Mr Burnham had been expected to address the second annual Festival of Childhood in Manchester on the morning after the elections, but on Thursday evening organisers said he had been replaced by Caroline Simpson, group chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Celtic head into the weekend sitting second and three points adrift of leaders Hearts with three matches left to play this season, with Kelechi Iheanacho’s second-half goal seeing Martin O’Neill’s side labour to a 2-1 win over 10-man Hibernian at Easter Road last weekend.
That saw them go level on points with final-day opponents Hearts, who responded quickly by edging past Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle on Monday, with captain Lawrence Shankland firing home a memorable winner to re-establish that three-point advantage.
It also appeared to all but end Rangers’ title hopes, with Danny Rohl’s third-place team now sitting seven points adrift of Hearts and four behind Celtic, who contest the Scottish Cup final against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline later this month.
But they will no doubt remain highly motivated to try and spoil their arch-rivals’ chances this weekend, with Celtic potentially lying six points behind Hearts – who have a better goal difference – by the time of kick-off in Glasgow as Derek McInnes’ men face a tricky trip to fourth-place Motherwell on Saturday night.
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Date, kick-off time and venue
Celtic vs Rangers is scheduled for a 12pm BST kick-off on Sunday May 10, 2026.
The match will take place at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
Where to watch Celtic vs Rangers
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TV channel: The latest Old Firm derby will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 11am BST on Sky Sports Football.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the game live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: Stay up to date with minute-by-minute updates from Standard Sport’s live match blog.
Celtic vs Rangers team news
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Celtic are expecting Daizen Maeda to be fit after he suffered a foot issue having scored the opener against Hibs, while Iheanacho will be pushing to start after his crucial winner in Edinburgh that took his recent tally to four goals in five games.
However, the game will come too soon for Cameron Carter-Vickers as he works his way back from a serious Achilles injury, while loanees Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo remain sidelined along with Jota, Kasper Schmeichel, Callum Osmand, Colby Donovan and Adam Montgomery.
As for Rangers, Ryan Naderi and Tuur Rommens both returned off the bench against Hearts in a key double boost, but teenage midfielder Bailey Rice is still out.
Concern: Celtic forward Daizen Maeda suffered a foot injury against Hibernian
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PA
Celtic vs Rangers prediction
It feels nigh-on impossible to predict much correctly during one of the most captivating title races that has played out anywhere across European football in recent seasons.
The constant drama and non-stop twists and turns have been nothing short of extraordinary and it would not be at all surprising to see it go right down to the wire, with Celtic hosting Hearts on the final day.
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Depending on Hearts’ result at Fir Park on Saturday night, victory may well be essential for Celtic to keep their challenge alive, especially with Hearts hosting Falkirk next and Celtic having to go to Motherwell themselves.
Rangers will be so disappointed to have seen their own title tilt fall away with those back-to-back losses to Motherwell and Hearts, but they would still relish dealing a hammer blow to Celtic’s hopes and could still have a huge say in the trophy’s destination.
Three people were arrested on Wednesday by police investigating the incident
21:33, 07 May 2026Updated 21:42, 07 May 2026
A man is due in court on Friday charged with attempted murder following a car bomb attempt on LurganPSNI station.
The dissident republican group the New IRA claimed responsibility for the incident in late March that saw a food delivery driver hijacked in Kilwilkie and forced to drive a “crude but viable” device to the Co Armagh station. The device failed to explode.
Three people were arrested on Wednesday by police investigating the incident.
A 48-year-old man with attempted murder, attempting to cause an explosion, hijacking and possession of explosives with intent to endanger life or damage property.
He is due to appear at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, May 8. As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS.
Meanwhile a woman, aged 39, has been charged with obstructing police. She has been released unconditionally in respect of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.
A 15-year-old boy also arrested this week was released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “This cowardly and widely condemned attack, which took place on the night of Monday 30 March, put innocent lives at risk.
“I’m keen to offer assurance that we will continue in our efforts to bring those responsible to justice, and would encourage anyone with information to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 1828 of 30/03/26. Information can also be shared with the independent charity Crimestoppers, with 100% anonymity.”
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Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
Investigation after man found dead in field | Wales Online
Need to know
The body was discovered by a member of the public who alerted the police
The body of a man was found in a field near Beaumaris(Image: Andrea Pucci/Getty)
The body of a man was found in a field on Anglesey.
The discovery was made by a member of the public on Wednesday evening
It happened near the town of Beaumaris.
A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: “We were alerted by a member of the public at 6.50pm yesterday (Wednesday) to the discovery of the body of a deceased man in a field near to Beaumaris.”
They added that the coroner has been informed and formal identification is yet to take place, North Wales Live reports.
Police have not released any further information.
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Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon glides into Aquarius, forging a connection with Pluto, which intensifies friendships and connections. Set aside time for those who matter.
Aries, Taurus and Gemini, it will be difficult to hide your true feelings today. Whether it’s romance, ambitions or something more unsavoury, approach with honesty.
Energy can be infectious today, so pass on positivity. Be vocal and don’t hide your instincts.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday May 8, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
Your friendships and social situation are supercharged today as the Moon glides into the friendly Aquarius and links with the potent planetary powerbroker, Pluto. This can give you a lot of incentive to connect with those who are really meaningful to you, but it can also make you much more mindful of when group politics unhelpfully complicate things.
There’s a paradox today. On one hand, as the Moon climbs into the most visible part of your chart, this may make it more difficult to disguise your emotions, and yet it’s link to the planet of secrets, Pluto, may mean that you feel more scrutinised by people. Just when you thought staying a little more low key is your preference, will you share something quite personal?
Your passion for a particular holiday destination or somewhere linked to the arts can be amplified today. Will it push you to actually make a booking? Well, it could do. You could certainly speak passionately and enthusiastically about these areas. And if you are thinking of visiting with a friend or partner, your powerful energy can prove infectious for them, too.
The influential Pluto is helping to transform your psychological understanding. As your ruler, the Moon, passes him today, the things that you’ve been working through recently can seem more vivid. Whether you’re considering long-term finances, a deep connection, decoupling from something that isn’t working, or any old control issue, they’ll be hard to ignore.
The Moon has entered the most harmonising part of your situation, but also a zodiac sign where she can be that much more outspoken, in Aquarius. As much as you may want to keep certain alliances on an even keel, her connection to the transformational Pluto may nudge you to discuss something that you may have been avoiding, but it can be positive to do so.
Metronomic routines often make you feel safe, Virgo, but for the last couple of years, a deep transforming energy has been slowly making you more aware that some kind of reset could actually be therapeutic. Be open to this, because with the disruptive Uranus in your work sector now, it may be a case of change being as good as a rest.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
If someone is on your cosmic radar, Libra, your fascination with them can get amped up quite considerably today. But with Neptune, the planet of dreams, in your sector of relating for many years to come, it’s also important to decipher, in a practical way, who would make a good match against who captivates your romantic imagination.
You have a knack for working out the politics of situations without even saying a word. But it could be around family dynamics today that there’s some complexity. This could be for the good; it could be perhaps more challenging. But if someone does tend to dominate the domestic scene, that could be what brings all this into focus.
Bright and bubbly conversations can be a major part of what makes daily life enjoyable and fun. Yet today, whether it is a discussion, a text message, or an email, your words and ideas can seem to carry that much more weight. And if you are discussing something that’s important to you, people will recognise this and appreciate your take.
That old saying about earning respect rather than demanding it comes to mind as the Moon merges with the planet of power, Pluto, in the sometimes rebellious sign of Aquarius. If you don’t feel your efforts are valued as much as they could be, you may become more outspoken. That in itself is not a bad thing, but if you push too hard, someone can resist as stubbornly.
You possess an intriguing blend of energies, Aquarius. Some people see you as very different and progressive, whilst you may see yourself as much more traditional. But today you are being given a bit of a push to have the confidence to demonstrate how you can see life in your own inimitably unique way, so why not shock and awe!
It’s said in astrology that mutable signs like yours, which have an ability to flex and evolve, can actually spend quite a lot of your time thinking about past events and people. And if someone, or some music from your distant past, comes up in your thoughts today, this could have a very evocative impact. Equally, an old talent you have could be recycled now.
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At least 15 votes have been disqualified after a printing error in Oldham
The results of at least 15 local election votes have been disqualified in Oldham following a council misprint on ballot cards. Voters in Waterhead are understood to have been given papers listing candidates from a seat around three miles away in Shaw in error.
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Concerns have been raised after the polls closed in the 2026 local elections on Thursday evening (May 7). Votes took place across the country, with seats up for grabs on 136 councils, including in all ten Greater Manchester boroughs where a third of all seats were being contested.
Elsewhere, six mayoral elections have taken place in England, and elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments have also been held.
The majority of authorities will count and declare later on Friday (May 8), with the final results due on Saturday evening (May 9).
Shortly after polls closed in Oldham, it emerged that some votes have been disqualified due to a misprint on ballot cards in Waterhead. At least 15 votes have been disqualified after the candidates for Shaw were mistakenly printed instead.
In the event of a closely-run vote, it could mean the authority would be forced to call a re-vote.
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A spokesperson for Oldham Council said: “We are aware of an issue affecting some ballot papers in the Waterhead ward. An investigation is underway to determine the extent.”
As of around 12am on Friday, May 8, verification is ongoing, which will determine how many ballot papers were affected by the misprint.
Overnight, results can be expected from Bolton (from 3am), Salford (from 3am), Wigan (from 2:30am), Oldham (from 5am), Stockport (from 5am), and Tameside (from 3am).
But on Thursday evening, organisers said he was being replaced by Caroline Simpson, group chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, in the line-up. A spokesperson for the children’s commissioner’s office confirmed to the Press Association that Mr Burnham will not be attending the event at all.
Netflix has shared a first look at Ricky Gervais’ upcoming animated series featuring several favourites from his hit show After Life
Netflix has unveiled an exciting first glimpse at Ricky Gervais’ upcoming series, and it appears to be essential viewing for After Life enthusiasts.
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It marks the comedian’s debut series for the platform since the acclaimed dramedy finished in 2022, bringing closure to the poignantly humorous tale of bereaved journalist Tony Johnson.
This time around, Ricky is revisiting animation territory with an original animated series that’s bound to evoke nostalgia amongst fans of The Ricky Gervais Show featuring Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington.
Alley Cats is both created and directed by the Office star, who also voices the lead character – a member of a gang of stray felines, reports the Mirror.
Netflix reveals “the series follows the trials and tribulations of a group of feral British cats who seek companionship while ruminating about the struggles of everyday life”.
“From the funny to the absurd, the series is packed with Gervais’ signature style of heart and social commentary that audiences have come to expect,” the platform’s synopsis continues.
The show also features outstanding 2D animation courtesy of award-winning British animation studio, Blink Industries (Dead End: Paranormal Park, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared).
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This week, Netflix announced the release date for the new series as Friday, 7th August, with all six episodes of the inaugural season arriving simultaneously.
Joining Ricky is an impressive roster of British talent, including several regular collaborators who’ve previously worked with him on After Life and other ventures. Tom Basden (The Ballad of Wallis Island), Andrew Brooke (PhoneShop), David Earl (Derek), Kerry Godliman (Trigger Point), Jo Hartley (Adolescence), and Diane Morgan (Motherland) round out the principal cast, all of whom have previously featured in After Life.
Natalie Cassidy (EastEnders) and Tony Way (After Life, Mandy) are also set to appear in notable supporting roles.
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A newly released image gives fans their first glimpse of the feline cast, huddled together beside some wheelie bins while gazing out across a city skyline.
Watch Netflix hits like Beef season 2 for free
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. This lets customers watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes the new season of Beef.
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Netflix’s announcement has already generated considerable buzz among fans, who are eagerly anticipating the After Life cast’s return to the streaming platform.
One X user commented: “I’m laughing at this already after reading the cast.. This is going to be fun.”
“If it’s created by Ricky Gervais, I’ll give it a shot,” another responded. A further fan predicted: “Ricky Gervais doing adult animation? That cast is ridiculously stacked. Alley Cats might be the sleeper hit of August.”
Alley Cats premieres Friday, 7th August on Netflix.
A baby has tragically died after an incident at a home in south Manchester today (Thursday)
Chris Slater and Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
21:32, 07 May 2026Updated 21:33, 07 May 2026
Emergency services including an air ambulance raced to a property in south Manchester where sadly a baby is confirmed to have died.
The incident unfolded this morning (Thursday) on Platt Lane, Fallowfield. Residents said the incident was “terrifying” as one said they saw a paramedic race out of a property with a baby.
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Neighbours said there was a huge presence of emergency services in the area with several ambulances and police cars at the scene, close to the junction with Yew Tree Road, reports Manchester Evening News. The air ambulance helicopter landed nearby.
One person said she saw a paramedic run out of a property with a baby. “It was terrifying,” she said. “Very scary.”
Another neighbour said: “There was a lot of police and two ambulances. I heard one of them mention a child.”
Detectives and forensic crime scene investigation (CSI) officers were seen as an investigation began.
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“I didn’t see or hear anything until a police officer knocked on my door,” a neighbour told the Manchester Evening News.
“There was one in uniform and one in plain clothes. The one in plain clothes just said there had been an incident and asked if I’d heard anything. He didn’t say any more.”
The Manchester Evening News understands a baby died at the scene. It is not yet known if the child’s death is being treated as suspicious.
The North West Ambulance Service confirmed paramedics attended an incident at a private address, but declined to give further details.
Liverpool have dropped off considerably this term, however, not only failing to retain the Premier League trophy but potentially missing out on a top-four finish.
Manchester United, in contrast, are on course for a third-place finish with three games remaining after completing a double over Liverpool with a 3-2 win at Old Trafford last week.
But Merson fully expects Liverpool to restore their dominance over arch-rivals Manchester United next season and believes a return to Europe could hurt United domestically.
‘Liverpool were shocking in the first half against Manchester United last Sunday,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.
Manchester United are thriving under Michael Carrick (Picture: Getty)
‘When they came back into the game and made it 2-2, I was expecting them to go on and win but they ended up losing the game! I’m not worried about Liverpool next season though, I think they’ll be fine.
‘If someone asks me who among Manchester United and Liverpool will finish higher in the Premier League next season, I would actually back Arne Slot’s team all day long!
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‘I say that because Manchester United have played only once a week this season, and that’s a lot easier compared to what Liverpool went through.
Liverpool have gone backwards under Arne Slot (Picture: Getty)
‘Let us go through their players, Senne Lammens has been good, Benjamin Sesko is now finding some form, Bruno Fernandes incredible, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are shining under Michael Carrick, while Matheus Cunha has been excellent and Bryan Mbeumo has done alright.
‘Just look at Liverpool on the other hand. The two centre-backs haven’t been good enough, Milos Kerkez has been poor, they miss Trent and haven’t covered that position well enough.
‘Apart from Dominik Szoboszlai, none of their midfielders have performed well, both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had their own issues and yet, if they had beaten Manchester United, they would have been level on points!
‘That says a lot and I believe Liverpool can finish above United next season.
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‘Lately, there has also been noise around the lack of intensity shown by this Liverpool team. But I’m not surprised by it because I believe many of these players will have one eye on the World Cup.
‘None of them want to be injured and it is only a natural reaction, especially when Liverpool have nothing to play for at the moment.’
Manchester United will hope to continue their fine form on Saturday when they visit Sunderland, while Liverpool welcome struggling Chelsea to Anfield.
Some 120 flights from the UK this month have been cancelled, new figures show, as jet fuel prices surge and fears of shortages grow.
Aviation analytics company Cirium said airlines have axed 120 of the 22,613 departures initially scheduled from UK airports in May, equivalent to 0.53%.
The number of outbound flights planned for June is 36 lower than a week ago.
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Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed
This represents a 0.2% reduction and means capacity for the month has fallen by 7,972 seats.
However, a new joint statement from the Department for Transport, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says that there is currently “no need for passengers to change their travel plans”.
It said: “UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving.”
Is there a shortage of jet fuel in the UK?
The statement said: “UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. It is typically bought in advance, with airports and their suppliers keeping stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.
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“There is no current need to change upcoming travel plans. Government regularly meets with industry to monitor risks, understand pressures and ensure clear communication with passengers, should circumstances change.
“We recognise that families may be concerned, and that aviation and tourism businesses are operating in challenging global conditions. We are working hand‑in‑hand with industry to help flights keep operating.
“We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.”
Are airlines cancelling lots of flights?
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, a network of independent travel agents, said airlines are “assessing poor performance flights and consolidating or cancelling as required”.
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She added that UK departures to popular summer hotspots “remain unaffected” and insisted “customers can continue to book with confidence”.
The Government statement added: “While there has been media reporting on flights cancelled internationally in May, data from Cirium shows only 0.53% of the UK’s planned flights for the month have been cancelled. The majority of these UK cancellations are to and from the Middle East due to the conflict.
“This is within the range of the number of cancellations we would expect in a normal year, and we continue to monitor the situation. In previous years, we typically saw around 1% of all flights arriving or departing from the UK cancelled.”
The statement added that the UK Government was working with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to ensure passengers keep moving.
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said summer holiday plans will not face major disruption because of the latter.
She revealed that more fuel has been imported from America, while refineries have upped their production.
The Government has also introduced a temporary rule change allowing airlines to group passengers from different flights together on to fewer planes to save fuel.
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