It seems bizarre to say now given his dominant position, but there was a spell on Friday where you felt McIlroy was still not playing close to his best – the stats show he ranks 90th in the 91-man field for accuracy off the tee.
Some drives off the tee were being sprayed, some approaches with his irons were not as precise as they should have been.
Ultimately, it didn’t matter. Because since he won the Masters last year, there is not a melodrama every time he makes a bad shot at a major.
His short game was exceptional throughout the second round and when everything else clicked just after the turn, he motored through the back half in fabulous fashion.
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McIlroy has learned how to be patient around Augusta. That seems to spell bad news for the rest of a leaderboard stacked with Green Jacket wearers, major title holders and Ryder Cup stars.
Staying even-tempered at the most famously punishing golf course in the world is a trait which two of the big names chasing McIlroy also recognise is necessary to succeed there.
Three-time runner-up Justin Rose, who is tied fourth, is targeting his own redemptive win after losing to McIlroy in last year’s sudden-death play-off and credits his own patience for his back-nine climb up the leaderboard on Friday.
“Early on things were tough out there. But I settled down and built the round back up,” said Rose, who is seven behind McIlroy after a three-under 69 on Friday.
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“It’s a continuation of being on the leaderboard from last year and keeping the dream alive. I need to keep it as free as I can.”
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who had a run of 14 successive pars, joined English pair – and victorious Ryder Cup team-mates – Rose and Tommy Fleetwood on five under par after two birdies in the final three holes.
“I was hitting good shots and just wasn’t converting but I was patient out there,” said Lowry, whose sole major win came at the 2023 Open.
But there is another contender, also from that European band of brothers, who has not yet learned how to stay calm at Augusta.
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Tyrrell Hatton might have to learn quickly if he is going to push McIlroy.
The 30-year-old Englishman knocked in seven birdies on the way to a six-under par 66, seemingly carding the round of the day only to be matched by McIlroy.
“I definitely don’t stay calmer or more patient this week. If anything, I am probably more on edge,” said Hatton.
“I will just take each shot as it comes and see what we end up with.”
The Tuesday letters page hopes the rumours about a FromSoftware pirate game are true, as a reader predicts the GTA 6 Trailer 3 reveal will be today.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
Nintendo people Very interesting comments from Nintendo’s big boss, about the price rise and lack of games. Well, he didn’t exactly say a lack of games, but I think we all know what’s what he was getting at. I don’t think any reasonable person could blame Nintendo, or Sony or Microsoft, for price rises, as they don’t want to and it’s not their fault about the memory crisis.
But the question of whether the lack of news this year for the Switch 2 is on purpose or not is a hard one to answer. My interpretation is that it is a mistake, in that they did want to unveil stuff earlier but felt they couldn’t. I don’t really know why they wouldn’t be able to do a quick trailer or something, even it was CGI, but who knows what goes on in the heads of Nintendo people.
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I think the most optimistic reading of what he was saying is that he acknowledges they’ve not had a very exciting 2026 so far (although they’ll hardly be upset with Pokémon Pokopia and Tomodachi Life) but they’re going to do better, presumably starting in June.
I’d love if the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake is real, I’m sure most people would be to, but what I want to see is a major new franchise. You could argue that’s Pokopia and the new Yoshi game, but I mean completely new characters and gameplay, like they did with Splatoon and ARMS.
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Knowing that they’re the only big new games they’ve made in the last three generations is a bit underwhelming and I’d like to see them do better. Zeiss
The usual suspects Very disappointed to see your review of Directive 8020 as I was looking forward to that. I like Supermassive’s interactive movies, but I can see on Metacritic that your score seems to be in line with the more reliable sites, so that’s a shame.
Although once again I am staggered at some of the other scores going on here. Everyone sensible seems to have given it between 50 and 70 and yet it’s got two 95s from sites I’ve never heard of and four 90s. Now, everyone has an opinion but every time a game gets reviewed we have this happen where the good sites give a sensible score and the weird ones you’ve never heard of… don’t.
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I’m not going to name names, because we can all see them, but what fascinates me is who is reading these reviews? Who goes to a website where every time they give everything 90 or more? I know people like to hear what they want to sometimes but surely there’s a limit? Rostie
Of mice and men I am one of the people currently saving up for a PlayStation 6. Never saved up for a console before as I didn’t need to. However, since the PlayStation 5 released I’m now a father and also hoping to move house in the near future, so I thought I better start putting a little money away each week to give myself the option of buying one when the time comes.
When I started saving this time last year I also thought if I didn’t want a PlayStation 6 I could maybe invest in getting a PC to play games instead. Well that seems even more unrealistic than the PlayStation 6 now, unfortunately. Niall Maguire
Cashing in Well, Floodbourne is just too good to be true, isn’t it?
A pirate themed Suls game from the original wizards is a project that just hadn’t crossed my imagination, but, now it has, pressgang me and toss me in the hold until launch day.
Something that riffs on the grotesque of the Pirates of the Caribbean series would hold up quite well, I feel.
I’ve never asked for any Inbox magic before, so I’ll use up my token now (unless you count the time travelling dinosaur hunting/harvesting remake of 2000 AD’s Flesh, but that didn’t work). Shambling Reg
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First draft I’m beginning to wonder if Capcom would ever make a director’s cut of Resident Evil Requiem. I know all games probably have lots of cut content but with this one you can tell just by playing it, with the changing plots and the rushed ending, that they changed a lot of things.
I’m not too bothered about whether there was a merchant in it or not (although side missions seem cool) but I would love to see what the story was going to be originally and why they changed it. I think the problem is that they were basically going to have another game with Ethan Winters and when they changed that everything else got mixed up, but I’m very interested in what the ending was going to be in particular.
It’s probably not very likely but I’d much rather see that than a remake of Resident Evil 6. Or even Resident Evil 0, if I’m honest. That game sucked. Shubber
Expensive itch I recently got Borderlands 4, including the Vault Hunter and Bounty Hunter packs. And whilst all of that wasn’t cheap, I have to say the game is really fun to play and scratching the itch I had after spending several thousand hours on Destiny 1 and 2.
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I also like the fact I can do all the content single-player – I kind of had enough on Destiny needing to find random people to play with for dungeons and raids – often the time and stress of that negated the fun of the actual activities.
I have also really liked some of the missions/characters. Some have been genuinely amusing (the rocket with an existential need to explode for example).
The build crafting and diversity is also great!
So overall, just wanted to commend the team. Actually much better than I thought! Tom
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Early access There seems to be a lot of mistakes lately with companies uploading early versions of games and allowing people to play them before they were supposed. I don’t feel the Forza Horizon 6 ban was really justified, given it was Microsoft’s fault for making the files available.
Obviously, it’s going to be very easy for him to get around the ban but then there was also the stuff about uploading Lego Batman before they were supposed to. Is this going to become the new version of finding a friendly local video game shop to sell you a copy early?
ShopTo used to do that when they sent out games through the post. Not sure if they even sell physical games anymore though, that can’t be much of a racket nowadays. Wotan
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Ultimate combo I’m not doing it personally, but I would assume a lot of people are currently saving up for a PlayStation 6, at least vaguely in terms of having a bit of a gaming nest egg ready for next Christmas, when it may or may not all kick off.
But if Sony are worried about PlayStation 5 sales trailing off at the moment, because of its age, surely it’s going to go through the roof when GTA 6 comes out? They’re already trying to get people to upgrade but there’s going to be so many that never had a PlayStation 5 before, some that did but sold it, and probably a good number of ultra casual gamers who haven’t owned a console in ages.
Considering how many people are going to buy one just to play GTA 6 it makes even less sense to me, to expect people to buy an expensive PlayStation 6 the next year. Now, hardcore fans won’t mind, and maybe that’s not when it’s coming out now anyway, but the sort of casual person that’s only now buying a console isn’t going to rush out and get another one straight after.
I guess it’s different audiences, and the same sort of thing did happen with GTA 5, which came out right at the end of the Xbox 360, but if you’ve got a problem with keeping costs low and getting people interested I would’ve thought coasting on the PlayStation 5 and GTA 6 combo for a few years would be a good idea. Trancer
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Inbox also-rans Just in case anyone wanted to feel old but this week is the 20th anniversary of the unveiling of the Wii, before it was released the next year. Doesn’t time fly? Onibee
Just to let everyone know but the current rumour amongst the accounts I’m reading is that the GTA 6 Trailer 3 is going to be released today. I guess we’ll see but it’s got to be sometime soon… Heathcliffe
The small print New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.
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The Prime Minister is facing calls for him to stand down
Carrington Walker Live News Journalist and Josh Payne, Press Association Chief Reporter
22:14, 11 May 2026
Four Government aides have resigned and more than 60 backbench MPs have called on the Prime Minister to quit following Labour’s heavy defeats in the local elections.
A parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Mr Morris was among the first to resign their position, calling on Sir Keir to set out a “swift timetable” to step aside. In a message posted on social media, the MP for Hexham, Northumberland, wrote: “The message from last week’s elections was clear: the Prime Minister has lost the confidence of the public.”
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He added: “It is in the best interests of the country and the party that the Prime Minister sets out a swift timetable to ensure that a new leader is in place to regain the confidence of the public and to ensure that the government can deliver on the commitments it has made.”
Mr Streeting has widely been seen as a potential successor to the Prime Minister – with his allies pointing to results in his local authority, Redbridge, to show that he can retain the Westminster seat he holds with a majority of just 528.
Tom Rutland
Mr Rutland resigned as PPS to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, saying the Prime Minister had “lost authority” and “will not be able to regain it”.
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In his statement posted on social media, the MP for East Worthing and Shoreham said: “It is with regret that I believe the Prime Minister should now set out a timetable for his departure and for a new leader to be chosen to lead the Labour Party and the country.”
Mr Rutland added: “It is clear to me that the Prime Minister has lost authority not just within the Parliamentary Labour Party but across the country and that he will not be able to regain it.”
Melanie Ward
The MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy in Scotland, Ms Ward resigned from her position as PPS to Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy – saying Sir Keir had “lost the confidence of the public”.
In a statement on X, Ms Ward said: “So many of my constituents told me that they could not vote Labour as long as Keir Starmer remains Prime Minister.”
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She added: “Keir Starmer did important work to change the Labour Party, and governing in a time like this will never be easy.“But the message from last week’s elections was clear; the Prime Minister has lost the confidence of the public”. Mr Lammy previously rallied around the Prime Minister to defend his premiership, saying his “mandate” must be delivered.
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Naushabah Khan
Ms Khan, the MP for Gillingham and Rainham, resigned from her position as PPS to the Cabinet Office – calling for “new leadership”.In a statement on X, Ms Khan said: “The message from last week’s elections was clear: the Prime Minister has lost the confidence of the public.”
She added: “We need a clear change of direction now and no game playing. A Labour Government can and will rise to meet the moment if we act now.
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“I am calling for new leadership, so that we can rebuild trust and deliver the better future that the British people voted for.”
Catherine West
Ms West previously said she would challenge Sir Keir for the party leadership as early as Monday afternoon, in an attempt to force the Cabinet to put forward a replacement as prime minister.
The MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet withdrew threats to imminently launch a leadership challenge ahead of the Prime Minister’s speech on Monday, but went on to write a letter urging him to step aside that was signed by 80 MPs, PA understands. Backbench MPs
A growing number of backbench MPs have called for Sir Keir to resign as Prime Minister, including Richard Burgon, John McDonnell and Sally Jameson, an aide to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
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Ms Jameson, MP for Doncaster Central, said Sir Keir “is a man of deep integrity” but said she now feels he should “set out a clear timetable for his departure in September or shortly after”.
More than 60 backbench MPs had publicly called for the Prime Minister to resign by Monday evening.
Two local institutions are set for a major redevelopment as part of new student accommodation proposals in South Belfast.
GRAHAM Investment Projects and the Mooney Hotel Group are working in partnership to deliver “game-changing” campus living for students at the heart of the Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) quarter.
The plans will transform the former Wellington Park Hotel site into a purpose-built, professionally managed student accommodation development.
The neighbouring Botanic Inn will continue to exist as part of the wider redevelopment – proposals remain conceptual at this stage but ‘The Bot’ is set to be reimagined and modernised with “vibrant amenity and recreation space to reflect changing social habits”.
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The scheme will also feature internal and external amenity areas and substantial courtyard gardens for student residents who will live just a short walk from the location of their classes and lectures.
Commenting on the plans, GIP managing director, John McDonald, said: “This site is the perfect location for students of Queen’s University. Our plans will provide game-changing campus living, allowing them to enjoy convenience, comfort and security that will enhance their overall student experience.
“This will be further strengthened through our proposed partnership with Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student accommodation provider. The decision to enter the Northern Ireland market for the first time reflects their confidence in both the location and the quality of our proposals.
“Homes for Students’ involvement is a significant advantage for residents, who will benefit from exceptional on-site management and service standards. Importantly, the expectations they place on students have consistently improved student conduct elsewhere. This approach will help to grow positive relationships with neighbouring communities.”
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The developers have said that the addition of this purpose-built managed student accommodation in this part of South Belfast will also reduce pressure on the local housing supply, with independent estimates suggesting that the development could free up to 150 homes, housing 360 new residents as a result.
Mr McDonald added: “Primarily the proposed development will offer significant benefits to Queen’s students. But it will also deliver a much wider impact for the local area.
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“It will activate and animate the Malone Road through new ground floor retail offerings, for example. On a more strategic level, Belfast is facing a severe housing shortage. This development has the potential to ease pressure on the private rented sector by freeing up existing homes and enabling new residents to be accommodated in South Belfast.”
New lease of life for Wellington Park Hotel
The Wellington Park has been welcoming visitors through its doors since 1955 – the next cohort of visitors will now change from tourists to students.
Felix Mooney, representing the Mooney Hotel Group, which owns both businesses, recognises the legacy and rich history of the Wellington Park Hotel and The Bot. He stressed the changing nature of hospitality in this part of the city as the primary reason to support the redevelopment plans.
He said: “The Wellington Park Hotel and the Botanic Inn are synonymous with Belfast hospitality. We are immensely proud of what the Wellington Park Hotel has achieved over the past 75 years and are deeply grateful to our employees, customers, partners, and the community for their unwavering support.
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“As a Group, we believe now is the time to commence the evolution of the site. The hospitality sector has changed, with a greater emphasis on visitors to the city centre.
“However, there is no better location in the city that Wellington Park for Queen’s students in terms of proximity and convenience. And, we are confident that our conceptual plans for the Botanic Inn will not just complement students but will reinvigorate this part of the Malone Road again. We see this as a new chapter for the site and are keen to ensure the local community is part of that evolution.”
The cruise was unexpectedly cancelled after guests had already boarded due to a mechanical fault
Kirstie McCrum Deputy Head of News, Live News Network and Rebecca Robinson
22:45, 11 May 2026Updated 22:46, 11 May 2026
Passengers onboard a major Disney cruise were forced to disembark just 24 hours into their voyage following the discovery of a technical malfunction.
The Disney Adventure sailing, scheduled to depart from Singapore on May 7, was abruptly scrapped after passengers had already embarked, prompting officials to request their disembarkation.
According to a post on Reddit, travellers were initially informed they would be able to “set sail soon”.
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The user recounted: “Midnight now. We’ve been waiting here since 2 p.m., and they have no update for us. What’s even worse is they’ve shut down all kitchens, coffee, etc. Why would they do that?”
Those affected received a complete refund, a 50% discount on a subsequent voyage, complimentary overnight accommodation for May 7, reimbursement for hotel and flight modifications, and up to $500 compensation for additional expenses.
A Disney spokesperson informed USA Today: “We completely understand this was an unfortunate situation for our guests and worked with them directly to support their travel needs, help make their trip home as smooth as possible and invite them back to a future sailing.”
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Following repairs to address the technical fault, the Adventure cruise successfully embarked on its next scheduled departure on May 11, reports the Express.
The vessel, which represents the biggest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet and marks the company’s inaugural homeporting in Asia, commenced operations this March.
The ship provides three- to four-night voyages showcasing seven distinct themed zones celebrating Disney, Pixar, and Marvel narratives, complete with Broadway-calibre productions and oceanic firework displays. From mid-2026 onwards, a three-night voyage aboard the Disney Adventure departing from Singapore typically costs between $958 and $1,396 for two adults sharing an inside cabin.
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More than 350 communities will host events across the UK to launch A Million Acts of Hope — a week of action to counter hate and division and celebrate hope and unity.
Groups of people all over the UK will be standing together in solidarity against hate this week.
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More than 350 communities across the UK are staging hundreds of events this week in a nationwide pushback against rising division, including turning skate parks and shopping centres into “public living rooms.”
From disco dances to plant swaps, arts sessions to shared meals, thousands of people are taking part in A Million Acts of Hope, a week of action running from May 13–20 aimed at celebrating unity and everyday kindness.
The campaign launches as a new survey of 4,144 people, conducted by FocalData between 21 and 24 April 2026, reveals that nearly two thirds (65%) of Brits say their local community is peaceful and friendly — despite headlines often suggesting the country is deeply divided.
In Swindon, more than 25 events are planned across the week. They include fully furnished living rooms set up in outdoor spaces across the town and complete with sofas, coffee tables, plants, and board games.
The pop-up lounges will appear in a skate park, a community garden, a park, and even inside the shopping centre, inviting passers-by to sit down with strangers and share a cup of tea.
Terry Johnson, Inclusion, Collaboration and Community Development Manager for Voluntary Action Swindon, said the idea is simple but powerful.
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“Too often we hear that our communities are divided. But that’s not my experience of living and working in Swindon,” he said. “I know there are loads of really good things happening here, despite what we’re being told. That’s why I wanted to get behind this campaign — to show the very real connections and comradery that happen every day.”
He added that anyone can “just turn up” and join in. “Connecting over a cup of tea may seem small but it is a significant and important act of hope,” he said. “I’m looking forward to hearing about all the friendships and support that grow here through the week of action, because I know there is more that unites us than divides us.”
Across the country, other events include intergenerational dance parties, community art sessions and food-sharing events celebrating different cultures.
The campaign is backed by more than 200 charities, including homelessness charity Crisis, learning disability charity Mencap, food bank network Trussell and refugee support coalition Together With Refugees.
“In my work and across our communities, I see people stepping up to welcome others every day, opening their homes, volunteering their time, and speaking out in support of refugees,” said Jehangir Malik, Interim Director of Together With Refugees. “We know that division and hate do not represent who we are, either as communities or as a country. Yet too often, these acts of compassion go unseen, making it easier for the rhetoric of hate to take hold.”
Malik added that now is the time to focus on what unites us — to find common ground and “shine a light on the millions of small but meaningful acts of solidarity and hope happening in every community, in every corner of the country, every day.”
Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “The voices of hate and division can be loud and give the impression that Britain is hopelessly fractured. But working at Crisis and in the homelessness sector, that’s not what I see. I see kind and committed people in communities up and down the country looking out for each other.
“From the small actions — stopping for a chat or offering a hot drink to someone who is homeless — to the hundreds of people who give up their Christmases to help run some of our services,” he said. “It can be hard to be hopeful in changing and uncertain times and when day-to-day living costs continue to rise. Despite these pressures, there are so many quiet acts of kindness and resilience to celebrate and give us reason to be optimistic — and that’s what A Million Acts of Hope is all about.”
Polly Jones, Director of Communities at Trussell, said food banks see community spirit daily. “Every single day, we see people showing up for one another — donating, volunteering and standing alongside their neighbours when it matters most,” she said.
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said inclusion “is built through action, not words alone.” “Across the country today, we see acts of hope that reflect our history and point to the future we’re still building,” he said.
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“From community dance classes to volunteering friendships and shared community spaces, actions may seem small, but they can help transform lives. When we choose hope over hate, we create communities where people with a learning disability are seen, heard and valued.”
Organisers say more than 60,000 people have already signed what they describe as the UK’s biggest ever “thank you card,” recognising the people who brighten their communities. Anyone looking to support can find out more at millionactsofhope.org.
It has not been a straightforward two seasons in English football for the forward.
He joined the East Yorkshire club from Portuguese outfit Farense in August 2024 and enjoyed a decent start only for an anterior cruciate ligament injury at Oxford in November to end his season.
By the time he returned to action last August the club had sacked both Tim Walter and his replacement Ruben Selles and brought in Jakirovic.
Understandably after such a serious injury it took him time to get back up to speed and two hamstring injuries have kept him out for four months of this campaign.
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He started Friday’s goalless first leg and hit the post after just two minutes but Jakirovic said he began Monday’s game on the bench as he had not been able to train since.
“He was very tired and had fatigue in both his hamstrings and Achilles so the plan was to give him the second half,” Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside.
“It was a great substitution and a great decision. Now I am very smart, if they do nothing I am stupid. It’s always like this.
“This group of players is unbelievable with the chemistry between them.”
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Skipper Lewie Coyle was also full of praise for the match-winner and the club’s medical staff.
“He’s incredible. We are so lucky that we’ve got so many players that can come on and impact the game,” he said.
“We all know what that boy’s about. I’m so pleased for him.
“He’s had an incredibly tough injury but it says a lot about him and the recovery team that he’s come back as he has.”
The pair have dominated headlines since their surprise nuptials in January, leading to scrutiny from concerned family members and friends.
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They will finally address all queries during their first joint television appearance on Tuesday (May 11) morning. In footage posted on the GMB Instagram account, Ed Balls and Susanna Reid announced their interview.
“Katie Price joins us alongside her husband, Lee Andrews, for their first live TV interview,” Susanna said in the video.
The former glamour model surprised many when she revealed her new spouse at the start of the year – though he has yet to be introduced to her family, as he currently resides in Dubai, with Katie making regular trips between the two locations, reports the Mirror.
The I’m A Celebrity contestant is a familiar face on television and last sat on the GMB sofa in March, where she faced questions about her union and why her husband hadn’t met her five children.
Despite exchanging vows, she acknowledged uncertainty about whether they knew one another sufficiently to take that step, stressing that she “wants to get to know him more”.
“For me to introduce him to the kids, I won’t be introducing him to the kids yet, because I want to get to know him more myself,” she told Susanna. “I think the thing that everyone can’t get their head round is why have I married him quick.
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“I was there. We got engaged. And it just felt right, so why not get married?”
Businessman Lee has also pushed back against worried followers who questioned whether they were “moving too fast” on Instagram, including in a post on Monday.
Responding to the criticism of his story, he wrote: “Respectfully, No. If anything, we’re catching up. We spent years giving our hearts to the wrong people, hoping they’d love us the way we deserved.
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“Now that we’ve finally found each other? We’re not wasting another second. This isn’t fast. This is finally. And if I could’ve met her one moment sooner, I would’ve. So no – we’re not rushing. We’re just not holding back.”
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Experts from the World Health Organisation has shared some ‘effective measures’ to prevent the spread of the virus.
Samantha Leathers and Eilidh Farquhar Trainee Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer
22:48, 11 May 2026
Over the last few weeks concern has grown following the news of a disease outbreak on a luxury cruise ship that has resulted in multiple confirmed cases and deaths. Since the hantavirus was discovered on the MV Hondius, multiple passengers are now quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral to closely monitor and test the disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently reassured Brits the public health risk is “low”, however it has said more cases could be possible. Hantavirus is usually transmitted only through infected rodents, however this specific strain on the ship has had human to human transmission previously reported.
In the past, getting the disease from another human would require close and prolonged contact, with people living in the same house and intimate partners being the most likely to be affected during the earliest phases of the illness, reports the Mirror.
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Hantavirus symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, breathing difficulties can develop and require hospital treatment.
In a new update, WHO has shared several “effective measures” to prevent the hantavirus. However, the most important one is to avoid contact with infected people and rodents. According to the experts, other methods to consider include:
keeping homes and workplaces clean
sealing openings that allow rodents to enter buildings
storing food securely
using safe cleaning practices in areas contaminated by rodents
avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings
dampening of contaminated areas before cleaning
strengthening hand hygiene practices
In most cases, the virus is said to be spread to humans when they come into contact with contaminated urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents.
According to WHO, this exposure can happen when cleaning poorly ventilated spaces, sleeping in rodent-infested dwelling or occupations in forestry and farming.
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In the latest WHO update, director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low. It’s possible that more cases may be reported.”
Additionally, the UKHSA has reassured strict infection control measures are in place for the passengers who are completing their isolation. Along with regular testing and care by the NHS and UKHSA, passengers could be quarantined for up to 45 days.
A total of three people have died due to the outbreak, with 22 passengers currently completing their isolation in Wirral – 20 British nationals, one German national who stays in the UK and one Japanese passenger at the request of the Japanese government.
Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at UKHSA, said: “Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including FCDO, DHSC, MHCLG and MOD alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers.
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“The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority. The risk remains very low for members of the general public.”
Long term isolation is key as hantavirus symptoms can take weeks to appear after the first exposure, with the symptoms being dismissed as the flu. However, as the virus develops, it can progress to cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, bleeding disorders or kidney failure. This is dependent on the strain the person has fallen ill with.
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said: “I want to thank all those who have worked to bring our British nationals home and the NHS workers now caring for them at Arrowe Park Hospital – their dedication and professionalism show our NHS at its very best.
“None of the passengers are symptomatic but we will monitor them closely over the next 72 hours at the hospital, as part of a precautionary isolation period. With no cases or symptoms among them and our stringent monitoring and isolation measures, the risk to the public remains extremely low.”
Two months ago questions were raised as to whether Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky would ever play for the club again.
The Czech Republic international endured a nightmare 17 minutes in their Champions League last-16 match against Atletico Madrid in March which saw him concede three goals before being substituted off by then-manager Igor Tudor.
But after making one of the saves of the season to deny Leeds a late winner on Monday – ensuring Tottenham earned a point towards potential Premier League survival – the 23-year-old may just have gone some way to redeeming himself.
Mathys Tel’s 50th-minute strike had put Spurs ahead but the forward conceded a penalty for a high boot on Ethan Ampadu 24 minutes later and Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot to level at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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Both sides probed for a winner in 13 minutes of added time and Leeds thought they had found it in the 99th minute when James Justin played Sean Longstaff through and the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike at the near post from close range.
Enter Kinsky, who stretched to get fingertips to the ball and ensure it clattered off the crossbar and not into the roof of his net.
It is impossible to say how important that save could be come the end of the season but for now it leaves Spurs two points clear of West Ham in the relegation zone with two games remaining.
“That save is one of the saves of the season,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carrager on Sky Sports.
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“Football is an absolute rollercoaster and who would have thought he would ever play for Tottenham again – and then he does that.
“You would have to have a heart of stone if you weren’t delighted for him. Everyone thought his career was over but that save can be the moment that keeps Tottenham in the Premier League.”
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