Swiss skiers had held all three podium positions before the Italians entered the start gate, with Franzoni and Paris knocking off Alexis Monney and then Odermatt with impressive performances in sunny Bormio.
Paris is seen as a king of this course, having won seven World Cup titles across both downhill and the Super-G, and he won a first Olympic medal at his fifth Games.
“Getting the first medal in front of the home crowd, that’s really special,” he said.
Franzoso suffered a head injury in a collision with a fence in La Parva, Chile, in September.
Last month, after winning World Cup gold at prestigious Kitzbuhel, Franzoni said he had raced with Franzoso “in his mind” after the two had shared a room at the course a year previously.
“To share the podium with Franjo, after [doing so at] the junior world championships [in 2022], he’s such a great guy,” said Franzoni.
“Also with Domi, I really wanted to share a podium with him. I don’t know if he’ll continue racing next year but this is the biggest stage to share.”
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As a junior, Franzoni used to race against Jannik Sinner, who was a standout skier before pursuing tennis.
In fact, Sinner, now a four-time Grand Slam champion, once beat Franzoni in 2009, something he was made aware of after the latter’s super-G victory in Wengen earlier this year.
Sinner followed Franzoni on social media and the pair have since struck up a friendship.
“Receiving a message from a champion like him gave me a lot of motivation,” said Franzoni after his Kitzbuhel win.
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“I thought, ‘If he wrote to me, it means I’m doing something right’. It’s been something really, really nice for me.”
The Blues beat the Premier League’s bottom club courtesy of two penalties and a fine finish into the roof of the net from Palmer, racking up a strong enough lead that their second-half drop-off did not prove costly.
Victory made Liam Rosenior just the second English manager in Premier League history to win his first four league games in charge. In the rain and wind on a grim day in Wolverhampton, Chelsea recovered well from their midweek defeat at Arsenal.
Palmer’s long-time-coming moment
His season has been such a frustrating one, marred by different injuries but with the unmovable theme being his groin injury in particular, painful one day yet unnoticeable the next, impossible to plan for and so frustrating for all at Chelsea as well as the player himself.
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But luck was on Palmer’s side at Molineux, with Chelsea not needing to get out of second gear before he had helped himself to two ice-cool penalties after a couple of crazy, needless fouls committed by Wolves on Joao Pedro in the box.
The third goal was a touch of class and displayed Palmer’s attacking instincts as he arrived in the box late to fire high into the roof of the net from Marc Cucurella’s pull-back.
And from Rosenior and Chelsea’s perspective, it was perfect to be able to substitute the Englishman after an hour, with Leeds United to visit Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Cole Palmer starred with a first-half hat-trick as Chelsea beat Wolves 3-1 at Molineux
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Records tumble for the hat-trick hero
The fact first Chelsea’s first clear-cut chance from open play was the opening that saw Palmer make it 3-0 spoke volumes about Wolves’ gifts to Chelsea, but Palmer was delighted to accept that, and it was a record-breaking afternoon for the 23-year-old as a result.
In just 41 touches and with only three shots on target — goal, goal, goal — Palmer became the first player in Premier League history to have scored three hat-tricks in the first half of a match, having previously done so against Everton in April 2024 and Brighton in September 2024.
He also netted his fourth Premier League hat-trick for the Blues, the most of any Chelsea player ever. Those he overtook to claim that record for himself? Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Jimmy Floyds Hasselbaink.
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It was quite the afternoon for him. Thomas Tuchel, the England head coach, will have been delighted from wherever he was watching on.
A worrying trend continues
Chelsea, under Rosenior, are still a way off producing a sparkling 90-minute performance that is free-flowing from start to finish.
Indeed, he said afterwards at Molineux: “I want us to have a perfect 90 minutes. It was very frustrating.”
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Liam Rosenior knows Chelsea are still far from perfect
Chelsea FC via Getty Images
And Tolu Arokodare’s scrappy second-half goal from a corner was a needless consolation goal to concede and ruined the Blues’ chances of a clean sheet that, at 3-0 up, they really ought to have been able to get over the line and claim for themselves.
It was little wonder Robert Sanchez was so visibly furious — he was given no help from his defenders to clear the corner from which Wolves scored.It was a similarly poor goal to ship to Antonio Vergara’s effort for Napoli in Chelsea’s 3-2 win in Italy, and Jarrod Bowen’s cross-cum-goal at the Bridge last weekend.
Robert Sanchez reacts after Wolves’ goal in the second half
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Chelsea must cut that out. They are lucky it did not cost them this time.
Material from the lorry was left strewn across the carriageway after the collision
David Powell Court reporter and Philip Dewey Court Correspondent
19:34, 07 Feb 2026Updated 19:34, 07 Feb 2026
These photos depict the aftermath of a lorry colliding with a bridge and losing its cargo. The incident resulted in a temporary road closure on Friday.
The road is now clear and traffic is moving smoothly. It remains unknown whether anyone was injured in the incident, which occurred in Saltney, Flintshire, around 1.30pm on Friday.
However, these images show how debris from the unidentified vehicle was scattered across the road following the collision.
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North Wales Police posted on Facebook: “Bridge Street in Saltney was closed earlier due to a lorry colliding with the bridge.
“Network Rail have now checked the bridge, the lorry has been recovered and the road is now open again.”
Online users were quick to comment on the unfortunate accident at the structure, which has a clearance of 2.8 metres (nine ft three ins), reports North Wales Live.
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One woman suggested: “Put more warnings in the trucks and around the bridge, People moaning seriously?
“Not as bad as drink/drug drivers on the road.”
Another observer wrote: “If ever a bridge looked low before you went under it, it’s that one. I wince every time i go to Go Outdoors.”
A joker added: “If only there was some kind of warning written on the bridge..”
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Lucy Powell told The Independent that the vote, on 26 February, represents “a line in the sand” in Labour’s fight to stop the advance of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
But she admitted she expects the Mandelson issue to come up on the doorstep, and she could not say that Labour was confident of retaining the seat or if the prime minister will show his face there.
Ministers, senior Labour figures and backbench MPs believe the by-election is “the crunch point” for the beleaguered prime minister, with one claiming: “It’s a referendum on Starmer, pure and simple.”
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The prime minister has faced the toughest week of his premiership so far, with his integrity and judgement called into question over his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Lucy Powell (left) and Anna Turley, chair of the Labour Party (right) announce that Angeliki Stogia (centre) is the party’s candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
To add to Sir Keir’s problems, it has been claimed that he and his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney were warned against appointing Mandelson to the role of ambassador to the US by both former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Labour peer Maurice Glasman.
Ms Rayner, who was in Gorton and Denton campaigning on Saturday, is now emerging as a potential replacement for Sir Keir and her intervention on Wednesday, siding with the Tories, was crucial in forcing the PM to release all vetting documents linked to Mandelson’s appointment.
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Shocking revelations on Mandelson allegedly passing confidential market-sensitive government material to Epstein when he was business secretary in 2009 have added further questions over the appointment.
Ms Powell admitted the scandal will become one of the factors in the by-election, and gave a lukewarm defence of the prime minister’s actions in appointing him as US ambassador.
“All I’d say is that prime ministers have to make judgement calls all day long and all the time, and sometimes they get them wrong,” she said. “I think the prime minister’s put his hands up about that.”
Labour is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead in Gorton and Denton. Ministers have been ordered up to the Greater Manchester constituency to campaign in a seat the party won with more than 50 per cent of the vote in 2024.
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Their campaign has already been hit by a row over Sir Keir blocking Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing to be the Labour candidate, with many believing he was the only one who could stop Reform.
Ms Powell, who voted to allow Mr Burnham to run on Labour’s National Executive Committee, said she and the Manchester mayor “want to draw a line” under that episode but insisted he was “a great asset” in the by-election campaign.
She highlighted how a succession of cabinet ministers are being sent up to the by-election to knock on doors including chancellor Rachel Reeves, education secretary Bridget Phillipson, and transport secretary Heidi Alexander, as Labour throws everything at stopping Reform. But she was unable to say whether the beleaguered prime minister would be joining them.
Ms Powell said: “I’m not sure yet, but look, everyone’s going to be coming and playing their part. But I speak to him regularly about it.”
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Mr Farage, who has visited the constituency several times to campaign with Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin, told The Independent: “I really do believe this is turning into a referendum on Keir Starmer.”
Starmer apologised for believing Mandelson’s lies on Thursday (2026 Getty Images)
One Labour MP said: “Farage could not have written this. It allows him to paint politicians as all ‘at it’, part of some kind of elite, helping each other out instead of voters. It is an absolute disaster for a seat where everyone is watching us and the pressure is on to prove that Reform can be stopped.”
A minister added: “If we do [come third], the PM is in trouble.”
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Others repeated that he needs to go now, with left-wing MP Nadia Whittome describing the prime minister’s position as “untenable”.
Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, said: “The public and MPs aren’t willing to wait for a by-election or the locals – both were already going to be serious tests. The Mandelson scandal eclipses all of it.”
Neil Duncan-Jordan, the MP for Poole, added: “We can’t just keep going on like this – lurching from one crisis to the next.”
Recent polling suggests Reform is leading the way, but only by a few points on average. The Greens published canvassing data suggesting Reform was leading, with them in second and Labour a distant third.
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Reform candidate Matt Goodwin pictured with Nigel Farage (Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Two of the current main MRP polls put Reform ahead of Labour: Electoral Calculus, at 32 per cent to Labour’s 22.6, and Britain Predicts, at 32 per cent to Labour’s much higher 26.
Meanwhile, Polling Report predicts that Labour will hold the seat with 35.26 per cent of the vote, while Reform gets 27.65.
But Ms Powell, who represents the nearby Manchester Central seat and is taking a lead in the campaign with candidate Angeliki Stogia, took a defiant tone.
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“This is not about my fortunes or other people’s fortunes. I’ve had enough of their [Reform’s] division, their othering, their blaming of the problems of society on immigrants.”
Highlighting how Reform’s candidate Matt Goodwin has been endorsed by far-right activist Tommy Robison, she added: “There has to be a line in the sand here, and this by-election is that line, and I’m holding it up firmly, as we all are as a team.”
Asked if this campaign was “a dry run” for Labour’s fight with Reform on a national level, she said: “In some ways this is. It’s about showing that we are absolutely up for that fight, we’re prepared to take on that fight.
“There are things that we will need to try out here and to learn from here. It’s important because we just can’t let Reform come into an area like this and have a free run.”
Boots and Amazon currently have huge discounts on premium men’s scents
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With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you may be struggling on what to choose for the lucky man in your life. With a wide variety of possibilities out there you may feel spoiled for choice.
However, the change into spring and summer can provide the perfect opportunity to help your partner switch up their scent and potentially find a new signature fragrances. As we approach Valentine’s Day plenty of retailers are offering men’s fragrances and aftershaves at a significantly discounted price.
The world of men’s fragrances is vast and varied, which can make it hard to find one that’s just right for your partner. Fortunately, we have compiled 10 fragrances, all at different price points and fragrance signatures, to help make shopping for your Valentine’s Day gift easier.
The Ralph Lauren Polo Red Eau de Toilette comes in a 125ml deep red glass bottle sporting the classic Ralph Lauren logo straight in the centre. According to Boots, the fragrance belongs in the spicy woody gfamily and has top notes of red grapefruit, lemon oil and cranberry accord.
This is coupled by a base note of redwood, amber and coffee accord alongside a heart note of red saffron, lavender and sage.
Versace Eros Flame’s Eau de Parfum comes in a bright red glass bottle, emblazened with the the classic Versace Medusa face logo. The 100ml bottle belongs to the citrus-amber-woody family and conains top notes of Italian lemon, tangerine and bitter orange.
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Meanwhile, it contains base notes of Texas cedar, patchouli heart, Haitian vetiver, mountain oak moss accord, and sandalwood. It also contains heart notes of pepperwood, geranium, and rose facets.
Rabanne’s Invictus fragrance comes in a striking trophy-shaped bottle with misty blue glass encased with metal accents. With a woddy-fresh scent, the fragfrance purpotedly combines fresh grapefruit, marine accord, and guaiac wood.
Tom Ford’s Black Orchid comes in a deep black glass rigged bottle with an imprinted gold logo while the lid is similarly wrapped in a gold tie. While black orchid is the key note included in this amber floral bottle, it also contains hints of black truffle and patchouli.
Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million Eau de Toilette is presented in an iconic gold bar-style bottle. Belonging to the woody-spicy fragrance family, the 50ml spray features top notes of blood mandarin, grapefruit, and peppermint.
It also contains a heart of rose absolute and cinnamon, with a base note of leather accord, Indian pathcouli, white wood, and amber.
Housed in a square, faceted glass bottle intended to mimic the cut of a diamond, Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men is an Eau de Toilette that falls within the woody-aromatic fragrance category. The 75ml scent begins with a combination of Italian citrus and bergamot, accented by Szechuan pepper.
The middle notes introduce a blend of cedar and cocoa bean. For its finish, the fragrance relies on a base of guaiac wood and vetiver, resulting in a clean yet woody trail.
Presented in a heavy glass bottle designed to resemble an ornate crystal tumbler, Lattafa Khamrah is a unisex Eau de Parfum from the oriental-spicy fragrance family. The 100ml scent opens with an aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and the citrus brightness of bergamot.
As the fragrance develops, it reveals a heart composed of dates and praline, balanced by tuberose and mahonial. The composition is grounded by a base that features vanilla, roasted tonka bean, and amberwood, alongside notes of myrrh, benzoin, and akigalawood.
Contained in a minimalist rectangular bottle with a silver-toned cap, Amour Scents Mylliun is an Extrait de Parfum designed as a floral-fruity-woody fragrance. The 50ml scent features a high oil concentration and opens with a v blend of raspberry and bitter orange, accented by the citrusy brightness of neroli.
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The heart of the fragrance transitions into a lush white floral bouquet, led by jasmine and gardenia. This is supported by a base of patchouli and amber.
Included in this varied gift set, Bella Vita Luxury CEO Man is an Eau de Parfum from the woody-spicy fragrance family. The 100ml scent opens with lemon and sugar.
The heart transitions into a blend dominated by lavender, which is anchored by a base of vetiver, moss, and tonka bean.
Dirham Oud is presented in a classic rectangular bottle with an intricate silver gold and wooden cap and label. The Eau de Parfum sits within the fresh-woody-floral family. The 100ml fragrance opens with a combination of lemon, bergamot, and cardamom.
The scent moves into a heart of jasmine, rose, and lavender and is rounded off by a base consisting of sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver.
A remorseless England piled pain and points on Wales as they began their hunt for the Six Nations title with a 48-7 victory at Allianz Stadium.
Wing Henry Arundell, making his first start for his country in more than two years, scored a first-half hat-trick as England put themselves out of sight before the break.
Josh Adams was picked out by Dan Edwards’ precise punt for Wales’s solitary try five minutes after the restart, but, for the most part, the one-way traffic continued to steamroll the visitors.
Tom Roebuck added to Ben Earl’s first-half try, before the introduction of Marcus Smith, Henry Pollock and returning captain Maro Itoje energised England for the final quarter.
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Earl, as he did in the 68-14 romp in Cardiff last year, switched to midfield late on as England used the remaining game time to try out new patterns for the campaign to come.
Tommy Freeman, who scored in all five of England’s games in the tournament last year, powered his way over in the last play of the game to keep his scoring streak going.
Wales have now won only two of their past 24 Test matches, while the domestic game is racked with uncertainty and rancour as the Welsh Rugby Union attempt to restructure four regional sides.
Ominously they take on France, the defending champions who took apart Ireland on Thursday night, next weekend.
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The contrast to England is stark. The hosts’ 12th straight victory was roared to the rafters and belief is swelling that their run can carry them to a first title since 2020.
A far tougher test of those credentials awaits in the shape of a wounded Scotland in Edinburgh next weekend, but their mix of accurate attack and furious defence was hard to fault.
United went into the game against Thomas Frank with confidence high after wins over Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham. The form has seen them climb into fourth place in the Premier League table.
They were handed a boost in the 29th minute when Spurs captain Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card for a foul on United midfielder Casemiro. Carrick’s side were able to make their advantage count just under 10 minutes later.
A well-worked set-piece routine from a corner saw the ball make its way to Mbeumo on the edge of the area. He made no mistake with his shot, sweeping it low into the bottom right-hand corner.
Speaking to the club after the match, Mbeumo made a surprising admission over what that set-piece routine has looked like on the training pitch as in the build-up to the weekend.
“It didn’t work out at the training ground, I just like put the ball over the fences,” he said. “But yeah, today was the most important and we are really happy with the goal.”
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United has to wait until nine minutes from the end to make the three points safe. Bruno Fernandes steered the ball home from Diogo Dalot’s deep cross to make it 2-0.
The result secured United’s place in fourth place in the table, ahead of Chelsea‘s Premier League clash against Wolves. Liam Rosenior’s side came out as 3-1 winners to again close the gap to one point.
United don’t have too long to enjoy the win, with eyes turning to midweek action. The Reds travel down to the London Stadium on Tuesday night to take on West Ham (8.15pm kick-off).
The Hammers recorded a 2-0 away win against Burnley on Saturday as they closed the gap on Nottingham Forest towards the bottom of the table.
The highly-entertaining Liverpool favourite is back on Merseyside for what could be a very tricky test against a former two-division world champion.
That win ame just three months after Ball had been hard done by to miss out on the WBC title at 126lbs in a controversial split-decision draw with Rey Vargas.
Ball (23-1-0, 13 KOs) kicked out and had a point deducted for pushing during his dramatic 11th-round win over Ireland’s TJ Doheny in Liverpool, having also floored Ronny Rios three times during his first defence en route to a late stoppage.
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The 28-year-old has since been pushing to unify at featherweight and targeted the likes of IBF champion Angelo Leo and WBO title-holder Rafael Espinoza, while he has also been called out already by Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington, who picked up the WBC belt by knocking out Carlos Castro on the Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson undercard at Madison Square Garden last weekend.
Ball has also been mentioned as a potentially difficult opponent for pound-for-pound great Naoya Inoue, who could move up to featherweight in future but is first expected to face Japanese rival Junto Nakatani in a super-bantamweight mega-fight later in 2026.
Instead it’s Figueroa (26-2-1, 19 KOs) next, the American former WBA and WBC super-bantamweight and WBC featherweight champion, who lost his belts in two defeats to Stephen Fulton that were more than four years apart.
‘The Heartbreaker’ began on the comeback trail from that latest loss against Joet Gonzalez on the Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao undercard in Las Vegas last July, with many thinking him fortunate to win a competitive WBA title eliminator on the scorecards.
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Ball vs Figueroa fight date and venue
Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa takes place tonight, Saturday February 7, 2026. The event is being held in Ball’s home city of Liverpool, at M&S Bank Arena.
Ball vs Figueroa start time and ring walks
Saturday night’s main undercard is due to start at 7pm GMT, with main event ring walks pencilled in for approximately 10:15pm. As ever, those timings are subject to change.
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How to watch Ball vs Figueroa
TV channel and live stream: The card is being broadcast live and exclusive worldwide through DAZN, not via its pay-per-view service.
Ball vs Figueroa undercard
Saturday night’s undercard includes Liverpool’s Andrew Cain in a WBC bantamweight title eliminator against Mexico’s Alejandro Jair Gonzalez, with Naoya’s younger brother Takuma Inoue lying in wait.
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Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa
Andrew Cain vs Alejandro Jair Gonzalez
Lucas Szeto-Biswana vs Liam MacMillan
Luke Turner vs Jensen Irving
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Paddy Lacey vs Jack Swallow
William Birchall vs Cain Singh
Jack Turner vs Juan Carlos Martinez Urbina
Brad Strand vs Ruben Lezama Gonzalez
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Stephen Clarke vs Lewis Howells
Sam Norris vs Jack England
Hassan Ishaq vs Leonardo Baez
Ball vs Figueroa prediction
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Nick Ball to retain his title on points after another thriller in Liverpool.
There was purpose about the Scottish start but there was little by way of accuracy. The line-out was a mess early on and it fed Italy’s belief. Louis Lynagh pounced on a Brex grubber to open the scoring before the wing was at it again in the air moments later, pilfering possession for Menoncello’s try. No 8 Jack Dempsey, one of few shining lights for Scotland, pulled one back before half-time but a Paolo Garbisi penalty gave Italy an eight-point lead at the break which, with the weather setting in, felt far healthier.
And so it was. Italy managed just a sole Garbisi penalty in the second half but that was all the hosts needed to secure a second consecutive victory over Scotland in Rome. George Turner’s sin-binning for a dodgy ruck clean-out on Zuliani did nothing to help the visitors’ cause but there was a rearguard: Russell kicked three points and the lively George Horne slid over but Italy held on in a thrilling last stand which saw Scotland cycle through nearly 30 phases in a desperate bid to snatch victory.
The Azzurri have never finished above fourth in the Six Nations and will have grand designs on achieving something special this year. Nonetheless, after this victory, the pressure is off for them ahead of their trip to Dublin next weekend; for Scotland, however, the reverse is true with England in waiting.
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Match details
Scoring sequence: 5-0 Lynagh try, 10-0 Menoncello try, 12-0 P Garbisi con, 12-5 Dempsey try, 12-7 Russell con, 15-7 P Garbisi pen, 15-10 Russell pen, 18-10 P Garbisi pen, 18-15 Horne try.
Italy: L Marin (Pani 73); L Lynagh, J-I Brex, T Menoncello, M Ioane; P Garbisi, A Fusco (A Garbisi, 60); D Fischetti (Spagnolo 58, Fischetti 80), G Nicotera (Di Bartolomeo 58), S Ferrari (Hasa 58); N Cannone, A Zambonin (Ruzza 68); M Lamaro (Zuliani 68), M Zuliani (Favretto 54), L Cannone. Replacement: Da Re.
Scotland: T Jordan; K Steyn, H Jones, S Tuipulotu, J Dobie (Graham 49); F Russell, B White (Horne 64); P Schoeman (McBeth 28, Schoeman 36, McBeth 49), E Ashman (Turner 49), Z Fagerson (Millar-Mills 64), S Cummings, G Gilchrist (Brown 49); M Fagerson (Williamson 64), R Darge (Ashman 60, Darge 64), J Dempsey. Replacement: Hastings. Sin-bin: Turner 54.
Strictly Come Dancing fans have been living in fear for months that one of their favourite professional dancers will waltz away from the BBC series – but he has finally suggested this is not the case
Strictly Come Dancing fans can breathe a sigh of relief after one show favourite dancer confirmed they will be returning to the long-running series. Later this year, professional dancers will be paired with another batch of celebrity contestants as the long-running BBC show returns for a 24th season.
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And while original host Tess Daly and long-term fellow presenter Claudia Winkleman have now bowed out of the series, a number of familiar faces will still be seen on the ballroom floor. And South African dance whiz Johannes Radebe, 38, will be one of those faces.
Fans had been concerned that the dance star – who competed alongside ER actress Alex Kingston in the 2025 season – would quit the show, having completed an impressive seven years on the dance floor. But now the twinkle-toed star has confirmed he will be back for more later this year.
Appearing on the BBC’s Graham Norton Show on Friday, Johannes confronted speculation that he planned to quit. Host Graham, 62, refelcted on the fact that the dancer appeared overcome with emotions when he bowed out of the 2025 contest as he and Alex lost a dance off.
The host asked: “I’ve got to ask you, while you’re here, Johannes, a lot of Strictly fans, myself included, were a bit worried, you were very boo hoo when you said goodbye to Alex Kingston on Strictly, is that the end? Are you not coming back to Strictly?”
The dancer replied: “Was I boo hoo?” as Graham confirmed: “Yes, you were sobbing!” The audience and fellow stars on the sofa soon appeared elated as Johannes effectively confirmed he will be back for the 2026 season.
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He gushed: “Graham, I will do that show for as long as they will have me. It’s a magical, sparkling world, I love it.” The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.
His reaffirmation of love for Strictly comes after comments he made on the BBC show led to fans fearing he would quit. Speaking to Tess Daly before bowing out, he said at the time: “To my Strictly family, I’m forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
His remarks were seized upon by Strictly fans, with one writing on Reddit: “It really sounds like Johannes doesn’t intend to be back next series currently.” Another agreed, writing: “I got the impression too that he was saying goodbye to this chapter of his life.”
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A further far wrote on X: “#Strictly, so that’s Johannes leaving at the end of the series yeah? He looked at ease and that speech seemed like he was laying the way for an announcement in a few weeks? What a sad loss if so. Wonderful man and dancer.”
And another commented at the time: “I hope it’s not Johannes’ last year on #Strictly? The way he said to my Strictly family and saying thank you etc. I hope he’s not leaving!”
Meanwhile, speculation has been rife over who could replace hosts Tess Daly, 56, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, with Zoe Ball, 55, a frontrunner to take over presenting duties. Late last year, her father, Johnny Ball, 87, shared insight on the likelihood his radio host daughter, who competed on Strictly in 2005 and hosted spin-off show It Takes Two from 2011 until 2021, would take the reins.
Opening up to the Express, Johnny said last December: “Nothing’s going to be decided until after Easter, but she’s in the mix, and people are coming to her, but it’s too early to say… I think she would love it, I think she would love the job because she took over from Claudia on It Takes Two, and if anything, she did a better job than Claudia.”
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And just last month, Zoe herself teased that she may indeed be the new presenter. Opening up to The Sunday Times Style Magazine, she gushed: “Obviously there’s part of me that would love to do it. I love that show. I loved performing on it with Ian Waite, who is one of my best buddies. It’s so joyful.”
However, she did add: “It’s live telly, which is another thing that people don’t give the girls enough credit for. That show is a beast. Whoever gets to do it has a tough act to follow.”
Gardai are preparing for a potential visit by US President Donald Trump to Ireland in September, with his son Eric confirming he ‘really wants’ to attend the Irish Open at Doonbeg
Pat Flanagan and Michael O’Toole
17:11, 07 Feb 2026
Senior Gardai have initiated preparations for a potential visit to Ireland by US President Donald Trump later this year, it has been revealed.
Insiders have disclosed that officers are operating under the assumption that Taoiseach Micheal Martin will extend an invitation to Mr Trump to visit Ireland during their meeting at the White House on St Patrick’s Day.
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The belief is that Mr Trump is likely to visit Ireland around the time of the Irish Open golf tournament at his Doonbeg resort in September.
An insider shared: “They (gardai) are working on the assumption that the Taoiseach is going to ask the President to come here later in the year.
“The Irish Open is on at Dunbeg in September so that’s the most likely time frame for a possible visit.”, reports the Irish Mirror.
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“While the gardai are well up to the task having mounted similar operations in the past it is going to be a bit of a headache as a visit will come at the same time as Ireland is holding the EU presidency.
“Resources are going to be stretched that’s for sure and that’s why there are plans being made well in advance of a possible visit.”
Donald Trump’s son Eric has already expressed that his father “really wants” to attend the 2026 Irish Open.
“I think he’s gonna be here. He really wants to be here – and I know Rory [McIlroy] definitely wants him here”, he stated.
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The Taoiseach has now confirmed he has accepted a formal invitation to meet with President Trump at the White House on St Patrick’s Day.
During an address at the Cork Chamber annual dinner on Friday evening, Micheal Martin described the meeting as “an opportunity to celebrate the warm and historic friendship between the US and Ireland”.
He stated: “Today, I have received a formal invitation from president Donald Trump to visit the White House on St Patrick’s Day.
“In his letter he [Mr Trump] expresses that this visit would be an opportunity to celebrate the warm and historic friendship between the US and Ireland.”
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The Government stopped short of confirming whether a visit was planned, but noted that an open invitation remains in place.
A statement read: “There are currently no plans in place for a visit by President Trump to Ireland later this year, but the President of the US has previously been offered an open invitation to visit.
“The Taoiseach looks forward to meeting with President Trump as part of his St. Patrick’s Day travel in March.”
