Hopes that an away match today for York City FC would lead to shorter queues have proved unfounded.
Malton Road is at a standstill from the roundabout on the approach to Monks Cross to the Hopgrove roundabout and queues are building on the Outer Ring Road.
The Monks Cross Link Road from the roundabout next to Primark to the Outer Ring Road remains closed to northbound traffic. The alternative route is via Malton Road and Hopgrove roundabout.
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The infrastructure work is part of the construction of 970 new houses in the area and the closure is expected to remain in place continuously until November 6.
When it first started two weekends ago, motorists reported spending up to 30 minutes in queues and advised others not to shop in the area.
Monks Cross Shopping Centre and Vangarde remain fully open and all other routes to the two centres are.
This weekend the Minstermen are at Chesterfield. They return to the Community Stadium next weekend when they host Rotherham.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 8475/16SEP
A 28-year-old man has died after being stabbed on a leafy central London street known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’, sparking a murder hunt by Scotland Yard detectives.
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Reece Salmon was found with stab wounds in Lloyd Baker Street in Clerkenwell, Islington, after police were called to reports of an attack at 11.20pm on Wednesday.
Emergency services rushed Mr Salmon to hospital, but he died on Thursday. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. No arrests have been made, with detectives now appealing for information as they investigate the killing, The Mirror reports.
“We are utterly devastated by this loss”, Mr Salmon’s family described in a statement. “Reece was a loving partner and son, and he leaves behind many friends and loved ones. It is impossible to put our loss into words.”
Lloyd Baker Street, lined with Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses, is regarded as one of Clerkenwell’s most sought-after residential addresses. Floral tributes have been left at the scene by friends and family in memory of Mr Salmon.
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Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the attack and secured additional stop-and-search powers across the area as efforts to trace those responsible continue.
The Section 60 order allows officers to stop and search individuals without the usual requirement for reasonable grounds for suspicion. It was in place in the Caledonian Road, Clerkenwell and Hoxton areas from 4pm on Friday until 6am on Saturday.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in the area, said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the young man who has lost his life. You can expect to see additional officers in the area providing visible reassurance and working with partners to keep the public safe.
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“The victim was found in a residential street, and members of the public may have information of vital importance to our investigation. If you can help, please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 8475/16SEP. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.
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Jake Richards, a justice minister, said the Government would put the onus on parents to do more to keep children out of trouble and that they would be “held to account” if they did not.
In an interview with the Times, Mr Richards said: “I absolutely think that the justice system should hold parents to account in a proportionate way for ensuring that they play their role in keeping communities safe.”
The MP for Rother Valley added: “In my constituency, there’s a lot of problems with antisocial behaviour and young people causing problems in town centres. And yes, when I knock on doors, people say we need more police. But they also say, ‘Well, what are the parents doing?’”
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His comments indicate a continuation of plans from Sir Keir Starmer’s government where parents would face harsher consequences including heavier fines and prison sentences for their children’s crimes.
Ministers published a white paper in May calling for more parenting orders to be used. The proposals indicated they would be strengthened.
Meanwhile, the first report from the inquiry into the Southport attack found Axel Rudakubana’s parents could have acted sooner to stop him killing three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop.
Mr Richards said: “Parenting orders are going to make sure that parents are more involved in the process by which we try to turn around young offenders.”
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“Yes, that will have some stick. It could be custodial, or docking benefits — ultimately it will be up to a judge. But we want them to be more involved and that comes with responsibilities as well.”
It comes as the Government are said to be considering lowering the mansion tax threshold to homes worth £1.5 million to help raise £10 billion in the upcoming Budget.
Former chancellor Rachel Reeves announced at last year’s budget that homes worth £2 million would have to pay an extra tax worth between £2,500 and £7,500 every year.
However, the Times reported more homes could be brought into its scope under plans being considered by John Healey for the Budget on October 28. It would double the number of homes affected by the tax.
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A Treasury spokesperson said: “As has always been the case, decisions on tax are a matter for the Chancellor to set out at fiscal events, rather than routinely commenting on rumour, speculation or proposals.”
Strictly’s Dani Dyer reunites with Nikita Kuzmin as she makes her comeback after ankle injury while House Of The Dragon star Bethany Antonia is in all-female pairing with Nancy Xu
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.
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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.
Dani Dyer made her return to Strictly after being forced to quit the 2025 series when she injured herself in rehearsals. Like last year she has been paired with Nikita Kuzmin
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This year’s partnerships include House of The Dragon actress and West End star Bethany Antonia with Nancy Xu
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.
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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.
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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.
Australian singer and actress Delta Goodrem is with Kai Widdrington
Emmerdale’s Lawrence Robb is with Jowita Przystał
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Sports Youtuber John Nellis is with the show’s longest-serving professional Katya Jones
Love Island star Cach Mercer has been paired with one of the five new Strictly pro dancers Maddie Ingoldsby
The oldest celebrity in the new series, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters is in good hands with long-time pro Aljaž Škorjanec
Will Best is with show favourite Dianne Buswell, who lifted the Gitterball in 2024
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Dog trainer Graeme Hall is with Lauren Oakley
Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips is with Alexis Warr
Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey has been paired with Julian Caillon
Actress Jaime Winstone has been partnered with Carlos Gu, who will be hoping to replicate his 2025 win with Karen Carney
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British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker is with another new pro Mark Karmalita
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is with show veteran and fan favourite Amy Dowden
EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has landed fan favourite Vito Coppola
The launch featured a sizzling number introducing five new dancers: Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva and Cristian Priori
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Before the pairings were revealed, all eyes were on the trio of new presenters. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
The judges, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke then watched on as the celebs participated in a group dance with the professionals
The celeb contestants were split into groups of five to take part in three specially-choreographed dance routines to find out their partner
The oldest celebrity in the new series, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters, 64, is in good hands with long-time pro Aljaž Škorjanec.
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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.
The judges, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke then watched on as the celebs participated in a group dance with the professionals.
Some pros have missed out on a partner, with Neil Jones said to be ‘gutted’ that he has once again been left without a celeb.
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Neil 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.
Neil will now join the other dancers on the bench after he was injured in rehearsals this month.
Before the pairings were revealed, all eyes were on the trio of new presenters. Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have taken over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the BBC show at the end of the 2025 series.
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Earlier this week new host Josh admitted filming the launch show episode had left him feeling wiped out.
The comic, 43, explained on the latest episode of his and Rob Beckett’s Parenting Hell podcast, that he was left drained after filming the show on September 9.
Josh admitted: “I’m not very well. I don’t want to go too graphic, but I’ve got stomach problems. I just keep nedding a p***, and I’m constipated, and I’ve got stomach pains.’
He added: “I’m not stressed, I’m tired.’
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‘Full disclosure, we’ve done the launch show of Strictly on Wednesday. It went well. The next day, I don’t think I’ve ever been so tired in my life, and I still don’t feel like I’ve fully recovered.’
‘Admittedly, I had a show in Dublin the next day, then I came back, and then I had a full-on weekend of parenting.’
Strictly continues with the first live show of Series 24 on Saturday, September 26.
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC’s EastEnders
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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
AGE: 41
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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!’
CACH MERCER
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AGE: 25
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencer
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
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AGE: 48
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.’
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BETHANY ANTONIA
AGE: 28
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon
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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
AGE: 59
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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!’
TABBY STOECKER
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AGE: 25
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racer
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
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AGE: 64
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.’
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DANI DYER
AGE: 30
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny Dyer
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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
AGE: 43
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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.’
WILL BEST
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AGE: 41
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TV
WHY STRICTLY?: ‘I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!’
JAIME WINSTONE
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AGE: 41
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.’
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SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS
AGE: 44
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City
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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
AGE: 34
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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!’
JOHN NELLIS
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AGE: 33
BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channel
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!’
He opened his Lincoln Financial Field show as part of his ongoing Loop tour by addressing the criticism he’s received, saying, “I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions, and I am making mistakes. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t want to disappoint fans.
“I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division; about humanity, not politics,” he continued.
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“But this is a humanitarian issue. I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore. What happened in Israel, and at the music festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,” the “Shape of You” singer said.
Ed Sheeran wept while addressing the crowd in Philadelphia Saturday night (2025 Invision)
“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilian loss and loss of children’s lives. And the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfolding the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”
Sheeran — in his first public statement since his Instagram post addressed Macklemore’s firing — also said he felt that honoring his commitment to his fans is “completely central to who I am.”
“And that is why I’m here tonight, on my own, and continuing my current tour.”
The concert, originally scheduled to kick off at 5:30 p.m. ET, was pushed to 8 p.m. following the fallout from the controversy, which saw ticket prices plummet after Sheeran’s openers quit.
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The singer pushed back the start of the concert after all his support acts had pulled out (Getty)
Hours after Sheeran said he would not be drawn into a public debate about the Gaza war and that the decision to remove Macklemore was “the promoter’s decision,” Irish acts Aaron Rowe and Beoga, the Danish band Lukas Graham, and Finneas announced on Instagram that they were withdrawing from the tour.
Rowe was one of Macklemore’s replacements for Sheeran’s remaining U.S. dates, while Beoga was serving as Sheeran’s touring band. Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and musical collaborator, was due to tour with Sheeran in South America later this year.
As the backlash over Macklemore’s firing grew, the rapper announced on social media that he would donate $1 million in net earnings from his appearances on Sheeran’s tour to organizations aiding Palestinians, while challenging Kraft to match the sum.
Still, the controversy escalated to the point where protesters showed up Saturday night outside of Lincoln Financial Field, chanting, perTMZ, “F*** your concert, f*** your fans. Palestine is our demand.”
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Sheeran is next slated to take the stage September 25 at Kraft’s Gillette Stadium.
RTÉ 100 shared that the move came into effect on Thursday, 17 September. Classic Hits Radio said they understand there are “differing and strongly held views” on the topic, but considering “the reaction from our listeners”, the station felt it best to drop the artist for now.
Dave Kelly, the Group Programme Director at Bay Broadcasting (which owns Classic Hits Radio), said the step was “carefully considered” and is “not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran”.
He said, “We acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events.
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“As an independent Irish-owned radio station, however, we believe it is important to listen to our audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who have made what is undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions.
“Ultimately, our position is a simple one. We believe in peace, humanity and respect, and in the right of people and artists to express and act upon their sincerely held views.
“In light of the strength of feeling expressed by our listeners and the decisions taken by Irish artists involved in the tour, we believe removing Ed Sheeran’s music from our playlist is the appropriate decision for Classic Hits Radio at this time.”
The station added this position will remain “under review”.
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The decision comes while the country’s leading broadcaster, RTÉ, revealed it won’t be airing or participating in Eurovision 2027. In a statement, RTÉ said they couldn’t “justify” involvement in the contest, in which Israel participates, due to “the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk”.
They also cited concerns about the “continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory”.
Singer Ed Sheeran opened his latest concert alone onstage and apologised to fans for making “mistakes” as he handled the fallout over rapper Macklemore being dropped from his tour over pro-Palestinian remarks.
“I never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” he said during Saturday’s Philadelphia show.
He described the 7 October 2023 attacks as “horrific” and called the situation in Gaza “unjustifiable” in his first in-person remarks since the controversy erupted.
The concert was a stripped-down event, and Sheeran performed without opening acts.
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Several artists left the tour and the price for tickets dropped and sales declined for the remaining US leg of his Loop Tour due to the controversy.
The singer has said the decision to drop Macklemore was made by his promoters, not him.
“My concerts have always been a safe space for everyone,” he said at the start of Saturday’s show, adding that he is committed to his fans and that is why he returned to the stage.
“Now, I want to address the question of where I stand in the situation in Israel and Palestine, and whether my doing this concert here tonight implies where I stand,” he said.
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“I have tried in my career not to be a political commentator of any kind, because I want my music and shows to be about unity, not division; about humanity, not politics. But this is a humanitarian issue, and I cannot hide how I feel about it anymore.”
Sheeran said what happened in Israel during the 7 October 2023 attacks was “horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain”.
He added: “What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate. My heart has been broken by the scale of of devastation and loss of civilian lives, of children’s lives, and this systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.”
He said he is trying “to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times and listening and learning, because I do not know enough”.
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The singer said he took issue with the idea that venues would “preapprove” content or performers, which received applause from the audience.
Sheeran then closed his statement by saying that he hoped his concert could be a place where everyone could gather irrespective of their beliefs.
Its promising trailer has already excited fans, who’ve praised everything from its “gorgeous” cinematography to Edward Ferrars’ (played by George MacKay) brilliant hair.
And now, the first reactions are starting to pour in.
Following its Tuesday premiere in London’s Leicester Square, critics have had the chance to share early thoughts on the Focus Features film, which is the first mainstream English-language version to hit our screens since the BBC’s 2008 TV series.
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Here are some of their thoughts so far:
It will “THRILL”
Metro’s senior film and entertainment reporter, Tori Brazier, said on X: “Ooh #SenseandSensibility will THRILL the Austen purists. Simultaneously gorgeously faithful to the spirit (& letter) of the text, while coming across as totally fresh for today.
“The sisterly bond is sublime, Fiona Shaw steals every scene & the men are a really pleasant surprise.”
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Ooh #SenseandSensibility will THRILL the Austen purists. Simultaneously gorgeously faithful to the spirit (& letter) of the text, while coming across as totally fresh for today. The sisterly bond is sublime, Fiona Shaw steals every scene & the men are a really pleasant surprise. pic.twitter.com/GQKTVby1R4
The Wrap’s awards and entertainment reporter, Casey Loving, was similarly impressed.
His X post reads: “#SenseandSensibility is for the yearners. Georgia Oakley and writer Diana Reid stay true to Jane Austen’s wonderful text (w/ some key changes) in a quiet film that totally charmed the romantic in me.
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“Daisy Edgar-Jones & George MacKay are great, and Esmé Creed-Miles is astounding.”
He stressed how “great” Esmé’s acting as Marianne was again in a later post.
#SenseandSensibility is for the yearners. Georgia Oakley and writer Diana Reid stay true to Jane Austen’s wonderful text (w/ some key changes) in a quiet film that totally charmed the romantic in me. Daisy Edgar-Jones & George MacKay are great, and Esmé Creed-Miles is astounding pic.twitter.com/F5xInQmb6t
Variety’s Jazz Tangcay opined, “Always a sucker for a Jane Austen adaptation. Loved the chemistry between Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles. Caitríona Balfe is wonderful.
“Diana Reid [the film’s screenwriter]… injects a lot of wit. It’s a delight.”
“Achingly sweet”
Inverse’s Lyvie Scott shared some thoughts on X, too.
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“My hopes for #SenseandSensibility were (unfairly?) high, but [director] georgia oakley crafts a world i’ve been yearning to revisit for weeks,” they stated.
“So breathlessly bohemian and achingly sweet; every beat from the book gets its due. also get ready to fall in love w george mackay bc wow. killer.”
my hopes for #SenseandSensibility were (unfairly?) high, but georgia oakley crafts a world i’ve been yearning to revisit for weeks. so breathlessly bohemian and achingly sweet; every beat from the book gets its due. also get ready to fall in love w george mackay bc wow. killer pic.twitter.com/pNiLt0zDqc
Owner and editor of awards site Next Best Picture, Matt Neglia, was bowled over by the movie.
He wrote: “Sense and Sensibility is so exquisite. Don’t let the fact that it didn’t play at any of the fall film festivals, or that it stands in the shadow of Ang Lee’s 1995 masterpiece, throw you off.
“This is a more than worthy new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, told with tremendous care, sincerity, and affection by Georgia Oakley in all elements of production. It reminded me of the same initial skepticism I had toward Greta Gerwig’s Little Women, only to feel that same warm sense of comfort and relief when I realized just how beautifully it had all come together.
“Everyone is perfectly cast, with Daisy Edgar-Jones delivering one of her stronger, more heartbreaking performances, while Esmé Creed-Miles radiates off the screen in a breakthrough role that will have everyone falling in love with her.
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“Gorgeous costumes, a swoon-worthy score, and a cast to fall head over heels for, Oakley has crafted another winner that should satisfy Jane Austen fans and hopeless romantics looking for a good cry at the cinema.”
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is so exquisite. Don’t let the fact that it didn’t play at any of the fall film festivals, or that it stands in the shadow of Ang Lee’s 1995 masterpiece, throw you off. This is a more than worthy new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, told with… pic.twitter.com/qc8BzaSYHf
The U.S. military attacked a boat suspected of being used to smuggle drugs in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, killing four people, as the Trump administration continues its monthslong campaign against alleged traffickers in Latin America.
The latest attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 231 in 69 strikes since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” almost a year ago. As with most of the military’s statements on strikes in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes.
The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. A video posted on X showed an image of what appeared to be a moving boat followed by a flash.
The Trump administration is pursuing deals with allied nations to extend its offensive to land across multiple Latin American countries. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a visit to Panama last month that Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras had agreed to allow the U.S. to carry out joint military operations against criminal groups on their soil. Guatemala denied reaching such a deal. Ecuador launched similar missions with the U.S. in March.
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President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and fatal overdoses claiming American lives. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing smugglers.
Ed Sheeran has made his stance clear on the Israel-Palestine conflict after his Loop Tour fell apart amid Macklemore’s ‘Free Palestine‘ comments.
The 35-year-old singer-songwriter returned to the stage in Philadelphia on Saturday night for the first time since 43-year-old Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, was axed from the tour.
He made a solemn speech at Lincoln Financial Field, telling the audience that he plans to ‘continue my own tour’ despite each one of his opening acts dropping out in solidarity with Macklemore and Palestine.
‘What happened in Israel at Nova music festival on October 7 was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain. What is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate,’ he said in a video captured and shared online by a concertgoer.
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‘My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians’ lives, of children’s lives, and the systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked.’
Ed Sheeran has made his stance clear on the Israel-Palestine conflict after his Loop Tour fell apart amid Macklemore’s ‘Free Palestine’ comments; pictured in October 2025
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It comes as the concert was swarmed by pro-Palestine protestors before he took the stage
The 35-year-old singer-songwriter returned to the stage in Philadelphia on Saturday night for the first time since 43-year-old Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, was axed from the tour; pictured in 2013
Shinobi – ninjas were very big in the 16-bit days (Sega)
The late 80s and early 90s were a great time for ninja games, but as a reader points, they weren’t always the most authentic or plausible.
There was once a time when video games made sense. You had a plumber who ‘fixed’ pipes, hedgehogs ran fairly briskly, and spaceships that shot down aliens. Then, sometime in the 1980s somebody looked at the concept of a ninja and decided that this wasn’t nearly stupid enough. And so began the age ‘ninja nonsense nunchuk-ery’.
Suddenly, every arcade game was full of these not-so-secret clans. One minute, games were about things like space invaders and rescuing princesses. Then suddenly, everything had ninjas.
And not just the occasional ninja. We’re talking industrial quantities. Entire cities full of them. Streets, factories, forests, sewers, even golf courses absolutely teaming with ninja. Yes, golf courses!
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Bad Dudes Vs. DragonNinja
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
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It’s the sort of video game that as an adult makes you realise how easily pleased you were as an adolescent.
In a time when you never stopped to ask, ‘Does this even make sense?’
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You play as Blade or Striker, two extremely patriotic men with predestined names whose solution to the kidnapping of the [resident is to take the law into their own hands, by proceeding to walk across America punching the face of every human being they encounter.
The fact the [resident needs rescuing by two Michael Jackson fans who look like they were rejected from an ‘80s action movie is completely justified.
The gameplay is beautifully simple: walk right, punch ninjas, occasionally spinny kick something, and hopefully nobody notices those approximately three attacks are your whole portfolio of moves. Every now and then you can pick up can of soda, kept at body temp for your liking and pre-shaken, ensuring the deceased enemy gets the last laugh.
The real star, however, is the premise.
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‘Are you a bad enough dude to rescue the [resident?’ Obviously, you are. Ridiculous, repetitive, and gloriously stupid, Bad Dudes Vs. DragonNinja is gaming distilled to its purest form: punch first, ask questions never.
Shinobi
During the course of this feature, we will establish that stealth apparently means heading directly towards your opponent in plain sight, often given them the opportunity to strike first.
Shinobi’s protagonist is Joe Musashi, a highly trained ninja whose idea of subtle infiltration is to sprint at an army of heavily armed men and reward them by pinning stars to their chests simply for taking part.
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Diplomacy as its finest.
Surprisingly, the plot involves kidnapped children and evil organisations. Joe’s mission is simple. Rescue the kids and destroy the criminals; first one to die, loses.
The Revenge Of Shinobi
This is what happens when someone decides that Shinobi isn’t quite ridiculous enough and adds magic, atomic seppuku, Godzilla, and enough shuriken to make the modern day RAM shortage look contrived.
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You play as Joe Musashi, a man whose wife has been kidnapped by Neo Zeed, an evil organisation, because according to any media, ninja revenge stories are legally required to begin with somebody being kidnapped.
Naturally, Joe responds by brazenly walking through cities, forests, and military installations, murdering approximately 700 people on the way.
And what a journey it is. One minute you’re fighting ordinary soldiers, the next you’re battling mutant creatures, pickled brains on cargo planes and guardians that appear to have escaped from a fever dream.
And a lawsuit.
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Subtlety clearly wasn’t invited.
The controls are kind of adequate, but Mr Musashi’s arsenal of shuriken makes you feel less like a stealthy assassin and more like a noisy draw of cutlery.
Alex Kidd In Shinobi World
Because Sega looked at Shinobi and thought, ‘Needs more small child.’
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Alex Kidd In Shinobi World begins with Alex’s girlfriend being kidnapped by the evil ninja Hanzo. A perfectly reasonable set-up for a serious tale of revenge, honour, and ancient martial arts.
But instead of a grim ninja warrior you get a giant-headed child in a little outfit bouncing around, probably skiving with no regard for his attendance record nor the teachers that patrol town monitoring truancy.
The game is essentially Sega taking Shinobi, putting it through a washing machine mixing dark with bright colours, and hoping nobody notices. And somehow it works as well as it’s supposed to.
Ninjas are everywhere, swarming around you like you’ve walked into a very aggressive Shinobi cosplay convention.
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The best part is the complete lack of concern from any type of law enforcement. A kidnapped girlfriend? Massive evil ninja organisation? Ancient mystical powers?
Who gives a shidoshi. Ridiculous, charming and wonderfully Sega, Alex KiddIin Shinobi World proves that revenge doesn’t have to be dark and serious.
Sometimes revenge has a massive head and eats burgers.
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Shadow Dancer: The Secret Of Shinobi
Shadow-dancing seems a hilariously pacifistic concept for a ninja, when you consider another term like shadow-boxing.
Perhaps shadow-dancing is the secret of Shinobi. How embarrassing.
Staying alive in this game requires you to traverse a city in which the majority of levels take place in broad daylight, so there’s very little fear of night fever setting in; shadows weren’t even cast as extras and dancing is non-existent.
As we do have a wolf sidekick, perhaps a better suited title would’ve been The Secret Of Shinobi – Dances With Wolves, but that sounds boring as hell. When I was a kid I wanted to believe the dog’s name was Shadow, but even that didn’t make sense at the time because he’s bright white.
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You play Hayate, a highly trained ninja assassin for once.
Step by step, he’ll dismantle a criminal organisation with his sword, shuriken, mystical powers, and the agility of a cat. And yet his most important instrument is the dog.
Hayate spends years mastering the ancient arts of ninjutsu, to keep his enemies in line, when all the dog has to do is bark rendering the enemy stunned with stage fright.
Your canine accomplice can pin enemies to the ground, allowing you to finish them off. So in an ironic twist, you’re not actually the main event here.
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You’re just a bloke waltzing around the place while the dog does all the foot work.
Now, Hayate can throw shuriken, slash people use magic, and perform spectacular ninja manoeuvres, but let’s be honest. Nobody remembers any of that jazz, all they remember is the bloody dog.
But let’s not dance around the real issue, the bad guys should’ve brought their own pet.
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Ninja Golf
Finally, a game brave enough to ask, ‘What if golf was considerably more violent?’ Ninja Golf is possibly the greatest example of a development meeting where absolutely nobody said, ‘We’re gonna do what now?’
The concept is radically simple. You’re a ninja playing golf.
But not all ninjas appreciate a second hobby and demand you stop enjoying yourself.
Instead of stealing your golf ball and being done with it, a ninja would rather steal your life.
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You tee off and watch your ball disappear into the distance and proceed to leg it to the right as an onslaught of ninja, green with envy, club together with their pets to stand between you and your par.
Because apparently regular golf wasn’t stressful enough.
If you somehow survive this handicap there’s an enormous dragon waiting for you at the end. Why? I don’t know. Who cares. You are a ninja with a golf club… fore!
By reader Bad Edit
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