Month: January 2026

The Night Manager has returned with both Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie as executive producers.

The Night Manager season two has landed, but it didn’t take fans long to complain about a glaring problem.

Tom Hiddleston fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to The Night Manager, an unforgettable BBC drama that originally aired in February 2016.

Starring opposite Hugh Laurie and Olivia Colman, The Night Manager season one revolved around ex-soldier Jonathan Pine (played by Tom Hiddleston), who was hired to infiltrate the inner circle of a secretive arms dealer.

Despite series one getting rave reviews, viewers had given up hope that it would return for a second season, but to everyone’s delight, the series two renewal came in April 2024.

The Night Manager season two finally made its debut this evening, Thursday, January 1, once again focusing on Pine, now known as Alex Goodwin, who works as part of the nocturnal surveillance unit, the Night Owls.

But it isn’t too long before he spots a familiar face from his past with Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie), taking him down yet another dangerous path.

Fans couldn’t wait to tune into the new series, but many couldn’t help but make the same complaint on X, formerly Twitter, as they struggled to remember season one.

“Watching #TheNightManagerS2 when you already have a notoriously bad memory,” someone joked.

A second echoed: “Was going to watch the #TheNightManagerS2 but I can’t remember #thenightmanager so will have to rewatch series one. Anyone else doing the same thing?”

“I have no idea what is going on”, a third began.

“Not sure if it would be easier to follow if they didn’t keep cutting back to characters from 10 years ago that I have forgotten about.”

A fellow user remarked: “Was struggling to understand why I couldn’t for the life of me remember what happened in season 1 of #TheNightManagerS2 only to Google it and see that it aired TEN years ago?????? Girl bye.”

Someone else posted: “The recap hardly helped, I can’t remember what happened last week, let alone what I watched on TV 10 years ago”, as another added: “The Night Manager is really testing everyone’s memory right now.”

Despite fans having an issue with remembering what happened in series one, others have also been praising the new season.

Someone labelled the debut episode as “outstanding” and “brilliant”, while a fellow viewer commented: “Well that didn’t disappoint!!! Episode 1 of The Night Manager- Phew – must resist the temptation to binge!”

Thankfully, fans won’t have to wait very long for the second episode, with the next instalment set to air on Sunday, January 4, at 9pm.

After this, The Night Manager will continue to be shown every Sunday in the same timeslot.

The Night Manager is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Second release of prisoners related to 2024 election protests seen as possible conciliatory move from Maduro.

The government of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has released dozens of prisoners held for protesting his disputed victory in the country’s 2024 election.

The release of at least 87 prisoners comes as the administration of United States President Donald Trump has continued its pressure campaign against Caracas.

It was the second release within a week, in what some observers have viewed as an effort by Maduro to strike a more conciliatory tone, even as he has accused Trump of seeking to topple his government and seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

Two rights groups, the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners and the Committee of Mothers in Defense of the Truth, confirmed the release on Thursday.

“On the morning of January 1, mothers and relatives reported new releases of political prisoners from Tocoron prison in Aragua state” in northern Venezuela, the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners wrote on social media.

Venezuela’s government had previously announced the release of 99 prisoners on December 25, calling it “a concrete expression of the State’s commitment to peace, dialogue and justice”.

However, Foro Penal, a leading Venezuelan rights group, said afterwards it was only able to verify the release of 61 prisoners at the time.

Maduro claimed victory in the July 2024 vote, maintaining he had secured a third six-year term. The opposition has alleged widespread fraud, publishing results later verified by independent experts showing that Edmond Gonzalez had won by a landslide.

Gonzalez ran in place of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado after she was banned from standing in the election. Machado recently emerged in Oslo, Norway, after spending months in hiding.

The disputed vote prompted widespread protests across the country, resulting in at least 28 deaths and thousands of arrests.

Official records show that at least 2,000 people have since been released, while more than 700 people are still believed to be held for political reasons.

The disputed election has, in part, undergirded the Trump administration’s pressure against Maduro, whom they have accused of running a drug trafficking operation that aims to destabilise the US.

The Pentagon has surged military assets off the coast of Venezuela since August, with Trump earlier this week revealing the first attack on Venezuelan soil targeting a dock allegedly used to load drug boats earlier this week.

The US has also blockaded sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting Venezuela, while simultaneously carrying out strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, in what rights groups say amount to extrajudicial killings.

More than 100 people have been killed in the strikes so far.

From exile, Machado has vocally supported the US pressure campaign. She has been more circumspect on strikes on Venezuelan territory, while maintaining that Venezuela has been “invaded” by “terrorist groups” and “drug cartels”.

Venezuela experts have warned that many opposition groups in the country oppose US military action.

US recently approved $11bn arms package for Taiwan, which condemned ‘provocative’ Chinese military drills.

The United States has called on China to exercise “restraint” and avoid actions that raise tensions following a series of war games around Taiwan simulating a blockade of the island.

The US Department of State said in a statement on Thursday that China’s bellicose language and military drills, which prompted sharp condemnation from Taipei, were a source of unnecessary strain.

“China’s military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan and others in the region increase tensions unnecessarily. We urge Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.

“The United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo, including by force or coercion,” he added.

China fired missiles and deployed jets and naval vessels earlier this week in a simulation of military actions to encircle Taiwan, which Beijing claims as an integral part of its territory and has vowed to bring under its control.

Chinese military drills have become a frequent occurrence, causing few disruptions to life on the self-governed island, whose status the US has not officially weighed in on.

But Beijing’s assertive stance has prompted angry condemnations from Taiwanese officials, and crackdowns on formerly autonomous areas such as Hong Kong following integration with China have bolstered scepticism about the prospects of possible reunification with Beijing.

“As president, my stance has always been clear: to resolutely defend national sovereignty and strengthen national defence,” Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te said on Thursday.

Lai has called for a $40bn increase in Taiwan’s military spending, but the proposal is stalled in the country’s legislature, where the opposition party currently holds a majority.

“The coming year, 2026, will be a crucial one for Taiwan,” the president said, adding that Taiwan must “make plans for the worst, but hope for the best”.

While US lawmakers often make strong statements of support for Taiwan, US policy towards the island has been marked by ambiguity for decades and does not include an assurance of military support in the event of an invasion by China.

The US recently approved an $11bn arms package for Taiwan, but President Donald Trump said earlier this week that he did not believe China had plans to launch an invasion of Taiwan in the near future.

“I have a great relationship with [Chinese] President Xi [Jinping]. And he hasn’t told me anything about it. I certainly have seen it,” Trump told reporters on Monday.

“They’ve been doing naval exercises for 20 years in that area. Now people take it a little bit differently,” he added.

Mrs Brown’s Boys fans were left less than impressed as the BBC comedy returned for its second instalment on New Year’s Day

After the opening episode broadcast on Christmas Day, Mrs Brown’s Boys made its comeback with a second instalment on New Year’s Day, leaving audiences thoroughly unimpressed.

Reports suggest the 2025 Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas special failed to crack the top 10 most-watched programmes on Christmas Day, pulling in just 1.6 million viewers.

The 2024 Christmas Day special managed to secure 2.2 million viewers, according to BirminghamLive, representing a dramatic drop from the inaugural Christmas special in 2013, which commanded an audience of 11.5 million.

The plot summary for the second festive episode states: “Tensions are high as Agnes ( Brendan O’Carroll ) and the gang prepare for an incoming storm.

“Buster’s flying high as he nervously awaits his birthday parachute jump, Winnie receives a shock to the system, and a lost nun is in need of help,” reports the Express.

Within moments of the episode beginning, viewers flocked to social media to voice their opinions, with one posting on X: “GET MRS BROWN’S BOYS AXED.”

Another commented: “I swear every shot of Cathy in #MrsBrownsBoys is blurred slightly, even in HD. It’s like watching on VHS.”

A third chimed in: “As if I haven’t had to put up with enough torture today, me nans put Mrs Brown’s Boys on.

“Unfunny drivel,” declared someone else, whilst another simply wrote: “What a load of s****.”

One viewer remarked on X: “Three goalless draws on Match of the Day tonight, and yet it will still be more entertaining than the Mrs Brown’s Boys New Year’s Special.”

However, not all viewers agreed with the criticism. One fan defended the show, saying, “Still a staple of Christmas and New Year’s TV.”

Another chimed in, “The new year one is so much better than Christmas when it comes to the special effects. Keep making more and tell the haters … ‘that’s nice’.”

There was also some discontent about the Christmas Day episode, with fans taking to social media to air their grievances.

One disgruntled viewer remarked, “The BBC has just witnessed the biggest switch off in their history as they announce the Christmas special of #mrsbrownsboys.”

Another quipped: “The 1.6 million people who watched Mrs Browns Boys need to give their heads a wobble.”

Despite the complaints, many fans rallied behind the comedy, advising those who weren’t fans to simply “switch channels”.

One supporter retorted, “What’s with all the people whining about #MrsBrownsBoys? If you don’t like it, change the f***ing channel and move on. Stop ruining it for the people who enjoy it.”

The Mrs Brown’s Boys New Year Special is now available for viewing on BBC iPlayer.

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As the full-time whistle went at Anfield, a goalless draw against Leeds United prompted some boos from sections of the home support.

It was the first time Liverpool had drawn 0-0 under Arne Slot, and the first result of that scoreline in 117 matches in all competitions, since December 2023 against Manchester United.

Liverpool had not lost and Slot’s side had extended their unbeaten run to eight games. But after a largely dull display, it showed a fanbase sharing their frustrations.

Far too often this season, Liverpool have been a tough football team to watch.

It is not an overstatement to say that the Anfield crowd has been spoiled over the past decade from the Jurgen Klopp era to Slot winning the title in his first year at the club.

The standards are immensely high and rightly so for a club of this magnitude, but against a Leeds side who got promoted to the Premier League last season, Liverpool looked one-dimensional and lacked the quality to break through the visitors and their 5-4-1 setup.

Bar Jeremie Frimpong, who had the pace to move past some of the Leeds players with ease but perhaps lacked that final delivery, there were few moments which got the fans off their seats.

It was hardly the start to the New Year that Liverpool, Slot or the Anfield faithful would have desired.

One BBC Sport reader summed up the feelings of the fanbase in our live text.

“Liverpool still look as though there’s a piece missing,” said Jan from Rye.

“Heavy metal football this is not – it’s not even aluminium foil football.”

Thousands of people in Iran have been protesting as a dire economic crisis takes a heavy toll on their daily livelihood.

From a sharp fall in the currency’s value to a steep rise in inflation, Iran’s economy has reached what many describe as a breaking point.

This time, the government has adopted a different approach as protests continue, calling for a dialogue mechanism.

But as the country reels from longstanding sanctions, what does the leadership have to offer?

And what would the consequences be if the protests escalate?

Presenter: James Bays

Guests:

Ali Akbar Dareini – Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies

Marzie Khalilian – Political analyst and academic researcher

Stephen Zunes – Professor of politics and founding chair of Middle Eastern studies at the University of San Francisco

Alongside Steve Smith, Khawaja is one of two remaining members of the Australia team beaten by England in their last series win in this country in 2010-11.

Khawaja has made 6,206 Test runs at an average of 43.39, with 16 hundreds.

He needs 30 runs in his final Test to go above Mike Hussey into 14th on Australia’s all-time run-scorers list, just behind the great Donald Bradman in 13th.

Khawaja played the last of his 40 one-day internationals in July 2019, having scored 1,554 runs at 42. He played in nine T20 internationals, scoring 241 runs at 26.77.

Now playing domestically for Queensland, Khawaja will end his career on the ground that was his home when he first played professional cricket for New South Wales in 2008.

Often in and out of the Australia team across his Test career, he found a home at the top of the order during the previous home Ashes in 2021-22.

However, his place came under scrutiny during this series after he suffered back spasms in the first Test that prevented him from opening.

Travis Head took Khawaja’s place in the second innings and made a swashbuckling century to lead Australia to an eight-wicket win.

Khawaja subsequently missed the second Test with the back problem and was due to be left out of the third, only to receive a late call-up when Steve Smith fell ill.

He made scores of 82 and 40 in Adelaide to retain his place in the fourth Test.

After the Ashes Australia will not play another Test until August, by which time Khawaja will be almost 40.

Australia lead the current Ashes series 3-1. The final Test starts on Sunday (23:30 GMT, Saturday).

The Channel 4 reality show was back with a Christmas special, and one star was left emotional within minutes of the episode starting

Gogglebox star Andrew Nicolls was left crying as his husband shared a sweet gesture during the latest episode of the Channel 4 show.

On New Year’s Day, the much-loved armchair critics were back to share more of their insightful and passionate takes on the festive season’s biggest and best shows.

As the festive special kicked off, Alfie Mulhall re-created an iconic scene from the Christmas classic movie Love Actually.

He held up a set of cards that had sweet messages written on them for his husband, Andrew, which included the words: “And people think you’re my father,” and “Happy Christmas, I Love You.” Andrew asked Alfie, “What are you doing?” as his husband instructed him to sit down.

As Alfie showed Andrew his written messages, Andrew started to get emotional, exclaiming, “Oh, my god, I really love Love Actually,” while wiping away tears.

Alfie, who is 30 years younger than Andrew, replied, “Merry Christmas,” as the pair then laughed.

The couple, hailing from the Cotswolds, represent one of numerous fresh households that have become part of the Channel 4 programme.

Despite their recent arrival, Andrew and Alfie have struck a chord with viewers, courtesy of their sharp observations and cheeky banter between themselves.

Away from Gogglebox, Alfie and Andrew frequently post lifestyle updates on Instagram, featuring holiday photos, personal achievements, pets, and family announcements.

On Sunday (December 21), Andrew took to Instagram to share his happiness after finding love with Alfie when he was aged 60.

During a montage of sweet snaps, the couple can be seen enjoying each other’s company during various special moments.

In one photo, Andrew and Alfie are seen standing side by side in front of the city skyline, beaming with happiness. In another, Andrew kisses his husband lovingly on the cheek as they spend time at the beach.

Andrew wrote in the caption: “I was 60 when I thought my love story was over…Then THIS happened (love heart).”

The couple were met with an outpouring of support, with one person saying: “Love always wins, my friend, and it sometimes is just around the corner – so happy for you both.”

A second stated: “Two beautiful men, one beautiful couple!”, while a third chimed in: “I’ve got a big age gap with my boyfriend, so seeing you guys represent it on TV is so lovely!”

“How flippin’ lovely is this, gorgeous couple and my favourite goggleboxers, have a fabulous Christmas xx”, gushed one follower as another stated: “Love you two, my favs on gogglebox xx.”

Andrew and Alfie, who have a 30-year age difference, tied the knot in May 2024. They exchanged vows at a beautiful destination wedding in Italy, surrounded by their loved ones.

Gogglebox is available to catch up on Channel.com

Liverpool are set to spend £43m on defender Joel Ordonez, Roma want Mohamed Salah back, while Manchester United eye Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jeremy Jacquet.

Liverpool are set to sign Club Brugge’s Ecuador defender Joel Ordonez, 21, in January for a fee of up to £43m. (Mirror), external

Roma are keen to re-sign Liverpool‘s 33-year-old Egypt winger Mohamed Salah but are unlikely to make a move until the summer. (La Repubblica – in Italian, subscription), external

Manchester United are interested in Crystal Palace‘s 28-year-old France striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and Rennes’ 20-year-old French defender Jeremy Jacquet. (Sky Sports), external

Manchester United are planning to sell Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 31, and are not ruling out the possibility of a January exit. (Football Insider), external

West Ham continue to pursue Fulham‘s Spain winger Adama Traore, 29, although his wage demands could prevent a deal from being agreed. (Telegraph – subscription), external

Real Madrid are expected to resume contract negotiations with 25-year-old Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, who is keen to stay. (AS – in Spanish), external

West Ham have agreed to sign Lazio’s 27-year-old Argentina striker Taty Castellanos for 29m euros (£25m). (Fabrizio Romano), external

Nottingham Forest want Wolves‘ Norway forward Jorgen Strand Larsen. The 25-year-old is also on Crystal Palace‘s radar. (Telegraph – subscription), external

Chelsea are considering making an offer for Santos’ 19-year-old Brazilian defender Souza, although AC Milan are frontrunners for his signature. (AS – in Spanish), external

Fulham, Crystal Palace and Sunderland are monitoring Paris FC’s 27-year-old Algeria midfielder Ilan Kebbal. (Football Insider), external

Chelsea are interested in 18-year-old Greece and Genk midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas, who has been linked with Arsenal. (Mirror), external

Inter Milan want to turn 30-year-old Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji’s loan from Manchester City into a permanent move. (Gazzetta – in Italian), external

Manchester United are not planning to recall 18-year-old English defender Harry Amass from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. (Sun), external

Newcastle are set to approach Toulouse over signing 19-year-old French defender Dayann Methalie. (Mail), external

Bayern Munich would sell 30-year-old Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka in January, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United interested. (Caught Offside), external

At least 6 protesters and a member of the security forces have been killed in demonstrations against rising living costs across Iran. The anger is driven by a cost-of-living crisis. The government has appealed for solidarity and says it will engage in dialogue.

Local officials say the death toll could rise as seven people are missing following the attack on New Year’s Eve.

At least three people have been killed and seven remain missing following an attack on an informal mine in northern Peru, according to local officials.

In a video shared by the Peruvian news outlet Canal N on Thursday, Pataz Mayor Aldo Marino said the attack took place about an hour before midnight on New Year’s Eve.

“According to information I received from the police, three people were killed at a mine entrance, and seven are missing,” Marino said, noting that the final death toll could be as high as 15 as more bodies are recovered.

Details of the incident are still emerging, but informal mining operations are a frequent source of conflict in South America, as criminal groups jockey for control.

The latest incident took place near the town of Vijus, in the department of La Libertad in northwestern Peru.

Police reported that 13 miners had been killed in the same region last May. That incident prompted a stern response from local authorities, including the 30-day suspension of mining activities and a night-time curfew.

The region is known for its gold mines, including one of the largest in the world, Lagunas Norte.

But informal mines have also cropped up, as rural residents and criminal gangs try to carve a fortune from the mountains of Pataz, the province where the recent bloodshed unfolded.

In the wake of Wednesday’s incident, police have arrested two people, and an investigation is under way.

The news agency Reuters cited local prosecutors as saying that 11 shell casings had been recovered at the scene of the attack.

A mining company, Poderosa, also told the media that its security personnel had heard the gunfire and, after approaching the crime scene, discovered that three people were dead.

Many informal miners operate using temporary permits issued by the government, known as REINFO permits.

Reuters reported that the government suspended the permits of about 50,000 small-scale miners in July as part of a formalisation process, allowing about 30,000 to continue operations.

Peru exported $15.5bn worth of gold in 2024, compared with $11bn the year before. The country’s financial watchdog has estimated that about 40 percent of the country’s gold comes from illicit enterprises.

Searle had won 14 consecutive sets without reply to reach his first World Championship quarter-final.

The 38-year-old extended that run to 17 with some clinical finishing in the first three sets against Clayton and a 111 finish in the deciding leg of the fifth, one of his three ton-plus checkouts in the match, helped to secure a spot in the last four.

Clayton scored better for long spells of the quarter-final but too many missed attempts on the outer ring proved costly for the Welsh fifth seed, who landed just 10 of his 40 attempts at doubles (25%).

Searle, in contrast, hit 17 of his 30 attempts (56.7%).

Searle lives with dominant optic atrophy, a genetic eye condition which affects his vision and for which he wears contact lenses.

Speaking to Sky Sports on stage after his win, he said: “I can’t see particularly well.

“Other people who try to play darts, if they can’t see particularly well, try not to let that hold you back.

“I try to be an inspiration to them.”

Jan. 1 (UPI) — President Donald Trump ended the lease for the National Links Trust, which manages Washington, D.C.-area public golf courses owned by the National Parks Service.

The Department of the Interior sent a letter Tuesday formally cutting ties with NLT, which has managed three golf courses on public land in the District since 2020 — Langston Golf Course, Rock Creek Park Golf and East Potomac Golf Links.

The letter said that NLT had failed to complete required capital improvements and to provide a plan to fix alleged defaults in the lease.

The goal of the lease was for the NLT to redesign and renovate the historic sites where the golf courses lie. It would use money from donors and the District’s government.

“The Trump administration prides itself on getting the job done for the American people and partnering with others who share that same goal,” the Interior Department told The Hill.

The NLT said it was “devastated” to get the notice and is “in fundamental disagreement with the administration’s characterization of NLT as being in default under the lease.”

“We have always had a productive and cooperative working relationship with the National Park Service and have worked hand in hand on all aspects of our golf course operations and development projects,” the organization said.

NLT will stay in place to keep the courses running, but all renovation projects will stop.

Michael McCartin, NLT co-founder, told the Washington Post that it opted to keep the courses open for the workers and golfers.

“Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible golf,” McCartin said, “and our obligation is to our employees and the community. These are important places, and without an alternative, we can’t let them sit, closed and unavailable to the community.”

The Washington Post reported that Trump has expressed interest in the East Potomac course, wanting to redesign it and potentially host the Ryder Cup. But those potential plans have worried residents who are concerned about access and affordability.

“The DNA of municipal courses is a bit different than those owned and operated privately and much different than country clubs,” Jay Karen, chief executive of the National Golf Course Owners Association, told The Post.

“Munis are all about supporting the widest-possible access to the game, while also preserving critical green spaces, for perpetuity. … There is a greater sense of history and pride in a community around their public parks that happen to be golf courses,” Karen said.

A source told The Hill last week that NLT had hired a lawyer and was considering litigation.

“This is not the update we wanted to send, and we worked tirelessly to try to avoid this outcome,” the NLT said Wednesday. “While this termination is a major setback, we remain stubbornly hopeful that a path forward can be found that preserves affordable and accessible public golf in the nation’s capital for generations to come.”

Health authorities are warning of yet another potential health threat in Gaza: leptospirosis. Dr. Bassam Zaqout says widespread flooding and lack of basic sanitation make the devastated strip a perfect breeding ground for the bacterial disease also known as swamp or rat fever.

IN just a few weeks Guy Ritchie and Jason ­Statham will start work on their new movie, Viva La ­Madness.

And I can exclusively reveal the gangster flick is getting a very special supporting character — in the form of Vinnie Jones.

The trio last worked together in the amazing 2000 film Snatch and now former footballer Vinnie is going to be front and centre in the new movie alongside Jason.

A source said: “Viva La Madness is writer J.J. Connolly’s sequel to Layer Cake but the film is going to be a standalone production.

“Guy is thrilled to be back at the helm. And to have Jason on board, as well as Vinnie, is going to make for cinematic gold.

“This project feels so brilliantly British. It’s going to be loud, fast and unapologetically patriotic.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Madonna and Guy Ritchie pictured together for the first time in 17 YEARS

ON THE BOX

Boxing star lands role in Guy Ritchie Netflix hit The Gentlemen

“Jason and Vinnie are so brilliant together on screen and everyone working on the film was thrilled to hear that Vinnie had signed up.”

‘Come a long way’

I’m told the exact details of the plot are being kept under wraps but it’s expected to closely follow J.J.’s novel.

The book returns to the story of the shady anonymous drug dealer — played by Daniel Craig in the film of Layer Cake — who is pulled back into the criminal underworld after hoping to retire.

But this time, the deals get more risky — with high-level electronic fraud and a bit of money laundering for good measure.

It’s not surprising that Guy has brought Vinnie on board for the film, after casting him in the next series of his Netflix hit, The Gentleman.

Guy previously admitted he and Jason credited ­Vinnie for helping them when times were tough — before they made it big with Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels in 1998.

He said: “Vinnie was ­forever paying for taxis when Statham and I had no money.”

“We’ve come a long way since Lock, Stock.”

I absolutely loved Layer Cake so I cannot wait to watch Viva La Madness.

SEQUIN WHEN YOU’RE WINNING

MARIAH CAREY went into 2026 on Cloud Nine after her performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve went off without a hitch.

Nine years ago, the superstar was on the very same stage when she was hit by technical difficulties, meaning she was off-beat when lip syncing.

It got so bad that Mariah stopped pretending to sing, and said: “It is what it is. It just don’t get any better,” before stomping off stage.

This time around, fans watching in New York had a far better time, with Mariah – who wore a tiny pink dress adorned with sequins – sailing through her performance of her 2009 song, Obsessed.

Host Rita Ora stayed cosy in a leopard print coat as temperatures plunged to -2C in the Big Apple, while over in Las Vegas, Demi Lovato was on top form for Dick Clark’s Sin City gig.

She took to the stage in a shimmering sheer jumpsuit alongside stars including Diana Ross, Post Malone and 50 Cent.

BUSY SIAN: I’M NOT WEDDY YET

THIS Morning and Capital Breakfast DJ Sian Welby got engaged to radio producer Jake Beckett two years ago, but they are still no closer to walking down the aisle.

When asked her if she has made any headway with preparations, Sian – who gave birth to daughter Ruby in June 2024 – admitted: “No, it’s an absolute shambles. I’ve honestly not got any brain capacity for wedding planning.

“I think what we’re doing: having a baby who’s waking up in the night, teething, the 4am alarms . . .  combine that with trying to see friends and family up in the Midlands and the thought of trying to plan a wedding is quite daunting.

“I don’t want to be that person that’s engaged for years and years and I would love a big wedding, but it’s everything. Even the guest list fills me with anxiety.”

BACK IN THE PINK AFTER OP

THE brilliant Pink has told fans she spent New Year’s Eve in hospital having surgery on her neck.

Sharing a snap of herself from her hospital bed on Instagram, the So What singer, below, said: “I end the year giving reverence to, paying attention to, and to fixing my body.

“It may not be a fancy face lift, but I am getting two new shiny discs in my neck.

“A new scar – a reminder that I appreciate this vessel that I have and use it for all it’s worth.

“Rock ’n’ roll is a contact sport. And as I sit here by myself on New Year’s Eve in a hospital room while my family is happily snowboarding, I know that 2026 is going to be better because that is the choice that I have made.”

AFTER I revealed the Rolling Stones had cancelled their plans for a UK and European tour this year, Ronnie WOod says he just won’t be sitting at home and ­twiddling his thumbs.

Speaking at Jools Holland‘s Hootenanny, the guitar whizz said: “I just wanna play all the time, or paint. I have a big exhibition planned for the end of 2026 in Germany.”

NEW PIRATES? IT DEPPENDS

THE fate of the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise now rests in Johnny Depp‘s hands, it seems.

Talk of a sixth film has been swirling for years since the last instalment, Dead Men Tell No Tales, in 2017.

Now, actor Kevin McNally, who played seaman Joshamee Gibbs, has revealed the script is with Johnny, who starred as Jack Sparrow.

In an exclusive chat, Kevin said: “I would love to do a new Pirates movie. The only problem is that there are two realities in the world. There is reality, and there is social media.

“As far as social media is concerned, I started filming yesterday. As far as reality is concerned, tumbleweed, but I would love to be part of that again.

“The last two films weren’t great, but for me, if Johnny thinks it’s good enough and wants to do it, I will be there.”

While Kevin waits for the call, he is busy directing and starring in new sitcom Ketchup.

The series is based on author Joe Cawley’s More Ketchup Than Salsa memoirs and will follow a hapless British couple who attempt to run a bar on the Costa del Sol.

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is the leading contender for the Chelsea job vacated by Enzo Maresca.

Former Leicester boss Maresca, 45, left his role as Chelsea head coach on Thursday amid internal tensions with the club’s hierarchy and ownership.

The process to replace the Italian is under way, and it is understood Englishman Rosenior is the frontrunner, though sources have stressed other candidates are also under consideration.

Rosenior’s current employers are owned by investment vehicle BlueCo – the consortium set up to purchase Chelsea in 2022.

The 41-year-old, who previously managed Hull, has significant backing internally at Chelsea and it is understood candidates to replace him at Strasbourg are being considered because of his possible departure.

Porto’s Francesco Farioli has also been mooted as a potential contender.

Before appointing Maresca in 2024, Chelsea interviewed Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi, Ipswich counterpart Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank, who was then at Brentford but has since moved to Tottenham.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Fulham‘s Marco Silva have also been linked with the role in the past, though it is unclear if they are now contenders.

The club will not change their style of play, so it is highly unlikely they would move for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.

It is not yet clear who will lead the side for Sunday’s match against Manchester City, though under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane will take on media duties for a news conference to preview the game on Friday.

A social media post from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez indicated that Maresca’s backroom team have also departed the club.

Jan. 1 (UPI) — New York City has a new mayor Thursday after the private swearing-in ceremony in an abandoned subway tunnel just after midnight.

Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York early Thursday morning. He was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James, with his wife Rama Duwaji holding two Korans for the first Muslim mayor to swear on.

One of the Korans belonged to his grandfather, and another belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a Black historian and writer who was an important intellectual figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

The small ceremony took place in the old City Hall station, which is one of 28 original subway stations that opened in 1904. It was closed in 1945.

“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said.

Mamdani called the station “a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city.”

A public inauguration will happen at 1 p.m. Thursday on the steps of City Hall. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., will administer a ceremonial oath of office, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., will make an opening speech. About 4,000 people were invited to that ceremony, Mamdani said, but the block party will be open to all.

“We wanted to ensure that as we celebrated the beginning of our administration, it was a celebration that was not simply for the typical people who would be invited to an inauguration, but in fact, for everyone,” Mamdani told reporters last week.

“This is not my success. It’s our success. It’s not my administration. It’s our administration. Similarly, it’s not my inauguration. It’s for all of us,” the new mayor added.

Mamdani has an ambitious agenda, including free buses, rent freezes and more. He has said funding will come from raising taxes on those who earn more than $1 million. But he needs the state to approve any taxes, and Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is opposed to raising taxes in the state. She has implied that she supports finding other revenue to fund his plan.

“It is my job as governor to make sure that whomever the mayor is, they’re successful,” Hochul told WNYW-TV in December.

ws

Iranian president seeks to calm tensions, acknowledging protesters’ ‘legitimate’ grievances over inflation.

At least five people have been killed as demonstrations over the soaring cost of living in Iran spread to more parts of the country.

At least three people were killed and 17 others were injured at protests in the city of Azna in Lorestan province, some 300km (185 miles) southwest of Tehran, Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency reported on Thursday.

Videos shared online appeared to show objects in the street ablaze and gunfire echoing as people shouted: “Shameless! Shameless!”

Earlier, Fars said two people were killed during protests in the city of Lordegan, about 470km (290 miles) south of the capital Tehran in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province.

“Some protesters began throwing stones at the city’s administrative buildings, including the provincial governor’s office, the mosque, the Martyrs’ Foundation, the town hall and banks,” Fars said, adding that police responded with tear gas.

Online videos showed demonstrators gathered on a street, with the sound of gunfire in the background.

Earlier on Thursday, Iranian state television also reported that a member of security forces was killed overnight during protests in the western city of Kouhdasht.

“A 21-year-old member of the Basij from the city of Kouhdasht was killed last night by rioters while defending public order,” the channel said, quoting Said Pourali, the deputy governor of Lorestan province.

The Basij are a volunteer force linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The reports come days after shopkeepers began protesting on Sunday over the government’s handling of a currency slide and rapidly rising prices.

The unrest comes at a critical moment for Iran as Western sanctions hammer an economy hit by 40 percent inflation, and after air strikes by Israel and the United States in June targeted the country’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership.

Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi explained that the government has taken a more cautious approach to this week’s protests than it did to previous demonstrations.

“The government says it’s working hard to find a solution, to deal with the economic hardships that people are feeling,” Asadi said.

Iran last saw mass demonstrations in 2022 and 2023 after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code for women.

The latest protests began peacefully in Tehran and spread after students from at least 10 universities joined in on Tuesday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has sought to calm tensions, acknowledging protesters’ “legitimate demands” and calling on the government to take action to improve the economic situation.

“From an Islamic perspective … if we do not resolve the issue of people’s livelihoods, we will end up in hell,” Pezeshkian said at an event broadcast on state television.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Thursday the authorities would hold a direct dialogue with representatives of trade unions and merchants, without providing details.

Still, the authorities have promised to take a “firm” stance and warned against exploiting the situation to sow chaos.

“Any attempt to turn economic protests into a tool of insecurity, destruction of public property, or implementation of externally designed scenarios will inevitably be met with a legal, proportionate and decisive response,” Iran’s prosecutor general said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Tasnim news agency on Wednesday evening reported the arrests of seven people it described as being affiliated with “groups hostile to the Islamic Republic based in the United States and Europe”.

Iran is in the middle of an extended weekend, with the authorities declaring Wednesday a bank holiday at the last minute, citing the need to save energy due to cold weather.

A TEEN Mom favorite has shown off her drastic weight loss for the new year, and she looks like a completely different person.

In an emotional video, the MTV reality star revealed two scary health emergencies led her to totally change her eating and fitness habits, resulting in an incredible slim-down.

Briana DeJesus‘ best friend Shae Kogut, 35, took to Instagram to cover her health journey over the course of 2025.

She said in 2024, she began suffering “gallbladder attacks,” and scheduled a surgery to get the organ removed.

“That’s where my health journey really began. My entire eating habits have changed,” Shae wrote.

“I learned what my body needed for fuel, I learned that protein is my best friend, I also learned that drinking water isn’t so bad.

WORK IT, MAMA!

Teen Mom Mackenzie shows off abs in bikini 6 months after welcoming twins

‘HAVING A BABY!’

Teen Mom star announces his girlfriend is pregnant with their first child

“Before this heath journey started, I was drinking weekly, I was in taking so much sugar, my energy crashes were so bad to a point I couldn’t even function without daily naps.”

PAINFUL SURGERIES

In August 2025, the Teen Mom pal suffered “bloating and pain” in her stomach area, and discovered she needed to get cysts removed from her ovaries.

“Since my recovery, I’m able to do so much more physically than ever before because I don’t have the pain anymore!” she said.

“Truly thankful for this year, it taught me resilience, perseverance, and believing in myself again!

“I only share my life on here because I know others may be going through similar things! 2026 is going to be a ‘Me year.’

“Toning my body, being the best version of myself all around and I’m really excited to see what this year brings!”

Shae has appeared on Teen Mom many times over the years in scenes with her friend Briana.

She currently works as an Orlando-based influencer and Salty Honey brand ambassador.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Two years ago, a day after he decided to fire Alex Grinch as USC‘s defensive coordinator, Lincoln Riley made a promise to those concerned about the future of the Trojans’ defense.

“I have complete belief, conviction. We will play great defense here,” the coach said in November 2023. “It is going to happen. There’s not a reason in the world why it can’t.”

Two years later, another defensive coordinator is out the door at USC. The day after Grinch’s replacement, D’Anton Lynn, left to take the same job at Penn State, Riley stood in front of reporters, assuring everyone once again that soon enough, USC would be great on that side of the ball.

“The arrow,” he said Tuesday, “is pointing straight up.”

“The opportunity for us to make a hire, to continue to make us better and to go from being a very good defense to being a great defense is the goal.”

Yet patience on that promise is wearing thin, especially given how the season had ended less than an hour before. USC blew a 10-point lead in the final five minutes against Texas Christian on Tuesday, a team playing without its star quarterback, before missing four tackles on a third-and-20 walk-off touchdown in overtime. The disastrous Alamo Bowl defeat would serve as an especially sobering reminder that while USC made progress under Lynn, it’s still a ways from heeding Riley’s guarantee.

And now, the defense will have to start again, with a new direction, a new scheme and a new coordinator, who will be Riley’s third hire in five seasons at USC.

In spite of all that, Riley was upbeat when asked about the unit’s future Tuesday night. He felt “fantastic,” he said, about where USC’s defense was headed.

“We have the personnel,” Riley said of becoming a great defensive unit. “We’re on an upward trend. And, you know, there’s going to be a lot of interest in this job.
I mean, this will be an extremely, extremely coveted job, and I can already tell by the nature of what my phone’s been like the last couple of days.”

Several potential candidates with deep experience, as well as close ties to USC athletics officials, are expected to be available.

Former Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who worked at Washington under current USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen, was let go by the Longhorns earlier this month. Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden, meanwhile, worked closely with USC general manager Chad Bowden at Notre Dame and could be looking for a job as soon as next week.

Both coached college defenses that ranked in the top four in the nation in points allowed during the 2024 season.

USC appeared bound for a similar trajectory after Year 1 with Lynn. The Trojans allowed 10 fewer points per game, leaping from 121st in scoring defense under Grinch to 56th in his first season at USC. They got stingier on third down — 106th nationally to 21st — and in the red zone — 119th to 69th. Lynn was even named candidate for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant.

In some respects, USC’s defense continued to take steps forward in Year 2 under Lynn. It gave up fewer points and fewer yards per game. The pass rush improved, adding 10 sacks to its season total in 2025.

But the personnel on defense was less proven this season — and more prone to mistakes. The secondary struggled through stretches. A thin group of linebackers was often overwhelmed. The defensive interior was manhandled for most of the season, and in each of their three regular-season losses, the Trojans were trampled on the ground.

Last month, when asked about the group’s inconsistency, Lynn said that USC’s youth forced him to “scale back” significantly on defense. He actually wondered, in the wake of USC’s loss to Oregon, if he shouldn’t have scaled back the defense even more this season.

“It’s different when you’re teaching an 18-year-old versus teaching a guy who has been at two to three schools who has already played a bunch of college ball,” Lynn said.

Lynn, nonetheless, leaves USC in a better place than when he arrived. The nation’s No. 1 recruiting class lands on campus next week, with plenty of highly ranked reinforcements on the way. Talented freshmen like defensive linemen Jahkeem Stewart and Floyd Boucard as well as defensive back Alex Graham are rising stars who should be ready to step into significant roles.

But USC will have to replace three starters in the secondary, including Kamari Ramsey, its best linebacker [Eric Gentry] and its top run stopper on the defensive line [Anthony Lucas]. Whomever takes over as coordinator will be expected to take a significant step forward immediately, up against one of the nation’s toughest schedules in what should be a decisive season for the program.

Then there’s the matter of Riley’s job security, which could make any available top coordinator queasy.

Yet as far as the coach is concerned, the path to finding a great coordinator and fielding a great defense isn’t that far off from what USC has now.

“I definitely don’t want to press reset,” Riley said. “I’m excited about the process, and I think it’s going to make us better, I know it will. So, we’ll wake up tomorrow morning and we’ll get on it.”