A Rich House, Poor House family made an emotional decision during a recent episode

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*Warning: Contains spoilers for the latest episode of Rich House, Poor House*

A Rich House Poor House couple have broken one significant rule of the programme.

The popular Channel 5 series sees two families from different ends of the financial spectrum exchange homes, budgets and lifestyles for a week.

Both experience a profound change in outlook as they immerse themselves in each other’s circumstances, but one family seemed to breach a rule by leaving the property midway through the exchange.

During Sunday’s (April 19) episode, millionaire hotel owners Gez and Rosy Chetal swapped their lavish lifestyle with the Bloor family.

In Norfolk, John and his wife Ann live with their three children in a three-bedroom rented terraced house. Following essential household expenses, they have merely £79 per week to cover everything else, from groceries and transport to leisure activities.

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Mother Ann is employed as a cook in a mental health care facility, while husband John puts in lengthy shifts as a bus driver, though both share a love of cooking.

Despite working tirelessly, the couple find it difficult to balance the books and have previously declared bankruptcy for £36,000, yet they aspire to operate a music café of their own someday.

Discovering how the wealthiest 1% exist, they swapped homes for a week with hotel proprietors Gez and Rosy Chetal, who resided in their opulent £1.7 million 11-bedroom bespoke hotel with their 19 year old daughter Saanchi.

Given his hectic schedule as an entrepreneur, the couple wished to use the exchange as an opportunity to enjoy some quality time together.

They exchanged their hotel — complete with a wine cellar, a spacious dining room and a private chef — for a week-long stay in the Bloor family’s home.

While Gez and Rosy were required to manage on a weekly budget of £79, John, his wife Ann and their children were given a taste of the high life with £1,800 to spend.

However, it soon became apparent that the Bloor family struggled to adapt to their unfamiliar surroundings in the hotel, as Ann admitted: “My kids are not comfortable.”

Following a restless night, Ann was visibly emotional as she told husband John: “The children are really uncomfortable. They can’t be in their pyjamas because it’s a hotel, they can’t just go and get a drink, they can’t just go and get a sandwich.” John interjected, adding: “It’s not a home is it?”

Turning to John, Ann explained: “It’s nothing about the hotel. If it was just me and you.. I’d absolutely love it but actually to me we can’t really stay in the hotel.”

The couple then took the bold step of abandoning the hotel and using their remaining budget to book a luxury Airbnb, at a considerable cost of £1,200.

When the two families were finally reunited at the conclusion of their swap, Ann went on to say: “We loved the hotel, unfortunately the children didn’t. They felt very separated from us.” Gez added: “It’s just a big house really, with 11 rooms.”

Rich House, Poor House airs Sunday night from 9pm on Channel 5.

More in Common’s first MRP poll of the Senedd election suggests who will be the largest party after Election Day on May 7 and the deal they may have to strike

Plaid Cymru may be compelled to enter into a power-sharing arrangement with Labour in Wales, according to new polling data.

The survey, conducted by More in Common, places Plaid Cymru marginally ahead of Reform as the largest party in the Welsh Parliament following the election on May 7.

Nevertheless, it is not projected to achieve an outright majority, and the latest polling indicates the party may be required to negotiate an agreement with Welsh Labour – which has governed Wales for over two decades – in order to form an administration.

More in Common’s inaugural MRP poll for this Senedd election, which surveyed over 2,500 people throughout Wales, has projected Plaid Cymru will secure 30 seats, Reform 28, and Welsh Labour 24. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

The Welsh Greens, projected to claim four seats, and the Welsh Liberal Democrats, projected to win three, have both signalled their willingness to enter discussions with Plaid Cymru, should it emerge as the largest party in the Senedd.

However, More in Common’s polling suggests a pact between Plaid Cymru and Labour may represent the only feasible path to government, given that 49 seats are required for a majority.

The two parties have previously formed a coalition, with Plaid also having collaborated with the Welsh Labour government on numerous policy matters in the past.

Yet Plaid Cymru ended its most recent partnership in 2024 and has built its campaign around delivering “new leadership” for Wales and its determination to “replace” Labour in government.

The More in Common survey indicates Reform is poised to secure substantial gains across the entire country, with some of its most impressive showings expected in the south Wales Valleys.

In stark contrast, the Welsh Conservatives, who served as the official opposition following the previous Senedd election, are forecast to slip to fourth place, capturing just seven seats.

Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common UK, said: “Looking at Wales today, it’s hard to believe that the 2024 general election was less than two years ago – the political map has changed so dramatically since Labour won decisively in Wales.

“Having governed in Wales for 28 years, Labour is set to be pushed into third place – and for the first time we could see Wales led by a non-Labour first minister.

“Plaid Cymru are the clear beneficiaries of a country ready for change, and could be on course to lead a Welsh government for the first time.

“But it may be a tricky start – potentially requiring sharing power with a weakened Labour Party that, despite its losses, could still wield considerable influence over the shape of any coalition.

“The other story of this election is Reform’s breakthrough,” he added.

“Their support spans the whole country – beyond the valleys to Cardiff and the north east – they have firmly displaced the Conservatives as the party of the Welsh right.”

The More in Common poll questioned 2,519 eligible voters in Wales during the period from January through to April.

The Sun moves into Taurus, making space for commitment, certainty and a clear path ahead. You know what you want, so go and get it.

Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, this placement encourages you to slow down and give energy consistently. Don’t be tempted by short, sharp bursts.

Tune into your deepest wishes, and life will become abundant. This placement marks a new cosmic chapter so let go of what doesn’t serve you.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Monday April 20, 2026

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

The pace of life slows from a sprint to a steady march as the Sun enters Taurus. After weeks of fresh starts, attention turns to resources, stability and the art of building something that’s tangible and lasting. This is an excellent time to review finances, strengthen plans and invest energy where results can grow over time. Enjoy earthy but simple pleasures such as good food.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

With the Sun entering your sign, energy climbs as your personal season begins. Life can feel more grounded, purposeful and powerful. This is your annual reset as the spotlight returns to goals, your wellbeing and the pace that suits you best. Develop strands that reflect what really counts rather than what might look impressive. You will see yourself be more single minded.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

You’re invited to slow life’s mental carousel and catch your breath Gemini as the Sun eases into your sector of review. This offers a time of reflection, and one that’s perfect for tying up loose ends and finishing outstanding tasks. Allow yourself some well-deserved peace and the chance to unwind. In a few days, livelier and unplanned opportunities can though emerge.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Cancer 22 June – 23 July

As the Sun enters your social world, it can truly blossom and friendship and group activities can bring warmth and inspiration for the next month. It’s a lovely time to connect with people who lift your spirits and share your vision. A casual invitation could lead to a meaningful partnership or fun-filled evenings. Look to nurture ties that truly support and cheer you on.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

Over the next four weeks the spotlight moves towards ambitions and long-term goals. Seek to review your career direction and decide what success means for you personally. The Sun in Taurus is ideal for steady progress, so focus on building something long-lasting rather than focused just on status. Instead, take pride in work that gives you a chance to personally shine.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Your horizons can widen in satisfying ways over the coming month. Curiosity stirs, inviting you to learn something new, explore a different perspective or plan trips that refresh your outlook. It’s time to step beyond common routines and feed your mind with inspiring ideas. Conversations with wise or interesting people could spark ideas that prove truly fascinating.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Your attention turns to deeper matters of trust, shared resources and emotional honesty. You are entering a thoughtful period, ideal for reviewing finances, joint commitments or investments of time or energy. The Sun in Taurus urges prudent decisions and patience. However, key conversations can deepen understanding between you and someone influential.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

As the Sun steps into Taurus, this can be a very good month for deepening bonds and clarifying commitments. Notice who consistently supports your growth and who may be more superficial. Single? The next four weeks can be a time of increased possibility when it comes to sparking a new, meaningful bond. However, you can also firm up your boundaries.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

The Sun’s move into your lifestyle zone encourages consistency over heroic bursts of effort. Life gently redirects your adventurous spirit towards practical matters. Work routines, health habits and daily responsibilities are now in focus. It’s a chance to refine systems so they support rather than drain you. Small improvements now create bigger benefits in time.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

Look to rediscover pleasure and creativity alongside your worldly hopes. The coming weeks bring a refreshing shift from duty to delight. Artistic projects, romance, hobbies or new adventures can draw your attention. You’re reminded that relaxing is not a distraction from success but can fuel it. Allow yourself to feel enjoyment and you’ll enhance your resilience.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

You are encouraged to slow down and cherish the comfort of familiar surroundings. This is an ideal time to refresh your living space, reconnect with family or enjoy peaceful moments. Relish stability and gentle pleasures over constant motion. Being a more logical zodiac sign, the next four weeks can also see you get more attuned to your inner, more emotional realm.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Your ideas and thinking can become more grounded in the coming weeks. This is a wonderful time to share ideas, learn something practical or reconnect with friends, siblings and or where you can have sparkling exchanges. Conversations can still have a purpose, so whatever you discuss can be converted into something more tangible and lasting.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of April here.

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MORE: What does the week have in store? Your tarot horoscope reading for April 20 to April 26

MORE: Daily horoscope April 19, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: Taurus Season helps you build stability — your star sign’s tarot horoscope forecast

With her own attempt at warning Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon) off having backfired, Coronation Street’s Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) turns her attention elsewhere in a bid to teach the groomer a lesson.

Megan, as viewers know, groomed Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Swale) for months, with his nearest and dearest having no idea what the abuser was up to until it all came to light last month.

The teacher’s actions were uncovered after Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan), who had been tormented by the abuser into keeping shtum, ended up in hospital.

When questioned by worried Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) on why he’d been taking drugs, Sam revealed the truth about Megan to Leanne, who relayed the news to the Driscoll clan, who were left reeling to learn that Will had been targeted and groomed by someone they knew so well.

With Megan pregnant, Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) suggested the baby to be all the proof they need to confirm that she abused Will. Maggie, meanwhile, tracked Megan down and threatened her.

Ever the manipulator, Megan turned the tables and claimed that she’d suffered a miscarriage as a result of an alleged altercation with Maggie when in reality she had a termination.

Upcoming scenes will see the Driscolls devastated to learn that the police are dropping the investigation into Megan due to a lack of evidence.

Ben (Aaron McCusker) doesn’t take the news too well and blames Ollie (Raphael Akuwudike) for not keeping his brother safe from Megan. Eva leaps to Ollie’s defence, which leads to words being exchanged with Ben.

In the above clip, taken from Monday’s (April 20) edition of the ITV soap, sees Ben return to the Rovers, where more heated words are shared with Eva.

Maggie, meanwhile, eavesdrops on the conversation and, feeling like something needs to be done about Megan, she urges Eva to take action.

Eve is not quite sure what Maggie means but perhaps the silence in her response is all the subtext she needs.

Let’s not forget that Maggie is no stranger to having taken a life, as confirmed in a flashback episode from last year.

Megan, meanwhile, is one of several characters in danger of losing their life after Corrie aired a flashforward episode earlier this year, with confirmation of a dead body come late April.

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Megan, Maggie, Jodie Ramsey (Olivia Frances-Brown), Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) and Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) are the potential victims.

Could Megan end up dead at Eva’s hands? Or will someone else take revenge?

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX and YouTube.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

MORE: Eva catches out vile Megan, and the vengeful sisters attack in Coronation Street

MORE: Megan’s last vile act as she steals Will from Weatherfield in exit plot in Coronation Street

MORE: All Coronation Street spoilers for next week as it’s finally all over for Megan and Carl amid death twist

The devoted Bluebirds supporter has been remembered as “a big character” who was known to everyone at the club

Well-known Cardiff City fan Dai Hunt, who supported the Bluebirds for over 60 years, has died.

Mr Hunt, who is believed to have been in his mid-to-late sixties, passed away at home in Cardiff. Known to players, coaches and fans alike, the lifelong Bluebirds supporter has been remembered as a colourful character who lived and breathed the club and wanted nothing more than to see them succeed.

The tragic news broke on Sunday, less than 24 hours after Brian Barry-Murphy’s side sealed promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking following their 3-1 win over Reading and Exeter City’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Stockport.

Mr Hunt’s colourful nature and passionate support for Cardiff saw him hit headlines over the years, from the time he approached then-manager Paul Trollope in the stadium car park and waved a list of prospective striker targets at him, to the moment he was invited into the Bluebirds dressing room to deliver a half-time team talk during Kevin McNaughton’s testimonial match in 2018.

Cardiff City’s Supporters’ Liaison Officer Paul Corkery told WalesOnline that it was a “sad day” for the club.

“Dai was a big character,” he said. “He was the most-known person in and around Cardiff City. Everybody knows who Dai Hunt is. I’ve been quite overwhelmed today looking at the messages of support and tributes to him.

“He was very loud and extroverted, and he was always chasing the players telling them what to do! I’ve known him since he was nine years old and he was shouting the players even then.

“We’re gutted that he’s passed and it’s a sad day for the football club,” Mr Corkery added. “He was probably our biggest supporter.

“If we had a 3pm kick-off, he’d be there at 10.30am, and if it was a night match he’d be there at 3pm!

“Players past and present all know who he is, and he must have had thousands of autographs in his house. He will be much missed.”

Tributes are set to be paid to Mr Hunt at Wednesday evening’s clash between Cardiff and Port Vale at Cardiff City Stadium.

Further tributes have been made to the Bluebirds fan on social media, with one fellow supporter writing: “Sad news about Dai Hunt, whether you had the pleasure to meet him or not.

“He had a passion for this club like no other. Always vocal, always had an opinion, always a character. RIP to the Man, Myth and legend that was Dai Hunt.”

Another added: “Sad to hear about Dai Hunt’s passing. A true Cardiff City fan through and through. Will never forget his team talk at the Kevin McNaughton testimonial game.”

A third wrote: “RIP Dai Hunt, bloke adored Cardiff unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Had the privilege of speaking to him many times and he never wanted anything more than to see Cardiff succeed. This promotion is for you.”

—

*Sign up to our daily Bluebirds newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here. Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams is also on social media. He can be found on his X account here, on Instagram, on TikTok and on Facebook.

Gary Neville felt Jurrien Timber was badly missed against Manchester City and Arsenal were ‘hampered enormously’ by Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera’s apparent shortcomings going forward.

Arsenal came out fighting after picking up just one win in their previous five contests in all competitions, but Erling Haaland’s second-half strike ultimately proved decisive at the Etihad.

Kai Havertz’s leveller – gifted to Arsenal by Gianluigi Donnarumma – had given the visitors hope of a statement victory away from home, with the forward’s effort cancelling out Rayan Cherki’s sublime opener just moment earlier.

Mikel Arteta’s men were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal in the second half, though, ensuring hosts City closed the gap at the summit to just three points.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who have a game in hand over Arsenal, will claim top spot should they get the better of struggling Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

‘I believe today, I believe on Wednesday, I believed a week ago because I see them every day and I know the level that we have,’ Arteta told reporters shortly after Arsenal’s setback.

‘But today, if they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. We are talking about it in the dressing room.

‘It’s a new league now. We have three points of advantage, they have the game in hand.

‘Everything is still to play for. We know how much we want it and we are not going to stop!’

Arsenal will be eager to get their title charge back on track when they return to action at home to an out-of-form Newcastle side next weekend.

Dissecting Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash on his Sky Sports podcast, ex-Manchester United and England full-back Neville made sure to single out Bernardo Silva for special praise after an ‘above-and-beyond’ display.

‘Bernardo Silva in the second half, what a performance that is just to grip a game,’ Neville said.

‘I think people sometimes become surprised when I’ve talked about Paul Scholes, in the last five or six years of his Manchester United career, gripping a football match by the scruff of the neck, controlling it and dominating the speed of it.

‘What we’ve just seen there from Bernardo Silva is absolutely above and beyond.

‘He just beat Viktor Gyokeres on a header at the back post, he’s then pressing two minutes later, and he epitomises what Manchester City are: that experience, that know-how but also that energy, that professionalism.

‘I thought he was absolutely sensational in the second half and he just lifted it a gear.

‘In some ways, Arsenal had some good chances. Eberechi Eze hitting the post, Kai Havertz’s header at the head, what a moment that is.

‘But City just edged it with the victory but also just edged it in performance levels in the second half.’

Neville, who backed Arsenal to win the title at the start of the season, was encouraged by the Gunners’ performance in the context of their recent performances.

But the eight-time Premier League winner is confident City have now wrestled the ‘momentum’ firmly in their favour ahead of their trip to struggling Burnley in midweek.

‘My takeaway for Arsenal today is that’s the best way that they could have lost,’ Neville went on.

‘I know the big talk before the match was the bottling, the freezing, the anxiety, the nervousness, the pressure… I actually think they handled the occasion very well and that’s positive.

‘They didn’t come here today and not play, they didn’t come here today and have no idea. I thought they played a good game of football, one of the best performances I’ve seen here from an away team to be fair.

‘So for Arsenal, it’s as good as it can get. But you’re up against a juggernaut and that juggernaut is Pep Guardiola.

‘Manchester City have won title after title in these last seven or eight years and they’ve just stole ahead at the right time, they’ve got that momentum, and they will go in front on Wednesday. They’ll beat Burnley at Burnley.

‘There’s still a way to go, it’s going to be difficult now for Arsenal, but how they psychologically recover from this is going to be really important.’

Neville picked out Havertz for special praise, while applauding Hincapie and Mosquera for ‘sticking to the task’ and frustrating City from a defensive perspective.

But according to Neville, the full-backs’ deficiencies going forward meant Arsenal were ‘blocked off’ when it came to building attacks from the left and right flanks.

‘Arsenal were hampered enormously by their full-backs,’ he explained.

‘I thought actually they did a good job, Hincapie and Mosquera, they really stuck to their task, but they’re limited on the ball.

‘So if you think about Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly for City, or how Jurrien Timber or Riccardo Calafiori or others are for Arsenal, they were just blocked off.

‘You haven’t got that subtlety on that ball or that ability, that safe, consistentand reliable ability, to feed the ball in, good touches and passes and getting it into your front players and midfield players because they’re centre-backs effectively, they’re not full-backs.

‘So I thought they stuck to the task really well, the two full-backs for Arsenal, but you lose a lot when you lose Timber, you lose a lot. He’s a bit of a powerhouse going forward, he links really well.

‘I’m not mentioning Bukayo Saka because every player can get an injury so Noni Madueke is there, Gabriel Martinelli is there, you can’t whinge about Saka.

‘But I think losing both of their full-backs would have cost them today in terms of on the ball and being able to get forward.’

Arsenal came close to equalising for a second time at the death as Havertz missed a golden chance to head home and cancel out Haaland’s earlier strike.

Neville was impressed by Havertz’s all-round performance but has no doubts the German will be ruing his missed opportunity at the death over the coming days.

‘I thought Arsenal lost the game because you can lose here. You can play well, do okay in the game and still lose here,’ he continued.

‘I’m sure Mikel Arteta will point towards chances, Eberechi Eze’s one where he hits the post, Havertz’s chance at the end… they had really good moments and they’ve not taken them.

‘The Havertz chance towards the end is a big moment.’

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Simon Rose said the public had ‘unrealistic expectations’ of support and services available from local authorities

A senior Welsh council official has suggested that members of the public can have unrealistic expectations about the support and services local authorities are able to provide. Simon Rose, the housing and prevention manager at Torfaen Borough Council, used demands for social housing and the expectation of immediate GP appointments as examples of what he deemed unreasonable assumptions.

The council official was speaking to councillors about an early intervention and prevention strategy the authority has implemented to help manage demand, ease pressure on frontline services and improve signposting to support.

Mr Rose explained that as part of this initiative, the council – which doesn’t directly provide housing but has a statutory obligation to help those presenting as homeless – is visiting schools in an attempt to manage future demand for social housing. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter.

Social housing is delivered through housing associations in Torfaen and throughout much of Gwent.

He said: “We are engaging with young people in education and very much trying to get into the mindset of young people having their own home is not easy, having a parental home with mum and dad and leaving is not easy.”

The council official said efforts are required around “what people can expect and what can they do for themselves.”

He explained the assumption that properties are readily available doesn’t reflect reality: “There is an expectation accommodation is available and there is a plethora of it across the borough, that’s simply not the case.

“Land is scare and affordable housing is limited.”

Mr Rose addressed the council’s adults and community scrutiny committee. He said: “In health we all expect to see a GP when we want to see one on the day, do we? Probably not. All of us probably understand that better than people in the community.

“I’ve sat in many doctor’s waiting rooms and seen examples of that. We’ve got to get better as public bodies to help people’s expectations and they need to be managed in a different way.”

The authority launched its Early Intervention and Prevention model in June 2025. The programme is designed to connect people with support from voluntary organisations and external services alongside the council’s own services.

It accepts referrals from the NHS, other local authority departments and schools, while the council’s customer services team can also direct individuals towards it.

Top administration officials, including President Donald Trump himself, appeared unclear as to whether Vice President JD Vance would lead peace talks with Iranian officials in Pakistan this week, less than 24 hours before the U.S. negotiating team are supposedly due in Islamabad.

Vance’s participation in the upcoming talks has been in question for days after the last round, helmed by the vice president, failed to reach an agreement to end the war. Tuesday is the two-week deadline for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

Trump is closely watching Vance’s performance in the negotiations with Iran as he ponders his eventual successor for 2028. CNN reported last week, citing multiple sources familiar with the conversations, that the president was soliciting opinions of Vance’s strengths. On Sunday morning, the president took calls from reporters at a plethora of outlets, telling ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, then MS NOW’s Jacqueline Alemany that Vance would not be attending the Islamabad talks, claiming that “security issues” prohibited Vance’s participation in the second round of talks.

“It’s only because of security,” Trump told Karl. “JD’s great.”

Unnamed White House officials then contradicted the president and told multiple networks, including ABC and MS NOW, that Vance would indeed be traveling to Islamabad.

On Sunday news shows, there was further confusion. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN that Vance would lead the U.S. delegation to Pakistan.

U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz, meanwhile, could not say whether Vance was leading the latest U.S. delegation, during his own interview on NBC’s Meet the Press. “My understanding from an announcement the president just made is that the team is going over. I’ll leave the delegation announcement to the White House,” he said.

Both networks then reported Vance would be traveling to Islamabad, citing unnamed senior U.S. officials. In a call with Axios, Trump also mentioned the participation of both special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, but did not say if Vance would attend. Axios reported that two U.S. officials separately confirmed Vance would lead the delegation.

The Independent has asked the White House for confirmation of the vice president’s plans. When asked about the confusion around whether Vance was leading the U.S. delegation, a White House official told CNN: “Things changed.”

The White House hasn’t offered any explanation for why security risks that supposedly prohibited Vance’s attendance at the talks were no longer present, or any other reason for the sudden shift.

The vice president himself has been quiet about the negotiations with Iran since last Tuesday, when he appeared at an event for conservative youth organization, Turning Point USA.

“I recognize that young voters do not love the policy we have in the Middle East, OK,” he told attendees. “Don’t get disengaged because you disagree with the administration on one topic. Get more involved, make your voice heard even more. That is how we ultimately take the country back.”

On Sunday, Tehran reportedly rejected taking part in the second round of peace talks after Trump threatened to strike civilian infrastructure in a Truth Social post earlier in the day.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran,” he posted.

During his call with Axios, Trump also said: “The concept of the deal is done. I think we have a very good chance to get it completed.”

Iran’s official state news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reported that regime would not be taking part in the talks despite the U.S. sending a delegation to Pakistan. They cited “U.S. excessive demands and unreasonable, unrealistic requests” as preventing progress, however they did not cite a specific source.

However CNN reported from Iranian sources than an delegation from the country would be there to meet the U.S. team.

Polls indicate that a large share of Americans question whether the administration has a real plan to end the war, which the president and his allies keep insisting is already won.

Sunday began with the news that a tanker ship was fired upon by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and a statement from the force claiming that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports was ended. The president later wrote on Truth Social that U.S. Marines had boarded an Iranian-flagged vessel that attempted to run the blockade.

Days earlier, Trump had taken a short victory lap and declared the U.S.’s efforts to reopen the strait a success. Now the U.S. is staring down a deadline with Iran and the U.S. at essentially the same point the two countries were before talks began. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces has caused a massive jump in oil prices that U.S. officials warn will likely last for months.

Trump and his allies continue to insist that, to end the war, Iran must give up future ambitions of enriching nuclear material and commit to the full destruction of its nuclear weapons development. Iran has refused this demand.

Vance confirmed last weekend, upon leaving negotiations with Iran’s top diplomats, that the sticking point remained.

Police Scotland has revealed the circumstances surrounding the crash on the M90 near Kinross, which killed two people.

Police Scotland have revealed the circumstances of a crash that killed two men after one of them drove in the wrong direction down a motorway amid a watchdog probe.

Emergency crews raced to the M90 close to junction seven near Kinross at around 10.30pm on Friday after a grey Ford Kuga was seen driving northwards on the southbound carriageway. The vehicle collided with a white Vauxhall Corsa and the 44-year-old male driver of the Kuga and the 20-year-old male driver of the Corsa were both fatally injured.

Chief Inspector Lyne Williamson, Operational Support Division, has now confirmed what happened in the lead-up to the deaths amid rumours online. A statement read: “I am aware of rumours circulating on social media around the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash on the M90, near Kinross, which happened around 10.30pm on Friday, April 17, 2026.

“Whilst on routine patrol, an officer in a marked police vehicle encountered a Ford Kuga travelling towards them in the wrong direction on a roundabout, near to the entrance of junction six of the M90. Blue lights were activated but the Kuga continued onto the southbound carriageway of the motorway, travelling north in the wrong direction.

“The police vehicle then proceeded onto the northbound carriageway, travelling north in the correct direction, before coming across the collision between the Ford Kuga and the Vauxhall Corsa on the opposing carriageway. In these circumstances, it is mandatory for a referral to be made to the Police Investigation & Review Commissioner.

“I would ask the public to please avoid further speculation and respect the privacy of the families involved. Our thoughts remain with them.

“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing and I would again urge anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to please contact Police Scotland via 101, quoting reference 3758 of 17 April, 2026.”

This comes after Police Scotland confirmed a referral has since been made to the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to investigate..

A spokesperson said: “A referral of the circumstances of the incident has been submitted by Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department to the Police Investigation and Review Commissioner for consideration.”

The M90 was closed southbound between junctions six and seven for around 16 hours to allow an investigation to be carried out.

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