Cricket’s most profitable tournament is set to start this weekend in a significantly diminished form, bereft of both a major qualifying nation and the single biggest fixture in terms of the potential viewership it can attract.
A complicated mesh of diplomatic disputes among the South Asian nations involved, including co-hosts India, mean the T20 Cricket World Cup begins on Saturday under a shadow of geopolitical turmoil.
It all began with Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament, kicked out by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and replaced by the next-closest team to qualifying in Scotland. Bangladesh had refused to play any of their scheduled fixtures in India and demanded they be moved to co-hosts Sri Lanka, a request that was rejected.
Then, Pakistan announced that they would not play their group-stage match against arch-rivals India, due to take place in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo on 15 February. No reason was initially given, but Pakistan’s prime minister has since confirmed this was in solidarity with Bangladesh.
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These developments have put the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the centre of a dispute blending geopolitics, commercial power, and long-running grievances about how world cricket is run.
Pakistan’s players unveil ICC T20 World Cup 2026 jersey after their match against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 1 February 2026 (Getty)
Bangladesh’s withdrawal followed a formal request to move its scheduled matches to Sri Lanka, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) citing security concerns for its team and fans amid escalating political tensions between it and India.
Relations have dramatically deteriorated in the past 18 months since street protests brought down the Sheikh Hasina regime in 2024 and compelled the former prime minister, an ally of India, to flee to Delhi. India has ignored Dhaka’s requests for Hasina’s extradition to Bangladesh, where she has been found guilty of crimes against humanity.
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Since Hasina’s government collapsed, India and India-based rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the safety of members of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. In December, a Hindu man accused of blasphemy was beaten to death by a mob, triggering protests by Hindu nationalist groups in India.
Against this political backdrop, the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman in January after being instructed to do so by the BCCI.
Bangladeshi authorities responded by banning broadcasts of the IPL in their country.
The BCB then renewed its request for their team’s matches to be shifted out of India.
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Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman during the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Grand Prairie, Texas, on 7 June 2024 (AP)
The ICC rejected the request on the grounds of an “absence of any credible security threat”, and gave Bangladesh 24 hours to confirm its participation.
The Independent understands that no efforts were made to provide proof of the security threat faced by Bangladesh’s team, and when the deadline passed, Scotland were invited to take the vacant place. The governing body said it was keen not to establish “precedents that could undermine the neutrality and fairness of ICC events”.
Pakistan initially indicated they might withdraw entirely in response to Bangladesh’s removal. They later confirmed participation but said their team would not play India. Pakistan’s government said it had granted “approval” for the team to compete in the tournament but that players “shall not take to the field” against their arch-rivals.
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The India-Pakistan fixture has historically been the most-watched and commercially valuable match in global cricket. More than 600 million people watched on the Indian streaming platform JioHotstar when the teams met in last year’s Champions Trophy.
Cricketing ties between the two neighbours have been shaped by decades of conflict. They have not played a bilateral series since 2013, and India have not toured Pakistan since 2008.
Pakistan did not host any touring nations between 2009 and 2019 following an attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore that killed six policemen and two civilians.
Pakistani players have been barred from the IPL since the 2009 Mumbai attacks, which left 174 people dead.
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Last year, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, eventually playing their matches in the UAE.
That led to an agreement stating that when either country hosted an ICC event, matches between them would be held at neutral venues.
India celebrate their Asia Cup Final victory against Pakistan in Dubai on 28 September 2025 (Getty)
Tensions between the neighbours escalated in the wake of a four-day military conflict last April, sparked by a militant attack on tourists in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir.
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At the Asia Cup in September, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav declared that his team’s victory in the final was a “perfect reply” to Pakistan.
His team skipped post-match handshakes, later saying: “A few things in life are above sportsman’s spirit.”
Match officials later confirmed the captains had been asked to skip handshakes, prompting protests from Pakistani officials and criticism from Asian Cricket Council chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who called the episode “utterly disappointing”.
India refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi, who is also chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as well as the country’s interior minister. It ended with Naqvi walking away with the trophy.
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Former PCB chairman Ehsan Mani, who also served as the ICC chief between 2003 and 2006, told the Hindustan Times the latest row about matches between India and Pakistan was likely a fallout from the Asia Cup.
“You’ve got to look at the background to this,” he said. “I don’t think the PCB chairman was happy with the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani players at the Asia Cup, then their refusal to take their trophy from him. You’ve really got to look at the whole picture; it’s not a good relationship between the countries, which is sad, because we always worked very closely with the BCCI, and their attitudes have changed significantly.”
He urged the ICC chairman Jay Shah, who is the son of India’s home minister Amit Shah, to engage with the PCB and the Pakistan government over their stance.
“The PCB is simply going to say that it is following government instructions, the same as India did for refusing to come to Pakistan in the last ICC event,” he said. “And this is all very unfortunate. I do hope that the chairman of ICC, after all, he represents all the countries, including Pakistan, is talking to Pakistan to see how they can overcome Pakistan’s position. In fact, he should be engaging not only with PCB but also with the government of Pakistan.”
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Taskin Ahmed of Bangladesh celebrates the wicket of Aiden Markram of South Africa during their 2021 ICC T20 World Cup match in Abu Dhabi (Getty)
The ICC responded to Pakistan’s position by calling it “difficult to reconcile” with the premise of global competition.
“Selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” it said in a statement and warned of “significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country”.
While acknowledging the role of governments in national policy, it said Pakistan’s decision wasn’t in the interest of the game or fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.
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The Independent has reached out to the ICC, BCCI, BCB, and PCB for comment.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi accused the ICC of mishandling the situation. “It’s regrettable that Pakistan won’t play India, but I stand behind my government’s decision,” he wrote on X.
“This is the moment for the ICC to lead and prove through decisions, not statements, that it’s impartial, independent and fair to every member.”
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi said the standoff reflected long-standing resentment over how power and revenue were distributed in world cricket. He accused the BCCI, the sport’s wealthiest board, of using its influence to dominate decision-making.
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“I’m not a spokesman for the PCB, I’m giving you my view. The PCB consulted the government and they made this decision. There are 10-15 days to go before that match. My sense is that there are negotiations that are taking place, and my hope is that those negotiations will bear fruit,” he said.
Sethi linked Pakistan’s position to wider opposition to the so-called Big Three arrangement, under which India, Australia and England receive the majority of ICC revenue.
“It’s the attitude of the BCCI, that’s the problem. At every stage, they’ve been bullying people,” he said, recalling negotiations during the tenure of former BCCI chairman N Srinivasan.
“Nine members signed on and Mr Srinivasan came to me and said, ‘Why do you want to be left alone, blah blah blah, you will be isolated’, and the rest of it,” Sethi said. He described agreeing to revised revenue terms and an India-Pakistan series that later collapsed. “The contract was fine, but a year later, on the eve of the series, the BCCI, without a word, pulls out,” he recalled. “Can you think of a bigger insult?”
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Sethi argued that Bangladesh’s removal had created the conditions for a broader challenge. “They have been treating us very badly. Now that Bangladesh have been snubbed in a sense, we feel there are 400 million people on one side. We can all stand up,” he said. “There may be temporary losses, but at the end of the day, we will get a better, reformed ICC.”
Players have largely deferred to governments and administrators. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the boycott was beyond the team’s control.
“Well, they are our brothers. I thank them for supporting us,” he said of Bangladesh. “And it’s really sad to see that they are not playing the World Cup.”
The India match, he said, was not in their control. “It was the government’s decision.”
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Yadav said India would travel to Colombo as scheduled. “We have not refused to play, they have. We’ve booked our flight and we are going,” he said.
Imad Wasim of Pakistan bats during a Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup match against India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on 9 June 2024 (Getty)
While the ICC continues to hope that Pakistan will backtrack – especially with the governing body having warned of possible sanctions – former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma has predicted the PCB will reverse its stance after the 12 February election in Bangladesh, arguing the decision is politically driven.
“What was Bangladesh players’ fault? None. This is politics. Bangladesh has elections on the 12th. After that, you will see a U-turn. There will be a statement saying, ‘Considering public sentiment, cricket shouldn’t suffer, Pakistan will play against India.’ This stance is still about the Bangladesh election only,” he told India Today.
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“I’ve been a politician, I’ve contested elections. After the elections, maybe even the military chief will say sport should be kept free of politics and the match should go ahead.”
Former England captain Nasser Hussain questioned whether the ICC had applied its rules consistently.
“If India, a month before a tournament, said ‘our government does not want us to play in a country for a World Cup’, would the ICC have been so firm and said, ‘You know the rules, bad luck, we’re knocking you out?’” he asked on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
Scotland, promoted into the tournament, said preparations had been unusual. “It’s been unique circumstances for us. Preparations have been different than other teams. Every opportunity, we want to make most of,” captain Richie Berrington said.
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If Pakistan do boycott the match versus India, their opponent will receive two points. They face the Netherlands, USA, and Namibia in their remaining group games. Only the top two teams from each group progress, leaving little margin for error. It’s unclear what would happen if India and Pakistan were drawn to meet in the final.
There’s precedent for teams refusing to play. Australia and the West Indies declined to travel to Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup, while England refused to play Zimbabwe in 2003, citing security concerns. Those teams forfeited the matches but were not fined.
The ICC constitution, however, allows for sanctions where governments interfere in cricket administration and requires boards to operate autonomously.
Zimbabwe were suspended in 2019 on account of government intervention and Sri Lanka lost hosting rights for an Under-19 World Cup four years later following the dismissal of its board.
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Cricket analysts say the financial implications of an India-Pakistan no-show will be severe. Former ICC media head Sami Ul Hasan said: “The biggest hit, if the biggest game of the tournament doesn’t take place, will come from media rights.”
The losses will be felt by member boards.
Hasan pointed to the origin of the crisis in the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL.
“We must remember that this situation arose due to one player’s removal and one administrator’s statement,” he said, referring to comments by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who at the time blamed “recent developments that are going on all across” – a comment widely understood to refer to the protests by Hindu nationalist groups.
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.As the T20 World Cup gets started, the ICC says its priority is the delivery of the tournament. It is calling on all members to protect its integrity.
The World Cup is due to begin on 7 February and will conclude on 8 March. Viewers in the UK can watch every game live on Sky Sports. A live stream will be available via Sky Go and NOW.
A thorough assessment of the UK’s four main mobile networks has seen EE emerge as the clear winner
Henry Burrell and Georgia Burns Trainee Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer
13:35, 07 Feb 2026
In the UK, four main mobile networks compete to provide the best signal and service for calls and data. Even if you opt for a smaller, challenger brand, they typically lease network access from one of the big four – EE, O2, Three or Vodafone – so your options for quality coverage are ultimately limited.
The latest RootMetrics report, from the network analytics firm owned by connectivity giant Ookla, shows one UK mobile network won or tied in all eight categories of its nationwide test. The results are based on data collected over six months, from July to December 2025.
According to RootMetrics’ State of the Mobile Union Report, EE is the UK’s leading mobile network, winning in overall performance, reliability, responsiveness, speed, data, call and video categories, while sharing the top spot for texts with Three and O2.
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“EE remained the leader in 2H 2025, winning or sharing every UK-wide RootScore during testing,” said Luke Kehoe, analyst at Ookla.
“In fact, EE has won our UK Overall RootScore Award outright in every test period since 2H 2013, earning recognition as the UK’s best network for over 12 years and counting. EE also posted the fastest UK-wide aggregate median download speed at 114.1 Mbps, more than double the next-fastest result (Three’s 53.8 Mbps).”
Technically speaking, Ookla attributes EE’s dominance to “an aggressive focus on spectrum maximisation”. Spectrum refers to the frequencies mobile networks use to deliver cellular signals to phones and smartphones. EE is said to strike the best balance between capacity – how many devices can connect to a single mobile mast at once – and consistent performance.
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“Despite not holding the largest contiguous 5G spectrum blocks, EE achieves the highest median 5G download speed and overall reliability in the market,” Ookla said, highlighting the BT-owned network has leveraged its existing 4G infrastructure most effectively to deliver a strong 5G service.
RootMetrics reported during the six-month testing period, it conducted over 600,000 mobile connection tests across the UK, covering all four major networks.
The tests measured performance at peak and off-peak times, both while stationary and driving on motorways in areas of strong and weak coverage and across indoor and outdoor locations throughout Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Express reports.
While EE claimed the top spot, Three delivered a strong second place performance in all categories expect video. RootMetrics reported Three’s average UK-wide download speeds reached 53.8 Mbps, which was faster than both O2 and Vodafone, but still well below EE’s 114.1 Mbps.
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Meanwhile, the report noted O2 has boosted its speeds in major cities and improved its nationwide reliability, climbing to second place behind EE after finishing fourth and last in the first-half 2025 results.
Vodafone saw a drop in its total awards, but Ookla said the network “remains competitive in key regions”.
Even though EE leads this particular ranking of UK mobile networks, it may not be the right choice for everyone. If you’re considering switching providers, it is a good idea to use the online coverage checkers offered by each network to see how strong the signal is in your area.
It’s also worth shopping around for the best deal, including checking out mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Giffgaff or Tesco Mobile, which lease coverage from the big four. This can be a great option if you already own your phone, allowing you to get a monthly rolling contract at a much lower cost than signing up for a new phone contract.
Looking elsewhere, this edition marks the first time since Sochi 2014 that ice hockey players from the National Hockey League (NHL) will compete on the Olympic stage. Among the favourites are Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland as their teams benefit from the return of the NHL’s talent pool.
Another star to keep an eye on is American snowboarder Chloe Kim who is going in search of a three-peat in the snowboard halfpipe. She rose to stardom in PyeongChang in 2018 when she became the youngest woman to win gold in her discipline, at just 17. She came out on top again four years later in Beijing, becoming the first woman to win two Olympic halfpipe golds. Having struggled with her mental health in the aftermath of the Games, she contemplated retiring. But rather than stepping back, she has rediscovered her motivation and passion and has set her sights on a third straight gold, something no woman has ever achieved in the event.
How to watch
The BBC does not have wall-to-wall coverage of the Games as it has done in previous years. There is TV coverage on BBC One and BBC Two of “all major events from 9am to 10pm each day”, as well as a second stream, Olympics Extra, which is available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sports website and app to show “additional” events from 8am to 11pm.
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Highlights go out across BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport social media channels as well, with BBC Sport also covering events with live text, day-by-day guides and the medal table.
TV coverage is being led by Claire Balding, Hazel Ervine and Jeannette Kwakye, while Katie Smith and Maz Farookhi deliver daily coverage and interviews on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The full Games is being broadcast on TNT Sport and Discovery+ in the UK for subscribers.
Are Russia and Belarus competing?
Neither Russia nor Belarus are competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, after being banned as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Athletes from both countries competed at the 2022 Games in Beijing, China, with Russian athletes competing under the Russian Olympic Committee after a state-sponsored doping scandal resulted in athletes being unable to compete under the Russian name, flag or anthem.
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Athletes from both countries will compete under the Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) banner, after a ruling by the International Skating Union in December 2024 which allowed them to participate in the Games under this condition. The delegation will not march in the parade of nations at the opening ceremony, and will not receive an official ranking in the medal tables, as occurred in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
What happened at the last Winter Olympics?
Norway came out on top overall in 2022, with the most gold medals (16) and the highest medal total (37). Thirty-four of their athletes finished on the podium and two of their biathlon athletes, Marte Olsbu Roeiseland and Johannes Thignes Boe, set a joint-record for winning five medals each at a single Games.
His work helped shape modern hairdressing as both an art form and a profession, and tributes have been pouring in for the celebrity hairdresser who hosted A-list stars at his Manchester salons
13:34, 07 Feb 2026Updated 13:37, 07 Feb 2026
Tributes have flooded in for celebrity hairdresser Pierre Alexandre, renowned for his salons in Manchester and teasing the tresses of everyone from Take That to Rod Stewart, who has died aged 86. Pierre is credited with inventing the concept of the unisex hair salon, and a pioneer of the hairdressing world, renowned for his iconic haircuts.
Born Peter Johann Franz Wasler in Basel, Switzerland into a family of hairdressers in 1939, he first moved to the UK in the 1960s, where – as was the custom at the time – changed his name to Pierre to open his first branded salon in Manchester in 1965.
Based on St Ann’s Square, above the Jewsbury & Wilson fashion store, Pierre Alexandre International fast became a hotspot for celebrities with early clients including Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Hylda Baker, Les Dawson, Coronation Street stars and agents from the entertainment industry.
The Regency-style salon was accessed by climing two flights of stairs – something celebrity clients were happy to do for the superstar treatment they had once inside. Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, and Pierre would go on to become a globally-recognised hairdresser, artist and visionary with further salons in Manchester, London and Europe.
A statement from Pierre’s family confirmed the sad news of his passing this week. In a lengthy tribute they said: “It is with deep love and quiet gratitude that we share the passing of Pierre Alexandre Walser. Pierre lived an extraordinary life, shaped by creativity, generosity, and an unwavering passion for helping others grow.”
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It continued: “Pierre was a pioneer in his field. He coined the concept of the “unisex” salon, invented the iconic “Halo” haircut, and was among the first stylists to bring futuristic thinking, performance, and storytelling onto the stage.
“His work helped shape modern hairdressing as both an art form and a profession. Over the course of his career, he appeared at more than 1,800 shows worldwide and taught tens of thousands of hairdressers across Europe, Japan, Asia, North and South America.
“His influence reached far beyond salons. Pierre was one of the first acknowledged stylists to the rock and pop stars, working with artists such as Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Lulu, Eartha Kitt, Peter Noone, and many others. He created Rod Stewart’s signature spiky haircut, trimmed the Beatles’ hair ahead of one of their first major media appearances, and became known for his charisma, originality, and fearless creativity.”
After the success of his first salon on St Ann’s Square in Manchester, Pierre opened his second salon, Romeo and Juliet, on King Street West in Manchester. The opening attracted huge public attention, with queues down the street and Lulu the salon’s “public face” and star client.
It was there that Pierre seated men and women together, serving Coca-Cola and playing contemporary music, in what is believed to be the first “unisex” concept salon. That same year David and Angie Bowie became clients, further cementing Pierre’s reputation. He would expand his ventures into fashion in Paris, and early forms of hair extensions.
In the 1980s, Pierre founded Studio 17 in London’s Mayfair, a groundbreaking film and photography studio that became a cultural hub. He hosted his own lifestyle television show, appeared on countless international TV and radio programs, and worked as an image consultant for 20th Century Fox, while his work was featured in hundreds of publications.
His family said that his true calling was teaching – and that he loved sharing knowledge and guiding others. In 1973 he opened the Pierre Alexandre School of Hairdressing on King Street West in Manchester, inviting thousands of hairdressers to the city. He would go on to create numerous influential new hair styles that would inspire and influence countless others, with the academy remaining there to this day.
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In later years, Pierre moved to Spain, were he devoted himself to mentoring, writing his biography, developing new ideas, and reimagining the future of the Pierre Alexandre brand with “great excitement and pride” his family said. They said they have been touched by the “countless messages from around the world” since his passing.
Hundreds of tributes have been made on his Facebook page, many from hairdressers he trained and inspired over the years.
Neets Wilbraham said: “I have fond memories getting the best training at your Manchester salons. I’m thankful for the knowledge, self discipline and creativity that stood me in good stead in life. Our friendship in later years is something I’ll always treasure.”
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Lynette McCloud said: “We all have, fabulous, professional , fun memories of Pierre most definitely one of life’s exuberant, vibrant, passionate characters.” Dee Wilson added: “Pierre Alexandre St Ann’s sq was an interesting indelible period of our lives a passage of time building life experiences and skills for so many of us. Larger than life with exuberance and a colourful nature Pierre Alexandre truly International.”
The family statement said: “We are deeply touched by how many people loved Pierre, and even more by how many lives he helped change. Again and again, we hear the same truth: Pierre had a rare golden touch. He genuinely wanted others to succeed, and nothing made him happier than seeing people grow because of his guidance. In that sense, every one of you is part of his legacy – a legacy he would be profoundly proud of.”
They added: “Pierre was often misunderstood, and throughout his life he faced unfairness, frequently born of jealousy. Yet in his final days, he expressed something beautiful and rare: he felt fulfilled. He felt that he had lived well, loved deeply, and spent his final years exactly as he had dreamed. His life was full, meaningful, and true to himself. He inspired many, and we are immensely proud of the man he was.”
They say that Pierre disliked funerals, and so had asked for “something different, something more like him,” for his final farewell. The family said: “Instead of formal mourning, he wished that those who knew him would gather with friends, share a glass of wine, be happy, talk, and remember.
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“He asked that you speak of your experiences with him, recall your memories, think of him fondly, and listen together to the music he created in his final years – songs filled with meaning and reflection.”
This village is also home to two pubs, as well as some scenic walks
A village situated in Cambridgeshire has all the hallmarks of a classic chocolate-box setting. Elton, approximately seven miles outside of Peterborough, is home to a collection of truly enchanting thatched cottages and Grade II listed buildings. The village’s postcard-worthy charm is matched by its stunning countryside setting, offering scenic views and ample opportunities to go on a bike ride, or a leisurely stroll.
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Komoot, where you can find walking routes, offers a 5.69-mile hike, called the Fotheringhay to Elton loop via the River Nene, where you can spot some spectacular views along the way. The loop starts and ends in the village of Fotheringhay, and takes in views of Warmington Mill, and Fotheringhay Castle standing tall above the River Nene, before continuing down Duck Street to reach one of Elton’s beautiful pubs, The Crown Inn.
Here, at The Crown Inn, walkers can enjoy award-winning food and a well-earned drink from their wide selection. This family-run, country inn also offers five-star accommodation with a bed and breakfast.
Their restaurant, which has a 4.3 rating out a possible five on Tripadvisor, serves homemade, traditional food and prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality.
One happy diner captioned their review on Tripadvisor as “I’d love to go every week” and said: “We went for Sunday lunch. The roast dinner was excellent and the veg perfect! Not too al dente and the cauliflower cheese was epic.”
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Another reviewer wrote: “Fabulous delicious quality Sunday roast lunch generous portion size and all with great service. We will definitely be back.”
If that wasn’t temptation enough, the village also has another lovely countryside pub that you can visit called The Black Horse.
According to Komoot, the walk takes around two hours and 20 minutes and is considered a ‘moderate hike’. The site advises that good fitness is required and the route is made up of mostly accessible paths. The starting point is right next to the car park at The Falcon Inn in Fotheringhay, which is convenient if you are driving to the area. If you do not want to do the whole route, you may wish to complete a small section of it instead.
Val Kilmer stars in this 1984 cult classic from the makers of Airplane! and Naked Gun that fans say you’ll want to watch twice
Lucas Hill-Paul Content Editor
13:20, 07 Feb 2026
Netflix subscribers seeking a hilarious comedy to enliven their weekend need look no further than this 1980s cult classic that’s just landed on the streaming service.
Top Secret! is the less celebrated parody film from Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, the minds behind Airplane! and the Naked Gun franchise.
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Whilst the 1984 spy caper isn’t quite as renowned as their other classic comedies, it boasts a devoted cult following who maintain it’s amongst their finest work, featuring some of the best gags ever committed to film, reports the Mirror.
Late Hollywood legend Val Kilmer stars in this cherished spy spoof as rock star Nick Rivers, who travels to East Germany to perform a concert.
When he falls for the beautiful Hillary Flammond (played by Lucy Gutteridge), he becomes entangled with an underground resistance movement who have devised a plan to rescue her scientist father from a group of Nazis.
Packed with side-splitting and often absurd humour and countless visual gags you’ll want to watch it twice to ensure you didn’t miss anything, Top Secret! is an essential nostalgic watch for comedy fans now it’s available to stream on Netflix.
One 10/10 review from an IMDb user called it “an overlooked gem”, writing: “You can watch it many times and still pick up jokes you’ve never noticed before.
“Like ZAZ’s other masterworks, this one is packed with hilarious one-liners and sight gags.
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“It’s usually overlooked, curiously enough, when talking about the great comedies, but there’s no doubt about it, Top Secret! IS one of the great comedies of our time.”
Emily in Paris S5
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The newest season of romantic comedy Emily in Paris has landed on Netflix. Viewers can get a subscription for free with Sky’s £15 Essential TV bundle, the brand’s ‘lowest ever price’ for Sky TV.
Someone else enthused: “This movie truly is another great work from David Zucker and Jim Abrahams team. In some scenes you will laugh so hard that you have to pause the movie, laugh for five minutes then play it again.”
Another admirer dubbed it the “finest comedy ever made!” and made a bold statement: “Believe me, after watching this movie, you wouldn’t wanna watch any other ever again. Every time I watch it, it gets better and trust me, this is the best comedy ever!”
The glowing praise carried on over at Letterboxd, where one viewer remarked: “This has become one of those movies that I’ve seen so many times that I’m no longer watching it when I revisit, I’m just actively remembering it five seconds ahead of itself.
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**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**
“Every bit and line is etched into my memory forever. Nonetheless, it remains one of the best comedies!”
Another devotee penned: “It’s rare to find a film that captures your attitude towards life. The Annie Hall of parody movies, Top Secret! is a continuous sequence of visual gags and low-brow jokes. I found it inspirational.”
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And a final supporter declared: “I found it? ? I found it! YEAH I FINALLY FOUND IT. The funniest movie ever made!!!”
Fancy a laugh this weekend? Netflix has got you sorted.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 series was first launched back in 2021, featuring four different models:
Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
Five years later, Samsung has now removed the S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra from its regular update list, according to TechRadar.
This means the devices will no longer receive Android or security updates.
Samsung Galaxy S21 devices at risk of “increased vulnerabilities”
Tech experts have warned that removing these three Samsung Galaxy S21 devices from the regular update list leaves users at risk of “increased vulnerabilities”.
While initially these mobile phones may continue to work as normal, over time, they will begin to age (and at a faster rate than others).
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No longer receiving security updates can make devices easier targets for scammers, malware, and data breaches.
How to avoid scams
Apps may begin to stop working as developers introduce updates, while users may also be left unable to install new apps.
Phone expert at Insurance2Go, Darren Corney, said: “When a smartphone reaches the end of its regular update cycle, it doesn’t suddenly stop working, but the issues users face start to slowly increase.
“Software updates aren’t just about new features or cosmetic changes – they’re the phone’s frontline defence against new and evolving security threats.
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“Once a device like the Galaxy S21 drops off the regular update list, it is no longer guaranteed to receive timely fixes for increasing vulnerabilities.
“Cybercriminals pay very close attention to which devices stop receiving updates, because it effectively gives them a list of phones that will be easier to target in the future.
“Users may find themselves more exposed to malware, phishing attempts, and other types of attacks that exploit weaknesses.
“Beyond security, older phones that no longer get updates can also run into performance issues over time.
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“Apps are built with the assumption that the operating system beneath them is being updated and is kept current.
“As that gap widens, users may see apps crashing more often, battery life draining, or certain new features simply not working.”
Once mobile phones stops receiving regular updates, it can begin to cause issues, tech experts warn. (Image: Samsung)
The removal of Samsung Galaxy S21 devices from the update list will also have a financial impact.
General manager at 4gadgets, Jordan Cook, explained: “Devices typically lose value more quickly once update support ends.
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“While phones like the Galaxy S21 still retain trade-in value, removal from the update list accelerates depreciation, making earlier upgrades or trade-ins more financially sensible.”
Despite the lack of updates, these Samsung phones won’t become completely obsolete, as they will still be able to perform core functions, including making calls, sending texts, and using basic apps.
Should you charge your phone overnight?
But Mr Corney warned users to consider the long-term implications of using a handset that is “no longer being actively protected”.
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He said: “For many people, the phone may still feel perfectly usable day to day, but if you’re using the device for sensitive tasks like mobile banking or work emails, it’s worth considering the long-term implications of running a handset that’s no longer being actively protected.
“At the very least, users should be extra cautious about what they download, avoid unfamiliar links, and think about whether now might be a good time to upgrade to something that will continue to receive security support for years to come.”
Certain Apple iPhones also at an increased risk of vulnerabilities
Certain Apple iPhones are also at an increased risk of vulnerabilities due to no longer receiving updates.
Chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, Lee Elliott, explained: “Those still using an iPhone 11 series or any model below should be warned of the digital security risks associated with still using an unsupported model.
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“This is because Apple drops support for iPhones after around five to seven years after the iPhone model has been released, which means iPhones no longer receive iOS software updates and security patches.
“Because of this, the iPhone 11 will not be able to protect any personal data in the way that more modern iPhones do, leaving users vulnerable to issues like data leaks, hacking, and other security breaches.”
Do you have a Samsung Galaxy S21 device or an Apple iPhone that is no longer receiving regular updates? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
Team GB skier Gus Kenworthy will not be punished after appearing to urinate a graphic message about the United States’ immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) in the snow, then posting a photograph of it online.
Kenworthy shared the image – in which ‘ICE’ was preceded by an expletive – on Instagram a week before he is due to compete at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
A spokesperson from the International Olympic Committee told the Press Association that Kenworthy would not be punished for the post.
“During the Olympic Games, all participants have the opportunity to express their views as per the athlete expression guidelines. The IOC does not regulate personal social media posts,” they said.
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In his Instagram post, Kenworthy added: “Innocent people have been murdered, and enough is enough. We can’t wait around while ICE continues to operate with unchecked power in our communities.”
US vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio are in Milan for Friday’s opening ceremony at the San Siro stadium and watched Team USA’s opening ice hockey match on Thursday.
Kenworthy, 34, was born in Chelmsford but has lived in the United States for most of his life.
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He won silver in the ski slopestyle at the Sochi 2014 Games while representing the US, as well as five medals at the X Games.
He switched to represent Team GB in 2019, competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, and will feature in the men’s snowboard halfpipe event, with qualifying beginning on 19 February in Livigno, Italy.
North Yorkshire Police said a red Citroën C1 hit the pole in Seamer Road, Scarborough after midnight (February 7).
A force spokesperson said a 16‑year‑old boy, who was a passenger in the vehicle was injured and is in a serious condition.
A 17‑year‑old boy has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences and is currently in police custody.
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North Yorkshire Police confirmed the A64 Seamer Road was closed until around 7am to allow investigators to examine the scene.
The spokesperson said: “We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time.
“If you can assist, please email jack.dodsworth@northyorkshire.police.uk and liam.barnes@northyorkshire.police.uk, or contact the North Yorkshire Police control room on 101.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
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Please quote reference 12260023063 when providing information.
The county’s fire and rescue service said a crew from Scarborough was called to Barry’s Lane in the town around 12.30am today (February 7).
A spokesperson for the service said: “Crews isolated the car’s battery using small tools and then cleared the road of any debris using crew power and a brush.”
The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the smash on the A68 near Heighington on Friday (February 6), involving a Vauxhall Astra and a VW Passat.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the driver of the Vauxhall Astra, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene at abour 6.25pm.
His family have been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.
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Two men and a woman, who were travelling in the VW Passat, sustained serious injuries, and were taken to hospital.
The road was closed while collision investigators worked at the scene, but it has since reopened.
A police spokesperson added: “Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Durham Constabulary via SCIU@durham.police.uk quoting incident reference 321 of February 6.”
Sunderland, though, have been this season’s surprise package in the Premier League. In no danger of being relegated, they did end the Gunners’ run of wins and clean sheets in the reverse fixture back in November, so this all the hallmarks of a banana skin for the hosts. Follow Arsenal vs Sunderland LIVE below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium!
