The former flanker has 33 caps for Wales and spent his entire career at Cardiff Rugby, but now he is working as a DJ in stadiums he used to play in
Josh Navidi has swapped the scrum for the decks after spending almost a decade as a rugby star for Wales.
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The former flanker and number eight briefly captained his country in 2019 and also played at the Rugby World Cup that year. The Bridgend-born star spent his entire career at Cardiff, making 184 appearances and scoring 105 points.
Internationally, Navidi also appeared for the British and Irish Lions and scored five points in total for Wales. Following a serious neck injury in 2023, the Welshman retired with three Six Nations titles under his belt.
Three years on, Navidi is showing out in a new job as he was spotted working as a DJ at a rugby cup final in Leicester.
The 35-year-old was caught on camera spinning the decks before Leicester Tigers’ triumphant Premiership Cup win over the Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.
Many would assume that Navidi would take the leap into punditry like many ex-rugby stars, but he has instead chosen to take a dip into the music industry. He was spotted on TNT Sports DJing both the pre-match and half-time show as Leicester beat Exeter 66-14.
Navidi had also been seen on the DJ decks as Wales took a 31-17 win over Italy in the Six Nations. Fans were stunned by the ex-flanker’s new job as they took to social media.
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One said: “Josh Navidi on the decks? That’s a sight! Bet his mixing skills are as solid as his tackling.
“Let’s see if he can drop a beat better than some teams drop their lineouts. Hope he brings the same energy as he did in the back row!”
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Another questioned his wages as they said: “He did half time at the Wales game yesterday. I’d like to know how much he got paid for sticking a few dance records on?”
A third wasn’t too keen on the half-time show as they added: “Lovely bloke. But something literally no rugby fan needs. Half time is for talking about rugby with a beer not DJ’s.”
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Navidi also works as the director of Cute Club, a car dealership close to Cardiff in Llantwit Major.
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Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Scottish Child Payment forms part of the best cost-of-living support package in the UK.”
The families of 19,395 children across South Lanarkshire are benefiting from Scottish Child Payment (as of 31 December 2025), a payment only available in Scotland and already proven to help reduce child poverty.
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Scottish Child Payment provides families with £27.15 a week, rising to £28.20 from April 2026, for every eligible child under 16. It can help with buying essentials such as food and clothing as well as activities to support children’s health and wellbeing.
And more help is on the way. An increase to Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week for children under one will be introduced during 2027/28. This boost is estimated to benefit around 12,000 children across Scotland and could be worth an extra £500 a year for each eligible child.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Scottish Child Payment forms part of the best cost-of-living support package in the UK. It has helped ease the pressure on thousands of family budgets and is playing a key role in ensuring Scotland is the only part of the UK to see relative poverty rates fall.
“Scottish Child Payment, and our other family payments, could be worth around £25,000 by a child’s 16th birthday — compared with less than £2,000 in England and Wales, where support ends at age four.
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“Our package of family support demonstrates the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to eradicating child poverty and providing children in Scotland with the best start in life.”
Campaigner and mum of two girls, Angie Bird, comments on her own experience receiving Scottish Child Payment. She added: “As a single parent, Scottish Child Payment is making a real difference to my family. It means I can afford opportunities that would otherwise be a struggle to pay for, like gymnastics for my youngest, and the local water sports for my eldest daughter. The skills my children are gaining from these activities are helping to broaden their horizons beyond our day-to-day life to give them the chance they deserve.
“What I value most is that the financial support gives families like mine the opportunity to choose what will benefit our children, rather than being limited to a set list of services — it’s a boost that helps us remove financial obstacles to make our lives better.”
The funny exchange came after a moment between Sione Tuipulotu and Princess Anne went viral on social media
Mike Tindall was involved in an awkward exchange on his popular rugby podcast when he had to explain that the royal being discussed was in fact his own mother-in-law.
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The former England star was chatting on the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, which he co-hosts alongside James Haskell and presenter Alex Payne.
Referring to the interaction between Tuipulotu and the Princess Royal, Kayser asked: “I don’t even know… who is she exactly? Is it a princess?”
Tindall quickly replied, with a laugh: “My mother-in-law.”
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He then clarified her official title, The Princess Royal, prompting Kayser to respond jokingly: “Is it your mother-in-law?! I just don’t want to get it wrong!”
The hosts burst out laughing before teasing the former France international that he should make sure to greet her properly next time, joking he should “give her a hug”.
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The exchange followed the widely-shared moment involving Anne and Tuipulotu during the Six Nations Championship earlier this month.
Anne, who has been patron of the Scottish Rugby Union for decades, presented the Auld Alliance Trophy after Scotland’s victory over France.
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When Tuipulotu approached her, the pair briefly opened their arms as if going in for a hug before laughing and opting instead for a handshake – a light-hearted reference to a previous awkward moment.
That earlier encounter came when the Scotland captain appeared to lean in for a celebratory embrace following a win over England, only for Anne to step back slightly and place a hand on his shoulder instead, sticking to royal protocol.
Members of the Royal Family typically avoid hugging members of the public during official engagements, meaning the moment became a light-hearted talking point among rugby fans and royal watchers alike.
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Anne has long been known as one of the most sport-loving members of the Royal Family and is a regular presence at rugby matches, particularly Scotland games.
Her connection to the sport stretches back almost three decades after she became patron of Scottish rugby, something she once revealed happened by chance.
Speaking previously on the same podcast hosted by her son-in-law, she explained she was first invited to Murrayfield at short notice to open a new stand before later being asked to take on the patron role permanently.
Since then she has remained a passionate supporter of the game and is regularly seen attending matches and meeting players after big fixtures.
Clair Strevens was just 13 years old when the man who employed her mum raped her at his home
Amy Reast, South West News Service
13:33, 16 Mar 2026Updated 13:39, 16 Mar 2026
It haunted her for years, throughout her teenage years and early adulthood, until Clair finally reported what happened to her in the home of her mother’s boss with his hideous brown leather sofa.
Clair Strevens was just 13 years old when her mother’s boss offered her some pocket money for coming to his home to help him with his receipts and other admin.
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Her mother was a private cleaner for Paul Abraham at several of his properties and money was tight for the single mum and her daughter in Cyncoed, Cardiff, so she jumped at the chance. She saw Paul as a family friend she had known since she was seven years old.
She was horrified when he attempted to kiss her but agreed to go back the following week – because she and her mum needed the money. But this time he raped her.
Growing up, Clair, now 46, was traumatised by what she went through, and experienced eating disorders, depression, substance abuse and self harm.
But she never told anyone as she claimed Abraham, who is now 69 years old, had implied harm could come to her family if she did.
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It wasn’t until 28 years later that Clair finally filed a report with police after a traumatic breakdown, and spoke out in November 2019.
Abraham, of Lansdowne Road in Canton, Cardiff, pleaded not guilty to charges of buggery, rape and four counts of indecent assault – and was found guilty of rape and one count of indecent assault in relation to Clair after a trial in August 2022 at Cardiff Crown Court.
He will be eligible for parole after 12 years and Clair has finally got “freedom” after so many years of quietly suffering.
Clair, who now works as a cleaner herself, said: “If I were to smell his cologne again now, I would instantly go back to that moment in time.
“I remember crying out for him to stop, it was horrific. As a teen it caused me to have a lot of dark thoughts and low self-worth, I was reckless.
“But I didn’t want my family knowing why, because at that age I saw myself to blame. I moved away from Cardiff and it wasn’t until decades on that another incident opened Pandora’s box, and I had a breakdown before finally reporting him.
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“I knew he’d plead not guilty and it would go all the way to trial – I felt like I needed to see him in court, look him in the eye, and show him I’m not afraid any more.
“When the judge gave the sentence, I was blown away. The gravity of it all hit me. Just the biggest sense of relief.”
Clair remembers Paul as driving a MG MGF, styling slicked-back hair, jeans with a tight belt and wearing Christian Dior Fahrenheit aftershave.
So she jumped at the chance to help wealthy Paul for some extra cash. She said: “I needed to get his receipts, and take down the details for him – it just seemed like easy money.”
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She was taken to Paul’s house in mid-February 1991 for the first time, when his wife was out.
She said: “We were sat on this hideous typical 80s leather sofa. He said ‘I think you owe me a Valentine’s Day kiss, don’t you?’”
He leant over to try and kiss me, and I was petrified.
“I ran to the toilet, and when I came back out, he told me it was time to go home, and nothing more was said about it.”
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She went back a week later – desperate for money to help her mum.
Clair said: “That was when the rape happened. I remember crying out for him to stop, and this horrific pain.
“But he said if I told my mum, my family would be distraught, and he indicated that my mum would lose her job if I said something.
“He said he had dangerous connections to ‘villains’, to make me think that if I revealed anything that happened to anyone, they could harm my family.”
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So Clair vowed never to tell a soul – although the abuse she experienced affected her throughout her teenage years and into adulthood.
She moved out of her home at just 14 and suffered with “dark thoughts” and periods of depression, self harm and eating disorders.
She said: “I was referred to a psychologist, and I remember thinking, ‘there’s no way I’m sharing anything about that’.”
She moved away from Cardiff aged 18 and studied Early Childhood Studies in Derbyshire, then spent two decades moving around various areas of Pembrokeshire.
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Clair dated, but could never maintain a healthy, lasting relationship because of what she had experienced.
She said: “Relationships were always difficult for me. I could never appreciate what love was.
“It led to me being throwaway with other people’s emotions, because I felt unloveable.”
Aged 40, she moved back to Cardiff to work with vulnerable young adults that become pray for county lines gangs, and this became a catalyst for her finally reporting the rape – some 28 years on.
She said: “I learned there are a lot of similarities between the identities of people who are susceptible to county lines gangs, and those who are sexual abuse victims.
“They are often people from broken homes, without positive role models. I identified with that. They emphasised the weight of reporting.
“At the end of the session, I asked, ‘if someone were looking to report something from years ago, how would they go about it?’.”
From there, Clair was put in touch with a team where she shared her rape out loud with authorities for the first time in her life. It transpired there was a second victim a year older than Clair.
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Evidence the two women provided which supported each other’s accounts was enough for Paul to be charged with buggery, rape and four counts of indecent assault, in relation to Clair.
It went to trial at Cardiff Crown Court in August 2022 after Paul pleaded not guilty.
Clair said: “I faced him in court, stood in the box, looked him in the eye and showed him I wasn’t not afraid of him any more. I wanted him to know I wasn’t bothered. I felt empowered.”
Clair got a phone call confirming the verdict and described feeling “absolutely elated” and “the biggest sense of relief”.
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She said: “When the judge gave the sentence, it had a huge impact. It showed the seriousness of the offence.”
As the years have passed since the sentencing, Clair’s life has improved and “flourished”.
Clair said: “Survivors don’t have to be tying themselves up with the guilt and shame.
“This thing I’d lived with my whole life, I feared coming forward as I didn’t expect to be believed.
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“It is possible to get a conviction, and that brings a sense of freedom.”
Britain’s illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree is set to be transformed into a public artwork – and citizens are being invited to have their say
People across the UK are being invited to help decide how the story of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree will live on, after six artists were shortlisted to create a major public artwork from its wood.
The poll, launched by the National Trust, asks the public to vote for their favourite proposal, which will make up 30% of the final decision, with the remaining 70% determined by a judging panel that includes artists, curators and experts in nature connection. The winning artist will use wood saved from the tree to create a lasting tribute, with the final work to be completed by 2028.
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The tree, which stood beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, was illegally felled in September 2023. The act sparked widespread sadness and outrage, with many people sharing personal memories of visiting the site – one of the most photographed trees in the country. Now, organisers hope the next chapter of the tree’s story can be shaped collectively.
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“Over the past two years, we’ve heard extraordinary stories about what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to people,” said Annie Reilly, public engagement director at the National Trust and chair of the judging panel. “From moments of celebration and milestones to quiet memories of loss, connection and reflection. It became more than a tree; it became part of the emotional landscape of the nation.”
After being carefully stored and allowed to season over the last 28 months, the wood is now ready for artists to work with.
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“We always wanted to make sure that the tree had an extraordinary legacy,” continues Reilly. “This vote is now the opportunity for the public to help shape the on-going story. Each of the six proposals honours the tree in a different way, and we want people to choose the idea that captures what the Sycamore Gap tree meant to them.”
Six artists and creative teams from across the UK have been shortlisted, each proposing a different way of commemorating the tree. Ideas range from sculptural installations made from the original timber to nationwide participatory projects involving storytelling, symbolic carved “seeds” and community gatherings.
The shortlisted artists are Alex Hartley and Tom James; Helix Arts with George King Architects; Mary Dalton; non zero one; Sam Williams Studio; and Trigger.
Among the judging panel is Professor Miles Richardson, who says the project highlights the emotional bonds people form with nature.
This project is built on the belief that something hopeful and unifying can come from such a painful loss
“When symbols like the Sycamore Gap tree are lost, it reminds us of the deep emotional bonds we can form with the living world,” he said. “This commission is about more than an artwork – it’s an invitation to renew our relationship with nature, to notice and celebrate it every day, and to take action to protect the natural world. The public’s involvement is vital because this connection belongs to everyone.”
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The commission also follows other initiatives designed to extend the tree’s legacy. Forty-nine saplings grown from its seeds have already been planted around the UK through the Trees of Hope project, while the main section of the trunk is now displayed at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
Sarah Munro, creative director of the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and a member of the judging panel, said the commission reflects the wide affection people felt for the tree.
“Sycamore Gap has long been a symbol of connection – between people, place and memory,” she said. “The shortlisted artists bring exceptional imagination, sensitivity and skill. Each offers a unique way of honouring the tree’s loss while celebrating its enduring place in our shared cultural memory.”
Organisers hope the public vote will help turn a moment of loss into something hopeful.
“This project is built on the belief that something hopeful and unifying can come from such a painful loss,” said Reilly. “We hope as many people as possible will take part, explore the proposals, and help shape the future story of the tree.”
Voting is open until 28 March, with the winning proposal due to be announced later this spring.
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Main image: John Millar
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Manchester United have no plans to reverse their decision to release veteran midfielder Casemiro at the end of the season.
The Brazilian, 34, announced in January that he would leave the club when his £350,000-a-week contract expires.
Despite his strong performances this season, United concluded they would not offer a new deal to the former Real Madrid midfielder, who will be available on a free transfer.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously voiced incredulity about Casemiro’s £18.2m annual salary, and the 73-year-old has vowed to drive down costs.
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That was thought to be behind the decision not to trigger the option on Casemiro’s contract, with United wanting to make the decision early to allow them to continue with their long-term squad overhaul.
Casemiro asked for the news to be made public in order to avoid any confusion towards the end of the season.
However, since then, Casemiro has turned in a series of excellent performances.
He opened the scoring against Aston Villa on Sunday with his seventh goal of the season, six of which have been headers.
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The midfielder celebrated in front of the Stretford End by pointing repeatedly to the club badge on his shirt.
Supporters sang “One more year, Casemiro” in response, and repeated it after the final whistle as the player headed for the tunnel.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Leny Yoro both said after the game they hoped Casemiro would remain at the club.
However, sources have told BBC Sport that the club have no plans to reassess their decision.
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Interim head coach Michael Carrick has also suggested there will be no U-turn on Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford.
“When something is decided it makes it a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation,” said Carrick.
“The impact he’s had has been terrific, through his influence within the team and with big moments and goals.
“There was a nice moment at the end with the supporters. He’ll enjoy that one.”
Spooked Kent University students speaking to the Daily Mirror have said they are seeing people fleeing for home after collecting antibiotics in the wake of the meningitis outbreak
13:13, 16 Mar 2026Updated 13:17, 16 Mar 2026
Terrified students at Kent University are queuing for lifesaving antibiotics and then immediately getting on buses to head home.
Many are so scared of catching meningitis that they are leaving to return immediately to their families across the UK. Some have been seen waiting for buses with their packed suitcases. Ethan Norris, 24, from Canterbury who works in the housekeeping department at Tyler Court and partner Nancy O’Sullivan, 23, from Hornchurch, Essex, a primary school teacher, queued for their pills.
Nancy said: “I’m seeing social media videos of people being picked up in the middle of the night to get out of here. I’ve seen students with suitcases getting on buses now.”
“They are getting their anti biotics and leaving. Exams have been cancelled. What we’ve seen is a load of university students packing up their stuff, there’s panic because this has appeared so suddenly. Students are too scared to be on campus. You don’t know how far it has spread already. It’s terrifying.”
Ethan added: “I’ve seen a student taken out of the one of the blocks on a stretcher. We queued for over an hour and 40 minutes for an antibiotics pill. We’ve heard that two have people have passed away so it’s just something we needed to do. It’s scary.”
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had been notified of 13 cases with signs and symptoms of meningitis from Friday to Sunday in the Canterbury area of Kent. Some students at the University of Kent have been given antibiotics while others are in hospital. The specific strain of meningitis has not yet been identified.
Thomas Ibbotson, a third year studying Business and Spanish, says students have been told that the outbreak started at a Fresher’s event, which was also attended by local sixth formers. Others have spoken of the fear for their friends who are in hospital.
Thomas said: “I got told the people most exposed are freshers who were out on this night out. They started at a house party and then went on to Club Chemistry later in the evening. In all of the emails to us, the University has been saying that if you had been to Club Chemistry on Friday or Saturday, that is where you would be most at risk.
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“The freshers then came back into the accommodation where it has spread. I’m not in the block that has been affected, but I live around Tyler Court where there has been a case in one block so it’s very worrying.
“I’m going home so I want to be extra safe and I’d rather get the antibiotics, that’s why I’m queueing up here. But I really don’t know if the university is doing this in the most efficient way, given the queue time is 40 minutes right now. They put a letter underneath our flat door saying if you spend time in the affected areas or had friends who lived in the affected blocks, you would need to come to the Senate to pick up antibiotics.”
Daisy Gower, a third year student studying psychology, says she was told to get the antibiotics by the university.
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“I’ve just been informed that I might have been in close contact with someone who’s affected in my dance class. So we’re just here to get the antibiotic just in case. It’s really quite a concerning situation. It has caused a lot of panic here but hopefully everyone here taking the antibiotic will prevent it from spreading.”
Student Ben Segneri has spoken of his fear he has caught it after displaying symptoms this morning.
He said: “I woke up this morning with some cold symptoms, a headache and some muscle pains. It really could be anything around this time of year but I want to make sure I am protected just in case so I will be taking the antibiotic.
“I heard about the outbreak about a day before everyone else because I know someone who works at the hospital so we were warned about the cases in advance. We were just wauiting for the university to announce it and they ended up doing last night. Every single soceity and any space to socialise has been shut. People seem very very stressed about it.”
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A spokeswoman for the UKHSA said: “We can confirm that UKHSA has worked with the University of Kent to provide advice letters to all 16,000 students, advising on recent cases, signs and symptoms, how to obtain antibiotics, and what to do if they feel unwell.”
Not all 16,000 students at the university will be given antibiotics, only those who are regarded as “close contacts” of those affected, such as living in the same accommodation block.
Helen Whately, the Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, told PA she was expecting to be briefed on Monday about the situation. “I’ve been in contact with the Health Secretary and I’m expecting to hear from the UKHSA this morning,” she said.
“I’m trying to get information about what is being done locally to trace contacts and identify which students and school pupils are at risk.
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“Also I want schools to be given briefings on what steps they should take and the advice to give to parents.” The UKHSA said on Sunday specialists are interviewing affected individuals and their families to “help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread”.
North Yorkshire Council cancelled the licence for Lewiatian, in Sackville Street, Skipton, following a day-long hearing.
The council’s three-councillor statutory licensing sub-committee met on Friday at the Civic Centre, in Harrogate, to review the store’s premises licence.
Members of the panel heard how the shop was being investigated for a number of alleged offences by North Yorkshire Police’s licensing team and the council’s trading standards department.
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The committee was also told there was a coroner’s inquest due to take place following a death connected with the premises, although no further details were revealed.
The owner of the shop, Saheb Sadeqhi, did not attend the hearing due to illness, but was represented by his solicitor.
The press and public were excluded from the majority of the hearing due to evidence being presented on ongoing investigations.
The hearing took place just two days after a worker from the store appeared before Skipton Magistrates’ Court.
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The staff member, Milad Karimi, 26, of North Street, Keighley, was fined £200 after he pleaded guilty to knowingly selling alcohol to someone who was drunk and selling alcohol to someone who is under 18.
Both offences took place in July 2025.
In 2024, the store was prosecuted for selling illegal vapes, while in 2022 it was fined for selling fake tobacco and falsely labelled vodka.
North Yorkshire Council declined to comment on the case due to the ongoing investigations.
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The members of the panel were councillors Tim Grogan, Kevin Foster and Andrew Lee.
After the hearing, Mr Sadeqhi told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he planned to appeal the decision.
Launched back in 2017 on the BBC, Richard Osman’s House of Games saw four celebrities playing in a series of games on five consecutive days to win daily prizes.
But after almost a decade, Richard confirmed that he is going to record one final week of House of Games, which is airing its ninth series, before handing the reins over to a new presenter.
“I am leaving House of Games. It will no longer be Richard Osman’s House of Games. It will be somebody else’s House of Games. I gladly hand over the keys. I just wanted to go on record saying how much I love it and loved it,” he shared in a statement.
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Richard added: “It has been such a great pleasure, and honour, to present House of Games for the last nine years, with the absolute best team in television. But it’s time to let someone else have a go, and I’m very excited to hand over the House keys to the lucky new host!”
Now, the new host has been revealed as Michael Sheen. It marks the multi-award-winning actor’s debut as quiz show host, and it’s been confirmed that he will preside over the recording of 100 episodes that will be broadcast later this year.
Michael said in a statement as the news was announced on Monday (March 16): “Quite literally very large shoes to fill but as a huge fan of the show I’m incredibly excited to be able to move into the House and at long last see my silhouette on a fondue set.”
Tamara Gilder, Joint MD for Remarkable Entertainment, also commented: “We are thrilled to be handing Michael Sheen the keys to House of Games. The show has always been a love letter to those who adore quizzes – and we have a new host who loves them as much as we do. We can’t wait to start filming.”
Caroline O’Neill, BBC Commissioning Executive, added: “We’re delighted to have Michael Sheen stepping into the House of Games. His charisma and passion for playfulness will be a joy for audiences and we’ve no doubt he’ll relish throwing himself into a fiercely fought Answer Smash. We can’t wait to share this next era of the show with viewers at home.”
The plans by Downing College will see a city centre site next to Parker’s Piece redeveloped into 26 student rooms with restaurant space
Claire Elliott and Cambridgeshire Live readers
12:16, 16 Mar 2026
CambridgeshireLive readers have heard that demolition has begun on a Cambridge restaurant to make way for new student accommodation and restaurant space. The project, led by Downing College, will redevelop a city centre site next to Parker’s Piece into 26 student rooms with restaurant facilities.
Several buildings at 19-35 Regent Street, including the former Cuba Libre restaurant and bar, are set for partial demolition.
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Downing College Developments Ltd submitted the redevelopment plans, which were approved by Cambridge City Council in September 2024. CMP Architects, who designed the project, described the site as containing poorly maintained buildings that had been altered inconsistently over the years.
The plans include a retail unit on the ground floor, intended to provide a restaurant serving both residents and visitors. Above this, the student accommodation will feature 26 en-suite rooms, reports CambridgeshireLive. A council officer said the development would cause a modest reduction in market housing but would provide much-needed student accommodation.
A spokesperson from Demcom Demolition, which is carrying out the work, said all demolition is being done by hand, with bricks retained for reuse. The team is also completing enabling work inside before scaffolding can be erected.
Commenter Josh A thinks: “We don’t need more of these. What we really need are shops, cafes, pharmacies and the like – far more useful than another block of student accommodation. The solution is simple: if there’s no space, don’t build here and leave the existing buildings alone.”
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Rob H agrees: “If student accommodation is genuinely in such high demand, why can’t they build it on the college campuses instead? It would make sense to use existing university land rather than taking over other parts of the city, which could be put to more practical and community-friendly uses.”
Stayfocused29 replies: “I’d normally be against this, but honestly, everything that has been put into that building ends up closing, and the empty units make the place look really unattractive. It’s frustrating because it could be such a vibrant spot, though the University’s ridiculously high rents may have contributed to the businesses failing in the first place.”
Weneedqueenmeghan believes: “The antiquated university has long outlived its usefulness and really needs to be closed down once and for all. Its outdated structures and outdated practices are holding back progress, and the city could put the space and resources to far better use.”
Rodney A points out: “Everyone going on about it being student accommodation might want to consider what would happen if all the students were taken out of the rental housing market. But by all means, keep repeating your ‘it’s only for students’ line.”
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John W disagrees: “Another part of Cambridge lost forever. More student accommodation? The days when people would rent out a room in their own homes are gone. Oh well, they call it progress, apparently.”
Terry J adds: “The university is completely taking Cambridge for granted for its own selfish gain. How and why have they been allowed to take over our city like this?”
Andrew C says: “It’s remarkable how universities can get planning approval but contribute nothing to the infrastructure they rely on, while adding further strain to already damaged systems.”
Diane B comments: “What a shame. Do we really need even more student accommodation? What about the people who actually work here, not the professors, who can’t afford to live in the city? Our grown-up children, both working in essential services, can’t afford to live in the city they were born in. Then there are complaints about the cars they need to get to work. No, they can’t just cycle or take buses, as the buses don’t start early enough.”
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Lisa G replies: “More student accommodation – why is that not surprising! Why not build something to help the city’s homeless or projects that actually benefit the people who live and work here? Of course, that never happens. It’s all about keeping the university happy, as usual.”
Another part of Cambridge is being transformed into student accommodation while market housing is reduced. Do you think the city should prioritise students over local residents and workers? Have your say in our comments section.