DOWNTON Abbey and Harry Potter star Dame Maggie Smith left a £16million fortune to her two actor sons, probate records published nearly two years after her death reveal.
The double Oscar winner, who died at a London hospital in September 2024 at the age of 89, left a net estate valued at £15,977,325.
Her will divides the bulk of that fortune equally between her sons Christopher Stephens, who works under the stage name Chris Larkin, and Toby Stephens.
She also left her West Sussex farmhouse, Douglas Lake Farm at Fittleworth, to a family trust she had set up with the two brothers in 2019.
The five-bedroom house, where she raised her sons and lived for more than 40 years, sits on a secluded plot with barns, a stable and a vineyard.
Born Margaret Natalie Smith in Ilford, Essex, in 1934, she was brought up in Oxford and made her stage debut at the Oxford Playhouse aged 17.
She won her first Oscar in 1970 for playing the teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and a second in 1979 for California Suite.
She was made a Dame in 1990 and her other films included A Room with a View, Sister Act, Gosford Park and The Lady in the Van.
A generation of children knew her as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, a role she played across a decade from 2001 to 2011.
Her role as the acid-tongued Violet Crawley in six series of ITV’s Downton Abbey from 2010 won her three Emmy awards and a fresh television audience around the world.
In all she won two Oscars, seven Baftas, four Emmys, three Golden Globes and a Tony award, and was appointed a Companion of Honour by the late Queen in 2014.
King Charles and Queen Camilla also paid tribute, saying: “As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both off and on the stage.”
Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe, said: “I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”
Hugh Bonneville, who played her son in Downton Abbey, said: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.
“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances.”
Her sons announced her death in a statement issued through her publicist, in which they thanked hospital staff for their care during her final days.
They said: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end.
“She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
She married the actor Robert Stephens in 1967, the father of her two sons, and after their divorce married the playwright Beverley Cross in the mid-1970s.
Mr Cross wrote the musical Half a Sixpence and the screenplays for the fantasy adventure films Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans.
Her will directs that any copyright, royalties and unpublished works she inherited from him after his death in 1998 should be shared out separately.
The proceeds are split equally between his daughter Philippa Maughan, his son Shaun Cross and her own two sons.
She signed the will in September 1996, when Mr Cross was still alive and named as her main beneficiary, but he died 18 months later.
The full value of everything she owned came to £16,003,613, with debts and expenses of just over £26,000 taken off to reach the final figure.
Speaking in a magazine interview in 2019, she was dismissive of the two roles that had made her famous to a new generation of viewers.
She said: “It wasn’t what you’d call satisfying. I didn’t really feel I was acting.”
She added that she was grateful for both jobs, which between them introduced her to millions of filmgoers who had never seen her on stage.
Dame Maggie once summed her life up by saying: “One went to school, one wanted to act, one started to act and one’s still acting.”
THE seaside town of Brighton isn’t exactly off the radar – but it could be become a new hub for tourists.
In terms of its artsy scene, the coastal city has been said to potentially ‘rival Margate‘ with a new attraction.
With buildings covered in beautiful murals, handmade trinkets being sold at markets and the fact that it’s home to many creatives, it’s surprising that Brighton doesn’t have an art gallery.
But that could be set to change as a development plan has revealed one could open on the seafront.
This isn’t too dissimilar to Margate in Kent which is home to the world-class Turner Contemporary.
The Black Rock area in Brighton next to Brighton Marina is set to be developed – while there are no official plans, it could become a gallery.
According to Time Out, the local council are in talks with a major London art institution.
That isn’t the only part of Brighton getting a new look – another part of the town’s redesign is on the seafront.
The council are looking to update the King’s Road paddling pool and play area.
The local council are currently looking for proposals that must have a “high-quality family play area and paddling pool that will remain free for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The hope is that the existing pool, play area as well as surrounding facilities will be upgraded and modernised.
Speaking of pools, Brighton just a few years ago opened a seafront lido called Sea Lanes which sits right by the seafront on Madeira Drive.
The 50metre swimming pool has six lanes and is heated to 19C year-round.
On the day sessions are £11.90 per adult and £7.60 for concessions.
Thanks to several businesses being open on-site, Sea Lanes is a great spot to grab a drink and bite to eat.
One such place is a cafe called Fika, which boasts about serving “an epic brunch and damn good coffee“.
Think re-fuelling smoothies and enormous breakfast and brunch sandwiches.
There’s barbecue restaurant Wood x Coal, which “captures the essence of Brighton and Hove’s spirited soul” by serving “smoky flavours with modern culinary twists”.
Among its best loved options are its pizzas, which are served overlooking to beach.
Bison Beer meanwhile is a local craft beer company and has two bars, with 14 different draft beer options as well as spirits, wine and cocktails.
Another part of Brighton set to be upgraded is its historic arches along the King’s Road.
The seafront arches are home to independent shops and beachfront cafes – and are set to undergo a £22million investment.
Later this year, the nearby Grade II listed Madeira Terrace will reopen following a £750,000 revamp
JAY-Z and Beyonce have returned to the Cotswolds just months after calling off a permanent move to the celebrity hotspot.
I’m told the power couple are back in the idylic region ahead of his two huge concerts at the Tottenham Stadium next week.
And while they will be staying in the Cotswolds during their short stay in the UK, my music insiders have told me Jay-Z has locked down a huge music space in East London for his rehearsals.
No expense is being spared, with Jay chartering a helicopter to fly him to and fro every day.
A source said: “It’s like the circus has come to town now Jay-Z and Beyonce have arrived.
“They’re staying on an estate in the Cotswolds but Jay is rehearsing in London.
“The set-up is massive.
“They’ve taken over a whole unit and have blocked off a car park so Jay’s helicopter can land on the site.
“Yesterday morning there were almost 30 box vans with his crew and dancers arriving on the site.
“Loads of precautions have been put in place to make sure he has total privacy.
“The walk from the helicopter landing site to the entrance Jay is using is only about 30 yards, but there is a van on standby to drive him.
“He likes to have his sets totally locked down and this one is no exception.
“The shows at Tottenham are going to be a real spectacle and Jay will be in rehearsals with his team for the next ten days to make sure everything is perfect.”
Jay-Z will take to the stage on September 4 and 5, his only dates in the UK this year.
He is celebrating two major milestones with the performances — the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of his critically acclaimed sixth record, The Blueprint.
Beyonce will be marking her birthday at the first show next Friday, along with the 20th anniversary of her album B’Day.
So I won’t be surprised if she pops up on stage too.
Sombr was joined by special guest Adela to make his grand entrance at Belgium’s Pukkelpop Festival.
They posed for this snap before cameras captured them driving backstage and then making their way to the main stage.
It has become a staple of the American singer’s festival shows to be joined by a “walk-up girl”, with Zara Larsson accompanying him earlier this month.
They are both having huge years, with Sombr still riding high on the success of his hits including Homewrecker, 12 To 12 and Back To Friends.
Meanwhile, pink-haired Adela has just scored a Top 40 hit with Ain’t In LA and will release her debut album Prima on September 4.
Cruz Beckham slotted in a cheeky warm-up ahead of his debut at Reading and Leeds, where he will perform with band The Breakers this weekend.
He joined The Kooks at Rock N Roll Circus Norwich on Saturday as the group marked the 20th anniversary of their killer debut album, Inside In/Inside Out.
Cruz, whose new EP Wear & Tear came out on Friday, surprised fans by coming on stage for a rendition of one of my favourite Kooks tracks, Jackie Big T*ts.
Nicole Scherzinger enjoyed her last days of peace by taking it easy in Hawaii.
She chilled out ahead of a 16-hour flight to the UK this week, where she will get cracking on Pussycat Dolls rehearsals.
Nicole posed in a lei po’o – the traditional term for a flower crown – as she relaxed at a hotel on the island.
She’s about to do a hell of a lot of dancing when the group’s European tour kicks off in Copenhagen in a fortnight.
Confirming preparations, Ashley Roberts, who is in the current line-up with Nicole and Kimberly Wyatt, wrote on Instagram: “Back to rehearsals with my dolls this week.”
Louis Walsh steered some of the world’s biggest pop acts – but now has his sights set on opera.
The former Boyzone and Westlife manager has jumped on board to guide the career of vocal powerhouse Claudia Boyle.
The Irish soprano was shocked that the one-time X Factor judge came knocking and she said: “I never really watched The X Factor, but of course I knew who Louis was. Who doesn’t? This is a new thing for me.”
With Louis’ showbiz connections, I am sure Claudia will break into the mainstream in no time.
Jordan Stephens is getting a helping hand after splitting from Jade Thirlwall – by doing a one-day workshop on “healing through relationships”.
The Rizzle Kicks singer revealed he went on a £175 course with therapist Donna Lancaster, which is aimed at stopping people “repeating the same old negative cycles”.
A blurb on the website says it helps people “understand why you might struggle with certain relationships and offer resources as to how to heal and connect in new healthier ways”.
And it sounds like it’s done wonders.
In a testimonial on the website, Jordan, who has split with the former Little Mix singer after six years, said: “Within 20 minutes of Donna’s relationship workshop, I was spun into awareness seemingly without a choice.
“I left with a sense of understanding and promise.
“I would recommend it to literally everyone.”
Good for him.
A documentary film on Ozzy Osbourne’s last live performance will finally be released in December, nearly 18 months after it happened.
The project centred around the Back To The Beginning show at Villa Park in Birmingham had been slated for release at the beginning of this year.
But the late rocker’s wife Sharon pushed it back as she was finding the editing process difficult.
I am now told the documentary is finished and will be on screens by Christmas.
“It’s going to be a great Christmas gift for fans of Ozzy and Black Sabbath,” my mole explained.
“The film is looking really good and features so many moving moments of Ozzy interacting with his friends and performers.
“It moves around from footage of the gig to artists backstage. It is very powerful because it captures Ozzy’s final moments in the limelight.”
Following the release of the film, Sharon will be looking ahead to Ozzfest next summer.
The rock festival, started by Sharon and Ozzy in 1996, will return to Villa Park.
Charli XCX looks ready to soak up the sunshine in this bikini during her first holiday for years.
She’s jetted off to Lake Como in Italy with husband George Daniel, drummer with The 1975.
Also there are pals including filmmaker Aidan Zamiri, who she has jokingly referred to as her second husband after they bonded while making mockumentary film The Moment. Charli said on X: “I feel like I haven’t stopped for three years.”
She shared pics of the group on a speedboat, with the caption: “A girl on a lake with her friends and her husbands!”
Charli is back on stage this weekend at Reading and Leeds festivals, and is then set to announce the UK leg of her Music, Fashion, Film tour.
Ronnie Wood was forced to rush through his set after the venue threatened to pull the plug.
The Rolling Stones guitarist spent too long on stage at North London’s Kentish Town Forum on Friday, so organisers warned they’d shut him down if he didn’t hurry up.
Ronnie, who was performing songs from throughout his career with the help of Irish singer Imelda May, moaned: “We’ve got to move on or they’re gonna cut the power.”
He then steamed through a series of tracks, including Faces hit Stay With Me and Stones rarity Country Honk, so he could finish the set in time.
Despite the faff, Ronnie was beaming as he headed off stage. He got a hug from his wife Sally, who was watching from the side of the stage with their ten-year-old twins Gracie and Alice.
The countdown to endless celebrity Christmas adverts is on.
Dani Dyer is one of the first out of the blocks to film a new festive campaign.
I’m told the Strictly Come Dancing contestant and ex-Love Islander has landed a bumper pay-day for renewing her deal with high street clothing chain Peacocks.
She’s filmed a telly ad alongside former England footballer Michael Owen and singer Louise Redknapp.
A source said: “The Christmas ads are all being filmed now and Dani’s one for Peacocks is already in the can.
“Louise and Michael are seen getting a bit flirty in a lift, while Dani stays true to form and just snaps loads of selfies.
“It’s the easiest money she’s ever earned.”
I’d say. Peacocks is preparing to roll out the campaign just in time for Strictly, meaning Dani is going to be on the box non-stop this year.
I revealed earlier this year she re-signed for the BBC dancing show after being forced to pull out of last year’s series.
She had been paired with pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin but fractured her ankle during rehearsals, meaning she never got a chance to have a whirl on the dancefloor.
But this time around, I’m told Dani is absolutely nailing her training and is pushing herself to try to lift the Glitterball trophy.
TWO huge British actors were seen singing and dancing along in a festival crowd this weekend as they cheered on a musical act on-stage.
The stars attempted to go incognito in baseball caps and shades at All Points East festival, with one of them there to support his pop-star wife.
Rose Gray belted out songs I Don’t Speak French and Club To Your Arms on the East Stage at the festival held in London’s Victoria Park.
And cheering her on from the crowd was none other than actor husband Harris Dickinson, joined by Irish heartthrob Paul Mescal.
The pair – who are both starring in the upcoming Beatles biopics – were unsuspectingly captured on camera by a fan, dancing and jumping up and down to the music.
Mescal, sported a white and green Gaelic football shirt with a black cap, while Harris donned a black t-shirt and a maroon hat.
The two appear to have formed a bond since filming on the four Beatles movies and enjoyed some downtime together in East London during the sunny weather.
Paul Mescal plays Paul McCartney in the Sam Mendes-directed films, with Harris Dickinson portraying John Lennon.
They’re joined by Oscar-nominated Barry Keoghan who plays drummer Ringo Starr, with Stranger Things star Joseph Quinn rounding out the quartet as George Harrison.
Harris and Rose quietly tied the knot this May, after the BabyGirl actor popped the question last spring.
The two, who are childhood sweethearts and met at school, wed at Islington Town Hall in London.
A source told The Sun at the time: “Harris and Rose’s ceremony was very Harris and Rose: cool, calm, low-key and full of love.
“They’re not at all showy despite being one of the hottest couples in town who get invited to all the best parties in town. This was for them and no-one else.”
Evgeny Gromov/iStock via Getty Images
A NEW Therme resort is under construction in the UK and is making huge strides towards opening.
Therme Manchester is set to be complete by 2028 and will have everything from huge swimming pools, waterslides and even beaches.
The Therme Group has announced that they have reached their first milestone of 12 tower cranes being built.
It said the progress marked “the start of an exciting new phase of construction for Therme Manchester“.
On social media it continued: “Over the coming months, these cranes will play a key role in bringing our vision to life. Creating an amazing destination where wellbeing, relaxation and fun come together.
“This is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we continue to build something extraordinary!”
One excited person commented: “Wow!!! Can’t wait!! We are watching the process everyday when we pass.”
Another added: “Can’t wait, no more going to Germany to the amazing spa.”
The Therme Group also announced it would be teaming up with Marriott International.
In terms of booking, Marriott Bonvoy members will be offered exclusive travel and lodging packages linked directly to Therme destinations – which when it opens will include Manchester.
The £500m resort will be set across 28 acres making it the “largest water-based wellbeing destination in Europe.”
Inside the resort, visitors can expect a large-scale waterpark with more than 25 waterslides as well as a wave pool.
It will be heated to 33C and will have lots of spa and wellness facilities that will be split into three distinct zones called Play, Relax and Restore.
The Play zone will focus on ‘next-generation’ water fun, as well as a a warm water pool, steam rooms, saunas as well as lounging and family dining experiences.
This zone will also have an outdoor beach.
In the Relax zone – which will be adults-only – there will be a “focus on premium wellbeing experiences” as well as indoor and outdoor pools, waterfall showers, mineral baths, steam rooms, saunas and casual dining.
Finally, in the Restore Zone – the second adults-only area – there will be “industry leading health, nutrition and wellbeing therapies”, “sauna rituals”, experience showers, wellbeing consultations and dining.
Therme Manchester is set to become “UK’s largest paid-for tourist attraction” and see just over three million people each year.
This will be the first Therme site in the UK, joining one in Erding, Germany and one in Bucharest, Romania.
SHARON Osbourne has accused a huge rock star of ‘giving Kelly drugs’ when she was a teen – and branded her a ‘a dry old c***’.
The former X Factor, 73, opened up about what happened during a recent live Q&A screening event for If These Walls Could Rock at the Landmark Sunset Theatre in Los Angeles over the weekend.
While appearing on stage as a special guest on Saturday 15 August ahead of a screener, the TV star alleged that Courtney Love, 62, gave her daughter drugs.
Courtney has previously denied giving drugs to any teenagers, after Sharon accused her in the past.
Back in 2007, Sharon alleged that Courtney was the first person to give Jack OxyContin.
One of the guests in the audience captured what Sharon said on camera as the host asked her: “Oh you know who gave it to her? You don’t have to say, but you know.”
Sharon replied: “Yeah, Courtney Love.”
The presenter replied: “Well now you have said it, I want to hear this story! You tell me what happened.”
Sharon replied: “I will say no more, but, she’s a c*** anyway.
“A boring old c***. A dry, old c***.”
The Instagram user captioned the post: “Sharon Osbourne was telling a story about someone allegedly giving Kelly drugs when she was a young teenager… and then she dropped the name.
“I guess this is the greatest ad ever to go see If These Walls Could Rock.”
The Sun have contacted Courtney’s representative for comment.
Sharon has previously blamed Courtney for her son Jack’s addiction to prescription drug OxyContin.
She said back in 2007: “I will never have time for Courtney Love. She was the first person to give my son Jack the prescription drug OxyContin.
“There’s not a shadow of doubt in my mind about that. My dislike towards her is very personal.”
Courtney denied the accusation and said: “I never did that. I would never give drugs to a teenager.
“F**k you Sharon – as if I would ever give drugs to a teenager.”
A MULTI-BILLION pound station is set to open in the UK as part of the huge HS2 expansion.
HS2 station Old Oak Common near Paddington Train Station in London, is set to open between 2036 and 2039.
The £2billion station will eventually serve 250,000 passengers a day and has just announced that it has completed its first platforms.
Six platforms that will be served by HS2’s new high-speed trains heading between London and the West Midlands, have been completed.
The platforms are underground and are each 400 metres long.
In the future, there will be a further eight platforms at surface level for Great Western Railway services and Elizabeth Line services.
Read more on travel inspo
In fact, the Elizabeth Line will be the first service to use the station.
With 14 platforms in total, it will make the station one of the largest in the UK.
And while London Bridge might have more platforms (15 in total), the Old Oak Common station will actually be around two and a half times bigger than London Bridge.
There will also be 52 lifts and 44 escalators at the station.
Eventually, there will also be a public park area outside the station where pop up events will be hosted including markets.
Old Oak Common will be one of the UK’s best-connected train stations as well, reaching more than 100 destinations.
Kim Kapur, HS2’s Old Oak Common Area Director, said: “Going into the underground box at Old Oak Common, you can immediately visualise how it will look as an operational station, including where passengers will board or alight HS2’s brand new trains.
“The scale of the work – and the station now taking shape – is remarkable.
“However, there is much more to do. This includes construction of the conventional, surface level platforms, completion of tunnels either side of the underground box and installation of the impressive station roof, which will begin next year.
“Old Oak Common will be transformative for the local area, providing a new transport hub, with a new vibrant neighbourhood developing around it.”
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Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
President Donald Trump has given the U.S. Navy and the Pentagon 60 days to draw up a plan for installing steam-powered catapults and hydraulic elevators on the future Ford class aircraft carrier USS Doris Miller. On and off for nearly a decade now, Trump has talked about ordering the Navy to abandon the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) catapults and Advanced Weapons Elevators (AWE) that are currently at the core of the Ford class design. The EMALS and AWEs have struggled with reliability and maintenance issues, but reverting back to steam and hydraulics on future ships in the class would require a major redesign. Such a costly and time-consuming process would risk creating new delays in the delivery of new carriers, which are already running years behind schedule, and could put the future fleet into crisis.
The directive regarding the catapults and weapons elevators on the future Doris Miller, which is also known by the hull number CVN-81, is contained in a larger memo President Trump sent out yesterday titled “Rebuilding the United States Navy and America’s Shipbuilding Industrial Base.” The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the memo, which also orders various parts of the U.S. government to take new steps to boost U.S. maritime industrial capacity. This includes plans for the establishment of a fifth government-owned naval shipyard, sourcing new ships from foreign shipbuilders and otherwise increasing cooperation with them, improvements to the management of spare parts for submarines, and a broad overhaul of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
The section on the catapults and weapons elevators is brief, but stands out as a particularly significant development. It reads, in full:
“Within 60 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War, in consultation with the Secretary of the Navy, shall provide to the President, through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), a plan on the required measures to replace the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and Advanced Weapons Elevators with steam and hydraulic systems for the construction of CVN-81, including timelines and resourcing requirements.”
The Wall Street Journal‘s report said that the expectation is that this redesign would carry over to all future Ford class carriers, but that the first three examples would retain their EMALSs and the AWEs. Currently, the USS Gerald R. Ford, hull number CVN-78, is the only ship in the class in operational service. The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) is currently undergoing another round of sea trials ahead of its expected official delivery to the Navy later this year. The future USS Enterprise (CVN-80) is also now under construction, having been laid down in 2022.
Beyond Doris Miller, the Navy has assigned names to two more future Ford class carriers – USS William J. Clinton and USS George W. Bush – but has not yet placed formal orders for those ships. The service has stated plans to acquire at least 10 members of the Ford class, in total.
The Navy also has 10 older Nimitz class aircraft carriers, all of which are equipped with steam-powered catapults and hydraulic weapons elevators.
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Flight Deck Operations
TWZ has reached out to the Navy for comment on yesterday’s memo from the White House.
As noted, Trump has railed against the EMALS and AWEs for years now, tracing back to his first term in office. In 2017, he publicly said he would order the Navy to abandon those features, but never followed through. During a visit to the Nimitz class carrier USS George Washington in Japan in October 2025, he again said that he would force the Navy to go back to using steam and hydraulics on future carriers.
“They had steam, which worked so beautifully, and it has for 50 years, right? So we’re gonna go back. Seriously, fellas, I want to make that change. I’m gonna do an executive order,” Trump said last October. “I’m not going to let them continue to do this thing. They’re trying to make it work, they’re trying so hard, and they have something that’s perfect. So we’re going to go back on that and the magnets.”
As we have written in the past:
“In principle, EMALS, together with the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), is supposed to give Ford class carriers a significant boost in capability over their predecessors when it comes to the speed at which they can launch and recover aircraft. The software-controlled EMALS and AAG, the latter of which has also faced issues over the years, have lower reset times than the steam-powered systems found on Nimitz class carriers.”
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
“The EMALS and AAG can also be more fine-tuned in terms of the forces they exert on aircraft during launch and recovery, expanding the range of types they can accommodate and adding additional margins of safety. This notably helps open the door for embarking smaller and more fragile types on Ford class carriers in the future. This flexibility could be particularly critical for supporting carrier-based drone operations down the line. Wear and tear on individual aircraft can also be reduced.”
“The electromagnetic AWEs are intended to further help improve the overall efficiency of flight operations on Ford by reducing the time it takes to get ordnance and other stores to where they need to go.”
Watch the Advanced Weapons Elevators on the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford
At the same time, as we have repeatedly pointed out, Trump’s criticisms are grounded in very real problems that have plagued the catapults and weapons elevators on the Ford over the years. TWZ has covered the issues with both of these systems, as well as other long-troubled aspects of the ship’s design, in detail. The Navy has been working to mitigate these problems, but has continued to face hurdles. Maintenance demands and heavy reliance on contractors to perform that work remain particular challenges.
“The reliability and maintainability of CVN 78’s EMALS and AAG continue to adversely affect sortie generation and flight operations, which remains the greatest risk to demonstrating operational effectiveness and suitability in IOT&E [initial operational test and evaluation],” the Pentagon’s Office of the Director of Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) stated in an annual report covering developments in the 2025 Fiscal Year (FY25), which was released in March. “Data collected during CVN 78’s FY25 pre-deployment workup cycle indicate that EMALS reliability remains consistent with developmental and operational test data collected in FY23 and FY24. Engineering upgrades to hardware and software have produced gradual improvements in cumulative reliability and availability. Reliance on off-ship technical support remains a challenge. NAVAIR is continuing development on improvements.”
When it comes to the AWEs, “the Ford class has yet to build and transfer ordnance to the flight deck at rates reflective of the Design Reference Mission. DOT&E expects the sustained SGR [Sortie Generation Rate] live demonstration to be the first operationally representative demonstration of high ordnance throughput,” the report, which has since been taken offline, also said. “Of note, the crew is still reliant on off-ship technical support for correction of AWE hardware and software failures.”
The video below shows flight deck operations aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in March 2026 while the carrier was supporting Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
USS Gerald R Ford Continues Epic Fury On Iran • (MAR 2026)
The SGR live demonstration mentioned here was conducted in February of this year.
“While the Navy is still analyzing the data, preliminary reports from the Sortie Generation Rate test program show that the flight deck design in conjunction with EMALS and AAG have contributed to an increased sortie generation rate compared to that of a Nimitz class carrier,” the Navy subsequently declared. “As of today, these systems are operating as designed, and the Ford continues with scheduled mission tasking.”
“While operating in the Southern Command area of responsibility CVN 78 completed a successful four-day sustained Sortie Generation Rate demonstration in February,” according to a Modernized Selected Acquisition Report (MSAR) on the Ford class program that the Pentagon produced in April, but which was only released publicly more recently. “The event resulted in the collection of over 40,000 data points to support the modeling and simulation of the full 30-day Key Performance Parameter.”
“As of March 2026, 36,863 EMALS launches have been completed aboard CVN 78,” that same report also noted. “Logistics products are maturing and are being prioritized for high use components to support phased depot stand-up which commenced in FY 2022. Logistics contracts are in place with General
Atomics for EMALS sustainment support and interim spares.”
USS Ford Launches, Recovers Fighters With Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
In April, then-Secretary of the Navy John Phelan also confirmed that a major review of the Ford class program, centered on planning for the future USS William J. Clinton and the USS George W. Bush, was underway. Questions were raised at that time about whether major changes could be on the horizon, including the potential cancellation of planned orders for more carriers in the class or a transition to a new design.
“Trust me, we measure and monitor a lot of things in the Navy, including that – the airframes and how that works. So I think it’s a function of just understanding it, for example, is the sortie rate generation that much greater? And then what are the cost implications of this electric catapult, and did it really generate the savings?” Phelan told TWZ and others at a roundtable on the sidelines of the Navy League’s Sea Air Space 2026 exposition. “You know, the Navy would like to say we’ve saved $5 billion in terms of savings in number [sic] of men and maintenance. I just need to check that back up, and that’s what I mean by that.”
“I think, like anything, it’s both understanding the cost-benefit analysis of it, because we really want to make sure we’ve got a good handle on the costs,” he added. “I think one of the things we have to do a better job of in the Navy is kind of what I call total cost of ownership. So what does it really cost to sustain and maintain these things? I think we do a reasonable job at that, to be honest. But the infrastructure needs on these are also costs you have to understand going in.”
Trump fired Phelan unexpectedly just days after he made these and other remarks at Sea Air Space 2026. There have been reports that disagreements over separate plans for new Trump class battleships, specifically, as well as other more general friction within the Trump administration, factored into his sudden dismissal.
As mentioned, any plans now to eliminate the EMALS catapults and AWEs from the Ford class design, even just on future carriers like Doris Miller, would be a major undertaking. The core physical structure of the ship, as well as its power generation requirements and other key elements of the design, are heavily rooted in these features. All-new steam piping and the large piston systems, among other elements, would have to be installed in spaces not currently designed to accommodate them. The ship’s flight deck would have been reconfigured, as well.
As a result of the base design decisions, the nuclear reactor plant on the Ford class is also notably set up to generate less steam overall compared to the one on the Nimitz class, according to a past report from the Project on Government Oversight (POGO), an independent non-profit. All of this, in turn, raises additional questions about how much time and effort it would take to retrofit future Ford class carriers to use steam catapults, in particular.
General Atomics, the prime contractor behind the EMALS and the AAG, has unsurprisingly already come out against Trump’s new directive.
“The decision will have broader implications for carrier readiness, national security, and U.S. technological superiority, potentially creating opportunities for adversaries to close the capability gap,” the company said, according to The Wall Street Journal. “It also comes at a time when strengthening the U.S. supplier industrial base is a national priority, making workforce stability, production capacity, and the ability to sustain critical technologies more important than ever.”
It is worth noting here that China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) now has two ships with electromagnetic catapults, the Type 003 carrier Fujian and Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan. The U.S. government previously approved the transfer of EMALS technology to India, which could make it way into the country’s future carrier INS Vishal. Other nations have also been considering EMALS-type catapults for future carriers and other naval vessels.
Official confirmation:
President Xi personally made the decision for the aircraft carrier Fujian to have the electromagnetic catapult, instead of the steam catapult that was originally designed to have.
At the end, the video shows the sled of the catapult coming to a full stop,… pic.twitter.com/RLCwgjhd7r
— Zhao DaShuai 东北进修🇨🇳 (@zhao_dashuai) November 7, 2025
Weighted carts catapult test on Type 076 LHD
three lines marked directly under and outside the wheels of the Red cart to ensure it is centered
the parallel alignment markings flanking the catapult slot serve as visual tips for precise positioning https://t.co/KJkC2ZrLgS pic.twitter.com/pZa0Vx56jG
— David Wang (@DavidWangPLA) August 1, 2026
Huntington Ingalls Industries, which builds the Ford class carriers through its Newport News Shipbuilding division in Virginia, said it would “work closely with the Navy to implement any potential changes to ships under construction,” according to that outlet. At the same time, there are serious questions now about that yard’s ability to meet current timelines for delivering new carriers, which have already been delayed repeatedly.
Around the Yard at NNS: John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) Ship Turn Around
The Navy’s 2027 Fiscal Year budget proposal, released earlier this year, confirmed that the projected timeline for Doris Miller’s delivery had slipped from 2032 to 2034. “The primary schedule driver for CVN-81 is the lack of available shipyard construction space for large assemblies due to delays on CVN-80,” a Navy official told Military Times back in May.
The Navy originally expected to receive Enterprise in 2028, but that timeline has since slipped to 2031. The future USS John F. Kennedy was also originally scheduled to be delivered back in 2022. All of these delays have come along with continued cost growth, as well.
“In December 2025, the Secretary of the Navy notified Congress he was increasing the Cost Limitation Baseline for CVN 79 from $12.936 billion to $13.529 billion,” according to the aforementioned April MSAR report. “The Cost Limitation Baseline for CVN 80 and CVN 81 remain unchanged at $13.529 billion and $14.016 billion respectively.”
As mentioned, Trump’s memo yesterday also focused heavily on further steps to address now long-standing concerns about U.S. naval shipbuilding capacity across the board. America’s specific ability to produce new nuclear-powered surface warships and submarines has now become even more of a focal point in these discussions with the addition of the plans for the Trump class battleships. In May, the Navy confirmed the Trump class warships will have nuclear propulsion using the same type of reactors developed for the Ford class.
The Navy has not acquired a new nuclear-powered surface combatant in decades. Newport News is currently the only U.S. shipyard producing nuclear-powered surface vessels of any kind, and is already heavily strained by current demands, which also include production of new non-nuclear warships. There is only one other yard in the country that produces nuclear-powered vessels of any kind, and is focused on submarine production.
In a time of peace, without all the threats and operational demands the United States is currently facing, or if there was any kind of surplus carrier capacity, making fundamental changes to the Ford class carrier program might very well have been a logical decision. However, all of this also comes at a time when the Navy’s operational carriers are experiencing exceptional pressure. The Nimitz class carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been on a marathon deployment in the Middle East, has become something of a poster child for growing readiness concerns amid reports of severely flagging morale and mental health among the crew. The Navy is now moving to relieve Lincoln.
Still, this is a worrisome situation that has already been building for many years, due in large part to a succession of global crises, and has now been further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Iran. Even so, the Navy is trying to keep to its existing schedule for inactivating aging Nimitz class carriers, though the date for when the USS Nimitz is set to leave service has now been pushed back until next year. Retiring existing carriers will only create further strains if the arrival of new members of the Ford class continues to be pushed back.
With the various timelines the Ford class program is looking at now, whether the future Doris Miller or other forthcoming carriers ultimately make the switch back to steam-powered catapults and hydraulic weapons elevators very much remains to be seen. Trump’s current term will end in January 2029, at which point Doris Miller could easily still be in a relatively early stage of construction. Any incoming administration could revert back to the original plan for the ship’s configuration.
Congress could also step in sooner, including to block spending any funds on changing the Ford class design. There is already separate friction emerging between lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle and the White House over the Trump class battleship program, and concerns about how that could impact other naval shipbuilding priorities.
As it stands now, the Navy has roughly two months to at least devise a path forward for returning to steam-powered catapults and hydraulic weapons elevators on the future USS Doris Miller.
Contact the author: joe@twz.com
A GRAND historic castle in the UK is getting a new lease of life, by reopening as a major tourist attraction.
Haverfordwest Castle in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is set to undergo a massive £17.7million project to become a top tourist attraction with Christmas markets, open-air theatre shows, community events and a visitor centre.
There will also be a new cafe at the castle as well as a shop selling locally crafted items and produce.
The castle itself dates back over 800 years and over that time has changed hands several times, seeing numerous wars.
In 1648, Oliver Cromwell even ordered the castle to be destroyed and later in the 18th century part of the castle was turned into a prison.
It then later became a police station and local council offices.
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Today, the castle is mainly in ruin with the remains of some of the castle’s towers still standing.
Regarding the upcoming project, the castle’s website states: “The new flagship heritage attraction will tell Pembrokeshire’s fascinating story in a fun, immersive and interactive exhibition space.
“You will explore how creativity and resourcefulness have shaped local life; feel the spirit of place, myths, legends and natural forces; and explore stories through playful, physical and digital experiences.
“There will be a new café selling locally-sourced food and drink and a 500-seater outdoor event space with shows and live-music expected to be programmed throughout the summer months.”
The castle is then expected to reopen to the public in 2028 and will be free to visit.
Councillor Paul Miller, deputy leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “We are excited to see this ambitious project continue apace and this next stage brings us much closer to what will be a flagship heritage attraction, boosting not only the town’s economy but also the wider area.”
A MAJOR international airport is about to undergo two decades of change with a massive expansion.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport in Australia dates back to 1919 making it one of the oldest international airports in the world.
And it has revealed its Master Plan 2045 that will completely transform the airport.
Over two decades, the AUD$6billion (£3.1billion) project will completely overhaul the airport including expanding the international terminal, as well as redeveloping two domestic terminals.
There will be two new gates at the international terminal, as well as 12 new ‘swing gates’ at the domestic terminals, which can also be used for international aircraft depending on demand.
There will also be a new concourse between the domestic T2 and T3 terminals, which is where the new ‘swing gates’ will be, allowing the area to be transformed for international departures.
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At the international terminal (T1), travellers will also find additional baggage reclaims and new gate lounges.
Tech upgrades at the airport, which will be finished by the end of this year, include a $200million (£104million) update to T2 Domestic Terminal with new security scanners and self-service bag drops.
Flights at the airport are set to increase as well, from around 75,000 currently per year to 130,000 by 2045.
As a result, international passengers are expected to double from around 16million per year today, to 36.4million in 2045.
There will also be a new hotel which will add 200 to 500 rooms near T1 and between 500 and 900 elsewhere at the airport.
Across the entire airport, there will be a number of new shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and potentially even a pub too.
According to the planning documents, there will be “amusement centres” and “entertainment facilities” as well.
By 2045, the airport aims to handle 72.6million passengers a year – compared to the 42.5million passengers today.
It will be the airport’s largest terminal transformation since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “Approval of Sydney Airport Master Plan 2045 provides a clear pathway to plan for future demand and invest in the infrastructure Sydney will need over the next two decades.
“As Australia’s international gateway, this plan ensures we can continue supporting tourism, trade, investment and jobs while delivering the capacity needed for future generations.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said: “Kingsford Smith is Australia’s busiest airport, it must remain fit for the future.
“Airports aren’t artworks, they’re constantly evolving to become more efficient and improve the passenger experience, and this new Master Plan maps out the airport’s plan to do just that.
“As demand grows, a modern Kingsford Smith will remain crucial to transport, tourism and industry across New South Wales and the nation.”
Haldensee is a clear, sparkling cold lake located at the bottom of the Tannheimer Tal valley in the Austrian Alps (about 90 miles south-west of Munich). We visited last year, just when summer was on its way out, and it was too cold to skinny-dip in the lake (unless you were very brave). Nonetheless, if you’re a hiker, a ski lift takes you up into the Allgäu Alps where you can walk through dense forest to Bad Kissinger Hütte serving refreshing apfelschorle, warming soups and seasonal bakes to refuel for the journey downhill. When going down, we were accompanied by tinkling cattle, ambling along the mountain-side springs, which made the experience so much more memorable.
Kovida
Northern Lake Garda, where the mountains tower above the lake, is one huge adventure playground: walking, cycling, climbing, boat trips and all manner of watersports on the lake. There are castles, waterfalls and valley cycle trails. The old Ponale mountain road might be the pick for cycling (best on ebike) and walking. It winds through tunnels and clings to the rock with spectacular views over the lake. At Ponale Alto enjoy a hearty pasta dish washed down with a local beer or wine, before returning downhill all the way.
Dave Thomas
Guardian Travel readers’ tips
Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage
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Skip the crowds of Chamonix and spend a week at La Fouly, in south-west Switzerland. Some walking routes are busy (it is a hub for the famous Tour du Mont Blanc walk) but there are plenty of walks to choose from, many of which are not on the main trail. Walk to the Lacs de Fenêtre, where you can hear the gurgling burps of rock ptarmigans at first light, and the shrieks of marmots as you descend back down into the valley. We camped by cool, fast-flowing rivers at Camping des Glaciers in La Fouly.
Daniel
The loudest sound in Slovenia’s Logar Valley is usually a cowbell. A narrow road runs through flower-filled meadows to the foot of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, but it’s best explored on foot or by bike, stopping at the little farms that sell homemade cheese and apple juice. Follow the easy trail to the 90-metre Rinka waterfall, then linger over lunch at one of the mountain inns to enjoy the view. I stayed overnight in a family-run guesthouse, and by early evening the day visitors had gone, leaving the valley almost silent except for swallows and grazing cattle.
Susanna C
The spring-fed Lago di Monate, between the much larger lakes of Maggiore and di Varese, has possibly the freshest swimming water in Italy, chiefly because of its longstanding ban on motorboats. You can hire paddleboards to cross the calm surface to vast lily beds, blooming in summer and alive with dragonflies. The grassy beach with sunbeds and umbrellas at Il Coppale is very reasonable with evening meal (fresh fish, naturally) on their terrace at about €25 with a view over the lake to the Alps.
Tim Leadbetter
Looking for a reasonable budget autumnal trip, a search on the usual sites led us to Bavaria, and the outdoorsy town of Ruhpolding. Alpine atmosphere was immediately delivered, with a charming unpretentious ambience. There is a really impressive waterpark and cool blue lakes, such as Lödensee and Weitsee. Hikes through classical Alpine scenery took us to an alm, a mountain refuge in high meadows where local milk and beer was served with platters of meat and cheese. A little further away the huge Chiemsee gave us a day at the beach. A stop in Munich on the way back allowed us to visit the excellent BMW museum, part of which is free.
Brian Lowry
Cycling the Velosud this summer was the perfect trip to the mountains without having to cycle up or down them. We spent two weeks leisurely following the signposted route in the foothills of the Pyrenees, often alongside rivers, with mountain views every day. It’s all either traffic-free or on very quiet roads, and passes by spa towns such as Salies-du-Salat, the beautiful Foix and Mirepoix, and lovely, low-key but well equipped campsites (always with swimming pool, aperitif and morning croissants).
Rowan
I’ve walked close to 2,000km of the Camino de Santiago, traversing Spain from the Pyrenees to the Galician coast and following the crashing waves of the Atlantic Portuguese coast in northern Portugal. One of the most stunning stretches of the Camino Francés (part of the Camino de Santiago) takes you from the French Pyrenean town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the Spanish village of Roncesvalles. It’s a very tough climb, but it’s well worth the effort. In the early morning mist, as you approach the border with Spain, the panoramic views from above the cloud line will take your breath away. A truly spectacular experience.
Stephen Taylor
It’s amazing that the Alpi Apuane are not better known. This raw, jagged cluster of marble peaks forms a dramatic backdrop to the bucket-and-spade beaches of northern Tuscany. These mountains are laced with challenging trails, including the multi-day Via Vandelli, linking Modena to the coast. The valleys shelter quiet, refreshing streams and half-forgotten villages. Above the treeline, the hiker is rewarded with expansive views of the mountains, the sea, and the surreal marble quarries hewn from the mountainsides. This is the wild side of Tuscany.
Robert
The Vosges mountains in eastern France are made up of forest-covered rounded peaks called ballons, and are accessible by train. The line between Colmar and Metzeral provides easy access into the Wormsa valley, where forest paths climb past streams to the peaceful Lac du Fischboedle, surrounded by trees. From there you can climb the third highest mountain in the Vosges, Hohneck (1,363 metres), for sweeping views towards the Alps. The food in the region is delicious, especially tarte flambée (flammekueche), a traditional thin flatbread topped with creme fraiche, onions and bacon.
Hannah
I’m A Celeb is nearing its return(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Bosses at ITV have been forced to delay the latest series of I’m A Celebrity, according to reports. It’s claimed a major scheduling clash has led to the series Down Under being pushed back.
That’s because the channel has landed the rights to the UEFA Nations League. It’ll see England back in competitive action following this summer’s World Cup disappointment.
The international tournament will kick off on September 24. The games will continue for a number of months and England are set to take on current World Cup champions Spain on November 15.
The game, being held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, will kick off at 8.45pm. This is just 15 minutes before the start of I’m A Celeb 2026 was pencilled to begin.
But it’s claimed the football has taken priority, with the reality series said to now be commencing a day later on November 16.
A source told The Sun: “I’m A Celeb has always benefited from the Sunday night prime-time slot, but this year it’s all change. Now ITV has the rights to the UEFA Nations League bosses have had to go back to the drawing board.”
And a second source added: “Bosses have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s IAC launch show is must-see TV. Following the huge success of this year’s World Cup, bosses are overjoyed to have such a stellar lineup of entertainment and sport this autumn on ITV.”
While the campmates for the upcoming series are yet to be announced, speculation is already growing. And there are also reports that there will soon be another spin-off of the series.
Rio and Kate Ferdinand have reportedly signed up for an I’m A Celebrity: Wild Frontier, a new spin-off of Ant and Dec’s classic reality show which will be filmed in Canada.
If they have signed up, it means they have become the first married couple to join the show, which is focusing on celebrity pairs. Together, they will have to face their own daredevil challenges and Bushtucker Trials and it will mark England star Rio’s first venture into reality TV.
A source said: “Bosses are overjoyed to have landed the Ferdinands. It’s a real coup for the show. They have brilliant chemistry and are great fun. It will be the first time viewers have really seen Rio away from football chat, too.
Speaking to The Sun, the source added: “ITV are still in talks with some other brilliant names and this show promises to be absolutely spectacular — and a real social media talker.”
Unlike the Australian series, the spin-off show sees famous faces compete in pairs. It could be with friends, relatives or couples as they take on Bushtucker-style trials together before facing elimination as a duo.
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TWO train stations are set to close for two weeks for major upgrades – including a very busy one.
Huddersfield and Slaithwaite train stations in West Yorkshire are set to close for two weeks from mid-September.
The closure is so that the stations can undergo major projects and will take place between September 19 and October 4.
The project includes completing the new £70million Huddersfield train station.
At Huddersfield station, the subway will be extended to platforms 4 and 5, which are also getting upgrades to be able to be used for longer trains.
The station roof is also getting repaired.
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Away from the stations, the railway line between Stalybridge and Mirfield will also be impacted, meaning that Mossley, Greenfield and Marsden stations will be closed between September 19 and 20 and again between October 3 and 4.
Nearby, Deighton Station, will also get a new footbridge and railway track in the area will be renewed.
Disruption for passengers won’t stop there either, as there will be another closure – this time lasting 38 days – from Christmas Eve to complete Huddersfield station before being completed in February 2027.
The entire project is part of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will focus on modernising the railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
Sophie Leishman, Transpennine Route Upgrade sponsor, said: “While we know there will be some disruption while this work takes place, these upgrades are essential to delivering the more reliable, accessible and higher-capacity railway that customers deserve.
“We’re making real progress across the route, from the redevelopment of Huddersfield station to improvements that will support longer trains, better performance and future electrification.”
Liam O’Shaughnessy, Transpennine Route Upgrade Programme Delivery Lead at Northern, said: “There will be disruption to Northern and other operators’ services during these works, with services amended and some trains replaced with buses.
“We strongly advise all customers to check before they travel and use National Rail Enquiries to plan their journeys.”
Libya’s National Oil Corporation warns it may halt operations at the country’s largest operating refinery if drone attacks continue.
Published On 11 Aug 202611 Aug 2026
Firefighters in Libya are battling a massive blaze at the Zawiya refinery following a drone attack, with the country’s national oil company warning it may declare a force majeure and shut down operations if attacks continue.
Libya’s Ambulance and Emergency Service said in a statement on Tuesday there were no “serious injuries” from the fire, with most patients treated for smoke inhalation.
list of 4 itemsend of list
Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed huge flames and thick black smoke billowing over the facility, the largest operating refinery in Libya with a refining capacity of 120,000 barrels per day.
It is located about 40km (25 miles) west of the capital, Tripoli.
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) said in a statement on Facebook that the fire broke out on Monday evening at tank number 402-T, belonging to the Brega Oil Company.
It said the tank, which contained about 4.5 million litres (1.2 million gallons) of gasoline, was “directly targeted, resulting in a severe fire before the tank completely collapsed”.
The NOC said the attack followed drone strikes on a water desalination plant at the refinery on Sunday and on a naphtha reservoir on Saturday.
The company declared a “maximum emergency” in the region and urged authorities to launch an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, and the company did not say who they believed was behind them.
In a statement hours later, the NOC said the refinery was “still being subject to sabotage attacks” with a drone targeting an oil blending and filling plant operated by the Zawiya Oil Refining Company.
It said the drone fell near its main oil tank and a pipeline network used to produce oils for the domestic market, without causing any casualties or damage.
“The company’s board of directors also confirms that if these attacks continue, it will have to declare a state of force majeure and suspend operations at the refinery,” it warned.
The Brega Oil Company, meanwhile, appealed to “all parties to stop the fighting and stay away from oil facilities and depots”. It said “oil facilities are vital infrastructure and owned by all Libyans” and that “protecting them is a national responsibility that does not tolerate any negligence”.
The attacks highlight the continuing security challenges in Libya, where rival administrations and armed groups have retained influence despite a 2020 ceasefire that halted major warfare. The country split in 2014 after a NATO-backed uprising that toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Two governments are currently vying for power: the United Nations-recognised administration in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and a rival in the east backed by military commander Khalifa Haftar.
In a statement, the Tripoli-based government said Dbeibah held a meeting earlier in the day with key officials, including the interior minister and the chiefs of some armed groups in the capital, “to follow up on the latest security developments”.
Dbeibah “stressed the need to deal firmly with any transgressions or actions that threaten security or harm vital facilities and installations”, the statement said.
Separately, a Libyan parliamentary panel condemned the attack and called for stronger protection of oil installations.
“The House of Representatives’ Energy and Natural Resources Committee condemns in the strongest terms the criminal attack targeting the Zawiya Refinery, one of the most vital facilities in the oil and gas sector that is a cornerstone of the national economy,” it said in a statement.
COPS are warning beachgoers not to dig holes “deeper than the knees” due to the risk of serious injury or even death.
Police have said that while the activity might be good fun, families should be wary of digging too deep and trapping people or pets in the sand.
In a statement on Monday, cops said: “Digging on the beach is part of the fun, but large, deep holes in soft sand can be incredibly dangerous.
“A hole can collapse without warning, trapping anyone inside under heavy sand in seconds.”
They added that even “fit and healthy adults” can get buried and struggle to escape, as they advised the public to “keep holes shallow”.
The update continued: “Deep holes also pose a serious trip hazard for children, beachgoers, and emergency services responding to incidents.
“What takes minutes to dig can take seconds to turn tragic.”
Filling in holes before leaving is essential for ensuring the beach stays safe, they added.
It follows an incident at Skegness in Lincolnshire on Saturday, where a large hole ranging approximately three to four feet wide and 12 to 15 feet deep was discovered.
HM Coastguard Skegness said at the time: “Whoever dug this hole was incredibly lucky that it didn’t collapse in on them.
“Sand is surprisingly heavy and can give way without warning, especially in deep holes.”
It added: “A collapse can trap someone beneath the sand and may lead to serious injury or even death.
“Deep holes can also be a hazard to other beach users who may not see them.”
It is not the first time holidaymakers in Lincolnshire have caused mischief on the beach.
Last year, a team of three coastguards had to fill in a hole on Sandilands Beach that was over two metres deep.
Elsewhere in Cleethorpes, sunseekers at the popular seaside town were warned in April not to dig holes in the wet sand, due to the “avalanche effect”.
Coastguards deputy station manager Shaun Lee said the sand can keep “collapsing” and end up burying people.
“We don’t want to be the fun police – just be aware of what you are doing if you are digging holes,” he said.
Tomasz Schafernaker and Louise Lear are reportedly ‘considering quitting’ BBC Weather amid cuts (Image: BBC)
Tomasz Schafernaker, and two other presenters are reportedly considering quitting the BBC. The meteorologist, 47, first joined BBC Weather in 2000 and is currently the lead presenter.
But now, insiders have claimed that the broadcaster is planning to downsize its national weather team, and it’s thought that Tomasz, along with fellow long-serving presenters Louise Lear and Darren Bett are “”considering voluntary redundancy” following the huge changes to the brand that were announced last week.
The BBC initially claimed that they were planning to “make more of their much-loved local weather presenters,” which would mean a reduction in those who present on a national basis. A source said: “It’s the end of an era for our weather presenting. The audience wants a bit of digital and TV – including a good old fashioned forecast.”
Speaking to The Times, one presenter added: “The team is already very lean and punched above its weight for many years producing a huge amount of output across all platforms 24 hours a day. It isn’t fair to compare it to the behemoth that is the rest of BBC News.”
In 2006, Tomasz became famous when he jokingly raised his middle finger to newsreader Simon McCoy live on air and enjoyed a media career off the back off it, going on to model for magazines and appear on TV shows like Celebrity MasterChef, Would I Lie To You?, Pointless Celebrities, and The Weakest Link.
Meanwhile, Darren presented Look North before becoming part of the launch team for BBC News 24 in 1997, and is currently the main weather presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. Before joining the BBC in 1998, Louise worked as a weather presenter for Central Television, has been seen on Countryfile and is regularly fronts the weather segment on BBC News At Six.
Another presenter told the outlet that whilst there is still an audience for weather, there is a push to lean towards a more digital output with the genre.
The insider said: “The appetite for weather has massively grown, but people standing in front of a map giving a national picture is less relevant. We are going to be more digital-focused because there’s a really strong argument that what is now needed is more reporting than presenting.”
The BBC initially cut ties with the Met Office service in 2017 and turned to Dutch MeteoGroup, which was the acquired by the US weather services company DTN, for their meteorological output. But last year, a new deal was put in place which meant the broadcaster would reunite with the UK’s national weather and climate service.
Announcing the changes and a more digital approach to the output following the summer heatwave, BBC News’ interim CEO Jonathan Munro said: “As this summer’s heatwaves have proved, up-to-the minute and accurate weather information has never been more important.
“I’m looking forward to our partnership with the Met Office – this is a very apt time for our two trusted national institutions to be reunited.”
It all comes amid what the BBC has called a £500 million cost-cutting drive, with staple programmes Live at the Apollo, Blankety Blank and Celebrity Mastermind having already faced the axe.
Executives are aiming for at least £100 million in yearly recurring savings, which will eventually cut original television output by 100 to 150 hours across the broadcaster.
Falling audiences also had a significant influence on the decisions. Live at the Apollo plummeted from 1.3 million viewers in 2018 to approximately 660,000 for its most recent series.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Mastermind tumbled from an average of 4 million viewers in 2017 to 1.7 million. Blankety Blank similarly dropped from 5.5 million viewers during its 2021 debut to 2.3 million. BBC One’s Breakfast will no longer air on Sunday mornings from September whilst the production teams making Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg and Newsnight will merge.
Radio 4’s The World Tonight will end from September, and the number of permanent presenters on Today will be cut from five to four with a single anchor on the show on Saturdays. World Tonight is being replaced by Newshour, and Breakfast on Sunday is being replaced by the BBC News Channel.
The Mirror has contacted representatives for comment.
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ANYONE heading to two of the UK’s busiest airports are being warned of major travel disruption until the end of the day.
Trains between central London and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are are currently disrupted due to train issues.
A tunnel closure between Hayes and Harlington and Heathrow has caused problems this morning.
There are currently no Elizabeth Line trains between the west London station and Heathrow terminals 4 and 5 and there are also a number of delays on other lines heading to Paddington.
National Rail has said that the tunnel has been closed for safety reasons.
The Heathrow Express is also currently running on a reduced service, with two trains per hour from London Paddington instead of four.
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Disruption is also expected until the end of the day.
The tunnel closure is reportedly due to a water leak on the line.
Tickets are being accepted across the Piccadilly Line as well as numerous different buses.
There are two tunnels that link the airport to the main trainline, but with only one remaining open, trains have to wait at the tunnel to get in or out of the airport.
It is bad news for anyone heading to London Gatwick Airport as well, as there has been a fire beside the track causing delays to rail services between London and the South East.
The fire has caused damage to the overhead signalling cables and currently passengers are being asked to allow an extra 30 minutes for their journey to the airport.
Currently, services between London Victoria and Eastbourne are suspended along with Gatwick Express services.
Thameslink services which run between Three Bridges and Bedford are also suspended.
A Gatwick Express statement says: “You should travel on alternative Southern or Thameslink services towards your destination.
“If you’re travelling towards a different London terminal to normal, you will be able to change trains at stations along the route, such as Haywards Heath, Gatwick Airport, or East Croydon, for a train towards your destination.
“Alternatively, you can use London Underground to travel between stations once you’ve arrived in the London area.”
16:15, 09 Aug 2026Updated 16:18, 09 Aug 2026
Ruth Madeley is currently taking on lead role, Dr Gabrielle Fox, in BBC’s thrilling new series The Rapture(Image: BBC)
BBC viewers have been left hooked with new thriller show The Rapture.
The five-part psychological series is adapted from Liz Jensen’s bestselling novel. A synopsis teases of the show: “As temperatures rise, a convicted murderer foretells apocalyptic disaster – is she a manipulative psychopath or does she know the truth? High-stakes thriller crackling with danger.”
In the show, Ruth Madeley plays Dr Gabrielle Fox, who starts a new job at a psychiatric hospital where she is assigned 17-year-old inmate Bethany Krall, played by India Amarteifio.
As talented actress Ruth, 39, takes on the lead role, viewers have been keen to learn more about the actress’ life off-screen, especially as she recently appeared in BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?
On Ruth’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, the genealogy team uncovered what turned out to be a huge family secret on her dad’s side.
The family discovered that Ruth’s grandmother, Beatrice, was adopted and no one else knew, including her father, Geoff, as his mother Beatrice never told him this fact.
Talking about the discovery on the show, Ruth said: “No one knew. My dad had no idea. So that was a huge shock. As far as, like, we’re concerned, we’re all just born, raised, died in Manchester.”
Meanwhile, while talking to her father, he responded over the bombshell: “When I got that phone call, I thought, ‘what’s going on?’ You could have knocked me down with a feather” to which Ruth replied: “Wow!”
Her dad continued: “I’m dead surprised that my grandma never said anything. That’s the only thing that I can’t get my head around.”
On the show, Ruth revealed that she and her family – her parents and sister Liz – are “really close, like, shockingly close”. The actress joked: “We are quite a stubborn, determined family, so it wouldn’t surprise me if we had traits of that here, there and everywhere.”
Away from the TV sets and shows, Ruth is loved-up with her husband Joe Lawrence, whom she has known since they were five-years-old.
Unlike his wife Ruth, Joe doesn’t work in showbiz or the acting world. He is the owner of a company that trains people to operate cranes and for many years he was also a motorbike racer.
In 2024, after 12 years together, Ruth and Joe made things official and tied the knot. Talking about their wedding on Who Do You Think You Are?, Ruth revealed they had their wedding reception at fully accessible theatre, 53two in Manchester, which Ruth is a patron of.
Ruth said: “It is like my special place. I feel very at home here. And the best bit, so we had our wedding reception here and it was epic. It was so good.”
The actress previously said: “We were friends forever, we were always going to end up together, and obviously now he thinks that what I’m doing for a living is absolutely hysterical. He’s not an actor, he’s very grounded, it’s nice to be able to go home and not talk about it.”
The couple have two fur children – a cat and an adorable Bulldog, who both made an appearance of Who Do You Think You Are?
Ruth, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, underwent many spinal operations throughout her childhood. Opening up, Ruth said: “In my secondary school years, those teenage years were really, really hard, but it was never seen as a reason to not achieve or not be happy.
“I never grew up seeing anyone who looked like me on screen. I really didn’t. Oh, acting was a complete accident. I was doing some work experience at the BBC and a producer I met was casting something for, I think it was a children’s drama.
“Yeah, I landed my first role and it developed in a very wonderful way, thank goodness.”
The actress joked: “I absolutely love my job. I feel so privileged to say that I do what I do for a living. I mean, I would do it for free. Actually, don’t say that on camera!”
A HISTORIC tram depot that is one of the last of its kind is set to be transformed into a major tourist attraction.
Dating back to 1870, Clapton Tram Depot in East London will undergo a huge glow-up with 34 independent businesses and boutiques including photographers and artists.
Outside the depot, there are then plans to create an open courtyard area, as well as a terrace.
There is already a gym open at the site as well as a cafe-deli.
The depot is one of the last surviving Victorian horse-drawn tram hubs in London and was used to transfer Londoners between Clapton and the Moorgate area.
At the depot itself, it was once home to 600 horses, with stables on the first floor and tram tracks as well as where the tram carriages were washed on the ground floor.
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The depot stopped being used in 1907 and since has been used as a World War II aircraft parts factory and a bus station.
Since 2008, it has even faced demolition twice.
The latest transformation will see historic features kept such as the original shed structures as well as bring back the tram-track details.
Sim Batth, head of property for Gilini – the team behind the transformation – said: “When we acquired Clapton Tram Depot, we were acquiring something irreplaceable, a working creative ecosystem that has survived two decades of development pressure.
“Our commitment from the outset was that any scheme had to preserve what makes this place worth saving.”
The project is expected to take between a year-and-a-half and two years to complete.
THE biggest Legoland in the world has just celebrated its first birthday – and its MUCH bigger than the one in the UK.
The park in Shanghai is a whopping 318,000 square metres and it’s home to largest Lego figurine in the world.
Legoland Shanghai Resort is the only one in the country and in its first year of opening, saw two million visitors through its doors.
Aimed at families with children between 2-12 years old, the park has immersive experiences, eight themed zones and a Lego-themed hotel.
Legoland Shanghai makes an impression before visitors even enter the park thanks to its enormous Lego figure called Dada.
The figure is 26 metres tall and holds the record for the largest ever built.
It sets the tone for the theme park which has 75 attractions overall.
They are set in amongst the eight lands: Brick Street, Bricktopia, Legoland Creative World, Lego City, Lego Ninjago, Lego Friends, Lego Castle, and Lego Monkie Kid.
Rides vary but the biggest and longest rollercoaster at Legoland Shanghai is the Big Lego Coaster.
The ride actually passes through the hands of the Dada figurine and has a top speed of 52.8mph.
One unique experience the world-first water-town boat tour, which takes them on a cruise through a Chinese water town built entirely from Lego bricks.
Another first for the brand at this resort is Legoland Creative World – which allows visitors to see the largest Lego Minifigure in history.
There are also a number of live shows at Brick Street and Bricktopia.
Another attraction is a jet-ski based Water Race Challenge, there’s also boat building competitions and a ‘Beach Party’.
In the Lego Castle land, guests are transported into a magical land with wizards and dragons.
Fans of the UK’s Legoland in Windsor will be familiar with the driving school where kids can complete a circuit in their very own car and get their driving licence.
If any visitors need help, they can communicate with the world’s first AI Brick Girl Minifigure that helps visitors explore the Creative World.
And amongst all the rides and models, guests can also interact with robotic minifigures.
Guests can talk to them and according to Blooloop, they ‘respond to you in real time’.
That’s not the only part that has it’s very own AI robot – there are more at the 250-room hotel.
Called Little O, the fully interactive astronaut-themed robot talks to guests, welcomes them at check-in, shares facts and performs dances.
Inside the hotel are themed rooms like Monkie Kid and Ninjago with character meet-ups and even pyjama dance parties.
When it’s time to eat, the park has six restaurants, for example, Bricks Restaurant offers Lego-themed dining from Brick House Burgers with buns in the shape of Lego bricks, Brick fries and Apple Fries with ice cream.
Of course, there are souvenirs are everywhere, visitors can build their own Minifigures, engrave their own bricks and buy Lego sets.
As for tickets, Legoland Shanghai offers day passes from ¥300 (£33.33) and has offers like half-price one-day child ticket from ¥175 (£19.44).
A POPULAR beach destination in the UK is about to get a huge makeover.
The UK’s first seaside town – Scarborough – will soon have an upgraded train station.
Made Britain’s first seaside resort in the early 17th century after mineral waters were discovered in the town, the train station project is expected to cost millions.
Plans include upgrading the forecourt at the Grade-II listed Victorian station, with new seating, a taxi rank, drop-off areas and a pedestrian area.
There will be a new station roof too, as well as two accessible parking bays, alongside new taxi drop-off spaces.
The redevelopment is being funded by part of the £6.68million Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.
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Plans to upgrade the train station were first submitted three years ago.
Though, the proposals have changed over the years with original plans set to make the entire forecourt pedestrianised.
Parts of the train station have already been upgraded earlier this year as part of a £14million project that included upgrading the ticket office and waiting room.
The roof was also repaired to weatherproof it, including adding new glass.
One of the most recognisable parts of Scarborough Station is the clock tower which was also restored.
Trains from the station head to different destinations including Sheffield and York.
