link

Coronation Street fans are convinced Cassie Plummer and Becky Swain are linked in some way, and now a scene on the ITV soap featuring a phone call has added fuel to the theory

Fans think there’s a secret link between two Coronation Street characters, and the latest episode may have ‘confirmed’ this.

Cassie Plummer spoke about helping someone with business in Spain, before speaking in Spanish on the phone. With fans already suspecting prior to this that Cassie could be somehow linked to villain Becky Swain, this scene left fans wondering if it was a given now.

After all, Becky returned from the dead months ago and it was revealed for the past four years, she has been hiding out in Spain. She’s now being told she has to return there to stop her cover being blown, with Becky wanting daughter Betsy to go with her, as well as her ex Lisa Swain.

All the sudden talk about Spain, and a scene last week that involved both Cassie and Becky, has sparked a theory that they secretly know each other. So when Cassie spoke in Spanish and revealed all about her link to the country, fans wondered if this was proof that she and Becky know each other, and that Cassie knows all about her dodgy dealings.

READ MORE: Coronation Street fans ‘work out’ Glenda’s new love interest – and he’s a familiar faceREAD MORE: Coronation Street’s Jodie Prenger promises more comedy after criticism over dark scenes

Taking to social media, one fan said: “Cassie speaking Spanish and knowing someone in Spain… helped him with his business… she must know Becky!! The links are starting to link.”

Another fan agreed: “If this isn’t a clue to Cassie knowing or recognising dodgy business in Spain *couch* Becky I don’t know what is. Surely this isn’t coincidence.”

A third fan added: “So Cassie can speak Spanish and helped an ex out with his ‘business’ in Spain. Oh she is so gonna be the one to reveal backhand Becky’s dodgy dealings!”

A final comment read: “So, Cassie’s talking about a Spanish boyfriend, Peter’s name being dropped recently, and Becky’s been living in Alicante. Is this all a coincidence??”

It follows another theory suggesting Cassie might know Becky, and could trigger her downfall. Fans noted her watching as Carla Connor confronted Becky for kissing Lisa Swain, and she seemed very interested.

Viewers may recall Cassie was sleeping rough while she was taking drugs. She’s now in recovery, but could Cassie and Becky have crossed paths when Cassie was on drugs?

One theory is that Becky was her dealer as others wondered if she arrested her. A fan commented: “Cassie looked like she thinks she’s seen Becky somewhere before!”

Another said: “Right it can’t just be me, it’s going to transpire Cassie knows Becky somehow isn’t it? ISN’T IT?!” A third fan wrote: “That was a look of recognition for Cassie surely. Has Becky arrested her in the past?”

A theory suggested: “Oh she’s come across her before in her past… drugs?” as another read: “I reckon she was a mate of that Tia and was in the shadows and witnessed her murder/death.” A further tweet said: “Sold her drugs is more like it.”

The theories kept on coming with one reading: “Has Becky arrested her at some point?” as someone suggested they met in Spain. A final tweet said: “I’m thinking Cassie may have had some dealings with Rebecca in the past.”

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Oct. 30 (UPI) — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said that there is not sufficient evidence to claim that Tylenol causes autism a month after the White House discouraged pregnant women and young children from using the pain reliever.

Kennedy said that while evidence does not support the claim that Tylenol causes autism, he said it should still be used cautiously.

“The causative association … between Tylenol given in pregnancy and the perinatal period is not sufficient to say it definitely causes autism,” Kennedy told reporters. “But it is very suggestive.” Kennedy cited animal, blood clotting and observational studies as the reason for his concerns over Tylenol.

“There should be a cautious approach to it,” he continued.

Earlier this week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxon sued Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, over health concerns. Acetaminophen, the active analgesic in Tylenol, has been widely marketed and sold for decades as an effective pain reliever and fever reducer.

Trump administration officials denied that Kennedy’s statement was a softening of his stance on Tylenol, and claimed it is consistent with his previous statements.

Kennedy said an August study found “interventions” that could be causing autism. A month later, he and President Donald Trump, neither of whom have any formal medical training, warned pregnant women against taking acetaminophen without citing any scientific evidence.

In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that in 2022, 1 in 13 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8, up from 1 in 36 in 2020, and a five fold increase since 2000.

An Oscar-winning actress has been revealed as the narrator for a documentary about King Charles III titled Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision, which is due for release in early 2026

A BAFTA-winning actress is set to lend her voice to a Prime Video documentary that explores King Charles‘s dedication to aligning nature and humanity. The documentary, titled ‘Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision’, is slated for release in early 2026.

Narrated by Titanic’s Kate Winslet, it will spotlight the work of The King’s Foundation, a charity established by Charles in 1990. Oscar-winning actress Winslet expressed her excitement about the project, stating: “It is a both pleasure and a privilege to be a part of this film, which is a fascinating insight into the King’s work as an environmentalist.”

She added: “I share His Majesty’s passion for protecting our planet and building sustainable communities, so it’s been really rewarding to work with The King’s Foundation on this exciting project.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle accused of cashing in on royal name in latest As Ever product launchREAD MORE: Prince Harry baffled when quizzed over Taylor Swift after she snubs Meghan

“I know audiences will learn, laugh and feel inspired by what’s featured in the film, and I hope the impact of Harmony will be felt in years to come.”

Earlier this year, the Titanic star, who is now 50, became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation. She was also present at the foundation’s awards ceremony at St James’s Palace in June.

Known for her roles in films such as The Holiday (2006), The Reader (2008) and Revolutionary Road (2008), Winslet is also set to appear in the upcoming Avatar sequel, Fire And Ash.

The documentary following the monarch will delve into the King’s “harmony” philosophy, which views everything in nature as interconnected, including ourselves, as per The King’s Foundation. It will reveal how The King’s Foundation, based at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, has championed this philosophy through initiatives centred on community regeneration, sustainable textiles and traditional crafts.

Director Nicolas Brown said: “Working with Kate Winslet on this film has been transformational. She has the perfect blend of intellect and star power to tell this story like no one else could.

“His Majesty King Charles III has lived such an incredible life, striving to bring humankind into harmony with the natural world for over half a century. It’s an epic tale, full of drama, and Kate has turned it into a story that any one of us will relate to. We are so fortunate to have an artist of her calibre on the team.”

Kristina Murrin, chief executive of The King’s Foundation, added: “Through the film we hope that viewers will gain a better understanding of His Majesty’s Philosophy of Harmony, which is so central to our work at The King’s Foundation.

“We are thrilled that Kate is a part of this journey with us and look forward to sharing the film with the world next year.”

Produced by Passion Planet, the documentary will stream exclusively on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide early next year. Last year, Amazon released A Very Royal Scandal – a dramatised account of Prince Andrew’s infamous Newsnight interview.

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

READ MORE: The £23 anti-theft Mary Poppins bag named ‘every day armour’ for holidays

LONDON — Prince Andrew said Friday he is giving up his royal title of the Duke of York and other honors after his friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein returned to the headlines.

Andrew, the younger brother to King Charles III, said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace that “the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the royal family.”

“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me,” Andrew said in his statement Friday. “As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

The news came in the wake of the release of excerpts of an upcoming posthumous memoir from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who has alleged she was trafficked by Epstein and had sex with Andrew when she was 17.

It’s the latest fall from grace for the 65-year-old prince, who had already stepped down from public life in 2019 over his links to Epstein despite his denials of any wrongdoing.

Giuffre died by suicide in April at the age of 41. In the memoir, she details alleged encounters with Prince Andrew, who she sued in 2021, claiming that they had sex when she was 17. Andrew denied her claims and said he didn’t recall having met her.

Andrew, once second in line to the British throne, has long been a source of tabloid fodder because of his links to Epstein, other questionable characters and money woes.

His attempt to refute Giuffre’s allegations backfired during a November 2019 BBC interview. Viewers saw a prince who proffered curious rebuttals — such as disputing Giuffre’s recollection of sweaty dancing by saying he was medically incapable of perspiring — and showed no empathy for the women who said Epstein abused them.

Within days of the interview, Andrew stepped down from his royal duties. Giuffre sued him and the case was settled in 2022 for an undisclosed sum. A statement filed in court said that the prince acknowledged Epstein was a sex trafficker and Giuffre was “an established victim of abuse.”

As well as no longer using the title of the Duke of York, a long-established title that was gifted to him by his mother Queen Elizabeth II at his wedding to Sarah Ferguson in 1986, Andrew will also give up other titles: Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. He will remain a prince, which he has been entitled to since birth.

Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson will also no longer use the title of Duchess of York. Their children, Beatrice and Eugenie, will remain princesses.

Andrew’s chaotic marriage to Ferguson, widely known as Fergie, lasted a decade though the two remain close, living together at a 30-room mansion near Windsor Castle. He has long been criticized for his opulent, globe-trotting lifestyle.

Andrew had been the poster boy of the royal family for many years, and his romantic links to a number of models and starlets during his youth were widely chronicled in the British press.

His star status within the royal family was at its peak after he flew in multiple missions as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy during the 1982 Falklands War when British forces sailed to the south Atlantic to eject the Argentine military that had invaded the U.K. overseas territories.

Lawless and Pylas write for the Associated Press.

Many top cryptocurrencies have performed well in the last year, including Chainlink (LINK 2.47%). As I write this (Oct. 1), the leading oracle cryptocurrency is up by about 95% year on year. Oracles are the backbone to many blockchain ecosystems because they provide the data that keeps everything running.

Chainlink describes itself as “the missing link between blockchains and the real world.” Not only can Chainlink act as a bridge between blockchain systems and existing networks, it also helps individual blockchains to talk to each other.

It secures over $100 billion in funds on-chain, according to DefiLlama, and claims to have facilitated over $25 trillion in transactions. Put simply, if blockchain continues to gain mainstream adoption, oracle cryptos like Chainlink will play a key role.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why Chainlink still has room to grow

The passing of the GENIUS Act in the U.S. removed a major obstacle that had been stopping blockchain projects, particularly stablecoins, from going mainstream. Now, major financial institutions, banks, payment providers, and even stock exchanges are looking at ways to integrate blockchain technology into their operations.

That integration goes beyond stablecoins to include things like decentralized applications, tokenized real-world assets, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). It isn’t clear what shape it will take, but much of it will rely on smart contracts — tiny pieces of blockchain-based, self-executing code. And smart contracts rely on the type of information that Chainlink provides.

It’s all very well having blockchain code that automatically triggers in certain situations without the need for middlemen. But if the information feeding the code is faulty, the whole system breaks down. Those smart contracts need accurate data, whether that’s on chain or in the real world.

Let’s say you have a decentralized sports betting application. The smart contracts can only pay out if they know which team won and what happened in the game. That comes from an oracle. Similarly, accurate data about, say currency or stock prices, is crucial for stablecoins or tokenized stocks to function.

Chainlink is at the forefront of what could be a new frontier. It recently announced the launch of DataLink, which allows institutions to easily publish data on blockchains. It is partnering with the German stock exchange to make real-time information available on over 40 blockchains. It’s working with the U.S. government to bring macroeconomic data online. And it has been collaborating with Swift, the international payment messaging system, on ways to connect its network to the blockchain.

What might hold Chainlink back

With all those positive drivers, you might wonder why Chainlink hasn’t been able to reclaim its all-time high (ATH) from May 2021. It’s been trading between around $20 and $25 for the past month, but in the last crypto bull run, it topped $50 per coin. That’s partly because we haven’t seen an altcoin frenzy this year — much of the growth has been dominated by Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The bigger reason is Chainlink’s tokenomics. The project has a capped supply of 1 billion tokens, of which almost 680 million tokens are in circulation today. A further 7% of the total supply gets released each year.

Its market cap is around $15 billion today, compared to just over $20 billion at its ATH. This shows that Chainlink has recovered a lot more of its value than the price alone might suggest. It also represents a risk: Until the number of tokens in circulation stops increasing, demand has to go up as new tokens get released, to prevent diluting the coin price. Yep, inflation is a concern in cryptocurrencies, too. 

More broadly, there’s a risk that a stablecoin boom doesn’t materialize in the way the market expects. We’ve seen people get excited about the potential to upend traditional financial systems before, particularly around payments and global money transfers. But it takes time to change systems that have taken a century or more to build. And a high-profile stablecoin de-pegging, security incident, or technical glitch could send institutions back to the drawing board.

Chainlink will be part of the solution

While it isn’t the only oracle blockchain out there, Chainlink is currently streaks ahead of the competition. DefiLllama says it has over 60% of the total value secured. That said, its biggest competitor, Pyth (PYTH 6.06%), is growing and will also partner with the U.S. government. Even so, if the stablecoin or tokenized asset markets are about to boom, there’s ample room for several oracles to flourish.

It’s important to make sure any cryptocurrency investment only makes up a small portion of your wider portfolio. But if you’re looking for a picks-and-shovels approach to the stablecoin boom, Chainlink is worth a closer look. In addition to its growing utility, there may soon be the launch of a couple of spot Chainlink exchange-traded funds (ETFs). That makes it easier to invest in Chainlink and potentially also boost its price.

Emmerdale’s latest episode reveals who mystery newcomer Kev, played by actor Chris Coghill, really is and how he’s linked to Robert Sugden on the ITV soap amid a new twist

There’s a big discovery on Emmerdale on Monday, as newcomer Kev’s link to Robert Sugden comes to light.

Actor Chris Coghill debuts on the ITV soap in the episode that is available to watch on ITVX now. In said episode, we finally find out who he is and why he’s in the village.

The Mirror have chosen not to give these details away just yet for viewers tuning in to ITV1 on Monday evening. This article does contain some slight spoilers though, so look away now if you want to avoid any details.

In the episode, Kev locates Robert and he soon gets invited into his home. It follows Friday’s episode that saw someone, known as K, texting Robert and leaving him unnerved.

READ MORE: Emmerdale’s Anthony ‘not the body dug up by Caleb’ as John’s real victim ‘revealed’READ MORE: Emmerdale reveals who Gabby slept with as Vinny betrayal exposed

The message asked Robert to “stop ignoring” him, and Robert began looking around to see if anyone was watching him. On Monday, we see Kev arrive in the village and asking for directions to where he might find Robert.

Robert opens the door to a very familiar face, Kev. As he watches to see if anyone has spotted them together, he quickly closes the door and it becomes clear they know each other.

In this episode it details who he is and how he and Robert know each other, as we learn more about his time in prison. Victoria Sugden, Robert’s sister, walks in on the pair holding hands and quickly questions what is going on.

Confused, she demands answers with Robert left to explain who Kev is. Viewers can expect an explanation about it all, while later in the week spoilers reveal Robert is caught up in a “tricky situation” that he has caused for himself.

But what does this mean for Robert and Aaron Dingle, amid hopes of a Robron reunion? On Friday Aaron tried to kiss his ex, after a traumatic few weeks thanks to his killer husband John Sugden.

Robert rejected the kiss though, telling Aaron that he didn’t want them to reunite “like this”, knowing what Aaron was going through. Aaron initially acted out over this but soon realised Robert was supporting him.

He told Robert he couldn’t get through the turmoil on his own, grateful to have him by his side even if “just as mates”. Robert promised he’d help “fix” him and that he was going nowhere – but what will Kev’s arrival bring to the pair, and how will Aaron react to Kev’s arrival when he finds out?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

A Cotswolds town has been described as a ‘hidden gem’ and is a must-visit location for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway with plenty of charm

A ‘wonderful’ quintessential English market town, brimming with history and charm, is a must-visit destination with its ancient buildings, historic streets and unique timber inns.

This ‘hidden gem’ also boasts over 60 delightful independent shops that attract locals and tourists alike throughout the year.

The Cotswolds town may not be as well-known as other tourist spots, but it’s described as a ‘fabulous’ location with numerous picturesque walks in the surrounding area.

Perched above the River Isbourne in Gloucestershire, the town is conveniently located near the scenic Cotswold Way in the Tewkesbury Borough.

Here, you’ll find centuries-old buildings dating back to medieval times, including several 15th-century coaching inns now serving as restaurants, all set amidst stunning countryside that extends for miles around the town, reports the Express.

Winchcombe offers a fantastic autumn getaway with breathtaking views, charming stone cottages and historical black and white half-timbered buildings. It’s hailed as the ‘hidden jewel in the Cotswold crown’ and provides a perfect escape from city life.

The official Cotswolds website describes the town: “As well as the town centre, must see places are Sudeley Castle with its 1,000 years of royal history and stunning gardens at any time of year.

“The church which is home to an altar cloth made by Catherine of Aragon and 40 grotesques (which are shaped to look like the local characters of the 1460’s).

“Winchcombe is a delight for visitors, with a good range of shops including a wonderful deli, traditional retailers, boutique clothing, interior design and antique shops to browse.

“The town also boasts a wealth of historic pubs, some with a modern twist, several tea rooms and galleries to while away the afternoon.”

Winchcombe takes pride in its ‘Walkers are Welcome’ motto – with numerous footpaths leading through stunning countryside alongside plenty of fascinating sights en route.

There’s a Roman villa nestled in secluded terrain plus an ancient Neolithic burial ground, or visitors can trek to the summit of the Cotswold Scarp, a dramatic cliff face of the Cotswold Hills, for spectacular panoramas.

The Experience Winchcombe website described a visit to this destination as encountering a Cotswold town at its absolute best.

The website said: “Relax in our timbered inns, savour our fresh local produce and browse and buy in our independent, quality shops.

“Soak up the scenery with a walk or cycle around this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or a stroll alongside the River Isbourne.

“Discover the fascinating history and centuries-old architecture of this charming Cotswold town, or simply unwind in our breath-taking countryside.”

Winchcombe is a market town within the Borough of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, this picturesque location sits seven miles from Cheltenham – housing approximately 5000 inhabitants.

MIAMI — When Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno visits Colombia this week as part of a three-nation tour of Latin America, it will be something of a homecoming.

The Ohio senator, who defeated an incumbent last year with the help of Donald Trump’s endorsement and the highest political ad spending in U.S. Senate race history, was born in Bogota and has brothers who are heavyweights in politics and business there.

Moreno has emerged as an interlocutor for conservatives in Latin America seeking to connect with the Trump administration.

In an interview with the Associated Press ahead of the trip, he expressed deep concern about Colombia’s direction under left-wing President Gustavo Petro and suggested that U.S. sanctions, higher tariffs or other retaliatory action might be needed to steer it straight.

The recent criminal conviction of former President Alvaro Uribe, a conservative icon, was an attempt to “silence” the man who saved Colombia from guerrilla violence, Moreno said. Meanwhile, record cocaine production has left the United States less secure — and Colombia vulnerable to being decertified by the White House for failing to cooperate in the war on drugs.

“The purpose of the trip is to understand all the dynamics before any decision is made,” said Moreno, who will meet with both Petro and Uribe, as well as business leaders and local officials. “But there’s nothing that’s taken off the table at this point and there’s nothing that’s directly being contemplated.”

Elected with Trump’s support

Moreno, a luxury car dealer from Cleveland, defeated incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown last year and became Ohio’s senior senator on practically his first day in office after his close friend JD Vance resigned the Senate to become vice president.

In Congress, Moreno has mimicked Trump’s rhetoric to attack top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer as a “miserable old man out of a Dickens novel,” called on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates and threatened to subpoena California officials over their response to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

On Latin America, he’s been similarly outspoken, slamming Petro on social media as a “socialist dictator” and accusing Mexico of being on the path to becoming a “narco state.”

Such comments barely register in blue-collar Ohio, but they’ve garnered attention in Latin America. That despite the fact Moreno hasn’t lived in the region for decades, speaks Spanish with a U.S. accent and doesn’t sit on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“He’s somebody to watch,” said Michael Shifter, the former president of the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington. “He’s one of the most loyal Trump supporters in the senate and given his background in Latin America he could be influential on policy.”

Moreno, 58, starts his first congressional delegation to Latin America on Monday for two days of meetings in Mexico City with officials including President Claudia Sheinbaum. He’ll be accompanied by Terrance Cole, the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, who is making his first overseas trip since being confirmed by the Senate last month to head the premier federal narcotics agency.

Seeking cooperation with Mexico on fentanyl

Moreno, in the pre-trip interview, said that Sheinbaum has done more to combat the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. than her predecessor and mentor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who he described as a “total disaster.” But he said more cooperation is needed, and he’d like to see Mexico allow the DEA to participate in judicial wiretaps like it has for decades in Colombia and allow it to bring back a plane used in bilateral investigations that López Obrador grounded.

“The corruption becomes so pervasive, that if it’s left unchecked, it’s kind of like treating cancer,” said Moreno. “Mexico has to just come to the realization that it does not have the resources to completely wipe out the drug cartels. And it’s only going to be by asking the U.S. for help that we can actually accomplish that.”

Plans to tour the Panama Canal

From Mexico, Moreno heads to Panama, where he’ll tour the Panama Canal with Trump’s new ambassador to the country, Kevin Marino Cabrera.

In March, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate struck a deal that would’ve handed control of two ports on either end of the U.S.-built canal to American investment firm BlackRock Inc. The deal was heralded by Trump, who had threatened to take back the canal to curb Chinese influence.

However, the deal has since drawn scrutiny from antitrust authorities in Beijing and last month the seller said it was seeking to add a strategic partner from mainland China — reportedly state-owned shipping company Cosco — to the deal.

“Cosco you might as well say is the actual communist party,” said Moreno. “There’s no scenario in which Cosco can be part of the Panamanian ports.”

‘We want Colombia to be strong’

On the final leg of the tour in Colombia, Moreno will be joined by another Colombian American senator: Ruben Gallego, Democrat of Arizona. In contrast to Moreno, who was born into privilege and counts among his siblings a former ambassador to the U.S., Gallego and his three sisters were raised by an immigrant single mother on a secretary’s paycheck.

Despite their different upbringings, the two have made common cause in seeking to uphold the tradition of bilateral U.S. support for Colombia, for decades Washington’s staunchest ally in the region. It’s a task made harder by deepening polarization in both countries.

The recent sentencing of Uribe to 12 years of house arrest in a long-running witness tampering case has jolted the nation’s politics with nine months to go before decisive presidential elections. The former president is barred from running but remains a powerful leader, and Moreno said his absence from the campaign trail could alter the playing field.

He also worries that surging cocaine production could once again lead to a “narcotization” of a bilateral relationship that should be about trade, investment and mutual prosperity.

“We want Colombia to be strong, we want Colombia to be healthy, we want Colombia to be prosperous and secure, and I think the people of Colombia want the exact same thing,” he added. “So, the question is, how do we get there?”

Goodman and Smyth write for the Associated Press. Smyth reported from Columbus, Ohio.

Khan Younes, Gaza – A dear companion doesn’t have to be human to be deeply missed when lost.

Sometimes, it’s a phone – a loyal witness to your joys and sorrows, your moments of sweetness and darkest chapters of pain.

In the harshness of life in the world’s largest open-air prison, it becomes more than a device. It’s an extension of yourself; your portal to the world, your way of reaching loved ones scattered across the prison or outside it.

Through its lens, you sometimes capture joy and beauty, but more often, it only captures falling rockets or the rubble of houses covering the corpses of their residents.

But what are you left with when that loyal companion is disappeared by the genocidal chaos?

My phone succumbed to its injuries

My phone succumbed to its injuries.

I can’t believe I’m describing it this way, with the same phrase I use when reporting on thousands of my people killed after being denied urgent medical treatment, punished simply for surviving Israeli bombs.

But in its own way, my phone endured its share of this prolonged Israeli cruelty, the technocide of power-starvation, corrosion by dust and sand, suffocation in overheated tents, and the constant torment of poor connection.

It tried to hold on, but everyone has a limit of endurance. It fell the day we left our damaged home for our 14th displacement amid chaotic stampeding crowds.

Somehow it survived the heavy blow, but it only lasted 70 days after its screen cracked, its body blistered, until its wounds spread too far to bear.

And then it went dark for good.

Oddly, I felt consoled. Not because it wasn’t painful, but because I wasn’t alone. I’ve seen the same happen to others: Friends, relatives watching their phones slowly perish, just like the people they loved.

Strangely, we find comfort in these small shared losses. Our loved ones have perished, and our wellbeing is shattering, and yet we expect our phones not to. The real miracle is that they lasted this long at all.

Smartphone addiction is thrown around as a buzzword. But in Gaza, if you’re lucky enough to still have one, it’s not an addiction, it is survival.

It’s an escape. A small, glowing portal you cling to. It helps you slip briefly into the past, scrolling through memories, staring at the faces of loved ones who are now names on graves or names you still whisper in hope.

Your phone’s emotionless memory still holds their beautiful smiles. It connects you to people you can’t reach, voices you can’t otherwise hear. It dulls the pain not by healing it, but by distracting you.

Like a hunger you can’t satisfy, so you scroll through reels of mouth-watering food, mocking your emptiness.

You watch strangers at family dinners while your table is buried under rubble. You wonder, how dare they post such scenes, knowing that children are being starved to death a few kilometres away? And yet you keep scrolling, because for a moment, it’s a brutal soothing sedative.

‘Are you alive?’

When you’re someone who reports daily on the ongoing genocide to the world, finding a new companion becomes an inevitable must. Yet the quest is disastrous in Gaza.

You might think it’s impossible to find one here, where life has become ruins and even bread is scarce, but surprisingly, there are plenty of options, even the latest high-end brands that somehow found their way through the blockade.

But this is Gaza, where a bag of flour costs $700, so the cost of a phone is on a whole different level.

Even the lowest-quality phones in makeshift shops sell for more than what it costs to build the shop itself, inflated by genocidal conditions.

And it doesn’t stop there. You must pay in cash, in a place where almost nothing is free except the air you breathe.

An iPhone might cost $1,000 elsewhere, but here it costs $4,200.

So you turn to cheaper options, hoping for something more affordable, but the calculations remain the same.

But that’s not me – because either way, by spending such unthinkable amounts, you’re solidifying the very reality your captors are trying to impose, and doing it with your own money.

You realise that you’re feeding into their design. We’re already draining whatever’s left in our pockets just for flour during this genocidal siege, and we don’t know how long it will last.

So you cling to what you have, to avoid paying your soul at a GHF centre for deadly “aid” you’ll never get.

For a while now, I’ve felt paralysed, a helplessness especially familiar during June’s two-week total communication blackout imposed by Israel – during which my phone finally died in total silence.

When the captor cuts yet another lifeline, it’s more than just being unable to check on loved ones. It means ambulances can’t be called. It means a wounded person might die in the dark, unheard.

It’s like someone is out there, cruelly deciding when you’re allowed to contact the world or to be contacted, to receive the now-typical: “Are you alive?”

There’s a cruel irony in Israel issuing expulsion orders online even as it cuts off the networks people in Gaza need to receive them. You only find out when you see thousands flooding the streets, the earth trembling beneath their feet from Israeli attacks.

The hand that controls your digital lifeline is the same one that’s been blockading and colonising your land for years.

And you realise, with certainty, that if they could block the very air you breathe, they would not hesitate.

So, you rise

There are still moments when, instinctively, I reach out to call someone or check something – but my hand touches nothing.

My companion is gone. I remain phoneless, helpless under blockade, both digital and physical.

And then, you start to compare your shackles to the abundance your captors enjoy, genociding you with full access to every technological privilege, every luxury.

You, on the other hand, are being hunted down with the world’s most advanced weapons, under the watchful eye and silent complicity of the tech giants whose tools are backing your erasure.

While they use satellites and precision-guided missiles, you just want to tell the world you’re still here.

How vital your lost companion was. It wasn’t just a phone. It was your sword, your shield, your witness.

And in the face of this tyranny, surrendering is something you cannot afford. So, you rise.

You whisper, “Rest in power, my companion,” because we refuse to be slaughtered in silence.

We will keep telling our truth, even if all we have left is a scrap of paper and a drop of ink.

Sweden striker Alexander Isak heavily linked to Liverpool move after reportedly telling Newcastle he wants to leave.

Newcastle have rejected Liverpool’s opening bid to sign unsettled Sweden striker Alexander Isak, according to reports.

Isak has been training at his old club Real Sociedad this week after reportedly telling Newcastle he wants to leave St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old has been linked with Liverpool since the end of last season, and the Premier League champions are now believed to have formalised their interest with an offer of about 110 million pounds ($146m) plus potential add-ons.

But Newcastle, who reportedly value Isak at 150 million pounds ($199m), remain eager to hold on to their prize asset and have rebuffed Liverpool’s initial bid.

Isak, who joined Newcastle in a 60-million-pound ($80m) move from Real Sociedad in 2022, scored 23 Premier League goals last season to help Newcastle qualify for the Champions League.

He has three years left on his Newcastle contract, but did not travel to Asia for the Magpies’ ongoing preseason tour, with the club saying he had a minor thigh injury.

On Thursday, Real Sociedad confirmed he was at their Zubieta facility with his own trainers.

It was reported on Friday that Newcastle had told Isak he could agree a new deal containing a get-out clause for next year, but he responded by insisting he wants to move now.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has already bolstered his attacking options by signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike and Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz during the current transfer window.

But the Reds are eager to make their forward line even more formidable by adding Isak, as they look to win back-to-back English titles for the first time since the 1980s.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe struck a defiant note earlier this week when he said: “He is still our player. He’s contracted to us.

“We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.

“My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”

Liverpool have spent more than 250 million pounds ($332m) so far in the summer window, with Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili joining Wirtz and Ekitike at Anfield.

Emmerdale has signed up EastEnders and Slow Horses actor Chris Coghill who will play new character Kev, who has a secret link to another villager paving the way for huge scenes

A new Emmerdale character has been confirmed, with a former EastEnders star signing up for the role.

New mystery character Kev will debut on the ITV soap in September, and it’s soon revealed he is linked to another villager. Not only that, but more than one character will feature in big scenes as Kev’s arrival has “major repercussions”.

Actor Chris Coghill, who played EastEnders villain Tony King, has confirmed he will be playing Kev as he teased what was on the cards. Soap producer Laura Shaw also promised big scenes ahead, as the character first appears to be someone who is lost.

He’ll be shown looking for directions, and soon enough we learn who he is looking for and why he wants to see them. The character, yet to be revealed, is said to have “a strong connection” to Kev in a storyline yet to be detailed.

There’s clearly a past between them, but fans will just have to wait and see who it is and what Kev wants. Fans can expect “shockwaves” to hit the village in another big plot for the ITV soap.

READ MORE: EastEnders schedule shake-up sparks ‘technical error’ as fans spot Jack Branning blunder

Speaking about joining the show, actor Chris teased his mysterious character would “shake things up”. He said: “I am really happy to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. Kev is definitely going to shake things up a bit and I’m looking forward to getting cracking!”

Soap producer Laura spilled: “We are delighted that someone of Chris’ calibre has joined our cast. I think the viewers will be intrigued to see how the character of Kev will cause shockwaves this autumn.

“Kev has a strong connection to one of our characters and it’s safe to say his arrival is going to be a massive surprise that will have major repercussions for some of our villagers.” More will be revealed closer to the time.

As well as his well known stint in EastEnders, actor Chris has also had other big roles in shows including Slow Horses, The Bay and Shameless. He’s now heading to the Dales, and fans can see his debut at the end of September.

He isn’t the only new face in the village, with recent arrivals including new villain Ray played by actor Joe Absolom, and new farmer Celia played by actress Jaye Griffiths. Both characters have brought trouble to the village, and this is set to continue over the next few months.

There’s also a big episode on the way featuring characters Aaron Dingle and Mackenzie Boyd this September. A huge plot will air across a big week of episodes, with it said a special set has been built for filming.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

The live-action “Legend of Zelda” movie has found its stars.

Legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who’s an executive producer on the film, announced Wednesday on X that Bo Bragason will portray Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will play Link in Nintendo and Sony’s film. Miyamoto created the hit video game series with Takashi Tezuka.

British actor Bo Bragason is known for her roles in BBC One’s “Three Girls” and “The Jetty,” as well as Disney+’s “Renegade Nell” and the 2024 vampire comedy “The Radleys.”

Ainsworth, also from the U.K., voiced Pinocchio in Disney+’s live-action “Pinocchio” in 2022 and played Miles in Netflix’s “The Haunting of Bly Manor.” He also stars in the Canadian series “Son of a Critch” and the comedy “Everything’s Going to Be Great.”

The actors’ young ages — 21 and 16 — have sparked fan speculation that the film may draw from “The Wind Waker” or “Ocarina of Time” games, which feature Zelda and Link as teens.

While initially slated for a March 2027 release, production delays have shifted the film’s launch to May 7, 2027.

The project is helmed by director Wes Ball, known for the “Maze Runner” trilogy and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” A huge fan of the franchise, Ball told Entertainment Weekly in late 2023 that he wanted to create something more akin to “a live-action Miyazaki” than “The Lord of the Rings.”

“That wonder and whimsy that he brings to things, I would love to see something like that,” he told EW about the renowned Japanese animator.

Avi Arad is also producing the film.

The adaptation marks Nintendo’s second big-screen foray after 2023’s mega-successful “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The animated film grossed about $1.4 billion worldwide.

The action-adventure video game franchise, released in 1986, follows young hero Link on his quests to rescue Princess Zelda and overcome the villain Ganon. Missions include navigating dungeons, solving puzzles and taking on an array of enemies.

Celebrated for its innovative gameplay, installments of the popular game include “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” In the years since, the franchise has expanded beyond video games and into other media like animated series and comic books, and now film.

When I was invited on a trip to Cognac in the south of France, I could never have anticipated learning so much about myself and my hometown in the process

When I headed to the beautiful region of Cognac, France, it was somewhere I hadn’t really heard much about except for the drink (of which I wasn’t a huge fan).

Despite it not being on my initial radar, I am a firm believer in exploring new places and cultures as they can capture your imagination in completely unexpected ways. Still, when I arrived in Cognac, what I unveiled was never something I could have anticipated.

When I first landed in France, I immediately had a full day of activities planned including a tour of the beautiful home of Baume de Bauteville balsamic vinegar, and a visit to the iconic Remy Martin Cognac house for a private tour complete with a guide to its history and, of course, Cognac tasting sessions. I wasn’t a huge fan of the drink before, but I soon changed my tune. Of course I was posting all about my trip – and that’s when a friend back home got in touch with an interesting revelation.

READ MORE: UK’s ‘most Instagrammable city’ has gorgeous views ‘prettier than Santorini’

They informed me that Cognac was twinned with Perth, Scotland – which just so happens to be my hometown. It completely stole my imagination and got me researching. Immediately I had a lightbulb moment; Perth is also a distillery town, so of course I learned this after a day at a distillery! That was the first piece of the puzzle. So I looked into it all a little bit more.

Twin cities are a concept most of us will have heard of but probably have never thought about before. I will hold my hands up and say that the only time I had ever truly thought of them was when I saw the names on road signs when coming into towns and cities. That is about as far as my knowledge about them went, until now.

READ MORE: Picturesque UK town ‘rivals Amalfi coast’ with colourful houses and pretty beach

The concept of a Twin City was first coined after the end of WWII in a bid to promote both cultural and commercial ties to the two cities that were involved., whilst also promoting prosperity in a post-war landscape. However, the first ‘official’ twin cities agreement happened in 1931, when Toledo, Ohio twinned with Toledo, Spain.

I could not believe that I had absolutely no idea that Cognac and Perth were twinned before-hand, and it started to feel a little bit like fate that I was there. It really got me thinking about everything and wanting to know more.

What I started to notice was all of the little things that tied these places together. For start, Perth is on a river, as is Cognac. Food and drink are both massive tourism opportunities for both places and they are even similar sizes. The population of Perth is around 47,00 and Cognac’s is 60,000 for the area! It all started to make sense. Even the humble beginnings of Remy Martin reminded me of home.

Wanting to learn more, I reached out to Graham Knight, who runs the ‘Friends of Cognac’ society in Perth. I wanted his unique insight into the partnership and what it meant for both communities.

He explained: “The twinning agreement between Perth and Cognac was signed in October 1991 and arose out of the common elements of whisky and cognac. At that time Perth was the headquarters of a number of whisky companies e.g. Bells, Dewars ,Peter Thomson and Cognac was home to Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martell, and Courvoisier et alia.

“An extract from the twinning agreement reads ‘establishing a firm foundation for future understanding, respect and friendship between the people of Cognac and Perth for all time.’ The most obvious similarity is geographical, both towns (Perth of course now being a city) lying on famous rivers and are important administrative centres. Tourism is also a common thread in each area.”

“The core of our activity is a programme of group visits to Cognac, and from Cognac to Perthshire in which we are hosted in the homes of French friends for a week, and they in turn are hosted in our homes. These visits enable the sharing of our lives, towns, local areas, activities and cultures, not to mention our food and drink! Over the years strong friendships, often life-long, have been forged, and we’ve even improved our language skills.”

What I began to realise was that actually, there were so many similarities between Perth and Cognac. I realised that these two places are so similar because of the kindness of people, the landscapes, the output of produce in the areas and the rich histories of the two places.

Once I knew that there were ties to Perth all around the French region, my trip felt extra magical. I started looking at everything differently and absorbing more of it – and there was plenty to enjoy.

I spent the morning with Frapin Cognac to tour their impressive distillery and Chateau. It’s been in the family for hundreds of years and you can sense the pride in it all around you. They’ve really kept family at the heart of what they do and I adore that concept. I really could feel the warmth of the people and really felt like I was sat with a family having lunch, much like how many places feel like in Perth.

That afternoon, I went to the beautiful Cognac Jewellery School and created my own vine leaf earrings. The lovely Jessica guided me through my first taste of metal-work, and we started talking about how she had moved to Cognac from England right before the pandemic hit and fell in love with the region and its culture and beauty. I couldn’t stop thinking about my hometown link; even the leaves reminded me of ones I’d find in Scotland.

I think that’s what I’ve loved the most about all of this, is understanding the ties that bring these two very different places together. Ultimately, what it comes down to is a deep-rooted sense of pride in communities, which is something that I think is beautiful. I love that the two places can share this commonality with one another, showing that as humans, we really aren’t all that different deep down.

Colin Powell once said “the ties that bind us are stronger than the stresses that separate us”. I think the idea of twin cities can encapsulate that perfectly. We are so different, yet there are these commonalities that tie us together in ways we could not have imagined, no matter where you’re from! When I was offered this trip I could never have anticipated learning more about my hometown in the process. Now, I also feel like there will always be a string tying me to Cognac.

Following rising passenger numbers and impressive financial results, Eurostar is investing £1.7bn to launch a fleet of up to 50 trains that operate three new direct routes, including two from the UK

Eurostar is ramping up its railway offerings as part of a major €2 billion (approximately £1.7bn) investment.

Earlier this month, the company announced it would launch a fleet of up to 50 trains that will be in service from the early 2030s, operating three new direct routes. The announcement comes after Eurostar released its 2024 financial results, which found it had achieved an impressive EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of €346 million (£296 million).

In a press release, Eurostar said passenger numbers rose to over 19.5 million, marking a five per cent year-on-year increase. It follows the ‘successful reinstatement’ of direct services between London, Rotterdam and Amsterdam in February this year, which will see a fourth daily service added from September 9 and a fifth from mid-December.

READ MORE: New 20k-mile train to link 100 EU cities with £67 tickets – but there’s a catch

In the next decade, Brits will be able to hop on a train at London St Pancras and travel straight to Frankfurt in Germany. This city is known for homing one of the largest financial hubs in Europe, and has become a tourist hotspot in recent years thanks to its stunning architecture, ubiquitous history and close proximity to the ethereal Hohenzollern Castle.

Alternatively, Brits will be able to head directly to Geneva in Switzerland, and marvel at the stunning Mont Blanc in the Alps. Geneva is an excellent base for ski enthusiasts, offering convenient access to a plethora of resorts including Villars, Gryon, and Les Diablerets. The upgrade will also see trains running straight from Amsterdam/Brussels to Geneva.

Eurostar’s CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said the company was witnessing ‘strong demand’ for train travel across Europe, with customers wanting to ‘go further by rail than ever before’. “Despite the challenging economic climate, Eurostar is growing and has bold ambitions for the future,” she added.

“Our new fleet will make new destinations for customers a reality – notably direct trains between London and Germany, and between London and Switzerland for the first time. A new golden age of international sustainable travel is here.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a ‘huge step in promoting green travel across Europe’ as well as boosting the UK’s international rail connections. “Today’s announcement by Eurostar shows that the government’s plan for change is rapidly strengthening the links between major cities in counties across Europe, creating more opportunities to travel, work, and socialise,” the politician said.

Eurostar’s expansion comes as several companies are desperate to gain access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London, which Eurostar currently monopolises. As previously reported, a report conducted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) found: “There is some available capacity at Temple Mills International (TMI) depot for more trains to be stabled, serviced and maintained.”

The investigation is great news for Virgin Group, which says it is now ‘ready to take up the challenge’ of launching high-speed passenger train services through the Channel Tunnel. “The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line,” a spokesperson said. “Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome and we thank the ORR for commissioning this report, which will now unlock competition on the cross-Channel route for the benefit of all passengers.”

Alstom, a French manufacturer specialising in locomotives, is also in talks to use its new Avelia Horizon trains to ramp up journeys across Europe. The company has already signed an €850 million (around £715 million) contract to provide and maintain 12 of its double-decker trains for a Proxima, a private operator in France – as well as France’s state-owned company The Société nationale des chemins de fer français (SNCF).

Chief executive Henri Poupart-Lafarge says the new fleet could lower fares and increase capacity in the undersea Channel Tunnel, which connects the UK to France. However, it will first need to seek approval from regulators to make sure it adheres to strict Channel Tunnel safety rules.

What do you think of the Eurostar announcement? Let us know in the comments section below

Bold new plans to launch a 20,660-mile sleeper train that will whizz passengers around Europe in stylish private cabins have been announced, but there’s one big catch for Brits

Ambitious plans to connect 100 major European cities together with sleek sleeper trains could become a reality by 2027. Berlin-based start up Nox has revealed its blueprints for an epic route covering a whopping 20,660 miles* to curb the need for short-haul flights. It aims to launch night trains with entirely private rooms that will sleep one or two guests.

Each stylish cabin will feature two meter-long beds, separate seats with tables, and enough space to stand up and store your luggage. Nox also has plans to offer double beds with panoramic window views.

“Our room design allows us to fit more people into our trains than traditional operators can,” said founder Janek Smalla who co-launched FlixTrain, and until 2024 led the German ridesharing market for Bolt. “This, paired with a strict focus on standardisation and operational excellence will allow us to offer affordable fares on over 35 European routes.”

The company says it has already reserved train coaches and is ‘finalising the approval’ of its interior design. It is now preparing the next large financing round for autumn, but did not wish to comment on how much the project is slated to cost.

READ MORE: New 425-mile UK train line with 11 stops to launch branded ‘Eurostar of Scotland’

With sustainability and affordability central to its mission, single rooms will start as low as €79 (£67) while double rooms will cost €149 (£127) but this could fluctuate based on demand. However, there is one big catch for Brits – who have been left out of the proposals.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Nox explained how it originally ‘intended’ to serve London and make it one of its hubs for night trains. “Our route network is data-driven, and based on our analysis, starting in London made sense from a passenger demand perspective,” a spokesperson said.

However, once the company started looking into the ‘technical and regulatory challenges’ of operating such a service, it deemed bringing the sleeper trains to the UK a ‘near -impossibility’. After speaking to experts, concerns were raised over axle load and technical limitations on HS1, a lack of available capacity at St Pancras International, limited space for maintenance facilities, and Eurotunnel safety requirements.

“Following this setback, we revised our route network and adjusted departure and arrival times in Paris and Brussels to ensure smooth connections with Eurostar services — making it easier for UK travellers to access our network,” Nox added. “Of course, with such strong demand for night trains from the UK, we would love to establish a presence in London.

“However, significant policy changes are needed — including reforms around track access charges, slot availability on HS1 and at St. Pancras (including infrastructure for train servicing and storage), Eurotunnel access, and the regulatory framework for border controls.” Some of these issues have already been challenged by the likes of Virgin, who recently made a punt to apply for access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London – potentially ending Eurostar’s monopolisation of the tunnel.

But Nox is not setting up to try and disrupt St Pancras. Instead, it’s on a mission to offer a ‘real alternative’ to short-haul flights and make night trains an ‘essential part of European travel’. “Before launching Nox, we conducted extensive research and interviewed over 100 frequent travellers,” the start up told the Mirror.

“We asked them why they chose to fly rather than take night trains. In most cases, the main reasons were a lack of privacy and high prices. That’s why we decided to prioritise both operational efficiency and privacy — through smart room design, streamlined operations, and standardisation across our network — to offer night train tickets at prices comparable to airline fares. For us, it’s the only way to truly encourage people to fly less and choose rail instead.”

*Nox’s longest route is 932 miles, while the shortest is 310 miles. Based on rough averages, this means the proposal will cover a whopping 20,660 miles. You can learn more about Nox here.

What do you think of the new route? Let us know in the comments section below

Two British icons of the screen finally join forces in the new period drama Outrageous, releasing this week on U and U&Drama

Outrageous star James Purefoy has opened up about working with his long-time friend Anna Chancellor for the first time ever in the upcoming period drama.

This scandalous series coming this week on U and U&Drama takes viewers back to the 1930s when the shadow of World War II was beginning to loom.

While Nancy Mitford (played by Bessie Carter) becomes a reputable writer, her sisters follow drastically different career paths.

Under the stern eyes of their parents, David Freeman-Mitford aka ‘Farve’ (Purefoy) and Sydney Bowles aka ‘Muv’ (Chancellor), the family is catapulted into notoriety as the sisters become rebels, socialites and even rub shoulders with fascists.

Speaking to Reach at Outrageous’ London premiere, Purefoy explained his co-star has been a dear friend for years despite never sharing the screen.

“She’s an amazing actress,” he said. “She’s the godmother to my eldest child, I’ve known her 35 years and this is the first time I’ve worked with her.

“It was just a joy working with a really old friend because there’s a lot of shorthand there and it was a very easy fit for us.

“It was just an enormous pleasure every single day.”

Throughout the six-part drama, the Mitford patriarch struggles to keep his foothold in high society following a substantial loss during the Wall Street Crash.

Although he attempts to rule his household with an iron fist, his anarchic daughters have other ideas.

As Britain faced economic turmoil in the years preceding the war, his daughters Diana (Joanna Vanderham) and Unity (Shannon Watson) blindly swear allegiance to the British Union of Fascists.

Meanwhile, Muv is simply desperate for her daughters to find good husbands during an era when family connections meant everything.

“The thing about Anna is she’s so curious about everybody and everything,” Purefoy added.

“She will talk to anybody about anything. And is always interested, and that’s what makes her such a good actress.”

This isn’t the first time Purefoy and Chancellor have been involved in the same project, however.

Chancellor portrayed a fascist herself, the villainous Dr. Frances Gaunt, in the popular Batman prequel series Pennyworth, starring Jack Bannon as the nocturnal hero’s future butler Alfred.

Despite not sharing scenes together, Purefoy also had a major role in the Epix and HBO Max series, playing Captain Gulliver ‘Gully’ Troy, aka Captain Blighty, in the second and third seasons.

As two legendary stars of the British stage and screen, don’t miss the chance to see Purefoy and Chancellor as married aristocrats in this scandalous new drama that truly lives up to its title.

Outrageous premieres Thursday, 19th June on U, U&Drama and BritBox.

EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Bradley is one of the singletons who is looking for love on the new series of Love Island, which kicks off tonight – and he’s got some huge connections

Tommy Bradley is ready to make his mark as he enters the villa tonight alongside 11 other hopefuls for the launch of the show’s 12th series – and he’s already packing some heavyweight connections.

The 24-year-old fitness buff from London just so happens to have brushed shoulders with boxing royalty. Yep, none other than Anthony Joshua. While he hasn’t met him just yet, Tommy’s brother works closely with the boxer.

But it’s not just AJ-level abs Tommy’s proud of – it’s that signature slicked-back hair. “It sounds weird,” he confessed, “but I blow-dry it for 20–25 minutes, style it, hairspray it, and sleep in a woolly hat to keep it in place.” Yes, really.

He even ruled out shaving it off for a date challenge. “No chance. It’s my best feature. I’ve had the same haircut since I was a kid!” So why sign up? “All my mates are in relationships – I’m the last single one,” he said. “Why not go away, meet new people, have a fantastic summer, and maybe come back with a girlfriend? No-brainer.”

READ MORE: Oodie sale sees price of its poncho towels reduced by £26 just in time for the next heatwave

He packed eight pairs of swim shorts and hit the gym hard in prep, bumping up the weights and making sure he was villa-ready. But if you’re wondering whether Tommy’s more lover or fighter, the truth is… he’s not quite either yet. “I’ve never been in a proper serious relationship,” he admits. “Just situationships that fizzled out after a few months. I’ve never even said ‘I love you’ – unless you count my mum and my nan.”

And speaking of mum, she didn’t hold back before his villa debut. “She actually brought up the sex thing and said, ‘If you do, I’ll be watching,’” Tommy reveals. Awkward. As for whether he’ll go there on-screen? “I’m not saying I will… but if the moment is right, maybe. Who knows?”

ITV’s Love Island has a string of secret sex rules, which the saucy singletons must follow. The new series of the smash-hit dating show, which kicks off tonight, is sure to be one of the steamiest yet after bosses revealed that sex scenes would be aired i n the Hideaway for the first time this summer.

The jaw-dropping move has divided viewers, with some saying they don’t know want to see what pops up beneath the sheets under the Spanish sun. However, others, think the rule change is just what the new series needs as executive producer Mike Spencer said: “If sex happens, we’ll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours. We need to keep the show fresh and exciting.”

“After 10 years, the stats speak for themselves. The show will continue to thrive. We the producers need to stay ahead of the curve. The whole ‘twists and turns’ thing is about making the show fresh. We’re going to give it all we’ve got.” Well, mission accomplished.

Host Maya Jama, back with her signature sass and slay, said: “I feel like they forgot last year that you could come in the Hideaway at any time. We did tell them, but they kept forgetting!” Not anymore, Maya.

Megan Moore, who goes by Meg, is a 25-year-old payroll specialist from Southampton, told us: “It’s not ideal to be having it on telly, but you don’t know because you’re in that bubble. If it comes naturally, then it happens. You can’t ever never say never.”

Meanwhile, Sophie Lee, a 29-year-old former fire breather, influencer and motivational speaker from Manchester, is taking a different route: “I am celibate. I’ve practiced celibacy throughout my dating life. It’ll take a really hot guy to change that! For me, intimacy is giving a piece of my soul. If I’m not in a confident place, it’s my problem – not his.”

“I’ve gone over 8 months celibate now, I was two years celebate before, and I’m proud of that. I only want to have sex when I truly want to – not out of pressure.”

Love Island 2025 begins tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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

HBO Max’s Harry Potter has found its lead in Dominic McLaughlin, who was announced as part of the TV reboot’s cast alongside Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout this week

Further casting for the TV reboot of Harry Potter has been unveiled this week. Producers have announced who will be playing the title character in the HBO series, with Dominic McLaughlin following in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe.

Daniel, now 35, rose to fame playing Harry Potter in the film series of the same name. The actor starred in all eight films, from the Philosopher’s Stone to the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, which were released in 2001 and 2011 respectively.

It was announced earlier today that Dominic will play the literary character on-screen next, with him starring in the TV reboot. The news comes following an open casting call last year for actors aged between 9 and 11 in April this year.

Dominic has been described as a “screen newcomer” but the adaptation of the J. K. Rowling novels isn’t the only upcoming project that he’s set to appear in. The Mirror has taken a look at his casting and career following the news, including how his role as Harry Potter will bring a reunion.

HBO’s Harry Potter

Earlier today it was announced that Dominic had been cast in the role of Harry Potter in the HBO Max series. It came alongside the news that Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will play Hermione Granger and as Ron Weasley respectively.

Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and fellow executive producer Mark Mylod said: “After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.”

They added in a statement that accompanied the casting news earlier: “We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”

The show has been described as a “faithful adaptation” of the book series by J.K. Rowling, who’s an executive producer. It’s been teased that the cast will “lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years”.

It was previously revealed that John Lithgow, Janet McTeer and Paapa Essiedu will portray Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape respectively. They will serve as series regulars alongside Nick Frost, who has been cast as Rubeus Hagrid in the upcoming show.

Other cast members include Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell. It has also been announced already that Paul Whitehouse will portray Argus Filch in the TV adaptation.

Sky film Grow

Dominic has already worked on a project with co-star Nick, with their roles as Harry and Hagrid marking a reunion for the two actors. They are also among the cast of the Sky Original film Grow, which is set to be released later this year.

It’s been teased that the film, which is set in a world of pumpkin rivalry, is a “comedy all about family, growth and nurturing”. It centres around a “cutthroat giant-pumpkin-growing contest where the entire town gets their pumpkin patches ready to compete for a cash prize and pumpkin glory”.

The cast is led by Bridgerton‘s Golda Rosheuvel and Priya-Rose Brookwell as pumpkin farmer Dinah Little and her niece Charlie Little. Dinah’s farm hosts the contest and Charlie is among those who take part in the event, though she faces sabotage in her attempt to win the coveted prize.

Nick will appear as eco-loving pumpkin pundit Arlo, whilst, according to IMDb, Dominic plays Oliver Gregory. The cast also includes Jeremy Swift, Kathryn Drysdale, Alan Carr and Joe Wilkinson.

BBC show Gifted

Dominic is also set to star in the upcoming BBC series Gifted, which is adapted from Marilyn Kaye’s novels of the same name. He will play the character of Martin, with his co-stars in the show including Jessica Hardwick as Madame.

Set in Edinburgh, the show “tells the story of a diverse group of young Scottish teens who discover they each have unique superpowers”. Their abilities are said to range from telekinesis to invisibility and mind reading.

It’s been teased that the group must join forces to protect themselves when they are targeted by an organisation known as the Bodkin. Guided by their teacher Madame, they embark on a journey to learn about their powers.

It was announced last year that the show was already in production. At the time, it was stated that Gifted is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer “at the end of 2025”.

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