It’s a major debate of the nutrition world that’s rumbled on for years: What’s healthier – full fat, or semi-skimmed milk?

Now, scientists from the University of Toronto believe they have the answer. 

According to their three-month study, in which participants ate full-fat dairy products three times a day, the supposedly calorific foodstuffs led to surprising benefits. 

While consuming full-fat dairy made no difference to weight gain compared to a control group, it did lead to lower blood pressure and a boost in bone-building calcium, protein and vitamin D.

The experts say their findings suggest older adults in particular, who are at risk of brittle bones, should incorporate full-fat dairy products into their daily diet.

Opting for full fat is an easy switch as a product most of us consume every day, they say. 

But is drinking twice the fat of the semi-skimmed alternative – and 30 extra calories – really healthy for the rest of us?

Here, we reveal which milk you should be opting for, and the surprising benefits of creamy treats you’ve long thought are bad for you.

Whole milk contains essential vitamins low fat versions don’t have 

Whole or full-fat milk is, unsurprisingly, the most calorific milk, with 132 calories and 4.7g of saturated fat (the type that’s bad for the heart) per 200ml. 

In comparison, a small glass of semi-skimmed contains just over 2g of saturated fat and 100 calories. 

Skimmed versions have barely a gram of fat and just 74 calories. 

However, the full-fat option is still only four per cent fat, highlights registered nutritionist Grace Kingswell. There’s 2g more saturated fat in a chunk of cheddar cheese.

And when it comes to milk and dairy, Kingswell says the risk of a few extra calories and fat is worth the abundance of nutritional benefits. 

‘I would never not recommend full-fat milk or yoghurt,’ she says. ‘It contains far more of the nutrients we need compared to the lower-fat versions.’

In fact, it’s the fat content that is responsible for the health benefits.  

‘The fat contains all the beneficial vitamins – A, D, E and K, which the low fat versions don’t have,’ Kingswell adds.

Jersey milk has a superior nutritional profile compared to standard cow’s milk, containing approximately 18–20 per cent more protein and 20 per cent more calcium

‘It’s also more satiating which means you feel fuller for longer and are less likely to snack.’

The vitamins she mentions – which are fat-soluble, meaning they can only be absorbed when eaten with fats – help support everything from healthy vision and immunity, to well-functioning blood vessels. 

Britons are most likely to be deficient in vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium, making whole milk a useful nutritional bonus, Kingswell explains. 

And then there’s the calcium which, at 236mg, is interestingly roughly the same as the quantity in semi-skimmed, but more than you’ll find in most everyday staples.

This is because calcium is found in the water-based portion of milk, not the fat.

Studies suggest some one in ten adults aged 16 to 49 don’t get enough calcium in their diet, increasing their risk of serious conditions like osteoporosis as they age.

It’s not only our bones that need calcium; it’s also important for muscle function, and helping your blood to clot. 

Semi-skimmed milk could help protect against anxiety and depression 

Semi-skimmed milk is the most popular option in the UK, chosen by around 80 per cent of people.

Kingswell says it’s far from a poor choice, given the 240mg of calcium in a small glass. 

However, the lack of fat means you’ll miss out on a significant chunk of the healthful vitamins in the full-fat version.

But semi-skimmed options may serve other, more surprising benefits, research suggests. 

In 2024, researchers from Southern Medical University in China found those who regularly drank semi-skimmed milk over a 13-year period were around a third less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety. 

They were also 16 per cent less likely to be depressed, when compared with people who drink no milk at all, according to their analysis of health data from 357,500 UK adults.

Interestingly, the same benefit wasn’t seen in those who drank full-fat or skimmed milk.

The researchers suggested this could be due to the higher quantity of the amino acid tryptophan in semi-skimmed milk, which converts into serotonin, a brain chemical that manages mood, appetite, and pain.

Health experts have advising parents against giving children under five vegan milk alternatives due to their high sugar content and low levels of calcium 

Skimmed milk still carries bone benefits 

Skimmed is the lowest-calorie and lowest-fat option with just 0.2g of saturated fat per serving. 

Somewhat surprisingly, it also contains the most amount of calcium, 244mg per 200ml glass, which can be explained by the fact skimmed varieties contain the highest quantity of water. 

Scientists have found that getting an extra 300mg of calcium per day, equivalent to a large glass of milk, may reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer by 17 per cent.

Its protective effect comes from calcium binding to carcinogenic compounds in the gut, such as bile acids and free fatty acids, reducing their potential to damage the colon lining.

However, skimmed milk contains less vitamin D than full-fat milk, which helps the body absorb the crucial nutrient. 

It’s for this reason that Kingswell suggests opting for higher fat content milk, instead.  

What about creamy gold-topped jersey milk?

As the crème de la crème of supermarket milks, gold-top milk offers more nutritional benefits than standard cow’s milk, containing approximately 18-20 per cent more protein and 20 per cent more calcium.

This milk is unhomogenised, meaning it hasn’t been mechanically processed to break up the fat globules, so the cream can naturally rise to the top. 

It is also richer in essential vitamins A and D, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

However, experts point out that these nutritional gains are relatively modest, while the risks for heart health are significant when consumed regularly.

There’s around 160 calories in a 200ml glass of Graham’s Gold Top with Cream, and nearly 7g of saturated fat – nearly half the recommended daily intake for women, and 50 per cent more than the fat in full-fat milk.

Nutritionist Grace Kingswell says an occasional glass won’t do much harm, but using Gold Top as your milk of choice is likely to lead to weight gain – as one glass is the calorie equivalent of two chocolate digestive biscuits. 

Too much saturated fat is a known risk factor for a host of cardiovascular problems, including potential heart attacks and stroke.

Limit your oat lattes 

Experts say that those opting for ‘plant-based’ dairy-free alternatives may be missing out on key nutrients – and consuming more sugar.

Cow’s milk contains protein and fat, which slow down digestion and limit the speed at which the sugars that naturally occur in milk are absorbed into the bloodstream.

This keeps blood sugars stable, reducing the risk of hunger pangs that fuel the urge to snack. 

Plant-based milks, however, are higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat, meaning the sugars are absorbed more quickly, leading to spikes and crashes. 

This pattern can, over time, increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, studies show. 

For example, a 100ml glass of the popular brand Oatly contains around 4g of sugar – which naturally occurs in the oats – but just 1g of protein, which is three times less than the amount in cow’s milk.

‘Oat milk is predominately carbohydrate with little to no fat or protein to support blood sugar regulation,’ Kingswell says.

‘The sugars in oat milk hit the bloodstream pretty quickly as it’s highly processed, wreaking havoc with blood sugar levels.’

Plant-based alternatives are often fortified – where vitamins and minerals are added to enhance its nutritional value – but experts warn they often lack its naturally high protein content. 

Non-dairy alternatives are also often processed with added ingredients such as vegetable oils, stabilisers and emulsifiers that have been linked to a range of health problems.

Last year it was announced plans to allow the Housing Executive to purchase 600 homes for use as temporary accommodation for those who are homeless by 2028

More than a year on since Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced plans to allow the Housing Executive to purchase 600 homes to be used as temporary accommodation by 2028, officials have yet to approve the delivery of the scheme.

In March 2026, Gordon Lyons approved the initiative, which aims to reduce the cost of providing temporary housing to those who are homeless and in priority need by up to £75m over the next seven years.

Responding to a written question at Stormont from People Before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, the Communities Minister confirmed that they have yet to commence purchasing properties for the scheme.

“No properties have been purchased for use as Temporary Accommodation to date,” the minister said.

“Officials are finalising an approval condition required to support delivery of the scheme, which, once agreed, will enable the Housing Executive to commence the scheme.

Commenting on the minister’s answer, Gerry Carroll said: “Well over a year after this scheme was announced with great fanfare, not a single home has been bought. That is a damning indictment of a Department that talks about a housing emergency but refuses to act as such.

“Children are growing up in hotel rooms and hostels with no certainty about where they’ll be next week, never mind next year. Meanwhile, the bill for temporary accommodation keeps climbing. Public money is going straight into the pockets of private landlords and companies who are making a killing out of homelessness.

“There is no excuse for this inaction. These homes should be purchased now, and they should be brought into permanent public ownership as social housing, not used as another temporary sticking plaster.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The Office star Lucy Davis has revealed that she has been diagnosed with incurable stage 4 breast cancer.

Writing on Instagram, the 53-year-old told her followers that she is ‘trying to live out whatever might be left of my life’.

She said in a statement: ‘I wanted to share something with you all that I’ve kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now.

‘A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasized to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.

‘The initial lump that I felt, wasn’t a ‘lump’ as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn’t bother getting it checked. So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything – get everything checked out:)

‘As of now, I’m trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there’s a lot I have learned from it, and I’m grateful for that.

‘As some of you will know, the pain can really be something else. Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!)

‘The thing that has been most vital to me is humour. I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they’re really good at🙄), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person. There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell.

‘I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it. I’ll see my Gracie sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home. Any and all grieving is for my family; it’s far harder for them than for me.

‘I’m still going to keep up all my work for animal rights. It’s so important to me🐾 And I still would like to keep working. I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life.

‘For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose. Much love to you all.’

MORE: Has Casualty finished? Why it’s not on tonight and when it’s back on TV confirmed

MORE: Are you a true fan? Test your knowledge with Metro’s weekly Soaps quiz!

MORE: Full Strictly 2026 line-up as YouTuber with 15,000,000 followers joins cast

The Office star Lucy Davis has revealed she’s been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, and she ‘doesn’t know how long she has left.’

The actress, 53, shared her diagnosis in an Instagram post on Tuesday, and revealed the cancer has spread to her ‘bones.’

In her post, Lucy shared that she first discovered a ‘tiny, hard spot’ in her breast a year ago, and nearly ignored it before seeing a doctor.

The Wonder Woman star said that despite the cancer being declared incurable she’s ‘at peace with whatever comes next.’

She wrote: ‘Hi friends:) I wanted to share something with you all that I’ve kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now.

‘A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasised to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.

The actress shared her diagnosis in an Instagram post on Tuesday, and revealed the cancer has spread to her ‘bones’

‘The initial lump that I felt, wasn’t a ‘lump’ as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn’t bother getting it checked. So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything – get everything checked out:)

‘As of now, I’m trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can. I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. 

‘And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there’s a lot I have learned from it, and I’m grateful for that.

‘As some of you will know, the pain can really be something else. Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!)

‘The thing that has been most vital to me is humour. I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they’re really good at), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person. 

‘There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell.

‘I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it. I’ll see my Gracie sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home. Any and all grieving is for my family; it’s far harder for them than for me.

‘I’m still going to keep up all my work for animal rights. It’s so important to me. And I still would like to keep working. I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life.

‘For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose. Much love to you all.’

The actress made a name for herself as Dawn Tinsley in Ricky Gervais’ The Office, and she has since gone on to appear in The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina as one of the lead’s aunts Hilda Spellman.

She also played Etta Candy in the 2017 Wonder Woman movie, and had filmed US comedy series Amy from Amarillo. 

Lucy has battled with ill health and in 1997 she had a kidney transplant, using an organ donated by her mother, Hazel.

The actress, who is diabetic, required hospital treatment with kidney failure in 2005, but went on to make a full recovery.

Lucy has also been open about her experience with bulimia, which was at its worst when she was going through a divorce in 2011.

She said during a 2017 interview with The Telegraph that after years of living with an eating disorder she’s realised that ‘whatever your body’s meant to be, it will figure itself out… it’s been a journey.’

‘In my 30s, I would have hated to look like this,’ she added. ”I probably wouldn’t have gone out much. I’d diet for a week and then eat all the food I hadn’t consumed in the previous seven days in a single day.’

The star’s bulimia battle peaked around 2011, as her five-year marriage to fellow actor Owain Yeoman came to an end.

The actress, who even enrolled in Overeaters Anonymous, went on: ‘Now, I think I’m just normal. But my head didn’t think that then. This period of binge and purge was at its worst when my marriage came to an end.

‘Even today, I’ll wonder sometimes whether I might try and shift a few pounds, and then I’ll think: ‘Ooh no, I’d love some cheese.’ I came to realise that all eating disorders aren’t essentially about what you look like.

‘They’re about something much more fundamental. Like any addiction, I suppose. It’s not that you have a drink problem, for example; it’s that you have a problem, which is why you drink. For me, a cycle of throwing up and starving was my solution.’

Firefighters were seen on the roof at 3.30pm on Tuesday (August 11).

RECOMMENDED READING:

Crews, who were seen carrying ladders, joined multiple ambulance teams and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

A spokesperson for York Minster said emergency services were called to York Minster earlier today following a medical incident involving a visitor at the top of the Central Tower.

“The individual is receiving medical attention, and we are working closely with the emergency services, including the fire service and air ambulance team, to support their response and facilitate a safe evacuation,” the spokesperson said.

“As a precaution, areas around the Minster have been temporarily cordoned off while emergency operations take place. We are grateful to visitors, residents, and businesses for their patience and understanding while this incident is managed.

“The welfare of the individual remains our primary concern. Out of respect for their privacy and that of their family, we will not be providing further personal details at this time.

“We would like to thank the emergency services for their swift and professional response.”

The Press has contacted Yorkshire Ambulance Service for comment.

More to follow.

New CCTV footage has emerged from the night that a British influencer fatally stabbed her boyfriend in Dubai, as she battles to escape the death penalty. 

Brooke George, 23, said she was left unable to leave the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after William Treeby, promising her luxuries and a modelling career, lured her to the Middle East nation before confiscating her passport.

Ms George, who is from Gravesend in Kent, alleges Mr Treeby, 26, became violent toward her after she booked a flight back to Britain, prompting her to stab him with a kitchen knife in self-defence on June 21. 

The former John Lewis worker turned influencer was arrested in June as she tried to board a flight to London. She has since been charged with murder in Dubai, where she may now face the death penalty by firing squad.

Now, months after she was arrested, new CCTV footage from the night of the fatal incident has emerged. 

The Sun reported that the surveillance tape cited in the Dubai Public Prosecution’s investigation showed Brooke, Treeby and a friend arriving at McCafferty’s Irish Pub in Jumeirah Village Circle, a planned community in Dubai, at around 3.23pm on June 21 – hours before Treeby died.

They drank there for several hours, before leaving at around 8pm.

According to the prosecution’s investigation, Treeby, who was allegedly living under the pseudonym ‘Kaspar Aglitis’ as he was wanted in the UK over a cocaine conspiracy in Kent, was ‘agitated’ and ‘angry’ while at the pub. 

At one point, he was so unsettled he needed to be calmed down by his friend.

William Treeby (pictured) died after being stabbed in the chest in June

Advertisement

Detained In Dubai, a group that is supporting Ms George, said that investigators had evidence that following the trip to the pub, Treeby was heavily intoxicated. A toxicology report showed he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.19 percent, the group claimed. 

A UAE forensic expert reportedly concluded his level of intoxication was sufficient to affect his ‘awareness, perception and reactions’, according to the file. 

The group also said the prosecution has evidence that on the way back to their villa after they spent hours at the pub, Treeby punched her in the face during an argument in the car, leaving her with a bruise on her face. 

When they got back to the villa, Treeby angrily threw her belongings across the floor downstairs. 

Ms George told investigators she went back to the villa to pick up her belongings before leaving the UAE that night. But when she opened the door to an upstairs bedroom, Treeby was holding a knife. 

After she told him she was leaving the country, he refused to let her go and tried to push her, she claimed, adding that the knife he was carrying fell to the floor in a scuffle in which their friend intervened. 

She then picked up the knife and stabbed Treeby once. A witness later said she was ‘crying hysterically’, according to Detained in Dubai. 

After the attack, she fled to Dubai Airport with her bag, where staff saw she was visibly injured and in a state of distress. 

Brooke said William Treeby hit her in the face as they made their way back to their villa on the night of his death 

Mr Treeby, 26, from Kent, was found dead having been stabbed in his apartment in the UAE

After she was pulled aside, she was initially silent before she began cooperating with investigators. 

They documented fresh bruising around her left eye, as well as other injuries she sustained in the previous days. 

She also told police that he would abuse her, telling investigators: ‘He sometimes assaults me when I refuse to have sex with him.’ 

Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said: ‘This is not a case where Brooke denies causing the fatal injury.

‘The question is why it happened and whether she was defending herself.

‘The prosecution’s own evidence confirms that Treeby was heavily intoxicated, had punched Brooke shortly beforehand, was angry and agitated, and had thrown her belongings throughout the villa.

‘Brooke was subsequently described as hysterical and in shock.

‘She is now facing a potential death sentence and it is imperative that her allegations of violence and her account of self defence receive the most rigorous examination before any irreversible judgment is made.’

She also said that witnesses leaving the UAE made Ms George’s defence more difficult: ‘It is extremely difficult to secure a fair hearing in the UAE, particularly when key witnesses have left the country and are no longer available to be cross examined.

‘Where a young woman is facing the possibility of capital punishment, every witness and every piece of evidence must be subjected to the highest level of scrutiny.’

Her mother, 55-year-old Tess George, previously said that her daughter was ‘terrified’ when she called home from the UAE in the hours preceding Treeby’s death.  

Tess George recalled her daughter (pictured) believing Mr Treeby to be the man of her ‘dreams’

Mr Treeby is said to have taken Ms George’s passport from her 

Mrs George recalls her daughter believing Mr Treeby to be the man of her ‘dreams,’ and planned to visit him in Dubai again only one week later.

It was then, when Ms George returned to Dubai, that her mother said things between her and Mr Treeby went wrong – and she received a worrying phone call.

Ms George had called her mother from a bar in the city, where Mrs George described her as ‘petrified’ and ‘absolutely terrified’.

She said her daughter was uncontrollably sobbing and expressed a desire to return to Britain because she was ‘scared’.

Mrs George told The Sun: ‘The day before the incident, she wasn’t herself. She was quieter than usual but wouldn’t tell me why. That evening they went to a bar in Dubai. When I spoke to Brooke right after the incident, she was absolutely terrified. 

‘I have never seen my daughter so frightened. She was crying uncontrollably. I could see one of her eyes was badly swollen and beginning to close.

‘As Brooke’s mother, I am deeply concerned for her welfare. The daughter I spoke to that night was utterly terrified. I firmly believe she was trying desperately to get home and away from whatever had happened to her.’

Russell Watson has revealed his pituitary gland has miraculously repaired itself in a ‘one in a million chance’ health development after battling two brain tumours.

The opera singer, 59, was told the devastating news he had a brain tumour the size of two golf balls after noticing his peripheral vision had become blurry in 2006.

Following a trip to LA, he underwent a five-hour emergency operation to remove the eight-centimetre tumour at St George’s Hospital in Tooting – before overcoming a second diagnosis and surgery a year later.

The tumour, which sits at the base of his brain, caused significant damage to his pituitary gland, and for years he had been told the damage to the gland would not recover.

However, appearing on The One Show on Monday evening, Russell was back on the famous couch to share some ‘brilliant news’ to hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.

He said: ‘Basically, I have to take steroids to stay alive, so I did a bit of research, rang my endocrinologist, and told them I was really struggling with keeping weight off, and is there a test I can do to find out whether I am taking too much of the steroids.

The opera singer, 59, was told the devastating news he had a brain tumour the size of two golf balls after noticing his peripheral vision had become blurry in 2006 (pictured in 2007)

‘In a nutshell, she rang me up and said that this is like a one-in-a-million chance, but you have started to produce your own cortisol, which is the body’s stress hormones.’

Continuing, Russell said: ‘So I’ve cut my steroids in half, I went back for another test this week, and I have been told I can cut those in half… it may end up, at the end of it, that I might not need to take the steroids anymore.’

The singer then added: ‘I am really pleased. Some good health news; it’s about time!’

Last year, Russell revealed he briefly considered suicide as he struggled with the agonising pain of a brain tumour.

The tenor said he contemplated jumping from a hotel balcony and admitted it was only the thought of his two young daughters being left without a dad that pulled him back from the brink.

Speaking to Kaye Adams on her How To Be 60 podcast, the singer – the UK’s best-selling classical artist of all time – said: ‘My whole world came crashing down and the pain got worse – everything was exacerbated with the news of what he’d just told me.

‘I was staying in a hotel in Beverly Hills and I was on the eighth floor and it was the first time I’d ever felt this way.

‘I can’t explain the pain – I’ve never felt anything like it before or since – it was like a dagger being pressed into the centre of my head and twisted.’

Appearing on The One Show on Monday evening, Russell was back on the famous couch to share some ‘brilliant news’ to hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp

Russell described the recovery of his pituitary function as rare, given that such recovery was not thought of as a possibility

He added: ‘It was excruciating and for one moment I stood on my hotel balcony. I literally just thought: “f**k this, I’ve had enough.” And I felt like jumping.

‘And then the thought of the children entered my head and they were little girls then – they’re not going to manage without me. Back in the room. Went and lay on the bed, rinsed my face with cold water and took the pain on.’

Russell has openly spoken about his brain tumour battle over the years.

His 2024 book Encore: My journey back to centre stage, talks about his return to the limelight following the terrifying battle. 

In the years following his diagnosis, he battled crippling treatment, lifesaving operations, HRT therapy and mental health struggles – before being told he would likely never sing again.

He said: ‘My diagnosis changed everything – all I could think about was how my wife and daughters would survive without me. 

‘It was difficult to see beyond my illness at the time, but to be alive and healthy 15 years later is something I’m eternally grateful for. 

‘Often when we are writing wills we think about those closest to us. But a will, much like a piece of music, has the power to touch the lives of so many more. 

‘I want others to receive the kind of life-saving treatment that I did, to give that gift of time for which I’m so grateful every day.’

And in 2018, he spoke candidly about his harrowing experience, admitting he has to take a ‘cocktail of drugs’ every day to keep himself alive.

The performer admitted he used to ‘panic he would die in his sleep’, after doctors discovered a tumour had returned on his pituitary gland back in 2007.

‘Initially it was a minefield, because I was taking this whole cocktail of drugs to stay alive,’ he told Best Magazine. 

‘It used to get me down, I would get very depressed. 

‘I’d go to bed at night but wouldn’t be able to get to sleep – I’d panic because I thought I would die if I fell asleep.’

The previous year, Russell told This Morning that while he was in the midst of conquering the second tumour, he believed he’d died.

He said: ‘When I came round after the second op, I remember my eyes flickering open and I saw two white shadows and thought, I did make it to heaven that’s nice. 

‘Then I realised it was the kids and there were tears streaming down my face.’ 

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support 

What’s new for 2026/27?

You’ll need to re-register

When signing up to Telegraph Fantasy Football this season you will notice your old logins do not work.

New for this season you will need to register or login to an existing telegraph.co.uk account to play.

NOTE: you do not need to subscribe in order to play Telegraph Fantasy Football – it is free to play.

Having trouble making a new account or logging in to an existing telegraph.co.uk account? Click here and look at our troubleshooting guide that can guide you through the process.

 

We’ve had a makeover and Leagues have moved

Over the summer we changed game provider meaning the site was built again from scratch. We hope you like the new look and feel.

We know nobody likes change, but take your time to get to know the new layout as some aspects of the site may have moved slightly.

The most notable change is that Leagues are now created and joined below your team selection.

 

Back to basics

With such a short space of time to get the TFF live for this season, the game has been stripped back to basics.

You’ll notice there are no Public Leagues and no prizes for Weekly and Monthly Leaderboard winners. Assistant Manager has also not been integrated for launch.

 

The Fixture Tracker

Whilst the game has been stripped back to basics, you’ll notice a new fixture tracker above your team selection. This is there to help you make transfer decisions and we hope you like it.

 

No rule changes.

Whilst some things may have changed, the rules remain unchanged.

Telegraph Fantasy Football is fantasy football at its purest. No gimmicks, no boosts, no captains. Simply pick the best XI players you can.

 

Assists

However, this season assists will no longer follow Opta’s “Fantasy Assist” definition and revert back to standard assists.

 

Did you miss it? League Cup fixtures and five more transfers

In case you missed it last year, this season will also feature League Cup fixtures meaning all competitive domestic football containing Premier League fixtures will count towards your Telegraph Fantasy Football points tally.

Why the change? Well for years the general advice early in the season is to hold onto your transfers and we thought that was getting a bit stale. With League Cup fixtures starting as early as Game Week 3 some seasons, you’d be a fool not to take advantage of some fixture gains against lower-league opposition.

To help with the additional fixtures we have also added five more transfers to your season total.

 

Paid leagues are no more

Unfortunately Plucky Paid Leagues are not integrated this season.

 

Three new teams

Ipswich are no strangers to Telegraph Fantasy Football as they both return from relegations in 2025. They bring with them a host of talent including two big names you might recognise, including Jaden Philogene (£2.9m) and Leif Davis (£2.6m).

It has been a fair few years since Hull City (2016/17) and Coventry City (2000/01) last featured in Telegraph Fantasy Football – memories may even flood back of posting in your transfers for the Sky Blues’ players. Both clubs are favourites to go down, but with some exciting signings like Tzolakis (£2.5m) and Thomas-Asante (£2.7m) they will certainly put up a fight.

Start creating your team  >

 

FAQs

When does Telegraph Fantasy Football start?

The 2026/27 edition of Telegraph Fantasy Football launched on August 10, 2026. The scoring will commence on Friday August 21, 2026 at 8pm when the Premier League champions Arsenal host Coventry.

 

How do I register for Telegraph Fantasy Football?

You will need to create a new, or use your existing telegraph.co.uk account in order to play Telegraph Fantasy Football. Simply click “SIGN UP”, then “Continue with Telegraph” and you will be temporarily taken to telegraph.co.uk to login with your existing Telegraph account or create a new account, before automatically returning back to the Telegraph Fantasy Football site.

Note: this account is not the same as your account from previous Telegraph Fantasy Football seasons.

Having trouble making a new account or logging in to an existing telegraph.co.uk account? Click here and look at our troubleshooting guide that can guide you through the process.

How much does it cost to play Telegraph Fantasy Football?

Telegraph Fantasy Football is completely free to play. All managers compete for the £5,000 prize pool as well the chance to challenge friends, family, colleagues and fellow managers in private mini-leagues.

 

How many players can I pick in Telegraph Fantasy Football?

You only have to pick a squad of XI players in Telegraph Fantasy Football. With no bench to rely on, finding players who get minutes on the pitch is key and we help you out there by allowing transfers right up until every kick-off.

 

How many teams can I pick in Telegraph Fantasy Football?

You can create up to five teams in Telegraph Fantasy Football with a budget of £50m for each, meaning you have a better chance of being in contention for the prizes come the end of the season if some of your selections prove to be unsuccessful.

 

How many transfers can I make in Telegraph Fantasy Football?

Up until the first game on Friday August 21, 2025, there is a transfer amnesty, meaning you can make as many changes as you like. After the season has started you have 45 transfers for the whole campaign with a maximum of five per Game Week (00:00 Tuesday to 23:59 Monday).

How do I join a private league in Telegraph Fantasy Football?

Leagues have now moved below your team selection.

This should make it easier for managers to see which league the team is in that they are making changes to.

To join a league click “Join a league” and then add the 6 digit code that the League Chairman will have access to.

To create a league click “Create a league”, name the league and then copy the league code generated to share with your fellow managers.

League Chairmen will have the ability to lock and unlock a league to new joiners.

 

Do ALL Cup games count in Telegraph Fantasy Football?

Yes. All League Cup fixtures plus all FA Cup games involving Premier League sides count towards your TFF points tally. This adds a great dimension to the game as you will want to load your teams with players who make the latter stages for an advantage over your competitors. However, one thing to note is that penalty shoot-outs do not count towards your score.

 

How many players are in Telegraph Fantasy Football?

You can expect to compete against more than 100,000 other teams in Telegraph Fantasy Football – a vast but tight-knit community of players where you have every chance of winning one of our many prizes on offer throughout the year.

We aim to include every player in a squad who has a chance of getting some game time. From time to time we may miss a youngster on debut, but rest assured they will soon be added to the player list and feel free to let us know on Facebook or Twitter if you feel someone is missing.

What else do I need to know?

 

Get your strategy right. Getting the balance of your team right can be a tricky business, especially with limited funds, but there are a few tried and trusted methods that will stand you in good stead:

 

Pick regular starters

Okay, so this isn’t always straightforward in the world of squad rotation where world-class players routinely find themselves sitting on the bench. That said, there are certain players who, if fit, are almost always the first name on the team sheet. Think Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, Jordan Pickford for Everton and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.

 

Find a couple of budget ‘gems’

Igor Thiago, Nico O’Reilly and James Garner were among a crop of players who began last term in the ‘unfancied’ category and were must-have ‘enablers’ by the time the season was over. If you’re able to identify one or two of this type of player early in the season, you could be on to a winner.

 

Be transfer savvy

We’ve all been there – you spend hours selecting your team for the big kick-off then half of them don’t start, the other half have stinkers and your star striker gets a season-ending injury. If you do get off to a slow start, don’t panic. Lurching from one strategy to another could do more harm than good, wasting precious transfers in the process. Trust your instincts, tweak where necessary and the points will come.

 

Read our weekly Selection Guide

The best advice comes from experts at the Fantasy Football Hub who make our weekly selection guide a prolific source of Telegraph Fantasy Football tips and Telegraph Fantasy Football match facts.

If you subscribe to the weekly newsletter this will hit your inbox on Friday around lunchtime; alternatively it can be found on our social channels or Telegraph Fantasy Football content hub.

 

Telegraph Fantasy Football Player List

We aim to keep our player list up to date with all comings and goings in the transfer window and the first place to look is our trusted Stats Centre. However, if you fancy yourself as a bit of a Telegraph Fantasy Football expert like the team at Fantasy Football Hub, you can find a player list below in a spreadsheet format so you can do your own analysis.

On the document simply click “file”, then “make a copy” and you will have your own version of the player list at that time to edit as you please.

 

Download the Telegraph Fantasy Football App

Never miss a chance to make a transfer and download the Telegraph Fantasy Football App which is available on iOS and Android.

You can follow the latest Telegraph Fantasy Football news and discussions throughout the year on Facebook, Twitter and Fantasy Football Content Hub.

Thailand’s government will immediately stop issuing gun permits after a shooting incident last week in which a 14-year-old killed eight people and himself.

Existing gun owners are already banned from carrying their weapons in public.

The South East Asian country has one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership in the region, with around 10.3 million firearms in civilian possession, and high levels of gun crime.

In response to the recent shooting, the prime minister has promised to speed up tough new gun control laws with severe penalties.

Last Friday, a pupil at Debsirin Nonthaburi School outside Bangkok shot his grandparents using a handgun owned by his grandfather, before opening fire at teachers and students at school, authorities say.

Both grandparents, five staff members at the school and one 12-year-old girl died.

Police believe the shooter may have taught himself to use a gun via social media.

They say there is evidence that the boy watched violent content online, and that he showed a strong interest in learning how to handle guns.

His consumption of this content as well as anxiety over studies and family issues might have also fuelled his actions, they add.

The remarkably warm and sunny summer has led to drought being declared in more than two-thirds of England and all of Wales.

A total of 45 million people are now living in a drought area in England, with more than 27 million facing water use restrictions.

There is no rain in the forecast through most of this week across England and Wales.

Forecasts for Sunday suggest there are some signs of rain coming into the UK from the Atlantic.

Low pressure bringing rain-bearing weather fronts will move in across Wales and southern England and could bring a spell of rain for some.

While this does not currently look to be particularly heavy or persistent, there could be the first bit of proper rain for many in nearly two months.