The largest and most powerful helicopter has been in service since 1977
World’s biggest helicopter is so huge it once carried a gigantic ‘frozen woolly mammoth’(Image: Getty)
The Mil Mi-26 (codename: Halo) is a Russian-built helicopter and currently holds the title of the world’s largest. Having taken its maiden flight in 1977, the Mi-26 was initially built to transport heavy cargo to isolated locations inaccessible by conventional aircraft.
This huge helicopter boasts rear-loading doors and can carry up to 20 tonnes. Aviation specialists at Key Aero have named it the “undisputed king of military heavy lift helicopters”.
It measures 40 metres in length, making it “taller than a giraffe”, and is also the world’s most powerful helicopter.
“Two 11,400bhp engines allow it to carry loads weighing up to 20 tonnes. In 1982, the aircraft set the world record for the heaviest mass lifted to 2,000 metres by carrying a load of 56,768 kilograms, a record that still stands today.”
Aviation experts said it is “so big it can operate as a mobile hospital”. Perhaps the Mi-26’s most extraordinary cargo was a 20-ton, frozen woolly mammoth, reports the Express.
Back in 1999, the helicopter airlifted the preserved remains of a 23,000-year-old frozen Woolly Mammoth retrieved from Siberia’s frozen Taimyr Peninsula.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Fair Lifts notes: “The Mi-26 is often the first choice for missions that involve transporting heavy machinery, including armoured vehicles, generators, and even small aircraft.
“Its eight-blade main rotor and twin-turbine engines deliver a unique blend of raw power and flight stability, enabling it to operate in some of the world’s harshest environments, from Siberian tundras to Middle Eastern deserts.”
The helicopter continues to serve actively today, mainly deployed by the Russian Aerospace Forces, but it’s also used across other nations, including China and India.
The new Channel 5 programme follows the lives of working surgeons and left viewers moved
Viewers were impressed by new Channel 5 show The Surgeon(Image: Channel 5 screengrab)
Channel 5 viewers were emotional as a doctor battled to save an elderly lady in new series The Surgeon.
The TV series, which started on Channel 5 on Wednesday (February 18), shines a spotlight on doctors, with episode one focusing on bowel cancer surgeon Daren Francis. His first patient was a retired nurse named Doris, who worked for the NHS for over 50 years, with the narrator explaining that it was a “life-threatening emergency” after a blockage was discovered in her bowel.
The doctor had to operate before the bowel ruptured, admitting it was “a major operation” with increased risks given that Doris was 88.
Doris had said that she was in “excruciating” pain, with her daughter explaining further: “Mum was very sick and we weren’t sure whether to come or not because mum doesn’t like to be a nuisance. She doesn’t like, you know, I think being a retired nurse, I think she just doesn’t want to be a bother.”
Dr Francis told her: “It looks like the bowel’s blocked with a growth or a little lump. And that, we’ve got to consider is potentially a malignant or a cancerous growth.
“The plan is to take you to the operating theatre, general anaesthetic, you’ll be asleep, and make a cut in your tummy up and down. And then remove that piece of bowel, which is blocking the rest of the bowel.”
He continued: “So if we leave it there, the bowel can get stretched and stretched, and then eventually it could pop. Time is of essence. So we need to get on and do this. Otherwise, we’ll be in trouble.”
The programme then documented the successful operation, with viewers impressed by the surgeon’s skill. At the end of the episode, it was announced that Doris was recovering at home.
One viewer posted on X, which was formerly Twitter: “3 mins in and I am crying already! surgeons are so compassionate, skilled and amazing!”
Another shared a crying emoji as they posted “What a bloke. Skill and perfect bedside manner with patients.”
Someone else remarked: “”The Surgeon on 5 is phenomenal TV. Daren is an incredible human being. Amazing.”
Another impressed viewer said the surgeon was “fantastic”, as somebody else commented: “People talk about miracles but people like Daren create them here and now for people using his phenomenal surgery skills. Awe inspiring.”
“Never get tired of watching programmes like The Surgeon,” posted another viewer. “Skills beyond belief.”
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.** Click here to activate**** or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.**
A Gogglebox family has been missing a family member on their sofa in the latest series and he has now shared the reason for his absence in a hospital selfie
A Gogglebox family has revealed one member has been in hospital(Image: mirror.co.uk)
A Gogglebox star has revealed why he hasn’t been in front of the camera lately. Raza Siddiqui is a fan favourite on the hit Channel 4 series, but had to take time away from filming.
He had been a regular on the show since it first started in 2013. He often appeared alongside his family as they offered their thoughts on the latest shows. But he was nowhere to be seen in the latest series, leaving fans questioning where he was, while dad Sid and brothers Umar and Bassit continue to entertain.
Now, Raza has posted an update from his hospital bed. Sharing the snap on the Siddiqui family’s Instagram page, the upload showed a series of pictures of him in hospital. In some images, he was hooked up to breathing machines.
And to explain his absence from the show, the post read: “For you eagle eyed Goggleboxers, you may have noticed that Raza (@razathefaint) hasn’t joined us on the sofa so far this season. Sadly he had a bit of a fall, a few weeks back and cracked some ribs.”
The post said they fully expect him to return in a few weeks as he is recovering well. It went on: “He’s absolutely smashing his recovery, staying positive and keeping himself entertained with walks, telly, reading and nephew cuddles with Theodore.
I know you guys reaching out and sending your well wishes will put a bigger smile on his face than morphine ever could. Can’t wait for all four Siddiquis to be back on team @c4gogglebox with the rest of the fab families.”
The post was met with an influx of positivity and messages of well wishes. One user wrote: “Bless you get well soon, we look forward to having you back on our screens when you are well enough.”
Another wished him a “speedy recovery”. And a third said: “Oh no! Get well soon!”
The Siddiquis weren’t the only family to be missing a member in the latest series. Fans quickly spotted siblings Tremaine and Tristan Plummer weren’t joined by their brother Twaine. The trio had joined the programme in 2016, but Twaine was a recent absentee from the show.
On Instagram before the episode aired, Tremaine and Tristan confirmed: “It’s just the two T’s today as Twaine left us to go on holiday. So we’ve got a new member of the team now,” before picking up their adorable dog.
Twaine let his feelings be known as he responded to the post, saying: “Wish I was there.” He was quickly supported by his fans, who went on to wish him a happy birthday.
Holidaymakers have been left enraged after major health scares in Cape Verde have caused confusion over whether or not it is safe to travel to the West African archipelago
12:59, 07 Feb 2026Updated 13:35, 07 Feb 2026
Tourists have revealed their troubling experiences in Cape Verde after a spate of deaths
A major travel warning has been issued as six Brits have tragically died after going on holiday in Cape Verde. More than 150 people have become ill in recent months, dealing with horrifying stomach bugs that cause a range of symptoms, including fever, severe diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
The UK health authorities have been investigating the sudden spate of illness and found that the outbreak of salmonella and shigella has been linked to travellers to Cape Verde – a popular destination for British holidaymakers looking for some winter sun. Now, terrified tourists have been plunged into chaos, unsure of whether or not to take the risk and travel to Cape Verde for their booked holidays, or potentially take a massive financial hit.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has found that of the 118 cases of shigella reported since 1 October, a staggering 95 percent of people had been to Cape Verde, particularly the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas.
Leading holiday company TUI has come under fire from holidaymakers over the ongoing nightmare, with comments flooding in on a public Facebook group about how the company has allegedly handled the health scare. One furious traveller claims that TUI “lied all through this,” alleging that the company had denied that anyone else had become unwell.
“TUI have lied all through this,” the seething customer claimed. “They told me when I was ill there were no other complaints, this is total rubbish!! I wasn’t the only one ill after 10 days, we had people much worse than me who were hospitalised & they denied it all !!!” It is unclear when the tourist visited Cape Verde, but they posted in the group four days ago.
Another holidaygoer posted that their digestive system has “never been the same again” after falling ill on holiday in Cape Verde back in August 2023, urgently warning other holidaymakers who might have planned trips there to rethink and avoid it altogether. “It was confirmed that the shellfish was carrying shigella from the sea and that’s how I got it – I have never been the same again with my digestive system”. They continued: “Be careful…the pools constantly being closed due to illness as well! It’s a toss up for risking it for sun or changing to somewhere you [know] you’ll be OK I [know] I won’t ever go again.”
Those posting in the group paint a grim picture of the conditions on their TUI holidays, with many criticising the holiday company for how they handle complaints. “I fell ill with Shigella in October and as far as I’m aware [TUI] have never admitted there was ever an issue,” claimed one customer. “I would advise against going. I’ve never felt so poorly or been so scared.”
The complaints about Cape Verde resorts go beyond illnesses. One poster claimed the hotel they stayed in was like a “war zone” and eventually they had to shell out £700 extra to move to a better facility. They claimed that TUI “didn’t want to listen to my legitimate concerns” and “wouldn’t help in any way”.
Insisting that “the hotel I originally booked should never have been advertised on their website,” they added: “I was in Sal and arrived home just 2 weeks ago. I wasn’t staying in a RUI resort. Yes, I too unfortunately got Shigella. Had multiple issues over the week I was there, TUI were less than helpful on their App, using the Complaints process (recommended by a Rep that was at the hotel!).
“This is the first holiday I have ever had where I felt so relieved and happy to be going home. Never Again!!” The holidaymaker added that they “wouldn’t recommend anyone going to Cape Verde at the moment and I won’t be going back, which is a shame as it does have its lovely parts and the people are friendly.”
Another tourist said that they managed to “dodge shigella” but the unhygienic conditions at their hotel were horrifying – with an “intermittent water supply” and “cockroaches EVERYWHERE!”. They wrote: “One of our party had a large cockroach sat on his shoulder as he was eating in the Italian a la carte restaurant”. They claimed that no one at the hotel could wash their hands properly as their was no running water, sewers were being “pumped out” right by the pool, adding that they “ will never go anywhere with TUI again.”
The new UKHSA study found local swimming pools, local water and poor sanitary conditions, as well as possible infection from hotel buffets and excursions, can increase the risk of infections like salmonella, shigella, giardia and cryptosporidium.
Terrifyingly, four of the Brits who died after travelling to Cape Verde all passed away within a four month period. Irwin Mitchell solicitors are representing the families of the six people who have died overall – and also over 1,500 people who have fallen ill after visits to holiday destination.
Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Mark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire, 64-year-old Karen Pooley, from Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man all died last year after contracting severe gastric illnesses while on the islands off the coast of west Africa.
Mark’s family have been left in “complete shock” by his death. His wife, Emma, 55, explained that she never thought when they headed on holiday that she would end up losing her husband. “We went to Cape Verde expecting a relaxing break, but Mark became violently ill and never recovered.”
Mark, a self-employed forklift truck driver, became unwell just three days into the trip to Cape Verde. The couple, who had been married for 26 years, stayed at the five‑star Riu Palace Santa Maria resort in Sal. Mark became extremely lethargic, and suffering from stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever, lawyers representing the family said. Emma – an early years assistant manager – said that their TUI holiday cost over £3,000 and she had raised concerns over the hotel’s hygiene.
Emma says that she reported that her husband had become very unwell via TUI’s app on 9 October. When they got home to Houghton Regis, Mark – who had diabetes – collapsed and was rushed to hospital on 12 November. Tragically, he was pronounced dead by the staff just minutes after.
Other tragedies include part-time nurse and mother-of-one Elena Walsh, who died in August 2025 after falling ill while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde resort on the same island.
And Karen Pooley, from Lydney, died after travelling with a friend to the Riu Funana resort in Sal on October 7, 2025. The fortnight’s holiday cost £3,000 and was booked through Tui, the law firm said.The retired mother-of-two became sick on October 11 with gastric symptoms including diarrhoea, and in the early hours of the next day she slipped on water leaking from a fridge while going to the bathroom.
She was transferred to a local clinic and over the next four days, Ms Pooley continued to experience diarrhoea and vomiting, alongside severe pain from her fractured femur. Deteriorating, the 64-year-old was airlifted to Tenerife for urgent care on October 16 and died in the early hours of the next day, lawyers said. Her husband Andy, 62, said: “We’re utterly heartbroken. Karen was the kindest, loveliest person.
“She was a devoted wife and mum who loved swimming, walking the dog in the Forest of Dean, and volunteered at a local charity shop. She was also a wonderful friend who lit up every room she entered. We’re devastated and struggling to understand how she went on holiday and never came home.”
Irwin Mitchell said Karen’s initial death certificate, issued by the Cape Verde authorities, said she died of multi-organ failure, sepsis, cardio‑respiratory arrest and a broken left leg.
The other two Britons who have died since 2023 are Jane Pressley, 62, of Gainsborough, who died in January 2023 after falling ill while holidaying at Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria, Sal, the previous November, and a man in his 60s from Watford. He died in November 2024 after suffering gastric illness following a trip to Cape Verde, Irwin Mitchell said. Families of all six people are making personal injury claims for damages against Tui, the provider of many package holidays to the island country.
Now, the UKHSA has updated its travel advice on the Travel Health Pro website for Cape Verde. It urges people to choose food that is freshly prepared, fully cooked and served piping hot. In areas without a reliable clean water supply, drink only bottled or boiled water, including when brushing your teeth, and avoid ice in drinks, it added.
People are advised to only eat fruit they peel themselves and avoid salads that may not have been washed in safe water. Shigella is a gastrointestinal bug that can cause severe diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. It can be caught from contaminated food, water or surfaces. Salmonella is often caused by eating or handling contaminated food.
A poignant tribute has been paid to a forgotten Blue Peter star, who died at the age of 28 after a brave health battle. The presenter wowed both on screen and on stage
Ellie Fry Assistant Head of Features (Audience) and Peter Hart
12:11, 07 Feb 2026
The Blue Peter star suffered a tragic illness(Image: Peter Brooker/REX/Shutterstock)
Tributes have been paid to a talented Blue Peter presenter who was sacked before his tragic death.
At just 12-years-old, Michael Sundin had already become a trampolining champion, a talent that would prove instrumental in securing his position as a Blue Peter presenter in 1984.
Prior to joining the beloved children’s show, Michael had performed in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed musical Cats before going on to portray Tik-Tok in Disney’s Return To Oz.
He caught the attention of Blue Peter producers while being interviewed by the programme’s then-presenter Janet Ellis, resulting in his appointment alongside her and Simon Groom.
Taking over from the show’s celebrated presenter Peter Duncan, Michael swiftly gained recognition for his adventurous exploits on Blue Peter, covering film sets and even paying a visit to Elton John’s residence.
However, despite his natural screen presence, Michael’s stint on Blue Peter proved brief; he departed the programme after less than a year, allegedly when his contract wasn’t renewed. He then heartbreakingly passed away from an Aids-related illness aged just 28, in 1989.
Michael, fondly recalled by those close to him as a “blond, outgoing, gregarious ball of fun”, was cruelly outed by the media as gay during his short tenure on Blue Peter.
While then-Editor Biddy Baxter attributed his departure to lack of viewer appeal, his exit became mired in scandal as numerous sources suggested it stemmed from his sexuality, OK! reports.
During a 2007 television interview, Baxter dismissed these allegations, stating: “It was his leaving the programme because children didn’t like him – nothing to do with his sexual proclivities”.
After leaving Blue Peter, Michael went on to pursue acting, featuring in the 1987 film Lionheart. He performed in touring stage shows including Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and Starlight Express, and made an appearance in Rick Astley’s 1988 music video for She Wants To Dance With Me. Tragically, that same year Michael became unwell. He passed away at Newcastle General Hospital aged just 28, with initial reports suggesting his death was caused by liver cancer.
This week, The Elstree Project paid a poignant tribute to Michael’s talents as they looked back on his role as Tik-Tok. They wrote: “Michael Sundin was the performer inside Tik-Tok in Return to Oz (1985). His contribution was not animatronic control or puppetry, but full-body suit performance: movement, balance, timing and physical character, carried out under extreme physical and technical constraints.
“Tik-Tok was a hybrid creation. His head, eyes and facial details were operated externally by puppeteer Tim Rose using mechanical and radio-controlled systems, while the voice was added later in post-production. But the character’s weight, rhythm and locomotion came entirely from Sundin. He was responsible for making a rigid, four-foot copper robot feel grounded, deliberate and alive.
“The physical challenge was extraordinary. Sundin was folded double inside a small Kevlar suit, arms crossed, head tucked between his legs, walking backwards throughout filming. To navigate the set, he relied on a small internal monitor relaying an external camera feed — upside-down and reversed. This demanded constant recalibration, spatial intelligence and muscular control.”
Meanwhile, the programme’s oral history director, Walter Murch, said: “When Michael Sundin died in 1989 from an AIDS-related illness, aged just 28, there was only a small on-air acknowledgement of his passing on Blue Peter with no retrospective of his work in the way other presenters have been respected. In an era marked by stigma and silence, much of his contribution was quietly erased, and he was notably absent from anniversary clips and montages until the 60th anniversary.
“Sundin’s work on Return to Oz deserves to be understood clearly. He was not an animatronics operator or a puppeteer, but a suit performer whose body performed in a complex system of mechanical, electronic and human collaboration. Without his performance, Tik-Tok would not move as he does on screen. As we celebrate the technical innovations that took shape at Elstree, it’s worth remembering how many depended on performers willing to endure extraordinary conditions to make new forms of cinema possible.”
Following Michael’s passing, Blue Peter presenter Yvette Fielding paid tribute, joined by colleagues John Leslie and Caron Keating. She said: “We had one piece of very sad news during the summer. As many people may have heard, Michael Sundin – who presented Blue Peter five years ago – tragically died at the very young age of 28. Michael had been ill for a little while but the news of his death came as a great shock to all of us.”
