Martin Anstee, 56, was evacuated on a medical flight this morning along with two others
21:59, 06 May 2026Updated 21:59, 06 May 2026
A British man who was evacuated from the MV Hondius after falling sick amid a suspected outbreak of the hantavirus has been named.
Martin Anstee was an expedition guide on board the cruise ship. He was removed from the vessel alongside two other people this morning and flown to Europe for treatment.
Mr Anstee was removed from the vessel along with a Dutch colleague, 41, who was the ship’s doctor, and a 65-year-old German passenger, the Telegraph reported.
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His wife Nocila told reporters he appeared to be on the mend following “a very traumatic few days,” the Mirror reports.
“The fear with this virus is it can deteriorate very quickly so it’s been a bit up and down for him,” she said. “I don’t believe he’s in imminent danger now, but it was horrible.
Mr Anstee’s family were relieved that he had been evacuated from the ship and taken to Holland for treatment, as early treatment is important for recovery from the virus, she said.
“We’re just glad the authorities managed to get to Cape Verde to evacuate them, so it’s just relief at the moment,” she added.
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Mrs Anstee said she found out her husband was ill on Sunday. At first his sickness had been mild but his symptoms became “more serious” she said, adding that his condition seemed to have now stabilised.
The Atlantic Odyssey voyage departed from Ushuaia in Argentina on April 1 with several expedition crew members, including Mr Anstee. His role saw him help guide guests around some of the remotest islands in the world, where the boat stopped off. His work took him to South Georgia, Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha and St Helena.
He is a keen nature photographer and snapped rare birds, including the Wilkins’s finch, the Inaccessible Island rail and the Nightingale Island finch, captured while he was exploring the Tristan da Cunha islands.
Posting on Instagram, he said: “Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away. She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x”
Steven Gerrard won the Champions League at Liverpool (Picture: TNT Sports)
Steven Gerrard has outlined the blueprint Arsenal must follow to beat PSG in the Champions League final.
PSG’s Champions League defence continued with a thrilling semi-final victory over Bayern Munich, with Luis Enrique’s side winning 6-5 on aggregate.
The French champions won the first leg 5-4 in Paris before holding German champions Bayern to a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele put PSG further ahead in the tie with a 3rd-minute goal and Harry Kane’s late strike prove to be just a consolation.
Gerrard, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, says Arsenal will be ‘underdogs’ going into the final but insists the Premier League leaders ‘certainly have a chance’.
Asked to rate Arsenal’s chances of causing an upset in the Budapest final on May 30, Gerrard said on TNT Sports: ‘I know more than anyone that an underdog can win this final. It was a mismatch when we played AC Milan but anything can happen.
PSG celebrate beating Bayern Munich in the semi-finals (Picture: Getty)
‘Arsenal are paying against a high-quality team with an elite manager so Arsenal will have to be the best versions of themselves.
‘Every single player will have to turn up but of course they’ve got a chance. Being the underdogs might even suit this Arsenal team.
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‘If they can win the Premier League that will give them immense confidence and belief going into the final as well.
Ousmane Dembele scored a crucial goal for PSG (Picture: Getty)
‘They’ve certainly got a chance. I think they need to use their physicality, their size, make every set-piece count and take PSG to places they don’t want to go and make it uncomfortable for them.’
Discussing PSG’s semi-final win over Bayern Munich, Gerrard added: ‘Over the two legs they deserved to go through.
‘The first leg was a shootout but they got their heads in front and tonight was a defensive masterclass.
Arsenal will face PSG in the final (Picture: Getty)
‘Bayern and Kompany played their part in the tie but the best team have gone through. PSG just had the edge over them.’
Gerrard’s former England teammate Owen Hargreaves also gave Arsenal hope of overcoming PSG in a mouth-watering Champions League final.
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‘Arsenal have a chance, without a doubt,’ he said. ‘With that defence, the goalkeeper, Declan Rice deeper in midfield…
‘They can definitely do it in a one-off game. But this PSG team? They’ve got so many ways to hurt you.
‘It will be fascinating but this is a different Arsenal now. They believe again after they went through that blip. They have a chance.’
Mikel Arteta’s side are on course to become Premier League champions before the European final, currently sitting five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
The Derry Girls star will take on the famous “say what you see” challenge as she helps raise awareness of the hardships faced by local people and families across the city.
Foyle Network Foundation, which operates Foyle Foodbank, said Jamie-Lee’s support will help shine a light on the growing need experienced by many people across the city.
Karen Mullan, Director of Foyle Network Foundation, said the organisation was hugely grateful to Jamie-Lee for choosing to support the charity.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted that Jamie-Lee is supporting Foyle Foodbank on Celebrity Catchphrase. It means so much to us and to the people we support every single day.
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“Jamie-Lee has always been a fantastic ambassador for Derry and for communities, and her support helps raise awareness of the reality many families are facing at the minute.”
Mrs Mullan said the appearance also highlights the generosity of people across the city who continue to back local appeals and donate to help others.
She added: “The people of Derry are incredibly generous. Time and time again we see local people stepping up to support neighbours, friends and families who may be struggling.
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“Whether it’s donating food, supporting fundraising appeals or simply spreading awareness, it all makes a real difference to people’s lives.
“Foodbanks are about much more than food. They’re about dignity, compassion and making sure people know they are not alone.”
Viewers can tune into Celebrity Catchphrase on ITV1 this Saturday, May 9, at 5.45pm to cheer Jamie-Lee on as she plays in support of Foyle Foodbank.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have issued an appeal today, Wednesday, May 6, for assistance in finding a missing girl from Bolton.
Officers are searching for Layla, who is only 14-years-old, and say she was last seen on Marsey Road yesterday, Tuesday, May 4.
Police said they want to make sure Layla is safe and described her as “a white female, around 5ft 9in tall, with a slim build and long brown hair with blonde highlights.”
Police have asked for the public’s help (Image: GMP)
A spokesperson, via social media, said: “Have you seen Layla (14) from Bolton?
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“She was last seen on Marsey Road, Bolton on 04/05/26.
“Officers want to make sure she is safe and well.
“Any info? Call us on 0161 856 2661 quoting log 3374 of 04/05/26 or reference number MSP/06KK/0000926/26”
The appeal on social media also said that officers “are becoming increasingly concerned” about Layla.
Tuesday (6 May) saw the official opening of a brand-new Kwik Fit in Petersfield. The UK’s leading automotive service and repair company has opened its first centre in the town, located on Dragon Street. Petersfield Town Mayor, Councillor Chris Paige, joined manager Darrell Mitchell and the Kwik Fit team to cut the ribbon and mark the company’s investment in the new centre.
Pedestrian Graham Wright, 43, died following a car crash near Dumfries on Sunday, May 3.
A man who died after being hit by a car on the A75 near Dumfries has been named by police. Graham Wright, 43, was killed after he was hit by a car in the early hours of Sunday morning, May 3.
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Emergency services were called to the scene at Lockerbie Road near to the roundabout at the A701 following the incident at around 3am.
A pedestrian and an silver Ford Fiesta were involved in a collision before the car subsequently crashed with a silver lorry travelling in the opposite direction.
Despite paramedics best efforts, Graham, the pedestrian, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other serious injuries were reported and the road remained closed for a number of hours while investigations are carried out and the roadway was repaired.
Police are continuing to appeal for any information, particularly any dash-cam footage, which could assist their enquiries.
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Road Policing Sergeant Wayne Carnochan said: “Our thoughts remain with Graham’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Our enquiries into the crash continue and I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information already. I’d ask anyone who hasn’t yet spoken to police, and witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage which could assist us, to get in touch.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “The man who died following a fatal collision in Dumfries has been named as Graham Wight.
“Around 3am on Sunday, May 3, we were called to a crash involving a pedestrian and a silver Ford Fiesta on the A75, between the roundabout at Lockerbie Road and the roundabout for the A701.
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“The car subsequently crashed into a silver lorry travelling in the opposite direction.
“Emergency services attended, but the 43-year-old pedestrian, Graham Wight, was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0526 of May 3.“
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Adapted from a German comedy, the show centres on Greg as Paul ‘Wicky’ Wickstead, a crime scene cleaner who encounters diverse individuals through his distinctive profession.
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Featuring guest appearances from the likes of Helena Bonham Carter, David Mitchell, Ruth Madeley, and Layton Williams, it depicts Wicky navigating peculiar scenarios while removing all traces of death from crime scenes.
The BBC synopsis reveals: “After CSI have done their stuff, the cleaner mops up the grisly remains. For Wicky, a bloodbath and the pub is all in a day’s work,” reports the Mirror.
Almost two years following the third series’ conclusion in October 2024, Greg has now suggested further instalments are on the horizon.
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During Wednesday’s appearance on The One Show, the Taskmaster presenter revealed: “I’ve been told I’m not allowed to say much, but all I can tell you is, it’s not over. The Cleaner is not finished, we’re working on something.”
He continued: “I’ll be writing, yes, but I am not allowed to tell you what form it’s in. Something is happening, I’m writing it. I’m chuffed that Wicky is coming back.”
This follows fans praising The Cleaner as the “perfect British comedy”, with one viewer commenting: “One of the best shows in recent years.”
Another remarked: “Haven’t laughed so much in a long time. Just happened upon this little gem. Was in stitches within minutes….brilliant!” One viewer commented: “Blasted through all episodes, and this was a little gem to find,” while another declared: “Hooked already.”
A further fan remarked: “The Cleaner is unexpectedly quirky and original. I have never seen anything like it. I laughed so hard that I had to pause the show to collect myself as I was losing the dialogue. Greg Davies is a comic genius.”
“Easily bingeable,” another viewer noted, with someone else stating: “Every episode a gem. Just one of the best TV series this year.”
Greg has previously discussed what he believes draws audiences to The Cleaner and his character Wicky, explaining to the BBC: “Well, it’s not for me to presume they did but what I like about the character is that in many ways he is quite innocent, almost childlike. He has settled into a very straightforward personal life but does a job that is constantly challenging that.
“He is forced to consider things about life that, left to his own devices he’s probably ‘brushed under the carpet’. Rarely does Wicky leave a crime scene without having learned something.”
He continued: “I love that each week is a new adventure for him. He is challenged by eccentric characters with colourful lives.
“It’s really nice to work intensely with a small cast week on week and it may seem petty but I like that, regardless of the guest actors illustrious careers, I’m always the tallest person on camera.”
Arsenal await as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain contest the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie in Germany tonight. There are huge expectations for another pulsating showdown between two of Europe’s biggest clubs after last week’s nine-goal thriller at the Parc des Princes, a modern classic that saw so much scintillating attacking football and jaw-dropping shifts in momentum as holders PSG eventually triumphed 5-4. It was the highest-scoring contest in the history of Champions League semi-finals and one of the best games in recent memory.
The DWP has confirmed the full list of 24 skin conditions that could qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), worth up to £114 a week
Miranda Pell Search and Discover Writer and Ashlea Hickin Content editor
20:50, 06 May 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed the complete list of 24 skin conditions that qualify for the monthly Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP offers vital financial assistance to millions of people throughout England and Wales. As of April 2026, more than 3.7 million claimants depend on this benefit to help cover the additional costs linked to long-term disabilities, physical health conditions, or mental health difficulties.
The tax-free, non-means-tested payment is intended to help individuals meet their day-to-day living needs.
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Among the skin conditions that could make someone eligible for PIP are eczema – varicose and dermatitis – psoriasis and rosacea, amongst others, reports the Manchester Evening News.
PIP remains accessible to those who are working, studying, or have savings. It consists of a “daily living” component and a “mobility” component. Applicants may qualify for one, both, or neither, subject to their assessment outcome.
In January, the DWP revised its payment rates for 2026, incorporating 92 new qualifying conditions. This follows a 3.8 percent inflationary rise. The updated rates are as follows:
Daily Living Component
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Standard Rate: £76.70 per week
Enhanced Rate: £114.60 per week
Mobility Component
Standard Rate: £30.30 per week
Enhanced Rate: £80.00 per week
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is available to you if the following criteria all apply: you are 16 or over, you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, you experience difficulty carrying out certain everyday tasks or getting around, and you expect these difficulties to persist for at least 12 months from when they began.
Below is the complete list of 24 skin conditions being claimed for as of January 2026 – the latest data available – along with the number of claimants for each condition. There are 29,634 claimants in total.
Acne vulgaris: 19
Eczema – varicose: 171
Eczema (dermatitis): 1440
Papulosquamous and inflammatory rashes – Other / type not known: 913
Psoriasis: 2213
Rosacea: 17
Urticaria: 249
Bullous disease – Other / type not known: 150
Dermatitis herpetiformis: 49
Epidemolysis bullosa: 317
Pemphigoid: 32
Pemphigus vulgaris: 36
Blood vessels/lymphatics – Other diseases of / type not known: 1137
Leg ulcers (arterial): 638
Leg ulcers (venous): 1123
Lymphoedema: 6356
Pressure sores: 19
Venous insufficiency – chronic: 156
Collagen and elastic tissue – Other diseases of / type not known: 154
Ehlers Danlos syndrome: 7175
Burns: 763
Skin disease – Other / type not known: 2318
Cellulitis: 906
Infections/other: 315
To begin a claim, contact the DWP on 0800 917 2222. This initial contact date is crucial for backdating claims should they prove successful.
Applicants will be sent the “PIP2” form, entitled: ‘How your disability affects you’. Further details and the complete application guidance can be found on the official Gov.uk website.
Careful optimism is brewing that the troubled Strait of Hormuz could reopen (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Donald Trump has paused a military operation to free stranded ships off Iran as a possible peace deal emerges – giving millions of holidaymakers hope of a summer getaway after all.
The nine-week Middle East conflict has seen fuel prices soar because of Tehran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and led to airlines scrapping planned flights to cope with shortages.
Yesterday it was revealed seating capacity on planes has fallen by 2 million this month, with 13,005 flights cancelled around the world.
‘If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,’ Mr Trump posted.
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Mr Trump said previously in a post on Truth Social that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen ‘assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption.’
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Oil prices plunged on news of a possible deal. Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell more than 10% to below $100 per barrel. Though still well above the average $70 before the conflict began, the fall helped US stock markets rise.
Only two merchant ships are known to have passed through the route protected by American ships and aircraft, and hundreds of merchant ships remain stranded.
But a shaky ceasefire had largely held, despite exchanges of fire, and the sinking of six small Iranian boats, as the operation in the strait began on Monday.
The carefully optimistic situation was put to test this evening after US fighter jet fired at an Iranian-flagged ship to stop it from reaching a blockaded port, the US Central Command said.
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US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has said the offensive stage of the war, Operation Epic Fury, is over.
Iran’s hard-line religious regime said the statements meant the US had ‘retreated’ but did not respond to suggestions a deal was close.
Mr Trump has argued the war – which began on February 28 with a missile attack that killed Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86 – was to stop it building a nuclear bomb.
The proposed deal is said to involve Iran halting all uranium enrichment for 12 to 15 years, with extra years added if it violates terms. It would also have to agree to move stockpiles of its highly enriched uranium out of the country. It has claimed its stocks are for a nuclear power programme – not weapons.
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Mr Trump has called his predecessor Barak Obama’s 2015 agreement with Iran the ‘worst deal ever’. But the new plan is said to echo it, with sanctions lifted and assets worth billions gradually released.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei later said the proposal to end the war is ‘still being considered’. But another official described the plan as more of a ‘wish-list than reality’.
Both sides hope China can bridge the gap between them, after the repeated breakdown so far of peace talks brokered by Pakistan.
Mr Trump is due to visit Beijing next week to meet president Xi Jinping. His country’s close economic and political ties to Tehran give it unique influence.
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Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi was there yesterday for his first visit since the US and Israel attacked.
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said the conflict ‘has not only caused serious losses to the Iranian people, but also had a severe impact on regional and global peace’. He added: ‘China is deeply distressed by this. We believe a comprehensive ceasefire is urgently needed.’
But at a White House briefing Mr Rubio responded: ‘I hope the Chinese tell him (Araghchi) what he needs to be told… that what you are doing in the strait is causing you to be globally isolated. You’re the bad guy in this.’ Aviation analytics company Cirium revealed 120 flights from the UK have been axed so far this month as jet fuel prices soar.
Around 20% of global oil is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, off Iran’s coast. Though the figure represents only 0.53% of all departures it has cut capacity by 7,972 seats. The final week of May is half-term at many schools, and a peak getaway period.
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Transport secretary Heidi Alexander vowed summer holiday plans will not face major disruption as fuel for planes is being imported from the US.
But Paul Charles, founder of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said if the conflict continues ‘there will need to be many more cancellations as the jet fuel supply is squeezed’.
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