Converse has apologized and pulled a sneaker ad after online backlash over imagery critics compared to the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.

The ad, part of Converse’s global campaign for its Chuck 70 X sneaker, featured K-pop star Karina of the group Aespa standing beneath a star-shaped spotlight while holding a pair of black high-top Converse sneakers. She wore a long white skirt, while the lighting made her silhouette look to many social media users like a KKK hood, with the dangling sneakers drawing comparisons to a lynching victim.

The Chuck 70 X was released globally on August 27, and the controversial image was posted to Converse’s social media accounts earlier this month. But the backlash intensified after social media users circulated an uncropped version of the advertisement, which they said made the resemblance to a pointed hood and hanging body more apparent.

Converse, which is owned by Nike, told The Independent in a statement: “We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong. We removed it from our channels and are working to remove it everywhere it appeared. This should not have happened and we will do better.”

Still, fans and public figures alike continued to share their thoughts on the ad.

“No, you’re not crazy. Yes, the Converse ad is racist. Yes, it looks like a Klan outfit. Yes, it looks like a lynching. And no, ‘it’s just a shoe ad’ is not a defense,” one fan wrote on X.

Chicago-based photographer Stephanie Schwartz criticized the campaign on Threads, writing: “Shadow, light, and composition. Every photographer can tell you, whoever did this ad knew EXACTLY what they were doing.”

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown also reacted to the campaign on Threads, writing: “That’s a lynching, yes?”

The controversy also resurfaced a separate Converse campaign featuring footwear in a tree. The image, created for a collaboration with Copenhagen-based lifestyle brand Palmes, showed a person standing on a ladder with a pair of sneakers hanging from a tree branch. The image was reportedly released on September 14, Adweek reports.

Social media users shared the image alongside the Karina ad, saying the two campaigns together heightened concerns about the imagery.

One Threads user described the second image as doubling down on the symbolism, while another posted them side-by-side, writing: “There is NO REASON why WE should see an advertisement & immediately think of Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday.”

Tonight on the Strictly Come Dancing launch show, the 15 celebrities – including Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Bethany Antonia and Will Best – found out their partners.

However, not all of the pro dancers on the BBC series get to compete with a celebrity, and this year, Neil Jones has found himself unpartnered.

The 44-year-old has been a part of Strictly since 2016, and yet has only had three celebrity partners: Alex Scott in 2019, Nina Wadia in 2021 and Toyah Willcox in 2022.

Neil has responded directly to not having a partner yet again, as his personal Strictly curse continues – and his reaction is brutal, but brilliant.

In a video posted on Instagram, he wrote on top of it: ‘If I get the pen in the bin I will get a celeb partner.’

The video then showed him holding a pen directly over a bin, dropping it… but then, before it has a chance to land in the receptacle, someone else extends their arm and catches it.

Neil walks away, a disgruntled expression on his face as awkward music plays in the background.

In his caption, the dancer and choreographer wrote: ‘Pen in the cup 2.0 😂

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‘You know I love being part of @bbcstrictly and honestly after adding 2 Guiness world records last year to my 45 titles around the world, I feel like it would be greedy to win the glitter ball as well so I wanted to give the others a chance 😜😂😂😂.’

Several Strictly stars commented underneath the comical video, with pro dancer Kai Widdrington hailing Neil the ‘goat’ (greatest of all time).

‘Screaming. I love you 😂🥲,’ said House of the Dragon star Bethany Antona, who’s competing this year with Nancy Xu in the first same-sex pairing in three years.

Meanwhile, lots of Strictly fans expressed their confusion and upset over Neil not having a partner once more.

‘So sad that you haven’t gotten a partner again this year,’ said Jem, while Poppy wrote: ‘Christmas special’s yours boo.’

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Who are the Strictly couples for the 2026 series?

The full line-up of celebrities and their pro dancer partners are:

• Lacey Turner and Vito Coppola
• Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley
• Jowita Przystal and Lawrence Robb
• Will Best and Dianne Buswell
• Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr
• Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec
• Mark Karmalita and Tabby Stoecker,
• Julian Caillon and Dame Sarah Storey
• Maddie Ingoldsby and Cach Mercer
• Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden
• John Nellis and Katya Jones
• Carlos Gu and Jaime Winstone
• Nikita Kuzmin and Dani Dyer
• Kai Widdrington and Delta Goodrem
• Nancy Xu and Bethany Antonia

‘We need a government petition to give Neil a partner next year!’ Charlotte stated.

Becki also said that while Neil’s video made her laugh, she’s ‘gutted you haven’t been paired up 🥺’.

‘Can’t believe you didn’t get a partner…AGAIN! 😢,’ said Lynne, as the similarly named Lyn added: ‘The best professional on the show and once again no partner, I am so disappointed, and if it wasn’t for you being there I would stop watching it.😢.’

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At least Neil seems to be taking it on the chin!

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

MORE: Strictly fans give their honest verdict on new presenters: ‘Three’s a crowd’

MORE: Strictly fans ecstatic over incredible same-sex pairing for first time in 3 years

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MORE: Strictly fans convinced one ‘fantastic’ new pairing are already the frontrunners to win

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Sir Tom Jones has been on The Voice UK from the very beginning when it debuted on ITV in 2012.

The Voice UK fans are branding ITV bosses’ decision to “fire” Sir Tom Jones once again as a “stupid decision” after his “amazing” performance this evening.

It was confirmed earlier this year that Welsh legend Sir Tom Jones would no longer be a coach on ITV’s The Voice UK from next year and will instead be replaced by former Girls Aloud star Cheryl.

The 86-year-old icon publicly shared his disappointment at the decision and said that he wasn’t “thrilled” either at being offered a reduced role on the show after being forced to leave the comfort of his big red chair.

He shared on social media: “The reason given is because of a financial difficulty with insurance.”

“They now say in the press they wanted to ‘refresh’ the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn’t be a chair for me.”

Support for Sir Tom has once again been reignited this evening after Will.i.am questioned what was the moment that the singer realised that he “made it” in the music industry.

Sir Tom recalled: “It’s Not Unusual I did in 1964 so that was 61 years ago”, Tom said, reports the Mirror.

“My band and myself were driving back to London and It’s Not Unusual came out on the Friday but I didn’t know until I picked up the Sunday paper in a transport cafe, and there it was, It’s Not Unusual, number 10.

“There were truck drivers there right and I was like ‘You see this!’ And they were like ‘yeah, yeah, yeah yeah!’”

“And just seeing my name at number 10 I thought ‘This is it. It was a tremendous feeling.’”

The anecdote prompted the studio audience to request he perform It’s Not Unusual, which Sir Tom gladly did, with numerous viewers impressed by his rendition.

This was the moment that pushed fans to once again flock to X to express their dismay at Sir Tom being forced to leave The Voice UK next year.

“To the powers that be at The Voice UK this is the legend you dropped!”, one person angrily posted.

Another concurred: “ITV making a very big mistake getting rid of Sir Tom Jones, idiots.”

Another viewer echoed: “It was such a huge mistake axing Tom Jones”, while a further commenter wrote: “Still can’t believe they fired THE Tom Jones. He’s amazing.”

A fellow viewer added: “Don’t care what anyone says Sir Tom Jones has still got it! Silliest move to let this frigging legend go..shame on you producers who make stupid decisions on The Voice UK.”

The Voice UK continues every Saturday on ITV and ITVX

Just one player remains from Liverpool’s starting XI against Fulham on Saturday and that is Ronald Araujo. Virgil van Dijk and Florian Wirtz are given the night off for the home side.

Liverpool: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Araujo, Gomez, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Nyoni, McConnell, Ngumoha, Koumas, Gakpo.
Substitutes: Alisson, Endo, Jacquet, Szoboszlai, Isak, Munoz, Barcola, Gravenberch, Chambers.

Roberto De Zerbi makes eight changes from Tottenham’s draw against Everton, with Archie Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur and Omar Marmoush the three players to remain in the starting XI.

Tottenham: Dubravka; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Gallagher, Tel; Marmoush.
Substitutes: Kinsky, Robertson, Van Hecke, Maddison, Savio, Fernandes, Solanke, Davies, Van de Ven.

A disjointed Arsenal were never at the races but for Brighton, this result– just days after a brilliant Carabao Cup comeback win at Manchester United in the Carabao Cup – catapults them up to third in the Premier League table table, just two points off the Gunners. Follow Brighton vs Arsenal back below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Amex Stadium.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have expressed how they really feel about Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure tonight.

A Strictly Come Dancing star has revealed what it’s really like to take over from its legendary hosts.

Strictly Come Dancing 2026 is here and there’s been some major changes with five new professional dancers and a trio of new presenters taking over hosting duties.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decided it was time to leave the iconic series last year which meant that the BBC had to find their replacements.

And in an unexpected announcement, three stars were confirmed for the job: Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe.

During a conversation at this evening’s launch show, the presenters shared how they’ve really been feeling about taking over.

Turning her attention to actor Lawrence Robb, Emma Willis said: “Lawrence there’s a very strong pedigree that comes from Emmerdale on this show.

“If I said Kelvin Fletcher, Lewis Cope, Lawrence Robb, how do you feel?”

“Well that’s good ain’t it? That’s lovely, that’s a lovely little ring to that”, Robb replied.

He then turned the focus onto the three new hosts, remarking: “They are very, very big and large shoes to fill. I guess I can empathise with you guys with filling Claudia and Tess I suppose.”

Emma, Johannes and Josh laughed at the comment before she jokingly replied: “Yes literally! Our smiles are on but inside we’re like ducks under water!”

There have been mixed reviews on the new Strictly presenters but some have already shared that they “miss” Tess and Claudia.

A fan said: “When the three hosts came out on stage at the start, I did feel sad, I really miss Tess and Claudia.

“It is going to take me a few weeks to get over their absence from the show.”

Someone else wrote: “Bring back Tess and Claudia. I’m bored already”, as a third posted: “Strictly have bagged one of the best presenters, Emma Willis. It’s just so odd not having Claudia and Tess.”

Meanwhile, a more sympathetic fan wrote: “Must be very hard taking over from Tess and Claudia..

“Come on guys, it’s the first week. They’re all doing great and will find their niche.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues every Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left delighted after Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu were confirmed as the 2026 same-sex couple

The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing pairings have now been officially revealed.

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe presented the pre-recorded launch programme on Saturday (September 19) evening, which saw 15 celebrities matched with a professional dancing partner.

In an unprecedented move for Strictly, the famous participants discovered their partners through a completely new format never previously used on the programme.

The celebrities and professional dancers were divided into groups, with each group learning a specific routine before being paired up “like speed dating”.

As the music began, they danced while the hosts regularly called out “change partners” and they would switch. The sequence continued until the presenters halted the music and ultimately informed them they would be performing together, reports the Daily Star.

Viewers expressed their delight after discovering House of the Dragon actor Bethany Antonia has been matched with professional dancer Nancy Xu, and quickly took to social media to share their enthusiasm.

Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer posted: “Bethany and Nancy same sex partnership we wonnn.” Another commented: “I need Bethany and Nancy to be good omg #Strictly.”

A third viewer remarked: “I love Bethany and Nancy together they are so precious #strictly.” Someone else concurred: “Nancy and Bethany have my heart #strictly.”

A fifth added: “I had a feeling they’d pair Bethany and Nancy together the vibe was right #strictly.”

Upon discovering they would be partnered together, Bethany said: “I just feel so happy. We just bonded instantly like day one. We weren’t supposed to have a preference but I was like I kinda do.”

Nancy said: “I’m trying to control myself. I’m shaking still and something has gonne but the excitement is here and I cannot wait for this partnership. I am just so happy.”

There have been just five same-sex celebrity and professional pairings in Strictly’s history. Former boxer Nicola Adams and professional Katya Jones became the inaugural same-sex couple but were forced to withdraw after four weeks when the former tested positive for Covid.

12 months later, Johannes Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the final, while comedian Jayde Adams and dancer Karen Hauer were also matched in 2022.

In 2023, all-male duo Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin progressed to the final, and while 2024 featured no same-sex couples, 2025 saw RuPaul Drag Race UK star La Voix partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec, though they weren’t formally classified as a same-sex partnership because she performed as a female character alongside a male professional.

The pair followed the programme’s traditional mixed-sex ballroom framework rather than a same-sex arrangement, and La Voix indicated in interviews that she wished to participate entirely as her female comedy character.

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, September 26 at 6.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

Greater Manchester Police said Lillia, who had been missing since Friday, September 11, was found in the city centre.

The force thanked members of the public who shared appeals to help trace the teenager.

In an update issued on Saturday, police said: “Thank you to everyone who shared our missing appeal for 13-year-old Lillia, who has been missing since Friday 11 September 2026.

“We can confirm that she has been found safe and well in the city centre.

“She is currently with our officers, and her next-of-kin have been informed of this update.

“We will release more information in due course.”

Police had previously appealed for information after concerns were raised for Lillia’s welfare following her disappearance.

No further details have currently been released.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have finally had their say over Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe as the new hosts – and they’re not holding back with their honesty.

Tonight, the BBC series finally returned, with lots of changes coming into effect.

In addition to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman being nowhere to be seen, replaced by a trio of presenters, there are also several new pro dancers and, of course, a brand new batch of celebrities, including Dani Dyer, Lacey Turner, Bethany Antonia and Will Best.

Before the start of the 2026 series, a lot of longtime viewers had their doubts about the new presenters, as they wondered how the show would work with three personalities fronting the programme.

Some naysayers weren’t sure whether Josh would be a good fit given his career as a stand-up comedian, whereas Emma has presented shows like Big Brother and The Voice UK, and Johannes has been a part of Strictly as a professional dancer since 2018.

However, plenty of other people defended him, excited to see how he’d bring his dry wit to the ballroom – and now, after the first episode of the season, the verdicts are flying in from fans on social media.

Writing on X, one Strictly fan called Owen said that Emma was ‘outshining the other two so much’.

Several people claimed that ‘three’s a crowd’, while Ryan admitted his believe that Josh was ‘out of place’, adding: ‘I get we can have comic relief but I think Emma & Johannes can do that too 🤷🏼‍♂️.’

‘3 presenters just seems unnecessary, don’t see the point of it,’ Suzi wrote, while Sue added: ‘The intro was far too long and as for presenters, two’s company three’s a crowd!’

Despite a lot of dubious reactions about the set-up of a trio, and disbelief that the new presenters are the right fit, others were a lot more positive about how Josh, Johannes and Emma handled their first episode.

‘Josh is doing well. And I was sceptical. This year just feels so fresh and new. Loving it,’ Olivia said.

‘I’m going to be controversial here…. I like Emma, JoJo and Josh!’ wrote Mrs Brightside, while Beverly stated: ‘I wanted to hate the new #Strictly but here I am digging it! Even Josh!’

Another fan called Helen said that she was enjoying the return of Strictly so much that she ‘might be back onboard for this season’, implying that she had been considering giving it a miss.

JD added: ‘I really hope people give things chance to bed in and settle. It’s the launch show, nerves are huge and all launches are different to the main show. Just give them all time!’

Emma, Johannes and Josh were announced as the new presenters of Strictly in May after months of anticipation.

Reacting to their newly-appointed roles, Emma said at the time that she’d been a ‘huge fan’ of the show for years.

‘It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter.’ she said.

Johannes felt ‘deeply honoured’ by his new position, saying that Strictly has ‘always stood for joy, heart and togetherness’.

Josh recalled competing in the 2024 Christmas special, expressing that he was ‘giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed’.

Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

MORE: Has Lacey Turner left EastEnders for good amid Strictly or is she coming back?

MORE: Who is Lawrence Robb and is he leaving Emmerdale to do Strictly Come Dancing?

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