Chris Appleton has roped in his best pal Kim Kardashian to judge his Strictly Come Dancing moves in a new video shared to Instagram on Saturday. 

The celebrity hairstylist, 43, performed his Strictly moves in an underground car park as the reality star held up a score padle from a car. 

Chris joked that ‘Kim was a tough judge’ as she held up a score of two after messing up and laughing during the dance. 

Kim, who was dressed to the nines in a brown leather bralette and skirt, said: ‘For that, not being good under pressure, just because you are you,’ she held up the number two padel. 

Chris insisted his dance moves ‘don’t look as good here’ in the carpark as he performed a second Strictly move which Kim awarded him an eight. 

Kim replied in the comments: ‘You better work on dancing under pressure. But what do I know?! Have u seen my DWTS??? Maybe don’t take advice from me, YOU’RE GONNA KILL IT!!!’ 

The celebrity hairstylist, 43, performed his Strictly moves in an underground car park as the reality star held up a score padel from a car

Head judge Shirley Ballas begged the SKIMs mogul to join the BBC show panel, she penned: ‘I mean our desk IS big enough for five chairs ngl.’ 

It is currently unknown whether Kim will make an appearance during the BBC show but she has recently spent time in London for the opening of a Regent Street branch of her SKIMS store. 

During Saturday’s show, it was revealed that Chris is paired with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden.

The celeb contestants were split into groups of five to take part in three specially choreographed dance routines to find out their partner, in a new show shakeup. 

During the opening show the new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe made their debut.

The trio took over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the BBC show at the end of the 2025 series. 

The hosts joined the dance floor for the first ever time as they welcomed back judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Sharing his nerves, Josh said: ‘It’s a little bit overwhelming to be here but we are so excited…’

‘We cannot wait to spend the next 13 weeks with all of you,’ Emma said.

Chris joked that ‘Kim was a tough judge’ as she held up a score of two after messing up and laughing during the dance

Chris insisted his dance moves ‘don’t look as good here’ in the carpark as he performed a second Strictly move which Kim awarded him an eight

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Kim replied in the comments: ‘You better work on dancing under pressure. But what do I know?! Have u seen my DWTS??? Maybe don’t take advice from me, YOU’RE GONNA KILL IT!!!’

Head judge Shirley Ballas begged Kim to join the BBC show panel, she penned: ‘I mean our desk IS big enough for five chairs ngl’; L-R Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley and Anton Du Beke

During Saturday’s show, it was revealed that Chris is paired with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden 

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Viewers at home hailed Emma ‘the goddess of British TV’ as she launched the series in a plunging glitzy dress.

While the TV personality went down a hit with fans, bemused fans asked: ‘Why do we need three hosts?’ as they shared their verdict on social media.

Users wrote on X: ‘i love emma, jojo and josh but it feels so odd without tess and claude, this is gonna take some getting used to; I can’t understand why we need 3 presenters???; 3 hosts are different but I love emma willis so happy she’s part of this,’

‘Emma and Johannes have got this but Josh just does not fit #Strictly.’

Emma marked her first ever Strictly show with an emotional post on Instagram, writing: ‘Week one… I guess it’s officially happening then. Dress on, game face ready and fully prepared for the glitter to take over… Strictly, let’s be having you.’

As the hosts previously explained, the new presenting format is fluid with no ‘like-for-like’ replacements for Claudia and Tess. 

Instead, seasoned TV presenter Emma, comedian Josh and Strictly pro dancer Johannes tried out different combinations during the launch show episode.  

Pre-recorded last week, it saw the new crop of celebrities find out who they will be dancing with for, potentially, 13 weeks as they vie for the Glitterball trophy.

Taking to Instagram before the show, Tess wished the new trio the best of luck as she wrote: ‘BBC Strictly class of 26! So excited for tonight! And to finally be able to watch Strictly in flat shoes’.

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER 

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AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’

DELTA GOODREM

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!’

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CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’

DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’

BETHANY ANTONIA 

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AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’

GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

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AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’

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TABBY STOECKER 

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

MELANIE WALTERS 

AGE: 64

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’

DANI DYER

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AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’

CHRIS APPLETON

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AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’

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WILL BEST

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’

JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 

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AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’

LAWRENCE ROBB

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AGE: 34

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s Emmerdale

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’

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JOHN NELLIS 

AGE: 33

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’

 

The X Factor has added fuel to the fire of speculation with the release of an update to its Facebook page.

It was reported earlier this month that a reboot of the ITV talent show has been in the works since December, with those in the know sworn to secrecy.

Before being axed, The X Factor had run every year from 2004 until 2018, producing 15 series (plus a celebrity spin-off in 2019).

During this time, it was responsible for discovering some of the biggest names in British music, including Alexandra Burke, Olly Murs and One Direction.

ITV confirmed that the show had officially been cancelled in 2021, while forging ahead with Simon Cowell’s other star-making behemoth, Britain’s Got Talent.

With rumours of a reboot picking up steam, The X Factor has suddenly changed its profile picture on Facebook – leaving fans more convinced than ever that the show is coming back.

This weekend, The X Factor quietly updated its Facebook page, changing the profile picture back to that of its 2016-2018 logo.

This is the third redesign of the branding, which stripped away the words ‘The’ and ‘Factor’ from the design, leaving only the iconic X.

Its final redesign, released in 2018, was a gold version of the logo with a bigger series of X’s at its core.

This update was the validation fans needed that their beloved show is coming back, with Rhodri writing on Facebook: ‘So this has confirmed the speculations about the show is coming back.’

Emma described it as ‘a sign,’ while Lynne was convinced that the show is ‘making a comeback’

‘It’s time to get the band back together!’ Bethan exclaimed, as Ellie added: ‘If it’s not Sharon, Simon and Louis, I don’t want to know.’

Sharon Osbourne, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh are perhaps the show’s most well-known iteration of the judging panel, having debuted when the show first aired in 2004.

In the years that followed, judges came and went, with the likes of Cheryl, Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Nicole Scherzinger all bringing their expertise to the panel.

Prior to its cancellation, the show’s 15th series saw Simon lead a judging panel which consisted of Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field.

If the 2016-2018 iteration of the logo serves as a clue, then Louis, Sharon and Nicole all appeared on those series, with Simon once again leading the charge.

During this time, the show was hosted by Dermot O’Leary, in the second of two presenting stints.

The This Morning star, who hosted The X Factor from 2007-2014 and 2016-2018, is rumoured to be coming back when (or if!) the show makes its return.

However, he played coy when questioned by Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain this month.

‘It’s six years since it was on air which doesn’t sound like that much of a long time, but the world has changed and the music’s changed, and how we communicate and how we watch things has changed so much in those six years,’ Dermot said.

He continued: ‘I’m fascinated as to what they’ll do if they do bring it back. It’d have to be, in many ways, a very different show [but] you still want the nostalgia of how it was in the first place.’

It was also reported that Love Island host Maya Jama is a ‘frontrunner’ in talks to host the rebooted X Factor.

An insider told The Sun that Maya is ‘perfect for the reboot,’ with ‘plenty of experience hosting live shows and is one of the hottest talents on telly right now.’

‘The X Factor want to appeal the show to younger viewers and they feel Maya’s Love Island hosting and her huge following make her an ideal candidate.’

Metro has contacted ITV for comment.

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Scott James McNeice, 40, was discharged from the Army on medical grounds after he had his leg amputated following a training injury.

In 2018 he represented Team UK in six sports at the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games.

He died at his home in Leeming Bar on April 22 after 18 months of mental-health problems and depressive episodes.

At his inquest at Northallerton Coroner’s Court on Thursday, September 17, assistant coroner Dr Gill Kane said Mr McNeice joined the Army in 2003, served as a healthcare assistant in the Army Nursing Corps and completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He injured his knee during a training exercise in 2017 and chose to have his leg amputated after 12 operations, complications and an infection.

Scott James McNeice

The Army medically discharged him in 2019.

The inquest heard after leaving the Army, Mr McNeice struggled with his mental health and used alcohol to cope. He also represented Team UK in six sports at the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games, winning medals in archery, volleyball and wheelchair rugby.

Later in 2018, the Armed Forces Para Snowsports Team introduced him to snowboarding and described him as “having an interest in many activities”.

The inquest heard that Mr McNeice was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital on February 9, 2025, after experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Staff found he posed no immediate risk and discharged him.

On April 9, 2025, he was taken by ambulance to Darlington Memorial Hospital after self-harming.

Scott James McNeice

But he left before staff could carry out an initial assessment.

The inquest heard that Mr McNeice saw GP Dr Rufus Barraclough in person on April 10, was diagnosed with a depressive disorder and given antidepressants.

Dr Barraclough told the inquest that Mr McNeice was “low in mood” and that he referred him to mental-health services.

“During that appointment, Mr McNeice didn’t give any indication that he had suicidal thoughts, and I diagnosed him with a depressive disorder and gave him antidepressants,” Dr Barraclough said.

Scott James McNeice

The coroner told the inquest that Mr McNeice’s ex-partner, Caitlin, received a ‘worrying’ WhatsApp message on April 21 and went to his home in Leeming Bar.

She brought a neighbour with her, and they found Mr McNeice snoring in bed before leaving.

When they returned the next day, they found Mr McNeice on the bed and not breathing.

Emergency services attended, and Mr McNeice was pronounced dead just before 5pm.

Assistant coroner Dr Gill Kane said she was “satisfied that Mr McNeice was given the help, advice and support” and that the “risk factor had been weighed up” by the medical professionals who treated him.

Dr Kane recorded Mr McNeice’s death as suicide.

• The Samaritans say that whatever you’re going through, you can call them for free, at any time, from any phone, on 116 123.

Fuel prices are tipped to hit a record high this week as a result of the ongoing conflict in Iran

Petrol and diesel drivers in the UK have been advised to fill up their fuel tanks before 10am on a Friday in order to save money, as the price of fuel is expected to hit an all-time high next week.

Gordon Wallis, an expert at Interfuels, has cautioned that the time motorists visit the pumps can have a significant impact on both price and efficiency. Fuel costs can fluctuate several times throughout the day, with changes influenced by wholesale market movements, local competition and consumer demand.

This means refuelling early in the morning can offer its benefits, with charges likely increasing by late morning and around lunchtime as new wholesale prices are factored in.

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The advice comes as the price of petrol and diesel is forecast to spike to its most expensive level since April over the coming days, as the war in Iran continues.

Motorists are currently paying an average of 169.68p per litre for unleaded petrol and 191.68p for diesel, according to figures from RAC Fuel Watch on Monday, September 14. Costs have also exceeded the diesel peaks of 191.54p recorded on April 15, as the Middle East conflict continues to push up oil prices.

Motorists are now confronting some of the steepest prices seen in recent years. Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said fuel prices are now at levels not witnessed since early August 2022, just a few months after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Mr Williams told GB News: “With oil well over $100 (£74.20) a barrel, there’s no end in sight to high pump prices and the pain it brings to drivers who depend on their vehicles. In fact, the average price of diesel may be on the way to overtaking the record high of 199.05p set on June 25, 2022.”

He added: “Petrol, however, is still a long way from its all-time record of 191.53p on July 3, 2022.”

Retailers don’t always update their forecourt displays straight away, so there can be a brief window where costs are marginally lower and reflecting the previous day’s figures. At a time when petrol and diesel prices are continuing to climb almost daily, capitalising on lower wholesale rates can be vital.

Gordon Wallis told the Express: “By late morning, many retailers have already adjusted their prices to reflect overnight changes in wholesale costs. That means drivers filling up around midday are often paying a premium. Late morning and early afternoon tend to be busy periods, with people stopping during errands, commutes or lunch breaks. When demand is steady, there is less pressure on retailers to keep prices low.”

Gordon added that for motorists refuelling regularly, selecting the right time of day could save over £100 annually. He said: “Midday is often one of the busiest times at service stations. Refuelling earlier or later can mean shorter queues and a smoother visit overall.

“Tracking patterns at your local station and adjusting your habits accordingly can help you avoid paying more than necessary,” he added. “In a period of higher fuel costs, these small, practical steps can make a real difference over time.”

Timing might not be the only factor that matters, with motorists advised to fill up before the weekend surge.

Motoring specialists at Save at the Pump, an advice platform providing guidance on reducing fuel expenses, disclosed that Friday and Saturday are usually the most costly days to refuel.

The experts noted that drivers can anticipate being charged approximately 1-3p per litre more towards the end of the week and through the weekend. If forecourt prices still reflect the preceding day’s wholesale cost during the morning hours, filling up at 10am on Friday morning might be the final opportunity to benefit from the lowest rates.

On the front line of the battle to save lives, charity workers say they are seeing the devastating impact of the new synthetic opioids first-hand.

In the woods at Glenbarr on the Kintyre peninsula, staff from the drug, alcohol and mental health charity With You are trying to treat trauma in a group designed to help former drug and alcohol users reconnect with nature.

Gareth Balmer, the charity’s national harm reduction lead, says nitazenes and other synthetic opioids are now appearing across the drug supply, from benzodiazepine (street Valium) pills and cannabinoids, known as spice, to cocaine and heroin.

“This is a frightening new landscape,” he said. “I don’t think drugs have ever been as risky or as dangerous as they are now.”

The result is that some users are experiencing unexpected and sometimes catastrophic overdoses.

“Some of these substances are so potent that a grain would be enough to take somebody over,” Balmer warned, adding that access to naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is now more important than ever.

Neil Jones has been left without a Strictly Come Dancing partner for another year.

The professional dancer, 44, joined the BBC dance competition in 2016 and has not been assigned a partner for seven of the ten years.

He was last paired with singer Toyah Willcox in 2024, where they lasted only two weeks before being eliminated.

Strictly 2026 launched with a pre-recorded show on Saturday where the pro dancers found out their celebrity partners, but once again Neil has been relegated to the subs bench alongside three of the new professionals. 

The show veteran addressed the snub in an Instagram video posted during Saturday night’s launch show which saw him attempting to throw a pen into a cup before it was replaced with a much bigger bin, alongside the caption ‘if I get the pen in the bin I will get a celeb partner’.

The dancer still missed, with fellow pro dancer Kai Widdrington, who has landed a celeb partner, catching the pen off camera.

Alongside the clip, he joked: ‘You know I love being part of @bbcstrictly and honestly after adding 2 Guinness World Records last year to my 45 titles around the world, I feel like it would be greedy to win the glitterball as well so I wanted to give the others a chance.’

15 new celebrities descended on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor on Saturday night as the 24th series kicked off in spectacular style

Fans and Neil’s co-stars flooded the post with laughing face emojis as they praised his optimism. 

It was previously revealed that Neil missed filming several pre-recorded group dances after suffering an injury during rehearsals.

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘Neil is a much-loved and valued member of the cast, but sadly not all the pros can get a partner.

‘Bosses love him because of his jokey personality, so expect to see him on set as much as possible.’

15 new celebrities descended on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor on Saturday night as the 24th series kicked off in spectacular style. 

As the launch show got underway, fronted by new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, the dance partnerships were announced. 

The celeb contestants were split into groups of five to take part in three specially-choreographed dance routines to find out their partner. 

Dani Dyer, 30, returned for her second year after an ankle injury forced her to withdraw early in last year’s competition. 

She was reunited with her dance partner Nikita Kuzmin, 28, whom she was paired with last year.  

House of The Dragon actress and West End star Bethany Antonia, 28, partner was Nancy Xu, 35.

Bethany had requested a female dance partner after she was inspired by Nicola Adams and Katya Jones’ coupling in 2020 as they helped with her coming out journey.

‘That was life-changing for me – to see my family so supportive of an all-female couple and what that meant,’ she said.

Nancy missed out on a partner last year so was delighted to be back in the competition once again. 

Love Island star Cach Mercer, 25, has been paired with one of the five new Strictly pro dancers Maddie Ingoldsby.

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, 43, is with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden.

Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem, 41, is with Kai Widdrington whilst dog trainer Graeme Hall, 59, is with Lauren Oakley.

Actress Jaime Winstone, 41, has been partnered with Carlos Gu, who will be hoping to replicate his 2025 win with Karen Carney.

Sports Youtuber John Nellis, 33, is with the show’s longest-serving professional Katya Jones.

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, 38, has landed fan favourite Vito Coppola whilst Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb, 34, is with Jowita Przystał.

The oldest celebrity in the new series, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, 64, is in good hands with long-time pro Aljaž Škorjanec.

Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, 48, has been paired with Julian Caillon whilst former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips, 44, is with Alexis Warr.

British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker, 25, is with another new pro Mark Karmalita and Big Brother presenter Will Best, 41, is with show favourite Dianne Buswell, who lifted the Gitterball in 2024.

Strictly continues on BBC One on Saturday September 26. 

STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

LACEY TURNER 

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AGE: 38

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m so excited and terrified at the same time but I’ve had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.’

DELTA GOODREM

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AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albums

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!’

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CACH MERCER

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!’

DAME SARAH STOREY

AGE: 48

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain’s most successful Paralympian 

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.’

BETHANY ANTONIA 

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AGE: 28

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.’

GRAEME ‘THE DOGFATHER’ HALL

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AGE: 59

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!’

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TABBY STOECKER 

AGE: 25

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!’

MELANIE WALTERS 

AGE: 64

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.’

DANI DYER

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AGE: 30

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!’

CHRIS APPLETON

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AGE: 43

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars – including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.’

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WILL BEST

AGE: 41

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’

JAIME WINSTONE

AGE: 41

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BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb Raider

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.’

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 

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AGE: 44

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!’

LAWRENCE ROBB

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AGE: 34

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV’s Emmerdale

WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!’

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JOHN NELLIS 

AGE: 33

BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel

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WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I can’t wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!’

 

Photographer Simon McCabe captured images of a Typhoon alongside an L-159E ‘Honey Badger’ as the aircraft headed towards Teesside.

Simon, who photographed the jets from the Stockton area, also captured further images during a training session.

Photographer Simon McCabe captured images of a Typhoon alongside an L-159E “Honey Badger” as the aircraft headed towards Teesside (Image: SIMON MCCABE)

The unusual sight is likely to have caught the attention of people looking skywards across Teesside, but the Honey Badger has become a relatively familiar presence in the region.

The aircraft is operated by aviation and defence company Draken from its base at Teesside International Airport.

The L-159E Honey Badger is a Czech-built light combat training aircraft which is used to simulate hostile aircraft during exercises with Royal Air Force fighter pilots.

Draken’s pilots regularly fly the aircraft against RAF Typhoons and F-35 Lightnings over the North Sea, effectively taking the role of an enemy force to give military pilots realistic combat training.

Photographer Simon McCabe captured images of a Typhoon alongside an L-159E “Honey Badger” as the aircraft headed towards Teesside (Image: SIMON MCCABE)

The RAF introduced the service in 2022, saying the aircraft allow its fighter crews to practise against a different type of jet flown by experienced former military pilots using unfamiliar tactics.

A fleet of Honey Badgers has been based at Teesside since 2022, when a purpose-built hangar was completed at the airport to accommodate the aircraft.

Draken has since strengthened its presence at the site, with a £173 million Ministry of Defence deal announced in 2025 securing its Teesside operations for a further four years.

The company is also developing a new £7 million hangar at the airport which is expected to house its combat aircraft and support further adversary and electronic-warfare training.

The latest sighting also comes while Exercise Cobra Warrior 26-2 is underway in the UK.

The major RAF and NATO exercise began on September 14 and is due to continue until October 2, involving personnel and aircraft from several allied nations. The RAF has described it as its largest test of UK homeland defence.

There is no confirmed indication that the aircraft photographed over Teesside were taking part in Cobra Warrior.

Celtic and Rangers meet in the latest instalment of the Old Firm rivalry

Celtic welcome Rangers to Celtic Park on Sunday for the second Old Firm meeting in the space of a week, with the Hoops looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat at Ibrox in the League Cup quarter-final.

Celtic remain top of the Scottish Premiership after winning their opening six league matches, but Martin O’Neill’s side have endured a difficult few days following Thursday’s 3-1 Europa League defeat to Ferencváros.

Rangers, meanwhile, arrive with renewed confidence after their emphatic cup victory and a strong run of domestic form.

The league meeting gives Celtic an immediate opportunity to put last weekend’s result right, although Rangers will take encouragement from how effectively they disrupted their rivals in the previous encounter.

Dan Neil scored twice in that 3-0 win, while Kevin Kelsy also found the net, and Derek McInnes will be hoping his side can reproduce the intensity that earned them a place in the League Cup semi-finals.

Celtic will need a much-improved performance after conceding 11 goals across their last three major matches.

There is plenty at stake despite the season still being in its early stages.

Celtic have a five-point lead over Rangers, meaning another victory would strengthen their position at the summit, while Rangers have the chance to close the gap and build further momentum.

Here is everything you need to know…

What time is kick-off?

Celtic v Rangers takes place on Sunday, September 20, at 12pm at Celtic Park in Glasgow.

Is the game on TV?

The match is being shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

What about streaming?

Sky customers can stream events via the Sky Go app.

Team news

Celtic will be without Yang Hyun-Jun, who is away on international duty at the Asian Games, while Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand and Jota are among those unavailable through injury.

Celtic also face a number of selection decisions following Thursday’s Europa League defeat, with goalkeeper and attacking positions among the areas attracting particular attention.

Rangers are without Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti, while McInnes is otherwise expected to have a relatively settled squad following a full week without a midweek fixture.

Kevin Kelsy, who scored against Celtic last weekend, is among the players likely to retain his place.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust will hold a public board meeting on September 24 to decide how far its breast-surgery review should go.

The Trust wants to move the review back one year at a time, checking each year’s findings before deciding whether to go further.

But the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board wants the investigation extended straight back to 2015.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The split is revealed in papers prepared for next week’s meeting.

The Trust says the decision has major implications for “patient safety, organisational accountability and public confidence”.

It says earlier reviews found “longstanding concerns regarding clinical practice, governance and oversight”, making a full review necessary.

Board members will consider four options.

The first would keep the existing review period, from January 2023 to February 2025.

The second would keep the same review period but leave the patient helpline open for two years after the planned reviews, allowing former patients to raise concerns about their care.

Trust leaders’ preferred option would complete the current reviews before moving back one year at a time towards 2015.

University Hospital of North Durham in Durham City (Image: Chris Booth)

Experts would review each year’s findings before deciding whether to investigate the previous year.

The paper calls it a “balanced, proportionate approach” guided by “emerging findings”.

But the paper admits the staged approach “may still be criticised as too slow or cautious” because some patients believe “everyone deserves to know”.

The fourth option would extend the review straight back to 2015, when the Trust says systemic failings first became evident.

That is the approach favoured by the ICB.

The Trust’s Collective Leadership Team considered the options in July, with 15 of its 16 members backing the phased approach.

The Trust’s Quality Committee subsequently backed the same option.

But the board paper says: “The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) formally wrote to the Trust on September 10, 2026 indicating a preference for option four.”

Despite the ICB’s position, the paper confirms that the Trust’s own governance process favours the staged option three.

The board’s choice could have major consequences.

The trust says extending the review to 2015 would “capture all potentially affected cohorts” and ensure “no patient groups are inadvertently excluded”.

The paper says the option would give regulators the “most robust assurance” while maximising “transparency and public trust”.

Darlington Memorial Hospital (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

But the trust warns that reviewing the entire period would create an “extremely high operational burden”.

It also warns that “prolonged delays in patients receiving the outcome of their review” could cause further harm.

The widest options could require about 4,500 cases to be reviewed.

At the trust’s sustainable rate of about 80 reviews a month, the process would take roughly five years.

Independent clinical experts have questioned the medical benefit of going so far back.

The Clinical Reference Group says going further back is unlikely to find patients needing treatment or reveal major new clinical lessons.

But the group accepts that a records-only review may miss some affected patients and that older cases of harm could still emerge.

Under the heading “Missed harm”, the paper states: “The CRG has confirmed that there are likely more cases of harm and harm has already been identified in cases prior to 2023.”

Without an extension, it warns, those patients “will not be identified unless review is initiated by patients”.

That matters because the datasets and criteria used for the current review would have missed 283 patients already identified for review.

They were found through the patient helpline, complaints, incident reports from other NHS trusts and concerns raised by the current breast service.

Of the 240 cases reviewed by September 2, 19 met the threshold for the statutory duty of candour.

Patients and members of the public consulted by the trust urged the NHS to find those affected rather than wait for them to come forward.

The paper says the trust is expected to carry out “proactive, outbound patient engagement”.

It adds: “The trust must identify and contact affected individuals rather than relying on patients to come forward. Responsibility should not fall on patients.”

The paper also warns that “premature closure risks undermining trust”.

The debate follows mounting evidence about harm within the breast service.

Trust figures show that 315 of the 514 cases examined involved harm, including 77 involving significant harm.

At least 20 women underwent unnecessary mastectomies, and one patient is known to have died.

The Trust says the decision must balance “clinical proportionality, legal obligations, operational feasibility and the expectations of patients, regulators and the wider public”.

If approved, the phased approach would require a formal decision each year on whether to review the previous year.

The Trust admits it cannot set precise thresholds that would automatically trigger further investigation.

Instead, it would consider the number and severity of harm cases, emerging care patterns, concerns from patients and families and whether further reviews could identify people needing notification, support or follow-up.

Board members will make the final decision at the public meeting on September 24.

Former Premier League star Lee Clark has quit as Hartlepool boss in a stunning post-match interview, where he announced his resignation after fan backlash and poor results

Former Newcastle and Fulham star Lee Clark resigned as Hartlepool boss immediately after their loss to Worthing, announcing his decision to quit in the post-match interview.

Clark only took over at Victoria Park in the summer after a short spell with Rotherham last season, but he’s overseen a poor run of results, which culminated with a home loss that saw him make the decision to walk away.

Hartlepool have lost six of their last seven games, which has seen them tumble down the table and they now sit 19th, despite having ambitions to end their spell in non-league. Fans called for Clark’s head during Saturday’s game and the former top flight pro has now walked away.

He told BBC Radio Tees: “I resign from my position with immediate effect. I wanted to give this club and the fans something to be proud of, what they deserve, but I haven’t been able to do that unfortunately.”

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Clark added: “I was excited to take the job and I wanted to be the man to get them back to where they need to be and deserve to be, but it hasn’t worked out.”

Hartlepool were taken over in January by American businessman Landon Smith with the club looking to return to the Football League for the first time in four years. However the bombshell news means they will look their ninth permanent boss since entering non-league.

Since 2024 no manager has taken charge of more than 34 games before being dismissed. Among those are former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, who got 16 games, and ex-Leeds boss Simon Grayson, who lasted 15 matches.

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Clark previously made history as a manager when he was in charge of Huddersfield Town. He led the Terriers to a record 43 league games without defeat, surpassing the record held by Nottingham Forest. It was a period that spanned 11 months when they were in League One

He’s since taken charge of Birmingham, Blackpool and Kilmarnock whilst also having a period in the Middle East.

As a player Clark made 240 appearances for Newcastle during the 1990s before ending up at Fulham, via Sunderland. Whilst in west London he scored in a 3-1 win against Manchester United, Fulham’s first win at Old Trafford in 39 years.

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