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One Battle After Another was the big winner of the 98th Academy Awards, taking home six Oscars.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s black comedy about a has-been revolutionary won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Film Editing, and Best Casting.

Sinners, which entered the ceremony with a record 16 nominations, was the second-biggest winner of the night, with four awards.

Michael B Jordan earned Best Actor for his leading role, while director Ryan Coogler picked up his first Oscar for Original Screenplay.

In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for Hamnet, marking her first Academy Award, while Amy Madigan was recognised as Best Supporting Actress for Weapons.

Elsewhere, the South Korean musical fantasy KPop Demon Hunters won two Oscars, while Frankenstein also secured two awards.

Here is the full list of winners:

Best Picture
One Battle After Another 

Best Actress
Jessie Buckley, Hamnet

Best Actor
Michael B Jordan, Sinners

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Madigan, Weapons

Best Supporting Actor
Sean Penn, One Battle After Another

Best director
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another

Best Original Score
Ludwig Göransson, Sinners 

Best Animated Film
KPop Demon Hunters

Best International Feature
Sentimental Value

Best Documentary Feature
Mr Nobody Against Putin

Best Casting
Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another

Best Sound
Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A Rizzo and Juan Peralta, F1

Best Original Screenplay
Ryan Coogler, Sinners

Best Adapted Screenplay
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another

Best Documentary Short
All the Empty Rooms  

Best Live Action Short Film
The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva (tie)

Best animated short film
The Girl Who Cried Pearls

Best Music (Original Song):
EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park for Golden, KPop Demon Hunters

Best Film Editing:
Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another

Best Cinematography:
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners

Best Production Design:
Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau, Frankenstein

Best Costume Design
Kate Hawley, Frankenstein

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey, Frankenstein

Best Visual Effects
Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett, Avatar: Fire and Ash

All the predictions, drama and pageantry of Hollywood’s biggest night will play out at the Dolby Theatre this afternoon as the 98th Academy Awards get underway.

How many awards will “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, win from its record-setting 16 nominations? And will Coogler win best director? Our critic says, “no.”

Tonight is also a big evening for our entertainment team, which has been producing features, previews, explainers, predictions and so much more.

Let’s jump into some of that work.

How and when to watch

My colleague Katie Simons provided some show basics, like it’s 4 p.m. Pacific start time.

The 2026 Oscars will air on ABC, and those with cable subscriptions can also watch by logging into the ABC app or abc.com.

The telecast will also stream live on Hulu, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV. Internationally, the ceremony will be broadcast in more than 200 territories. You can check your local listings here.

When the red carpet viewing gets underway

“Chicken Shop Date” host Amelia Dimoldenberg will return, for a third-straight year, as social media ambassador and correspondent for the official red carpet, which will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on ABC and Hulu.

For extended coverage, E! will begin its red carpet broadcast at 1 p.m. ABC’s coverage begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by “The Oscars Red Carpet Show,” hosted by Tamron Hall and Jesse Palmer.

“Sinners” is picking up steam heading into the show

My colleague Greg Braxton wrote about how award prognosticators believe Sinners gained positive press after its stars — Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan — were called a racial slur at the BAFTAs.

Jordan’s and Lindo’s handling of the BAFTA incident, along with warmly received victories for the “Sinners” cast at the Actor Awards on March 1, has given the Warner Bros. release unexpected momentum leading up to Sunday’s Oscars ceremony.

Although it received a record-breaking 16 nominations, the film has been largely overshadowed through much of awards season by Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller “One Battle After Another.”

And Timothée Chalamet of “Marty Supreme” had been considered for months as an almost-certain lock for lead actor. But the events in past weeks have seemingly positioned “Sinners” for upset wins in the picture race and lead actor for Jordan.

Who’s going to win?

Our critic Amy Nicholson and our expert Glenn Whipp believe they know the winners and the snubs.

Nicholson believes “Sinners” should win for best picture.

Nicholson wrote that the Jim Crow-era murder musical is the best kind of smart filmmaking, a barn-burner about religion and art and race that ditches the speeches for scenes of action and romance.

Every character — from Miles Caton’s rebellious guitarist and Jack O’Connell’s lilting vampire to Wunmi Mosaku’s soulful witch and Michael B. Jordan’s bootlegging twins Smoke and Stack — has been scarred by life in 1930s Mississippi.

She also said the film “Eddington” should’ve been a contender (perhaps a nod to “On the Waterfront”). Ari Aster’s merciless black comedy drags us back to May 2020 when tempers, temperatures and misinformation were heating up across America.

Dueling civic leaders Sheriff Joe (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted (Pedro Pascal) agree that COVID has yet to arrive in their New Mexican hamlet.

Whipp wrote that “One Battle After Another” vs. “Sinners” is very much a 1A/1B situation, with Anderson’s epic having the slight edge.

But with the Oscars, quality is often secondary to an awards narrative. Both movies have cultural relevance.

Both won critical acclaim and, to a degree, commercial success. (Though “One Battle” wasn’t the blockbuster “Sinners” was, it still grossed more than any other movie in Anderson’s career.) “Sinners” scored 16 Oscar nominations, the most in history; “One Battle” was close behind with 13.

There’s much more to read in the above links. Enjoy them and the Oscars.

The week’s biggest stories

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Election news

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Brand new modern Western drama The Madison is poised to become a sensation on Paramount+, but who is in the cast?

The Madison is the latest streaming sensation from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and it’s not to be missed now the first three episodes are available to stream on Paramount+.

Featuring an all-star cast led by two Hollywood heavyweights, the series follows a wealthy family based in New York who are forced to move to Montana following a devastating tragedy.

While they struggle to adapt to rural life, their stunning surroundings and friendly neighbours slowly but surely encourage them to open up to new possibilities.

Fans who have already tuned into the first half of this epic six-part drama are in luck, as three more episodes are arriving next Saturday and the series has already been renewed for a second season.

But who stars in The Madison and where will viewers have seen them before? Let’s take a closer look at the show’s stellar cast.

Who is in the cast of The Madison?

The Madison features a stellar cast of recognisable names, led by cinema icons Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.

Pfeiffer and Russell star as husband-and-wife partnership Stacy and Preston Clyburn, nearly 40 years after they starred together in the 1988 hit film Tequila Sunrise. Pfeiffer is also known for classic films such as Scarface, Batman Returns and Hairspray and portrays Janet Van Dyne aka the Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Meanwhile, Russell has led several cult horror movies by director John Carpenter, including The Thing and Big Trouble in Little China, and has also appeared in the MCU film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. He is currently starring in Apple TV’s Godzilla spin-off series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which recently returned for its second season.

Other familiar faces joining the series include Suits star Patrick J. Adams as Russell McIntosh, the husband of Stacy and Preston’s daughter Paige, portrayed by Elle Chapman. Chapman is a relative newcomer, whose most prominent credit so far has been the Tom Hanks film A Man Called Otto.

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The supporting cast includes:

• Matthew Fox (Lost) as Paul Clyburn, Preston’s brother and Stacy’s brother in-law
• Beau Garrett (Firefly Lane) as Abigail Reese, Stacy and Preston’s older daughter
• Amiah Miller (War for the Planet of the Apes) as Bridgette Reese, Abigail’s older daughter
• Ben Schnetzer (Y: The Last Man) as Van Davis
• Kevin Zegers (The Rookie: Feds) as Cade Harris, Stacy and Preston’s neighbor
• Rebecca Spence (Power Book IV: Force) as Liliana Weeks, Stacy’s friend
• Alaina Pollack (On Call) as Macy, Abigail’s younger daughter
• Danielle Vasinova (1923) as Kestrel Harris

Finally, the series will also include guest appearances from Will Arnett as Dr. Phil Yorn, who did not appear in the first three episodes.

Arnett is known for comedic roles in sitcoms such as Arrested Development and 30 Rock, voicing Bojack Horseman in the hit Netflix animated series of the same name, and most recently starred in Bradley Cooper’s new film Is This Thing On?

The Madison episodes 4-6 will be released Saturday, 21 March on Paramount+.

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

2026 is shaping up to be an amazing year for theme park fans with a huge number of new rides and attractions set to launch in the coming months, from thrill rides to family-friendly lands

There is plenty for UK theme park fans to look forward to in the year ahead.

Many are preparing to reopen their doors for the spring season in the next couple of weeks, while some are launching new rides and even entirely new lands. From thrill rides to attractions based on kids’ shows, there are plenty of upcoming openings to get in the calendar.

Here’s a roundup of some of the UK’s biggest and most popular theme parks and what new attractions visitors can expect in 2026.

Paultons Park

Paultons Park is adding an entirely new themed land to its map. Valgard: Realm of the Vikings opens May 16, just in time for half term. It will include three Viking-themed rides: Drakon, the park’s first inverting rollercoaster with a dramatic vertical lift, Vild Swing, which will swing riders 39ft into the air, and Raven, a bobsled ride previously known as the Cobra coaster, which has been redesigned to match the theme.

The new land will also feature a Viking-themed playground and dining hall for a truly immersive experience. Theme park fans can book Paultons Park tickets online for the opening day.

Paultons Park is perhaps best known as home to Peppa Pig World, and its new land is aimed more at older kids and adults, adding new thrill rides to the park. However, if you are bringing little ones, be sure to stop by Peppa Pig World to meet the family’s newest member, Evie.

Chessington

Chessington’s new World of PAW Patrol will be here on the double, although no official opening date has been set. So far, the park has confirmed it’ll open in spring 2026 and will feature four rides. Chase’s Mountain Mission, a rollercoaster suitable for young kids, Skye’s Helicopter Heroes, which will take kids on a high-flying mission, and Marshall’s Firetruck Rescue, where kids can take a ride on a shiny red truck.

Zuma’s Hovercraft Adventure will be a ‘drifter’ ride, which promises to be the first of its kind in the UK. There will also be Rubble and Rocky’s Playzone, where kids can “climb, slide and explore”. Meet and greets will be available with the pups, and fans can even book a sleepover in one of the PAW Patrol-themed rooms at Chessington’s Azteca hotel. These colourful rooms sleep up to five and include themed bunk beds for the kids.

Alton Towers

Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies! opens to Alton Towers’ guests on March 28, just in time for Easter. It’s the world’s first Bluey roller coaster and will be suitable for little fans of the show. Teaser images for the ride show Bluey and Bingo dressed as the iconic grannies Janet and Rita, and the ride is set in the Heelers’ back garden. More Bluey rooms are also being added to the CBeebies Land hotel and you can book online for spring dates and beyond.

Thrill ride fans can also enjoy the Toxicator, which opened last March. This neon-green coaster throws riders in the air and spins them around at high speed, creating an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

In spring 2026, Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be opening a new £8.72 million gyro swing ride named Aviktas. At 138ft, it will be the tallest of its kind in the UK. While the exact opening date has not yet been confirmed, theme park enthusiasts can buy VIP tickets for the launch event, ensuring they are among the first to try the new ride.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach also celebrates its 130-year anniversary in 2026. In March, visitors can get half-price tickets if they book online in advance, with eTickets costing £30. Or if you’re going as a family, you can get four tickets for £100, giving you access to all the park’s rides for the day.

Crealy

Crealy will offer two new rides in 2026, and one might be familiar to theme park enthusiasts. Spring will see the arrival of Pirates’ Plummet, an 80ft tall drop tower which will be the South West’s tallest ride. It used to be situated in Paultons Park, where it was called Magma, and is now being rebuilt at the Devon theme park.

In the summer, Rotor, an inverting air race ride, will be open. The ride will spin punters around and upside-down for a thrilling experience. No date is confirmed for either ride’s opening yet, but you can book short breaks or tickets on the Crealy website.

Pleasurewood Hills

Pleasurewood Hills was sold to new owners last year, and there are plans for four new rides to revamp the family-friendly Suffolk park. According to BBC reports, the new rides would include Star Flyer (a 30-metre-tall thrill ride), Spinning Coaster, Apple Coaster, and the Big Wheel. Planning approval for the new rides is expected in April, with no date announced as to when they’d open if approved.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

The best spots for your seaside getaway

As temperatures begin to climb, thoughts naturally turn towards seaside escapes. There’s nothing quite like the sound of crashing waves and the sensation of sand between your toes – but with countless stunning locations dotted around the UK, how do you decide where to visit?

For an ideal spring beach getaway, you’ll want maximum sunshine, pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall – and that’s precisely where the specialists at Go Outdoors come in. They’ve put together a ranking of Britain’s finest beaches based on average spring temperatures, precipitation levels, hours of sunshine and Google reviews to identify the absolute cream of the crop.

Every beach featured received a rating out of 10 according to its weather conditions, rainfall and visitor feedback.

Taking the top spot is Cuckmere Haven with an impressive score of 9.60. This breathtaking beach sits in East Sussex and boasts a remarkable 7.8 hours of daily spring sunshine alongside just 52mm of monthly rainfall.

Those visiting the beach can first take in spectacular views of the Seven Sisters — England’s famous white cliffs overlooking the channel — before embarking on a picturesque stroll along the Cuckmere River as it winds its way towards the coast. Hear the cries of seagulls circling above, and feel the fresh sea breeze against your skin, reports the Express.

Claiming second position is Southwold Beach with a rating of 8.68 out of 10. This expanse of sand extends from the River Blyth’s mouth, passing Southwold Pier which offers plenty to discover.

There are arcade games and numerous cafés and restaurants where you can pop in for refreshments or a bite to eat. Securing the third spot, and boasting the highest Google review rating amongst all the beaches, is Druridge Bay Beach.

Google reviews rate this beach at a stellar 4.9 out of five, and the Go Outdoors research awarded it an impressive overall score of 8.53 out of 10.

The beach itself extends for seven miles, and the adjacent woodlands are teeming with wildlife such as roe deer and red squirrels.

The UK’s best beaches to visit this spring:

Rank

Beach

Location

Country

Avg. spring temper-ature (°C)

Avg. monthly spring rainfall (mm)

Avg. daily spring sunshine hours

Google review score /5

Overall score /10

1

Cuckmere Haven

East Sussex

England

9.5

52

7.8

4.8

9.60

2

Southwold Beach

Suffolk

England

8.9

48

8.0

4.7

8.68

3

Druridge Bay Beach

Northumberland

England

7.9

57

7.3

4.9

8.53

3

Pentle Bay

Tresco

England

10.3

59

7.2

4.8

8.53

5

Thornwick Bay

Flamborough Head

England

8.2

52

7.7

4.8

8.48

6

Kimmeridge Bay

Dorset

England

9.7

56

7.7

4.6

8.33

7

Rhossili Bay Beach

Gower

Wales

9.3

84

7.4

4.9

8.23

8

Barafundle Bay Beach

Pembrokeshire

Wales

9.4

69

7.0

4.9

8.22

9

Camber Sands

East Sussex

England

9.8

50

7.1

4.6

8.18

10

Porthcurno Beach

Cornwall

England

10.0

65

7.3

4.8

8.17

THE list of the richest celebs in the world has been revealed — and it’s good news for Taylor Swift.

The US superstar’s net worth has soared since she was named a billionaire in 2023, and she is now worth twice that.

She has risen from No9 last year to No7 in ­Forbes magazine’s annual rundown, which revealed there are now 22 celebrity billionaires — up from 18 last year.

Fellow singer Beyonce, tennis ace Roger Federer, rapper Dr Dre and filmmaker James Cameron are the new additions who have crossed the $1billion threshold.

Taylor, 36, boosted her earnings massively with profits from her record-breaking Eras Tour and the value of her music catalogue, all of ­which she now owns, having bought back the rights to her first six albums last year.

She is said to have amassed $1billion from royalties and touring, while her catalogue of hits has been valued at $900million.

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The Eras 149 gigs across 21 countries from March 2023 to December 2024, made it the highest-grossing tour of all time at $2.077billion, with 10MILLION attendees.

Thanks to the money-spinning shows, she was able to buy the rights to her first six albums.

In 2019 Taylor’s former label, Big Machine, had sold the masters to talent manager Scooter Braun, prompting Taylor to vow to re-record them.

Braun sold them on to LA investment fund ­Shamrock Holdings in 2020.

But last May she announced she finally controls all her music.

Taylor said last year: “That’s how I spent that Eras Tour money. My fans are why I was able to get my music back.”

The rights to the records had been sold for more than $300million, although it is not known how much she spent to reclaim them.

But she is believed to have made an eight-figure sum in profits from the “Taylor’s Version” remakes of Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and 1989 — which all topped the charts.

She also owns $100million of real estate, including pads in New York, Beverly Hills, Rhode Island and Nashville.

The news coincides with new figures from the British Phonographic Industry, which reveal CD sales in the UK returned to growth in 2025, up 3.1 per cent, largely thanks to 226,000 copies of Taylor’s latest album The Life Of A Showgirl being sold here.

She also contributed to the 19.9 per cent year-on-year rise in vinyl purchases, thanks to 147,000 sales of the record on the format.

It meant The Life Of A Showgirl sold the most vinyl of any new album in a calendar year this century. Her 2023 collection Lover (Live From Paris), which was reissued last year, was also the fourth biggest vinyl of 2025.

Taylor has now scored six No1 singles and 14 No1 albums, ­beating Madonna’s record of 12 chart toppers for a female artist.

Taylor’s huge net worth dwarfs that of her American football star fiancé Travis Kelce, 36, whose riches total $90million.

The two are expected to marry this summer in a glittering, star-studded ceremony in the US.

Yesterday Travis hinted Taylor has started working on new music for a potential 13th studio album.     

He said: “It’s amazing to see her keep going to the table, keep finding new things to write about, keep finding new ­mel­odies and things like that.

“On top of that, still seeing her have that love and joy in what she does.

“Of course that’s motivating. That’s motivating for anybody to see, let alone in my fiancée, and knowing that I’m going through something as I try to figure out what the future holds for me.

“Something like that motivates me.”

1. Steven Spielberg

$7.1bn

THE highest-grossing director of all time, 79-year-old Spielberg earns an estimated $100million annually from gross ticket sales thanks to a 1987 deal.

2. George Lucas

$5.2bn

THE Star Wars creator, 81, kept the merchandising rights and ownership of the hit sci-fi franchise and in 2012 sold his firm LucasFilm to Disney for $2.2billion plus shares.

3. Michael Jordan

$4.3bn

BASLETBALL legend, 63, made $2billion from ­corporate deals.

In 2023 he sold majority stake in NBA team Charlotte Hornets, valued at $3bn.

4. Vincent McMahon

$3.6bn

BUSINESSMAN, 80, made sports promotion firm World Wrestling Entertainment – WWE – a global brand before a $21billion wrestling mega-merger in 2023.

5. Oprah Winfrey

$3.2bn

TALK show host made TV and films through her production firm Harpo.

Oprah, 72, has also earned millions partnering with Weight Watchers and through real estate.

6. Jay-Z

$2.8bn

Rapper, 56, made over $1billion from his alcohol brands D’Usse cognac and Armand de Brignac.

In 2008 he founded the lucrative entertainment firm Roc Nation.

7. Taylor Swift

$2bn

8. Kim Kardashian

$1.9bn

Reality star owns a third of her $5billion shapewear brand Skims.

Kim, 45, also earns through her skincare firm, endorsements, real estate, acting and TV shows.

9. Peter Jackson

$1.9bn

MOVIE director, 64, made Lord Of The Rings films and sold the tech division of his visual effects company Weta Digital for $1.63billion in 2021.

10. Magic Johnson

$1.6bn

FORMER basketball player, 66, has a majority stake in a life insurance company as well as part-ownership of four US professional sports teams.

11. Tiger Woods

$1.5bn

GOLFING legend made $1.9billion during his sporting career and through endorsements.

Woods, 50, is estimated to have earned $121million in prize money.

12. Dick Wolf

$1.5bn

THE producer behind hit US TV dramas Law & Order, Chicago and FBI, 79-year-old Wolf signed a five-year, $1billion deal with NBCUniversal in 2020.

13. Tyler Perry

$1.4bn

THE actor and filmmaker has 100 per cent ownership of his 22 films and over 1,200 TV episodes.

Perry, 56, now owns the largest film production studio in the US.

14. LeBron James

$1.4bn

SPORTS contracts have earned $500million for the 41-year-old basketball player – and he has a lifetime $1billion endorsement deal with Nike.

15. Bruce Springsteen

$1.2bn

ROCKER, 76, has toured for five decades, released 21 studio albums and received $500million when he sold his entire music catalogue to Sony in 2021.

16. Arnold Schwarzenegger

$1.2bn

HAVING earned $500million from films, the 78-year-old actor has also made savvy investments, including in an investment firm which manages $1 trillion in assets.

17. Jerry Seinfeld

$1.1bn

THE comedian has earned almost $500million from syndicating his self-titled sitcom.

Seinfeld, 71, still does stand-up and has a Porsche collection valued at $100million.

18. Roger Federer

$1.1bn

Retired tennis player, 44, won 20 Grand Slams but also had lucrative deals with Rolex and Mercedes.

He also has a stake in athletic

19. James Cameron

$1.1bn

FILMMAKER behind three of the four highest-grossing films of all time.

Cameron, 71, directed Titanic, Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water, which made over $7.5bn.

20. Rihanna

$1bn

THE Umbrella singer, 38, has a $200million music catalogue but made her main fortune through cosmetics firm Fenty Beauty and lingerie brand Savage X Fenty.

21. Beyonce

$1bn

AS well as grossing more than $1billion in back-to-back tours, the singer, 44, has a $300million music catalogue and a haircare line, Cecred, valued at $100million.

22. Dr Dre

$1bn

RAPPER, 61, co-founded Beats Electronics and Beats Music, and launched the careers of Kendrick Lamar and Eminem through his label Death Row Records.

Seven extra groups now qualify for a Disabled Person’s Railcard including blue badge holders

More people will now qualify for reduced-price rail journeys across the UK. Seven additional categories are now eligible for a Disabled Person’s Railcard after the scheme was broadened on March 1.

This railcard grants the holder and an accompanying adult a one-third discount on most train tickets throughout England, Scotland and Wales. It presently costs £20 for one year or £54 for three. Until this month, the Disabled Person’s Railcard had exclusively been available to those claiming particular benefits or living with certain medical conditions. From March 1, it continues to be available to those individuals, but the criteria has been widened.

It now encompasses a wider spectrum of visible and non-visible disabilities. Individuals who now qualify include those who:

• Have a blue badge
• Have a disabled person’s bus pass (England, Scotland and Wales)
• Have a disabled person’s Freedom Pass (London only)
• Can’t drive on medical grounds
• Receive Armed Forces Compensation Scheme benefits
• Receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for 20 per cent degree of disablement or higher
• Are without speech

Other people who still qualify

The existing qualifying criteria for a Disabled Person’s Railcard remains valid, which means you can hold a railcard if you:

• Receive Personal Independence Payments or Adult Disability Payment
• Receive Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment at either the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or the higher or middle rate for the care component
• Have a visual impairment
• Are registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• Have epilepsy and receive drug treatment for it
• Receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment
• Receive war pensioner’s mobility supplement
• Receive war or service disablement pension for 80 per cent or more disability
• Buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme

From September 2026 it is intended that the scheme will broaden further allowing even more people to apply for a card. On the Disabled Persons Railcard website, it states: “Phase 2, launching in September 2026, will further extend eligibility to disabilities and conditions that require professional health evidence and more detailed assessment, including some long-term or degenerative medical conditions, and neurodiversity where it has a substantial impact on a person’s ability to travel by train.

“More detailed evidentiary requirements will be made available for this phase closer to implementation in September 2026.”

It is worth noting that if you already hold one of these railcards, the changes won’t affect you. The website states: “These upcoming changes to the eligibility criteria won’t affect your current Railcard or your eligibility. You can continue using your Railcard as usual without any disruption.”

How to apply

You can submit an application online here. You can select a digital card accessible via your mobile, which becomes available within five working days.

Alternatively, you can choose a physical card, which may take up to 15 days to reach you by post. The application process should require no longer than 10 minutes to finish.

Before starting, you must ensure you have the following prepared:

• A valid debit or credit card
• Documentary evidence of the Railcard holder’s disability that can be scanned and uploaded as a file
• A passport-style photograph (it can even be captured with your phone)

You cannot submit an application in person at a railway station but you can apply by post. To do this, you can download a Disabled Persons Railcard application form online or obtain an application form from any staffed station ticket office.

You will then need to fill in and return this application, together with the required evidence of disability and payment to:

National Railcards

PO box 8626

SWADLINCOTE

DE11 1JA

A complete list of what is recognised as documentary evidence of the disability can be located online here.

RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus was hit by a drone, which has threatened the safety of British military personnel, and now the Foreign Office has issued a warning to tourists there

British tourists on Cyprus should follow five key steps to ensure their safety, the Foreign Office says.

Visitors on the island in the Mediterranean Sea have been ordered to keep their departure plans under review and ensure their travel documents are up to date amid the conflict in the Middle East. RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus was hit by a drone on Monday, after which 60 flights to and from Cypriot airports were cancelled.

The UK will send HMS Dragon, one of the Royal Navy’s six Type 45 air defence destroyers, but tourists should also take action. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s website reads: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”

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As Birmingham Live reports, the FCDO’s full five tips are;

• read guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” on the FCDO website, with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”

• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts

• monitor local and international media

• sign up to local information alerts/resources AND follow the advice of local authorities

• keep your departure plans under review AND ensure your travel documents are up to date

The conflict and tension in the Middle East and Gulf states continues. Donald Trump, though, has said he is “not happy” with the UK after it did not initially allow the US to use its bases for strikes on Iran, and added that Keir Starmer is “not Winston Churchill”.

It is the latest in a series of broadsides from the US president over the UK’s position on the Middle East war. Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary confirmed that a Government charter flight will take off from Muscat, Oman, “in the coming days” to bring vulnerable British nationals back.

The HMS Dragon, due to be sent from Portsmouth in Hampshire and crewed by more than 200 people, is designed for air defence, it is equipped with a Sea Viper anti-air missile system. Defence Secretary John Healey said: “We are moving quickly to further reinforce our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“HMS Dragon brings world-class air defence capability, and our Wildcat helicopters are armed with Martlet missiles to counter the growing drone threat.

“I am deeply proud of the professionalism and bravery of our Armed Forces personnel who have in recent days, successfully taken action across the region to protect our allies and defend British interests.”

Dozens of countries remain on a list, compiled by FCDO, which Brits should not visit due to the ongoing conflict. These include holiday hotspots, such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

JADE Thirlwall has dropped a major clue that a Little Mix reunion if off the table after Jesy Nelson’s recent interview.

The Sweet Melody hitmaker, 33, said there were lots of sweet symbolisms behind the number three when it came to her career.

Just last month, Jesy made some bombshell claims about the “real reason” behind her Little Mix exit, which ultimately dashed hopes of a reunion.

Speaking at the BRIT Awards on Saturday, Jade praised bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock on her solo album, My Ego Told Me To, which was released last month.

During an interview with Capital, Jade said: “I’m so happy for her. I’ve been chatting to her today saying how proud I am.

“So deserved, the album’s amazing.”

ARTIST’S PLEA

Huge producer reveals he has no record deal despite his hits with Beyonce

BACK PINN CONTROL

Leigh-Anne Pinnock soars up the charts with debut solo album

Referring to Leigh-Anne’s album going top three in the charts, Jade said: “And I feel like it’s some weird cosmic energy that we’re all number three and that we’re a three, three, three.

“I feel like it’s quite special, very happy for her.”

Little Mix currently consists of three members – Jade, Leigh-Anne and their fellow bandmate Perrie Edwards.

The group was previously a four-piece before Jesy quit in December 2020.

Jesy, 34, revealed the truth behind her sudden departure.

The singer shocked fans when she revealed her secret suicide attempt days before quitting the group – suggesting her cry for help was ignored by her bandmates.

The revelation came after Jesy thrilled fans with news their six-year feud was over after the girls had privately reached out.

While Jesy gave fresh hope about the possibility of reconciling with her bandmates on stage, the girls’ reactions following her comments suggested an entirely different story.

A source told The Sun: “Jesy’s confession has obviously opened up a can of worms for the girls.

“The documentary itself and the backlash that has followed, has brought up a lot of bad feeling from the past.

“It’s been upsetting for the girls, but they are focused on their solo careers and the future now.”

While on her tour of That’s Showbiz Baby! in the US, Jade broke down in tears on stage as she sung Natural at Disaster.

The track is said to have been written about her struggling friendship with Jesy, with lyrics including: “It’s hard to love you when you hate yourself. Can’t be there for you without negatively impacting my mental health.”

And seemingly in another swipe at Jesy after Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix was released, Jade chose to play Natural At Disaster over her latest Instagram post.

Sharing video footage from behind the scenes at her show in Chicago, JADE wrote: “And all that jazz.”

One fan commented: “The song choice… I hope you’re not shading Jesy. I love you all.”

Jesy’s revelations sent Little Mix’s fanbase into a spin – with some rival supporters clashing online.

Recalling the painful breakdown of Little Mix’s friendship days before her overdose, Jesy said: “I sat ­everyone down to explain how I was feeling and I remember one of the responses being, ‘Are you done now? Is that it?’

“She [one of the girls] was like, ‘Can I go now?’”

Fighting back tears, Jesy added: “That made me feel really alone. I felt like there was no point. That no one cared.”

Her comments apparently sparked social media rows, with some fans “picking a side”.

However, others insisted: “Jesy sharing her side of the story of what happened shouldn’t be viewed as her trying to villainise them. Me nor you truly don’t know what happened between those girls so trying to sit there and call someone a liar as if you know better than her is very weird.”

Another said: “Both sides have faults and both sides have valid feelings. It’s really not that hard to understand.”

Someone else added: “I’m proud Jade, Leigh-Anne and Perrie reached out to her when Jesy was pregnant because they are good people all three of them. I just hope they can all move forward now and heal.”

The Foreign Office has taken measures amid the war in the Middle East and several holiday hotspots, such as Thailand, Egypt and United Arab Emirates, are impacted

Brits have been warned not to travel to dozens of countries due to the war in the Middle East.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)’s list, which is constantly being updated, includes holiday hotspots, such as Thailand, Egypt and United Arab Emirates. Flights in and out of Dubai, which is in the United Arab Emirates, were suspended on the weekend and Brits there remain stranded.

Keir Starmer has insisted the UK Government will help keep Brits abroad safe. However, his FCDO team has listed 76 countries Brits should avoid for the time being due to the conflict. Of 226 countries or territories with foreign travel advice pages, 76 are currently flagged as having no-go zones.

Larges areas of airspace remained closed across the Middle East. Various airlines, including British Airways, have said they are “closely monitoring the situation” and have cancelled “a number of our flights to the Middle East”. Our sister title, Birmingham Live, has carefully broken down the full list, which features countries all across the world.

READ MORE: Iran declares Strait of Hormuz CLOSED and will ‘burn all ships’ – as prices skyrocketREAD MORE: Keir Starmer clashes with Donald Trump on Iran as stranded Brits issued warning

FCDO advises against all travel

Afghanistan

Belarus

Burkina Faso

Haiti

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Mali

Niger

Palestine

Russia

South Sudan

Syria

Venezuela

Yemen

FCDO advises against all travel to parts

Algeria

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Benin – northern border

Burundi

Cameroon

Central African Republic

Chad

Congo

Côte d’Ivoire

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Djibouti

Egypt

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Georgia

India

Indonesia

Jordan

Kenya

Lebanon

Libya

Mauritania

Moldova

Mozambique

Myanmar (Burma)

Nigeria

Pakistan

Philippines

Saudi Arabia

Somalia

Sudan

Togo

Tunisia

Turkey

Ukraine

Western Sahara

FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Bahrain

Cuba

North Korea

Kuwait

Qatar

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts

Angola

Bangladesh

Bolivia

Brazil

Cambodia

Colombia

Ecuador

Ghana

Guatemala

Kosovo

Laos

Malaysia

Mexico

Papua New Guinea

Peru Rwanda

Tanzania

Thailand

Jonathan Ross hosts Channel 4’s new social experiment Handcuffed, where 18 contestants are cuffed together as they compete to win a £100,000 prize

Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing is the brand new social experiment from Channel 4.

Hosted by Jonathan Ross, the new series sees 18 contestants cuffed together as they compete to win £100,000.

A synopsis for the new Channel 4 series reads: “Could you survive being handcuffed to a total stranger? In a brand new social experiment, Jonathan Ross is challenging 18 brave Brits to do just that, as they compete to win a £100,000 prize.

“The nine pairs will have to cope with being chained to each other 24/7, doing everything – quite literally – just inches apart. If it gets too much, they can uncuff at any time, but if they do they’ll be out of the competition. The last pair standing takes all. Jonathan’s starting the competition as he knows best, in a TV studio with a live audience.

“The competitors represent a complete cross section of British society, and have never met each other before. As the cuffs are locked in position with the duos either side of a special screen, they’ll only discover who they’ve been chained to once the divide goes back.

“In a divided Britain, Jonathan’s hoping living in such close proximity will force these opposites to talk, listen, and maybe even learn from each other. As the pairs set off for each other’s houses, to walk a mile in their partner’s shoes, we focus in on three of the couples.”

Among the participants are Somerset contestants Sir Benjamin Slade, 79, the 7th Baronet of Maunsel, and bus driver Morag, 64. They’re joined by London-based model Bambi, 29, and Suffolk’s millionaire businessman Anthony, 60, reports Somerset Live.

Here’s the complete roster for Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing.

Jo, 39, Manchester

Jo, a plus-size fashion brand owner, describes herself as “loud, mindful and crazy.”

When asked about her biggest concern, Jo admitted: “I’m nervous about the proximity. I’m on the autistic spectrum and being in close proximity to a stranger is going to be quite a challenge for me.”

Reuben, 29, Portsmouth

Reuben, a property developer, characterises himself as “confident, cocky, and disciplined.”

Discussing the toughest part of the experience, Reuben revealed: “The hardest thing about the experience was definitely the speed of walking and the chafe of the cuff after several hours, having my partner slow and drag me down was tedious.”

Sir Benjamin Slade, 79, Somerset

Benjamin, the 7th Baronet of Maunsel, reflected on his experience: “I was surprised by having some challenging and honest conversations about class,” adding: “The hardest thing was having sleep apnoea which means I don’t get any sleep and having to pee 6 times a night.”

George, 60, London

Prison Officer George describes himself as “pragmatic, empathetic, and lively” and joined the show “purely for the spirit of adventure,” which has led him to experiences ranging from topless waitering to skydiving from 15,000ft, and even volunteering as the first Officer in Belmarsh for the High Secure Unit.

Claire, 48, Hampshire

Claire, an “eccentric, persistent, bubbly,” horse trainer from Hampshire, was surprised by her own patience. She admitted: “The level of patience I’ve got. I was surprised! I didn’t think I had it in me. Also, how much of a bubble I live in- I didn’t realise how different other people’s lives are to mine.”

Bambi, 29, London

Model and content creator Bambi described herself as “loud, chill…but also not chill- I’m a bit of a contradiction!” When asked about her biggest worry, Bambi confessed: “The actual intricacies of the day to day; showering, going to the toilet- the basics. Also, as much as I’m a social butterfly and love being around people I like my own space and I do take a lot of time to myself. I think my biggest concern is I’m not going to have that time to relax and unwind and I think that’s going to really get to me.”

Nina, 42, London

Hairdresser Nina characterises herself as “moody, loud and fun,” and found the most challenging aspect of being handcuffed was being paired with someone whose beliefs were “completely opposite” to her own.

Sara, 55, Northhamptonshire

Mum-of-seven Sara describes herself as being “bubbly, annoying and kind.”

Reflecting on the most challenging aspect of her experience, Sara said: “Being involved in something so intense then the sad feeling afterwards when life returns to normal. To be honest looking back it felt like an out-of-body experience.”

Lin, 38, London

Political commentator Lin characterises herself as “Charismatic, opinionated, and a leader.”

Regarding her biggest concern, Lin said: “Going to bed, I’m a really private person, the whole going to bed and showering, I’m apprehensive about how it’s going to work.”

Frank, 27, Derbyshire

Green Party Councillor Frank explained his motivation for joining the programme: “As a politician, I spend every day trying to get someone else to agree with me, but what most elected representatives forget is that genuine understanding comes from putting yourself into the shoes of another and taking the opportunity to truly question yourself. Participating in Handcuffed was the only way for me to grow personally and professionally.”

Bob, 70, Yorkshire

Retired soldier Bob, who describes himself as “well-travelled and a musician.”

spoke about the toughest element of the programme: “Not knowing what was coming next and the lack of privacy from always having a camera nearby meant it sometimes felt quite restrictive, and that I maybe wasn’t able to get to know my partner as well as I would have liked.”

Chris, 38, London

Youth worker Chris admits he’s most apprehensive about his “everyday life,” when it comes to taking part in the show. He confessed: “I’m quite particular and I like things a certain way. When I get home, I take off all my clothes put them in the wash basket and put on my house clothes because who just sits on their bed when you’ve just been on the tube? I’ve got a lot of insecurities that I’m still trying to work through: I suffer with lupus so there’s a part of me that’s not comfortable looking at my own self let alone being around another person- it’s very exposing.”

Charlie, 44, West Sussex

Practical Homemaker Charlie describes herself as “determined, kind and strong-minded.”

On what surprised her about her journey, Charlie revealed: “I think learning about my own levels of resilience, to always be open minded and not to judge a book by its cover.”

Rob, 32, Staffordshire

Rob is an adult content creator who characterises himself as “eccentric, straightforward, kind.”

On what surprised him the most about the experience, he shared: “That two people, living two completely different lives worlds apart can become great friends. We put our judgements aside and listened to our hearts.”

Morag, 64, Somerset

School bus driver Morag identifies herself as being “enthusiastic, vegan and hippie.”

On what surprised her the most, Morag admitted: “I was surprised to find myself so emotional, particularly in the first few days.”

Angie, 44, Stourport

Salon proprietor Angie describes herself as “direct, impulsive and wild.”

Reflecting on the most challenging aspect of the experience, Angie explained: “Not having control of what I was doing, where I was going, and that what was in store for us. I became very hyper vigilant, and I went through a process of unwrapping all these things that I didn’t know about myself. I don’t like being told what to do so this was an adjustment for me to hand over control. Being away from my husband was so hard, it’s the first time we have spent that much time apart with zero contact.”

Tilly, 37, North London

Barmaid Tilly is “loud, loving and kind”. She frankly revealed her motivation for joining Handcuffed: “I wanted to win the money… and for the experience, but mainly the money.”

Anthony, 60, Suffolk

Business proprietor Anthony, who characterises himself as “generous, genuine and happy,” shared that the toughest element of the experience was having to reveal so many “deep and repressed” aspects of himself to a complete stranger.

The U.S. Air Force now has at least 14 aerial refueling tankers forward-deployed in Israel ahead of potential strikes on Iran. Beyond supporting U.S. aircraft, an equally important role the tankers — and those spread across the region — could play is refueling Israeli fighters joining in the fight. The Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) entire tanker fleet consists of just seven nearly antique KC-707s, which imposes inherent limits on range, loiter time, sortie rates, loadout options, and other aspects of tactical air operations. Giving the IAF the full tanking resources of the U.S. would unlock its full combat potential.

Nine KC-46s and five KC-135s have arrived at Ben Gurion Airport since the start of this week. Ben Gurion is Israel’s main international airport, and is situated just to the southeast of Tel Aviv, roughly in the center of the country.

At least nine US Air Force refueling tankers have arrived at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport as part of the US’s massive buildup of military forces in the Middle East. Jack Guez, AFP. pic.twitter.com/qNFy677lnE

— Benjamin Alvarez (@BenjAlvarez1) February 27, 2026

At least 11 U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors are also now forward-deployed to the IAF’s Ovda Air Base in the southern tip of Israel. The F-22s had flown there after making a stop at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. A 12th Raptor reportedly had to return to Lakenheath due to a technical issue, but whether it may now have made its way to Israel is unclear.

Intersting choice.

USAF F-22 fighter jets redeployed from the UK will be stationed at the Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, per reports.

H/t to @EISNspotter as I believe that he broke the news first.

At this moment, we know about the redeployment of 11 F-22s (one from the… https://t.co/v1MKiiDXHr pic.twitter.com/4KOFvJl6yd

— Status-6 (War & Military News) (@Archer83Able) February 24, 2026

The tankers at Ben Gurion and the F-22s at Ovda are relatively small parts of the massive buildup of U.S. military forces across the Middle East in recent weeks. The large influx of U.S. airpower has caused crowding at other available bases in the region that sit outside the range of Iran’s short-range ballistic missiles and other standoff weaponry, which clearly played a part in deciding to utilize Israeli facilities for the deployment of additional aircraft. Israel would also be under threat of heavy retaliation in the event of any new U.S. operation targeting Iran. U.S. aircraft in Israel would be well-positioned to help provide more immediate defense against incoming Iranian threats, but those assets could also contribute heavily to strikes on Iran.

At the same time, as TWZ has previously noted, there are very strong signs that Israeli forces will be fully integrated into the defensive and offensive components of any potential new U.S. operation against Iran. The KC-46s and KC-135s now at Ben Gurion are a tanker force twice as big as what the IAF has in its inventory today. Each KC-46 also carries more fuel to offload to receivers than a KC-707 or a KC-135. All of this could offer a major boost in aerial refueling capacity, and the operational benefits that come along with that, to Israeli forces.

From the very start of what became the 12 Day War between Israel and Iran, TWZ pointed out that committing U.S. tankers to the fight could have massive force multiplying impacts for the IAF. In the weeks that followed, there were reports that the United States had done just this, but clandestinely and to a very limited degree, to help sustain the Israeli air campaign. The U.S. Air Force subsequently denied that this had been the case, after which we delved deep into what Israel would have otherwise had to have done to keep up the operational tempo.

As we wrote:

“Fitting as much external fuel on the fighters – the IAF’s F-15 fleets and F-16Is are all notably fitted with conformal fuel tanks and have the ability to carry drop tanks – was clearly necessary. Even dropping external tanks once they are empty to maximize range appears to have been part of the plan during the initial high-volume strikes. While drop tanks are expendable, they are not cheap and are usually retained unless performance has to be regained due to enemy threats or an in-flight emergency occurs. Dropping them to maximize an aircraft’s range is also an established tactic, but not a very sustainable one over the long term. It’s also one that is not needed if tanker support is readily available, nor is equipping the jets with maximum external fuel in the first place, in many circumstances.”

“Flying very carefully planned flight profiles to squeeze every bit of efficiency out of the range of IAF tactical jets was also clearly a tactic employed, although it leaves very little margin for error or combat contingencies. In addition, we know that Israel’s F-35Is have been tweaked to provide extra range. We don’t know exactly what this entails, and it could be a cocktail of measures, from software tweaks to internal or external fuel tanks. Regardless, it was reported that many IAF fighters landed on fumes after their initial sorties.”

“Regardless, maximizing Israel’s fighter force of close to 300 aircraft (total inventory, not what is actually available at any given time) in the opening waves of the war with just seven tankers may have been a feat that can be explained by careful planning, drop tanks, and the use of long-range standoff weaponry, at least early on. As the war continued, the magnitude of the sorties may have dropped, but the geographical depth and power of their strikes increased. These operations were sustained for nearly two weeks.”

“During the conflict, TWZ discussed how, at a certain point, Israel would have to drastically reduce its cadence of operations or wrap up the war. If the U.S. had not struck Fordow with B-2s, it’s possible the war would not have ended until the IDF was able to deal with that very hardened target, which would have likely required a ground operation very deep into a highly-defended area of Iran. Strikes would have eventually slowed as the IAF’s sortie rates degraded, and especially those of its overworked and geriatric tankers.”

As an aside, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter offered what looks to be the first official confirmation that range-extending fuel tanks for the F-35I are in service in an interview earlier this month. “We developed fuel tanks that extend the aircraft’s range without compromising stealth,” Leiter told the Israel Hayom newspaper.

Questions remain about these tanks, including whether they are internally or externally mounted. To date, no pictures have emerged that definitively show them fitted to an F-35I.

Regardless, truly robust tanker support would fundamentally change the IAF’s planning processes and operational possibilities. Access to the USAF’s tanker ‘bridge’ that will cover large swathes of the Middle East, keeping combat aircraft in the fight, will be an unprecedented operational reality for the IAF. More aerial refueling capacity would enable tactical jets to fly further, loitering over areas of the battlespace longer, and carry heavier ordnance loads. Greater reach and time on station could be extremely valuable when hunting for mobile high-value targets, like Iranian ballistic missile launchers. More range and loiter time could be equally important for responding to large waves of incoming Iranian missiles and drones in retaliation.

Far greater tanker support would also provide much higher safety margins for aircraft returning low on fuel from longer-range and/or long-duration missions. As noted earlier, it was reported that IAF fighters often landed on fumes after their initial sorties during the 12 Day War. It is somewhat shocking that aircraft were not lost to fuel starvation alone considering how closely they were operating to the edge of their endurance. Tankers forward-deployed in Israel could be similarly critical for providing recovery tanking, giving IAF aviators an extra margin of flight time, especially if everything doesn’t go as planned. The same can be said for U.S. fighter aircraft operating out of Israel. The F-22 has a notoriously short combat radius, for instance. Fuel starvation was an issue even in the mission to capture Maduro, for instance.

All around, U.S. tankers refueling Israeli jets during a future operation against Iran could only help greatly magnify the contributions of the latter, which would already be substantial in this scenario. IAF involvement would add hundreds of fighter aircraft, unique munitions, and more to the equation. On top of materiel aspects, Israeli pilots would bring immense experience about operations over Iran gained during the 12 Day War, as well as the benefits of analysis of lessons learned from the conflict. The rest of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israeli intelligence apparatus would be able to provide other kinds of critical support.

12 Days of Precise Action

All of this also underscores the importance of Israel’s effort now to acquire a new fleet of six KC-46 tankers to replace its aging KC-707s. At least as of 2022, Boeing was expected to deliver the first KC-46s to the IAF before the end of this year.

It is still to be seen whether the U.S. will launch a new operation against Iran, and what role Israel will play if that decision is ultimately made. Many other questions remain to be answered, as well, as TWZ just recently explored in detail.

“It’d be nice if we could do it without, but sometimes you have to do it with,” U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters as he left the White House earlier today in response to a question about possible strikes on Iran. “We have the greatest military anywhere in the world. There’s nothing close. I’d love not to use it, but sometimes you have to.”

Trump on military force against Iran: “It’d be nice if we could do it without, but sometimes you have to do it with. We have the greatest military anywhere in the world. There’s nothing close. I’d love not to just it but sometimes you have to.” pic.twitter.com/kDh9oOeoPK

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 27, 2026

“They should make a deal, but they don’t want to quite go far enough. It’s too bad,” Trump also said today. “We’re not happy with the negotiation.”

“They don’t want to say the key words, ‘We’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,’ and they just can’t get there… So I’m not happy with the negotiation,” says @POTUS on Iran. pic.twitter.com/XN0S4ObS2x

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 27, 2026

“I met Vice President J.D. Vance today and shared details of the ongoing negotiation between the United States and Iran and the progress achieved so far,” Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi also wrote in a post on X today. “I am grateful for their engagement and look forward to further and decisive progress in the coming days. Peace is within our reach.”

I met Vice President JD Vance today and shared details of the ongoing negotiation between the United States and Iran and the progress achieved so far. I am grateful for their engagement and look forward to further and decisive progress in the coming days. Peace is within our… pic.twitter.com/fMHxWV0jgl

— Badr Albusaidi – بدر البوسعيدي (@badralbusaidi) February 27, 2026

U.S. and Iranian officials met in Oman yesterday for a second round of talks aimed at avoiding a conflict, and focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The results of that engagement were inconclusive, though there are publicly stated plans for another round of talks next week.

If the U.S. government does decide to take action against Iran, the tankers at Ben Gurion are among the forces now in place to swing into action, and could easily find themselves refueling Israeli jets, as well as American ones. U.S. Air Force tanker support would be a massive force multiplier for the IAF that would allow it to have an even greater impact than it had in the 12 Day War.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com

DANNIELLA Westbrook has finally revealed the full extent of her recent surgery makeover after undergoing a full face, neck and brow lift.

The former soap star underwent multiple facial surgeries weeks ago in Dubai and was spotted looking swollen and bruised as she emerged from surgery.

But now the ‘results’ have been revealed with Danniella sharing a slew of new snaps post-surgery but ever the perfectionist, the star couldn’t resist adding a filter or two to the images before she posted them online.

The star’s new images featured a helping hand in order to enhance her appearance even more post-surgery.

The axed EastEnders star could be seen posing on a towel as she enjoyed the Dubai heat.

Wearing a blue bikini, Danniella showed off her filtered face and her body in the images.

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Danniella Westbrook almost unrecognisable after more reconstructive surgery

She pulled a series of sultry poses in which evidence of her recent nose operations could be seen thanks to some slight bruising still visible around the nostril area.

In another image, Danniella opted to wear a pair of glasses as she laid back and relaxed in the sunshine.

The 52-year-old, has been on a journey to rebuild her face after historic drug abuse, with this surgery following on from a nose operation last June.

Danniella had a full face, neck and brow lift in addition to a lip and nose reconstruction.

Following the operation, she left the facility in a wheelchair with a facial compression garment wrapped around her head.

A full recovery for a face, neck and chin lift can take up to nine months.

The surgery was performed by Danniella’s trusted Surgeon Dr Parviz Sadigh, who has carried out operations on her in the past.

Danniella became hooked on drugs at the age of 14 after beginning to take cocaine after shooting to fame as Sam Mitchell in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders.

The former star estimates that she has spent a whopping £250,000 on cocaine in her lifetime and was using at least five grams a day throughout her entire pregnancy with son, Kai.

Danniella was addicted to drugs throughout the 1990s and early 2000.

She then managed to stay clean before a number of relapses including in 2017 – the year after she last appeared on EastEnders.

Her latest known drug relapse was in 2021.

This abuse led to the collapse of her nose and cheekbones, with her septum – the cartilage that separates the two nostrils – falling out.

Last summer, Danniella went under the knife for a surgery to reconstruct her nose, with cartilage from her rib being used to fix her nose.

At the time, the star admitted she was hoping to rebuild her face so that she can kick start her acting career once again.

On the day of her surgery, she said: “Big day for me heading down for a very long surgery right now to rebuild my face.

“Then I can get back to work.”

Stephen Libby – who won The Traitors alongside Rachel Duffy – has confessed he has gone “full survival” with his winnings after quitting his job

Just last month Stephen Libby, was crowned the winner of The Traitors in a dramatic and nail-biting final watched by a staggering 9.6million viewers. Despite the hit BBC series, being filmed last year, the Scotsman, has only just received his £47,875 prize money.

The share of the total £95,750 was spilt between Stephen, 32, and his fellow co-Traitor Rachel Duffy, 42, who also made the final.

“I have the money, but I’ve not spent it,” says the former cyber security consultant. “I’ve left my job, so right now it’s going on full survival. It’s going to my London rent and things like that, so I’ve not made any plans for it just yet.”

The London-based star – who is originally from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland – confesses he is not tempted to jump onto the property ladder with his winnings.

“I don’t know what properties could be bought in London with the money that I just received. Maybe 40 years ago I might have been able to, but not anymore,” he tells The Mirror at the C abaret press night in the Kit Kat Club.

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Stephen and Rachel may have been Traitors on the gripping gameshow fronted by Claudia Winkleman, but they remained loyal to each other until the very end.

Tragically, Rachel’s mother, Anne – who suffered from Parkinson’s disease and dementia, passed away just days after the final, meaning she couldn’t create new memories with her mum, like she had planned to with the winnings.

“I speak with Rachel all the time. We are on the phone every day almost. We are really close, and I love her family,” he shares. “She’s had nothing but all the support of myself and all the cast as well.

“I’ve met her children and husband, Sean – they’re lovely. I went over to [her home city] Newry in Northern Ireland last year, and she took me for a lovely meal to Friar Tucks,” he adds.

Earlier this month, Stephen, made his This Morning debut, where he presented the fashion segment of the programme, alongside his style icon, Anneka Rice.

“It was so much fun. I was very nervous because it’s very different doing interviews and being asked questions, to then having to present something and leading it. That happened so quickly after being on The Traitors that I just didn’t know if I was ready for it, but I had so much fun,” he says.

Incredibly, TV star, Anneka, 67, is rumoured to take part in the celebrity version of The Traitors later this year, alongside actors, Danny Dyer and Richard E. Grant.

Luckily, Stephen has no regrets about his spell on the show, and is already settling into his new showbiz life.

“I’ve been to a couple of awards ceremonies, and I guess it’s just been so nice to see that everyone watches The Traitors,” he admits, “Everyone who I bump into says, ‘I loved you on the show,’ so it’s lovely. I feel very overwhelmed.”

Stephen spoke to the Mirror at the Cabaret press night in the Kit Kat Club.

The charming Georgian market town is packed with independent shops, cafés and a rich history dating back to the 1708 Great Fire – and it’s one to have on your staycation wishlist

Strolling through the delightful market town of Holt, situated near the north Norfolk coastline, you’ll undoubtedly be captivated by its wealth of exquisitely maintained Georgian architecture.

Yet without a devastating blaze, the town’s appearance might have been entirely different, and its heritage extends much further back than the Georgian period. Holt featured in the 1086 Domesday Book, where it was recorded as a market town boasting five watermills and twelve plough teams, establishing it as a thriving and affluent community by medieval measures.

Its fortunes shifted dramatically on 1st May 1708 when The Great Fire of Holt swept through the town, its timber-framed medieval structures proving powerless against the inferno. In just three hours, a substantial portion of the town’s heritage vanished forever, with damage exceeding £11,000 reported – equivalent to more than £2.1 million today.

Contributions flooded in from throughout the nation and reconstruction commenced, though this time with a striking Georgian character that persists to the present day. Among the handful of structures surviving in an earlier architectural style is the Norman church of St Andrews.

Whilst its thatched roof was consumed by flames, the majority withstood the fire and it remains amongst the town’s most ancient buildings. Many of the watermills were decimated and never restored, but Letheringsett Watermill emerged in their stead in 1802, reports the Express.

It now holds the distinction of being Norfolk’s oldest operational watermill, producing flour to this day. Visitors can delve into the mill’s rich history or indulge in a homemade cake at the tearoom, made with locally sourced ingredients.

The town boasts a delightful high street dotted with Georgian buildings that have been transformed into quaint independent boutiques. Meander through the streets and you’ll stumble upon cosy cafés, historic pubs, and traditional tearooms.

From April to December, on the first Sunday of each month, Holt Sunday Market commandeers the town centre, featuring a plethora of traders peddling crafts, artisanal local food and drink, and global street food.

Holt also serves as a gateway to some of north Norfolk’s top attractions. Baconsthorpe Castle is merely a 10-minute drive away, offering free entry to explore the remnants of this once magnificent 15th-century castle.

Once the pride of a wealthy family, the castle was gradually sold off piece by piece as their fortunes dwindled, though parts of the edifice still stand.

A short journey will also take you to the Muckleburgh Military Collection. This family-run museum, located in a former Royal Artillery Anti-Aircraft training camp, is a treasure trove for military enthusiasts, housing an extensive collection of tanks, weaponry, and uniforms.

It’s a must-visit for any history aficionado. For those seeking somewhere distinctive to rest their heads, Byfords in the town centre is worth considering. Housed within a grade II listed building that ranks among Holt’s most historic, it offers 16 well-appointed bedrooms alongside a favoured restaurant downstairs dishing up seasonal fare.

Alternatively, secure accommodation at The Feathers, a Georgian coaching inn boasting 24 rooms – including dog-friendly options – and a welcoming pub below complete with an open fireplace.

In a smoothly run show peppered with sharp humor but, for the most part, a dearth of pointed political commentary — save for one unscripted expression of anti-ICE sentiment from “The White Lotus” star Natasha Rothwell — the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrated its 41st edition on Sunday in Hollywood.

The ceremony has long served as a counterpoint to the Oscars: looser, more unpredictable, typically mounted in a beach tent by the Santa Monica Pier. For over three decades, it was held the Saturday afternoon right before the Academy Awards.

But this year, due to coastal planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Spirit Awards relocated to the Hollywood Palladium (where they were last held in 1994), a venue decked out in the show’s signature blue and pink signage and decor — a pivot that proved effective.

“We don’t have a permit,” cracked host Ego Nwodim, riffing on scrappy independent tactics in her monologue. Her athletic hosting duties had her doing everything from cornering attending celebs such as Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons via a “sexual tension cam” to picking up her falafel order at the main entrance on Sunset Boulevard.

Last year’s event played more like a coronation for a widely favored front-runner, Sean Baker‘s “Anora.” That film would go on to sweep at the Oscars a little over a week later. The mood today was more tenuous, the industry crowd mulling in the lobby with cocktails, discussing the tail end of awards season and the controversy coming out of the Berlin Film Festival concerning politically cautious juror statements.

The movies that would be honored here, by contrast, were bolder than the Spirits usually go, resulting in a truly independent raft of winners. Rose Byrne won the lead actor prize (the Spirits have gone gender-neutral since 2022) for her commanding, ruinous turn in “If I Legs I’d Kick You.” Accepting the award, Byrne half-joked, “This character of Linda really could only exist in an independent film — she’s fierce and she’s gracious and she’s a middle-aged woman.”

Other awardees included the subtly wrought academia drama “Sorry, Baby,” honored for director Eva Victor‘s screenplay and its supporting actor Naomi Ackie; the star-stalking thriller “Lurker,” which took both the first feature and first screenplay awards; and Brazil’s “The Secret Agent,” claiming the prize for international film.

The afternoon’s big winner was “Train Dreams,” the little movie that could, one that emerged 13 months ago at Sundance 2025 and is now proving itself to be one of Netflix’s sturdiest Oscar contenders. It took prizes for best feature, director and cinematography, the kind of haul that suggests real momentum.

A complete list of today’s Spirit winners

FILM CATEGORIES

Best Feature
“Train Dreams” (Netflix)
Producers: Michael Heimler, Will Janowitz, Marissa McMahon, Ashley Schlaifer, Teddy Schwarzman

Director
Clint Bentley, “Train Dreams” (Netflix)

Screenplay
Eva Victor, “Sorry, Baby” (A24)

First Feature
“Lurker” (Mubi)
Director: Alex Russell
Producers: Galen Core, Archie Madekwe, Marc Marrie, Charlie McDowell, Francesco Melzi D’Eril, Duncan Montgomery, Alex Orlovsky, Olmo Schnabel, Jack Selby

First Screenplay
Alex Russell, “Lurker” (Mubi)

John Cassavetes Award
For the best feature made under $1,000,000
“Esta Isla (This Island)”
Writers/Directors/Producers: Cristian Carretero, Lorraine Jones Molina
Writer: Kisha Tikina Burgos

Breakthrough Performance
Kayo Martin, “The Plague” (Independent Film Company)

Supporting Performance
Naomi Ackie, “Sorry, Baby” (A24)

Lead Performance
Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” (A24)

Robert Altman Award
For a film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast
“The Long Walk” (Lionsgate)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Casting Director: Rich Delia
Ensemble Cast: Judy Greer, Mark Hamill, Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Joshua Odjick, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Garrett Wareing

Cinematography
Adolpho Veloso, “Train Dreams” (Netflix)

Editing
Sofía Subercaseaux, “The Testament of Ann Lee” (Searchlight Pictures)

International Film
“The Secret Agent” (Neon)
Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho

Documentary
“The Perfect Neighbor” (Netflix)
Director/Producer: Geeta Gandbhir
Producers: Sam Bisbee, Nikon Kwantu, Alisa Payne

Someone to Watch
Given to a talented filmmaker not yet widely recognized
Tatti Ribeiro, “Valentina”

Truer Than Fiction
Given to an emerging director of nonfiction features
Rajee Samarasinghe, “Your Touch Makes Others Invisible”

Producers Award
For an emerging producer of quality independent films with limited resources
Tony Yang

TELEVISION CATEGORIES

New Scripted Series
“Adolescence” (Netflix)
Creators/Executive Producers: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham
Executive Producers: Philip Barantini, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Nina Wolarsky, Hannah Walters, Mark Herbert, Emily Feller
Co-Executive Producers: Carina Sposato, Niall Shamma, Peter Balm

New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series
“Pee-wee as Himself” (HBO Max)
Executive Producers: Matt Wolf, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Paul Reubens, Candace Tomarken, Kyle Martin, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez

Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series
Owen Cooper, “Adolescence” (Netflix)

Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series
Erin Doherty, “Adolescence” (Netflix)

Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series
Stephen Graham, “Adolescence” (Netflix)

Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series
“Chief of War” (Apple TV)
Ensemble Cast: Charlie Brumbly, Luciane Buchanan, Cliff Curtis, Brandon Finn, Moses Goods, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Benjamin Hoetjes, Siua Ikale’o, Keala Kahuanui-Paleka, Mainei Kinimaka, Kaina Makua, Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Te Kohe Tuhaka, James Udom