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FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people in Florida last week who the Trump administration said was in the U.S. illegally was denied bond Saturday.

The crash sparked a clash between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and California Gov. Gavin Newsom over Harjinder Singh, a native of India who obtained a work permit and driver’s license in the state.

Singh was charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations, and he was denied bond on all charges. He is being held in the St. Lucie County Jail, Lt. Andrew Bolonka from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has put a hold on him.

Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said issuing a commercial license to someone in the country illegally is “asinine.” California is one of 19 states, in addition to the District of Columbia, that issues licenses regardless of immigration status. Supporters say that lets people work, visit doctors and travel safely.

Newsom’s press office responded in a social media post on X that Singh obtained a work permit while Donald Trump was president, which McLaughlin disputed.

Florida authorities said Singh entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico in 2018.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dispatched Lt. Gov. Jay Collins to California to escort Singh onto an airplane Thursday.

Singh made the illegal turn on the highway about 50 miles north of West Palm Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A minivan in the neighboring lane was unable to avoid the truck’s trailer and slammed into it, killing the minivan’s driver and two passengers.

Singh and a passenger in his truck were not injured.

A JAMES Bond favourite has taken himself out of the running after believing he’s “not the right person” for the role. 

Ever since Daniel Craig said goodbye to the role in 2021 release No Time To Die, the role of super spy 007 has been up for grabs, with speculation rife over who should take over. 

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Over time, bookies have placed their bets on a string of Hollywood A-listers to take on the role, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Idris Elba and Henry Cavill. 

With Amazon acquiring the 007 franchise from the Broccoli family, this was then extended to American stars including Patrick Schwarzenegger, Timothée Chalamet and Jacob Elordi. 

But one emerging favourite – Top Gun 2 and Anyone But You star Glen Powell – has shut down speculation he could take his martini shaken, not stirred. 

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Glenn said simply: “I’m a Texan. My family and I joke around, I can play Jimmy Bond, but I should not be playing James Bond. 

“Get an authentic Brit for that job. That’s who belongs in that tuxedo.” 

In the 63 years James Bond has been on screen, seven actors have played the character – all of whom white men from the UK and Ireland. 

Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig have portrayed the spy in the film series, with David Niven taking on the role in a non-official adaptation in 1967. 

Debate has since spread over whether the franchise should deviate from tradition when it comes to the character, with James Bond and 007 code names that can be taken on by anyone. 

At one stage, Gillian Anderson was being considered as the first female Bond, while Idris Elba has held firm as a favourite to become the first Black star to portray the spy. 

However, some actors have noted they don’t want to play such an iconic character, as doing so would mean that they could be defined as “Bond” for the rest of their career. 

The White Lotus star Theo James previously ruled himself out for that reason, telling The Guardian in 2024: “I do think there are better people for that job. 

“And, honestly, it would be terrifying: if you do that, there’s no going back. You’re opening Pandora’s box there.” 

The new favourite for the role is relative unknown actor James Nelson-Joyce, who played James ‘Yatesy’ Yates in BBC drama, Little Boy Blue, and Michael Kavanaugh in the gangster drama, This City is Ours.

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NOTHING screams luxury like a top-notch yacht, so it’s no wonder Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has been hosting Max Verstappen on his boat in a bid to woo the popular driver away from Red Bull.

The Formula One World Champion, 27, has been spotted sunning himself topless on the vessel just off the coast of Sardinia.

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In photos that emerged last week, he was seen enjoying the heat as he laughed with Toto, 53, who was dressed all in white.

The luxurious yacht, named Mangusta 165, is believed to have cost the racing boss £20million and spends most of the time moored in Monaco when not in use.

F1 is currently on its summer break, with the next race not until August 31 in Zandvoort.

Max’s break with the Mercedes boss has refuelled rumours that he might move to the team when his contract with Red Bull is up.

The four-time world champion told RacingNews365: “I’m in the middle. Maybe it’ll be good, maybe it’ll be bad – we’ll see.

“I’m very open-minded, honestly. I don’t even think about it too much – I’m just enjoying the moment. 

“When I sit in the car next year, we’ll figure it out. I’m not making the rules anyway.”

Toto has owned his yacht, which is 50m in length and has a top speed of 25 knots, since 2023.

It boasts five bedrooms and can host 12 guests, who can also enjoy use of the jet skis and a hot tub.

The Mercedes boss isn’t the only F1 star to own a fancy yacht. Here we look at battle of the boats.

Max Verstappen

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He might have spent the beginning of his summer break on Toto’s yacht, but the F1 driver has his own boat – which has been described as a ‘Bond villain’s weekend getaway’.

He owns 33million yacht Unleash the Lion, which is thought to be worth £11million.

It can hold up to 12 guests alongside five crew, meaning Max and partner Kelly Piquet have ample space for entertaining as well as room for their daughter, Lily, born in May.

It has an open deck to the rear which is fitted with white couches and is thought to have an area to store a speed boat.

He also has a large stateroom inside, but little else is known about the pricey vessel’s interior.

Max moored the yacht in Monaco this year when he was competing in the principality’s Grand Prix but he hasn’t posted photos since its purchase earlier this year.

George Russell

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British F1 ace George, 27, is the latest driver to join the yacht owner’s club with his Pershing 6X.

He splashed out £2.2million on the luxurious vessel following his success on the track.

The boat might be smaller than grid rival Max’s, but it’s not tiny either.

It has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen and a spacious upper deck living area.

And he’s been showing the yacht off on his social media with girlfriend Carmen Mundt, 26, and a host of friends on board.

They also have a stash of pricey water toys and the racer has posted videos of him and others on a hydrofoil skimming across the sea.

Like rival Max, George is also spending his summer break from the circuit on the boat off the coast of Sardinia.

Fernando Alonso

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Spanish driver Fernando, 44, has owned a Sunreef Power Eco 60 since 2023 after signing an order for it back in 2021.

Each yacht from the brand is a bespoke creation for the buyer.

The 18.3m long vessel is solar-powered, giving the boat eco-friendly credentials that most yachts don’t have.

“I think [Sunreef] is the only company that takes sustainability to a very serious level,” said Alonso during an interview with BOAT International.

“To have a fully electric catamaran powered by solar panels made perfect sense to me.”

The solar panels cover 68.6m squared across the yacht, including the roof and hull sides.

It’s equipped with two 360kw electric motors and a set of 990kwh batteries which are solar powered – making the yacht essentially silent when moving.

One of the smaller yachts owned by an F1 star, it can accommodate up to six guests and four crew.

But, for Fernando, size doesn’t matter.

Alonso said: “On board, all that matters is peace of mind, fresh air, and good company. Yachting should not be about ego.

“For me, it’s about sharing good moments and being respectful towards the environment.”

Lawrence Stroll

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Billionaire Lawrence, 65, has splashed some of his enormous fortune on a 262-foot long floating mansion for a cool £184.5million.

The Aston Martin F1 team owner downsized from his original yacht, Faith, to Project 714 in March – and has now also renamed it Faith.

The upper decks, enclosed in glass, contain a swimming pool, a games deck and a helicopter landing pad with a hangar below, according to Luxury Launches.

Inside, there are seven guest cabins which can hold up to 14 people as well as space for 20 crew members.

It’s thought the large vessel, which has a top speed of 17knots, has annual running costs of up to £20million.

Lawrence’s previous boat could host up to 18 people across nine cabins and had a crew of 34.

It also boasted a private cinema, nine-meter swimming pool plus a spa and plunge pool.

He sold it to business tycoon Michael Latifi when he decided to downsize to a slightly smaller vessel.

Lewis Hamilton

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British driver Lewis, 40, is also a member of the F1 yacht club with Sunseeker 90, which he is thought to have bought in 2009 for around £2.9million.

And when he’s not feeling like being on his own boat, he charters other vessels that boast a bigger range of rooms and activities.

Sunseeker 90 is 91.9feet and can sleep up to eight guests. It boasts a top speed of 30 knots meaning it’s a speedy boat.

The yacht is normally moored in Monaco, where Lewis resides during the off season.

It features American walnut carpentry, air-conditioning, a huge kitchen and an entertainment area with a shower where guests can rinse off after a dip in the sea.

He was seen entertaining model Bella Hadid, 28, on a yacht back in 2017, but it’s not clear if he used his own boat or rented one for entertaining.

Lewis has also been spotted entertaining pals over the years, including former teammate Nico Rosberg and his own family.

Charles Leclerc

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Ferrari driver Charles, 27, appears to be a big fan of spending time on both his yachts – because who would have one when you could have two?

He owns a Riva 66 Ribelle named Sedici, which is Italian for sixteen – his race number – and a Riva Dolceriva open cruiser.

Sedici is a 20m sports yacht that can reach speeds of up to 37 knots and has three cabins inside.

He brought it to the Monaco Grand Prix this year, like many of his fellow drivers.

It seems to be his favourite of the two boats, as he often shares snaps from holidays on it, many with it in the background while he swims.

His second vessel is named Monza after the world-famous racing circuit – and is a speedy boat.

Charles paid approximately £1.5million for it back in 2020 and reportedly bought it to commemorate winning the Grand Prix at Monza the year before.

It’s 48ft long and can accommodate up to four guests across two cabins.

The lower deck has an L-shaped sofa with a coffee table in the centre. The master cabin has a huge king-sized bed as well as an ensuite.

There were some breakdowns before UCLA broke training camp.

Don’t worry, these were the poignant, bring-everyone-together kind.

As part of coach DeShaun Foster’s efforts to connect a team featuring 55 new players and eight new assistant coaches, everyone participated in a series of brotherhood meetings over the last two weeks at the team hotel in Costa Mesa.

Coaches stood before the entire team, sharing anecdotes about their experiences in the game. Players told their stories in more intimate position-group settings run by a coach from a different position.

“A lot of tears,” Foster said Saturday before his team’s final camp session. “So I just like that the players were being vulnerable and letting their guard down because they saw the coaches do it. So, you know, I just think that really brought us together and we’re gonna see if it worked.”

One of the more stirring stories came from tight ends coach Jerry Neuheisel, the former Bruins quarterback. Neuheisel talked about his anxiety after leading UCLA to a come-from-behind 20-17 road victory over Texas in 2014. He had come off the bench to replace injured starter Brett Hundley.

Foster said Neuheisel relayed how he was “kind of nervous just for another opportunity to happen and not being as successful the next time, you know? So that was huge because you would have never thought that with Jerry with how he is as a person.”

Offensive line coach Andy Kwon told players that regardless of the situation, they needed to finish what they started.

“Nobody cares if you’re tired, nobody cares if you’re hurting, nobody cares if you have an injury that’s pushable,” guard Julian Armella said. “Like, you can keep going, therefore you have to have a mentality each and every single day that you know that there’s going to be somebody that lines up across from you that wants your position, that wants to take the food off your family’s plate to be able to go and provide for theirs.

“So, I think just having that mentality of being able to finish, come out each day — whether it be recovery, whether it be in the classroom, off the classroom, on the field — all of these things build up in order to have that finish mentality.”

Offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri’s message — stop thinking about what other people think about you and focus on yourself — resonated with veteran tight end Hudson Habermehl.

“You don’t want to let others’ input affect you,” Habermehl said, “because at the end of the day, all we have is each other.”

The collective mindset has resulted in a new motto for 2025: We over me.

Back at it

UCLA tight end Hudson Habermehl smiles after a touchdown catch against Boise State in the L.A. Bowl in December 2023.

(Ryan Sun / Associated Press)

As soon as he went down in the spring of 2024, his anguished screams carrying across the practice field, Habermehl had one thought running through his mind.

Am I going to be able to play again?

His coach running over to check on the player who had just torn his anterior cruciate ligament, Habermehl repeatedly yelled five words that reflected his love for the game.

“I just want to play!” he said. “I just want to play!”

Some 15 months later, a rehabilitation that included plenty of doubts and a second surgery to clean up debris in his knee finished, Habermehl is on the verge of completing his comeback.

“It really made me step back and think,” Habermehl said, “how bad do I really want it?”

A lot, it turned out.

Along the way, he had more than a little help from his friends. Teammates and coaches constantly checked in on him and drove him to rehabilitation appointments at a time when he couldn’t put any weight on his leg for two months. Former UCLA linebacker Josh Woods, who persevered through his own devastating knee injury, was especially helpful in offering advice, telling Habermehl that he would learn a lot about himself during his recovery.

A symbolic change came over winter break when Habermehl trimmed his long, flowing locks, leading to a much more streamlined look. Foster had to check with another coach to ask who Habermehl was after walking past him in the weight room.

“He comes up and he’s like, ‘Huddy?’ ” Habermehl said. “And I was like, ‘What up?’ He’s like, ‘I didn’t even recognize you. I thought you were an alum.’ ”

Calling his new hairstyle “aerodynamic,” Habermehl looked incredibly sleek while making one of the highlight plays of camp when he sprinted to the corner of the end zone to make a leaping catch. He figures to be the team’s top tight end during a final college season that will also make him possibly the most educated player on the team.

Having completed a bachelor’s degree in geography and environmental studies, he’s also earned master’s degrees in legal studies and transformative coaching and leadership. This fall he’s taking extension classes in project management, though he conceded maybe he’s lost an opportunity.

“If you had told me I was going to be here this long, I would have started the doctorate right away,” Habermehl quipped. “You could call me Dr. Habermehl.”

Etc.

Safety Key Lawrence returned to individual practice drills Saturday, one week after suffering an apparent right leg injury. Foster said Lawrence would be eased back into practices. … UCLA will hold a mock game open to the public on Aug. 23 at the Rose Bowl. Foster said it was intended to help the team’s newcomers experience the logistics of a game one week before the season opener against Utah. … Foster confirmed that the team’s new grass practice field would not be ready for the resumption of on-campus practices next week, forcing it to use Drake Stadium. The team will shift to the intramural fields, which feature artificial turf, ahead of its Sept. 6 game at Nevada Las Vegas to prepare for the same playing surface inside Allegiant Stadium. … UCLA’s weight room renovations have been completed, Foster said, providing more modern equipment and better spacing.

WASHINGTON — The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, a move that may make the process unaffordable for many.

In a notice to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, the department said it would start a 12-month pilot program under which people from countries deemed to have high overstay rates and deficient internal document security controls could be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 when they apply for a visa.

The proposal comes as the Trump administration is tightening requirements for visa applicants. Last week, the State Department announced that many visa renewal applicants would have to submit to an additional in-person interview, something that was not required in the past. In addition, the department is proposing that applicants for the Visa Diversity Lottery program have valid passports from their country of citizenship.

A preview of the bond notice, which was posted on the Federal Register website on Monday, said the pilot program would take effect within 15 days of its formal publication and is necessary to ensure that the U.S. government is not financially liable if a visitor does not comply with the terms of his or her visa.

“Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure and who are nationals of countries identified by the department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering citizenship by investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program,” the notice said.

The countries affected will be listed once the program takes effect, it said.

The bond would not apply to citizens of countries enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program and could be waived for others depending on an applicant’s individual circumstances.

Visa bonds have been proposed in the past but have not been implemented. The State Department has traditionally discouraged the requirement because of the cumbersome process of posting and discharging a bond and because of a possible misperceptions by the public.

However, the department said that previous view “is not supported by any recent examples or evidence, as visa bonds have not generally been required in any recent period.”

Lee writes for the Associated Press.

For Chargers rookie Tre’ Harris, the opportunity to see the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, proved to be an eye-opening experience — a moment of validation for his budding NFL career.

“Being able to go to the Hall of Fame, seeing all of the busts, all the players and the history of the game, just tells you, ‘You made it to the NFL,’” Harris said.

Getting the chance to play in the Chargers’ 34-7 win over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game fulfilled a childhood dream for the Lafayette, La., native. But the Hall of Fame week experience left him with a clearer understanding of what it takes to be a legend in the sport.

“Being able to see all those players, those legends who’ve done it at the very pinnacle of the game — it really shows how much work you have to put in to be as good as them, or even really sniff their sneakers,” Harris said.

His path to greatness began quietly: zero catches on just one target against the Lions. Still, offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Harris looked comfortable in the passing game despite limited opportunities.

Harris has turned heads in camp with his sharp route running and big-play potential. Motivated to prove what he can offer an offense desperate for receiving weapons to support Justin Herbert, the second-round pick is focused on two things: learning plays and speed.

“[I’m] making sure that I’m comfortable in this playbook and I’m playing fast,” Harris said. “We want to play fast and be decisive. … Whenever I go out there, that’s really the main goal. … I’m not really worried about what the defense is doing — just worried about, how can I get myself open?”

Despite starting camp a few days later than other rookies because of a contract holdout, Harris is competing for a starting role in the wake of Mike Williams’ sudden retirement.

Harris, who agreed to a $7.8-million deal with the Chargers, said the only thing that bothered him about his holdout was missing time with his teammates.

Over the first few months, Harris has leaned heavily on the support of rookie receiver and roommate KeAndre Lambert-Smith. The two have built a bond since first meeting at the NFL scouting combine in February.

Chargers wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, right, celebrates with wide receiver Tre’ Harris after making a touchdown catch against the Lions in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday.

(Nick Cammett / Getty Images)

That bond has sparked an iron-sharpening-iron dynamic, with both standing out in camp so far. Harris has impressed, but Lambert-Smith has emerged as a hidden gem, consistently making downfield grabs and winning one-on-one battles with crisp route running.

“It’s almost like college in a way, just having that guy you’re always with,” Harris said. “It’s been good to bounce ideas off, and we always talk to each other about the practice, game, everyday life.”

Harris also has embraced a subtle, but meaningful change in his life. He recently added an apostrophe to his first name, now stylized as “Tre’.” The update reflects family and cultural history, he said.

Harris’ father, who spent a decade working offshore in Brazil, learned to speak some Portuguese during that time. Harris was born Cleveland Harris III, but his father shortened the name to tres — Portuguese for “three.” Somewhere along the way, the “s” was dropped, and “Tre’” came to be.

With the Chargers set to open the regular season in São Paulo, Brazil, Harris said his dad is already making plans, telling him he has “some friends back there who are super excited to see me play.”

The legal team for Sean “Diddy” Combs has moved to get the disgraced music mogul released from prison ahead of his Oct. 3 sentencing. Less than a month ago, Combs was acquitted of the most damning charges in his high-profile sex-trafficking case.

Combs’ defense attorneys on Tuesday filed a motion requesting the Bad Boy Records founder’s release, outlining the terms for his bail, including a $50-million bond and travel restrictions. The motion, reviewed by The Times, is addressed to Judge Arun Subramanian and claims “there are exceptional circumstances warranting a departure from mandatory detention and ensuring that Sean Combs is released.”

In the 12-page filing, Combs’ lawyers make the case for his pre-sentence release, including that he shouldn’t be jailed for his “swinger” lifestyle and that he faces “ongoing threats of violence” at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Combs has been in federal custody in the notorious Brooklyn prison since his arrest in September.

The 55-year-old music star was cleared earlier this month of racketeering and sex trafficking but convicted on two counts of prostitution-related charges.

Combs was found guilty of violating the Mann Act by transporting male sex workers across state lines, but his attorneys argued that in similar convictions “the defendants were released pending sentencing.” Additionally, the filing puts a new spin on Combs’ relationships with ex-girlfriends Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and “Jane,” who went by a pseudonym. Each testified about the musician’s orgies known as “freak-offs” and made allegations about his violent behavior. The filing claims that the relationship Combs had with his exes was open, akin to swinging.

“In the the lifestyle he and other adults voluntarily chose, Mr. Combs would be called a swinger,” reads the motion, which later asserts that “Sean Combs should not be in jail for this conduct.”

Combs’ legal team insists in the motion that Combs “is not a risk of flight nor is he a danger to the community or to any specific people.” The motion also downplays the claims of domestic violence against Combs.

Notably, Combs was seen in security footage kicking and dragging Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. The accuser identified as “Jane” had accused Combs of forced sex, physical violence and abuse.

Referring to earlier court proceedings, Combs’ attorneys note that the “defense admitted a history of domestic violence” but claimed in the motion that Combs struck “Jane” twice in June 2024 because she “provoked” him. The filing also says Combs enrolled in a domestic violence program prior to his arrest last year.

“As we said in court this jury gave [Combs] his life back, and he will not squander his second chance at life, nor would he do anything to further jeopardize his seven children not having a father, and four of his children not having a parent at all,” his defense team says in the motion, referring to the four children Combs shares with Kim Porter, who died in 2018.

According to the proposed bail package, Combs’ $50-million bond would be secured by his home in Miami, where he will live if released. Combs’ attorneys also say his travel would be limited to specific sites in Florida and New York for attorney meetings, and the airports required to travel between those destinations.

To ensure his release, Combs’ attorneys said he was open to the court adding more conditions — including house arrest, mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment — if deemed necessary.

Times editorial library director Cary Schneider contributed to this report

Marcus Morris Sr. was denied bond during a hearing Tuesday morning in Florida’s Broward County two days after the former NBA player was arrested at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on felony fraud charges out of Nevada.

The judge denied Morris’ motion to set bond, saying that she did not have the jurisdiction to make such a ruling for an out-of-state case.

Footage from Tuesday’s hearing, posted online by TMZ, shows Morris in attendance, wearing a jail-issued beige jumpsuit and handcuffs. NBA free agent Markieff Morris also attended in support of his twin brother.

Records from the Las Vegas Township Justice Court indicate that warrants were issued earlier this year, one in March and the other in June, for Morris’ arrest. The Boca Raton, Fla., resident faces the same two felony counts in each case — drawing or passing a check for $1,200 or more with the intent to defraud and theft valued at $100,000 or more.

Yony Noy, an agent for Morris, has maintained on social media that Morris’ legal troubles stem from an outstanding marker with a casino.

During the proceedings, the prosecuting attorney representing the state of Florida, confirmed that there are two warrants for Morris’ arrest in Nevada and both are for outstanding markers for more than $100,000 each.

The prosecuting attorney also indicated that although Nevada is looking to extradite Morris, it is also willing to consider dismissing the charges if Morris’ debts are paid in full. An attorney representing Morris said that “a large payment” had already been sent via wire in an effort to resolve the issue.

Morris made more than $100 million in salary during an 11-year NBA career that included four seasons with the Clippers.

Daniel Craig fans can tune into the hit thriller free of charge

A James Bond film that has been hailed as the best movie of the entire spy franchise is now streaming for free.

Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes, Skyfall has just been added to ITVX, ready for action fans to devour.

The 2012 thriller, which stars Daniel Craig in the leading 007 role, received overwhelming praise upon its debut.

It follows Bond as he chases an assassin through the streets of Istanbul in a bid to recover a stolen list exposing the identities of MI6 secret agents.

When the mission goes terribly wrong, Chief M (Dame Judi Dench) is forced to take extreme measures to preserve the agency.

Craig shares the screen with Naomie Harris, who Bond enthusiasts will recognise from other films in the franchise.

Other notable cast members include Oscar winner Javier Bardem, 28 Years Later star Ralph Fiennes and French actress Bérénice Marlohe.

As you’d expect from this stellar ensemble, Skyfall was an instant hit.

It bagged a rare 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, where critics raved: “Sam Mendes brings Bond surging back with a smart, sexy, riveting action thriller that qualifies as one of the best 007 films to date.”

What’s more, the spy drama earned five Oscar nominations, including nods in the Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Sound Mixing categories.

Ultimately, the thriller won the Oscars for Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song. The latter was awarded to Adele for her hit song, Skyfall.

Moviegoers were captivated by the film, with one Google reviewer gushing: “By far the best Bond Movie I’ve ever seen especially given the amazing performances of Javier Braden.”

A second agreed: “Skyfall in my view is the best Bond film ever made. No Time To Die is good but this Bond film will always have the edge above others.”

Meanwhile, an IMDb user shared: “This is one of the best Bond movies I have ever seen.

“The story is superbly put together and has some interesting twists, the action is well done and contains none of the shaky cam which plagued the last film. The actors all do a great job.”

Skyfall is streaming now on ITVX

The Assassin is a fast-paced thriller interwoven with family drama

Kicking off with a high-energy opening sequence packed with fight scenes and cinematography that could rival a James Bond film, The Assassin certainly delivers, reports the Express.

The six-part series centres around retired hitwoman Julie Green (portrayed by Keeley Hawes), who is reluctantly pulled back into the game for one final, potentially fatal job.

However, there’s a significant hitch: Julie’s estranged journalist son Edward (played by Freddie Highmore) has decided to visit her for the weekend after four years, under the impression that she’s a simple head hunter.

What ensues is a thrilling, fast-paced drama intertwined with family dynamics as Julie and Edward truly reconnect.

This series marks a distinct shift in pace for Hawes, who earlier this year portrayed Cassandra Austen in PBS and BBC’s tranquil period drama Miss Austen. In fact, Hawes’ last venture into Greek territory was as Louisa Durrell in ITV’s heartwarming family series The Durrells, set on the picturesque island of Corfu.

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However, with her impressive performances in Spooks, Line of Duty and Ashes to Ashes, Hawes certainly has the action credentials to portray Julie convincingly.

The Assassin sees her reunite with writers Harry and Jack Williams, following her appearance in the second series of their International Emmy-winning show, The Missing.

Her on-screen partnership with Highmore is a match made in heaven as the contrasting pair compete in a battle of wits.

The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, forming the beating heart of the show.

Highmore effortlessly steps into the role of investigative journalist and vegan Edward, portraying his struggles while on the run with ease.

The former child actor is no stranger to intricate on-screen mother-son relationships, having previously played a young Norman Bates in the modern Psycho prequel, Bates Motel.

Other notable members of the cast include Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, The Tourist’s Shalom Brune-Franklin, and David Dencik from Top of the Lake.

However, this isn’t your typical thriller – there’s a wickedly dark strand of British comedy woven throughout the storyline.

The sharp one-liners flow effortlessly between mother and son, showcasing the Williams brothers’ razor-sharp writing skills.

From Julie being dubbed a “menopausal James Bond” to Edward being cautioned that his search for his biological father “isn’t Mamma Mia”, The Assassin is loaded with as many witty remarks as it is with gunfire and expletives.

Sometimes you’ll find yourself uncertain whether to chuckle at the over-the-top scenarios, but the formula works brilliantly.

The Williams duo have struck gold once more with The Assassin – this is a genuine winner.

Whilst their previous series The Tourist delivered nail-biting tension, The Assassin balances the drama with considerable humour and wit, creating the perfect British action-thriller with a darkly comic twist.

The Assassin is available to stream on Prime Video now

A huge British actor, who starred in Masters of the Air, is a fan-favourite option to take on the role of James Bond in the upcoming instalment

A huge British star with a pop singer girlfriend is in the lead to take on the role of James Bond for the next instalment of the 007 franchise. There have been many rumours on who could be taking on the coveted role, including Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man’s Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson.

It is now being said Hammersmith-born star Callum Turner could also be in running for the role. In new odds from Heart Bingo, the Masters of the Air star, who is engaged with Dua Lipa, is being lined up as the next 007. Sarah Caskie, Head of Brand for online website Heart Bingo, said: “The masses have spoken on X and we’ve collated the data to find that Callum Turner is the people’s choice to replace Daniel Craig, with 63% of posts concerning his potential role in the next film being positive, while 0% were negative.”

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She added: “Henry Cavill’s 34% positivity put him second in the eyes of the public, but 3% didn’t seem too keen on him being the next Bond.”

Callum is best known for his role as Theseus Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Frank Churchill in Emma.

He also starred in The Boys in the Boat, and TV shows Masters of the Air and The Capture.

Amazon completed its massive $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios just over three years ago, which included the James Bond franchise. Fans of the movie haven’t seen a new James Bond film since 2021, when No Time to Die was released as the final movie with Daniel Craig playing the lead role.

Amazon recently announced that Denis Villeneuve has signed up to direct the movie. He is best known for directing the Dune movies.

Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer, and Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.

Upon taking the role, Denis emphasised that he is a huge fan of the franchise and that it is a ‘huge honour’ to take on the role of director.

He said: “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.

“I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.”

He continued: “This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

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Charlotte Lynch is a woman of many passions – from football and teaching to acting and singing. But the defender has faced hardship on her way to the spotlight.

She’s one of the breakout stars of CBeebies’ Football Fantastics and nurtures a friendship with an Emmerdale legend, but Charlotte Lynch admits she’s sometimes felt “excluded” during her journey to the limelight.

England Lionesses Jill Scott, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Ollie Watkins are all suiting up for the new BBC series Football Fantastics .

Behind the big names is former Millwall and Leyton Orient player Charlotte Lynch – a talent who’s been quietly going from strength to strength.

Charlotte uses her voice to make football feel accessible to everyone, and shares joyful messages filled with hope on Instagram. “I couldn’t find a team growing up so I felt excluded,” she says. “When my brother played for a boys’ team, my mum asked the coach if I could join.

“Eventually, I played for the boys but I was the only girl. You get side-eyed and whispers. But, if it’s something you’re passionate about, you really have to push through.”

Luckily, things have changed. “I want people to know they are welcome,” she says. “You don’t have to play at an elite level but you can get involved. I’m not better than anyone. I’m a footballer and you can be one, too, if you want to!”

Her advice? “Take a risk on the things you’re passionate about – you never know where it could take you.” Now, she’s bagged her first major role on the small screen, and it feels like everything is falling into place.

READ MORE: FatFace’s ‘cool’ summer dress that ‘doesn’t crease’ and will ‘pack well for holidays’

The new children’s comedy show kicks off the BBC’s Summer of Sport and the Women’s Euros. Set in Ripon, North Yorkshire, the show follows a group of lovable children who meet every weekend for their local football group, where friendships are made and epic adventures unfold.

With cameos from household names, catchy songs and big laughs, it was a no-brainer for Charlotte. “I received the email from the casting team and instantly felt a connection,” Charlotte says. “I really wanted this job. It’s so wholesome, which I love. Everyone can watch it.”

On the pitch, she’s a versatile defender – and off it, a qualified teacher with a sharp mind for sports science and biomechanics. “I’ve been coaching since I graduated from university,” she says. Charlotte has even founded her own girls’ football teams in schools, so when the audition came around, she gave it everything.

“I wore all my football gear, I had my equipment, I had cones, and I just put everything into this audition to give me the best chance of getting the job,” she recalls. “This felt like a perfect fit.”

In Football Fantastics , Charlotte plays coach Georgie, a footie fanatic. “She’s reliable, honest. Nothing is ever too much or a problem. She has all the patience in the world and a genuine love for children,” Charlotte says. But there’s more to the character than warmth and encouragement.

She adds, “I show a few skills. There’s some comedy, a little bit of sarcasm and life lessons.” Filming in Ripon was mostly smooth sailing, although living in a hotel room for two months and facing early mornings wasn’t her cup of tea.

“I’m not a morning person,” she confesses. “But it didn’t feel like it was hard because I was so in love with what I was doing. We were all well taken care of and there were footballs on set, so I felt very comfortable.”

She also bonded with some well-known faces, including Eva Fontaine and Emmerdale star Samantha Giles. “I was able to ask them how they prepared. There was a family vibe to the show, it felt very warm and welcoming,” says Charlotte.

“Samantha was my next door neighbour in the trailers. We’d meet at the snack table and chat. She was so easy to speak to and I absorbed everything.”

But don’t be fooled – acting isn’t new to Charlotte. Her love for performing was nurtured by her mum, who was also her school head teacher.

“She was passionate about bringing out your talents and abilities,” Charlotte says. She took part in school plays and later appeared in Remi R.M. Moses’ short film Saving Art (2023) as a nurse.

“I did commercials and body doubling, so I was quite familiar with what a set looks like, but acting on TV is a longer-term thing, and these amazing actors helped me.”

She has other talents, too, as Charlotte is also a singer, performing in her church choir, at her brother’s wedding – and even releasing tracks on Spotify.

“I took a break after moving on to football but I’m going to go back to the studio,” she says. However, football remains top of her list. “I’m going to play until I’m 100,” she says. “You can play at any age – you just need a team that suits your needs.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Charlotte Lynch is a woman of many passions – from football and teaching to acting and singing. But the defender has faced hardship on her way to the spotlight.

She’s one of the breakout stars of CBeebies’ Football Fantastics and nurtures a friendship with an Emmerdale legend, but Charlotte Lynch admits she’s sometimes felt “excluded” during her journey to the limelight.

England Lionesses Jill Scott, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Ollie Watkins are all suiting up for the new BBC series Football Fantastics .

Behind the big names is former Millwall and Leyton Orient player Charlotte Lynch – a talent who’s been quietly going from strength to strength.

Charlotte uses her voice to make football feel accessible to everyone, and shares joyful messages filled with hope on Instagram. “I couldn’t find a team growing up so I felt excluded,” she says. “When my brother played for a boys’ team, my mum asked the coach if I could join.

“Eventually, I played for the boys but I was the only girl. You get side-eyed and whispers. But, if it’s something you’re passionate about, you really have to push through.”

Luckily, things have changed. “I want people to know they are welcome,” she says. “You don’t have to play at an elite level but you can get involved. I’m not better than anyone. I’m a footballer and you can be one, too, if you want to!”

Her advice? “Take a risk on the things you’re passionate about – you never know where it could take you.” Now, she’s bagged her first major role on the small screen, and it feels like everything is falling into place.

READ MORE: FatFace’s ‘cool’ summer dress that ‘doesn’t crease’ and will ‘pack well for holidays’

The new children’s comedy show kicks off the BBC’s Summer of Sport and the Women’s Euros. Set in Ripon, North Yorkshire, the show follows a group of lovable children who meet every weekend for their local football group, where friendships are made and epic adventures unfold.

With cameos from household names, catchy songs and big laughs, it was a no-brainer for Charlotte. “I received the email from the casting team and instantly felt a connection,” Charlotte says. “I really wanted this job. It’s so wholesome, which I love. Everyone can watch it.”

On the pitch, she’s a versatile defender – and off it, a qualified teacher with a sharp mind for sports science and biomechanics. “I’ve been coaching since I graduated from university,” she says. Charlotte has even founded her own girls’ football teams in schools, so when the audition came around, she gave it everything.

“I wore all my football gear, I had my equipment, I had cones, and I just put everything into this audition to give me the best chance of getting the job,” she recalls. “This felt like a perfect fit.”

In Football Fantastics , Charlotte plays coach Georgie, a footie fanatic. “She’s reliable, honest. Nothing is ever too much or a problem. She has all the patience in the world and a genuine love for children,” Charlotte says. But there’s more to the character than warmth and encouragement.

She adds, “I show a few skills. There’s some comedy, a little bit of sarcasm and life lessons.” Filming in Ripon was mostly smooth sailing, although living in a hotel room for two months and facing early mornings wasn’t her cup of tea.

“I’m not a morning person,” she confesses. “But it didn’t feel like it was hard because I was so in love with what I was doing. We were all well taken care of and there were footballs on set, so I felt very comfortable.”

She also bonded with some well-known faces, including Eva Fontaine and Emmerdale star Samantha Giles. “I was able to ask them how they prepared. There was a family vibe to the show, it felt very warm and welcoming,” says Charlotte.

“Samantha was my next door neighbour in the trailers. We’d meet at the snack table and chat. She was so easy to speak to and I absorbed everything.”

But don’t be fooled – acting isn’t new to Charlotte. Her love for performing was nurtured by her mum, who was also her school head teacher.

“She was passionate about bringing out your talents and abilities,” Charlotte says. She took part in school plays and later appeared in Remi R.M. Moses’ short film Saving Art (2023) as a nurse.

“I did commercials and body doubling, so I was quite familiar with what a set looks like, but acting on TV is a longer-term thing, and these amazing actors helped me.”

She has other talents, too, as Charlotte is also a singer, performing in her church choir, at her brother’s wedding – and even releasing tracks on Spotify.

“I took a break after moving on to football but I’m going to go back to the studio,” she says. However, football remains top of her list. “I’m going to play until I’m 100,” she says. “You can play at any age – you just need a team that suits your needs.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Naomi Schiff is a familiar face to Formula 1 fans as she co-hosts all the action from the motorsport as part of the Sky Sports presenting team

Popular among F1 fans and a key figure in Sky Sports’ presenting team, Naomi Schiff will be at the forefront of this weekend’s racing excitement as they showcase the much-anticipated British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Racing enthusiasts will witness home hero Lewis Hamilton make his premier appearance at Silverstone as a Ferrari driver, while Lando Norris aims to forge ahead in his quest for the 2025 world championship title, rivalling teammate Oscar Piastri.

Naomi, a retired racing driver herself, is set to deliver all the electrifying updates from the event to eager viewers. The presenter, who hails from Belgium, has Rwandan and Belgian heritage and grew up in South Africa, has transitioned from her racing pursuits to television presenting.

Now at 31 years old, not only is Naomi thriving in her new role, but she’s also embracing the joy of impending motherhood with her French husband Alexandre Dedieu. We delve into her life beyond the screen…

Marriage and baby news

Naomi celebrated her marriage to Alexandre in 2024 with two ceremonies – a modest official exchange and big wedding, reports the Express.

After their civil union in September, Naomi expressed her joy on Instagram, sharing pictures and writing: “Officially Mr. & Mrs. ‘Oui’ was never in doubt, it’s always been you. So grateful for this beautiful moment and excited for forever. Can’t wait to celebrate our big day in the days to come!”

Naomi shared breath-taking snaps in a bridal white dress and long veil from her wedding, posting: “From unforgettable moments to cherished memories, our wedding day was everything we dreamed of and more. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us, filling our day with laughter, love, and joy.”

Not long after their nuptials, Naomi thrilled her followers with news that she’s expecting, unveiling her bump in a clip with the caption: “Been keeping the tiniest little secret.”

In May, she revealed she was “halfway” to greeting their bundle of joy.

F1 absences explained

Whilst Naomi is set to embrace maternity leave soon, spectators have noted her sporadic absences at races.

Given this year’s packed F1 schedule with 24 races, Sky Sports F1’s large presenting roster means some faces will naturally be missing from time to time. Despite the varied presenter lineup, Naomi is slated to cover 12 races for Sky.

During an Instagram Q&A session, Naomi addressed whether she picks which weekends she’s on, saying: “The @skysportsf1 on-screen team is pretty big. So, it’s about being able to split races amongst everyone both numbers-wise but also geographically”.

She pointed out that scheduling can be tricky due to personal commitments that jostle for attention within the Sky Sports F1 presenting crew’s annual calendars.

Bond with Lewis Hamilton

Naomi’s bond with F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has seen the driver step up to defend her during times of controversy.

When Naomi ventured into presenting at the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team car launch and co-hosted Sky Sports F1 show Any Driven Monday in 2022, a critic doubted her suitability for the role, according to The Sun.

The sceptic posted: “Meet Naomi Schiff, Sky Sports latest Formula 1 commentator. Can you guess what her main qualification for the job is? Hint: It isn’t Formula 1 experience.”

Naomi retorted with three yawning emojis to express her indifference to the criticism. Champion Lewis Hamilton was quick to come to Naomi’s defence on Twitter (now renamed X), disagreeing with the detractor’s view.

He commented: “Naomi is an ex-professional racing driver & totally qualified to give her opinion as part of the Sky team. She’s been a great asset since joining & we should welcome more representative broadcasting with open arms.

“Still have a long way to go to change these attitudes in sport.”

Sky Sports is hosting coverage of the British Grand Prix throughout the weekend with the race coverage starting on Sunday, July 6 at 1.30pm

Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, the 26th official entry in the historic franchise. Villeneuve will also serve as executive producer, alongside Tanya Lapointe.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the project, as had been previously announced. The pair came onto the film after the series’ longtime producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, made a deal to give up creative control to Amazon MGM Studios earlier this year.

In a statement, Villeneuve, a four-time Academy Award nominee, said, “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen.”

Also in a statement, Pascal and Heyman commented, “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.”

Villeneuve’s last film, “Dune: Part Two,” earned more than $700 million worldwide. He is preparing to begin shooting the third “Dune” movie this summer with a scheduled release date of Dec. 16, 2026.

Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas in “No Time to Die,” which marked Craig’s final film in the James Bond franchise.

(Nicola Dove / MGM)

The prior film in the Bond franchise, 2021’s “No Time to Die,” finished off Daniel Craig’s five-film run in the role, which began with 2006’s “Casino Royale.”

A screenwriter hasn’t yet been named and no announcement has been made as to who will take over playing the famed British secret agent.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement, “We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From ‘Blade Runner 2049’ to ‘Arrival’ to the ‘Dune’ films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and — most importantly — the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters. James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”

Kathy Beale actor Gillian Taylforth has opened up about her long-running EastEnders character and her time on the BBC soap opera as the show celebrates its 40th anniversary year

Long-running EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth says she wishes she was more feisty and fearless like her iconic soap character Kathy Beale. The actress has been a part of the BBC show since its first episode, firmly establishing herself as fans favourite thanks to her character’s no nonsense attitude.

Whilst she says some things – like her voice – are indistinguishable, Gillian, 69, says there are others that are quite different. “Sometimes I wish I was a bit more like Kathy – she has a lot of opinions, and I’m one of those people who sits on the fence,” admits Gillian. “I’m not that strong-minded, but she is and I love that.

“She’s got a great sense of humour, too – that’s something we share. When I’m out and about, people shout ‘Kathy!’ at me. And if people don’t recognise me to start with, as soon as I talk, they know it’s me – it’s the deep voice!”

As the show celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, so does Gillian, as one of the few stars to have survived four decades. She returned to the show in 2015 after being presumed dead since 2006, making a surprise appearance in a live episode celebrating the show’s 30th anniversary.

She came back full time and reunited with her on-screen son Ian Beale, played by Adam Woodyatt, 56. Opening up on their tearful reunion and unbreakable bond, Gillian says they are like mum and son off set as well as on.

“I have amazing relationships with everyone at EastEnders, but there’s something special with Adam,” she said. “He’s played my son for 40 years, and he never calls me by my name, it’s always ‘Mum’, even when we’re not on set, and he’s ‘Son’ to me.

“We’ve got a close bond – he can see if I’ve forgotten my lines, and he’ll say them to remind me. The moment we reunited when Kathy came back, there were tears everywhere – it was a magical moment.”

A much-loved fan favourite, her co-stars also love Gillian, who says she’s the life and soul of the party on set. “My nickname at work is Jukebox Gilly as I’m always bursting into song!” she told.

During her 10 year break from EastEnders, mum-of-two Gillian explored other telly projects, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, Footballers’ Wives and Hollyoaks. But she says none compared to Albert Square.

“EastEnders has always been my favourite place to work,” she beamed. “I loved The Bill, Footballers’ Wives and Hollyoaks. I got to do plays and a musical and other things that were lovely. But EastEnders has always been in my heart, because that’s where I feel I became who I am.

“This wonderful character, Kathy, was always a big part of me. So when I was invited back for the 30th anniversary, I was overjoyed to have Kathy back in my life.”

Gillian has been a part of some of EastEnders’ most high-profile storylines. Kathy was the victim of rape in 1988 episodes and Gillian recalled how it had a huge impact on her. “One storyline that really stuck with me was Kathy’s rape in 1988. [Kathy was raped by bar owner James Willmott-Brown, played by William Boyde.]

“That was really dark. I went home every night to sort through the material and figure out exactly how I’d play each moment – and when you’re reading it all the time, and rehearsing, you want to forget about it straight away because it’s such an awful subject.

“But it was a great honour to be trusted with that storyline, and I wanted to do it justice. So many girls wrote in to say it had happened to them, and I knew that the show was reaching a lot of people who needed it.”

Read the full interview in the August issue of Prima today.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.

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