New research has been published

Summer might be filled with fun, but seasonal aches and pains are leaving Brits struggling, with 51% suffering from headaches, 38% with lower back pain and 30% with leg pain.

This is leaving some unable to work, walk or even get out of bed. The research by Combogesic – an over-the-counter opioid-free pain relief – has also found that 23% are “so desperate” that they have taken prescription painkillers prescribed for someone else.

“Summer brings with it a number of pain traps; we might hurt our shoulders and back from lugging suitcases, experience aching legs from hikes, sore elbows from tennis, aching hips from long car journeys, back pain from gardening and headaches from the heat,” said GP Dr Nisa Aslam.

Five tips to avoid the biggest summer pain culprits

Stretch every day: Just five to 10 minutes could be the difference between feeling achy and stiff and feeling mobile. “Focus on your full body; try some cat-cows, arching and rounding your back in an all-fours position. Then, push hips back to your heels and walk your hands as far forward as you can,” suggested Dr Nisa Aslam.

“Sit on the floor and reach down your straight legs too. This stretches your back and hamstrings.”

Keep hydrated: Dehydration can cause headaches, so it’s wise to sip on water throughout the day. “On hot days, reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake, as this can dehydrate you further,” advised Dr Aslam.

Use a backpack: Shoulder pain from heavy bags is common. “Use backpacks when possible or evenly distribute weight between both shoulders. Avoid carrying really heavy bags on one side of your body for long periods and if you do, take regular stretch breaks,” said Dr Aslam.

Watch your form gardening: If you’re gardening, your body will be bending and twisting, placing strain on the muscles supporting the spine. Try breaking tasks into shorter bursts and rather than bending, squat instead to keep a flat back.

Avoid long periods of sitting: On a long-haul flight or a big day spent at your desk, it’s easy to forget to move. But, long periods sitting can cause tight hips, stiff neck and a strained upper back.

“Get up regularly, for a quick walk or stretch. Fidget and wriggle too as it will stop so much stiffness from developing,” said Dr Aslam. Research has found that movement and exercise can actually reduce pain perception, so you may feel less pain.

While prevention is important, aches and pains can still happen and if they do, go for an over-the-counter opioid free pain relief option for mild to moderate pain.

Liverpool face a crucial few weeks in the transfer window with Andoni Iraola in need of both attacking and defensive reinforcements

Liverpool need to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah and strengthen their defence before the new Premier League season begins. Following a tough campaign under Arne Slot, the Reds switched gears to Andoni Iraola and are aiming for a return to glory.

Iraola’s success at Bournemouth, culminating in the Cherries qualifying for European football for the first time, turned Liverpool heads. Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have both signed deals at Anfield with Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all leaving at the end of their contracts.

The Spaniard will be well aware that he still needs positional upgrades before the new season starts, and the wing is a priority. At least two new signings are required if the Reds have any chance of reaching the heights they achieved in Slot’s first season or Klopp’s successful reign.

Here, Mirror Football has detailed exactly what Liverpool should do to end their transfer window in the best way possible.

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Sign a winger

Munoz was brought in for £34.5million last month in a deal structured over six years, amounting to just £5.75m annually. This means there remains a significant war chest to land a marquee winger, which is understood to be the Reds’ biggest priority this summer.

A number of wide players have been touted for a move to Anfield, but Bradley Barcola remains Liverpool’s number one target. The Reds’ bid to land the French international received a timely boost at the weekend when it emerged that Barcola had rejected a fresh contract offer from Paris Saint-Germain.

One stumbling block in securing a deal for the 23-year-old, however, is PSG’s reported £140m asking price, which would set a club record. Liverpool are unwilling to match that figure and will reportedly seek a middle ground, with negotiations between the two sides said to continue this week.

Should they manage to bring him in for a reduced fee, Iraola would have one of the most electrifying attackers in the world at his fingertips. Barcola possesses skill and pace in equal measure, equally capable of leading swift counter-attacks and unpicking stubborn defensive blocks.

His versatility to operate on either flank is an added bonus, affording the Reds boss the flexibility to deploy him on the left or slot him into Salah’s role on the right. Should Liverpool fail to agree a lower price with PSG, however, Chelsea’s Pedro Neto could be a worthy fallback option.

Chelsea are not actively pursuing Neto’s sale but the Portuguese would command a lower fee than Barcola, while still representing a versatile and Premier League-proven addition across the forward line.

Boost the defence

After securing a wide forward, Liverpool must shift their focus to their struggling defence. Even prior to Konate’s departure, the Reds were light at the back, considering Joe Gomez’s persistent time on the sidelines and Giovanni Leoni’s lengthy recovery from an ACL injury.

The situation appears even more problematic now following Gomez’s withdrawal due to injury in the pre-season friendly against Sunderland at the weekend, while new signing Jacquet was omitted as a precaution.

If doubts exist over whether Liverpool possess sufficient depth before the campaign has even started, it suggests something is fundamentally amiss. Iraola acknowledged as much last Monday, when he delivered his second press conference and the opening one of Liverpool’s summer 2026 pre-season tour of the USA.

The manager referenced right-back Conor Bradley’s own rehabilitation from a serious injury and emphasised that, while he views Bradley as the club’s long-term right-back, the club are seeking a “solution” to their centre-back and right-back concerns. As a result, it would be smart to recruit a defender capable of performing both roles to a high standard, as Liverpool’s extensive list of injured defenders continues their recovery.

Pursuing James Hill appears to be the most logical move for Iraola, given the defender flourished under him at Bournemouth last season. Across 29 league outings, Hill proved to be one of the Cherries’ most reliable figures at the back.

While predominantly a centre-back, he made three appearances at right-back – a versatility that suits Liverpool well, given Iraola has identified Bradley as the long-term first choice in that position. Hill registered 11.16 defensive contributions per 90 minutes, won 65.5% of his aerial duels, and came out on top in 63.8% of his overall duels.

No central defender in the league won more aerial duels per 90 minutes than Hill (4.88), and he also showcased an ability to drive the ball in the forward-thinking manner Iraola wants from his defence, crafting an impressive 0.56 chances per 90.

At present, there is virtually no chatter surrounding a potential exit from the Vitality Stadium. But that is precisely something Liverpool ought to change by stepping up their interest.

He would represent a vital addition to the squad, bolstering depth and filling a homegrown slot in the Reds’ domestic and European squads.

With Hill and Barcola brought on board, Liverpool could head into the new season with genuine confidence in a near-unassailable squad – one capable of bouncing back from recent setbacks and striking fear into their rivals.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Hello, and welcome to WalesOnline’s live blog for Wednesday, July 29. We’ll be bringing you all of the latest news from across Wales – whether you’re on the move, at home or at work – as well as the latest traffic and travel.

We’ll also be keeping you informed of major news stories from the UK and overseas.

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The Blame, which stars Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth, follows detectives as they investigate the murder of a teenage skater, drawing them “down a dark, treacherous path, forcing them to investigate their own team,” the broadcaster has revealed.

Also among the cast are Line of Duty star Nigel Boyle and Coronation Street star Matilda Freeman.

On Instagram, ITV shared a carousel of five photos showing the cast in character with the caption: “A teen skater is murdered.

“The truth is anything but simple.”

Who is in the cast of The Blame?

The cast of The Blame consists of some well-known actors – here’s the list of stars you can expect to see in the new ITV thriller:

• Michelle Keegan (Brassic) as DI Emma Crane
• Douglas Booth (Romeo & Juliet) as DI Tom Radley
• Ian Hart (The Responder) as DCI Kenneth Walker
• Nigel Boyle (Line of Duty) as digital forensic technician Brett Shergill
• Joe Armstrong (Gentleman Jack) as ice-skating coach Kyle Frasier
• Matilda Freeman (Coronation Street) as Sophie Madsen
• Gavin Spokes (Slow Horses) as DC Joel Stevens
• Josh Bolt (Masters of the Air) as DC Douglas James
• Ceallach Spellman (Cheaters) as PC Callum Drummond
• Karen Ascoe (Wolf) as PC Kat Shaw
• Nathan Mensah as DC Lewis
• Vikash Bhai (Virdee) as Kapil

ITV shared a synopsis of the upcoming series: “The series begins when the body of teenage figure skater Sophie Madsen is discovered, sending shockwaves through the town of Wakestead.

“As DI Crane (Keegan) and DI Radley (Booth) dig deeper, what starts as a tragic death, spirals into a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups, and moral compromise.

“As the clock ticks and trust fractures, Crane must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team.”

ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, will oversee production of the new series.

She said: “The Blame is a brilliant new crime thriller full of surprising twists and a compelling investigation that also cleverly tackles police corruption, exploitation and misogyny as the thriller unravels.

“Megan is such a wonderful and clever writer, and with Michelle Keegan in the lead and Nicola Shindler at the helm, this is going to be an unmissable drama and one I’m very proud to have on ITV.”

Where is The Blame filmed?

The Blame started filming this summer in and around London.

The series will consist of six 60-minute episodes and is based on Charlotte Langley’s debut novel of the same name.

It is not yet known when the new series will air, with ITV sharing that it’s “coming soon.”

Recommended reading:

Earlier this month, another book adaptation (The Dark) came to ITV.

It’s an adaptation of a novel by GR Halliday, titled From the Shadows, which is the first of three books to follow the character of detective Monica Kennedy.

If you missed it, you can catch up on ITVX now.

Have you read the book? Tell us if you’re excited for the new ITV series in the comments below.

The death toll from Japan‘s 6.8-magnitude earthquake has climbed to 13, prime minister Sanae Takaichi said, as rescuers race to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Takaichi said it is a “race against time” as many people are still awaiting rescue, with Japan Defence Forces and police leading the search and rescue operation.

One of the worst-hit sites was an Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto, where rescuers pulled eight people from the rubble after part of the building collapsed.

Two women in their 20s were killed when an explosion of unknown origin tore through the mall about an hour after the earthquake. Authorities are investigating whether a gas leak triggered the blast.

Elsewhere, seven people are missing after a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory.

Hospitals across the region are treating dozens of injured people, with some facilities struggling to cope after power outages disrupted operations.

The earthquake knocked out electricity to more than 36,000 homes, damaged roads and highways, and prompted authorities to order around 260,000 people to evacuate to emergency shelters. Officials have also warned residents to prepare for strong aftershocks over the coming week and the risk of landslides.

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Aerial view shows destruction at Nippon factory

Aerial footage from the Nippon Paper Industries factory shows the scale of destruction after the earthquake caused a towering chimney to snap and collapse onto the site.

The collapse trapped workers beneath the rubble, with rescue teams continuing to search for seven missing people.

Four others are seriously injured, a local government official ​said.

The factory has suspended operations while the company verifies employee safety and assesses damage.

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Shweta Sharma29 July 2026 05:56

‘Like a field hospital’: Quake-hit facilities struggle in Kumamoto

Some hospitals have reported being overwhelmed in the aftermath of the disaster, as power outages exacerbated the strain on emergency services.

One hospital in Uki City, near the epicentre, said a power outage caused by the earthquake left it unable to function.

“It’s become like a field hospital,” the head of the hospital’s administrative department told NHK.

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Another hospital in the city said it had suspended admissions because it could no longer handle additional emergency cases after treating 86 people injured in the quake, including three with serious injuries.

Shweta Sharma29 July 2026 05:41

Kumamoto quake likely caused by fault left unbroken after 2016 earthquakes, expert says

Seismologists believe the powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto on Tuesday may have been caused by a section of an active fault zone left unruptured after the devastating twin earthquakes that hit the same region in 2016.

The earthquake, which was measured at 7.1 magnitude by the Japanese disaster management authority and 6.8 by the US Geological Survey, hit Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday.

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It occurred close to the epicentres of the magnitude 6.5 and 7.3 earthquakes a decade ago, which killed more than 270 people.

Experts told Kyodo that the 2016 disaster may have increased strain along the fault, triggering the latest rupture, and warn that strong seismic activity could continue.

Shinji Toda, a professor of seismology at Tohoku University, said: “It is believed that the 2016 earthquake caused a significant strain and stress, resulting in movements along part of the Hinagu fault zone”.

Shweta Sharma29 July 2026 05:24

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Thousands of homes without power in summer heat

Thousands of homes without power in summer heatMore than 48,000 homes are still without power in Kumamoto as temperatures soared to around 34C (93F) today, as authorities warned about the risk of heat stroke.

Hospitals near the epicentre are struggling to cope after the powerful quake, with one facility in Uki City describing itself as “like a field hospital” following a power outage that left it unable to function.

Another hospital has suspended new admissions after treating 86 injured people, including three with serious injuries, saying it could no longer handle additional emergency cases.

Shweta Sharma29 July 2026 05:10

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Shweta Sharma29 July 2026 04:38

Many remain missing at workplaces

As the full extent of the damage from the earthquake continues to emerge, many people remain unaccounted for in companies and factories.

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Around 20 to 30 workers remain missing at the damaged Aeon shopping mall as emergency crews continue searching areas where calls for help were received.

Rescuers pulled eight people from the rubble of the partially ​collapsed shopping mall early today.

Seven people are also missing after a chimney collapsed at a Nippon Paper Industries factory, while four others are seriously injured, a ​local government official said.

Shweta Sharma29 July 2026 04:27

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At least 13 people dead in earthquake as search continues for missing

Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi said 13 people have died after a powerful earthquake and subsequent tremors rocked the Kyushu region.

Kyodo News said a hospital in the city of Yatsushiro took in about 40 people with injuries and about 50 others were taken to a hospital in Kumamoto city.

“There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time,” Takaichi said. “We will go all out to find and rescue as many people as we can.”

Takaichi offered her condolences to the victims and sympathy to their relatives, while urging those affected by the quake to take care of themselves under the hot weather.

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Shweta Sharma29 July 2026 03:52

Japanese mall explosion caught on car dashcam

Harriette Boucher29 July 2026 03:00

ICYMI: Around 3,600 military personnel dispatched to Kumamoto

Around 3,600 military personnel were sent to Kumamoto yesterday to help emergency service efforts, which continued through the night.

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It comes as workers urgently try to rescue the dozens of people who thought to be trapped in the Aeon Mall shopping centre in Kashima Town.

Prime minister Sanae Takaichi said: “The government will work tirelessly through the night to swiftly assess the overall damage situation and carry out emergency disaster response measures, starting with the rescue and lifesaving of those affected.

“At the same time, we will ensure the reliable delivery of essential supplies such as food and water, as well as simple air conditioners and power vehicles for heatstroke prevention, utilising push-type support where appropriate, and strive to secure a safe and suitable evacuation environment.”

Harriette Boucher29 July 2026 02:00

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Where a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Japan

Harriette Boucher29 July 2026 01:00

Jordan’s military said the country’s air defenses had intercepted five missiles launched from Iran early Wednesday. In a statement, the military said the missiles had been “intercepted and destroyed.” It did not mention any casualties.

Earlier, the U.S. military said it knocked down an Iranian missile barrage and worked with Saudi Arabia’s forces to strike sites in Iraq that Tehran-backed militias have used to launch attacks in recent days, shattering a brief pause in fighting.

All Iranian missiles launched against American forces in the Middle East were intercepted, U.S. Central Command said.

By DAILY MAIL COMMENT

Published: 19:49 BST, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 05:54 BST, 29 July 2026

This summer’s fourth heatwave was expected to start by Wednesday, bringing temperatures in the area to 40C.

Similar temperatures are expected in Spain.

Dozens of communities are still threatened by wildfires that forced more than 70,000 to evacuate their homes over the last week.

Spain has ended some evacuation orders, allowing about 44,000 people to return home or leave confinement.

The Madrid region has been especially affected, but Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said while there were highly challenging hours and days ahead, light was beginning to appear “at the end of the tunnel”.

In neighbouring Portugal, 400 firefighters were tackling a large fire on three active fronts in the eastern Guarda area.

The French city of Bordeaux is not currently under threat, according to officials, despite the fact that one of the wildfires burning on Monday came only 15km (9 miles) from the city’s periphery.

But Commander Rémi Lassoureille, who is leading the firefighting response in the Gironde region, is still worried.

“We are frightened about the impact on Bordeaux and the metropolitan area,” he said. Air quality in the city also deteriorated greatly.

“By Sunday evening everything had really begun to empty out,” a holidaymaker from Essex told the BBC, adding that the air was “really smoky” with bits of ash. “People were staying indoors, so it was eerie, and very sad.”

Fans couldn’t get enough of Jasmine’s shocked reaction after hearing that viewers had been desperately wanting her to couple up with Lorenzo.

During the Debrief interview, the hosts briefly touched on their friendship and that they had been dubbed “Jarenzo” – to which she pulled a face and replied: “Jarenzo? Sorry?!”

Some were left baffled that she had no clue about the furore surrounding their bond, with a Reddit user penning: “Anyone else notice that in the final Debrief, when Shakira/Yas mentioned ‘Jarenzo’ to Jasmine and Kav, they were both really shocked and didn’t know it was a thing?

“I know obviously the islander don’t know what’s going on in the outside as they don’t have access to their phones but normally bombshells update them on stuff like that, as we’ve seen in previous seasons like YasGPT last season and E.g Aidan was obviously aware that his ‘gimme a kiss’ had become a thing on the outside as everyone kept teasing him about it.

“I’m just surprised none of the bombshells mentioned all the edits and the #Jarenzo sitch to Jasmine and Lorenzo, as it was clearly a big talking point outside [sic].”

“Jasmine and Kavan seemed shocked about Jasmine and Lorenzo’s ship name, imagine seeing all the edits,” another agreed.

“Them not knowing about jarenzo is sending me,” a viewer commented, as one said: “Jasmine finding out about Jarenzo is actually golden.”

A Reddit user added: “After my rewatch yesterday it’s actually insane we all did so much with the Jarenzo thing when Javan was right there.”