The 2026 Tony Awards, celebrating the best of Broadway plays and musicals from the last year, have been awarded.

Sunday night at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, hundreds of nominees and famous faces assembled to celebrate the 2025-2026 Broadway season. After the first part of the ceremony, The Tony Awards: Act One, revealed a slew of winners in the technical and creative categories, the national broadcast was hosted for the first time by Grammy-winning singer Pink live on CBS with streaming on Paramount+.

Schmigadoon! scored the top prize, winning the coveted Best Musical category, along with Best Original Score, Best Orchestrations, and Best Book of a Musical.

Newly minted Pulitzer Prize winner Liberation won Best Play, while Ragtime won Best Revival of a Musical along with several acting and technical awards for a grand total of four Tonys.

John Lithgow took home the first acting trophy of the evening for his role as Roald Dahl in Giant, setting a new record as the oldest man to win a competitive acting Tony at 80 years old. Laurie Metcalf won for her supporting turn in the Nathan Lane-led revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, which scored several trophies including the coveted Best Revival prize for a total of six Tonys — the most of any individual production.

Broadway fan-favorite Shoshana Bean nabbed her first-ever trophy for her featured role in the new musical The Lost Boys, offering a heartfelt acceptance speech. Moments later, her co-star Ali Louis Bourzgui won for his supporting role as vampire leader David in the adaptation of the 1987 flick.

In addition to featuring performances from nominated musicals, the broadcast included tributes to a handful of Broadway shows celebrating milestone anniversaries, including The Book of Mormon, Chicago, A Chorus Line, and Rent.

Find the full list of 2026 Tony winners below.

Best Musical

The Lost Boys

Schmigadoon! (WINNER)

Titaníque

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Nicholas Christopher — Chess

Luke Evans — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Joshua Henry — Ragtime (WINNER)

Sam Tutty — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Brandon Uranowitz — Ragtime

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Sara Chase — Schmigadoon!

Stephanie Hsu — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Caissie Levy — Ragtime (WINNER)

Marla Mindelle — Titaníque

Christiani Pitts — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Best Revival of a Play

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)

Becky Shaw

Every Brilliant Thing

Fallen Angels

Oedipus

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Christopher Abbott — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Danny Burstein — Marjorie Prime

Brandon J. Dirden — Waiting for Godot

Alden Ehrenreich — Becky Shaw (WINNER)

Ruben Santiago-Hudson — August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

Richard Thomas — The Balusters

Best Revival of a Musical

Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Ragtime (WINNER)

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Rose Byrne — Fallen Angels

Kelli O’Hara — Fallen Angels

Carrie Coon — Bug

Susannah Flood — Liberation

Lesley Manville — Oedipus (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Ali Louis Bourzgui — The Lost Boys (WINNER)

André De Shields — Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Bryce Pinkham — Chess

Ben Levi Ross — Ragtime

Layton Williams — Titaníque

Best Play

The Balusters

Giant

Liberation (WINNER)

Little Bear Ridge Road

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Shoshana Bean — The Lost Boys (WINNER)

Hannah Cruz — Chess

Rachel Dratch — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Ana Gasteyer — Schmigadoon!

Nichelle Lewis — Ragtime

Best Direction of a Play

Nicholas Hytner — Giant

Robert Icke — Oedipus

Kenny Leon — The Balusters

Joe Mantello — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)

Whitney White — Liberation

Best Direction of a Musical

Michael Arden — The Lost Boys

Lear deBessonet — Ragtime

Christopher Gattelli — Schmigadoon!

Tim Jackson — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch — Cats: The Jellicle Ball (WINNER)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Betsy Aidem — Liberation

Marylouise Burke — The Balusters

Aya Cash — Giant

Laurie Metcalf — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)

June Squibb — Marjorie Prime

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Will Harrison — Punch

Nathan Lane — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

John Lithgow — Giant (WINNER)

Daniel Radcliffe — Every Brilliant Thing

Mark Strong — Oedipus

Best Choreography

Christopher Gattelli — Schmigadoon!

Ellenore Scott — Ragtime

Ani Taj — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons — Cats: The Jellicle Ball (WINNER)

Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant — The Lost Boys

Best Scenic Design of a Musical

dots — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Soutra Gilmour — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Rachel Huack — Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Dane Laffrey — The Lost Boys (WINNER)

Scott Pask — Schmigadoon!

Best Scenic Design of a Play

Hildegard Bechtler — Oedipus

Takeshi Kata — Bug

Chloe Lamford — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)

David Korins — Dog Day Afternoon

David Rockwell — Fallen Angels

Best Lighting Design of a Musical

Kevin Adams — Chess

Jane Cox — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Donald Holder — Schmigadoon!

Adam Honoré — Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Adam Honoré and Donald Holder — Ragtime

Jen Schriever and Michael Arden — The Lost Boys (WINNER)

Best Lighting Design of a Play

Isabella Byrd — Dog Day Afternoon

Natasha Chivers — Oedipus

Stacey Derosier — August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

Heather Gilbert — Bug

Heather Gilbert — The Fear of 13

Jack Knowles — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman — Music by Caroline Shaw

August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone — Music by Steve Bargonetti

The Lost Boys — Music & Lyrics by The Rescues

Schmigadoon! — Music & Lyrics by Cinco Paul (WINNER)

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) — Music & Lyrics by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan

Best Sound Design of a Musical

Kai Harada — Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Kai Harada — Ragtime (WINNER)

Adam Fisher — The Lost Boys

Brian Ronan — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Walter Trarbach — Schmigadoon!

Best Sound Design of a Play

Justin Ellington — August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

Tom Gibbons — Oedipus

Lee Kinney — The Fear of 13

Josh Schmidt — Bug

Mikaal Sulaiman — Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (WINNER)

Best Orchestrations

Doug Besterman and Mike Morris — Schmigadoon! (WINNER)

Ethan Popp, Kyler England, Adrianne “AG” Gonzalez and Gabriel Mann — The Lost Boys

Lux Pyramid — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Brian Usifer — Chess

Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Wilson, Trevor Holder and Doug Schadt — Cats: The Jellicle Ball

Best Costume Design of a Musical

Linda Cho — Ragtime

Linda Cho — Schmigadoon!

Qween Jean — Cats: The Jellicle Ball (WINNER)

Ryan Park — The Lost Boys

David I. Reynoso — Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show

Best Costume Design of a Play

Brenda Abbandandolo — Dog Day Afternoon

Qween Jean — Liberation

Jeff Mahshie — Fallen Angels (WINNER)

Emilio Sosa — The Balusters

Paul Tazewell — August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

Best Book of a Musical

David Hornsby and Chris Hoch — The Lost Boys

Cinco Paul — Schmigadoon! (WINNER)

Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and Tye Blue — Titaníque

Jim Barne and Kit Buchan — Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

Special Tony Awards:

Mindanao, which is the second-largest island in the Philippines, was hit by a 7.0 magnitued earthquake this morning

An earthquake in the Philippines has killed at least 12 people and injured 200. The Foreign Office has issued urgent new travel advice this morning after a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao in the Philippines.

Mindanao, which is the country’s second-largest island and the seventh-most populous island in the world, was hit by the quake on Monday, June 8. The tremors were felt in Davao City shortly before 7.40am local time.

A total of 12 people are now reported to have died, with at least 200 injured as a result of the disaster. The earthquake was initially estimated at a magnitude of 8.2, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has since downgraded it to 7.0.

Following the tremor, possible tsunami alerts have been issued for a number of regions, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Palau, Yap, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, and the west coast of the United States, reports The Mirror.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has now warned British nationals who are scheduled to travel to the area. The official update from the FCDO states: “On 8 June 2026, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck southern Mindanao. Aftershocks are expected, and there may be damage to buildings and infrastructure in affected areas. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has issued a tsunami threat and advised residents and visitors in affected coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.

If you are in the affected area:

• Follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services
• Move to higher ground if you are in coastal areas
• Be aware of the risk of aftershocks
• Avoid damaged buildings and infrastructure
• Monitor local media and official sources for updates.

If you are planning to travel to Mindanao:

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

President of the Republic of the Philippines Bongbong Marcos has issued a statement following the earthquake, it reads: “A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao.

“I have directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately. The Office of Civil Defense and the NDRRMC are now coordinating disaster response and monitoring across all affected areas. The DSWD has been directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and operational.

“The DPWH is on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations. I am also ordering the suspension of classes in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. The safety of our children comes first. DepEd will coordinate with local government units on this.

“To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind. The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind. I am in constant communication with our regional offices and local chief executives on the ground. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.”

Up next for the Three Lions is Costa Rica at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, which should include the four late-arriving Arsenal stars, before the squad fly out to their World Cup base in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 13. You can follow all the latest news and updates from across the tournament – including insight and analysis from Dom Smith in the States – with our rolling news live blog below!

“To be targeted in this manner is disappointing.”

Sectarian graffiti was daubed on the gates of a Co Antrim GAA club overnight in an incident being treated as a hate crime by police.

The graffiti appeared at Rasharkin GAA in the early hours of Sunday morning, June 7, and read ‘GSTK’, which is believed to mean ‘God save the King.’ Another piece of writing reads ‘REM1690’, an apparent reference to the Battle of the Boyne.

Posting a statement on social media, Rasharkin GAA expressed its disappointment at the incident. A spokesperson for the club said: “St Mary’s Rasharkin GAC is aware of graffiti sprayed onto the club gates overnight.

“To be targeted in this manner is disappointing. Sectarian graffiti is wrong in any setting and should be condemned. Our club is proud to provide an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds to enjoy Gaelic Games in the village.

“It is particularly disappointing that this incident comes during a weekend where hundreds of our young people have been busy enjoying our games.”

Local Sinn Féin councillor, Leanne Peacock, said the incident was carried out by “faceless thugs,” describing the incident as a “digusting sectarian attack.”

Police confirmed they are treating the incident as a sectarian hate crime. A PSNI spokesperson said: “We are treating this as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information, including CCTV or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact police on the 101 number, quoting reference 613 07/06/2026.”

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

Sear, who is the resident baker on the ITV show, told fans on Instagram that her father had “unexpectedly” passed away.

Sharing a tribute to her dad, the This Morning star said, “Sad news… this week we lost my wonderful dad, George, unexpectedly.

“I can’t believe it. The original BanterSaurusRex.

“Dad was a brilliant engineer and had such a sense of humour, loved music, he was generous and such a character!!

“He’s always been there for us and especially for me.

“By my side from helping me every day when I had baby George and couldn’t cope, to helping in my bakery every day.

“We were there for each other constantly everyday whether it was on FaceTime (thankfully he was good with his iPad!)

“Or me doing his weekly Ocado, even though he could do it himself.

“He liked to do it together just to talk. Even though he would drive me nuts sometimes.

“I could tell he was fully aware of what was in stock and would get me to check on FaceTime together!”

This Morning star shares heartbreak as dad suddenly dies

The baker is married to Simon Sear and is the mother of actor George Sear, known for his roles on CBBC and Disney Channel.

The pair also have two daughters with actress Ruby and artist Lydia.

Ending her tribute to her late dad, Sear wrote, “I will miss him terribly, I can’t believe it.

Recomended Reading

“He was absolutely devoted to our kids, George, Lydia and Ruby. I am sure our brother Phillip will be saving you a bar stool in heaven, Dad, squashy bondger! Xxx”

Friends of the This Morning star shared their thoughts in the comments, as Loose Women host Ruth Langsford said, “I’m so sorry for your loss, Juliet…your Dad was obviously a wonderful man.”

Dermot O’Leary wrote, “So sorry for your loss, Juliet.”

AN episode of a TV show will shine a light on a project helping families with the cost-of-living crisis.

Peter and Noni Farrelly will feature in Channel 4’s popular show, Narrow Escapes, about life on Britain’s waterways.

The pair, who live in a narrowboat, are co-founders of Growbaby, an international charity providing free, high-quality clothing for babies and young children.

In the episode, which will be featured in the new series of Narrow Escapes currently running on Channel 4, viewers will see how the charity operates at its project in Kirkcaldy, Scotland.

Collection of Growbaby clothes in York. Photo supplied

At Growbaby’s sister organisation in York, volunteers say the need for free clothing for younger children is greater than ever, adding that people from all over the city are welcome to use the service, run out of the York Vineyard Church in Fawcett Street, near the Barbican Centre.

Heather Pearce is one of a team of volunteers with Growbaby York.

She told The Press: “We aim to provide a welcoming, accepting space for people in our community who are in need of clothes for children aged 0–5 years.

Read more:

“Growbaby York is not just about providing baby clothes for those who need them, but also about providing a place of community. A place where parents, carers and grandparents can come and browse the clothes, feel connected with their community, build relationships and experience a sense of belonging.”

Growbaby York – providing quality clothing for free to under fives. Photo supplied

Timna Bennett, of the York Vineyard Church, added: “At the heart of Growbaby York is a simple aim: that no child would go without. The initiative does this by providing good-quality new and pre-loved clothing for under-5s completely free of charge to families across York, regardless of income, background or faith.”

Since launching around four years ago, the project has gradually gained momentum.

Earlier this year, Growbaby York moved into a new shop-style space within the York Vineyard Church.

Timna said as families continued to face rising living costs, the team recognised that the challenges of raising young children were often not only financial.

Caring for babies and toddlers could be an isolating experience, and Growbaby York sought to provide both practical support and meaningful connection, she said.

“By making the service available to everyone, regardless of circumstances, the project hopes to remove any stigma around asking for help and accessing support,” she said.

“Volunteers carefully ensure that all clothing is in excellent condition, reflecting their belief that every family should be treated with dignity and understand their worth.”

York Vineyard Church in Fawcett Street

Growbaby York currently opens on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 10am until 12pm at York Vineyard Church on Fawcett Street (YO10 4AH). No referral is required.

The project is part of the wider Growbaby International network, founded in 2003 by Peter and Noni.

It began with a vision to support local families in need, regardless of income, faith or background.

Today, there are more than 40 Growbaby initiatives serving communities across the UK and beyond.

Watch Narrow Escapes on Channel 4 and on catch-up – www.channel4.com/programmes/narrow-escapes

Manchester City players Erling Haaland and Rodri are both subjects of reported transfer interest from Real Madrid this summer

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has lost the election to Florentino Perez despite promising to sign Erling Haaland, meaning the Spanish club are unlikely to continue their hostile approach for the striker.

Riquelme said during his campaign that Haaland “has a release clause and would like to join Real Madrid”, but Manchester City called the claim “untrue” and said they are “considering legal action”. The player’s father, Alf-Inge, and his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, also released a joint statement saying it is “not true”.

The businessman also claimed to have spoken with Rodri‘s agent, Pablo Barquero, about a move. Riquelme said: “If I’m president, he will play for Madrid, I will do everything possible.”

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Perez, however, remains in power after winning 64.8% of the popular vote compared to his opponent’s 35.2%. He has promised to make a club-record offer of at least £130million for a player on Tuesday, but that is understood to be Michael Olise, rather than Haaland or Rodri.

City strongly responded to the speculation about their striker’s future. Their statement says: “The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue.

“There is no chance of this happening, and there is no contractual clause to enable it. We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”

Haaland Snr and Pimenta also clarified the situation, saying: “All very entertaining but NOT true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Real Madrid elections.”

There was little response from City or his agent to the claims about Rodri. However, these comments came days after the player said he would not be focusing on his future until after the World Cup.

He said after joining up with the Spain national team: “I understand there might be some noise, but for me, I’m obviously going to focus on the World Cup. I’m not going to dedicate my time to that, and then after the World Cup, let’s see.”

Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £4.50

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

Advertisement

Rodri will be in the final year of his City contract by then. The club have made their midfielder multiple offers of an extension, but he has yet to agree to a new deal, despite internal confidence that Rodri will remain.

Perez reportedly admires the player, but when asked about those claims in March, he said: “I don’t know – they don’t talk to me directly. They’d talk to my agent.”

Despite previously playing for Atletico Madrid, Rodri did not rule out representing their rivals. He said: “There have been many players who’ve gone down that path. Not immediately, but over time. For me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”

Rory McIlroy took home double what Shane Lowry earned

Rory McIlroy collected twice the prize money of his close friend Shane Lowry despite finishing in a tie for 12th at the rain-affected Memorial Tournament.

Tommy Fleetwood surrendered a one-shot advantage to finish fourth in Ohio, as JT Poston claimed the title. The third round at Muirfield Village was forced to spill over into Sunday morning, yet Poston’s four-shot lead quickly disappeared as Fleetwood’s eagle at the 15th hole propelled the Englishman into the leading position heading into the closing stages.

However, a dropped shot two holes later proved damaging, and Fleetwood could only watch on as Poston and Ryan Gerard finished two strokes clear on 12 under par, before Poston maintained his nerve to prevail after two play-off holes.

The early focus in Ohio had been squarely on Masters champion McIlroy and world number one Scottie Scheffler, who was attempting to match Tiger Woods’ impressive feat of winning this prestigious tournament three times in succession.

Ultimately, both McIlroy and Scheffler had to settle for a share of 12th place, finishing on four under after carding final rounds of 68 and 71 respectively. Both collected cheques worth over £301,000 – double what Lowry earned for finishing in a tie for 22nd, reports the Irish Mirror.

Saturday’s action was halted with Poston and Gerard level on nine under at the sixth green, though Poston increased his total to 12 under once the third round concluded on Sunday morning. Gerard sat four shots adrift, while Sam Burns occupied third place on seven under, with Fleetwood and American Wyndham Clark completing the top five on six under.

McIlroy had come out of the gates firing with three consecutive birdies in his final round, yet trouble lay ahead as Poston held his nerve until a dramatic back nine ensued. A birdie from Burns at the ninth and a bogey from Poston cranked up the pressure, and soon enough a four-way tie at the summit emerged before Fleetwood’s eagle at the 15th.

The lead proved short-lived as Clark drew level with Fleetwood on 11 under, before a bogey from the Englishman saw him post a 68 to finish on 10 under.

Gerard moved clear on his own with a stunning 37-foot putt, but Poston kept his cool on the 18th with a birdie to force a play-off.

The 482-yard par-four 18th hole was selected for the play-off and while both players made par at the first attempt, Gerard took five shots on the second occasion, allowing Poston to clinch his first victory of 2026.

Memorial Tournament prize money

Winner: J.T. Poston $4 million

2. Ryan Gerard $2.2 million

3. Wyndham Clark $1.4 million

T4. Tommy Fleetwood $920,000

T4. Sam Burns $920,000

T6. Alex Fitzpatrick $730,000

T6. Kristoffer Reitan $730,000

8. Eric Cole $646,000

9. Alex Noren $600,000

T10. Si Woo Kim $535,000

T10. Maverick McNealy $535,000

T12. Adam Scott $401,800

T12. Rory McIlroy $401,800

T12. Justin Rose $401,800

T12. Scottie Scheffler $401,800

T12. J.J. Spaun $401,800

T17. Patrick Cantlay $319,000

T17. Harris English $319,000

T19. Aaron Rai $269,333.34

T19. Justin Thomas $269,333.34

T19. Keegan Bradley $269,333.34

T22. Bud Cauley $200,200

T22. Matt Kuchar $200,200

T22. Russell Henley $200,200

T22. Shane Lowry $200,200

T22. Kurt Kitayama $200,200

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories .

A diver who filmed an incredibly rare encounter with a Great White shark in the Mediterranean Sea in May has described the moment as “pretty special”.

“The shark was pretty close to us […] And in fact my fingers were trembling when I was trying to get the camera operating,” volunteer diver Derk Remmers told the BBC.

It is thought overfishing has contributed to driving the species to near extinction in the Mediterranean.

Scientists say people should not be concerned as the shark, believed to be an adult male, was spotted many miles offshore between Tunisia and Sicily.

Conservationists said they hoped the sighting may encourage governments to create marine protected areas in Mediterranean waters.

Divers working for the NGO Healthy Seas captured the footage whilst diving to highlight the problem of so-called “ghost fishing nets”.

The family have lived in Britain since 2022 but must leave after changes to the visa rules.

A mum has begged the Home Office not to tear her family apart after she and her three children were given just a fortnight to leave the UK.

Teaching assistant Chamila Dilrakshi and her kids face being deported to Sri Lanka, even though her husband is allowed to stay. The family has lived in the UK since 2022, but changes to visa rules that came into effect under the Tories mean they are set to be removed from the country, reports the Mirror.

Chamila, 45, was horrified to be told the family must leave despite coming to the UK legally four years ago. She said: “It’s a shocking moment. My children have got their friends and they got all the relationships here. It’s a big stressful moment for them. I feel like it’s now my children’s home is the UK because we never been to Sri Lanka after we arrived in 2022.”

And she continued: “My husband can work here and stay here, it’s only me and my children has to leave. So how can I separate my children from their father?

“It will cause harm for their mental well-being. We are legal migrants, we did everything in a correct way.” Chamila urged the Home Office to consider the contribution she and her family has made to the community before removing them.

Their local MP, Lib Dem Victoria Collins, explained how her office had been flooded with messages of support for Chamila and husband Rasika Samarasinghe, 46.

She said: “The community have absolutely rallied around. We talk about the need to have an immigration system that’s fair, that supports our nation. This is absolutely not what this system needs to be.

“I have never been so angry.” And Ms Collins, MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, continued: “The Home Secretary has to review how this has become a hostile environment which is pushing away people who are helping our elderly, who are helping our kids.

“We have three wonderful children who are now thriving in this community. This is not the immigration system that is supporting our country, and it’s certainly not supporting our communities either.”

The family moved to the UK when Rasika came to study a Master’s at Northumbria University. He has since started a job as a care worker at a home near their home in Hertfordshire and was granted a visa in March this year after finding a care home to sponsor his stay, but has since found out his family does not have permission to remain.

Rasika was permitted to bring his family to the UK, but a visa crackdown to drive down net migration has seen stricter rules put in place around dependents.

The family is appealing the decision. Until March 2024, people with care worker visas were allowed to bring their partners and children to the UK, but dependents were barred from obtaining visas by the Tories before the general election.

One message, said: “Chamila is a hard working, kind, caring person – exactly the type of person we need to be attracting to work with our young children in schools.

“I cannot understand why a family that came to the UK legally, applying correctly in advance of arriving here, following all the rules on renewing their visa when necessary, working hard, being law abiding and contributing towards the UK economy are being treated so appallingly.”

Advertisement

Migrant support groups have voiced anger over visa changes affecting care workers. Fizza Qureshi, the chief executive of Migrants’ Rights Network, last week told The Guardian: “Migrant care workers continually bear the brunt of this government’s disdain for migrants. Nobody should be forced into a decision to either leave their livelihood or be separated from their families. The government really needs to grow a heart and treat migrant workers who are the foundations of our health and care systems, with more respect.”

The Home Office said it cannot comment on individual cases. But a spokesman said: “We will always welcome those who contribute to this country and wish to build a better life here. But we must restore order and control to our borders.

“We have set out plans for the biggest legal migration reforms in a generation, addressing the challenges caused by unprecedented levels of migration under the previous government.

“It is a privilege not a right to settle in the UK and it must be earned, rewarding contribution and those who play by the rules.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.