Sam Elliott-Gibbs

Sam Neill died suddenly in Sydney at age 78 after a long battle with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Although his family said he remained cancer-free, reports indicate that years of chemotherapy and immunotherapy severely weakened his immune system and that he subsequently developed pneumonia. No official cause of death has been confirmed. Neill was remembered for a career spanning more than five decades, including roles in Jurassic Park, The Piano, Peaky Blinders and The Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

Reports suggest Sam Neill died from pneumonia after cancer treatments weakened his immune system, though no official cause has been confirmed. Friends and former colleagues described his recent health struggles and compromised immunity following chemotherapy and immunotherapy, despite being declared cancer‑free. His family announced his sudden passing in Sydney and tributes highlighted a five‑decade career featuring major roles in film and television.

Police believe former MP Ann Widdecombe was attacked at her Devon home on Wednesday afternoon, nearly a day before her body was discovered. Investigators are searching for a white male suspect after releasing a previously arrested 26‑year‑old man. A message sent to a Channel 5 researcher minutes before the suspected attack provides part of the timeline. Authorities say the investigation is progressing quickly and urge the public to provide any relevant information while avoiding speculation.

Actor Michael Byrne, known for roles in Braveheart, Coronation Street and numerous major films, has died aged 82 following a six‑decade career in theatre, television and cinema. His work ranged from early stage performances to appearances in Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and James Bond films. He is survived by his former wife, two daughters and three grandchildren, with his final stage role performed in 2018.

An 11‑year‑old boy identified as Tsou was rescued after being found floating on a polystyrene slab off Taiwan’s Zhonggang River following his unexplained absence from school. Authorities launched a missing‑person search when his parents could not be contacted and prior social‑services concerns heightened worry. A fisherman spotted him at sea, prompting a swift coastguard rescue. His father was later contacted and collected him, while local education officials are providing support to the family. A similar past incident in Brazil is recalled, involving a child drifting in an inflatable bubble before being rescued by a passer‑by.

A father in Bakersfield, California, rescued his one-year-old daughter after she fell headfirst into their backyard pool. Acting instantly, he grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her to safety, and she was unharmed aside from the shock. He later shared footage of the incident, stressing the need for vigilant supervision while allowing children to explore safely and learn to handle risks.

Katie Price has showcased a new ring gifted by her husband, Lee Andrews, following his release from Al Awir prison in Dubai. Despite speculation about a breakup, she has reaffirmed her commitment while acknowledging unresolved issues surrounding his detention. Reports highlight controversy over a previously recycled ring and questions about the nature of Lee’s arrest, initially linked to espionage but later described as a civil matter. Price says she expects answers from him and will leave if unsatisfied, though sources suggest she remains supportive and has not contributed financially to his release.

Prosecutors allege that Stefania Glowka deliberately strangled her mother Tamara with a belt on Christmas Day after years as her sole carer and then attempted to take her own life. Glowka admits killing her mother but denies murder on grounds of diminished responsibility, claiming an abnormality of mental function. Evidence includes body‑camera footage, Glowka’s police statements, and a letter outlining her intentions. Prosecutors argue her actions were planned and controlled, while the defence maintains her mental state impaired her responsibility. The trial is ongoing.

A 68-year-old man died while rescuing his granddaughter after both were pulled out by a sudden tide shift at Tregirls Beach in Cornwall, with the child and his wife saved by a passing boat. His death was one of several drowning incidents involving young people during a period of unusually high temperatures across the UK and Ireland. A child mortality expert highlighted longstanding concerns about water safety, citing data showing higher risks during summer and among children in deprived areas, and called for expanded access to swimming and safety education.

Five teenagers died in separate drowning incidents across the UK and Ireland during a hot Bank Holiday weekend, prompting families and emergency services to issue renewed warnings about the dangers of open water. Victims included 15‑year‑old Declan Sawyer in Lincoln, another teenage boy in Rotherham, Abbie Carmody‑Pepper in Dublin, a teenage girl in Sutton Coldfield, and a 13‑year‑old boy in Halifax. Grieving relatives urged greater awareness of water safety, while fire service officials highlighted risks such as cold water shock and unpredictable conditions in lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

Katie Price says her missing husband Lee Andrews had three phones and claims his alleged kidnappers seized two of them while he used a third to contact her. A video she posted includes a voice message to his father as the family tried to understand his disappearance. Andrews’ father later said his son was not kidnapped but under arrest in Dubai. The situation has caused distress among family members, who criticized public speculation and online comments as the circumstances behind Andrews’ disappearance remain unclear.

A Shrewsbury woman who claimed she was housebound and unable to walk unaided was convicted after investigators found footage of her running a 10k race and participating in gym combat classes. She admitted fraudulently receiving more than £25,000 in Personal Independence Payment between 2020 and 2023 and was jailed for seven months. The DWP launched its investigation following a tip-off, with both government and CPS officials condemning the deception and highlighting the strength of the evidence presented.

Electro Velvet members Alex Larke and Bianca Nicholas recount their difficult 2015 Eurovision experience, including a blunt remark from Graham Norton telling them not to continue releasing music after the contest. They describe strict pre-show rules, emotional distress over their low score, and concerns about career impact. As the UK prepares for Look Mum No Computer’s performance at the upcoming contest, they advise the new entrant to enjoy the experience but maintain realistic expectations and secure strong management support.

Ant and Dec publicly criticise David Haye’s repeated remarks toward Adam Thomas on I’m A Celebrity South Africa, describing his behaviour as uncomfortable and beyond acceptable banter. Gemma Collins says she felt compelled to protect Adam, who struggled with psoriatic arthritis during filming. Adam later shares that the experience was physically and emotionally challenging, reflecting on the pressure to hide his pain and his wish that he had stood up for himself sooner.

Scott Mills was removed from BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show following an allegation about his conduct, triggering an immediate search for his replacement. Bookmakers have installed Vernon Kay as the early favourite, with Gary Davies, OJ Borg, Rylan Clark, Clara Amfo, Tony Blackburn and Claudia Winkleman also in contention. An internal email from BBC director Lorna Clarke confirmed Mills’ dismissal, while Davies temporarily covers the show. The high-profile vacancy is complicated by BBC budget pressures and salary considerations for top candidates.

Katie Price shared a photo flaunting a pregnancy test after recently claiming she was expecting her sixth child, despite her spokesperson confirming she is not pregnant. The announcement followed tensions with her husband Lee Andrews’ ex-partner, prompting speculation and social media backlash. New images show Price promoting her subscription platform for the full story. The couple, currently honeymooning in Dubai after a recent wedding, have faced criticism from friends concerned about Andrews’ influence. Price has previously discussed fertility challenges and documented IVF attempts in a Channel 4 series.

A school bus carrying around 40 pupils overturned in Belleeks, Co Armagh, prompting a major emergency response from ambulance, police and fire services. Multiple medical teams treated minor injuries at the scene while concerns remained for the driver. Local MLA Justin McNulty said all children were able to walk away and return home, noting the incident could have been far more serious.

A British Airways Airbus A350-1000 flying from Las Vegas to London lost a main landing‑gear wheel during takeoff but continued safely to Heathrow, where it landed without incident. Livestream footage showed the wheel detaching, prompting an engineering review mid‑flight. Emergency crews were on standby but not required. The aircraft was later taken out of service for inspection and repairs. The incident followed similar past cases, including a 2024 United Airlines flight that also lost a wheel after departure.

Six people were injured, two critically, in a stabbing during a Kurdish demonstration near Antwerp’s Operaplein square. Police arrested two suspects and confirmed that victims were found at multiple nearby locations. Officers already present at the event provided immediate assistance while medical teams responded, and authorities reported that the previously peaceful gathering became disorderly toward its end.

Two individuals received prison sentences and long-term bans on keeping animals after authorities discovered 52 dogs and several exotic animals living in severe neglect at a property in Wales. Investigators reported filthy, hazardous conditions, malnourished animals, and multiple deaths. Both defendants pleaded guilty to multiple Animal Welfare Act offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to French Bulldogs and snakes. RSPCA inspectors documented widespread squalor across the home, with inadequate care provided to dogs, snakes, a tortoise, a gecko, and a monitor lizard.

A prison officer was jailed for 32 weeks after body‑worn camera footage revealed she engaged in sexual activity with inmate Erion Nakdi at HMP Highpoint. Court proceedings showed she had sent him a card and stored explicit videos on her phone. The judge stated that the misconduct undermined public confidence in the justice system. Nakdi received an additional sentence for possessing a mobile phone in prison. Mitigation cited personal difficulties and claimed the interactions were not a relationship.

A large factory fire in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton triggered a major toxic incident warning as residents reported explosions and thick smoke. West Midlands Fire Service deployed multiple crews and advised people nearby to remain indoors with windows closed. Roads were shut and a nearby primary school closed for safety. Local officials and residents described widespread disruption as firefighters worked to control the blaze.

Prosecutors told a Birmingham Crown Court jury that Jordan Herring attempted to murder his girlfriend by throwing her from a fourth‑floor window after weeks of violent and controlling behaviour. CCTV showed the teenager falling more than 37 feet and Herring later carrying her back upstairs with his mother without calling emergency services for over an hour. The victim suffered extensive, life-threatening injuries. Herring denies attempted murder, claiming she jumped voluntarily.

Jonty Bravery received a 16‑week concurrent jail sentence for assaulting two nurses at Broadmoor Hospital, where he is serving a life sentence for throwing a six‑year‑old boy from the Tate Modern in 2019. The attacks involved kicking and clawing at staff as they attempted to prevent his self‑harm. Court testimony described the injuries suffered by the nurses and previous assaults Bravery committed on hospital personnel. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring found him guilty of both charges, noting he went too far, and the additional term will not extend his existing minimum sentence.

Australian actress Rachael Carpani, known for roles in Home and Away and McLeod's Daughters, died at 45 after a long illness. Her family announced her peaceful passing and requested privacy, noting the funeral will be private. Tributes, including a lengthy message from co-star Bridie Carter, praised her talent, warmth and impact. Carpani’s career included roles in television dramas, films and guest appearances on NCIS: Los Angeles, and she had previously shared health struggles after a 2021 hospitalisation.

A light aircraft crashed near Waterford Airport in Ireland after the pilot declared an emergency while returning from a flight toward France, leaving the sole occupant dead. The aircraft lost height rapidly before coming down in a field, prompting an investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Unit with support from the Irish Aviation Authority. Gardaí and emergency services responded to the scene, while local officials urged the public to avoid the area during ongoing operations.

Police are investigating a series of violent incidents on a London-to-Birmingham train in which a passenger was attacked multiple times and a railway worker was assaulted while trying to stop further fighting at Birmingham International station. Officers released CCTV images of four men they believe could assist with the inquiry and appealed for public information through British Transport Police and Crimestoppers channels.