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.
Meanwhile, off the back of Wuthering Heights’ box office success, it now looks like a certain Australian star may also be a hot favourite for the job.
As we dive into the latest 007 speculation, here are 20 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.
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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.
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.”
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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.
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.”
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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.”
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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.
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”.
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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.
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.
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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.
“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.
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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.
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.
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“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.
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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.
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.
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“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.
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.
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“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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
What’s he said? “There was a conversation one of my agents had but they quite firmly shut the door in their face.”
David M. Benett via Getty Images
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.
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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.
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.
The move follows O&H Vehicle Conversions Ltd of Goole entering administration earlier this month.
The company, which was founded in 1988, produced vehicles including rapid response vehicles for the police, NHS ambulance services and private ambulance operators.
A statement by administrators BDO LLP said O&H Vehicle Conversions had faced financial pressures affecting the wider vehicle conversion industry and had recently suffered from delivery delays which further impacted income and cashflow.
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As a result, the directors were left with no alternative but to place the company into Administration, they explained.
Following a marketing process prior to the appointment of Administrators, a solvent going concern sale was not possible.
As a result, all operations have now ceased and 157 employees have been made redundant with immediate effect.
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Mark Thornton, one of the Joint Administrators said: “It is always a sad day when a longstanding business is forced to close. Given the financial position and outlook for the Company, securing a sale of the business as a going concern was not possible.
“The priority of the Joint Administrators will now be to support employees impacted by the closure and realise assets in line with our duties in order to maximise the return for creditors.”
As the Press reported recently, company bosses said they did all they could to find a rescue deal for O&H Vehicle Conversions.
O&H managing director Mark Brickhill said: “In 2025, we delivered a record 227 NHS Emergency Double Crewed Ambulances (DCAs), up from 186 in 2024, whilst also growing and diversifying the business with a £19 million turnover.
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Mr Brickhill explained OHVC had suffered delays in the delivery of chassis, delaying £2.2million of planned and achievable sales in recent months.
The company switched towards Rapid Response Vehicle (RRV) production for both the Ambulance and Police Services, but delayed production caused by retraining staff and the lower margins such vehicles deliver, did not bridge the financial gap caused by the chassis delay.
Unmarked police vehicles were seen arriving at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on Thursday, where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been living.
He was arrested by Thames Valley Police – but while we know they are carrying out searches in Norfolk and Berkshire, it’s not clear where Andrew was arrested.
An Ealing Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service [LDRS]: “Several national and local construction contractors collapsed into administration following the pandemic, including Henry Construction, which was building new homes on our behalf. The sudden collapse of Henry Construction, in 2023, which was a private sector failure, meant that work on 60 sites stopped overnight, and this has had significant implications for Ealing Council and other councils too.
People who unknowingly make the mistake might be confused if their recycling gets left behind
Andrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer
12:54, 19 Feb 2026Updated 12:56, 19 Feb 2026
People have been warned that their recycling could be ignored by rubbish collectors if they find a specific item in their bins. People who attempt to sneak in items that could cause significant problems at recycling centres risk having to wait for the next weekly collection.
A binman has claimed online that a common material found in many everyday items, including takeaways, should always be disposed of in the rubbish bin. In a TikTok video viewed by over 2.4 million people, @Theno1.binman said: “When the binmen find polystyrene hiding in the recycling.”
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Holding up a piece of polystyrene, he simply put: “Now I have to leave the bin.” Most local authorities won’t risk collecting polystyrene if it’s mixed with approved recycling materials.
Although the material can technically be recycled, it poses additional complications that make disposal challenging. Recycle Now, the national recycling campaign, said on its website that polystyrene is “a type of plastic which is not commonly recycled and should be placed in the waste bin”.
It further added that expanded polystyrene is often used for takeaway food containers and packaging white goods such as microwaves, reports the Mirror.
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Explaining the reasons, a spokesperson for London Recycles added: “Polystyrene often isn’t recycled because it is difficult to sort from other types of plastic waste and easily breaks into small beads, which can clog up sorting machines and cause them to break down. Try and avoid buying food and drink which comes in polystyrene. If you can’t, put the containers in your rubbish bin.”
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A statement on Wales Recycles reads: “Polystyrene is a type of plastic which is not commonly recycled and should be placed in your bag or bin for non-recyclable waste… Expanded polystyrene is sometimes used for take-away food containers and to package white goods like microwaves. Polystyrene is also sometimes used for other food packaging, like multi-pack yoghurts. Some local councils accept it in recycling collections, although it is unlikely to actually be recycled.”
What to think about when recycling
Recycling is an important process that requires everyone in the street to follow the same rules to ensure waste materials are given a second life. It often takes just one mistake to ruin an entire batch, contributing to landfill problems.
Contamination in recycling means anything that shouldn’t be there. In some instances, this might result from ‘wishcycling’ – when people have the right intentions but dispose of items without checking whether they’re recyclable.
Recycle Now explains: “It could be something that’s recyclable, but not collected by your particular local council, such as plastic wrapping. Or it could be something that is collected by your local council, but that has been tainted by a material or substance that isn’t, such as a grease-soaked cardboard takeaway pizza box or the food residue from a can of beans.”
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Most packaging, including food and household products, frequently shows whether it can be recycled. Occasionally, full items can be placed in the recycling bin intact – such as toilet roll tubes and plastic bottles – though the rules differ slightly across different regions of the country.
Some items – like plastic film wrappers on some cartons of fresh fruit – cannot be recycled, despite the carton itself being safe to put in the recycling bin. These items generally cannot be included in curbside recycling because they tangle, jam, and damage sorting machinery, creating dangerous and costly maintenance issues.
For the most precise information, use the free Recycling Locator tool from Recycle Now to discover what you can place in your household recycling bins. It also directs people to their nearest recycling drop-off location if they don’t have a regular collection or have too much for one bin collection.
North Yorkshire Police investigating a crash in Sutton-in-Craven last month have confirmed that a pedestrian, who was seriously injured in the incident, has since died.
She has been named as Tricia (Patricia) Davies, née Curtin, aged 51.
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Officers have renewed their appeal for information about the crash that happened at around 3.14pm on Tuesday 27 January on Holme Lane, at the junction with Bridge Road. It involved a white Toyota Prius and a black BMW X5.
The drivers of the Toyota and BMW were uninjured and are assisting the investigation.
“Our thoughts remain with Tricia’s family who have asked for privacy at this time to allow them to grieve,” said a spokesperson for the force.
Anyone who saw either of the vehicles or the pedestrian before the collision or saw the actual collision happen, along with anyone who has relevant dashcam footage is asked to contact MCIT@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 and pass information for the Major Collision Investigation Team.
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Please quote reference 12260016384 when passing on information.
Everything we know as NHS warns UK is facing ‘second surge’ of norovirus – Manchester Evening News
Need to know
It comes following a recent outbreak of the bug earlier this month
Norovirus levels have reached a new high for this winter(Image: Getty Images)
UK Faces ‘second surge’ of norovirus amid winter pressures
The NHS has warned that the UK is facing a ‘second surge’ of norovirus as hospital cases hit their highest level this winter.
Over 1,000 patients a day are now being treated for the highly contagious ‘winter vomiting bug’, marking a jump of almost nine per cent from the previous week. The figures represent more than a 2.5-fold increase since the start of January.
Norovirus spreads quickly and causes vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps and aching limbs. Symptoms typically last one to two days.
After briefly stabilising in early February, cases have been rising again for two consecutive weeks, prompting fears of a second surge.
NHS national medical director Dr Claire Fuller said: ‘It’s vital that we do all we can to avoid a second surge in norovirus at a time when the NHS remains flat out coping with winter pressures.’
Doctors are urging people to stay home until they’ve been symptom-free for at least two days. Good hand hygiene and avoiding schools, workplaces and care homes when ill are crucial to preventing spread.
Hospitals are also struggling with over 1,250 beds closed daily due to norovirus symptoms, up more than 190 per cent since early January.
LONDON (AP) — He was reportedly his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite, but the former Prince Andrew has long been a headache for Britain’s royal family.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office in an inquiry stemming from his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He is the first senior British royal in modern history to be detained by police.
He was born a prince in 1960, the second child of the queen and her husband Prince Philip. His elder brother Charles was destined for the throne. Andrew took a tried-and-tested route for younger royal sons: military service.
After 22 years in the Royal Navy, including combat operations as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War, Andrew was named Britain’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001.
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The current police investigation stems from that period. It follows documents in recently released Epstein files that suggest Andrew passed on official government documents to the late financier when he was a trade envoy. The former prince has not been charged with a crime. He has long denied any wrongdoing over his Epstein links.
Mountbatten-Windsor was forced to step down from the trade role in 2011 amid growing concern about his friendship with Epstein, who had been sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 after pleading guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
Once a subject of media fascination for his love life, the man the tabloids dubbed “Randy Andy” became a regular source of headlines because of his money woes and links to questionable characters, including Epstein, the American financier and convicted sex offender.
After Epstein was arrested again in 2019, Andrew gave a disastrous interview to the BBC’s Newsnight program, in which he tried to explain away his contacts with Epstein. It backfired – he was widely criticized for giving unbelievable explanations and for failing to show empathy for Epstein’s victims.
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Amid the backlash, Andrew announced on Nov. 20, 2019, that he was giving up public duties and charity roles “for the foreseeable future.”
That was not the end of the story. After emails emerged last year showing Andrew remained in contact with Epstein longer than he previously claimed, King Charles III stripped his brother of his princely title and other honors and his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The pub is set to close this month to undergo a six-figure refurbishment
A pub in Cambridge will close for a month to undergo a six-figure makeover. The Golden Hind on Milton Road will temporarily close to the public on February 22 at 6pm. They plan to reopen the following month.
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The investment plans to give the Greene King pub a “new lease of life with significant improvements both inside and out combining the best of a traditional pub welcome with modern day comforts”, according to Greene King.
The country’s leading pub company added: “With a new management team and friendly faces at Golden Hind, there will be something for everyone. Whether it’s popping in for a drink with friends, enjoying a leisurely meal or watching live sporting fixtures or entertainment.”
Customers will also be able to enjoy an enhanced spacious bar and drinking areas as well as sports viewing and live music including karaoke, bands and DJs.
Multiple job opportunities are available as The Golden Hind is currently hiring team members for front and back of house.
Ten fire engines remain at First Stop RMH Vehicle Services this afternoon (February 19) after a fire broke out before midday.
Plumes of grey smoke are continuing to pour from the unit, in the Abraham Retail Park, which has sustained a significant amount of damage to its roof.
The blaze in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Nearby businesses including McDonald’s are understood to have been evacuated and the fire service has issued a warning to residents nearby to stay away from the area and keep doors and windows closed.
According to AA Traffic Maps, motorists on the A688, West Auckland Road, Greenfields Road, Maude Terrace and Watling Road are all facing delays.
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Police have now confirmed that a stretch of road, between McDonald’s and Sainsburys has been closed as firefighters battle the flames.
A Durham Police spokesperson said: “A road closure has now been put in place between the roundabout at McDonalds and the roundabout at Sainsbury’s.
Smoke pouring from the garage. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“Motorists are being advised of poor visibility in the Tindale Retail Park area in Bishop Auckland due to smoke caused by a car fire.
“Emergency services are currently in attendance. Please find an alternative route.”
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A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service added: “We currently have ten appliances in attendance at a large-scale fire at Tindale Retail Park in Bishop Auckland.
“We ask that businesses and properties in the area keep their doors and windows closed due to the level of smoke and urge people to stay away from the area.
“Motorists who have to travel near the area should keep windows closed, turn off air conditioning and keep their air vents closed.”
Those who see him on a daily basis at Liverpool describe him as highly competitive with a clear desire to excel.
Szoboszlai is regularly among the first to arrive at training and it’s no surprise he’s high up in terms of the club’s running and physical stats. No Liverpool player has covered more distance this season.
In a recent video on Liverpool‘s channels, Milos Kerkez – who plays with him for club and country – said Szoboszlai would be a 400m runner if he wasn’t a footballer.
“He could jog from Liverpool to Hungary and not get tired,” joked left-back Kerkez.
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Szoboszlai is a man determined in his own right, but Salah’s high standards are understood to have a big influence on him. Away from football, the pair enjoy playing backgammon and often hang out together at each other’s houses.
When he was described as “disrespectful” last month by Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane for attempting a backheel in his own box that led to a mistake and goal for the League One side, Szoboszlai spoke up to defend himself.
Privately, manager Arne Slot had a word too.
Szoboszlai’s prime years are ahead of him. He was handed the national team captaincy at 22 and Liverpool view him as a future skipper, just like Gerrard.
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With vice-captain Robertson expected to depart this summer and Van Dijk’s deal expiring in 2027, the possibility is certainly there.
Asked if Szoboszlai has the attributes to be a future leader, Slot said: “Yes, but he is still young. He has a lot of attributes already, especially when it comes to leading by example. There is still a step to make in terms of leadership, being vocal and a voice in the dressing room if I compare him to Virgil, which is completely normal.
“Virgil is 34 and has seen [James] Milner, [Jordan] Henderson and these players, so it’s really good for Dominik that he sees Virgil. That would be the next step for him; to be as vocal and as loud as Virgil but that comes with time.
“But for all the other things, he has a lot to become a very influential player for Liverpool and you could call that a leader.”
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During his first season at Liverpool which was Jurgen Klopp’s last campaign, Szoboszlai struggled in a game at Luton, and his frustrations summed up when he booted a ball outside the stadium.
By the end of that campaign, he found himself out of the starting line-up. If anything, it was a realisation of what was needed for him to succeed in the Premier League.
Szoboszlai returned later that summer with a point to prove and has been ever-present under Slot since – 2025 was the year he became a husband, father and a Premier League winner.
This term, he has already played more minutes for Liverpool than he did in 2023-24 and only 302 minutes short of matching his tally for the previous campaign.
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“Obviously he has been very good [this season],” added Van Dijk. “He’s also a player who I think can still make the next step in terms of being a leader for this team. It starts by leading by example and that’s something he has done so far this season.
“But also everything around it, there is still progress to be made and that’s a good thing in my opinion, so hopefully he will be very important for the years to come at Liverpool.”
When Klopp signed Szoboszlai – who had impressed at Red Bull Salzburg before joining RB Leipzig in 2021 – he said: “This is a signing for our present and also for our future.”
Liverpool will be keen to make sure that remains the case.
