confirms

LILY Allen has finally confirmed she’s in a relationship with Jonah Freud – a year on from her high profile split from ex-husband David Harbour.

The pop star has been pictured looking close with Jonah numerous times in the past few months, though hasn’t publicly addressed her relationship status… until now.

In a new interview with Grazia, Lily, 40, was asked who the last person she texted was, to which she replied: “My boyfriend.”

The smitten pair have recently spent time together in the romantic cities of Paris and Rome.

Jonah, who is great-great-grandson of Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud, sipped coffee outside acafée with Lily by his side in the Italian capital last month.

The couple stayed at the Hotel Locarno where they splashed out on a £800-a-night suite.

GILDING THE LILY

Lily Allen, 40, wows as she poses in revealing lacy lingerie amid divorce

RO-MAN HOLIDAY

Lily Allen & new lover take romance to next level on romantic trip to Italy

An eyewitness said: “We walked past her and it was my daughter-in-law who recognised her and went, ‘Oh my God, it’s Lily Allen’.

“We did a double take, and it was definitely her.

“She was with Jonah Freud. They were just having a coffee and a cigarette together.”

Days later they went to Paris for Fashion Week and were seen leaving an apartment together.

Lily confirmed she was dating again in October though coyly stopped short of confirming if she was seeing anyone seriously.

In a candid chat with Interview, she spoke of the pitfalls of dating apps when bouncing back from heartache.

She said: “They’re awful, especially if you’re going through heartbreak. 

“There is nothing more depressing than hundreds of people that are nothing like the person that you’re missing. It’s just like, ‘No, that’s not him. That’s not him. That’s not him’.”

Lily used her relationship breakdown as inspiration for her critically-acclaimed album West End Girl.

She recently told Vice: “I don’t think that it’s a particularly self-aware record. It’s a really angry record – and it’s a lot more about rage directed towards other people.”

On it, she appeared to accuse her Stranger Things star ex David, 50, of having an affair with a woman called Madeline.

It is reported Lily turned detective after growing suspicious that her hubby was cheating and caught him out on Raya — the same app where she met him in 2019.

Following the album’s release, the real life ‘Madeline’ spoke out, with New Orleans based costume designer Natalie Tippett, 34, claiming to have been involved in the fling.

David and Natalie reportedly began an affair while working on 2021 film We Have A Ghost, and he later allegedly flew Natalie to his home in Atlanta, Georgia.

He had married Lily the previous year in a Las Vegas ceremony.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi has confirmed that further talks between the United States and Iran will take place on Thursday amid spiralling tensions between the two countries.

“Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal,” Albusaidi said in a social media post on Sunday.

The announcement comes as the US continues to amass military assets in the Middle East, raising concerns about an all-out war against Iran.

Hours before Oman’s announcement, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was ready to put in place a “full monitoring mechanism” to guarantee the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme and ease tensions.

Asked by Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan why Iran would want to pursue enrichment on its soil rather than buy enriched uranium from abroad, given the US military build-up and risk of an escalation, Araghchi said the issue was a matter of “dignity and pride” for Iranians.

“We have developed this technology by ourselves, by our scientists, and it is very dear to us because we have created it – we have paid a huge expense for that,” he said.

Araghchi cited among the costs two decades of US sanctions, the targeted killings of Iranian scientists, and US-Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities in June.

“We’re not going to give [our nuclear programme] up; there is no legal reason to do that while everything is peaceful and safeguarded” by the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Araghchi said.

As a “committed member” of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which requires non-nuclear-weapon states not to seek or acquire nuclear weapons, Iran is “ready to cooperate with the agency in full”, Araghchi added.

But he stressed that under the treaty, Tehran also has “every right to enjoy a peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment”.

“Enrichment is a sensitive part of our negotiations. The American team knows about our position, and we know their position. We have already exchanged our concerns, and I think a solution is achievable,” the minister noted.

Enrichment is the process of isolating and garnering a rare variant, or isotope, of uranium that can produce nuclear fission. At low levels, enriched uranium can power electric plants. If enriched to approximately 90 percent, it can be used for nuclear weapons.

US officials, including President Donald Trump, have previously suggested that Washington is seeking “zero enrichment” by Tehran.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said any deal with Iran would need to include agreements on ballistic missiles and support for its allies in the region.

Araghchi, however, said on Sunday that Iran was “negotiating only nuclear” at the present time.

“There is no other subject,” he told CBS News, adding that he was optimistic that a deal could be reached.

The second round of nuclear talks concluded in Geneva on February 17. The US and Iran also held indirect talks in Oman earlier this month.

The Iranian delegation is working ahead of the meeting to present a draft that includes “elements which can accommodate both sides’ concerns and interests” to reach a “fast deal”, Araghchi said.

The top Iranian diplomat added the agreement would likely be “better” than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiated by former US President Barack Obama in 2015.

“There are elements that could be much better than the previous deal,” he said, without elaborating. “Right now, there is no need for too much detail. But we can agree on our nuclear programme to remain peaceful forever and at the same time, for more sanctions [to be] lifted.”

Some observers were less optimistic about the chances of striking a deal. Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute, told Al Jazeera that Iran is likely to put forward a proposal that goes beyond anything they ever offered, but even that may not be enough.

“Trump has been sold a narrative by the Israelis that portrays Iran far, far weaker than it actually is. As a result, he’s adopting maximalist capitulation positions that are simply unrealistic based on how the power reality actually looks,” Parsi told Al Jazeera.

“Unless this gets corrected, even if the Iranians put forward a very far-leaning proposal that is extremely attractive to the US, Trump may still say no because he’s under the false belief that he can get something even better.”

MODEL Emily Ratajkowski knows how to stand out from the crowd — as she also shows off her new love interest.

The 34-year-old, pictured in a revealing structured dress, has posted pictures on Instagram of her with French film and music video director Romain Gavras, 44.

A series of shots shows them embracing as Emily wears a backless dress, posing in a snowy street and enjoying a breakfast.

The model looked stunning in a skimpy red dress as she cheekily stuck out her tongue for the camera.

Another snap showed Romain gently caressing her head and wrapping his arm around her while she wore a figure hugging backless dress and held a drink in her hand.

Others showed Romain posing in the snowy streets of New York City and an image of Emily, who wore a white headscarf and black sunnies.

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Fans flocked to the comments section and one wrote: “We love to see it.”

Another added: “Things that just make sense.”

While a third said: “Handsome! Great looking couple!”

Gavras has previously been in relationships with singers Dua Lipa and Rita Ora.

Most read in Entertainment

Emily divorced movie producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2022 and they share a four-year-old son, Sly.

The final episode of Grantchester’s tenth season is set to air tonight, with another show set to replace it.

The tenth season of Grantchester has been delighting ITV viewers over recent weeks, but it’s set to come to an end tonight (Thursday, February 19).

The British crime drama was first broadcast in 2014 and followed Anglican vicar Sidney Chambers (James Norton), who investigated a series of mysterious wrongdoings in his small Cambridgeshire village. Sidney undertook his sleuthing adventures alongside Detective Inspector Geordie Keating (Robson Green).

Geordie has partnered with several vicars over the years, including Reverend Will Davenport (Tom Brittney), and most recently, Alphy Kottaram (Rishi Nair).

Geordie and Alphy embarked on several new investigations when the show returned to ITV for its tenth season last month. As well as solving cases, there have also been some emotional revelations, including Alphy tearfully reading a letter written by his mother when she gave him up for adoption.

The heartbreaking scenes left viewers in tears, with one person writing on X (formerly Twitter): “What another brilliant, heartbreaking and heartwarming episode of #Grantchester. Top performances from all the cast. I’m absolutely broken.”

Another added: “I’m in absolute bits. Absolutely broke me,” while others have praised the cast’s compelling performances.

“Once again, Robson Green knocking it out of the park tonight,” one person wrote, with another adding: “Honestly #Grantchester is up there with the best on TV with great performances. I have no idea why @ITV @itvstudios @masterpiecepbs are ending it.”

Grantchester has had viewers gripped every week and will likely leave a gaping hole when the last episode airs at 9pm tonight. Ahead of the final season airing sometime next year, ITV bosses have confirmed what will takeover from Grantchester on Thursday nights.

The first episode of True Crime Presents’ second season, Murder on a Knife’s Edge, is set to begin at 9pm on Thursday, February 26.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website

It will centre around the case of Wayne Coventry, who sought love after 18 years with his childhood sweetheart, but the 37-year-old father-of-three was involved in a toxic relationship, and was sadly murdered in October 2019.

The first series of True Crime Presents aired last year, offering thought provoking and insightful input from victims and witnesses on a series of shocking murders.

The initial ten episodes explored several heartbreaking cases, including the death of EastEnders star Gemma McCluskie and 17-year-old Shafilea Ahmed.

Fans have praised the show since its release, with one IMDb user writing: “Quite a decent documentary series. Experts and witnesses given an in-depth analysis on five different murders… The stories are all engaging, some you may know quite well, while others may be new to you.”

Murder on a Knife’s Edge: True Crime Presents premieres at 9pm on Thursday, February 26 on ITV1, while Grantchester is available to stream on ITVX

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ITV drama Betrayal, which stars Shaun Evans, will end with its final episode tonight

ITV has announced which programme will replace Betrayal in the TV schedule as the final episode airs tonight at 9pm.

The synopsis for the episode, which is available to watch on ITVX, reads, “With hours until the suspected attack on a university, John finds himself alone and in captivity.

“If he is to save the lives of those at risk, he must find a means of escape without alerting the men who are holding him and the allies whom he can no longer trust.”

The final instalment of the drama, which features Shaun Evans as M15 agent John Hughes and Beyond Paradise star Zahra Ahmadi, will be broadcast between 9pm and 10pm.

Set in Manchester, the show follows John as he juggles a crumbling marriage with the pressures of protecting national security, after becoming embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving an informant who’s murdered before sharing crucial intelligence.

The four episodes of Betrayal, which are available to watch on ITVX, have received mixed reviews from viewers.

Last week, the ITV drama sparked a backlash with fans, with many stating there were too many plot holes “too obvious to overlook”.

One wrote on X, “Most indiscreet MI5 worker ever.”

“I think an MI5 guy would know to hide a message on the lock screen,” someone else said.

A third asked: “After the two deaths at the start of #Betrayal episode 1, how come no one ran out after the first shot, and started filming with a mobile?”

“Shootout at the airport? In broad daylight? And did she crouch behind some explosive barrel?” queried another.

However, next Monday, season one, episode two of The Lady will air on ITV in its place.

The show will air between 9pm and 10pm, like Betrayal, and the synopsis teases, “Jane meets dashing businessman Luis Castillo and the two begin a relationship, but tensions soon erupt on a holiday in Greece, and she becomes increasingly unstable.

“As Jane’s carefully constructed composure starts to fracture and puts her position with the duchess at risk, a lifeline appears in the shape of the charismatic Tommy Cressman.”

Betrayal is available to watch on ITVX.

KATIE Price has confirmed her move to Dubai as she continues to splash out thousands of pounds on luxury resorts, despite her family’s fears over her “swindler” husband.

The mum-of-five, 47, jetted back to Dubai at the weekend to reunite with husband number four Lee Andrews, amid “concern” from her loved-ones over the new relationship.

Katie shocked fans when she revealed that she had married Lee in a quickie wedding almost three weeks ago.

The newlyweds spent a week apart before reuniting last Saturday.

Despite Katie saying her latest trip would be a short one, there doesn’t look like any sign she will be heading back to the UK soon.

Pals fear she is planning to relocate to Dubai for good, and it looks like they have cause for concern.

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the bard

Katie Price seen with husband Lee in new pic as he pays gushing tribute to her

A source has told The Sun that Katie has been talking about moving there and is already thinking about places to live.

The onlooker said: “She was in a restaurant and I recognised her immediately – she was talking about a property she’s buying out here [Dubai] so they could move here for good, and her husband was laying it on thick – telling her exactly what she wanted to hear, how great he’d make it.

“She was lapping it up. He was selling her a dream but I got a bad vibe from him.”

Whilst staying in Dubai, Katie is spending a huge amount of money on a luxury resort.

Another insider told The Sun that’s she’s been splashing out £300 a night of her own cash staying at Dubai’s posh Bab Al Shams hotel.

FAMILY’S CONCERN

This latest news will no doubt cause more upset for her family who are already “deeply concerned” for her, following her whirlwind wedding.

A source recently told The Sun: “Katie’s family and friends are so concerned about her relationship with Lee but she isn’t listening.

“They do not want her to go back to Dubai but she has confirmed that she is leaving today.

“Katie doesn’t want to be away from Lee over Valentine’s Day and said they are planning a honeymoon.

“Her family have read reports about Lee and are so concerned about Katie’s welfare.

“She has insisted he is a good man though and is sticking by him.”

‘SWINDLER’ HUSBAND

Last month, The Sun revealed how Lee was branded a “lying swindler who preys on women” by Alana Percival and Crystal Janke, two women he dated at the same time last year. 

The self-proclaimed businessman dated Alana and Crystal at the same time — and allegedly took £123,000 from the latter. 

The Sun understands the police are aware of reports of alleged fraud, and Crystal told Katie: “Do not give that man any money.” 

Alana also warned: “Katie should run for the hills. Lee is a liar, a narcissist and I think he’s a manipulator.“

Katie Price’s relationship history

We take a look back at the highs and lows of Katie Price’s relationship history.

1996-1998: Katie got engaged to Gladiators star Warren Furman – aka Ace – with a £3,000 ring. But their relationship didn’t make it as far as ‘I do’.

1998-2000: Katie described Dane Bowers as ‘the love of her life’ but she broke up with the singer after he allegedly cheated on her.

2001: Footballer Dwight Yorke is the father of Katie’s eldest child Harvey. He has had very little to do with his son throughout his life.

2002: Rebounding from Dwight, Katie famously had one night of passion with Pop Idol star Gareth Gates, allegedly taking his virginity.

2002-2004: Katie was dating Scott Sullivan when she entered the jungle for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!. He threatened to “punch Peter’s lights out” when chemistry blossomed between her and Peter Andre.

2004-2009: The jungle romance resulted in Katie marrying Aussie pop star Peter. They had two kids, Junior and Princess, before their bitter split in 2009.

2010-2011: Fresh from her break-up with Peter, Katie enjoyed a whirlwind relationship and marriage with cage fighter Alex Reid. They split 20 months after their Las Vegas wedding.

2011: Katie briefly dated model Danny Cipriani… but it ended as quickly as it begun.

2011-2012: They didn’t speak the same language, but Katie got engaged to Argentinian model Leandro Penna in 2011. He later fled home to South America.

2012-2018: Wedding bells rang once more after Katie met Kieran Hayler in 2013. They eventually called it quits after a rocky marriage.

2018-2019: Katie moved on quickly with Kris Boyson. They had an on-off romance for one year and even got engaged. They split for good in 2019.

2019: Katie was linked to Charles Drury during her on-off relationship with Kris. Charles, who also dated Lauren Goodger, has always denied being in “official relationship” with her.

2020-2023: Car salesman Carl Woods took a shine to Katie in 2020. Their relationship was up and down for three years. They broke up for a final time last year.

2024-2026: After weeks of rumours, Katie confirmed her relationship with Married At First Sight star JJ Slater in February 2024. The pair split in January 2026 after two years together.

2026: Katie shocked fans when she revealed she had married Dubai-based businessman Lee Andrews after a 48-hour engagement and only knowing him a week.

Love Island stars will come to blows as tensions explode over the latest drama in South Africa villa

ITV has revealed that sparks will fly as chaos erupts amongst the Love Island contestants in the villa.

Emotions have been running high in the ITV dating show’s spin-off series, with bombshell arrivals and complicated love triangles developing in South Africa. Last night’s episode featured the much-anticipated heart rate challenge, whilst two fresh bombshells made quite the impression upon their entrance.

Tonight’s instalment (February 10) will showcase the challenge results and the drama that follows. This includes Belle continuing to express her attraction to Scott after discovering they elevated each other’s heart rates the most.

Elsewhere, Leanne drops hints that she’s keen to reignite things with her ex-partner. Scott confesses his bewilderment as bombshell Jessy appears to fancy him as well.

When Scott acknowledges he still harbours feelings for Leanne, she responds: “Not gonna lie, after that performance I was like the door is open.”, reports OK!.

Yet he’s then whisked away by Belle for intimate chats in the Secret Garden and on the Terrace the following day, where she reveals her own emotions.

Their deliberate retreat for a private discussion hasn’t escaped the attention of their fellow Islanders. Particularly Lucinda, who believes she was unfairly criticised for swooping in on Sean, taking him away from Belle to couple up with him.

In a tantalising preview clip aired at the close of the latest episode, viewers caught a fleeting glimpse of the explosive scenes awaiting them in tomorrow’s instalment. It appears that tensions will boil over between at least two Islanders, with others being drawn into the fray.

Lucinda is seen confronting Belle head-on about the unfolding drama, stating: “You’ve done the exact same to Leanne” before Belle fires back: “This ain’t about you.”

The action then shifts to the dressing room, where heated exchanges continue to unfold. Newcomer Jessy challenges Lucinda, saying: “You feel vindicated because you feel like Belle did what you did.”

Amid the pandemonium, one Islander attempts to intervene and restore order, though their voice is barely audible over the commotion. Belle is later heard muttering to Scott: “Welcome to the f****** hurricane.”

Viewers wasted no time sharing their reactions on social media. One fan posted: “Tomorrow night’s clip: That was bold of Lucinda and I rate it! Pay back!” whilst another declared: “This is TV! Give whoever casted these lot a raise!”

A third viewer predicted: “Tomorrow is going be hell.” as someone else enthused: “This villa drama never misses.”

Love Island All Stars continues tomorrow at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.

NOEL Gallagher has confirmed he will reunite with brother Liam – three months after their Oasis reunion tour wrapped.

The brothers reunited after 16 years for a sensational five month tour – starting in Wales and ending in Brazil.

The Sun revealed last week that Noel will be getting a starring role when the Brit Awards come to his home city of Manchester this month.

The Wonderwall hitmaker will be honoured with Songwriter of the Year during the ceremony at Co-op Live.

Although some fans were left divided over Noel winning the prize in a year that he has not released any new material.

Meanwhile, Noel hit back over the decision to award him Songwriter of the Year at the upcoming Brit Awards. 

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Speaking on talkSPORT Drive about the award, Noel said: “I haven’t written a song for two years.

“I’m not sure how I’ve got away with that one but I’ll take it.”

Asked about the controversy, he responded: “Is there? I don’t know. Why, what’s it now?”

Host Andy Goldstein said: “Some people are questioning the fact that you’ve won it and haven’t written a song.”

Noel replied: “Well, I think the Brits is all based on record sales, and I’m not sure there was another single songwriter that sold… I mean, we sold a million records last year.

“Didn’t even get off the couch and I’m not sure there’s a songwriter that can match that.

“But you know, if anybody’s got a problem with it, meet me there. We’ll have it out on the red carpet.

“If any of those wet wipes songwriting teams, all 11 of them, want to write a song between the lot of them, want to have it out on the red carpet, I’m there.”

Noel then revealed that he and Liam are planning on reuniting for a Carabao Cup final, which takes place in March.

Revealing whether Liam will be at the BRITs with him, Noel said: “I haven’t, no, we’re just organising tickets for the Carabao Cup final today, but no, I haven’t spoke to him about that, no.”

The Sun revealed that mastermind behind Oasis‘s incredible back catalogue of hits would be receiving the award later this month.

A source said: “Noel has more than earned his stripes and after the phenomenal effect of Oasis’ reunion tour last summer, the time felt right to give him the honour.

“The cultural impact of Noel’s songwriting is hard to quantify. It’s not just the timeless hits from Oasis, like Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova and Live Forever, that he is being honoured for, but also the career-defining songs he wrote for his solo albums with High Flying Birds.

“The Brits are planning a special visual tribute to Noel too, which will showcase some of the highlights of his work before he picks up the awards.”

He famously said in 2013 that he’d never attend the ceremony again, after moaning it had lost its rock ‘n’ roll magic when he spotted Muse drummer Dominic Howard smoking an e-cigarette on the balcony above him.

Noel, below, said: “It was an instantly forgettable night. There was nothing going on at the Brits, there was nothing going on at the after-show parties.

“There are no characters left in the music business. I saw the drummer from Muse smoking an electronic cigarette. I had to say to him, ‘Really?”

Noel added: “That will be the last time I attend that show unless I get some award for . . .  ‘and the award this year for the only person in England writing his own songs, oh that’s right, there’s only one nominee’.”

This year marks 30 years since Noel and brother Liam enjoyed their biggest night at the Brits.

They picked up three gongs — Best Group, Best Album for (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and Best Video for Wonderwall.

Billionaire developer Rick Caruso is not running for Los Angeles mayor, in a last-minute twist less than two days before the deadline to enter the race.

Caruso had been reconsidering whether or not to run, citing a Times article, published Wednesday, in which two unnamed sources described Mayor Karen Bass’ involvement in watering down an after-action report on the Palisades fire.

“Rick is incredibly moved by the outpouring of support but reached an earlier decision in a thoughtful process and it stands. He will not be a candidate for mayor,” said Mike Murphy, a political consultant for Caruso.

Caruso’s decision reaffirms the one he made last month, when he announced that he would not run for mayor or governor, ending a long period of speculation among political watchers. Caruso, who ran against Bass in 2022, said at the time that he was “deeply disappointed to step back from an election I believe is so critical to California’s future.”

His decision not to run comes the same day that former Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Austin Beutner bowed out of the race due to the death of his 22-year-old daughter.

L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath was still weighing a decision and said Thursday that she was receiving many calls from labor and business leaders who would support her run. Maryam Zar, founder of the Palisades Recovery Coalition, was also thinking about entering the race.

Bass already faces challenges from reality television star Spencer Pratt, a Republican who lost his home in the Palisades fire; Rae Huang, a community organizer who is a democratic socialist; and Adam Miller, a tech entrepreneur and nonprofit executive.

Candidates have until noon on Saturday to file their paperwork.

Caruso, the developer of popular malls such as the Grove and the Americana at Brand, lost to Bass by 10 percentage points in 2022 despite outspending her 11 to 1 after throwing $100 million of his own fortune into the race.

The 66-year-old served as president of the L.A. Police Commission in the 2000s, helping to hire William Bratton as police chief. He was appointed to the Department of Water and Power board in 1984, at age 26 — the youngest commissioner in city history at the time.

Caruso is a former Republican who registered as a Democrat in 2022 and has faced questions about his past party registration.

The developer has made public safety and quality of life issues his main talking points, along with criticism of Bass over the city’s handling of the Palisades fire.

Caruso — whose son and daughter lost their homes in the Palisades fire — called The Times’ latest reporting on the after-action report an “absolute outrage.”

“Karen Bass actively covered up a report meant to examine the most significant disaster in Los Angeles history,” he said. “This is a complete loss of public trust and an intentional act of covering up the actions that led to people dying.”

Bass’ office said the mayor did not make changes to the report.

“There is absolutely no reason why she would request those details be altered or erased when she herself has been critical of the response to the fire,” the office said in a statement Wednesday after the Times article was published.

Moscow ‘strongly condemns’ attack on airport in the capital, Niamey, where 20 rebels were killed, and four soldiers were wounded.

Russian soldiers helped repel an attack claimed by the ISIL (ISIS) armed group on Niger’s main airport in the capital, Niamey, last week, according to Moscow’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The attack was repelled through the joint efforts of the Russian Ministry of Defence’s African Corps and the Nigerien armed forces,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Niger’s governing military earlier said that “Russian partners” had helped to fend off the rare assault on the capital, which saw 20 attackers, including a French national, killed and four army soldiers wounded.

At least 11 fighters were also captured, Niger’s state television reported.

“Moscow strongly condemns this latest extremist attack,” the Foreign Ministry added in the statement, according to Russia’s state TASS news agency.

“A similar attack took place in September 2024 on the international airport in the capital of Mali. According to available information, external forces providing instructor and technical support are involved,” the ministry said, according to TASS.

Niger’s military chief, Abdourahamane Tchiani, visited the Russian military base in Niamey to express “personal gratitude for a high-level of professionalism” by Russian forces in defending the airport, the ministry added.

ISIL claimed responsibility for the “surprise and coordinated attack” on the airbase at the Diori Hamani international airport near Niamey on the night of January 28.

A video published online through the ISIL-affiliated media Amaq showed several dozen attackers with assault rifles firing near an aircraft hangar and setting ablaze one plane before leaving on motorbikes.

Ulf Laessing, the head of the Sahel programme at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation, told The Associated Press news agency that the sophistication and boldness of the attack, including the possible use of drones by the attackers, suggest that the assailants may have had inside help.

Previous successful attacks in the region appear to have increased the group’s confidence, leading them to target more sensitive and strategically important sites, Laessing said.

Niger’s military had initially accused Benin, France and the Ivory Coast of sponsoring the attack on the airport, which also houses a military base. The military, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate its claim.

Ivory Coast’s Foreign Ministry denied the allegation and summoned Niger’s ambassador to relay its protest. Benin also denied the claim, describing it as “not very credible”.

France has yet to comment.

Niger is a former colony of France, which maintained a military presence in the country until 2023.

Russia rarely comments on its military activity in the Sahel region, where Moscow has been increasing its influence in recent years.

Facing isolation since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has tried to build new military and political partnerships across Africa.

Apart from Niger, Russian troops or military instructors have been reported to be deployed in Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic and Libya.

Russia’s African Corps has taken over from the Wagner mercenary force across the continent. According to Moscow, the corps helps ” fighting terrorists” and is “strengthening regional stability” in the Sahel.

Niger’s authorities have been fighting the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the ISIL affiliate in the Sahel (EIS) for the past decade.

Netflix has dropped a preview clip for Bridgerton season four part two, sending fans into meltdown

Netflix has treated fans to a tantalising teaser of Bridgerton season four, part two, just one day after releasing the first half.

The brief preview clip, shown after viewers complete season four, episode four, reunites audiences with fan favourites Anthony (portrayed by Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley), reports the Manchester Evening News.

The couple are shown relaxing on a bed with their newborn baby, following confirmation that Kate had given birth in India during the Viscount and Viscountess’s travels abroad.

The pair, affectionately dubbed ‘Kanthony’ by devoted fans, appear utterly content with their precious bundle nestled between them.

Fans have already flocked to Reddit to share their reactions to the heartwarming scene, particularly after some had expressed disappointment about the limited Kanthony content in Netflix’s earlier season four trailer.

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Bridgerton.

One delighted viewer shared a screenshot of the adorable infant on Reddit, writing: “Makes me broody for another one”, accompanied by two crying emojis.

Another commented: “Looks like a little girl with those eyelashes.”

A third gushed: “THAT KANTHONY BABY IS GORGEOUSSSSSS OMMMMGGG [sic]”, whilst a fourth fan remarked: “I devoured the first part. Absolutely incredible. So glad Kanthony have finally made an appearance as well. But oh my the chemistry between Benophie [sic].”

The newly released trailer reveals Benedict Bridgerton (portrayed by Luke Thompson) proposing that maid Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) become his mistress, prompting her to storm off in bewilderment and revulsion.

Yet the sneak peek at season four, part two, hints that Benedict may choose to defy society’s strict conventions and pursue his true feelings.

In a pivotal moment, Benedict confides in Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe): “There is a woman. She is not a person of any rank, and I have upset her.”

Will responds with crucial advice: “No matter her rank, no woman truly desires to be hidden.”

These words could prove the catalyst for Benedict’s transformation.

Nevertheless, the preview teases plenty of tension, with Sophie and Benedict sharing longing yet strained looks as they navigate society’s expectations.

Sophie appears determined to depart Bridgerton House, attempting to convince Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) that her choice isn’t influenced by “anyone” in the residence.

Yet Violet clearly senses there’s something deeper to Sophie’s story and is intent on uncovering the truth – but will she manage before the maid departs?

The trailer builds to a crescendo with Lady Whistledown’s words: “Dearest Gentle reader, there are moments in our lives when we arrive at a crossroads.”

However, her words aren’t solely aimed at Benedict’s predicament, but also touch upon Violet’s blossoming romance with Lord Anderson (Daniel Francis), Francesca Bridgerton’s (Hannah Dodd) emerging feelings for Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), and Lady Danbury’s (Adjoa Andoh) choice to embark on travels rather than continuing as a lady’s maid to Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).

There’s also an exchange between Violet and Benedict, where she questions her son: “Will you sacrifice your family? Whatever you choose, you must live with it forever. We all will.”

Considering Violet’s steadfast conviction in love above everything else, she may be encouraging Benedict to pursue his heart whilst ensuring he understands the ramifications of his choice.

Bridgerton season 4, part 2 will be released on Netflix on February 26

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Lockheed Martin has offered a very rare confirmation of the RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drone‘s operational exploits, in this case, in support of the recent mission to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.

“This is what you can expect from Lockheed Martin: continued significant investment to advance technology development and produce proven major weapon systems at ever greater scale. We build on this momentum with a powerful start to 2026,” CEO Jim Taiclet said during a quarterly earnings call this morning. “Lockheed Martin products, once again, proved critical to the U.S. military’s most demanding missions. The recent Operation Absolute Resolve [in Venezuela] included F-35 and F-22 fighter jets, RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drones, and Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters, which helped ensure mission success while bringing the men and women of our armed forces home safely.”

After the conclusion of Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3, video footage had emerged showing at least one, and possibly two, RQ-170s arriving at the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico. This was a major hub for aircraft employed in the operation and had already offered very strong evidence of the Sentinel’s involvement.

The U.S. military subsequently confirmed that F-35s, F-22s, and Black Hawks – the latter belonging to the U.S. Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the Night Stalkers – among many other types of aircraft had taken part in the operation. While mention was also made of the use of drones, the RQ-170 was not explicitly named.

A now-deleted post in December 2025 from Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH) on X, which included a picture of an individual wearing a name patch with an RQ-170 silhouette and the sleeve insignia of the 432nd Wing, had prompted earlier questions about whether the drones were operating in the region. The only units known to fly Sentinel are the 30th and 44th Reconnaissance Squadrons, both of which are assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. A total of between 20 and 30 RQ-170s are said to be in the Air Force’s inventory.

The exact role the RQ-170 played in Operation Absolute Resolve remains unclear, and Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet offered no further details. TWZ has previously detailed how the mission and the lead-up to it are exactly what the Sentinel was designed for. As we wrote:

“RQ-170s would have provided a valuable way to discreetly track Maduro’s movements and otherwise establish his ‘patterns of life,’ as well as those of the forces guarding him, for an extended period of time in the lead-up to the actual launch of the operation to capture him. During the mission itself, having one of the drones orbiting overhead would have provided an indispensable source of real-time information, including to help spot threats that might unexpectedly appear. Those same feeds would also have given senior leaders, including President Donald Trump, a way to watch the operation as it happened.”

…

“With all this in mind, RQ-170s could also have surveilled Venezuelan military bases and other sites that U.S. forces struck as part of the operation overnight, and helped with post-strike assessments. The Air Force has disclosed having at least conducted tests in the past of the Sentinel in the bomb damage assessment role in combination with B-2 bombers.”

Since then, it has also emerged that the U.S. military planning for the mission included preparations to destroy three airfields in the country if it appeared that fighters belonging to the Venezuelan Air Force were attempting to scramble and intercept the raiding force. That threat did not materialize, and none of those facilities were ultimately struck, but it would have been necessary to closely monitor them to be sure.

Substations were also targeted to cut power to the Fuerte Tiuna (Fort Tiuna), a sprawling military base in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, housing Maduro’s fortress-like compound.

Multiple Venezuelan air defense assets were also struck at various locations in the country during the operation. TWZ has also highlighted previously how suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) would have been a key mission for the F-22s and F-35s in the force package. U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers, and likely at least one U.S. Air Force EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, also contributed electronic warfare support to this mission and other aspects of the operation.

The RQ-170’s participation in Operation Absolute Resolve adds to the still relatively limited publicly available information (and even less that is officially confirmed) about the use of these drones over the years. The U.S. Air Force only officially acknowledged the Sentinel’s existence in 2009, two years after it was first spotted in Afghanistan and had been dubbed the “Beast of Kandahar.”

RQ-170s were used to monitor aspects of Iran’s nuclear program, something that was thrust into the public eye after one of the drones went down in that country in 2011, a major intelligence loss. RQ-170s likely also played a role in relation to the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year, where they could have provided direct overhead coverage and intelligence for post-mission bomb damage assessments.

Sentinels are understood to have surveilled Al Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan in the lead-up to the raid that led to his death, which also occurred in 2011. This, as well as operations over Iran, are prime examples of the Sentinel’s ability to persistently surveil key sites even in denied areas. The preparations for and execution of Operation Absolute Resolve also followed a playbook with direct parallels, as well as notable differences, to the Bin Laden mission.

The stealthy RQ-170s have also deployed to South Korea in the past, from where they likely conducted flights at least very near to North Korean airspace. The drones have also been at least deployed elsewhere in the Pacific, as well.

Between 2022 and 2023, Sentinels may have flown missions in the Black Sea region, gathering intelligence on Russian forces on the heavily-defended occupied Crimean Peninsula. A satellite image available through Apple Maps showing an RQ-170 at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy has lent some further credence to those reports. Sigonella has been and continues to be a hub for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flights over the Black Sea. It is unclear when the image was taken, but it looks to be from a relevant timeframe based on the visible state of construction elsewhere at the base.

Though much still remains to be learned, the remarks today from Lockheed Martin CEO Taiclet have added a small, but notable addition to the story of the RQ-170.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com

A MAJOR airline has confirmed it is axing all long-haul flights from a UK airport – starting next month.

The airline will cancel its long-haul transatlantic routes to the US and the Caribbeans.

Aer Lingus will stop flying from Manchester to New York JFK from February 23.

The operator will then cease its flights to Orlando and Barbados from March 31.

In order to re-accommodate impacted passengers who were scheduled to travel to the Caribbean island from Manchester, the airline will run a service from Dublin to Barbados in April and May.

The affected customers have already been contacted and given options for a refund or rebooking.

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The airline said that the developments will not affect Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional services between Ireland and Manchester.

A spokesperson told The Sun:

An airline spokesperson told The Sun: “Aer Lingus informed staff and their representatives at its Manchester base today that the airline’s Manchester transatlantic operations will fully cease as of and from 31st March 2026.

“Manchester-New York operations will cease from 23rd February 2026 and Aer Lingus plans to operate a service from Dublin to Barbados (subject to receipt of necessary approvals) during the months of April and May to reaccommodate affected customers.

“There is no impact to Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional (Emerald Airlines) flights between Manchester and Ireland. Customers are being informed directly of the cancellation of flights and provided with reaccommodation and refund options.

“Aer Lingus will continue to engage with staff representative groups to discuss the phased reduction in operations, redeployment opportunities and the terms of a severance package at the Manchester Base.

“Aer Lingus acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and will seek to ensure that colleagues are kept informed and supported as discussions evolve during the next phase of the consultation.”

In the past, the airline has said that its long-haul routes from Manchester had an operating margin that “significantly lags behind” that of Ireland.

About 200 employees at the base, which Aer Lingus launched in 2021, could be impacted if the closure goes ahead.