JuJu Watkins is returning to Sierra Canyon High on Friday, the place where she was a high school basketball All-American.
The school will hold a ceremony retiring her jersey at halftime of the boys’ basketball game between Sierra Canyon and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.
She will be presented with a framed jersey.
Watkins is sitting out this season at USC while recovering from a knee injury.
Sierra Canyon girls’ basketball coach Alicia Komaki said, “She raised our standards, which was hard to do because we had won four state championships. She was an incredibly talented player.”
Award-winning BBC comedy thriller Black Ops returns to BBC One tonight with Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun reprising their roles alongside Tom Stourton and Nigel Havers
Megan Nisbet Content Editor
22:30, 08 Jan 2026
Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun reprise their roles as Dom and Kay(Image: BBC)
The critically acclaimed BBC comedy thriller, Black Ops, is set to return for a second series on BBC One and BBCiPlayer. The first season of the show drew an impressive audience of 2.3 million viewers for its premiere episode, averaging 1.6 million across the entire series.
Gbemisola Ikumelo will be back in her role as Dom, with Hammed Animashaun reprising his character Kay, and Akemnji Ndifornyen returning as gang boss Tevin. This season also boasts a star-studded guest cast including Tom Stourton (Barbie, Poor Things), Nigel Havers (Chariots of Fire, Coronation Street), Annette Badland (Heartstopper, Ted Lasso), Ed Speleers (Star Trek: Picard, You), and Cathy Tyson (Help, Death in Paradise).
When asked about her decision to return for the second series, Gbemisola said: “Honestly, I think the love from the audience. Series one felt really, really special, and got a lot of love and recognition. How could you not want to do it again?”.
In response to whether she anticipated such an overwhelming response from viewers, Gbemisola, who also co-created and wrote the series, admitted: “Absolutely not. You always want to be able to put something out there, and if you’re proud of it, then great, and move on. But it was really lovely to hear how much love people had for this show.”
The upcoming season will see Dom and Kay working for MI5, but their roles are far from glamorous. As the synopsis teases: “They may be in the world of espionage, but their jobs are decidedly unglamorous – not everyone can be James Bond, someone has to do the admin.”
“All that changes when Dom meets a charismatic spy called Steve, offering the promise of more exciting, classified work. Dom and Kay soon find themselves embroiled in an escapade that tests their wits, their friendship, and their love of carnival to the limits.”
Speaking about what’s in store for series two, Gbemisola hinted: “It’s going to be a bigger, louder, crazier show. I’m actually quite shocked about the things we’ve been able to achieve in this series, so I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences respond to the things that I’m excited about.”
The second series launches on Thursday, January 8, available on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer from 9:30pm, reports the Express.
The opening episode’s synopsis reveals: “Dom and Kay are back and working at MI5, but they’re struggling to find their feet in the world of intelligence. Dom, ambitious and eager to prove herself, is frustrated to be stuck carrying out menial work in the archives, while Kay misses his former role as a PCSO, and the direct impact he had on the community. Dom takes a big gamble to impress a senior agent, with dangerous consequences for her and Kay.”
The series consists of eight half-hour episodes, airing weekly on Thursday evenings in the same time slot.
Black Ops, which originally launched in 2023, is making its comeback as viewers will see Gbemisola Ikumelo and Hammed Animashaun return as Dom and Kay.
The first series followed two East London police community support officers who unexpectedly found themselves working undercover.
Tasked with penetrating a criminal gang led by boss Tevin (Akemnji Ndifornyen), audiences were treated to a hilarious journey as the pair attempted to stay under the radar whilst Tevin grew increasingly suspicious, reports Wales Online.
Now, the cast reunite for a fresh series, which will feature appearances from Death in Paradise’s Cathy Tyson and Coronation Street’s Nigel Havers.
Discussing his return as Tevin, Akemnji revealed: “Series one was so nice, of course, we had to go and do it twice! Hugely excited to be going bigger, better and blacker for series two.
“Whatever is next for Dom, Kay – and of course Tevin – one thing is for certain, two things are for sure: it’s going to be a wild and thrilling comedy ride! Seatbelts, please!”
A synopsis for the second series reveals it begins with Dom and Kay working for MI5. Despite operating in the secretive world of espionage, their roles in the organisation are far from glamorous as they’re confined to administrative duties.
However, the situation shifts as an overview states: “All that changes when Dom meets a charismatic spy called Steve, offering the promise of more exciting, classified work.
“Dom and Kay soon find themselves embroiled in an escapade that tests their wits, their friendship, and their love of carnival to the limits.”
The series has received glowing reviews from viewers in the past, with one person commenting: “I find UK shows so much more my level of humour and cadence.. This show is excellent.”
**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**
“The chemistry between the two main characters is spot on. It’s smart and funny and drama all at the same time. That’s hard to pull off. It’s a great storyline.”
Another viewer added: “Thought this was hilarious. The two main characters are a blast. And the series’ plot was twisting and gripping enough to also provided enough suspense to make me keep watching to the end. Loved it.”
Black Ops is available to watch on BBC One from 9:30pm
Ulster full-back Jacob Stockdale has been ruled out of Sunday’s Challenge Cup pool game against the Cheetahs (15:15 GMT) with a rib injury.
The Ireland back suffered the injury in last week’s United Rugby Championship win over Munster and was forced off early in the second half.
The 29-year-old joins Juarno Augustus (ankle), Charlie Irvine (calf), Michael Lowry (ankle), Rory McGuire (ankle), Ethan McIlroy (ribs), James McNabney (knee), Stewart Moore (hand) on Ulster’s injury list.
In more positive news, Ben Moxham is available for selection after recovering from a serious knee injury.
The 24-year-old winger has not played since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament during Ulster’s loss to Leinster in November 2024.
Ulster opened their Challenge Cup campaign with a resounding 61-7 win over Racing 92 but fell to a 29-26 loss to Cardiff.
Since then, Richie Murphy’s side lost to Leinster before beating Connacht and Munster in the festive inter-provincial derbies in the United Rugby Championship.
Christmas celebrations return to Bethlehem as thousands gather in Manger Square for the first time since 2022.
Thousands of people have gathered in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve for the first public celebrations since 2022 after the city cancelled or muted festivities for two years out of respect for the thousands killed during Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
Families filled Manger Square in the occupied West Bank city as a giant Christmas tree returned to the plaza, replacing a nativity display used during the war that showed baby Jesus amid rubble and barbed wire, symbolising the devastation in Gaza.
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The celebrations were led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic leader in the Holy Land, who arrived in Bethlehem from Jerusalem in the traditional Christmas procession and called for “a Christmas full of light”.
Clergymen and alter boys wait ahead of Christmas service in the Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity (R) in the biblical city of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank on Christmas eve on December 24, 2025. (AFP)
Scout bands from towns across the West Bank marched through Bethlehem’s streets, their bagpipes draped with tartan and Palestinian flags.
Since the start of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, its forces have carried out near-daily raids across the West Bank, arresting thousands of Palestinians and sharply restricting movement between cities.
Palestinians say the intensified military presence, road closures and checkpoint delays have deterred visitors, paralysing the tourism sector on which Bethlehem’s economy depends.
The vast majority of those celebrating were local residents, with only a small number of foreign visitors.
Unemployment in Bethlehem surged from 14 percent to 65 percent during the genocidal war on Gaza, Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati said earlier this month. As economic conditions deteriorated, about 4,000 residents left the city in search of work, he added.
Israeli raids and settler attacks
The return of Christmas celebrations comes despite continued raids and large-scale military incursions across the occupied West Bank, even after a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which has been repeatedly violated by Israeli forces, took hold in October.
The raids often entail mass arrests of Palestinians, home searches and demolitions, as well as physical assaults that sometimes lead to deaths.
Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have reached their highest level since the United Nations humanitarian office began recording data in 2006. The attacks have involved killings, beatings and the destruction of property, often under the protection of the Israeli military.
Earlier on Wednesday, more than 570 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem under police protection, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
Palestinians say such incursions violate the longstanding status quo governing Islam’s third-holiest site.
Israel’s security cabinet has also signed off on plans to formalise 19 illegal settlements across the West Bank, in a move Palestinian officials say deepens a decades-long project of land theft and demographic engineering.
The United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and other countries condemned the move on Wednesday.
“We call on Israel to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements,” said a joint statement released by the UK, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.
“We recall that such unilateral actions, as part of a wider intensification of the settlement policies in the West Bank, not only violate international law but also risk fuelling instability.”
EastEnders has welcomed back Pat Butcher as Nigel Bates’ dementia symptoms worsen, with Pam St Clement reprising her iconic role
Angie Quinn Screen Time Reporter
06:59, 18 Dec 2025Updated 12:42, 22 Dec 2025
EastEnders has unveiled the dramatic comeback of Pat Butcher as Nigel Bates grapples with escalating dementia symptoms.
As regular viewers of the BBC soap will be aware, Nigel (played by Paul Bradley) is dealing with a diagnosis of early-onset dementia, a key aspect of his return to the show for Christmas 2024.
The debilitating condition leads to confusion and memory loss for Nigel, causing him to conceal his diagnosis and struggle with its progression. On Monday (December 22), the residents of Walford began to embrace the festive season as Nigel’s film was screened at the community centre.
However, after overhearing his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) and close friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) arguing about how best to manage his deteriorating dementia, he seeks refuge in The Queen Vic.
Nigel begins to mix up past memories with the present. In his confused state, he is visited by familiar faces from Christmases past – Pat (played by Pam St Clement ).
As Nigel’s mind drifts back to 1990, Pat makes a return to The Queen Vic, where she once served as landlady alongside her husband, Frank (Mike Reid), reports OK!.
On Tuesday (December 23), Pat and her former step-son, Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson), step in to support her old friend Nigel as his dementia symptoms take a sudden turn for the worse, with both she and Barry attempting to help him. This marks the first sighting of Pat in Walford since her ghostly appearance in 2016.
Pat, renowned for her bold statement earrings, made her debut in Walford in 1986 and swiftly won over the hearts of viewers.
In 1989, she married businessman Frank in a traditional East End celebration that drew all the locals, before the pair eventually became landlords of The Queen Vic.
Throughout her time on the Square, Pat captivated audiences with her romantic entanglements, four marriages, local feuds, and countless fiery confrontations with her nemesis-turned-best mate, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).
Yet on New Year’s Day 2012, the spirited leopard print-loving Walford resident passed away in the arms of her son David Wicks (Michael French).
Pat’s heartbreaking demise came after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. However, that wasn’t the final chapter for the legendary character.
In 2016, Pam returned to reprise her role for a fleeting appearance in Peggy Mitchell’s final and deeply moving episode.
She materialised as a spirit and shared one last heart-to-heart with her dearest friend, Peggy, before her passing.
Expressing her delight about returning to EastEnders, Pam St Clement revealed: “I was both surprised and excited to be asked back to tread the streets of Walford once again and to be involved in Nigel’s touching dementia storyline.
“It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.”
Why did Pam St Clement leave EastEnders?
**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**
Despite captivating EastEnders viewers with her tragic on-screen demise, soap legend Pam never actually wanted her cherished character, Pat, to meet her end. In a 2015 interview with The Mirror, she confessed, “It was very, very difficult. I was saying goodbye to a character I’d inhabited for almost 26 years and, while I had chosen to leave EastEnders, I didn’t want Pat to die”.
She went on to say, “I was adamant there should be a chance for her to return and had been assured by the executive producer she wouldn’t be axed.”
Looking back on her exit, Pam recalled, “When I felt the time had come to hang up the earrings, I took Bryan Kirkwood, the then executive producer, out for dinner and broached the subject of leaving.”
She was firm in her request, stating, “One crucial thing I asked for was that Pat shouldn’t be killed off. Bryan’s response was unequivocal. He assured me that Pat wouldn’t be axed.”
Life after EastEnders for Pam St Clement
In 2015, Pam publicly disclosed for the first time that she had had an affair with a woman. Identifying as bisexual, Pam was previously married to a man named Andrew Gordon in the 1960s, but they later divorced.
In her autobiography The End of The Earring, Pam admitted that coming to terms with her bisexuality was like a “bombshell”. She also revealed having an affair with a woman during a trip to Australia.
Pam added: “That month in Sydney went all too quickly, and we were soon saying our farewells at the airport with promises of reunions back in the UK. I nearly missed the plane, I was so bereft at leaving.”
Eventually, Pam began a romantic relationship with a woman called Diana. However, in her memoir, she confessed that her inclination to “over-care” could occasionally “smother” her partnerships.
Speaking candidly to The Mirror in 2015, Pam revealed she’d had the occasional fling “but nothing meaningful”. Then she met Diana, who would become a significant figure in her world.
She explained: “I fell for an attractive woman who was intelligent, witty and fun to be with. Diana and I settled into a happy and stable relationship.
“Looking back, I wonder if I should have stayed on my own. I want to love and be loved, but I am fiercely independent.
“But this was a relationship I couldn’t resist. It was a new experience, exciting and different in every way. We had our own professions but made a home together.”
After her devastating EastEnders departure, Pam made appearances in three Casualty episodes during 2016, though aside from that, she has been relishing a quieter existence away from public attention.
Nevertheless, she did make a return to BBC One in February 2025 to mark EastEnders’ 40th anniversary milestone.
Having spent 13 years absent from Walford, Pam featured alongside Grant Mitchell star Ross Kemp in the documentary EastEnders: 40 Years of the Square.
Throughout the poignant hour-long programme, she spoke openly about her character whilst sharing memories with Ross during their journey on the number 38 bus.
They also took a trip down memory lane, revisiting scenes from a poignant 2016 episode where Pat made a ghostly return to comfort Peggy Mitchell, portrayed by Dame Barbara Windsor, in her final moments.
The duo watched clips featuring their dearly departed co-star, clearly touched by the nostalgic memories. A visibly emotional Pam confessed, “Well, I miss her”, before adding with heartfelt sincerity, “I mean, basically I miss her tremendously”, as she fought back tears.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
Lola Young has made a return to social media after an abrupt pause on her careerCredit: AlamyLola stepped back from the spotlight after a series of strugglesCredit: PABut she broke her silence to thank fans for their supportCredit: Refer to source
Lola, 24, returned to Instagram with some positive news for fans and promised she was doing a lot better.
“Hey, I just wanted to express gratitude to everyone who has given me time and space to gather myself and get my head in a better place,” she wrote in the heartfelt post.
“I’ve felt so much love and support from you all and it has helped more than you will ever know.”
Lola continued: “I am hoping to gradually get back to performing and continuing pursuing my dreams. Happy holidays to you all and can’t wait to see you in 2026.
“Life is a journey, nothing is perfect but today I am doing well. All my love always, Lola x.”
The London-born singer had just released her critically-acclaimed debut when she made the sudden decision to press pause on her career and cancelled her tour.
Announcing her departure in a heartbreaking statement shared on Instagram, Lola said she hopes her followers will give her a “second chance”.
“I’m going away for a while. It pains me to say I have to cancel everything for the foreseeable future. Thank you for all the love and support,” she wrote in a post at the time.
“I’m so sorry to let anyone down who has bought a ticket to see me, it hurts me more than you know.”
The singer had gone through a series secret struggles – from a mental health diagnosis to an ongoing nepo baby row and even legal issues.
Last year, while Lola’s biggest hit was climbing up the charts, she was checked into a rehab facility for an addiction to cocaine.
It’s thought she was admitted last November and the drug addiction swamped the singer for “a long time”, she said in an interview with The Guardian.
She also revealed she ‘hated’ her body after trolls flooded her social media accounts with cruel comments.
Meanwhile, when she was 17, she was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.
The condition is a mix of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, according to the NHS.
Writing on Instagram in 2022, Lola explained: “I have struggled immensely learning to accept this part of myself, and I am still learning.”
Lola’s star exploded in 2024 and had just released her debut album when she paused her careerCredit: Getty
Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who wants to spend some time revisiting Rob Reiner’s indelible mark on pop culture.
For many of us, it was already that time of year when we pop in our DVD of “When Harry Met Sally…” or figure out which streaming service has it in its library (or digitally rent it, if none do), and passively recite every quotable moment until Harry’s breathless declaration of love on New Year’s Eve necessitated our full performance. It was a comfort watch in the best sense because of how joyous and hopeful it left so many of us, even cynics, feeling. This year, as the tradition now becomes layered with sadness following the tragic deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, there’s at least comfort in knowing all the Hollywood magic he brought to life (whether he was directing, or starring in a production) that was full of humanity, humor and heart, and accompanied us at different stages of our lives, can continue to do so. Members of our film team took a look at some of Reiner’s best films, many of which can be streamed. And TV critic Robert Lloyd reminded us of Reiner’s contributions to television, particularly through shows like “All in the Family” and “New Girl” (“Lettuce, tomato, lettuce, meat, meat, meat, cheese, lettuce” — iykyk).
But if it’s all too soon, we get it. Maybe our other streaming recommendations can provide an escape — one is a TV drama about a disillusioned Broadway director returning home to his amateur community theater, and the other is a mystery thriller with an unlikely duo teaming up to investigate the case of a missing girl.
Also in this week’s Screen Gab, “Emily in Paris” actor Samuel Arnold stops by Guest Spot to tell us about the behind-the-scenes adventures of the show’s Italian-set fifth season.
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Julianne Hough near the Dolby Theatre at the 97th Academy Awards earlier this year. The Oscars are moving to YouTube, sending shock waves through Hollywood.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
What the Oscars moving to YouTube means for broadcast TV: The Academy Awards will stream on YouTube beginning in 2029, ending a more than five-decade run on broadcast television and marking the show’s biggest distribution shift in its history.
Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times
Harry McNaughton as Charlie Summers, a disillusioned Broadway director returning home to his amateur community theatre in “Happiness.”
(Andi Crown Photography / PBS)
“Happiness” (PBS app, pbs.org)
What could be better, at this festive time of year, or any other time, than a backstage musical comedy set in an amateur theatrical company in New Zealand’s fifth-largest city? Harry McNaughton plays Charlie Summers, whose Broadway dream dies when he’s fired as the director of a “Cats” revival and, losing his work visa, returns home to New Zealand for what he hopes will be only a couple of days. Naturally, it turns out otherwise, with Charlie drawn reluctantly into the production of a new musical, “The Trojan Horse,” at the Pizazz theater, run by his mother (Rebecca Gibney) and stocked with a original twists on classic characters: a dictatorial director, the always-cast leading lady, a talented ingénue, a buff electrician with a great voice and the shy high school music teacher who wrote it, making themselves and their desires quickly felt. (There’s a feminist thrust to the plot.) The songs are tuneful and witty, the performances fun, the atmosphere charged but charming. Presented in six 20-minute episodes as part of “Masterpiece Theater.” — Robert Lloyd
Emma Thompson as private investigator Zoë Boehm and Ruth Wilson as art conservationist Sarah Trafford in “Down Cemetery Road.”
(Matt Towers / Apple TV)
“Down Cemetery Road” (Apple TV)
Nothing says the holidays like a gripping crime drama where everyone’s a suspect! Apple TV’s smart and unvarnished British series follows Zoë Boehm (Emma Thompson), a private investigator who hasn’t the time or bandwidth for social niceties, shows of emotion or combing her hair. She’s thrown together with homemaker and art restorer Sarah Tucker (Ruth Wilson), a passive suburbanite who likes 4 Non Blondes.
Their sparring personalities create the undeniable chemistry that’s at the heart of this eight-part series, while the drama’s unexpected turn of events and fast pacing make it hard to hit pause. The two women are connected when a deadly residential explosion rocks Sarah’s neighborhood. A woman was killed, but her young daughter, who made it out alive, has mysteriously disappeared. The quest to find the girl pulls the odd-couple investigators into a complex and dangerous cover up by the Ministry of Defense, and they discover the explosion was in fact an orchestrated assassination.
Morwenna Banks’ adaptation of Mick Herron’s debut novel of the same name, “Down Cemetery Road” also features the PTSD-plagued Downey (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), the villainous Amos (Fehinti Balogun), bumbling agent Hamza Malik (Adeel Akhtar) and his sociopathic boss, C (Darren Boyd). But it’s Thompson’s gruff character who gets the best lines, such as the one she says to a potential client: “I don’t drink Prosecco and I don’t bond emotionally.” The show has already been renewed for a second season. — Lorraine Ali
Guest spot
A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they’re working on — and what they’re watching
Samuel Arnold as Julien in Season 5 of “Emily in Paris.”
(Netflix)
Every office needs a deliciously snarky employee who is too fabulous to work, but still manages to grace the room with their presence to boost the vibe. In “Emily in Paris,” that person is Julien. The quippy, sharply dressed and gossip-loving character, played by Samuel Arnold, has been a bright spot in the series over its run. Initially the guy who liked to remind Emily she was une ringarde American, he’s softened his stance on his fish-out-of-water colleague. But as the Agence Grateau luxury marketing team ventures to Italy this season, which is now streaming, his side eye shifts focus to a new co-worker. Over email, Arnold shared what it was like shooting outside their usual setting and the animated series he returns to over and over. — Yvonne Villarreal
The Grateau team spent time in Italy this season. Some filming took place in Rome and Venice. What’s a memory or experience that stands out from filming there? Did any place there become a go-to spot for you when you weren’t shooting?
Rome was incredible, both on and off screen. One moment that really stands out is when Ashley Park and her choreographer, Carlye Tamaren, taught us one of Ashley’s dance routines. Everyone did so well — and Bruno Gouery was absolutely hilarious. When we weren’t filming, one of our favorite meeting spots was the rooftop at the Minerva Hotel. It’s stunning. In Venice, we would all gather in Bruno Gouery’s room and play a pirate dice game that Lucien Laviscount introduced us to. The city itself felt like a dream.
The series revolves around Emily and her fish-out-of-water experience of building a new life in Paris. How would this series look if it were titled “Julien in Paris”? Five seasons in, what would a slice of his life look like if you could pitch it to Darren Star?
If the show were called “Julien in Paris,” it probably wouldn’t be very exciting — Julien is a Parisian. He has Paris on lock. I like to think he sees himself as the prince of the city. Now, Julien in New York City — opening his own marketing firm there — that’s a different story. I can already feel the drama.
Julien is very discerning and could spot the games Genevieve was playing. How do you think he handled her, and the position he was in, knowing this secret could damage Emily and Mindy’s friendship?
I think Julien handled it pretty well. It’s not a great position to be in. When one friend hurts another, the right thing to do is to encourage the person at fault to do the right thing. And when someone like Genevieve — played by the absolutely lovely Thalia Besson — tries to stir up trouble, Julien definitely knows how to deal with that in the best possible way.
With all the love triangles (and squares), who would you, Samuel, pick for Emily — Gabriel or Marcello? And for Mindy — Nicolas or Alfie?
I don’t think I should be picking men for those women. What I can say is that they should follow their hearts and embrace whatever comes with that. Honestly, we should all try to do the same.
What have you watched recently that you’re recommending to everyone you know?
I recently watched “Safe House” [Netflix], with Lucien Laviscount as a badass action hero. The casting is great, the ending really catches you off guard, and Lucien does his own stunts — which makes it even more impressive.
What’s your go-to comfort watch — the movie or TV show you always come back to?
“Rick and Morty” [Hulu]. It never gets old. It’s funny, packed with pop-culture references — which I love — and the voice acting is just incredible.
Australia prop Angus Bell will make his first Ulster start in Friday’s United Rugby Championship game against Leinster at Aviva Stadium (19:45 GMT).
Short-term signing Bell, who came off the bench in the Challenge Cup fixtures against Racing 92 and Cardiff, starts at loose-head with Ireland internationals Tom O’Toole and Tom Stewart completing the front row.
Centre Stuart McCloskey returns from the groin injury he sustained on Ireland duty last month. He is joined in midfield by Jude Postlethwaite, who missed last weekend’s defeat by Cardiff because of concussion.
Ulster head coach Richie Murphy has recalled several players after rotating his squad for the Cardiff game, with Nick Timoney and Juarno Augustus returning to the back row.
Jacob Stockdale is restored at full-back, while Rob Baloucoune – who has scored five tries this season – returns to the right wing. The first-choice half-back pairing of Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy are also recalled.
Ethan McIlroy is set for his first appearance since January from the bench after recovering from a knee injury.
Ireland forward James Ryan will earn his 100th Leinster cap in Friday’s interprovincial derby.
URC holders Leinster will be captained by Jack Conan, who came through graduated return to play protocols, with Caelan Doris not named in the squad.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has changed his front row after last weekend’s Investec Champions Cup win at Leicester, with Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani and Gus McCarthy named to start.
New Zealand international Rieko Ioane will play his first URC game after a couple of Champions Cup appearances, while Sam Prendergast is restored at fly-half after Harry Byrne was preferred for the Leicester game.
Ulster have won four out of five URC games this season while Leinster have three wins and three defeats from six. Leinster won both meetings last season, including a comprehensive 41-17 win at Aviva Stadium in April.
French superstar Kylian Mbappe scores on his return from injury to help Real Madrid to a crucial 2-1 win at Alaves.
Kylian Mbappe’s and Rodrygo Goes’s goals earned Real Madrid a tense 2-1 win at Alaves in La Liga to potentially keep coach Xabi Alonso in his job.
Madrid, second, reeled league leaders Barcelona’s advantage back to four points and recorded only their third victory in the last nine games across all competitions.
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After a home defeat by Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday, Spanish media reported that anything but a victory would cost Alonso his position.
Following Mbappe’s superb opener on Sunday, Carlos Vicente pulled Alaves level in the second half, but Rodrygo secured the visitors a much-needed victory at Mendizorrotza Stadium.
Alonso was able to bring his key player, Mbappe, back into the side after he could only watch the defeat by City from the bench due to knee discomfort.
The coach also handed a debut to Victor Valdepenas at left-back, with both Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia suspended, and Ferland Mendy being one of several players out injured.
Mbappe appeared to be feeling his knee and hobbling in the first few minutes, but despite that, he was the game’s most influential player.
The forward had a shot deflected wide and then fired narrowly over as Alaves sat deep and tried to keep the 15-time European champions at bay.
By the time Mbappe opened the scoring in the 25th minute, his discomfort seemed to have cleared up.
Released by Jude Bellingham, Mbappe drove towards goal at full tilt and whipped a shot into the top right corner for his 17th league goal of the campaign.
England international Bellingham then blasted home from close range, but his strike was ruled out for a handball, as the ball had struck his arm.
Needing to fight back, Alaves moved onto the front foot and took control of the game before the break, almost pulling level.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a fine save with his head, even if he knew little about it, to deny Pablo Ibanez from close range.
Los Blancos were dangerous again soon after the interval, with Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera saving well from Mbappe and then Vinicius Junior.
They came to rue those misses when Vicente pulled Alaves level after 68 minutes.
The forward got in behind Antonio Rudiger, controlled former Madrid midfielder Antonio Blanco’s chipped pass, and whipped a shot past Courtois.
Eduardo Coudet’s side almost took the lead when Vicente’s low cross from the right was nudged wide by Toni Martinez, who was shifted off-balance as he shot by Raul Asencio’s pressure.
Instead, Madrid pulled back in front, with Vinicius breaking in down the left and crossing for Rodrygo to finish from 6 yards out.
It was the Brazilian’s second goal in two games after going the previous 32 matches without finding the net, and Alonso celebrated vehemently, knowing his future could depend on it.
Vinicius had appeals for a penalty turned down, and Bellingham came close in stoppage time as Madrid tried in vain to put the game to bed and ease their nerves.
Third-place Villarreal’s visit to face Levante was postponed due to a weather warning in the Valencia region. Real Oviedo, 19th, sacked coach Luis Carrion after a 4-0 hammering at Sevilla.
On Saturday, champions Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-0 to win a seventh straight La Liga game and ensure they will lead the table into 2026, regardless of what happens in the final round of fixtures before the winter break.
