 death.

Panettiere had a tumultuous on-and-off relationship with Brian beginning in 2018.

Throughout their relationship, he was arrested and charged in connection with domestic abuse multiple times.

In 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, resulting in jail time, probation, domestic violence classes, $500 in restitution, and a five-year protective order, per People.

Zach previously told TMZ in the wake of the actress’s death: ‘There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling.

‘The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation. And that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth.’

He described Panettiere as ‘precious’ and said her friends and family should be allowed to mourn her peacefully.

‘At this time, I want to clarify my involvement in effort to keep the focus on the fact that we lost one of the most precious individuals on this earth and to allow those that cared about her to mourn without additional noise, chaos, and misinformation being created and propagated by the media as well as the public,’ he said.

By PATRICK HARRINGTON, UK NEWS REPORTER

Published: 19:17 BST, 20 September 2026 | Updated: 19:35 BST, 20 September 2026

Russia‘s ruling party that is loyal to Vladimir Putin is set for a landslide victory in the latest parliamentary elections, according to state-run exit polls.

The United Russia party is predicted to take home around half the vote, similar to its result in the previous elections of 2021. 

The Communist Party is on track for second place with around 14 percent of the vote, followed by the LDPR on ten percent.

The turnout for the election was around 56 percent.

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The result of the election was never truly in doubt, because the Kremlin exerts tight control over the voting process.

In the absence of a credible opposition, the question was not whether Putin’s party would win, but by how much.

Putin is not a member of United Russia, but he served as its leader between 2008 and 2012.

These elections were for the state Duma – Russia’s parliament – rather than for the president’s seat, so Putin was not on the ballot card.

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Polls closed on Sunday after three days of voting.

Sunday also brought Ukraine’s largest attack on Moscow since the outbreak of the war, in which hundreds of drones were downed and two people killed.

This is a breaking news story, refresh for updates.

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Plumes of smoke rise from fires (right) at an oil refinery on Sunday after what the Russians says was Ukraine’s largest attack on Moscow

The ruling party loyal to Vladimir Putin looks set for a landslide victory