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Senne Lammens has finally proven Man United’s David de Gea decision right

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Manchester United’s summer signing Senne Lammens has enjoyed a stellar debut season for the Reds and is destined to go to the World Cup

Manchester United’s fanbase have arguably never been so torn as when the club finally announced David de Gea would be leaving at the end of the 2022/23 season. The final player remaining from the Reds’ last Premier League title winning season was unceremoniously released after weeks of uncertainty.

As one of the club’s elder statesman, De Gea was a high earner and United were keen to reduce his salary if he were to stay. This was because Erik ten Hag wanted a new goalkeeper who could play out from the back and were the Spaniard to remain, he would have to settle for being second choice.

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Towards the end of that season, De Gea was under increased scrutiny after a number of shaky performances. His display in the 2023 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City sealed his fate and, while there were conflicting thoughts as to whether the decision was right or not, everyone agreed De Gea deserved a better exit.

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Once the decision was made, all eyes were on the future and Andre Onana’s arrival was greeted warmly. The Cameroon international arrived having helped Inter reach the Champions League final and was renowned for playing out from the back.

However, what no one took into account was how few shots Onana faced at Inter. They were a dominant side in Italy and their strong defensive structure protected the goalkeeper. At Old Trafford, the Champions League finalist was found out.

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In the 2022/23 season, the Reds conceded just 43 Premier League goals. This shot up to 58 in Onana’s debut campaign and dropped slightly to 54 last season, albeit goal scoring was sacrificed to shore up the defence.

With the jury firmly out on Onana in the 2023/24 season, many United fans were calling to bring back De Gea. The goalkeeper took the unconventional step of taking a year out of the game to spend time with his family while keeping in shape by regularly training at local National League club Altrincham.

De Gea was not getting any younger and re-signing him would have made United look desperate. What they needed to accept was Onana’s limitations.

He was not consistent enough for the Premier League, especially for a team who conceded so many shots to the opposition. Only at the start of the 2025/26 campaign did United realise the error of their ways.

An injury for Onana in pre-season allowed Altay Bayindir to take on the No.1 role. And, after another disappointing Onana performance against League Two Grimsby Town, Ruben Amorim finally pulled the trigger and signed another goalkeeper to take on the role of first choice.

Senne Lammens was a risk when he arrived. He had never played in one of the top five European leagues and he only had one full season to his name in senior football.

And yet, the Reds have discovered a goalkeeper who has reassured the defence with his composure and competence. Whether Lammens will go on to have the career of De Gea remains to be seen.

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But we are no longer agonising over goalkeeper errors week in, week out as we were throughout Onana’s time as first choice and even during the final months of De Gea’s spell. Lammens has proven to be not only cheap but consistent.

United know what they are getting with him in goal. It has taken three years but finally United have managed to prove their decision to release De Gea was right.

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Liam Rosenior sacked: Chelsea owners have built monument to decline

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Chelsea owners Behdad Eghbali (left) and Todd Boehly

Rosenior’s dismissal may solve one problem, but those in Chelsea‘s boardroom must take the major share of the blame for a club that looks increasingly out of control.

Chelsea‘s recent losses eclipsed Manchester City‘s £197.5m deficit in 2011, despite bringing in £490.9m in revenue, which the club says is the second highest total in its history.

Since the current ownership took control in 2022, Chelsea have spent around £1.5bn on players, focusing on securing a raft of younger players on long-term contracts.

In this time, they have sacked Champions League winner Tuchel at the end of their first 100 days at the helm, then his successor Graham Potter seven months later.

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Frank Lampard had a short second spell in charge as interim boss before former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino took charge, leaving by mutual consent after one season.

Enzo Maresca took over, but was sacked in January, less than six months after winning the Club World Cup to add to the Uefa Conference League.

If the final straw for Rosenior was criticism of his players, Maresca’s departure came amid friction with Chelsea‘s hierarchy, stunning key figures at the club after a 2-0 win against Everton in December by stating “many people” had made it his “worst 48 hours” since joining the club.

Cryptic, perhaps, but the beginning of the end for the Italian, as those in charge at Chelsea took a dim view of his public expression of discontent.

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Those with knowledge of Maresca’s views, though, said he had grown unhappy at a multitude of factors, including encouragement over which players should start and which substitutions should be made during matches.

It led to the Rosenior experiment, which backfired on BlueCo, who may reflect on the number of managers hired and fired during their tenure and finally think: “It’s not them. It’s us.”

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live: “You would have to be a bit simple to be surprised at the situation with all the evidence in front of you.

“This is four seasons the new ownership has been in. This is manager number six. When you change it that amount of times, you have to ask the question – is the problem really the manager?”

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I’m A Celebrity’s Jimmy Bullard confirms final status amid fresh Adam Thomas ‘feud’ claims

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Manchester Evening News

One ITV campmate has claimed that not all of the former footballer and actor’s arguement was shown

I’m A Celebrity South Africa star Jimmy Bullard has confirmed whether he will be at the final of the ITV reality show amid fresh claims from one of his campmates about his ‘feud’ with Adam Thomas.

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Former footballer Jimmy left fans of the series divided on Tuesday night (April 21) as the campmates fought for their place in camp. Moments after Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard had to leave on medical grounds, the rest of the campmates were placed into pairs.

This led to an explosive row between former Emmerdale actor Adam, who has already issued a statement about boxer David Haye’s treatment of him, and Jimmy, with the latter deciding to quit the show and put Adam’s place in the competition at risk.

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The former Fulham player was seen watching the Bushtucker trail before he told his team: “Boys, I don’t think I’ve got it in me.” Jimmy then apologised to Adam and said ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’, which caused the trial to end for everyone and meant that contestants must forfeit the stars they had won.

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Adam then stormed over to Jimmy during a heated exchange and said: “Taking the f****** piss, are you taking the f****** piss?” He added: “I’m in there getting covered in f****** ants!” Jimmy responded by telling him to “calm down” and described his outburst as “pathetic”.

Due to Jimmy not attempting the challenge, Ant and Dec asked the campmates if they wanted to keep Adam in, who unanimously voted for the actor to remain on the show. When hearing that his campmates had voted to keep him in, Adam burst into tears, and said: “I appreciate that, guys. Thank you and I’m so sorry for the way that I acted as well, it was just emotions are really running high.”

Reports have since emerged that Jimmy would not be attending the final due to the dramatic scenes. Filmed last year, the live final is set to air on Friday night (April 22). Broadcast from London, the former campmates are set to be in attendance to see who follows in Myleene Klass’ footsteps and is crowned the latest I’m A Celebrity ‘Legend’.

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With the fallout of the incident making headlines, singer Sinitta took to Instagram on Wednesday (April 22). According to the singer, who is also taking part in the series, the C-word was shouted during the argument.

Sinitta said: “There was a big argument, I can hear c-word, c-word, shouting c-word, you c-word. What on earth is going on? And I’m also thinking – can we get on with the race because I’m winning?

“I’m literally frozen in position like ready to carry on from where we’ve left off, but no. And it’s this massive fight and, of course, it was one of these things that if whoever lost the game, the team were off the show so Adam and Jimmy are going and I suddenly think, wait a minute this isn’t fair.”

Taking to the comments section of Sinitta’s post, former Soccer AM host Jimmy not only claimed that the full argument was not shown, but that he will be attending the final after all.

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“Wow thanks @thesinittaofficial shame that wasn’t shown! My version will be told Friday! Can’t wait to see you all….well some of yous,” he wrote.

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Knaresborough – man arrested after police stand-off

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Knaresborough - man arrested after police stand-off

It took place at a house in Marbled White Place, Knaresborough, after a man refused to leave or allow a woman to leave the property.


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North Yorkshire Police said they were called to the scene just after 8am this morning and its officers raised a cordon.

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In a statement just after 3pm, a force spokesperson said: “Following negotiations the man, who is in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and has been taken to hospital for treatment, where he remains under close police supervision.

“Officers are emphasising that the incident has now concluded and is being treated as isolated.

“There has been a police presence in the area to deal with the incident and neighbourhood policing team officers will be on patrol to provide continued support to the local community this evening.”

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Police increase patrols following Tonge Moor stabbing

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Police increase patrols following Tonge Moor stabbing

Bolton police have confirmed there is no wider threat to the community, and that this is being treated as an isolated incident.

Two men were treated for stab wounds after emergency services were called to Tonge Moor Road in Bolton at around 10.30am.

A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning.

The Bolton News understands that the man was was taken to hospital for an assessment and is now in custody as investigations continue.

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Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples said: “We currently have a man detained and officers are conducting extensive enquiries as part of a comprehensive investigation.

“We fully appreciate that the local community will be concerned but I would like to reassure them that there is no wider threat, and that this is being treated as an isolated incident.”

He acknowledged the circulation of a video related to the incident and the concerns it may raise.

Police standing at a door on the row of houses. (Image: NQ)

DCI Sharples said: “We are aware of a video circulating online in relation to this incident, and we appreciate that people will have concerns and worries regarding it.

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“You will notice we have extra patrols in the area; I encourage anyone with concerns to please speak with our officers who are there to support.

“If you are concerned about crime in your area, you can report it to police on 101 or via our LiveChat service at gmp.police.uk.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Enquiries remain ongoing.

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Friedrich Miescher, the man who discovered DNA

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Friedrich Miescher, the man who discovered DNA

Whether through TV crime dramas or cinema blockbusters about dinosaur theme parks, DNA is a staple of modern popular culture – its double-helix structure one of science’s most iconic visualisations.

Yet remarkably, the young Swiss scientist who discovered DNA in the first place is largely forgotten.

Born in Basel in 1844, Friedrich Miescher only began his career as a researcher after developing a hearing impairment that forced him to shelve plans to be a doctor like his father. Working in the medieval castle that overlooks the old German town of Tübingen, Miescher’s aim was a grand one – to uncover the chemical nature of life itself.

But his working environment was rather different to today’s molecular biology laboratories. The University of Tübingen’s conversion of the castle kitchens into laboratories appears to have involved little more than swapping pots and pans for beakers and alembics used for distillation.

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Working in what he likened to the laboratory of a medieval alchemist, the first stage of Miescher’s research was the unsavoury task of scraping pus from discarded surgical bandages, obtained from the local hospital.

The laboratory where Miescher isolated nuclein was located in the vaults of an old castle in Tübingen.
Paul Sinner via Wikimedia

Pus offered him a rich source of white blood cells, which were much easier to isolate and prepare than cells from solid human tissue. So, they were particularly well suited for analysing what molecules human cells are made of.

Over the winter of 1868-9, Miescher discovered a novel cellular substance with properties unlike anything else known at that time. Its chemical behaviour was significantly different to proteins, which were by then understood to be key structural and functional components of cells.

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Unlike proteins, Miescher’s substance was rich in the element phosphorus. Observing that it was found almost exclusively within each cell’s nucleus, he called it “nuclein” – a term that was largely retained within its modern name of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA.

Little was known about the functions of the cell’s nucleus at the time, although several biologists suspected it to be central to cell growth and division. Miescher was convinced that nuclein must be closely involved in these processes.

Miescher's landmark paper

Miescher’s landmark paper was published in 1871.
Ralf Dahm, Author provided (no reuse)

He announced the discovery of DNA in 1871 in a paper titled On the Chemical Composition of Pus Cells. While it hardly sounded (or indeed read) like a page-turner, his studies of pus would prove a landmark moment in the history of science.

Nearly a century later, it led to the Nobel-winning discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure. The date of that landmark paper by James Watson and Francis Crick is now marked each year on April 25 as DNA Day. Yet Miescher’s contribution is largely unacknowledged.

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From pus to salmon

The Swiss scientist’s move back to his home town in 1871 brought him a rich new source of nuclein that meant no longer having to scrape pus from old bandages.

Each year, salmon swim from the North Sea to their breeding grounds in the upper Rhine river, where the city of Basel is located. In preparation for mating, the male salmon’s testes grow massively and become laden with DNA.

Rising in the dark and cold of a winter morning, Miescher would walk down to the banks of the Rhine to catch salmon, then extract their DNA in his laboratory. This image gave us the title of our biography of Miescher, The Dawn Fisherman, to be published in June 2026.


Frank Malina beside a rocket

This series is dedicated to lesser-known, highly influential scientists who have had a powerful influence on the careers and research paths of many others, including the authors of these articles.

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The intensity with which Miescher carried out his research was formidable. One of his students recalled that, on the day of Miescher’s wedding, friends had to drag him from his lab bench to attend the church.

His commitments grew. As well as researching Rhine salmon for the local fishing industry, Miescher worked for the Swiss government to improve the diets of prison inmates. And after founding Basel’s first institute of anatomy and physiology in 1885, there were the growing administrative burdens of being its director.

All these commitments brought a growing sense of frustration that he was spending less time on DNA. Looking to classical mythology for images of futility and despair, Miescher compared himself to rolling the boulder of Sisyphus up the mountain.

These strains took their toll on his health. In 1890, having contracted tuberculosis, he became a resident at a sanatorium in the alpine resort of Davos.

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A second great insight

But during the final years of his life there, Miescher had his second great insight. Citing Charles Darwin’s speculations about the mechanism of heredity, Miescher proposed that the variation in biological traits of all living organisms might arise through variation in the physical structure of a large molecule – which he thought was most likely to be a protein.

Limited by the concepts and methods of his time, Miescher did not make the connection that nuclein (DNA) was, in fact, this very molecule.

He died in 1895 aged 51, burdened by a painful sense of failure and opportunities missed. “I will never know the happiness that belongs to the man who has lived up to their station in a harmonious way to the satisfaction of themselves and others,” Miescher wrote.

But his former mentor, the distinguished physiologist Carl Ludwig (1816-1895), was more confident that the achievements of his protégé would one day be recognised. “However often the cell will be studied and examined during the centuries to come,” he assured Miescher as he lay in the Davos sanatorium, “the grateful descendants will remember you as the ground-breaking researcher”.

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Ludwig’s prediction turned out to be only partly accurate. DNA-based technologies have transformed what we understand about life and disease. Yet Miescher is scarcely acknowledged as the scientist whose pioneering work led to them.

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Emmerdale reveals major Dr Todd twist in Charity Dingle birth horror

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Manchester Evening News

Dr Todd’s lurking gave her some juicy information

Emmerdale revealed a major twist with Dr Caitlin Todd after Charity Dingle survived her horror birth as surrogate for Jacob and Sarah Sugden.

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Charity Dingle was left with another lie to spin after she was confronted by Dr Caitlin Todd moments after her traumatic birth scenes aired.

While it was only ever a matter of time that someone else learned the truth about baby Leyla, viewers will know that Dr Todd takes no messing when it comes to having control over a situation.

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Arriving at the hospital, the three of them entered the lift up to the maternity ward but it broke down, meaning they were all completely stuck.

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As Mack panicked due to his PTSD from being held hostage in John Sugden’s underground bunker, it was up to Ross Barton to pull through and help deliver the baby.

Once baby Leyla arrived, Mack and Ross panicked as they noticed Charity had become unresponsive and was bleeding. After the doors managed to be prised open by the firefighters, Dr Todd was quick on the scene getting Charity straight to surgery after handing Leyla over to Ross.

However, on Wednesday (April 22) night, things became worse for Charity. After Chas confronted Ross for hanging around the hospital, Dr Todd spotted their intense conversation and instantly became intrigued.

Later, she noticed Leyla’s blood type did not match Jacob’s in the medical files, and armed with new information she made her way over to Charity.

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While Charity tried to convince Todd that it was a mistake and that Leyla is Jacob and Sarah’s baby, a familiar gleam appeared in her eyes as she responded with a quick comment for Charity to “keep those stress levels down” after Mack disturbed their discreet conversation.

Viewers will know that Jacob has been the subject of bullying since Dr Todd became his mentor. She even went as far as to mention Maya Stepney, his groomer.

Enough was enough for the trainee doctor, and he decided to place a formal complaint with HR. Telling Todd that he’d done just that, now she has Charity’s secret what will she do next?

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On a Reddit thread, viewers expressed their shock over the new twist. u/ok_project4522 wrote: “I did not expect that twist with Dr Todd! The reveal must not be long now.”

u/typicalbobcot1088 added: “Dr Todd is annoyingly brilliant to me. I love how she just switches” as u/ryanhanks25 asked: “Is Todd planning on blackmailing Charity to get Jacob to withdraw his complaint?”

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.

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Construction company asks North Lanarkshire Council to grant permission for storage building

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Daily Record

Geo-Structural Ltd has lodged a planning application seeking approval for 940-square metre building which would store plant and equipment at Drumbreck Farm.

North Lanarkshire Council has been asked by a construction company to grant planning permission for a storage building at its base in Caldercruix.

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Geo-Structural Ltd, which specialises in the maintenance and preservation of bridges and viaducts, has lodged a planning application seeking approval for 940-square metre building which would store plant and equipment at Drumbreck Farm.

The new building would be located in an area of currently unused land and the proposals do not include the creation of new parking facilities.

The company’s website states that it has worked on several well-known structures including the Forth Rail Bridge, Clyde Viaduct and numerous wind farms.

For further information on the application, or to leave comment for consideration, visit North Lanarkshire Council’s website and search for planning reference 26/00352/FUL.

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READ MORE: Football fundraiser involving ex-school pupils in aid of St Andrew’s Hospice being held at home of Albion Rovers FC

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Strictly legends Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly ‘tipped for almighty return’

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Strictly legends Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly ‘tipped for almighty return’
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly stepped down from hosting last year (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Strictly Come Dancing’s double act Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly could be back on the BBC ballroom floor just a year after exiting as hosts.

It will surprise everyone, after the pair sensationally announced that last series would be their final one, in the middle of the autumn run. 

They bid a tearful farewell to the BBC viewership at the end of Strictly’s Christmas Day special, leading the room in one last call of the show’s catchphrase: “Keeeep dancing!”

Since then, a string of the top presenting names in the biz have been pitched as potential replacements, with no official announcement as of yet. 

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But new odds from the bookmakers over at William Hill suggest that there’s a possibility Winkleman and Daly could be back yet, albeit in a different capacity.

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It’s currently 16/1 for either Claudia Winkleman or Tess Daly to return to Strictly as contestants.

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo of Claudia Winkleman (left) and Tess Daly during the live show on Saturday for BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing. Issue date: Saturday December 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
The pair said ‘Keeeep dancing’ for the last time during the Christmas special (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on the BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025. Issue date: Thursday December 25, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
It’s currently 16/1 for either Claudia Winkleman or Tess Daly to return as contestants (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

So they would be partnered up with one of the show’s professional dancers and trained in all the moves they’ve been watching from the sidelines.

Lee Phelps said on behalf of William Hill: ‘Claudia and Tess have been loyal servants to Strictly Come Dancing over the last twenty years, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they made a comeback to the ballroom in some capacity.

‘The pair are 16/1 with us for either to compete in this year’s series, so we’re certainly not ruling anything else for the ex-hosts.

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‘As for who steps into the hosting role this year, Emma Willis, Bradley Walsh, and Rylan Clark are the latest frontrunners, but expect some further twists ahead of this autumn’s latest edition.’

Who are the favourites to host Strictly next?

These are the latest odds according to William Hill…

In the race to host, Emma Willis, Bradley Walsh, and Rylan Clark have developed a three-way race to be awarded the role at 5/4, with Zoe Ball (9/4) close behind.

Elsewhere, La Voix completes the list of leading contenders at 3/1, with Alex Jones and Alison Hammond each 5/1.

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Emma Willis and Rylan have already proven a popular duo on This Morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
From ITV Studios THE CHASE Weekdays on ITV Pictured: Host Bradley Walsh ?? ITV Photographer: Matt Frost For further information please contact Peter Gray 0207 157 3046 peter.gray@itv.com This photograph is ?? ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme THE CHASE or ITV. Once made available by the ITV Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the Transmission date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Strictly is reportedly running auditions for new hosts this week (Picture: ITV)

We’re said to be down to the final nine in the quest to replace Daly and Winkleman, with chemistry tests in the diary for this week to determine who will follow in their footsteps.

The auditions will reportedly mimic a Strictly show, with judges and even a live band, to see who has what it takes to cope with the pressures of live television. 

A source told The Sun that the presenters in contention have signed non-disclosure agreements to keep all the details about the auditions top secret. 

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Given the prestige of the ballroom dancing show for the BBC, they’ve reportedly got the broadcaster’s top bosses overseeing proceedings, including incoming director general Matt Brittin.

Metro contacted Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s representatives for comment.

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Mother of influencer ‘run over by X Factor finalist’ asks for prayers as she fights for life

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Mother of influencer 'run over by X Factor finalist' asks for prayers as she fights for life

She said: “There is hope still, we pray. My dear family and friends. I’m asking from the deepest place in my heart – please keep my beautiful daughter Klaudia in your prayers right now. She is my angel, my world, my everything, and she needs all the love, strength, and healing we can send her.

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‘Highly constrained’: New government pension reform plan remains deadlocked over ‘mandation’ rules

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‘Highly constrained’: New government pension reform plan remains deadlocked over ‘mandation’ rules

The parliamentary stalemate over the Government’s pension reforms continues, after MPs voted to press the Lords to accept new laws on the Government’s ability to direct pension investments.

The House of Commons backed an amendment by 272 votes to 149, majority 123 to send the Pensions Scheme Bill back to the House of Lords containing laws that could allow the Government to tell pension funds how they should invest a certain amount of their funds, so-called “mandation”.

Amendments by the Government limit the portion of pension funds in line with a voluntary agreement by 17 of the UK’s largest defined contribution schemes in the Mansion House Accord last year.

They would be limited to 10%, by value, of all assets of the scheme in main default reserves, or 5% of assets to be held in UK-specific description.

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It comes amid aims to increase the amount of investment in the UK, which it is hoped will lead to economic growth.

Treasury minister Torsten Bell said the law is “designed to make clear on the face of the Bill that the power can only be used in line with what the industry itself has committed to”.

He added: “The cap prohibits any move beyond the accord targets.

Mr Bell told MPs the rule is “highly constrained and narrowly focused”
Mr Bell told MPs the rule is “highly constrained and narrowly focused” (Joe Giddens/PA)

“The neutrality requirement rules out the possibility that any government could direct any investment into a particular asset or asset classes.”

Mr Bell told MPs the rule is “highly constrained and narrowly focused”.

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He said: “The Government cannot direct investments, and it explicitly only applies to main default funds, more explicitly matching the language used in the accord.”

Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately criticised the move and said: “He said this is a natural extension of the Mansion House Agreement, it is not.

“A voluntary agreement between willing participants is one thing, a legal requirement imposed across an entire sector is another.

“Secondly he has said that it is merely a reserve power, one the Government has no intention of using.

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“A reserve power does not sit harmlessly on the shelf, it shapes behaviour.

“I think in truth the minister accepts that, he has said as much to me before that the power will achieve its ends without even needing to be turned on.”

Labour MP and former Treasury minister Liam Byrne said: “The measures the minister has set out this afternoon really are essential if we are to pursue the long-term interests of pension savers in this country, because it is in their fundamental interest that they live and retire in an economy that is growing faster in the years to come.

“The only way in which we are going to collectively achieve that is if we raise the investment rate in this country.”

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