It’s gen X nostalgia in full swing. I’m with my sister, who’s dressed in a floral maxi dress and slim-knit cardigan, surrounded by satin baby-dolls and goth-light outfits worn by the tattooed gen Zees and witchTok millennials. Three generations all queuing for Practical Magic 2 in gleeful anticipation, after a gap of 27 years.
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock reprising their roles as the Owens sisters: tick. Seasoned female director Susanne Bier behind the camera: tick. The brilliant Dianne Wiest and the legend that is Stockard Channing back in the saddle as the aunts, Jet and Franny: tick.
The only face missing is Evan Rachel Wood, absent from the line-up as Sally’s eldest daughter Kylie. When Joey King got the role, loyal fans were dismayed. The character’s age was cited by the director which, given that Wood (who is 39) played Kylie in the original film, makes no sense.
I hope the public fallout from Wood’s abuse allegations against Marilyn Manson didn’t factor into the decision not to rehire her. If Hollywood is policing survivors to avoid PR issues, it would put the film’s feminist ethos firmly at odds with the industry that created it.
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I decided to wait and see whether I cared about Wood’s omission once I’d seen the film – and I did care. Not because King’s performance isn’t great, but because casting Wood as an older Kylie could have brought nuance and continuity to a flimsy story.
What made the original Practical Magic work was the fans’ love for it. An adaptation of the 1995 novel by Alice Hoffman, it was a slow burn: the reviews were lukewarm in 1998, and Bullock herself said it needed “to marinate”.
But new audiences fell in love with sisters Sally and Gillian Owens. They belong to a lineage of Massachusetts witches burdened by a curse whereby any man who falls in love with them dies early.
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Darker undertones were present in the original film, though softened by an appropriate pinch of cartoonishness. After an abusive lover of Gillian’s is accidentally killed and resurrected as a malevolent spirit, the sisters must rely on their aunts and a newly formed coven of local women to exorcise the entity and break the family curse.
Over the years, Practical Magic became a beloved autumnal perennial. Though by no means a masterpiece, the film tapped into the zeitgeist – a yearning for the simplicity of a pagan matriarchal past, wrapped in a frothy, escapist package to enjoy whenever women wearied of living in a world designed for men.
Not hiring Wood exposes Hollywood’s ageism. The industry is eager to commercialise nostalgia, yet the result is a film that could never fully belong to fans or honour the sisterhood theme it trades on.
Wood has been through the mill and is now a seasoned actor. That human complexity is missing from the sequel; her presence could have implicitly supplied it.
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Following up a cult favourite
The second film is set 25 years later. Sally Owens (Bullock) has hidden her family’s witchcraft from her grown daughters, Kylie (King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams). However, the fatal ancestral love curse strikes again when Kylie’s boyfriend Gideon (Xolo Maridueña) is critically injured.
Kylie flees to England to find a cure. To save the next generation, Sally, Gillian and the aunts, Jet (Wiest) and Franny (Channing), must also cross the Atlantic, team up with an academic warlock (Lee Pace), and confront dark forces.
Some of the film’s choices felt so odd that the audience were laughing at it, rather than with it. A red phone box features, so we know it’s England – or does the storyline need a defibrillator? The idyllic English village setting reminded me of Christmas schmaltzfest The Holiday, but PC2’s plotline makes that film seem Shakespearean.
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Gideon’s cloying devotion is so overstated that Kylie’s reciprocated love for him lands like a joke. When a male character’s behaviour feels artificial, it casts a shadow over narratives built on female connection. Viewers long to lose ourselves in the story, but the storytellers must first clear the path.
Yes, it is a story about witches, but really it’s about the power of the feminine: readdressing ancient wrongs, recognising the nurturers who came before, believing in ourselves. Men come and go, relationships die, but the women in your life are forever.
A touch of emotional distance could have made Kylie’s relationship with Gideon her first love without him being her first long-term partner. This would have connected her to her Aunt Gillian, bolstering a storyline around her understandable attachment issues, and giving the frivolity something real to stand on.
Maisie WIlliams as Antonia and Joey King as Kylie, the daughter of Sally Owens and the next generation of witches. Warner Bros Pictures, Author provided (no reuse)
And why does Sally always get the love-match? The professor-warlock is Sally’s third love-at-first-sight in two films. If Gillian’s romantic dysfunction had been fleshed out, perhaps the others – Kidman, Williams, Channing – would have secured some more airtime. Instead, Bullock’s gooey double-take routine with another unfortunate man feels like déjà vu.
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If only sisterhood had been explored through the messiness of modern relationships. And if the film had made explicit that breaking the curse required honouring female legacy, it would have felt more grounded – and we might have all walked away feeling satisfied.
But I still think Practical Magic 2, like its predecessor, will endure. Lovers of the genre have a thirst for community and the old ways, and faithful fans will sustain it.
The biggest architectural celebration of its kind in the world, London’s Open House Festival gives the capital’s keenest — and nosiest — design fans a chance to snoop around famous landmarks and the city’s most spectacular private homes.
Last year’s edition welcomed 375,000 visitors to 830 open days and events across all 33 London boroughs. This year’s event, which runs from September 12 to 20, is shaping up to be even bigger and better.
London Open House Festival
Anna-Rose McChesney
Think of the programme as split into three types of visit: balloted entry, bookable slots and drop-in visits. All are free, but you’ll need to be quick if you’re going to bag a ticket to some of the headline events. Last year most slots were snapped up in 20 minutes, according to festival organisers.
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Bookings opened at 12pm on August 19 this year. Here’s what you need to know.
While the majority of events are open to drop-in visitors, some of the landmark open days or tours are ticketed because they have a maximum capacity. So it’s first come, first served since bookings opened on Wednesday, August 19.
The iconic Lloyd’s of London building in Lime Street in the City is taking part in this year’s Open House Festival as part of its own 40th anniversary celebrations. Designed by British architect Lord Rogers and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1986, the specialist insurance and reinsurance marketplace was awarded a Grade I listing in 2011.
Lloyd’s of London
Jason Alden/Lloyds
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It’s known as the “inside-out” building, because Lord Rogers’ design placed the staircases, loos, glass lifts and pipes on the outside, leaving space for a spectacular central atrium that rises 60 metres to a steel and glass barrel-vaulted roof. Tours are taking place at various times on September 19.
A tour of Leadenhall Market may not sound the most impressive booking, until you discover that guided walks on September 19 and 20 include an exclusive visit to the Roman ruins beneath. Situated in Gracechurch Street, in the heart of the Square Mile and the centre of what was Roman London, it was originally a market for meat, poultry and game. Underneath lie the remains of a forum (market) and basilica (courts), which aren’t usually open to the public.
In previous years, entry to the BT Tower in Fitzrovia and BBC Broadcasting House in Marylebone was by ballot only, whereas this year the landmarks are available to book. Take a trip to the BT Tower’s famous revolving floor (158m high) at various times on September 19 and 20, or have a guided walking tour of the BBC’s Art Deco-fronted headquarters on September 19.
BBC Broadcasting House
Jeff Overs
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In another rare chance to see inside a London landmark, the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station is open for tours on September 19 and 20. Built in 1890, it was the last hydraulic power station in London to be decommissioned, in 1977, and has been closed for the past decade. An ambitious restoration plan is set to get under way which will see it transformed into a centre for experimental arts.
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station Boiler House
Wapping Hydraulic Power Station
An early look at the drop-ins…
At busy times there are likely to be queues to some of the best-known sites, so wear comfortable shoes and pack your sense of humour. Or head to some of London’s most spectacular private homes opening their doors to visitors this year.
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Home to English National Ballet, the Mulryan Centre is a 93,000 sq ft state-of-the-art space on London City Island. Opening this year, the centre is offering the public a chance to go behind the scenes, watch professional dance rehearsals and even enjoy family dance (for children aged three to seven), adult or Bhangra Ceilidh workshops accompanied by live music. The drop-in sessions, workshops and guided tours are taking place on September 19.
In Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College is opening up spaces usually off-limits to the public. Head to the Open House table in Lower Grand Square (the open-air courtyard between College Way and the Thames) to book in person, on the day. Highlights will include entry to Admiral’s House, from 11am to 5pm on September 13, where the Morning Room displays a collection of items relating to Lord Nelson. Walking tours of the Jacobean Undercroft, on September 12 and 13, will offer a rare chance to see inside the undercroft of the Queen Anne building which is the only remaining intact room from Greenwich Palace — the birthplace of Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I.
An early Victorian home in the Barnsbury conservation area, the Barnsbury Flat is a masterclass in compact city living. Having been reconfigured for a young family by Fynn Architects, the flat is packed with cabinetry ideas — the kitchen has been designed as a piece of furniture rather than a separate room — and storage solutions. Drop in on September 12 between 10am and 4.30pm for a tour and talk with the architect and interior designer.
For another lesson in small-space city living, head to Rufford Mews Apartment near King’s Cross to tour the home of RHS Chelsea gold medallists Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews. The tour will showcase creative design and furniture crafted by Mike McMahon Studio, plus an inspiring look at what’s possible in tiny green spaces and on city “junglette” balconies.
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Green Lodge on the edge of Putney Heath
James Retief
For clever eco ideas, head to Green Lodge — a low-energy subterranean home on the edge of Putney Heath — on September 12 and 13 and 18, 19 and 20. The family home has been transformed by Stylus Architects, who will be on hand for a chat on open days. Slotted into an awkward site, much of the house is below ground but a series of clever lightwells and rooflights means every room benefits from natural light.
Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president at Hilton UK & Ireland, said: “The announcement of a further and uncapped tax levy on our business, in addition to already high VAT, business rates and energy costs, will further stifle job creation and investment and is a catastrophic blow for the UK hotel sector that is already under significant pressure.
Four people have been stabbed in south London after reports of a group of ‘machete-wielding’ men running through the high street.
The attack happened on Bromley High Street after 2pm this afternoon, with Met Police officers, a paramedic in a fast response car, an air ambulance and the London Fire Brigade dispatched to the incident.
The four people stabbed have since been taken to hospital after being treated at the scene.
The high street is currently closed both ways, from Ringers Road to Ethelbert Road, and police remain present.
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A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 2.19pm today to reports of a stabbing on Bromley High Street, Bromley.
‘We sent ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and an advanced paramedic.
The scene at Bromley this afternoon, after four people were stabbed and rushed to hospital
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Met Police officers, a paramedic in a fast response car, an air ambulance and the London Fire Brigade were dispatched to the scene
Emergency vehicles remain at the scene, which is cordoned off to the public
‘We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance. We treated four patients at the scene and took them all to hospital’.
Traitors season is almost upon us, as The Celebrity Traitors is returning for a hotly anticipated second series on BBC.
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Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Alan Carr and emerge victorious in the game of deceit are 21 stars from the worlds of comedy, acting, music, modelling, and broadcasting.
They’ll compete to win up to £100,000 for their chosen charities in their roles as Traitors and Faithfuls at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
Filming has already wrapped, with the contestants and host Claudia Winkleman remaining tight-lipped on the outcome… but if past series are anything to go by, we’re sure there’ll be fireworks.
Also returning will be spin-off show The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, hosted by Ed Gamble and offering viewers a deep dive into the cast’s scheming, murderous ways and the eliminations after they air.
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Expectations are high and excitement is palpable ahead of the series 2 launch, with last year’s final breaking records and exceeding 15 million viewers – so, here’s everything we know about what’s to come…
Who will Claudia Winkleman choose as her Traitors for season 2? (Picture: BBC)
When do we expect Celebrity Traitors season 2 to be released?
Richard Osman’s claims that Celebrity Traitors will be released on September 23 have been shut down in flames.
Get even more Traitors gossip
Want to get all the latest news and predictions for the best and most dramatic show this new year?
Sign up to our TV Daily newsletter to get a personalised selection of the hottest takes, latest theories and big behind-the-scenes news every morning. Don’t to forget to select ‘The Traitors’ when you enter your email.
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Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don’t forget to turn on notifications!
According to The Sun, the former Pointless presenter was ‘wrong,’ and they believe that the show will likely be released in late September or early October.
Rumours online suggest an early October release date is more likely, but the BBC refused to comment when Metro asked them to address the speculation.
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Still, it’s worth noting that the first season of The Celebrity Traitors dropped on October 8, 2025, so if you’re a fan, maybe don’t make any plans for that first week in October.
There are 21 stars in the new Celebrity Traitors cast (Picture: BBC)
Who is in the line-up?
The Celebrity Traitors season 2 boasts an all-star cast, including…
Amol Rajan- Journalist
Bella Ramsey – Actor
Hannah Fry – Mathematician
James Acaster – Comedian
James Blunt – Musician
Jerry Hall – Model
Joanne McNally – Comedian
Joe Lycett – Comedian
Julie Hesmondhalgh – Actor
King Kenny – Social media personality
Leigh-Anne Pinnock – Singer
Maya Jama – Presenter
Michael Sheen – Actor
Miranda Hart – Actor
Myha’la – Actor
Richard E. Grant – Actor
Rob Beckett – Comedian
Romesh Ranganathan – Comedian
Ross Kemp – Actor/Presenter
Sebastian Croft – Actor/Singer-songwriter
Sharon Rooney – Actor
Who will win The Celebrity Traitors season 2?
It’s hard to say who will win The Celebrity Traitors season 2 at this point; however, a few dark horses have already started to emerge.
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Alan Carr told Metro at the National Television Awards that Miranda Hart was the dark horse to watch out for.
‘Do you know what? I’m super excited about Miranda Hart because Miranda reminds me a bit of me, and if they make her a Traitor, that is gonna be TV gold,’ he told us.
Alan also said to keep an eye on ‘motormouth’ Joanne McNally, who he predicted will be a ‘whirlwind.’
We also spoke to Jonathan Ross, who told us a few celebs have reached out for advice after his stint in the famous cloak last series.
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15 million people tuned in to watch Alan Carr’s win last series (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Paul Chappells)
‘I spoke to quite a few of them before they went in. I had a brief chat with Michael Sheen,’ he said. ‘I had a longer chat with Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett, Maya Jama.’
Considering how well Jonathan did, it’d be silly not to think these people won’t be dangerous players.
How to watch The Celebrity Traitors season 2?
Celebrity Traitors season two will air on BBC One at 9pm and be available to watch on BBC iPlayer soon after.
If it follows the same pattern as the first series, we’ll get two episodes a week released on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
We’ve also got some good news: this new series will run for 10 episodes, not nine, which should put a smile on everyone’s faces.
PC Tom Clough once remarked he believed nobody would turn up to his funeral. Yet on Thursday, hundreds assembled to provide the former serviceman, who made the ultimate sacrifice, with the farewell he genuinely deserved.
A hush descended outside Kirkleatham Walled Gardens, near Redcar, as four police horses guided the hearse along the flag-adorned route. As a solitary bagpipe started to play, there was a palpable sense of profound sorrow combined with extraordinary pride, appreciation and reverence.
The 38 year old ex-soldier, who served in Afghanistan, will be recalled for his remarkable sense of humour and as someone who gave “his everything for everyone”. His coffin was covered with a Union Jack flag, with his police helmet placed on top.
Standard-bearers from forces nationwide lowered their flags in a poignant display of respect, while the funeral procession was accompanied by soldiers in ceremonial uniform and veterans wearing their medals. Officers, both active and former, were accompanied by emergency service personnel and members of the community, who bowed their heads in a solemn gesture of respect.
Floral tributes including a poppy wreath were positioned beside the coffin, reports Teesside Live.
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PC Clough and his colleague PC Matthew Blades, 37, lost their lives in a collision on the A66 in South Bank. Their marked armed response vehicle was struck by a Volkswagen Passat, which was driving the wrong way down the dual carriageway in the early hours of Saturday, August 22.
During Thursday’s procession on September 10, a number of officers were spotted wearing badges on their uniforms bearing the fallen officers’ names and collar numbers. Speaking ahead of the funeral, Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville said: “The family want everyone to know that the public’s support has brought them so much comfort. Tom was deeply loved by his colleagues.”
Ms Somerville described Tom, who was ‘so full of fun’, as a devoted partner, son and brother, as well as the “father” of his cherished sausage dog, Frank. She went on to say: “Tom used to say there wouldn’t be anyone at his funeral and he couldn’t have been more wrong. Tom was described as giving his everything to everybody.”
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Following his departure from the Army, PC Clough joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, serving at Sellafield in Cumbria, before moving on to the British Transport Police and ultimately Cleveland Police, where he served as an armed response officer. A fundraiser established for the families of both officers raised in excess of £1.2m, with nearly 44,000 donors contributing as the tragedy resonated deeply across Teesside and beyond.
In tribute to PC Clough following his death, his family said: “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. He jumped into action whenever needed, and was willing to help anyone for any reason.
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“He proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place, and was always on public duty throughout his short life. We as a family and Tom’s partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”
Crowds of mourners also lined the streets for the funeral cortege, paying tribute to the fallen officer and his fellow colleagues.. Bill Alexander, 73, from Redcar, explained: “He wasn’t only a police officer but a veteran as well, same as me. That’s why I have come today.
“Recalling the moment he learnt of the tragedy, he added: “It was just unbelievable when you see two police officers had been killed. I’m glad to see so many people here.
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To give him a good send off and pay their respects. “. Another Redcar resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We have family who are in the police force that have served and are serving. We wanted to come here to show our respects.
“It’s absolutely devastating. It just brings all your fears to the forefront.
We’ve still got friends in the police and now their children are in the police. “. Her companion remarked: “It’s so senseless. A lot of the public don’t realise what the police do on a day to day basis.”
Brian Dunn, 89, and his wife Iris, 87, travelled by train, bus and on foot from their Stockton home to attend the service. Mr Dunn, who expressed pride in having completed national service, observed: “It is heart-warming to see so many people here. “. Mrs Dunn explained: “We both felt it was important to be here. The police work so hard, they do their best, and it is never appreciated, we all know that.”
Geoff made the journey from Newton Aycliffe to pay his respects on Thursday. The 80 year old remarked: “It makes you feel emotional for what happened. It was horrendous. We’re here for the families. They were young men who haven’t come home.”
The previous day, hundreds also gathered in Hartlepool to bid a final farewell to father-of-two PC Matthew Blades.
Manchester United return to the Champions League this evening against Sabah FK and Michael Carrick’s men are heavy favourites to see off the tournament debutants at Old Trafford.
However, new customers can get enhanced odds of 50/1 on a win for the Red Devils when they join Paddy Power, with just a £1 bet required to qualify.
The free bet offer is only available to bettors who sign up using one of the Paddy Power links on this page and meet the qualifying deposit and betting requirements.
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Paddy Power promo for Manchester United vs Sabah FK
New customers who open an account via one of our links can take part in the promotion for Manchester United vs FC Sabah. Using the link automatically enables the Paddy Power promo code YFBDIE, which is required for this offer.
To qualify, customers must deposit at least £5 using Pay by Bank, debit card or Apple Pay, then place a maximum £1 bet on Manchester United to win in the match odds market.
If the bet wins, the £1 bet is settled in cash at the normal odds. Paddy Power then adds the extra amount needed to bring the cumulative payout to 50/1, with the additional reward issued as free bets that can be used on bet builders, accumulators or other multiples.
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Cashed out and partially cashed out bets do not qualify. Power Price bets are also excluded.
How to claim the Paddy Power Manchester United vs Sabah offer
Step 1: Open a new Paddy Power account using one of the links on this page.
Step 2: Make a minimum deposit of £5 using Pay by Bank, a debit card or Apple Pay.
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Step 3: Place a maximum £1 bet on Manchester United to win in the match odds market for Manchester United vs FC Sabah.
Step 4: If Manchester United win, the qualifying bet is settled in cash at the normal price, with the additional winnings credited as free bets to equal a payout at 50/1.
Step 5: Use the free bets within 30 days of receiving them.
The promotion is available to new customers only who are residents of the UK or Republic of Ireland.
A new account must be opened using promo code YFBDIE.
A minimum deposit of £5 is required using Pay by Bank, a debit card or Apple Pay.
The qualifying bet must be a maximum £1 wager on Manchester United to win in the Match Odds market for Manchester United vs FC Sabah.
Cashed Out, Partially Cashed Out and Power Price bets do not qualify.
If Cash Out is used after placing the qualifying bet, the customer will no longer be eligible for the promotion.
Free bets are credited after the qualifying bet settles and are valid for 30 days.
Free bet stakes are not returned with winnings. Winnings are credited to the main wallet.
Deposits made using PayPal, Skrill, Paysafe or Neteller do not qualify.
Paddy Power promotions for existing customers
Paddy Power runs a range of regular promotions for existing customers, covering football, horse racing and other sports.
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The operator frequently offers enhanced prices across major football competitions, while racing customers can find price boosts, money-back promotions and extra-place offers.
Paddy’s Rewards is a free bets club, with customers able to earn a £5 free bet after placing 5 x £5 sports bets during the qualifying period.
There are also regular football betting offers, including Super Sub, where certain player bets can carry over to a replacement if the selected player is substituted.
Paddy Power also runs Beat the Drop, a free-to-play game in which players answer a series of questions while attempting to retain part of a £10,000 prize pot.
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Responsible gambling with Paddy Power
Paddy Power offers a full suite of responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, self-exclusion, session time reminders, loss limits and time-outs. It’s also registered with GAMSTOP, letting customers self-exclude across multiple operators at once.
Staying safe while betting online starts with responsible gambling habits: set a budget before you start, take regular breaks, and avoid chasing losses to keep the risk of problem gambling low.
Betting should be treated as entertainment, not as a way to make money.
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We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK’s best online gambling companies.
Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
To add to the store cupboard list, Eric, 66, from London, insists on equipping students with an “emergency Pot Noodle supply plus a large bottle of peri peri sauce”.
“Both our sons went to university many years ago,” says Nigel, 64, from the South West. “One of the most appreciated parental contributions was the big supermarket shop on arrival.”
You can’t go wrong with a simple cookbook, according to Brenda, 78, from the South East. “My son still has the basic recipe book I gave him when he went to university 30 years ago.” She also advises “a supermarket gift card, basic crockery and cutlery and loo rolls”.
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Small kitchen appliances are also practical and long-lasting gifts. An air fryer is a popular choice, according to readers like Jay, 48, from the West Midlands: “It is the only thing [his son] has asked for.”
Communal living comes with its trials as discovered by Deborah, 65, from the East of England, and her son, but she found a simple solution. “The food we’d put in the communal fridge, only an hour or so before, was nicked while I was driving home,” she says. It was also down five flights of stairs. “I got him a small fridge for his room. It made his life so much easier, especially for breakfast,” she explains. “Over 10 years later, it’s still going strong, particularly at Christmas, when a bit more fridge space is needed.”
For Terence, 85, from the North West, his son and grandson’s most used item was their George Foreman grill: “Toasted sandwiches are easy and quick.”
Bedding and laundry staples
Easy-care bedding and laundry staples are popular suggestions too. One reader from the South East insists “a heated clothes airer is absolutely essential”.
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“It was the first item on our list. There is no way to complete a degree without one of these,” they add.
When Valdas Dambrauskas’ men walk out onto the Old Trafford turf, the Azerbaijan Premyer Liqa champions will become the youngest ever side to grace the Champions League, having only been formed in 2017.
United will welcome a return to the Champions League having not played in the competition since late 2023.
Michael Carrick’s side have had a mixed start to the Premier League season, losing to newly promoted Hull City on the opening day.
A thumping of Ipswich 5-2 at Old Trafford was to follow, while the Red Devils surrendered a late goal at Everton last weekend to draw 2-2.
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Disappointing start: Michael Carrick
Getty
Bruno Fernandes has been the home side’s standout player so far, providing three goals and an assist, and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbuemo has scored two goals so far this term.
Sabah won their domestic league last season, finishing nine points ahead of tital rivals Qarabag. The away side has started the season strongly back in Azerbaijan picking up nine points from three games. They have kept clean sheets in all their games so far.
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To get to this stage of the Champions League Sabah have had to battle their way through four qualifying rounds. Players to look out for tonight are last year’s top scorers Joy-Lance Mickels and Veljko Simic, while centre-back Steve Solvet also scored five goals last term.
How to watch Manchester United vs Sabah FK
TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised live on TNT Sports and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 7pm BST ahead of an 8pm BST kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the HBO Max app and website.
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Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig has been discussing tram extensions, face coverings in town centres and the tourist tax
Metrolink extensions, banning face coverings and the newly introduced tourist tax have all been discussed by Bev Craig.
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The Greater Manchester mayor was quizzed on all the big topics on residents’ minds during her appearance on BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘In the Hotseat’. Straight away, Ms Craig was asked for a progress update on when the tram lines will be extended to Stockport and Heywood.
Both tram extensions were announced last year when former Chancellor Rachel Reeves made a commitment to pay for the project.
The East Didsbury line would connect to Stockport via Cheadle. The Heywood line would connect Bury and Rochdale and then loop back through Shaw towards Oldham.
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Both are expected to become tram-train lines. Tram-tains are fully electric, using overhead wires like trams for power on some sections of track, and batteries on other stretches.
Bev Craig explained to radio host Mike Sweeney that transport bosses are moving along with business cases for both.
“We’re in the process of making the case stack up, planning the route and looking at how we deliver it,” she told listeners. “It’s the same for the extension in the north of the city-region.
“We’re moving along and when we’ve got a date you’ll be the first to know.”
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She added: “It frustrates me that these things take a long time, but it’s a work in progress and we hope to get it there.
“We’re having to make the case about how we fund it and the route it goes. When you’re putting a new route in you’re having to move around all the things that already exist.”
Some listeners were asking when Heywood would get their extension – which the mayor has spoken to Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell about recently. Ms Craig said to expect an announcement later this year.
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Local transport infrastructure could also be improved through a new ‘tourist tax’ announced by the government this morning, Ms Craig said. Regional mayors would have the power to introduce a nightly levy, according to plans unveiled by housing, local government and communities minister Angela Rayner.
Currently, there is a tourist tax of £1 per night, per person in Manchester.
Ms Craig said: “When you go away for the weekend, particularly across Europe, it’s a fairly normal thing. The reality is that this charge lets us put that investment into the services that we need to keep the city clean, the trams moving, plan for the future and make sure the money we get for our local residents.
“The key thing for me is, particularly for those more budget conscious, I think that this percentage is a good move. Because if you pay less per night then your charge is less per night as well.”
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More double trams, more frequent trams and better roads for locals are all benefits this tourist tax could help fund, the mayor added.
Asked if Greater Manchester would introduce a ban on face coverings in town and city centres, Ms Craig said she was supportive of the idea. The question came following the recent ban introduction in Nottingham city centre.
She said: “I don’t logically see the reason for people walking around city and town centres with balaclavas on. I don’t see the rational for it.
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“I think it’s really complicated. At the minute you’d need a by-law in every single council.
“Manchester has looked into something similar but that challenge around enforcement, without national legislation, makes it more complicated.
“It means you could fine somebody, but the police wouldn’t be able to take it off them – unless there was a crime going on. I would be supportive, but I think this is something the government has to look at nationally as well to back up our police forces.”
She added that those wearing a face covering for religious observance or for medical reasons would be exempt from such a ban, if it was to be brought in.
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During the radio phone-in, Ms Craig said everything is ‘full-steam ahead’ with the Old Trafford regeneration plans, with announcements on the major scheme coming soon. Thousands of new homes, jobs and a revitalised Old Trafford stadium are all mooted in the project.
The mayor also threw support towards her successor as Manchester council leader Garry Bridges. The politician she succeeded as mayor, Andy Burnham, also got a mention as she talked of dealing with the added fame of her new job.
“I thought I’d be able to get the tram as normal and go about my life,” she told listeners. “That didn’t really work out. I thought Andy Burnham was really popular because he was Andy.
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“I thought surely it doesn’t take that long from A to B. So I used to be annoyed with Andy because he’d always be late for things.
“Now I’m a bit late because if people stop you in the street you’re not, not going to talk to them.”
Noah Wyle poses in the press room during night two of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
2026-09-09T12:01:46Z
LOS ANGELES (AP) — It’s “The Pitt” versus “Pluribus” and “Hacks” against “Widow’s Bay” at the 78th Emmy Awards on Monday night.
The stars of all four shows — Noah Wyle in “The Pitt,” Rhea Seehorn in “Pluribus,” Jean Smart in “Hacks” and Matthew Rhys in “Widow’s Bay” — look to be runaway favorites for the top acting awards. And prognosticators are nearly all picking “The Pitt” to win its second straight best drama prize.
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But the television competition should otherwise be tight at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony will air live on NBC starting at 8 p.m. Eastern with one of the network’s signature stars, three-time Emmy winner Mariska Hargitay, hosting. Peacock will stream the show live.
HBO Max’s day-in-the-life-of-an-emergency-room drama “The Pitt” has already become a cultural institution in two seasons, and after big wins as an upstart rookie, it was this year’s top overall nominee with 25.
“Hacks” led all comedies with a record-breaking 24 nominations for its fifth and final season. Here’s a closer look at where things stand and how they might play out.
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The Emmys story so far
While the biggest stars are still awaiting the opening of the envelopes, the majority of this year’s Emmys were already handed out at early ceremonies Saturday and Sunday.
“Widow’s Bay,” the first-year Apple TV horror comedy with Rhys as the mayor of a small New England town dealing with a centuries-old curse, won a whopping eight Emmys including best guest actress for Betty Gilpin.
The show had been widely acclaimed for its sly shifting between humor and dread, and it got 19 nominations, but few expected such a trophy haul. It can win up to six more on Monday.
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“The Pitt” won four early Emmys including an emotional first career victory for 73-year-old Ernest Harden Jr. as best guest actor in a drama.
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“Pluribus,” another Apple TV Emmy rookie, from “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan, also won four.
The soon-to-be-host Hargitay won two Emmys for the documentary she directed about her mother, Jayne Mansfield, to go with one she already had for her long-running role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
The early Emmys weekend will be edited down to a single recorded show that airs on FXX on Saturday at 8 p.m. in all time zones.
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In drama, ‘The Pitt’ competes with ‘Pluribus,’ and itself
The doctors, nurses and patients of “The Pitt” were flooded with Emmy nominations for Season 2. Many will be competing against one another. There’s so much category overlap that despite having 12 nominations for Monday night’s awards, it can win only six.
Wyle alone can win four Emmys including directing, writing, best drama as a producer and best actor — an award he won last year in his role as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch.
The other best drama nominees are “Paradise,” “Slow Horses,” “The Diplomat,” “The Gilded Age,” “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” “Your Friends & Neighbors,” and “Pluribus.”
Rarely has a single actor carried a show as much as Rhea Seehorn does “Pluribus,” where she plays one misanthropic woman taking on a hivemind that has enveloped almost everyone else alive. Voters are likely to reward the former “Better Call Saul” star with her first Emmy after four nominations.
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Seehorn’s fellow nominees include Zendaya, who has won the category twice before for “Euphoria.”
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Katherine LaNasa won best supporting actress last year for her “Pitt” portrayal of Nurse Dana, and the character had an even bigger second season, guiding patients through harrowing dramatic moments and becoming a viral phenomenon for her line deliveries on the ER’s “Baby Jane Doe.”
This year she’ll have three castmates — Taylor Dearden, Fiona Dourif and Sepideh Moafi — as competition.
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“It feels really exciting to have more of my colleagues up on the board,” LaNasa told The Associated Press after the nominations were announced.
Two “Pitt” men — Patrick Ball and Shawn Hatosy — are up for supporting actor.
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In comedy, will ‘Widow’s Bay’ spoil the ‘Hacks’ graduation celebration?
The Emmys loves to give golden send-offs to outgoing shows, and it will be stunning if Jean Smart doesn’t win best actress in a comedy for playing stand-up comic Deborah Vance, as she did for all four previous seasons.
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But Emmy voters’ clear affection for “Widow’s Bay” could keep “Hacks” from winning much more. The two shows will be competing for best comedy along with “Abbott Elementary,” “The Bear,” “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” “Only Murders in the Building” and “Shrinking.”
Hannah Einbinder, who had a breakthrough win last year as best supporting actress in a comedy after four nominations for “Hacks,” will be up against Kate O’Flynn, who wowed with a breakout performance in the debut season of “Widow’s Bay.”
Both shows also have nominees for best supporting actor in a comedy, but they could easily be upstaged by Harrison Ford, who many think will finally win his first major Hollywood award for his performance on Apple TV’s “Shrinking.”
Apple TV has become the dominant force in Emmy comedy. This year’s nominees will benefit from the temporary absence of Apple’s “The Studio,” which had an all-time dominant Emmy performance last year, and of the streamer’s “Ted Lasso,” which put it on the Emmy map.
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‘Beef,’ Colbert, Kimmel and the other nominees
The limited series categories will have a diminished role at the main Emmys show after four of them were demoted to the early Emmys weekend.
HBO Max’s “DTF St. Louis” was the big winner of those awards, taking best supporting actor and actress for David Harbour and Linda Cardellini.
“Beef” brings star power to the lead acting categories, with Carey Mulligan the consensus favorite for best actress in a limited series and Oscar Isaac favored for best actor.
Dalton covers entertainment for The Associated Press, with an emphasis on crime, courts and obituaries. He has worked for the AP for 20 years and is based in Los Angeles.
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