Jamie Downham

Former Celebrity Big Brother star Stephen Bear pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court to five breaches of sex offender register notification requirements. He failed to notify police about travelling to Brazil, returning to the UK within the required timeframe, obtaining a replacement passport and acquiring two bank cards. His defence said he was unaware of some notification obligations and needed alternative bank accounts after his NatWest card was blocked. Sentencing was postponed because Bear is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court over a separate restraining-order breach. He remains subject to registration requirements imposed after his 2023 conviction for voyeurism and disclosing private sexual images and films.

Gary Barlow announced that Take That’s Circus Live tour will not return after its final show in Dublin, explaining that the physical demands are no longer manageable at age 55. He reflected on performing the show both in 2009 and again on the recent 17‑date run, calling it the band’s best tour but stating he must leave it in the past. Fans expressed gratitude for the revived production, which featured elaborate circus‑themed performances and included band members Mark Owen and Howard Donald, with former members Jason Orange and Robbie Williams absent.

A Married at First Sight UK cast member was arrested on suspicion of rape following allegations made by former contestants in a BBC Panorama documentary. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigation, with the individual and alleged victim not named. Channel 4 has removed all episodes from its platform and is conducting a two-part external review into welfare protocols, led in part by former BBC One Controller Lorraine Heggessey. A decision on airing the already filmed upcoming season remains pending.