Palestinians are turning to soup kitchens to feed their families as Gaza is gripped by a crippling food crisis because Israel is limiting the entry of aid trucks, despite the new ceasefire agreement.
THE original line-up of Five have finally stepped back on stage for the first time in 25 years.
Eight months since they announced their comeback in Bizarre, fans swarmed to the Utilita Arena in Cardiff.
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Five have finally stepped back on stage for the first time in 25 yearsFive performing on stage during the opening night of their reunion tour at Utilita Arena in CardiffCredit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
Five hours before kick-off, I joined Abz Love, Jason “J” Brown, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson and Sean Conlon as they flitted between agony and ecstasy backstage . . .
Sipping an Asahi 00, Scott says with a laugh: “I’m a nervous wreck,” just as Ritchie brings me a handmade lucky charm from a fan who has flown all the way from China.
He says: “Do you want to have a hold of my ball?”
J adds: “He’s flown over from China. It’s taken him 15 hours. He’s taken two weeks off work and he’s seeing six shows.
“He’s renamed himself J and he gave us all these lovely gifts. He made that ball himself.
“And he’s got silk scarves for us all too. He embroidered them all himself. It’s a really nice touch.”
Telling me the ball is a symbol of good luck, Abz interjects and jokes: “Or he’s cursed them and we’re all f***ed.”
‘Getting shirty’
But they most certainly are not. As Five walk on stage to deafening screams later in the evening, they are slick, solid and on song.
The set begins with a bang, with the lads emerging from a haze of smoke before they burst into Slam Dunk (Da Funk) and Got The Feelin’.
For a band who last performed together two decades ago, they’ve not lost their chemistry.
Recalling the run-up to the first night, Ritchie explains: “The rehearsals had all gone great but two days ago, I was a wreck.
“As it went on, for the first time we had a couple of moments where we were getting shirty with each other.
“We all had to just step back and say, ‘Let’s just really look at the situation with 48 hours to go until the first gig.
“Let’s just acknowledge that whatever level of stress you think you’re at, you’re actually probably a little bit more’.
“We just worked to get through it all.”
The screams of fans — including a woman holding up a message that reads: “Get your tops off” — never subside as they whip through their back catalogue. Their rendition of 1998 track When the Lights Go Out proves emotional.
Fans who were looking forward to seeing the proper Nineties choreography got a treat.
It’s clear the lads have worked hard to get to this point.
“We’ve actually got new routines,” J says with a smile.
Scott adds: “The old moves didn’t come back immediately but there was some muscle memory there.
“Paul Domaine, our choreographer, he’s less spiky than he was in the Nineties.”
Abz jokes: “We’re better behaved now,” before J adds: “We’re better than we were before, but we’re not giving the behaviour of fully grown men with kids at nearly 50 years of age.”
Ritchie adds: “He was dealing with naughty school kids but now at least we’re applying ourselves a bit.”
Sitting in the underbelly of the arena, Five are physically and mentally in the best place they’ve ever been.
“We’ve been saying to everyone that we’re going to do the best tour ever,” Scott tells me.
“We said we would bring it all: the vocals, the dance moves. We weren’t just saying it though. We believed it.”
Sean adds: “It is 100 percent the best show we have ever done. Better than anything in the Nineties.
“It’s like everything’s been delayed to get to this point. It’s been 25 years. It’s meant to be.”
Scott says: “My wife Kerry is here with my twin girls.
“They’ve never seen us perform as a five-piece in their lives.
“On the journey up here, one of my girls sent me a message and I let the boys read it. I couldn’t do it because I kept crying.
“She said how proud she was of me. She’s 11 years old. I thought, ‘This is going to be epic’.
“All I know is that I am going to be crying my eyes out.”
The atmosphere rocks up a notch with Let’s Dance and Everybody Get Up, before Five knock through a medley of House Of Pain’s Jump Around, Place Your Hands by Reef and Daft Punk’s Get Lucky.
A final encore of Keep On Movin’ closes a history-making first night and Five are grinning like Cheshire cats.
On stage, Sean takes a moment to reflect and turns to his bandmates as he says: “We are lucky guys.”
As the band rallies round him, he adds: “I just wanted to say, I did not expect that so many years on it would mean so much to so many people.”
The Sun’s Ellie Henman with the boybandCredit: SuppliedThe band’s Keep On Movin’ 2025 tour posterCredit: Supplied
She was certainly more treat than trick in bright-red lippy and iconic Jean Paul Gaultier-style cone bra, just like the pop superstar on her Blond Ambition tour from 1990.
Ashley Roberts looked the double of Madonna in this Halloween outfitCredit: instagram/ashleyrobertsPopstar Madonna on her Blond Ambition tour from 1990Credit: Getty
It comes as Ashley’s former bandmate Nicole Scherzinger teased “possibilities” for the group, after settling a legal dispute with the group’s founder Robin Antin, which derailed their planned 2020 arena tour.
Nicole told LA Times: “Our lawsuit is settled. That should have never happened. That was an unfortunate mistake on someone’s part – not mine.
“However, time heals things, and grace is always beautiful in life. I’m very positive and, dare I say, excited for the possibilities to come on the horizon.”
The actress, who played Whitney Dean in the soap from 2008 to 2024, has today dropped her debut single Unapologetically Me in a bid to make a name as a powerhouse vocalist.
EastEnders star Shona McGarty is kicking off a music careerCredit: Rex
The track was co-written and produced by hitmaker Steve Anderson.
Shona said: “I wrote Unapologetically Me as a reminder to myself, and to anyone who’s ever felt pressure to be someone they’re not – that it’s OK to simply be who you are.
“Having spent years in the public eye, surrounded by glitz, glam, and expectation, I’ve often felt the need to play a character, to present a polished version of myself that fits what people want to see.
“But beneath all that, I’m just human. I’m silly, sensitive, strong, and imperfect, and that’s OK.”
Freya returns as Wicker Woman
FREYA RIDINGS is pulling no punches on comeback single Wicker Woman – the first taste of her third album that’s coming out in 2026.
The English singer-songwriter, who posed in this striking and spooky black dress, said of the song that is released today: “It’s an unashamed, euphoric celebration of reclaiming primal feminine power, a return to the core of who we are, and an ode to the forgotten women and gods who came before us.”
Freya Ridings is pulling no punches on comeback single Wicker WomanCredit: Bartek Szmigulski
Mika is also making a return today with his single Modern Times, ahead of an arena tour next spring, and Jessie J releases H.A.P.P.Y.
British boyband ABSNT MIND have put out their latest single Stitch and fresh from winning over a new fanbase on The Celebrity Traitors, Cat Burns has dropped her second album, How To Be Human.
Lily on tour
LILY ALLEN will perform her new album West End Girl in its entirety on a 13-date UK tour next year.
She will hit the road for the first time since 2019, kicking off at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on March 2.
Tickets go on sale from 10am next Friday.
KT’s got eye on Prada 2
SOMEHOW it has been 20 years since KT Tunstall broke on to the scene with her debut album Eye To The Telescope.
The record peaked at No3 in the UK charts and spawned a series of hits including Black Horse And The Cherry Tree, Other Side Of The World and Suddenly I See, which featured in 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada.
It has been 20 years since KT Tunstall released debut album Eye To The TelescopeCredit: Supplied
Now with Devil Wears Prada 2 set for release in 2026, KT is back in the studio working on a follow-up track which she hopes film bosses will use in a full-circle moment.
KT told Bizarre: “I would love them to use Suddenly I See, but I think they will want to move it on.
“I am writing a song to pitch to them as it’s the 20th anniversary of that too and they are using the same cast.
“I am coming up with a sequel. Who knows if they will be interested but I am going to give it a shot.”
She has today released a special 20th anniversary edition of Eye To The Telescope featuring a series of new tracks including Anything At All – which sees KT duet with her younger self.
She said: “It was so weird. I’m listening to this young woman who hasn’t had a record out yet.”
The never-before-heard title track is also on there.
She added: “I’d only written the verse and chorus and then I abandoned it.
“But the record label said, ‘Why don’t you finish that song?’ It was difficult as I couldn’t really get myself back to what I was thinking at the time. It’s really cool it has taken 20 years to write the song.”
Promising hint
FLEETWOOD MAC greats Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks have given a promising hint that the band will reunite for the 50th anniversary of their album Rumours.
The former couple had a huge fallout in 2018 but have revealed they are now back in touch after re-releasing their 1973 joint album Buckingham Nicks – so they really could come back together for the band.
The pair were interviewed separately about the making of the record, for the podcast Song Exploder.
But proving they are back in touch, Stevie said on the episode: “Lindsey and I started talking about it last night. This whole thing seems really like yesterday to us.”
A British woman who recently moved her family to Florida in the US has shared the top 10 things they don’t like about living in the sunshine state. There are certain things they seem to hate
13:03, 08 Oct 2025Updated 13:04, 08 Oct 2025
They don’t like everything about Florida (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A British family have relocated to America, but they’ve confessed there are certain aspects of life in the US they’re struggling to adjust to, and she’s not the first expat to be shocked by the differences. The woman who documents their experience under the username brits.inthesunshinestate on TikTok has revealed the 10 things the family dislike about living in Florida.
Despite only residing in the US for a matter of months, there are certain things they simply cannot get used to, and they’ve now laid them all bare. Emily posted her thoughts in a recent video, and her opinions have certainly sparked considerable debate.
In the footage, she revealed: “Number one, the public bathroom stalls. The doors have a gap, probably like that either side. You can see straight through them.
“If you are sat on the toilet or, if you are washing your hands, you can see the reflection in the mirror. You can see people moving, you can see people’s clothes. I don’t like it, I don’t like the lack of privacy.
“Number two, WhatsApp does not really exist much out here. It’s all about texting and, to me, that is old school.
“Three, Florida drivers. They are wild, they are aggressive. In time, I will get used to it but, for now, it’s still a little bit crazy.
“Four. Since we’ve been here, we have had multiple people soliciting at our door, trying to sell their business, because they happen to be in the neighbourhood or going door to door. Don’t like that. We can stop it by putting a ‘no soliciting’ thing on our door. We can get that fixed.”
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In the clip, Emily also pointed out the family aren’t keen on sluggish pumps at petrol stations either. According to her, filling up can “take forever.”
She also highlighted that post can take ages to turn up, unless you’re ordering from Amazon Prime. Based on her experience, she said her mail can take anything from a week to 10 days to arrive.
Insects can also be “relentless” during the evening when you go for a stroll, she added. As soon as the sun goes down, she said they appear everywhere, and she finds it really annoying.
Snakes have also been a problem for her, though she admitted one she spotted was “fine.” Emily explained they have found a cottonmouth snake in the garden, and she didn’t like this as they can be dangerous.
Last but not least, she also admitted she thinks the healthcare system is “confusing.” Even though she likes how it’s run, she doesn’t like how tricky it is to understand.
She said there’s a lot of paperwork, and it’s something they’ll have to learn to get used to. Emily admitted it’s up to them to learn all they need to know about the system. Despite listing the downsides, she insisted that moving was still the best decision they’ve ever made.
The family are over the moon with their new life and adore living in the States. The video has racked up thousands of views since it was posted, sparking a flurry of comments, and opinions were decidedly split.
One viewer remarked: “As an American, we don’t like our stalls either. Might as well leave the door open wide.”
Another commented: “That’s exactly what I thought when I went to the USA years ago. I couldn’t live there because of the public toilets.”
A third responded: “I’ve lived in America for five years and I’ve never seen snakes.” Meanwhile, a fourth added: “All my bills come by email.”
Another person chimed in with: “Most drivers aren’t from Florida. They are either tourists or live here but moved from another state. It does make driving tricky though.”
The Hall family left the UK nine months to start a new life halfway around the world and they say it was ‘the best decision they ever made’ after pointing out several downsides of their homeland
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter
12:33, 05 Oct 2025
A family who left the UK for Asia say it was the ‘best decision they ever made’ (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A family who left the UK to move halfway around the world have hailed their long-distance move as the “best decision they ever made” before explaining the many reasons why. Kayleigh Hall, who documents her family‘s adventures via Instagram shared a clip that began by highlighting the miserable British weather they left behind at their previous property.
“Nine months ago we booked a one-way ticket out of the UK,” she wrote in a caption. Kayleigh went on to explain their move was enabled by “selling, donating and giving up everything we owned” and since they’ve never looked back at their ‘gloomy’ homeland.
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Kayleigh bluntly continued in her video, outlining further reasons behind the Halls’ decision to start a new life.
“Fed up with the grey skies, misery, a school system not fit for purpose, working to survive, quality of life dwindling, negativity and a healthcare system in crisis,” she slammed.
With their bags and suitcases packed, and unwanted belongings thrown in a skip on their driveway, Kayleigh explained: “Yes no country is perfect, we aren’t looking for that.”
She elaborated: “We’re looking for a country that is safe, friendly, affordable, warm, slow living, prioritising experiences over things, a place where we don’t get taxed on things taxed, a country where we can raise our family in peace.”
Six months on from settling in their new home, Kayleigh says her family are now “convinced” the move was the right decision, describing the experience as “incredible”.
“We still don’t know when we’ll settle [permanently] and where,” she went on to confess. “It definitely won’t be the UK. We are loving our adventures so far and have so much more to experience.”
Kayleigh, who has currently based her family in Malaysia, closed: “Being able to spend all day as a family is a blessing. Our children are growing, thriving, and happier than ever. I am so grateful I get to spend so much time with them and my husband.”
The Halls’ decision was met with a mixed reaction, however, with some Instagram users pointing out that the “grass isn’t always greener”.
“I find this video very negative,” one of them responded. “You’re more than happy to have your own opinion and move wherever you want but completely roasting country you’re coming from and not saying anything positive about this country is really wrong.
“Yes, weather is nowhere near as hot as in Portugal, Greece and Spain but thanks to that UK is so green. There is so many beautiful places in here.”
A second individual concurred, listing several benefits: “UK is beautiful, misty and grey in autumn and gorgeous in summer. Fifth largest economy in the world with immense opportunities. Strong chemical, environmental and safety policies. Highly regulated food and pharmaceutical industry.”
Whilst a cynic questioned: “Be interesting to see what happens if one of you needs medical care, suppose you won’t come back to use the NHS will you?”
Others were more supportive, however, including one person who congratulated: “Amazing well done, your family are going to have such amazing memories.”
Another fumed of UK life: “I think it was the best decision you’ve ever made. I’ve been living in the UK for over 20 years, and I haven’t gained anything good from this country. Just five more years, and I’ll be leaving for good. Life here hasn’t felt normal – it’s been a constant fight for survival.”
And a third exclaimed: “Much respect! Leaving the UK was the best decision I’ve ever made too! I haves lived in Tuscany, Italy for the last 24 years. It’s not perfect, but for me it’s a great quality of life. Most people don’t ever consider moving country as an option…sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t, but until you try you’ll never know!”
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
The U.S. Air Force is reportedly examining the possibility of fielding stealthy flying-wing aircraft that could serve as ‘arsenal planes’ loaded with air-to-air missiles. The broader concept is one that we have discussed in the past, including in relation to a version of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. According to an article from Air & Space Forces Magazine, the Air Force is also considering other potential flying-wing platforms to fill this air-to-air role.
A senior Air Force official told Air & Space Forces Magazine that this kind of arsenal plane was being studied as part of the Air Force’s plans for how to deal with a high-intensity conflict fought with China in the Indo-Pacific region. The stealthy flying-wing aircraft would be armed with “dozens” of air-to-air missiles, the article states.
The second pre-production B-21 seen arriving at Edwards Air Force Base, California, earlier this month. USAF
According to a former top Air Force official speaking to Air & Space Forces Magazine, “there wasn’t a compelling argument” for an air-to-air version of the B-21 in the past, even though it had been discussed. But the prospect of an air war with China and its rapidly evolving air combat capabilities seems to have changed that stance.
Currently, the study is still at an early stage, but it’s intriguing, to say the least, that the Air Force is looking at the possibility of engaging other manufacturers and employing different platforms than the B-21, which is now deep in flight test.
The same official told the publication that an arsenal plane of this kind would be one way of providing a supplement to or even taking the place of some of the Air Force’s new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones it intends to press into service in the coming years. “There are other ways of achieving ‘affordable mass’ than darkening the skies with CCAs,” the official said.
The basic operational scenario would involve the arsenal plane providing additional air-to-air ‘magazine depth’ for crewed fighters, such as the F-22, F-35, and the future F-47. The fighters would be responsible for detecting and designating targets, which would then be engaged by long-range missiles launched from the arsenal plane, operating at a standoff distance, a concept that we have been discussing for years. CCAs could also be added to the mix. It’s worth noting that a lack of larger numbers of air-to-air missiles in their jets is a top complaint of F-35 and F-22 crews. Smaller missiles optimized for internal carriage and with shorter ranges are in the works to help mitigate this issue.
Artwork depicting various tiers of drones flying alongside an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works
There is no mention of whether the arsenal plane would be crewed or not, but the idea of an uncrewed or optionally crewed version of the B-21 has been part of that program from the outset. Furthermore, work has already been done on a possible complementary drone for the B-21, as you can read about here. While this was originally pitched as a bomber drone, such a design could equally lend itself to becoming an air-to-air arsenal plane.
It’s interesting, too, that the idea of an air-to-air role for the B-21 has come up in the past.
Back in 2019, Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott Pleus, at that time the Director of Air and Cyber Operations for Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), discussed the possibility of a B-21 “that also has air-to-air capabilities” and can “work with the family of systems to defend itself, utilizing stealth…”
This head-on view of the second pre-production B-21 after its arrival at Edwards Air Force Base. USAF
Even before those remarks, TWZhad explored how the new stealth bomber could serve in multiple roles, including in an air-to-air capacity, while Air Force officials had repeatedly alluded to its multi-function capabilities.
“Many of the B-21’s weapons, which will include everything from JDAMs, to Massive Ordnance Penetrators, to ultra long-range air-to-air missiles, will benefit from the Raider’s high perch,” TWZ wrote as long ago as 2017. “Even potentially lasers in the future will have more range due to this performance attribute.”
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. U.S. Air Force photo by Eric Dietrich Eric Dietrich
The latest Air Force thinking also includes the option of using an airframe other than the B-21 to achieve the same air-to-air task. This is apparently based on concerns about Northrop Grumman’s capacity to build the baseline bomber in addition to a potential air-to-air-tasked spinoff. At the same time, a full-specification B-21 version would be a very expensive asset, and likely its level of sophistication would not be required for an arsenal plane role. A stripped-down model, with no sensors and less communications capabilities, as well as possibly no pilots and slightly degraded stealth could drop that price considerably while leveraging the B-21’s basic airframe.
The Air Force’s publicly stated plan has long been to buy at least 100 Raiders. However, as we have talked about in the past, there is the potential that the B-21 force could ultimately become significantly bigger. In the meantime, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) has looked into the options for increasing B-21 production output, including the possibility of opening up another production facility.
Current estimates suggest that Northrop Grumman will be building 10 B-21s per year by the early 2030s. Even with funds to increase that output, it’s far from certain that there will be additional capacity for production of an air-to-air version as well.
The first pre-production B-21 Raider. USAF
Clearly, developing a new stealthy flying-wing arsenal plane from scratch would be a significant endeavor, although likely less costly than producing a high-end bomber for arsenal plane use. At the same time, a specialized design for the role could draw upon technologies developed not only for the B-21 but also for other advanced flying-wing programs, including ones in the classified realm.
A rendering of what the stealthy drone commonly referred to as the RQ-180 might look like. Hangar B Productions
While a dedicated air-to-air version of the B-21 might not find AFGSC favor, Raiders armed with air-to-air missiles for their own protection is another matter. This is underscored by evidence that PACOM has already included notional B-21s with air-to-air weapons in war games intended to learn about future campaigns fought against China.
Another option would be to expand (or include if it doesn’t have it already) air-to-air capability in the baseline B-21. Raiders with the option of employing air-to-air as well as air-to-ground weapons would ensure versatility, and these aircraft could even carry mixed load-outs if the mission required it. It should be noted, too, that the B-21 has a smaller weapons carriage capability than the current B-2 Spirit and, at least based on photos of the second aircraft, it lacks side bays for smaller weapons — this could change as development continues.
On the other hand, the B-21 is a very costly plane, and any weapons capacity given over to air-to-air munitions necessarily takes away from its primary bomber mission, something that AFGSC is unlikely to appreciate. It will also be tasked extremely heavily for its central strike role during a major conflict. So, if the B-21s were partially tasked with working as arsenal ships for fighters, more airframes would be needed, which could make taking on this role more agreeable to AFGSC.
In the meantime, there is apparently no shortage of long-range air-to-air missile programs that could yield suitable armament for an arsenal plane of this kind.
There are various very long-range air-to-air missile programs known to have been in the works in the United States, with more in the classified realm. The best known is the joint Air Force/Navy AIM-260, which will offer much greater range than the current AIM-120 AMRAAM, as well as other new and improved capabilities, but will put these in a missile with similar dimensions to the AIM-120. A Raider-sized aircraft could carry a huge number of AIM-260s.
An artist’s impression of a fully upgraded F-22 Raptor launching an AIM-260 missile. USAF/ACC
At the same time, a platform the size of the B-21, or closer to its size, would also be capable of carrying outsized weapons beyond the scope of carriage by CCAs, or even crewed fighters, such as multi-stage air-to-air weapons. As for large, very long-range air-to-air missiles, one option very well-suited to the role would be the AIM-174, the air launched derivative of the surface-launched SM-6 missile. These are currently carried by U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets. Longer-ranged than any other air-to-air missile the U.S. military has ever fielded, it is also tailor-made for the Indo-Pacific theater, as you can see in the video below. Firing it at the direction of forward-operating fighters would very much fit the role of this new flying wing aircraft, which would be able to carry far more than fighters could.
Alternatively, instead of buying large flying wings each carrying dozens of missiles, the Air Force could acquire uncrewed combat air vehicles, or UCAVs, offering a longer range and better survivability than CCAs, as well as a far greater payload. The result would be a more survivable drone carrying a fighter-sized load of missiles. The apparent absence of UCAVs of any kind from Air Force plans is something we have discussed in detail before and have since followed up on.
If this option were to be pursued, it would go some way to address the limitations of a larger flying-wing platform carrying dozens of missiles at once. Simply put, those missiles can only be in one place at any given time. Buying more plentiful UCAVs would mean that they can be in many places at once, and losing a drone of this kind would be preferable to the Air Force losing many millions in the cost of a more exquisite flying wing platform and its missiles.
Boeing’s X-45 Phantom Ray was developed in the late 2000s and flown in the early 2010s before being shelved like the rest of the DoD’s UCAV initiatives. (USAF)
For its part, China is busily developing flying-wing drones, including stealthy UCAVs. Some of these drones are also notably large. Indeed, the latest of these may well even match this latest U.S. Air Force arsenal plane concept, at least by design, although we do not know its exact planned mission or stores configuration. Namely, this is a flying-wing drone with a ‘cranked kite’ planform, a bit smaller than a B-21, but likely with kinetic capabilities. Potentially, it could also be used in an air-to-air combat support role.
Other interesting parallels can be found between the new U.S. Air Force concept and naval programs for ‘arsenal ships.’ These vessels are intended to similarly increase magazine depth, lobbing air defense, land-attack, and anti-ship missiles in support of more conventional surface combatants. Some of these arsenal ships are also expected to operate uncrewed, while others will go to sea with a much-reduced crew complement.
Should the Air Force find funds for an air-to-air arsenal plane of whatever kind, the effect that would have on the CCA and other initiatives is unclear.
The statement that an unnamed senior Air Force official gave to Air & Space Forces Magazinesuggests that a stealthy flying-wing aircraft armed with large numbers of air-to-air missiles could, to a degree, threaten CCA plans, although it could also be a very useful complement.
The CCA program, at least to begin with, is based around drones that can carry air-to-air missiles, meaning these drones can work closely with crewed aircraft, significantly extending their reach while enhancing lethality and survivability.
As it stands, the primary mission of the first increment of CCAs will be acting as flying ‘missile trucks’ supporting crewed combat jets, a fact reflected by the FQ (Fighter Drone) designations, for the General Atomics YFQ-42A and the Anduril YFQ-44A.
The YFQ-42A CCA from General Atomics. GA-ASI GA-ASI
While CCAs would be expected to operate much closer to the enemy than an arsenal plane, they would not be able to carry anywhere near as many missiles — initially, just two AMRAAMs.
There are meanwhile efforts to extend the reach and flexibility of crewed fighters (and other platforms), including the LongShot drone, which is being developed specifically as an air-to-air ‘missile truck.’ The drone will carry the missiles forward to enhance the tactical lethality and especially the survivability of the launch platform. While it is planned to be cost-effective, the LongShot is not reusable, and each one will also carry just two missiles. At the same time, the LongShot could be an option to increase the reach of an arsenal plane, too.
A rendering of a pair of LongShot drones with an F-15 seen at upper left. General Atomics
Indeed, all of these smaller drones will have only a relatively limited weapons-carrying capacity. In this context, a larger stealthy flying-wing with capacious internal capacity becomes very compelling in terms of bringing the largest number of air-to-air missiles to bear against a numerically superior adversary, like China. Furthermore, depending on the degree of standoff range at which the arsenal plane could operate, it wouldn’t necessarily need the same degree of low observability as the B-21.
Also interesting is the timing of the new arsenal plane revelations, in terms of the F-47, which was always intended to be a spearhead of the Air Force’s future air superiority efforts, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
While Boeing has started production of the first F-47 for the Air Force, with a first flight planned for 2028, there are questions about the final number of aircraft to be built and what they will cost, as well as its overall size (and capacity for weapons carriage).
An official rendering of the Air Force’s sixth-generation fighter, the F-47. U.S. Air Force Secretary of the Air Force Publi
Whatever the number of F-47s procured, the Air Force seems to consider that these, plus much larger quantities of F-35s and CCAs, might still not be enough to wrest air superiority from China over the vast distances of the Pacific, especially in any kind of prolonged campaign.
While it would come at a significant cost, a stealthy flying-wing aircraft packed with air-to-air missiles might just be one way of doing that.
Walt Disney Studios released a new teaser for its upcoming “Star Wars” film on Monday, offering a first look at the Mandalorian Din Djarin and his charge Grogu’s next adventure. The movie is a spin-off of TV’s “The Mandalorian” and picks up after the events in the Disney+ series’ third season, which aired in 2023.
The trailer includes plenty of footage of the fan-favorite Force-wielding toddler being his usual adorable self as he flips switches on a spaceship, eats snacks and hangs out with Anzellans — the diminutive alien species who are often droidsmiths. It also shows Mando (potrayed by Pedro Pascal) and Grogu blowing up an AT-AT, taking in an event at a Hutt arena and meeting up with Sigourney Weaver’s character, a New Republic colonel named Ward. Ward seems unimpressed with Grogu’s attempts to help himself to her bar snacks.
The trailer was released amid the heightened scrutiny of Disney after its suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Last week, the company’s broadcast network ABC announced it was dropping “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely following remarks the host made in the aftermath of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk’s killing that drew the ire of Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr as well as affiliate-station owners Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group. According to the Hollywood Reporter, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” teaser release had been planned for last week.
Among the backlash to ABC’s decision were calls for a boycott and to cancel subscriptions to Disney-owned services such as Hulu and Disney+. So it’s no surprise that folks online — including those in the comments section on the trailer’s YouTube video — had called out the new trailer as a distraction from Disney’s current troubles. The company has since announced “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return Tuesday.
Directed by “The Mandalorian” creator Jon Favreau, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” will be the first movie set in the galaxy far, far away to hit theaters since “Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker” in 2019. The new movie is slated for a May 22 release.
IT’S 3am at The Red Lion pub in Gatwick Airport and British Gas field engineer Sam Singleton is in a French maid’s outfit, waving a feather duster and clutching a pint of Guinness.
His 17-strong stag group is having the typical pre-flight drinks that have become a rite of passage for Brits jetting off abroad.
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The bustling pub is full of punters enjoying a spot of refreshment before they board their flightsCredit: Paul Edwards
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Sam’s frilly costume signals the start of his stag celebration at 03:00Credit: Paul Edwards
And it’s not just plentiful food offerings and the sociable atmosphere that are bringing in travellers in droves — terminal pubs remain one of the only places where it is socially acceptable to have a pint at 5am.
Sam, 34, from Crawley, West Sussex, says: “I’m dressed like this because I’m getting married in four weeks to my beautiful fiancee, Erin.
“We’ve had a few drinks and a really good laugh. I couldn’t imagine starting a stag in any other way, to be honest.”
The Sun on Sunday spent 24 hours at JD Wetherspoon’s The Red Lion in Gatwick’s North Terminal to see why Britain’s airside bars are hitting new heights.
This is what we found . . .
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Spoons staff prepare The Red Lion for the day’s rushCredit: Paul Edwards
04:00
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Birthday girl Nicole Briggs, centre, with pals at the pub before their flightCredit: Paul Edwards
Nicole Briggs, 29, from Essex, is heading to the Greek island of Mykonos to celebrate her birthday, wearing a pink cowboy hat and matching sash.
Her pal Danielle Grimes, 30, also from Essex, tells us: “Having drinks at this time is just the law of the airport. It’s the only way to do it.”
On the other side of the pub, siblings Alicia, Adan, 17, and Heart Evanelio, 20, from Medway, Kent, are tucking into an early-morning breakfast before they fly to Basel, Switzerland, with 20 family members.
Alicia, 27, says: “We come here because the food is always good. It’s affordable, comfortable, welcoming and the staff are fantastic.”
Wetherspoons Pubs at Gatwick Airport: A Traveler’s Haven
05:00
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Three stag party revellers at the pub start as they mean to go onCredit: Paul Edwards
Another stag party has arrived. Robert, James, Jay, Jimmy and John are in their 30s and from different parts of the UK, but they are all flying to Benidorm.
Robert says: “There will be 28 altogether and we’ve had a fantastic day and night already.”
Jay adds: “We came to Wetherspoons because it’s better value and you know exactly what you are getting.”
06:00
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David Green, left, and Sam Peters toast a newly forged friendshipCredit: Paul Edwards
Actor David Green, 58, from Brighton, and Sam Peters, 52, from Croydon, South London, clink pint glasses, having only just met.
Sam says: “The Red Lion is very different to the average pub where people are scared to strike up a conversation with strangers. No-one bats an eyelid here.”
07:00
Factory worker Jay Law, 34, and Sasha Cross, 35, from the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, are going to Malta for the weekend.
They eat eggs Benedict and drink coffee with Guinness and a bourbon. Jay says: “It is the rule at airports — have a proper drink with your brew.”
08:00
Broker Lorna Stevens, 42, and special educational needs worker Amanda Sargent, 38, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, met in their local pub 20 years ago.
They are drinking pink gin and tonic before flying to Marrakech, and Amanda says: “We always take a photo of ourselves at The Red Lion — the start of the holiday, the obligatory picture.”
09:00
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Team leader Megan Gardner loves the job she’s done at the pub for the past seven yearsCredit: Paul Edwards
Team leader and mum- of-two Megan Gardner, 23, from Crawley, West Sussex, does four seven-hour shifts a week at The Red Lion.
She says: “I haven’t a bad word to say about working here — that’s why I’ve been here seven years.”
10:00
Tasha Clements, 28, from Horsham, West Sussex, has been a bar worker at The Red Lion for two years.
She says: “Every day someone makes the same joke — ‘It’s five o’clock somewhere!’. And it is.”
11:00
Jhonny Da Corte has been the pub’s kitchen chief leader for five years. He is overseeing 13 people today.
Venezuelan Jhonny, 30, from West London, says: “We go through around 20,000 eggs per week.
“Our most popular dish in the morning will be our traditional breakfast and, at lunch, burgers take over as the top sellers.”
12:00
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Steve Norman of Spandau Ballet, right, enjoys a pre-flight pint with his pal JayCredit: Paul Edwards
Over a pint of Doom Bar, he opens up about his ambition to reunite the band.
Steve, 65, says: “It would be great, before one of us pops our clogs, to be in a room together at the very least — and maybe, who knows, do a last farewell tour.”
13:00
Dad Zesh Sadique, 46, and his wife Sadia are en route to Bodrum, Turkey, for four days with their children, Zidane, eight, and Arya, three.
Tucking into fish and chips, Sadia, 37, from London, says: “We came here because there is a great range of food. We’ll be back.”
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Electrician John Penny, 38, and his wife Lucy, who live near Crowborough, East Sussex, are celebrating their first child-free holiday in 12 years.
They’re off to sunny Palma, Majorca, and John is celebrating with a pint, while community helper Lucy, 35, is content with a Pepsi.
She says: “We always come here with the kids, too. You order on an app, so it’s easy.”
15:00
Beccie Simms, 47, and her nine-year-old neurodivergent twins Poppy and Ethan are having pizza and chips before flying to Crete.
Maternity ward worker Beccie, from Surrey, says: “This suits the twins. It is relaxed and has a great choice of food. The twins are very picky!”
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Alice Richardson, Millie Parker, Poppy Davinport and Hannah Wilson drink to their Majorca holCredit: Paul Edwards
Portsmouth students Poppy Davinport, Hannah Wilson and Alice Richardson, all 21, together with Millie Parker, 20, are heading to Majorca.
They are drinking Proseccos, gin and tonics and apple juices. Millie says: “The plan is to get tanned, drink and eat lots of paella.”
17:00
Londoners Olivia Moris-Brown, 19, who works for M&S, and her partner Jason Pham, a 20-year-old insurance broker, are off to Pisa in Italy to celebrate their sixth anniversary.
Tucking into chips and curry sauce, a spicy Korean chicken bowl and fish and chips, Jason says: “We love Spoons, we are fans. The food is always banging.”
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Tthe Ojukwus visit the pub before jetting to Majorca for their anniversaryCredit: Paul Edwards
Guinness-drinking Leon Ojukwu, 43, from East London, and his wife Abbie, 40, are primary school teachers.
They’re celebrating their tenth anniversary in Majorca with kids Esme, eight, and Zac, five. Abbie, who has had a Prosecco, says: “We always come here before a flight.
“Everyone has a smile on their face, the drinks come quickly and you don’t need to dress up.”
19:00
Ian Gordon, 62, is waiting for the Inverness flight, heading home to Lhanbryde, Moray, after a work trip.
Tucking into a ham and mushroom pizza, the salmon fisherman says: “The Guinness is good at Wetherspoons.
“I just came back from Iceland — you’re paying at least double for a pint there.”
20:00
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Nicola, in hat, is off to Portugal with nine mates for her 40thCredit: Paul Edwards
Wearing a sparkly hat, facilities manager Nicola Sandhu is heading to Vilamoura, Portugal, with nine friends for her 40th.
Nicola, from Bexleyheath, Kent, says: “We’ve got wines, Prosecco and lemon spritzes, nachos, fish and chips and an ultimate burger to set our trip off on the right note.”
21:00
Five pint-sipping friends from Selsey, West Sussex, are en route to party capital Prague in the Czech Republic.
Yet NHS service manager Mike Brooks, chef Ryan O’Hara, builder Riley Evans, all 25, carpenter Jenson Holden, 20, and carer Will Jenkinson, 26, insist they are “going to see the local sights”.
Riley says: “We will be in bed by 10pm, reading our Kindles.”
22:00
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Bella Caesar, left, and Millie Horner enjoy a pre-flight drinkCredit: Paul Edwards
Teaching assistant Millie Horner and HR worker Bella Caesar, both 21, from Hedge End, Hampshire, are eating chicken strips and are on their third round of vodka lemonade and rum and Coke.
They got here early for their Ibiza flight and Millie says: “It’s a debrief before the main event begins.”
23:00
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It’s all been too much for one travellerCredit: Paul Edwards
The passengers have all gone, and now The Red Lion worker Holly Taplin, 19, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, is mopping up after a long shift.
She says: “I am a bar associate, which means I host, clean, serve, make drinks — the whole lot.”
00:00
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Bar worker Holly Taplin gets the place tidy againCredit: Paul Edwards
Ollie Wilcox, 29, from Crawley, West Sussex, is a shift manager at the pub.
He says: “We stay open until the last flight goes, then we get ready for the morning shift.
“Passengers start coming through at 2am, and by 4am, the pub’s chock-a-block — there is a queue all the way down to WHSmith.”
This town in East Ayrshire, Scotland, has been named one of the most affordable places to live in the UK, with locals praising its vibrant shopping scene and friendly atmosphere
This Scottish town is filled with independent boutiques and beautiful green spaces(Image: Getty Images)
An historic town in East Ayrshire has been crowned one of the UK’s most affordable places to live, with locals praising its bustling shopping scene and welcoming atmosphere. Property website Rightmove has ranked Kilmarnock as Scotland’s top spot for first-time buyers, offering average house prices significantly below the national average.
Rightmove reports that homes in Kilmarnock have sold for an average of £154,688 over the past year. Flats have been snapped up for an average of £75,868, while semi-detached properties have commanded £161,391 and terraced houses £115,793.
Kilmarnock offers low housing costs and a rich mix of culture(Image: Getty Images)
Home to over 47,000 people, Kilmarnock’s housing costs are more than five times lower than London, where the average flat will set you back a whopping £590,543. The town’s blend of cultural heritage, green spaces and retail options has made it a popular choice for homebuyers.
Kilmarnock is home to a wealth of cultural landmarks, including Scotland’s largest Burns Monument, the Dick Institute and the Palace Theatre. The town centre boasts a range of independent shops as well as popular high street brands, reports the Daily Record.
The tourism board Visit Scotland has described Bank Street as: “a charming cobbled street in the historic core, with the elegant John Finnie Street boasting one of the best examples of provincial Victorian architecture in Scotland.”
The board also spotlighted Dean Castle and Country Park as “a fantastic day out for all the family” and commended the Burns Monument Centre’s picturesque location in Kay Park.
For many locals, the town’s charm and easy access are its main attractions. Andrew Reith, 41, who runs Zenith Coins and has been working in Kilmarnock for five years, said: “The town has some nice parks, and there are a few spots for public entertainment. The shopping area is quite popular, and both tourists and locals enjoy wandering around it.
Kilmarnock is “experiencing a resurgence” according to some(Image: undefined undefined via Getty Images)
“What I feel is that the town could benefit from a couple of large organisations, such as factories, to create more job opportunities for people living in the area.” However, not everyone shares this positive view. One local told The Express: “Many people in Kilmarnock rely on Government benefits and lack ambition and zeal to work.
“Most people are looking to send their children to the schools in Troon which is around 15 to 20 minutes away from Kilmarnock and is home to some of the most affluent people in the town.” While some streets offer homes priced between £75,000 and £84,000, others feature properties worth £500,000.
Tracey Oakley, a property adviser with Donald Ross Residential, noted: “Kilmarnock is a huge area and it would not be right to say that the houses are cheap [everywhere] here. The town is not very far from Glasgow and has a lovely shopping centre. “The properties which are put on the market are being sold in just two to six weeks, showing its popularity among the buyers.”
East Ayrshire Council says the town’s energy is being enhanced by regeneration initiatives. David McDowall, head of economic growth, said: “We are happy to see Kilmarnock is featuring as one of the more economical places to live.
“Over the past 15 years, our Regeneration and Business Support teams have attracted investment to enable the redevelopment of the town centre…breathing new life into the town’s conservation area.”
He added that Kilmarnock has “weathered the storm of closures of the mass industries such as whisky bottling, shoe making, carpet making, textiles and heavy engineering” and is now “experiencing a resurgence” with new small and medium enterprises.
At least 26 Palestinians have been killed since dawn across Gaza in Israeli attacks, medical sources have told Al Jazeera, as the besieged and bombarded enclave’s decimated health system, overwhelmed by a daily flow of wounded, is forcing doctors to make decisions on who to treat first.
In the latest killings on Friday, three people died in an Israeli attack on the Tuffah neighbourhood of eastern Gaza City. Five people were also killed in an Israeli air attack in Jabalia an-Nazla, in northern Gaza.
Earlier, an Israeli attack hit tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in al-Mawasi, southern Gaza – previously designated a so-called “safe zone” – igniting a major fire and killing at least five people, including infants. Al-Mawasi has come under repeated, deadly Israeli fire.
The death toll also includes includes six people who were desperately seeking aid.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent Hani Mahmoud said the injured, including children, were transferred to Nasser Hospital. Some showed wounds compatible with drone attacks.
“Drone missiles are packed with nails, metals and shrapnel that explodes at high speed, causing internal bleeding,” Mahmoud said. “These attacks are on the rise and target people in large crowds, in markets or while queueing for water.
“While Israel claims to be using sophisticated weapons, when we look on the ground, we see the number of casualties contradicting what Israel is [saying],” he added.
‘What should we do? Die at home?’
Israel’s ongoing, punishing blockade of Gaza is forcing doctors in crammed medical facilities to make difficult decisions about who to treat.
Patients with chronic illnesses are often the first to miss out because emergency departments are overwhelmed by people wounded in Israeli attacks.
“Before the war, I used to receive dialysis three times a week, with each session lasting four hours. At that time, the situation was stable, the treatment was effective, and we would return home feeling well and rested,” Omda Dagmash, a dialysis patient, told Al Jazeera at the barely functioning al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
“Now we can barely make the journey to the hospital, particularly since we are not eating well.”
At al-Shifa, the dialysis schedule has been scaled down to shorter and less frequent sessions. For some, it is a matter of life and death.
“The journey here is long and costly,” said Rowaida Minyawi, an elderly patient. “After all this exhaustion, we sometimes can’t find treatment. I have heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Even the medicine we get is not good. What should we do? Die at home?”
Besides prioritising patients, healthcare workers say they have to scale back operations to the minimum, as no fuel means no power – and no way to save lives.
“Only a few departments are working. We had to cut electricity to the rest,” said Ziad Abu Humaidan, from the hospital’s engineering department.
“The hospital’s yards turned into graveyards rather than a place of care and healing. Without electricity, there is no lighting, no functioning medical equipment, and no support for other essential services.”
Waning support in Israel for war
According to a public opinion survey conducted by the Israeli news outlet Maariv, about 44 percent of the Israeli public said the continued war in Gaza will not achieve the country’s goals.
A total of 42 percent of those surveyed said they believe the fighting will lead to achieving the goals, while 11 percent of the respondents said they are undecided.
Maariv also noted that of those who support the current coalition government, 73 percent think the military will achieve its goals, while 70 percent of opposition supporters think otherwise.
In the meantime, Israel faced a rare backlash on Thursday after it bombed Gaza’s only Catholic church, killing three people and wounding at least 10.
United States President Donald Trump contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after having “not a positive reaction” to the strike, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
After the call, Netanyahu attributed the strike to “stray ammunition” and added that Israel was investigating the incident.
Hamas slammed the attack as “a new crime committed against places of worship and innocent displaced persons” that comes in the context of a “war of extermination against the Palestinian people”.
A ‘scenic’ village just 10 minutes away from the popular city of Durham is the perfect getaway place for those looking to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets
Hett is only a few miles from the city of Durham [pictured](Image: Getty Images)
One of the things that’s brilliant about Britain – despite the weather – is the many unique villages that are well-known for their picturesque scenery and rural charm. A small but gorgeous village called Hetton-Le-Hole, also known as Hett, is described as ‘scenic’, and is just five miles away from the city of Durham. Interestingly, its name comes from the Old English word haet, which means ‘hat’.
Located at the top of a small hill that resembles a hat, hence its name, is surrounded by nature – making it the perfect place for history and outdoor lovers, especially those who love hiking. Its tranquillity is also a bonus point for those who are seeking a break from the bustle and hustle of city life.
Hett is only a 10-minute car ride away from the city of Durham(Image: Getty Images)
As reported by the Northern Echo, Hett has a concentrated population, and the village’s history is tied to traditional English farming life due to its agricultural settlements. Many of its houses were initially built as farms.
Despite the village’s rural character, there’s a lot of history with medieval mining. Other reports by the same publication explained that in the 13th and 14th centuries, sea coal was mined at Hett under the jurisdiction of the Priors of Durham Cathedral. Hett is now only of the few places in County Durham with evidence about these events.
Fast forward to the present day, Hett is a beautiful place that’s worth visiting. It offers a touch of rural and peaceful village life, and despite its few amenities, it’s still a great place to spend time. It’s close to the City of Durham, which gives a completely different vibe.
Hett’s name comes from the Old English word haet, which means ‘hat’.(Image: Google Maps)
Things to see and do in Hett
Village Green (with a Duck Pond)
Just at the centre of Hett, there’s a massive open space that has a duck pond. It’s a go-to place for locals and visitors, and one of the most lively places in the village. It’s also a good area for those wishing to take a walk overlooking the traditional houses, and even to have a picnic.
Historic Church (St Michael’s)
St Michael’s was the former church, once a chapel of ease dedicated to St Michael. After many years of service, it closed in the 20th century and turned into a private residence. Nonetheless, it remains part of its history.
Hett Moor and countryside walks
One of the best things to do in Hett is to walk. There are a lot of extensive paths from the village to the countryside, offering stunning and relaxing views through fields and hills. During the spring and summer months, the local flora and fauna are in full bloom, making the area so picturesque.
Visit Croxdale and Sunderland Bridge
Despite its proximity to Durham city, the nearby villages of Croxdale and Sunderland Bridge are also worth visiting. Not only is there more history to be learnt, but some of the key features include the stone bridges crossing the River Wear.
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with barely tourists and without having to hop on a plane, Hett is the destination for you. The easiest, fastest and most convenient way to reach Hett is by train, with prices varying depending on the route and the time of year.
From London to Durham, visitors can take the LNER train, taking less than three hours. Alternatively, there are direct buses from London Victoria Station to Durham University, the Palatine Centre. Then, you can take the Line 65 bus to Hetton-Le-Hole, which takes 21 minutes and costs £2 for the ride, or a 10-minute taxi ride.
Pope Leo XIV has previously been photographed wearing a White Sox hat, the team he grew up cheering for in a working-class neighborhood.
Leo is the first person from the United States elected to serve as Pope.
Long before he was Pope, Prevost witnessed his White Sox win the 2005 World Series, capturing baseball’s title for the first time in 88 years after winning four straight games over the Houston Astros.
In addition to the Pope’s address, Saturday’s event features a serenade from a Chicago Catholic school boys’ choir competing on the reality TV program America’s Got Talent. Chicago Bulls play-by-play voice Chuck Swirsky is serving as Master of Ceremonies.
The taped appearance comes just over a month after the 69-year-old was elected to the Papacy, to the delight of many Chicagoans and its large Catholic population.
The Archdiocese of Chicago estimates more than 2 million Catholics live in the region.
Saturday’s festivities come a week after the Pope asked God to “open borders, break down walls and dispel hatred,” during weekly mass in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
On Friday, the Pope confirmed the date on which Italian teenager Carlo Acutis will be canonized. Acutis, who died at the age of 15 from leukemia in 2006, will become the first saint from the millennial generation on Sept. 7.
The Dolphin Surf has four seats, three with ISOFIX anchor points and a surprisingly practical boot
Just press and go.
It’s value for money at £18,650.
And yet it’s got a rotating touchscreen and all those gadgets thrown in anyway.
Where’s the catch?
I can’t see one.
It knocks a Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 out of the park because it’s a proper car for not much more and it’s comfortably less than the already brilliant-value Renault 5.
Finance from £269 a month with £269 deposit. Or £199 a month with about £3k deposit.
It’ll cost pennies to run.
I reckon many will be bought as second cars but end up being the one owners use the most.
Dolphin Surf has four seats, three with ISOFIX anchor points for the kiddlywinks, and a surprisingly practical boot that’ll swallow the Friday big shop.
Japanese giant unveils its new bargain EV with quirky ‘bug eye’ headlights
Properly comfy seats by the way. Made of “vegan leather” whatever that means.
NETFLIX has struck a new deal that will see a popular kids show come to the streaming giants service.
The show was facing an uncertain future after losing funding but has been saved by the new Netflix deal.
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The new deal will see episodes released later this yearCredit: Getty
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Sesame Street has been on TV for decades and boasts hundreds of awardsCredit: Alamy
Sesame Street will be hosted on the streaming service with 90 hours of previous episodes and a whole new season added to the Netflix catalogue.
The move comes after HBO decided not to renew the 50-year-old show’s deal.
Sesame Street was threatened with cancellation in the wake of the news but has now been thrown a lifeline.
The deal will see new episodes of the beloved children’s show run on Netflix, PBS, and the PBS Kids app later this year.
No date has been announced for the premiere as of yet.
Warner Bros Discovery, who aired the show since 2016, decided not to renew its deal for new episodes to air on HBO and Max.
However, episodes of the children’s TV series will remain there until 2027.
The new series, to be aired on Netflix, will be the shows impressive 56th season.
Episodes in the new season will revolve around a single, 11 minute story.
Sesame Workshop said in a statement: “This unique public-private partnership will enable us to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world with Netflix’s global reach, while ensuring children in communities across the US continue to have free access on public television to the Sesame Street they love.”
Sesame Street has been entertaining children since 1969 with beloved puppet characters.
The show has won more than 200 Emmys in its long history.
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Characters like Elmo, Bert and Ernie, Big Bird and Cookie Monster lead the episodesCredit: AP
NETFLIX PRICES AND PERKS – HOW MUCH ARE YOU PAYING?
Here’s what you need to know…
Netflix Standard with Ads
Price: £4.99 UK / $7.99 US
Ad-supported, all but a few movies and TV shows available, unlimited mobile games
Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
Watch in 1080p (Full HD)
Download on 2 supported devices at a time
Netflix Standard
Price: £10.99 UK / $17.99 US
Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
Watch in 1080p (Full HD)
Download on 2 supported devices at a time
Option to add 1 extra member who doesn’t live with you
Netflix Premium
Price: £17.99 UK / $24.99 US
Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
Watch on 4 supported devices at a time
Watch in 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR
Download on 6 supported devices at a time
Option to add up to 2 extra members who don’t live with you
Netflix spatial audio
Picture Credit: Netflix
Episodes are led by Big Bird and a cast of characters that educate children about colours, shapes and numbers.
Funding for the show was thrown into question earlier this year when President Trump issued an executive order to block funding for TV network PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).
The move resulted in federal funding for the show, among other TV programmes for kids, being cut.
Netflix’ new deal will see the show saved from an otherwise uncertain future.
The streaming giant called Sesame Street a “beloved cornerstone of children’s educational television.”
Netflix promised to keep fan favourite segments like Elmo’s world and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck in the show.
The streaming service did hint at changes for the new season as well though, telling viewers to “expect new ways to play along.”
Sesame Street was co-founded by Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney.
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Netflix hinted at minor changes to the showCredit: Getty Images – Getty
