Milo Pope

Multiple London Underground lines will face planned closures and partial suspensions on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, because of engineering and upgrade works. The Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines are affected, alongside sections of the London Overground and Elizabeth line. Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations are also due to close on Sunday after recent upgrades. Passengers are advised to check journeys and allow extra time. Separately, Arriva bus strikes affecting north London and Essex have been suspended while Unite members vote on a proposed deal, with further strikes possible if it is rejected.

The BBC reportedly removed a celebrity video of figures including Stephen Fry, Micah Richards, Maya Jama and Claudia Winkleman performing Oasis's “Wonderwall” ahead of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The clip was widely mocked by fans as embarrassing, while Liam and Noel Gallagher's legal team allegedly objected to the song's use and questioned whether the BBC had obtained the necessary permissions. BBC Sport boss Alex Kay-Jelski reportedly tried unsuccessfully to keep the video online. The BBC and Oasis representatives have been contacted for comment.

Neighbours actor Scarlet Vas has announced that she and her husband, Tayo Ricci, are expecting their second child. The couple, who already have a daughter named Silva, met as teenagers in Melbourne and were later connected through their parents’ relationship, prompting Vas to describe Ricci as her “step-brother,” although they are not biologically related. They married in 2023 and have also created OnlyFans content together. Vas said they dismiss or sometimes respond to criticism of their relationship.

Sainsbury’s suspended live facial recognition at its East Dulwich store after customer Matt Arnold was wrongly stopped and accused of shoplifting. The supermarket attributed the incident to human error while Facewatch maintained that its system issued a correct alert that was mishandled by staff. Arnold and civil liberties group Big Brother Watch criticised the technology and its implementation, citing concerns that staff may follow automated alerts without sufficient judgment. The case follows another alleged false challenge at a Sainsbury’s store in Elephant and Castle and wider concerns about the accuracy and proportionality of facial recognition surveillance.

Extreme heat and an amber warning are causing severe disruption across London’s transport network, with delays reported on multiple Underground lines and the District line partly suspended. Transport for London has urged commuters to expect chaos, while temperatures are forecast to reach 38°C. Separately, a train derailment near Lewes in East Sussex has closed several rail lines, with major delays expected until 10pm. Heat-related transport pressures are affecting London, southeast England, eastern England and the East Midlands.

A woman died at Houghton Festival in Norfolk after being found unconscious in a tent on the event's final day. Despite treatment by the on-site medical team, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Norfolk Constabulary is treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious, and has informed the woman's next of kin while continuing its investigation.

Actress Lucy Davis has revealed that she was diagnosed about 18 months ago with incurable stage-four breast cancer that has spread to her spine, right hip and ribs. She said chemotherapy was no longer an option, that mobility can be difficult and that she sometimes uses a wheelchair, but she remains at peace and is trying to live as fully and humorously as possible. Davis urged people to have unusual breast changes checked, plans to continue her animal-rights work and hopes to keep acting. The report also provides breast-cancer symptom and self-check guidance from the NHS, Cancer Research UK and CoppaFeel!.

Morrisons is trialing Instacart’s AI-powered Caper Cart at its Preston store. The trolley automatically recognizes items, weighs fresh produce, maintains a running total and displays More Card savings, promotions and recommendations. Shoppers can scan a barcode on the trolley to pay at checkout. The trial offers an alternative to scan-and-go shopping, although smart trolleys have seen limited large-scale adoption among UK supermarkets; Waitrose recently ended a similar Shopic trial.

Brad Pitt says he resumed drinking after seven years of sobriety but now does so in a more restrained manner after recognizing that alcohol was not good for him. In an interview, he also described experiencing suicidal thoughts during a period of intense pain related to his estrangement from Angelina Jolie and their six children. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016 and alleged that Pitt assaulted two children during a private-jet confrontation; the FBI investigated and brought no charges. The couple became legally single in 2019 and finalized their divorce in December 2024, while several of their children have reportedly moved away from using Pitt’s surname.

Police are seeking additional victims of Simon Levy after he was convicted of murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins in 2025, raping another woman and committing multiple sexual assaults. The Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and Crown Prosecution Service admitted serious failures, including investigative delays, inadequate information at bail hearings and repeated decisions that left Levy free despite escalating allegations. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has issued misconduct notices to two Met officers. Officials and London’s Victims’ Commissioner said a wider review is needed to identify how agencies failed to assess and manage Levy’s risk.

Former Love Island star Adam Collard attended Newcastle court with his pregnant fiancée Laura Woods while his father, property developer William “Billy” Collard, faced trial for allegedly assaulting him. Billy Collard denies assault by beating. Prosecutors allege that an argument over access to and ownership of a holiday cottage on his Northumberland farm escalated after Adam arrived with a police officer to change the locks, leaving Adam with a ripped shirt and an injured neck. The trial is continuing.

Joan Jett has cancelled her September 5 performance at the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa and her September 24 appearance at Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville after undergoing surgery for a fractured vertebra. Her team said she will focus on physical therapy and recovery, while providing no details about how the injury occurred. The cancellation follows the Blackhearts’ first UK headline tour in 16 years and comes shortly after the death of former band drummer Thommy Price at 68.

Rio and Kate Ferdinand are reportedly close to signing up for ITV’s proposed I’m A Celebrity: Wild Frontier spin-off, expected to film in Canada and air in 2027. If confirmed, they would be the first married couple to compete together in the franchise. Their reported fee could exceed £100,000 each, while ITV is still negotiating with other contestants and has not confirmed the cast. The series would mark Rio Ferdinand’s first major reality-TV appearance and Kate Ferdinand’s return to the genre after The Only Way Is Essex.

The Powerball jackpot has rolled over for a 41st consecutive draw and reached an estimated £444 million, with UK players able to enter until 11:55pm on Saturday, August 8. The rollover is among the longest in the lottery’s history, though still short of the 47-draw record. Powerball launched in the UK on July 23, and nearly half a million prizes have already been paid out. A UK winner would surpass the country’s current lottery record of £195 million. Tickets cost £4 per line, draws take place three times weekly in Florida, and UK jackpot winners receive payments over 30 years.

The Powerball jackpot has rolled over for a 41st consecutive draw and is reported at £444 million, with the next draw scheduled for August 8, 2026. The rollover is among the longest in the lottery’s history, though it remains short of the 47-draw record. Powerball launched in the UK on July 23, and nearly 500,000 prizes have reportedly already been won. UK tickets cost £4 per line, with any jackpot paid over 30 years; a British winner would surpass the country’s current lottery record of £195 million.

Nadia Sawalha says the European Legal Support Centre has written to ITV alleging that she was treated unlawfully because of her protected beliefs after she spoke publicly in support of Palestine. She claims an escalating campaign of complaints and hostile coverage led to her being repeatedly removed from Loose Women, where she has not appeared since late April. Fellow panellist Kelly Holmes expressed support, while a petition calls on ITV to apologise and reinstate Sawalha if she wants to return. ITV had not commented at the time of publication.

University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday has resigned while the university investigates questions about his academic qualifications, honorary appointments and alleged plagiarism in his PhD thesis and other work. Jesus College has also begun an investigation, while separate academic-misconduct complaints are being handled under research misconduct procedures. Arday said relentless public scrutiny had become unbearable and emphasized that his resignation was not an admission of wrongdoing. He became Cambridge's youngest Black professor in 2023. An open letter organized by the Good Law Project supporting him has attracted nearly 16,000 signatures, and his memoir is scheduled for publication later this month.

Former England rugby player and The Traitors star Joe Marler will join the BBC’s Gladiators for its fourth series as the programme’s first official Celebrity Gladiator. Performing under the name Mauler, he will make special appearances and compete against contestants in challenges. Filming is underway in Sheffield for the show’s 2027 return to BBC One and iPlayer. The announcement follows the departures of several Gladiators, including Giant, whose replacement is World’s Strongest Man competitor Tom Stoltman.

A study of thousands of Tripadvisor reviews found that London Euston had the worst-rated station toilets in the capital, with 63% of reviews negative. Passengers criticized the facilities as dirty, smelly and poorly maintained, while Waterloo and Liverpool Street each recorded 52% negative reviews. Victoria Station had the best rating, with only 23% of reviews negative, possibly helped by recently removing its toilet charge. The research also found that fees were mentioned in about 65% of negative reviews. Network Rail said its managed-station toilets are free, regularly cleaned and being upgraded, including at Euston, Waterloo and London Bridge.

Perez Hilton’s family confirmed that the celebrity blogger is receiving medical care and asked for privacy after a TikTok livestream appeared to show self-harm. Miami-Dade County deputies and mental-health professionals responded to his Florida home, safely recovered him and transported him to hospital, although his current condition has not been disclosed. His representatives and attorney said they were trying to confirm his care and urged compassion. The incident follows serious health problems earlier in 2026, including severe sepsis and a blood clot requiring a thrombectomy.

Line of Duty will return to the BBC for a seventh series featuring Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, with Robert Carlyle joining the cast. Although no series beyond the upcoming run has been commissioned, Netflix is reportedly considering acquiring the drama from rights holder World Productions and continuing it after 2027. The BBC has not indicated that the show will leave its schedule, and production on series seven is reportedly progressing toward a possible Easter release.

Myleene Klass revealed that she discovered two breast lumps while attending Wimbledon and subsequently underwent medical tests, which identified three cysts and three lymph nodes. After being reassured that she was okay, she urged women not to ignore bodily changes and to seek medical advice or a second opinion. The article outlines NHS guidance on breast cancer symptoms and CoppaFeel!'s advice to look at and feel the breasts, chest, armpits and nipples for changes.

A screening of Spider-Man: Brand New Day at the Plaza Bocagrande cinema in Cartagena, Colombia, was disrupted on August 2 when a powerful foul smell filled the auditorium. Dozens of spectators evacuated while covering their noses, though the screening was not officially cancelled and the cinema continued operating normally. Staff did not identify the person responsible, and cinema-goers speculated that the odor may have come from a stink bomb rather than flatulence. The film, starring Tom Holland, Zendaya and Sadie Sink and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, has reportedly received strong reviews.

Wildfires in Le Porge, in France’s Gironde region, detonated more than 100 buried World War Two shells from a cache of about 400 German and French munitions. The explosions damaged homes and forced evacuations, while bomb disposal specialists secured the area before residents could return. Parts of the village, including the coast, a campsite and La Jenny, remained closed after the fire burned roughly 42,000 hectares across south-west France.

Actress Mary Rivera, best known internationally for playing Ned Leeds’ grandmother in Spider-Man: No Way Home, died aged 82 in Honolulu on April 15 after suffering a stroke and being taken off life support. Her brief Tagalog-language scene with Andrew Garfield became a fan favourite, and her family described the role in the Marvel blockbuster as one of her greatest achievements. Rivera, born in Iloilo, Philippines, is survived by her husband, four children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Katy Perry became stranded inside a giant inflatable water bottle during her performance of “I Kissed a Girl” at the Isle of MTV Malta festival. Fans rolling the prop through the crowd sent it away from the stage, leaving Perry trying to steer herself back while joking and calling for help. Concertgoers eventually returned her safely to the stage, and Perry later said she had worried she might not make it back.

The Piccadilly line will face major disruption on August 1 and 2 while Transport for London carries out engineering works. No trains will run between Cockfosters and Heathrow from around 4am until the end of service, while a reduced service will operate between Acton Town and Uxbridge. The entire line will also close overnight from 12:30am to 4:30am, westbound trains will continue to skip Barons Court, and Finsbury Park station will remain closed. Further closures and changes will affect the DLR, Overground, District and Waterloo & City lines, so passengers are advised to allow extra travel time.

Iwan Rheon discusses The Rapture, a BBC thriller adapted from Liz Jensen’s novel and set in a climate-changed near-future where Wales reaches temperatures of 42°C and religious cults proliferate. Rheon plays struggling journalist Dick, who works with forensic psychologist Gabrielle Fox, played by Ruth Madeley, to investigate a mystery involving convicted inmate Bethany Krall. He says the drama explores climate change, religion, the media and personal trauma while remaining grounded in the relationship between its central characters. Rheon also praises Madeley, reflects on filming in Wales and says he would welcome more straightforward roles after frequently playing troubled or villainous characters.

A British Airways Airbus A320 flying from Düsseldorf to Heathrow experienced an air data systems failure during its approach over London on July 6. After an initial stall warning and go-around, a second warning at about 3,000 feet led to an abrupt recovery manoeuvre and a descent to roughly 2,200 feet. The crew upgraded its PAN PAN emergency call to MAYDAY before landing safely. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has classified the event as a pilot-induced loss of control in flight and is investigating, while reports say the captain was placed on stress leave and that the aircraft came close to a potentially catastrophic hull loss.

John Cleese has said he is not racist but a “culturalist” who believes some cultures are better than others. He defended his support for Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe and said he preferred cultures that reject practices including stoning, wife beating, female genital mutilation and beheading opponents. The comments follow Cleese's earlier criticism of London mayor Sadiq Khan, immigration and what he described as threats to traditional British values, prompting renewed accusations of racism and Islamophobia.

Search crews have resumed looking off Portugal’s Arrifana beach for British professional surfer Arran Strong, 28, who disappeared after becoming separated from his paddleboard about a mile offshore during a long-distance paddle. The Portuguese coastguard, maritime police, lifeboat crews and Air Force searched overnight before suspending operations. Strong’s friend and fellow paddleboarder Jose Maria Pyrrait said he found Strong’s board drifting and believes poor visibility and deep water hampered the search. Officials said sea and wind conditions were normal, while an unconfirmed report suggested Strong may have suffered a medical episode. Strong, who had lived in Portugal and represented Great Britain in competition, had previously spoken about managing Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency through surfing.

A father in his 60s and his daughter in her 30s, both from Doncaster, died after being pulled from the water at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall. Emergency crews, including police, ambulances, coastguard boats and a helicopter, attended the rescue. The deaths are not being treated as suspicious, and police are appealing for the recovery of the woman's orange or peach handbag, which contains sentimental items. In a separate incident in Scotland, two female divers aged 26 and 24 died after being pulled from Loch Fyne; their deaths are being treated as unexplained and post-mortem examinations are expected.

Veteran BBC journalist Edward Stourton has died at 68 after living with incurable prostate cancer. Known for presenting BBC Radio 4’s Today programme for a decade, he continued working until shortly before his death. Colleagues including James Naughtie, Mohit Bakaya and Jonathan Munro paid tribute to his intelligence, professionalism and resilience, noting his wide-ranging broadcasting expertise. He is survived by his wife Fiona, their children and stepdaughter.

Laura Donnelly describes ITV’s thriller The Dark as a more human‑focused alternative to typical serial‑killer dramas, emphasizing emotional impact over violence. Her character, DI Monica Kennedy, is portrayed as a realistic, grounded detective balancing complex personal dynamics without relying on common genre clichés. The series highlights the psychological effects of crime on families while using Scotland’s landscapes to heighten atmosphere. Filming conditions were demanding, but Donnelly hopes viewers connect with the show’s tension and its empathetic approach to storytelling.

Emma Willis is reportedly leaving ITV’s The Voice UK after more than 12 years, following her move to Strictly Come Dancing. Maya Jama has emerged as the frontrunner to replace her and is said to be in discussions with ITV, though she is weighing other opportunities, including in the US. The next series of The Voice UK is expected to undergo changes, with coaches Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher also reportedly departing.

Lee Andrews and his father Peter are reportedly being held in Dubai’s Al Awir prison on fraud-related allegations after Peter was also jailed following a report to authorities. Andrews is attempting to resolve his debts while facing possible extradition, adding strain to his relationship with Katie Price, who has not publicly commented. The situation is compounded by a dispute over a puppy currently kept by Andrews’ former partner, increasing ongoing tensions surrounding the couple.

Jesy Nelson says her twin daughters’ health has deteriorated following their diagnosis with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, despite a recent policy change ensuring all newborns in England will now be screened for the condition. Doctors at St Ormond Street Children’s Hospital reported reduced responsiveness to treatment and warned the girls may need further intervention. Nelson expresses ongoing fear, emotional turmoil and guilt while sharing footage and details from her Amazon Prime Video documentary about their diagnosis.

Police are searching for Marwan Jumaa, a high‑risk offender who escaped from North Manchester Hospital while receiving treatment. Jumaa, serving an indefinite secure‑hospital sentence for violent robberies that injured women and police officers, was last seen in the Radcliffe area. Greater Manchester Police deployed specialist units and urged the public not to approach him but to call emergency services with any sightings or information. Authorities noted he may need medical assistance as the search continues.

Chloe Madeley celebrated her 39th birthday with ex-husband James Haskell and their daughter, sharing photos from a family lunch and a separate meal with her parents. The former couple, who split nearly two years earlier, continue to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship. Recent reflections on their marriage describe its final year as difficult, while James’s mother has publicly commented on why she believes the relationship struggled.

Pubs across the UK are expected to sell six million additional pints as fans gather for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with spending in pubs and bars reportedly tripling after earlier matches. Industry groups and pub chains report substantial sales boosts and high booking numbers, while thousands of supporters have travelled to Atlanta for the match. Police in both the US and UK have increased security amid large crowds and tensions between rival supporters.

A man working in Bearpark Colliery Woods near Durham was seriously injured in a chainsaw accident, prompting a large emergency response including the Great North Air Ambulance and North East Ambulance Service. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary by road, and police assisted paramedics at the scene. His condition has not yet been confirmed.

Health officials in the US are investigating whether Taco Bell is linked to a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak causing severe gastrointestinal illness, prompting the chain to temporarily remove certain fresh ingredients in some restaurants. While no specific source has been confirmed, lettuce has emerged as a recurring item in the investigation. More than 800 cases have been documented across 31 states since May, with Michigan experiencing a major spike. Authorities advise consumers to choose whole lettuce heads over pre-packaged salad as the investigation continues.

Police officers rescued a distressed dog from a locked car during a severe heatwave by smashing a car window after failing to locate the owner. The owner received a warning about the risks of leaving pets in hot vehicles. The incident occurred amid prolonged high temperatures across the UK, with animal welfare groups reiterating dangers posed to pets in parked cars.

High Court judges rejected Lee Ryan’s attempt to challenge a ruling that blocked him from taking his appeal over a racially aggravated assault conviction to the higher court. Judges found no error in the Crown Court’s assessment, which determined the flight attendant’s evidence was more credible than Ryan’s inconsistent accounts. Ryan, previously given a suspended sentence, will return to court for sentencing.

A repeat fraud offender, Amos Smith, was arrested immediately after leaving prison for stealing nearly £15,000 from a man in his seventies by repeatedly coercing him into withdrawing cash. He admitted two counts of fraud by false representation and received a two‑year, eight‑month sentence at Maidstone Magistrates Court. Kent Police said he targeted a vulnerable victim and showed no remorse, hoping public awareness would prevent further crimes.

Rapper Boosie Badazz is pursuing legal action to recover half of the £450,000 he allegedly paid two lobbyists who claimed they could secure a presidential pardon from Donald Trump that never materialised. His legal team learned no pardon application had been submitted despite assurances it had been signed. Lobbyists Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl deny any refund clause existed and defend their efforts. Boosie has initiated arbitration while continuing to face the consequences of his federal firearm conviction, for which he received time served, supervised release, community service, and a fine.

Producers of a Channel 5 programme became concerned when Ann Widdecombe stopped responding to calls and messages ahead of a scheduled appearance the day before she was found dead with serious injuries in her Dartmoor home. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact her, the team notified her agent, and this information was later passed to police as part of the investigation. A 26‑year‑old man initially arrested on suspicion of murder has been released and is no longer a suspect, according to Devon and Cornwall Police.

Police released a 26-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe, confirming he is no longer a suspect. Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Dartmoor, prompting a major investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said detectives are pursuing extensive enquiries, maintaining a police presence, and conducting forensic work and house-to-house checks. Neighbours expressed shock and recounted recent sightings and observations, while Widdecombe’s representatives confirmed her death and requested privacy for her family.

HMRC confirmed that around 1.4 million pensioners were overtaxed due to a calculation error affecting state pension figures, resulting in more than £2 million in excess tax for 2024–25. The miscalculation dates back to 2010–11 and may have impacted millions. HMRC apologised but will not automatically issue refunds, instead advising affected individuals to contact the department directly. The error was initially flagged in 2023 and involves tax being calculated on 52 weeks at the new pension rate, creating small but widespread discrepancies.

Calvin Hayes, co-founder of Johnny Hates Jazz, died at 63 after collapsing at his home in Washington. Known for the band’s late‑1980s chart success with Shattered Dreams and Turn Back the Clock, Hayes continued performing until an injury and later stepped back from public life before taking part in reunion shows in 2010. Tributes and career reflections highlight his influence in the pop music scene.

Former Conservative MP and television personality Ann Widdecombe has died at 78. She served as MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010, held ministerial roles under John Major, and later aligned with the Brexit Party and Reform UK as an adviser on justice and immigration. Widdecombe became a widely recognised TV figure through her 2010 appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and later roles on Celebrity Big Brother and other programmes. Her career was marked by outspoken socially conservative positions and several high‑profile political disputes.

Paul Gambaccini announced he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in early 2025 and plans to continue presenting his BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio shows. He and his husband have been supported by Alzheimer’s Society, whose chief executive said his openness may encourage early diagnosis in others. His career across BBC networks, Rolling Stone and GMTV is highlighted along with general information about dementia and available support resources.

A 12-year-old girl underwent six rounds of unnecessary chemotherapy after being misdiagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis, despite her mother repeatedly disputing the diagnosis. Following years of worsening symptoms and severe side effects, a referral to Great Ormond Street Hospital led to the correct identification of a rare genetic condition, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. The family argues that an early genetic test would have prevented the harmful treatment and allowed better preparation for her progressive disability, and they are pursuing a formal complaint against Bristol Children’s Hospital.