Fans, like Curley, who spoke to the BBC, pondered whether the superstar will wear a romantic lace gown or if she’ll opt for cowboy boots over heels for the festivities, as a nod to her country-music roots. Others wondered if Swift will sing at the reception, if Kelce would have a groom’s cake, and whether the ceremony might incorporate her beloved cats.

Chinese-made humanoid robots are making waves with their ability to do backflips, direct traffic, and even make coffee as the companies developing them seek ways to expand and dominate the market.

Robot makers in China say they have thousands of orders from both the government and private businesses for humanoids that can do such things as sort parcels at postal centers, as the country finds ways to cope with an aging population and rising labor costs. However, some experts believe demand for humanoids lags the capacity to build them.

China and the United States dominate research for what Morgan Stanley estimates is a $5 trillion humanoid robots market.

By some measures, the U.S. holds an upper hand in developing the artificial intelligence for such robots’ high-level computing power, or “brains.” But as the world’s factory floor, China leads in mass production capacity, supplies of hardware and harvesting of data for training robots.

Robot makers say real-life demand is growing

The Shanghai-based startup Matrix Robotics makes humanoid robots that employ AI. Its flagship humanoid robot, the “MATRIX-3,” stands nearly 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) tall and is equipped with hands able to make finely controlled movements. They are priced at around $99,000 per unit.

Customers for the roughly 1,000 orders it has received include coffee chains and hotels, its founder and CEO Allan Zhang, who formerly worked for Tesla, said at a recent robotics expo in Macao.

So far, Matrix has made only a few hundred of the robots, though it said it will be capable of delivering 5,000 units within this year, depending on the number of orders.

EngineAI, a startup based in southern China’s Shenzhen, says its full-sized humanoid robots could be used as security guards and museum guides. They also perform, with dancing and boxing.

A basic edition of its humanoid costs 180,000 yuan ($26,600). “The next step will be to move into more real-life scenarios,” said Issac Li, EngineAI’s head of brand and marketing.

Demand for robots may lag behind

Most humanoid robots are still performative rather than functional, falling short of working in messy, unpredictable environments, said Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at the New America think tank focused on Chinese technology.

“The use cases of these robots are still so limited,” said Chibo Tang of the venture capital firm Gobi Partners, which invests in technology startups including robotics companies. “Without the demand and without that scale from the market, these companies are not able to really go into mass production.”

China had more than 140 humanoid robot manufacturers and more than 330 models in 2025, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Last year, the Chinese government even publicly warned about the risk of a bubble in the industry given the lagging state of commercialization and applications.

Corporate and academic labs are buying humanoid robots for research. And in China, many of the more than 2 billion yuan ($295 million) worth of orders in 2025 came from state-owned enterprises for use in places such as power plants, data centers or for entertainment, Morgan Stanley said.

“The economics are tough: humanoid robots remain expensive to produce, fragile in operation, and dependent on highly structured environments to function,” Sacks explained. There’s “a long way to go to get to a level of functionality where people will actually feel comfortable having them in their homes providing care for elderly or children,” she said.

Still, compared to other countries, China is keen on humanoids

The more viable commercial path will more likely be through industrial and logistics settings, Sacks said. But many factories in China and elsewhere already are equipped with non-humanoid robotic arms that perform repetitive single functions and may not need many humanoid robots.

In Japan and in the U.S., humanoid robot startups are also struggling to find buyers in industrial and other work settings.

Yet over the past year, real-world deployment of humanoid robots in China has accelerated.

Chinese people are relatively “used to this rapid change in terms of technology,” said Ye Tian, an ex-Apple engineer and founder and CEO of the Chinese startup RoboScience, which focuses on developing the systems behind AI-powered robots.

As the technology matures, humanoids could perform heavy-lifting and mundane tasks in warehouses, factories and ports, said Lian Jye Su, with the technology research group Omdia.

Humanoid robots also can fill in gaps where work is dangerous or repetitive, Matrix’s Zhang said. There’s also a “very large household market” for handling chores in hundreds of millions of homes in China, he believes.

In Beijing, freelance social media content creator Yang Ning recently tried out a cleaning service with a helper robot with mechanical arms and hands. It can do simple tasks like organizing shoes, folding clothes and changing garbage bags, but it’s accompanied by a human cleaner.

Watching the robot sort shoes at her doorway was “amazing,” she said. Still, she thought the helper robot was not that efficient and was “a bit too big and difficult to move around in a small house.”

China leads the global humanoid robots market

Last year, Chinese humanoid robots accounted for around 85% globally, according to a recent research report by Barclays.

Startups in China have the advantage of massive state support, in line with the ruling Communist Party’s 2026-2030 five-year plan targeting the frontiers of technology, including advancements of humanoid robots.

Of the more than 13,000 humanoid robots shipped in 2025, AGIBOT and Unitree, two of China’s leading robotics companies, each shipped over 5,000, while U.S. rivals like Figure AI and Tesla each shipped a few hundred or less, according to Omdia.

Morgan Stanley expects China’s humanoid sales to more than double this year to around 28,000 units. Omdia forecasts that annual shipments of advanced robots could surpass 1 million units by the early 2030s.

Some robot makers say they are already profitable. Unitree said it made 1.7 billion yuan (around $250 million) in revenue last year, with a profit of over 278 million yuan ($41 million).

Robot makers argue that as production of humanoid robots increases, costs will drop. Using more locally made parts also helped make Chinese robots 20% or more cheaper than foreign models on average, Morgan Stanley said. It estimates the average price could fall to about $21,000 by 2050, from $46,000 last year.

Some humanoid robots in China were priced at below $6,000.

Even so, cost remains an obstacle

A report by the Mercator Institute for China Studies said while China’s humanoids are already cheaper than those made elsewhere, they are still “far too expensive for widespread deployment.”

Another challenge for manufacturers is to accumulate enough good data to train more robots.

Wang Xiaogang, co-founder of the Chinese AI software company SenseTime and chairman of ACE Robotics, said his company is collecting a lot of human-centric data from factories, retailing and offices settings that could guide advanced robots to perform complicated functions.

For humanoid robots to learn more than single tasks, data from a wide variety of scenarios in public and private settings with a reasonable level of difficulty is needed, said Eric Guo, founder and CEO of Shenzhen-based AI² Robotics. But that could take years to massively scale up.

“The mass production capability in (the) robotic area is still at the very early stage,” Guo said.

___

Associated Press video journalists Olivia Zhang and Wu Jia in Beijing contributed to this report.

Latest weather maps show temperatures are expected to drop well below the seasonal average

Parts of Scotland could drop to just 2C, as temperatures across the UK plummet.

While forecasters from the Met Office and MeteoGroup – which provides data to BBC Weather – said Brits face an increased chance of heatwaves this summer, next week Scotland could experience an early summer freeze.

Although warm conditions shouldn’t be too far away, the ECMWF weather model suggests a cold spell is on the cards next week, starting on Tuesday. Minimum possible temperature maps show every inch of the UK – all 92 counties – could see temperatures below 10C at around 6am, reports the Mirror.

Predictably, the coldest conditions on Tuesday are expected in northern Scotland, where 4C is on the cards in the morning – but even in the south-east of England, where temperatures tend to be warmest, the mercury could struggle to surpass 8-9C.

ECMWF model data for Wednesday morning shows a similar picture, this time with temperatures dropping to 2C in Scotland.

For Northern Ireland, northern England, central England and Wales, the mercury could reach just 6-8C. The data does however show minimum temperatures hitting double digits (just 10C) in the south-east of England on Wednesday morning.

On Thursday morning, northern Scotland might see highs of just 1C.

The maps for Thursday do however show slight improvements in southern England, particularly in the south-west where minimum temperatures at 6am are shown as reaching 10-11C.

Temperature anomaly maps for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week show the whole country shaded in blue. This indicates where temperatures are expected to drop well below the seasonal average.

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Met Office’s latest weather forecast

The Met Office forecast also shows a grim picture heading into next week. It predicts “often breezy” conditions and below-average temperatures for the start of the week, with long spells of rain possible too.

The Met Office forecast for June 9 to 19 states: “Changeable early in this period with Atlantic frontal systems moving across the UK. These will bring showers or longer spells of rain at times, with wettest conditions in the northwest, drier in the southeast. Strong winds may affect parts of the UK at times, especially the northwest.

“Later in the period, higher pressure and more settled conditions may begin to become more prevalent, especially in the south. There will probably still be some wet interludes though.

“Temperatures are likely to be near to or a little above normal overall.”

Anthony Head and his longtime partner Sarah Fisher were introduced to each other in the early 80’s backstage at the National Theatre – they met and stayed together until their deaths

Actor Anthony Head, best known for his roles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso, has died at the age of 72. It comes months after the death of his partner, Sarah Fisher.

Anthony Head, who died of “complications due to pneumonia” on Friday, and his longtime partner Sarah Fisher died suddenly on January 1 at age 61, the couple’s daughters, Emily and Daisy, confirmed in a Facebook post at the time.

“We are so sorry to have to share the news that our extraordinary, kind and talented mother, Sarah, passed away recently,” Emily and Daisy wrote in their Facebook statement, adding that the passing was “immensely shocking to us all” as it “came with very little warning.”

“No words could ever express all that she encompassed, or begin to describe the crater her absence has left.”

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Here’s everything to know about Anthony Head’s wife and kids.

They met backstage at a show

The couple was introduced to each other in the early 80’s backstage at the National Theatre, where Head was performing in a run of “Danton’s Death.”

“I was doing a play called Danton’s Death and for the last entrance I had to come on as a soldier taking traitors to the guillotine,” he recalled to Hello! Magazine in 2001, per People. “I’d wait in a corridor at the back with my musket and one day this beautiful lady walked past carrying a pint of beer for some guy front of house.”

Head continued, “I got there earlier and earlier in the hope I’d see her again. Eventually, we’d sit and chat before I’d have to go on for a beheading.”

Head told The Mirror in January 2012 that they never actually married. “I’ve asked her to marry me several times, but she’s not interested,” he said.

Fisher was an animal welfare advocate

Prior to her death, Fisher lived with Head in Bath, England, where the animal rights advocate ran Tilley Farm — a sanctuary for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys.

While she and Head were together from 1982 until her death, Head revealed in 2018 that Fisher simply had no desire to get married.

“She just isn’t interested [in getting married]. She says f–k off and then runs off to throw up,” he joked to the Daily Telegraph.

Still, he considered himself to be “married” and added, “I just can’t imagine my life without Sarah. And I definitely wouldn’t want to.”

They had two children together

Head and Fisher welcomed two daughters, Emily and Daisy. As they grew up, Emily and Daisy often stepped out with their parents for public events, including award shows and red carpets.

Daisy and Emily both followed in their father’s footsteps and became actresses.

Fisher died in December 2025

Fisher sadly died in December 2025, her daughters announced on Facebook.

“It is immensely shocking to us all, and came with very little warning,” the post read. “No words could ever express all that she encompassed, or begin to describe the crater her absence has left.

The post continued, “We know how profoundly she has impacted the lives of so many, and we couldn’t be more proud of the legacy she is leaving behind.”

Head then passed away in 1999.

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The broadcaster is fronting a new documentary about the condition, which is the UK’s biggest killer

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Jon Snow, who read the news on Channel 4 for over 30 years, has revealed he is living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Snow, 79, hosted Channel 4 News from 1989-2021 and was diagnosed with dementia in 2023, but has only now chosen to speak publicly.

Jon, who is supporting the Alzheimer’s Society, has decided to open up about his diagnosis to raise awareness of the condition, which affects around a million people in the UK.

His life with the condition will feature in a new documentary produced by Basement Films, Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, which will air on Channel 4 on Saturday, June 20.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Jon shared that following his retirement in 2021, he sank into a deep depression. He had became withdrawn and lost interest in things he once loved, reports the Daily Star.

Jon also worried that friends were no longer contacting him – “Nobody ever rings,” he said, “I’m forgotten.” In reality, he had forgotten about the calls.

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Despite being reluctant to see a doctor, insisting there was nothing wrong, a cognitive assessment and brain scan revealed that Jon had Alzheimer’s disease.

Jon still questions the diagnosis, saying: “I mean sometimes I doubt whether I’ve really got it. I don’t know if it’s widespread knowledge. I don’t feel disabled in any way,” wondering if his behaviour is simply normal for his age.

His wife Precious said: “Friends kept asking me if Jon was alright and I would have to lie and say he’s fine, but I knew he wasn’t.”

The Alzheimer’s Society says it is a common misconception to question whether dementia is a normal part of ageing.

While people often forget things more as they get older, dementia is caused by diseases of the brain and its symptoms can include problems with planning and decision-making, language, and sometimes changes in mood or behaviour.

In the film, Jon says: “At the beginning I wanted to hide it, there’s so much prejudice. Any sort of hint of mental decay, you’re sort of dead.

“There are moments when it pops up but it’s not an all day every day condition, and that’s what I cling onto.”

Michelle Dyson, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Jon’s decision to talk publicly about his dementia diagnosis is a real act of courage and his story will resonate with so many.

“His support for Alzheimer’s Society will help spark a national conversation about dementia that we so desperately need. Despite being the UK’s biggest killer, dementia is still not treated with the same urgency as other major health conditions like cancer.

“Alongside his wife Precious, Jon is shining a light on the need for faster, fairer access to diagnosis. An early diagnosis can unlock vital support, help families plan ahead and potentially open the door to participation in clinical trials.

“Yet too many people across the country are still waiting far too long for a diagnosis.

“We look forward to working with Jon, whose long-standing commitment to speaking out against injustice will help ensure the harsh realities of dementia cannot be ignored by the UK Government and the NHS.

“I would encourage anyone needing help or information to call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk.”

Here is what you can expect over the next few days

The weather throughout Northern Ireland is set to remain “changeable” this weekend, the Met Office has forecast.

Friday saw some brighter conditions and fewer showers compared to much of the week before, with conditions often feeling cool, particularly in the wind.

The weather forecaster has advised that over the weekend of June 6-7, conditions will turn wetter and windier across much of the UK. It is expected there will be “a spell of rain and strengthening winds moving northeastwards”, while “winds will also strengthen, especially along coasts and in the west, with some locally gusty conditions possible.”

In Northern Ireland, it’s expected that rain will “become light and patchy” during Saturday morning. It will become dry and bright over western counties in the afternoon, then across the east in the evening. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 17C.

On Sunday, “outbreaks of heavy rain will move northeast” before “bright or sunny spells and showers” take hold for the beginning of next week. Temperatures on June 7 are expected to reach 18C.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Chris Bulmer, said: “Over the next few days we’ll continue to see a fairly changeable picture, with a mix of sunshine and showers for many.

“Into the weekend, a more organised area of rain and stronger winds will move across the UK, although this system is likely to weaken as it does so.

“While some heavier rain and gusty conditions are possible at times, the overall picture remains one of changeable weather, with further spells of rain or showers interspersed with some drier and brighter periods.”

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

Army veterans from the Green Howards and Royal Yorkshire Regiments will take on the Middlesbrough Over 40’s team in a game that forms part of the museum’s “Battle Bowlers and Football Boots” exhibition.

The exhibition highlights the Green Howards’ historic ties to professional football and the role the sport has played in regimental life.

The Stan Hollis Memorial Cup will be played at The Dormans Club in Middlesbrough on Saturday, June 20.

The charity family fun day will run from 10am to 6pm.

It will feature food stalls, live music, and a range of entertainment including karaoke, a comedian, and children’s activities.

Military supporters and football fans alike can enjoy the Royal Yorkshire Regiment’s weapon and equipment display, or explore the Green Howards Museum stand.

Funds raised will support three charities: the Green Howards Museum, the Royal Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust, and Unique, the Middlesbrough Over 40s’ chosen charity.

Unique supports rare chromosome disorders. Kick-off is at 10.30am and entry is free.

The Green Howards Museum in Richmond is open Monday to Saturday.

Celebrity Gogglebox returned to Channel 4 on Friday (June 5) for a brand new series but just minutes in, some viewers were left fuming at the new lineup

Disgruntled Celebrity Gogglebox viewers were left complaining just minutes into the new series.

The Channel 4 spin-off returned to screens on Friday (June 5) for a brand new run, welcoming back popular favourites such as Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness, Nick Grimshaw and niece Liv, and Denise Van Outen and Johnny Vaughan.

There are several new faces joining the new series too, including Olivia Attwood and her mum Jennifer, Harry and Matt aka Nitro and Legend from Gladiators.

Rounding off the line-up are Strictly star George Clarke and content creator Max Balegde, alongside comedian and actor Julian Clary and actor and television presenter Nigel Havers.

However, just minutes in and viewers were left dissatisfied, with many baffled by the identities of the celebrities on screen. On X, one person said: “God am I old? Watching Celebrity Gogglebox and don’t know half of the celebrities on it.”, reports the Mirror.

Someone else added: “I’m so out of touch. Who are most of these ‘celebrities?’” A third chimed in: “Don’t know half of these celebrities.” Another penned: “Can they put names and occupation for some of them, because who tf are some of these people?”

A fifth said: “F*** watching #CelebrityGogglebox whole minutes we lasted!! Series link removed.” A sixth penned: “Bloody hell, this is extremely irritating with all these so-called celebs all trying too hard to be funny.”

Another fumed: “Switched over. Can’t bear this anymore.” Someone else declared: “Needs renaming- unfunny non-celeb Z-list hasbeens.” Meanwhile, discussing her appearance on Celebrity Gogglebox, Olivia Attwood said it “was chaotic but in the best possible way”. She explained: “It’s not often that we agree on things which I think the viewers may find entertaining. My family are huge fans of the show so it’s a real honour to be a part of such an iconic British programme.”

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Strictly 2025 finalist George Clarke also said: “I loved it, mainly because it gave me a full excuse to take the mick out of Max on national TV.

“He reacts to everything, so you’re never bored. It’s so easy to get into as well, you just sit there, say exactly what you’re thinking, and before you know it, we’ve gone completely off track!”

Coronation Street legend Nigel Havers also shared: “It’s a dream come true working with Julian on Gogglebox. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening… (Julian wrote this).”

Celebrity Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.