It’s now been almost five years since Daniel Craig’s departure from the James Bond franchise in No Time To Die – and somehow there’s still been no confirmation of who will be succeeding him as 007.
As the 007 search continues, here are 21 stars who’ve all been rumoured for the job…
Who is he? The Australian actor has been a star on the rise ever since his break-out role in the teen drama Euphoria.
Following acclaim in films like Saltburn, Priscilla and The Narrow Road To The Deep North, Jacob landed his first Oscar nomination in 2026 for his performance as the creature in Frankenstein, the same year he also got everyone talking thanks to his work as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights.
Where did the rumour come from? Jacob’s name was first mentioned as a serious contender to play James Bond in the summer of 2025, when Variety suggested he was at the top of producers’ wishlists.
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Following this, World Of Reel claimed he’d met with director Denis Villeneuve, with the gossip site DeuxMoi suggesting shortly after Wuthering Heights’ release that he’d been offered the role of James Bond.
What’s he said? He previously told Extra of calls for him to play James Bond: “That’s beautiful… I just like that people maybe want to put me in their movies. That makes me really glad.”
Who is he? Callum Turner has been putting in the work for more than a decade now, but he’s enjoyed a real breakthrough in the last few years.
Some of his most recent projects include the Fantastic Beasts movies, in which he played Theseus Scamander, the sports drama The Boys In The Boat and the star-studded Apple TV+ series Masters Of The Air.
Where did the rumour come from? In December 2025, several news outlets spotted that betting odds had been suddenly slashed on Callum being cast as James Bond.
Since then, Callum’s name was mentioned in an article published by the Mail, suggesting he’d been “blabbing all over town” that he’d landed the coveted spy role.
What has he said? Despite the Mail’s reports about Callum’s loose-lipped approach to his Bond casting, he hasn’t said anything publicly yet.
Who is he? Until recently, Aaron has been widely considered as the frontrunner for the role of James for more than a year now. His past credits include the superhero comedy Kick-Ass, the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.
Since then, he’s appeared in projects as varied as Marvel’s Kraven The Hunter, the arthouse horror flick Nosferatu and Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later.
Where did the rumour come from? In November 2022, Aaron supposedly met with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli (who has since left the franchise), with follow-up reports claiming the meeting “went well”.
Who is he? The James Bond rumour that’s being going around the longest time involved Idris Elba, whose acting credits include the Thor films, Beasts of No Nation, the Fast & Furious series and the BBC detective drama Luther.
Where did the rumour come from? Idris has been rumoured to be in the running to play 007 for more than a decade (since the speculation began in 2014, there’ve been three new films in the series released), with leaked emails from Sony executives suggesting he was a favourite for the part. Following this, then-Bond boss Barbara Broccoli said Idris has been “part of the conversation” about who the role goes to next.
However, in August 2022 it was reported that Idris had made the decision to take himself out of the running – and in the last few years his casting has seemed less and less likely… although we’d kind of love it if he got the opportunity to play Bond at least once, given just how long he was associated with the franchise.
What has he said?“James Bond is a hugely coveted, iconic, beloved character that takes audiences on this massive escapism journey. Of course, if someone said to me, ‘Do you want to play James Bond?,’ I’d be like, ‘Yeah!’. That’s fascinating to me.”
Who is he? Musical theatre fans might be familiar with Tom Francis’ work, following his Olivier win and Tony nomination for his performance opposite Nicole Scherzinger in the musical revival of Sunset Boulevard.
Tom does have some impressive screen credits to his name, too, notably the divisive TV series You and the George Clooney movie Jay Kelly.
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Where did the rumour come from? Days after it was revealed that casting was on for the next James Bond, Variety reported that the theatre star had popped in for an audition.
What has he said? Nothing at all, which – in the case of a story this big – is still something really, isn’t it?
TOLGA AKMENTOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Who is he? A more recent addition to the list of rumoured potential 007s is another Aaron, this time fellow Brit Aaron Pierre.
As well as voicing the title character in Disney’s Mufasa, Aaron appeared in The Underground Railroad, played Malcolm X in the anthology series Genius and starred opposite Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal in the sci-fi dystopian drama Foe.
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Where did the rumour come from? The news appears to come from movie “insider” Daniel Richtman, who claimed in June 2025 that Aaron is “being considered” for the part.
What has he said?He told Chris Evans on Virgin Radio: “If that opportunity ever presented itself, that would be insane.”
Who is he? After getting his start in indies like Beach Rats and Triangle Of Sadness, British star Harris Dickinson’s profile has had a real boom in the last few years off the back of roles in Babygirl, The Iron Claw and A Murder At The End Of The World.
He’ll next be seen in action as John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ ambitious Beatles movie project – which, to be fair, means he may have too much on his plate to take on 007 too.
Where did the rumour come from? Variety’s piece on Amazon’s supposed “James Bond wishlist” in the summer 2025 that mentioned Jacob Elordi as a contender also included Harris (as well as Spider-Man himself, Tom Holland).
“The role of James Bond is interesting,” he said. “The circumstances of Bond are interesting. The character, the world, what he goes through, that’s interesting.”
He also praised director Denis Villeneuve, who will helm the upcoming 25th James Bond film.
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Who is he? He’s Tom Hardy! You may have seen him in films including Max Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Legend, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception or Venom.
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Where did the rumour come from? Like Idris Elba, speculation about Tom Hardy playing 007 goes way back.
Things hotted up in 2020, though, when the film blog The Vulcan Reporter claimed he’d done several auditions for the part and was “basically locked into the role”.
What has he said?“You know, there’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you’re automatically out of the race. So I can’t possibly comment on that one! If I mention it, it’s gone.”
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Who is he? Probably best known for his role as Loki in the Marvel universe, Tom also won a Golden Globe for his performance in the drama The Night Manager.
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Where did the rumour come from? Around the time The Night Manager was airing, many viewers pointed out that the British actor might be a good James Bond, and he was soon spotted having a meeting with the franchise’s chief Barbara Broccoli.
What has he said?“What can I say that you don’t already know? It’s interesting in itself that I’ve suddenly become very aware of what I’m saying, is it not?
“Because there’s something about what I’m saying that becomes the story. Not for you, but the world outside. Whatever I say, I’ve found, generated more questions.”
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Who is he? After rising to fame in Game Of Thrones, the Scottish actor later won a Golden Globe for his leading role in Bodyguard.
Where did the rumour come from? The action-packed Bodyguard led to Richard being tipped to succeed Daniel Craig as Bond, with the Daily Mail reporting at the time that the drama had caught the eye of former 007 boss Barbara Broccoli.
Bodyguard’s producers even teased that a potential second series of the drama would depend on “what happens with James Bond”.
What has he said?“I’m more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role. I’m very flattered and thankful. It’s a really brilliant thing to be in.
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“I don’t want to curse anything by saying anything. I think that’s the curse of that. If you talk about it, you’ll curse it.”
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Who is he? James is perhaps best known for his TV roles, which have included Happy Valley, Grantchester, McMafia and The Trial Of Christine Keeler, though you may have also seen him in action in the recent big-screen adaptation of Little Women.
Where did the rumour come from? While many of the actors named as potential replacements for Daniel Craig are based on anonymous “insiders” and source quotes, the rumours about James seem to stem primarily from bookies’ odds.
What has he said? “It’s so weird and bemusing. But yet again, it’s based on pure speculation and it makes for a good little clickbait moment in the media. Other than that, it’s just fun and bemusing.”
Who is he? Jack Lowden has had a massive few years, scoring Bafta, Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work in Slow Horses and appearing with Nicole Kidman in the breezy Netflix mystery The Perfect Couple.
Where did the rumour come from? This is another story that’s based on bookies’ odds, with Jack’s name soaring towards the top of the list when Amazon acquired creative control of the spy franchise.
Who is he? The British star of films like Crazy, Rich Asians; A Simple Favour and the Guy Ritchie action film The Gentlemen.
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Where did the rumour come from? After Daniel Craig’s exit from the James Bond franchise was confirmed, fans began campaigning for Henry to take over the iconic spy role.
What has he said?“[The speculation] definitely [came] from Crazy Rich Asians, maybe the white suit coming out of the park. [And] because I’m Asian and everybody’s fighting for a diverse Bond – sorry, white guys.
“I don’t know. It’s an honour to even be in the conversation. It’s one of the greatest film roles ever, you’d be stupid to be like, ‘I don’t want to do that.’
“Isn’t it great that people are like, ’OK, now’s the time, why the hell can’t we have a black Bond, an Asian Bond, a mixed-race Bond, a non-distinct Bond?”
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Who is he? After appearing in Sunshine On Leith and Pride, George landed his biggest role to date when he took the lead in the Bafta-winning 1917, and he’s since appeared in Femme and The End.
Where did the rumour come from? According to a 2021 report in Page Six, Bond producers were hoping to reboot the franchise after No Time To Die, making the Bond character younger, which is where the idea to have George play a rather different 007 was reportedly born.
What has he said? “You’ve got to consider it for sure. I mean, it’s an amazing thing, but it would also be a massive thing. I don’t know if that’s a reality, but if it ever became one, of course, it would be a consideration. But be a careful one.”
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Who is he? Regé-Jean became an overnight sensation in 2020 thanks to his role as the main love interest in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton.
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Where did the rumour come from? Fans immediately began suggesting Regé-Jean as a potential Bond, and when he announced he wasn’t returning for the second season of Bridgerton, the rumour mill hotted up even further.
What has he said?“Ah, the B word. I think if you are British and do anything of note, that other people take notice of, then people will start talking about that.
“That’s fairly normal and I’m flattered to be in the category of Brits that people have noticed.”
Who is he? Charlie’s biggest acting credits include Green Street, Queer As Folk, Sons Of Anarchy and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen. In 2025, he caused a stir when he was cast as Ed Gein in the third season of Ryan Murphy’s Monster.
He was also famously cast in the role of Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades Of Grey franchise, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, and was replaced by Jamie Dornan.
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Where did the rumour come from? Charlie’s name being linked with playing James Bond largely stems from his devoted fanbase, as well as bookies’ odds.
What has he said?“I would be so flattered and honoured to be considered to play James Bond as an Englishman. But my intuition tells me that I shouldn’t be waiting for that phone call to come. I think there are many people ahead of me on that list.
“It’s very flattering sort of fan dialogue. Nobody’s ever, on a professional level from within the industry, brought that up to me.
“As much as people want to talk about me playing James Bond – please continue. Maybe that’s the genesis of these things. Maybe fan chatter leads to industry people actually talking about it in a more serious way.”
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Who is he? Sam is best known for playing one of the lead roles in the historical drama Outlander.
Where did the rumour come from? Sam has actually been on Bond producers’ radars for a while, having previously auditioned to succeed Pierce Brosnan in Casino Royale, which would eventually become Daniel Craig’s first outing in the role.
What has he said?“I don’t know if there is a conversation being had apart from in the media, but I think it’s an incredible franchise and a great character, so of course I would jump at it.”
Matthias Nareyek via Getty Images
Who is he? Henry is famous for playing Superman in the superhero’s most recent big-screen offerings, and also has the lead role in the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher.
Like Sam Heughan, Henry also auditioned for Casino Royale, back when he was just 21 years old.
What has he said?“I would absolutely jump at the opportunity. At this stage, it’s all up in the air. We’ll see what happens. But yes, I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.”
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Who is he? The chart-topping singer made a name for himself as a member of One Direction, before making a name for himself as a Grammy-winning solo artist.
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In addition to his music career, Harry also had a short-lived career as an actor, first appearing in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk before getting mixed-at-best reviews for his work in Eternals, Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman.
Where did the rumour come from? This might sound like the work of over-excited Directioners, but in 2021, The Sun reported that Bond producers were hoping to take the character in a “new age” direction, and tipped Harry for the role.
What has he said?Harry’s reps said the rumours were “not even remotely true”. Too bad, tbh.
Who is he? Ted Lasso fans will recognise Phil from his Emmy-nominated performance as Jamie Tartt.
Where did the rumour come from? Interestingly, unlike most of the names on this list, this rumour comes straight from the horse’s mouth, with Phil confirming that a “conversation” was had about him playing Bond – albeit a short one.
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What’s he said? “There was a conversation one of my agents had but they quite firmly shut the door in their face.”
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Who is he? Another addition to the list of rumoured James Bond stars, Lucien Laviscount’s past credits include Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Ryan Murphy’s Scream Queens and Emily In Paris.
Where did the rumour come from?The Daily Mail first reported in December 2022 that Lucien had caught the eye of James Bond producers, with an unnamed source claiming he “ticks all of the boxes” as a “super talented” and “extremely handsome” young actor.
However, it appears there’s one drawback.
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According to the Mail, Lucien’s reality TV past (after leaving Waterloo Road, he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, and was involved in a brief showmance with a certain Ms Katona) has put off some execs behind the scenes.
What has he said? Again, he’s yet to address the rumours directly, so make of that what you will.
Michael Duxbury JP, who lives in Deighton, discovered the rubbish over the weekend of May 16 and 17 while walking his dog in Naburn Lane, just off the A19 in the village near the York to Selby cycle path popular with families and children.
The illegal dumping was reported by Mr Duxbury and by ward councillor Christian Vassie and contractors from City of York Council covered the area with tarpaulin.
City of York Council said it was at the site on Monday, May 18 conducting a search of the waste and investigations have opened.
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Mr Duxbury, 80, said: “This is a disgraceful act by someone who wants to avoid paying for disposal.
“I believe in protecting the outdoors and in doing something about this irresponsible criminality.
“We used to be better than this.
“I have come across it in different parts of York, where my wife and I still walk extensively.
Mr Duxbury is former senior legal officer at Leeds City Council until 1988 and said his section would occasionally be instructed to prosecute this type of offence, along with other departments who held sweeping powers.
He said: “With this type of fly-tipper you would always try to find identification.
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“If you’re going to do something about it you have got to investigate.
“However, if there’s any power to prosecute it’s going to cost the taxpayer money to do so.”
Wheldrake ward councillor Christian Vassie said it is “tragic that criminals are willing to destroy the environment just to save the few quid for taking the rubbish to a council tip.” (Image: Councillor Christian Vassie)
Wheldrake ward councillor Christian Vassie said: “It is tragic that in this country criminals are willing to destroy our own environment like this, just to save the few quid charge for taking the rubbish to a council tip.
“Doubly worrying is the presence of asbestos in this fly-tipped waste.
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“This is at the end of a footpath used by villagers and their dogs and children.
“I am glad that council officers are investigating and already have an idea of who is responsible.
“The community will hope that the perpetrators are caught and that CCTV will dissuade others from doing the same thing on other rural roads across York and beyond.”
A spokesperson for City of York Council said: “We can confirm neighbourhood enforcement officers attended the site on Monday (May 18) and conducted a safe search.
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“Following this, the fly tip was reported for clearing along with a notification of the presence of asbestos.
“Investigations are continuing and we’d like to remind readers that fly-tipping penalties (under s33 Environmental Protection Act 1990) carry a Fixed Penalty of £1,000 (reduced to £500 if paid within ten days).
“If prosecuted and convicted further penalties are available to the court including up to £50,000 in fines and 12 months imprisonment.”
Firefighters were called to the River Ure at Aldborough, near Ripon, at around 9am on Sunday (May 24), following reports of two dogs who had got into difficulty.
Fire crews from Knaresborough, Ripon and Richmond attended the scene and found the dogs in a drainage ditch.
Using ladders, firefighters were able to rescue both dogs and reunite them with their owners.
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A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Crews from Knaresborough, alongside Ripon and Richmond swift water rescue, responded to reports of two dogs stuck in the river, on arrival the dogs were found in the drainage ditch.
“Crews used a triple extension ladder and crew power to safely rescue the dogs and reunite them with their owners, safe and well.
This is the perfect walk to embark on in the sunny weather
The sunny weather makes it the perfect time to go on a walk. Across Cambridgeshire, there are many picturesque spots that are best viewed while on a walk. In Cambridge, there is one circular walk that is described as the city’s “best kept secret”. The Coton Corridor features a part of the Great Walk series.
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The walk takes visitors through Coton Countryside Reserve, which covers over 300 acres. When planning permission was granted in the late 1990s to create the reserve, it established diverse wildlife habitats, including woodland, bird boxes, ponds, hay meadows, and even an orchard.
The reserve, which forms part of the Cambridge Green Belt, offers people the chance to enjoy great views of the surrounding area of Cambridge.
The route starts at the park in the Cambridge PPF Martin Car Park on Grantchester Road, Coton. To enjoy the walk in full, here is the route you need to take:
Start at the barn adjacent to the car park, turn left along a concrete track for a few metres and then turn right along a muddy track up to a farm bridge over the M11 motorway. Continue straight across two fields to a lane leading to Barton Road.
Turn left and walk along Barton Road. Remain on the left-hand side of the road for approximately half a mile to a point where you see a footpath adjacent to Bin Brook immediately after the second house (number 116).
Follow the footpath to the end, which brings you onto Gough Way. Turn right for 50 yards and cross the road, and turn left into the footpath after number 50, along Bin Brook, turning right, left and right to reach the end of Cranmer Road. Walk down Cranmer Road to the corner of Grange Road next to Selwyn College.
Turn left and follow Grange Road, past the University Rugby Ground, as far as Adams Road.
Turn left and follow Adams Road to the corner of Wilberforce Road and the entrance to the university athletics ground, where you will see the start of the footpath in front of you. Follow the footpath, with the West Fields on your left and the University of Cambridge West campus on your right.
Cross over the M11 footbridge. Shortly after the bridge, either go through a gate on the left through the coppice parallel to the footpath, or stay on the footpath to reach The Plough pub.
From The Plough, cross the recreation ground in a south-easterly direction, heading for the corner of the bowls club hedge. Walk along with the hedge on your right to the edge of the Rec, turn half right past a yellow house and walk through the plantation to a kissing gate and a footpath alongside Bin Brook. Turn left, and cross the meadows with the brook on your right for about 700 metres, passing through 2 more gates, to return to the CambridgePPF car park.
In the video, which was leaked from a meeting of the party’s ruling body in 2021, the former First Minister warned her officials to be “very careful” about suggesting there were “any problems” with the accounts.
18:39, 25 May 2026Updated 18:39, 25 May 2026
Nicola Sturgeon claims ‘no reasons to be concerned about party finances’ at SNP National Executive Committee In March 2021
Leaked footage showed Nicola Sturgeon insisting SNP finances had “never been stronger” as she warned staff against reporting issues.
In the video, first published in 2023 by our sister title Sunday Mail, was taken from a meeting of the party’s ruling body in 2021, in which the former First Minister warned her officials to be “very careful” about suggesting there were “any problems” with the accounts.
Murrell, the SNP’s former CEO, admitted using the party’s money to buy items including a motorhome and luxury goods, and towards the purchase of two cars. He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Edinburgh High Court next month.
In the video, Sturgeon lashed out after three members of her finance and audit committee resigned in protest because they were refused access to the books.
She said: “The party has never been in a stronger financial position than it is right now and that’s a reflection of our strength and our membership. I’m not going to get into the details…but, you know, just be very careful about suggestions that there are problems with the party’s finances, because we depend on donors to donate.
“There are no reasons for people to be concerned about the party’s finances, and all of us need to be careful about not suggesting that there is. We’ve got to be careful we don’t reap what we sow, if we have leaks from this body it limits the ability for open free and frank discussion.”
Her statement came after Edinburgh’s former Lord Provost Frank Ross, Allison Graham, and Cynthia Guthrie all resigned from the finance and audit committee. Elected treasurer Douglas Chapman also quit in protest at not being given the financial information to do the job.
Graham had just read out a statement voicing a catalogue of concerns over transparency and governance.
It is anticipated that Murrell will receive a substantial prison sentence. Murrell, who arrived at the court at around 8am, was dressed in a dark blue suit and white shirt during the hearing.
His conviction comes after a long-running police investigation, Operation Branchform, into SNP finances.
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Murrell, 61, was appointed chief executive of the SNP in 2001 during John Swinney’s first stint as party leader. He quit as CEO in 2023 after a row over membership numbers and when Operation Branchform was ongoing. He and Sturgeon married in 2010 but the former First Minister last year announced they were getting divorced.
In April 2023, Sturgeon and SNP treasurer Colin Beattie were both arrested as part of Operation Branchform and later released without charge. Sturgeon was arrested again in June 2023 but released without charge seven hours later.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston had oversight of the probe, which had a policing cost of more than £2m.
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He said: “This was a lengthy and extremely complex case due to the scale of criminality over a 12-year period and the lengths Peter Murrell went to try and cover his tracks. I commend the professionalism and absolute dedication of the Operation Branchform team who spent more than four years carrying out extensive enquiries across Europe to unpick Murrell’s offending.
“This is without doubt one of the most high-profile investigations in recent times and it is testimony to the work of Police Scotland officers and staff that has led to Peter Murrell’s admission of guilt early in the court process. I would also like to thank the many witnesses who came forward to provide us with statements as we built the case against Peter Murrell. Their engagement with us was vital.
“Peter Murrell has shown utter contempt for the high public trust placed in him as the Chief Executive of a political party and his position in the wider political establishment in Scotland for many years. He abused his privileged position with access to Scottish National Party funds to divert cash into his own accounts and bankroll the lavish lifestyle he craved but could not afford.
“From 2010 to 2022 he spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on luxury goods while carefully trying to hide his criminality with false receipts and accounting. He must now face the consequences of his actions.”
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One of Taylor Reid’s victims was left with scarring and the random attack has had a “detrimental physical and psychological impact” on both.
A thug who attacked two teachers after damaging their car’s wing mirror has been locked up for more than three years.
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One of Taylor Reid’s victims was left with scarring and the random attack has had a “detrimental physical and psychological impact” on both.
Reid, 20, was given a 38-month sentence at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
He denied assaulting Dianne Wright and Heather Luxton in Hamilton Road, Bellshill, on July 9 last year, but a jury dismissed his self-defence claim and found him guilty.
Reid was also found guilty of threatening or abusive behaviour and breaching a bail curfew.
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The court heard the serial offender was the subject of eight separate bail orders at the time.
He was crossing the road when he struck the car’s wing mirror, prompting the teachers to stop and confront him.
Reid, who had been drinking, then started punching both women.
Defence lawyer Diarmid Bruce said Reid had experienced “significant trauma” in his childhood.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to allow Iran to be based in the country during the World Cup, claiming the United States were unwilling to host them.
Sheinbaum said her government had been approached by Fifa after the US made it clear it did not want Iran’s squad to stay in the country during the tournament.
“We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.
“The United States does not want the Iranian team to stay overnight, but they are going to play three matches there.
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“So they asked us: ‘Can they stay overnight in Mexico?’ And we said: ‘Yes, no problem. We have no problem.”
Iran were originally given Tucson, Arizona as their World Cup base with all three of their matches scheduled to take place in the US.
However, the ongoing war in the Middle East and related security concerns has led to uncertainty around their participation.
The World Cup is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June – both in Los Angeles – and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
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Iran are currently preparing for the tournment in Antalya, southern Turkey.
The BBC has contacted the White House for comment.
Craig Keatley, from Stoneclough, is set to walk 14 miles in flippers to raise money for a cancer hospital after his friend was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
The 56-year-old will walk from The Christie Hospital in Withington to his home district in Stoneclough on June 27 in aid of The Christie charity.
It started originally in the 90s. (Image: Craig Keatley)
The charity challenge comes after his friend, Lee Burns, from Stoneclough, began treatment at the hospital.
Mr Keatley said: “Things like what we’re doing, what my mate’s going through now, puts life in perspective.
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“He’s nearly 48, and he’s got bloody cancer, and it’s not a good thing to have.
“I only hope he can prolong his life as much as we can, but, from my point of view, let’s raise a few quid, put a smile on people’s faces and raise awareness.”
Craig after an impressive climb up a peak. (Image: Craig Keatley)
Over the years, he has climbed Mount Snowdon in flippers and walked from Liverpool to Manchester wearing them.
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He said he first came up with the idea during a night out in the early 1990s before bringing it back for charity fundraising in 2017.
Mr Keatley said: “Every time you go out, you’re faced with the madness of people engaging and filming you because it is bonkers.
“I get a lot of enjoyment from seeing people and seeing their reactions because you get all sorts of reactions.
It’s not his first rodeo. (Image: Craig Keatley)
“Every time I go out, I’m getting beeps, waves and every sort of reaction, which again is good really.”
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Mr Keatley said several people are expected to join him on the route, with the event planned around a football World Cup theme.
He said he has raised more than £28,000 for charities through his various challenges over the years, including almost £4,500 for Bolton Community Kitchen.
Mr Keatley added: “The money side is great, the awareness is great, the fun element is great, and the personal challenge is great.
“I don’t think I could have dreamed about doing anything like that because of the miles I’ve done.
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He’s been seen in his flippers by many people before. (Image: Craig Keatley)
“You’ve got to train hard, and people stop you and tell me their story.”
One of Mr Keatley’s toughest challenges saw him walk 31 miles from Anfield to Old Trafford in flippers in 2019.
He said: “That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
“I was physically sick at the end of it, and my mates got me over the finish line because if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have done it.”
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Mr Keatley said the support he receives from the public is one of the main reasons he continues doing the challenges.
He added: “People see me on the street and say, ‘You’re the flipper guy’.
“It’s amusing, really, and it’s nice, that little cult status sort of thing.
“I enjoy doing it, and people get a lot of fun from it, seeing me.”
A suspect is in custody following reports a woman was attacked
Amy Fenton Senior reporter and James Holt Senior Live and Breaking News Reporter
18:51, 25 May 2026
A man has been arrested on suspicion of rape following reports that a woman was attacked. An area was taped off in the centre of Darwen, in Lancashire, after the alleged attack in the early hours of Monday (May 25).
Police were called to the bottom of Belgrave Road, where it meets the A666, at around 12.55am to reports that a woman in her 20s had been raped.
The small wooded area behind the pair of Grade II-listed tram shelters was cordoned off with police tape after the incident. Two police vehicles remained at the scene throughout Monday amid investigations.
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A suspect, aged 21, has been arrested on suspicion of rape and is in custody to be questioned. Anyone with information about the alleged attack is being urged to contact Lancashire Police.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary told LancsLive: “Shortly before 12:55am today (25th May) we received a report of a rape in Belgrave Square, Darwen.
“An investigation is under way, and a woman in her 20s is being supported by specially trained officers. A 21-year-old man from Darwen has been arrested on suspicion of rape and remains in custody.
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“We know that this is concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that we have a dedicated team of officers investigating and have increased patrols by our Neighbourhood officers as a reassurance. We want you to know that if you have any concerns that you can approach them as they conduct their duties.
“If you have information or CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist our enquiries, please call 101 quoting log 0059 of 25th May.”
Darwen town centre had been packed over the weekend as tens of thousands of music-lovers headed to the annual Music Live festival. Sunday’s headliners were The Ordinary Boys with the warm weather drawing crowds into the town.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV called Monday for robust regulation of artificial intelligence and for its developers to work for the common good rather than profit, issuing a sweeping manifesto on safeguarding humankind as the technology impacts everything from work to war.
“Magnifica Humanitas” (Magnificent Humanity), Leo’s first encyclical, has been eagerly awaited ever since history’s first U.S.-born pope announced days after his election that he considered AI to be the biggest challenge facing humanity today.
In the text, Leo denounced the “culture of power” driving the AI race, especially in developing ever more sophisticated methods of remote warfare. He declared that it was “not permissible” to entrust irreversible, lethal decisions to AI systems, setting up another flash point between the American pope and the Trump administration, which has worked aggressively to deregulate AI development.
“Artificial Intelligence now demands to be disarmed, freed from logics that turn it into an instrument of domination, exclusion and death,″ the pope told a special Vatican presentation of the encyclical, one of the most authoritative types of teaching documents a pope can issue.
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Experts in the tech industry, academia and Catholic morality said the document will likely become a benchmark in the debate over AI, a point of reference for policymakers, researchers and ordinary folk alike. It comes as the near-daily developments in the technology trigger concerns over AI replacing human jobs and even human intelligence.
Taylor Black, a Microsoft AI executive and director of Catholic University of America’s AI institute, said the document would prompt people “at the forefront of these tools” to ask questions such as “What does it mean to be human?”
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Pope Leo XIV attends the presentation of his first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Vatican, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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Pope Leo XIV attends the presentation of his first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Vatican, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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Pope calls out AI companies even as he hosts Anthropic
The Vatican launch also included remarks by the co-founder of Anthropic, which is currently locked in a legal battle with the Trump administration over access to its AI technology. The Vatican decided to involve Anthropic as part of its decade-long effort to engage Silicon Valley in dialogue over the human cost of AI.
And yet in his text, Leo repeatedly blasted the concentration of power and data in the hands of so few people in the private sector as a danger, especially to children and the most vulnerable, and called for external regulation of their work.
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“It is not enough to invoke ethics in the abstract; robust legal frameworks, independent oversight, informed users and a political system that does not abdicate its responsibility are required,” he wrote. “A more moral AI is not enough if that morality is determined by a few.”
Leo appealed to AI developers and political leaders responsible for regulating them to slow down and reflect on what they are doing. He urged them to use ethical and spiritual guidelines to make the choice to work not for their own profit or power, but the betterment of humanity.
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Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah speaks during the presentation of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Vatican, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah speaks during the presentation of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Vatican, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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AI competitors OpenAI and Anthropic are the second- and third-most valuable U.S. private companies, each valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, more than the GDP of many nations. Both companies are heading toward near-trillion dollar IPOs.
Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah welcomed Leo’s criticism and concern. He said such external checks were fundamental to the technology “going well” for humankind since there is so much at stake — “a real possibility that AI will displace human labor at a very large scale.”
“We need more of the world — religious communities, civil society, scholars, governments — to do what His Holiness has done here: to take this seriously, to look closely, and to push events in a better direction,” Olah said. “We need moral voices that the incentives cannot bend.”
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Experts say the text will become a benchmark
In a methodical text, the math major pope traced the history of the Catholic Church’s social teaching and applied its core concepts — justice, solidarity, the dignity of work and the universal destination of resources — to the digital revolution.
“I am convinced that this will prove to be a defining document for our era, a profound and prophetic document,” said Paolo Carozza, law professor at Notre Dame Law School and chair of the Meta Oversight Board.
“Pope Leo is offering a clear, comprehensive, and coherent voice urging us to take responsibility for constructing a world in which technology will serve humans rather than degrade them,” he said.
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Pope Leo XIV, left, attends the presentation of his first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Vatican, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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Pope Leo XIV, left, attends the presentation of his first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Vatican, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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In its strongest chapters, Leo denounced how AI had helped accelerate the “normalization of war” by desensitizing people to its cost. He didn’t name specific conflicts, but cited “opposing imperialisms, between powers that wish to preserve their supremacy, and those that aspire to seize that supremacy.”
He demanded transparency and accountability by AI developers so that the chain of decision-making command in ordering strikes with AI weaponry is always known. He declared that the Catholic Church’s “just war” theory, which provides specific criteria for when force can be justified, was now “outdated” given the technological advances of warfare.
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A text in the church’s social justice tradition
Leo signed the text May 15, the 135th anniversary of the publication of “Rerum Novarum” (Of New Things), the most important teaching document of Leo’s hero and namesake, Pope Leo XIII. That document addressed workers’ rights, the limits of capitalism, and the obligations that states and employers owed workers as the Industrial Revolution was underway.
It became the foundation of modern Catholic social thought, and the current pope cited it at the start of his pontificate in relation to the AI revolution, which he believes poses the same existential questions that the Industrial Revolution posed over a century ago. “Magnifica Humanitas” thus becomes the latest chapter in a century-long history of popes adapting “Rerum Novarum” to the social questions of their times, often dwelling on the dignity of work for human flourishing.
AI is evoking both existential fears and utopian vision amid an intensifying debate on whether it will become a catalyst that enriches humanity or a technological toxin that dulls human intelligence while wiping out millions of high-paying jobs.
“The pursuit of greater profits cannot justify choices that systematically sacrifice jobs, because the human person is an end, not a means, and the economic order must remain subordinate to human dignity and the common good,” Leo wrote.
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Leo extended his concern for upholding human dignity in labor to issue the first-ever papal apology for the Holy See’s own role in legitimizing slavery by giving European sovereigns explicit authority to subjugate and enslave “infidels.”
Pope Leo XIV, left, attends the presentation of his first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Vatican, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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Pope Leo XIV, left, attends the presentation of his first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence,” at the Vatican, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
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A decade-long dialogue with Silicon Valley
Vatican officials declined to say who contributed to Leo’s encyclical. But Vatican and church officials have been engaged in a dialogue with Silicon Valley tech firms for a decade.
The decision to include Anthropic at the Vatican launch was criticized by some who considered it a papal stamp of approval of the AI firm, which is currently suing the Trump administration after it ordered all U.S. agencies to stop using Anthropic’s technology for its refusal to allow the U.S. military unrestricted use of it.
Brian Boyd, U.S. faith liaison for the nonprofit Future of Life Institute, read the inclusion of Anthropic’s co-founder Olah as a recognition of its prominence in the field and as similar to a papal audience with a head of state: not an endorsement.
Anthropic is an “enormous corporation that is taking onto itself an enormous risk and responsibility,” Boyd said, adding that the company has “demonstrated genuine goodwill and integrity and interest in dialogue.”
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Winfield reported from Middletown, Connecticut, and Huamani reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Kelvin Chan in London and Colleen Barry in Milan contributed to this report.
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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