The dust has barely settled on one of the most dramatic Formula 1 seasons in history, but the paddock is already reeling from a fresh set of explosive revelations that threaten to reshape the sport’s future. In a twist that feels more like a Hollywood script than motorsport news, disgraced former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is reportedly deep in negotiations for a sensational return to the grid in 2026. But he isn’t just looking for a job—he’s looking to own the show.

Simultaneously, four-time world champion Max Verstappen has dropped a bombshell of his own, pulling back the curtain on a secret, season-long alliance with Horner that continued long after the latter’s high-profile dismissal from Red Bull Racing in July 2025.

The Mastermind Returns: Horner’s Alpine Gambit

According to exclusive reports circulating this week, Christian Horner is in active talks to not only take the helm at the struggling Alpine F1 Team but to acquire a substantial ownership stake. The deal reportedly centers on the 24% share currently held by Otro Capital, the American investment consortium backed by A-list celebrities including Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and Michael B. Jordan.

The group, which pumped over $200 million into the French outfit in 2023, appears ready to cut its losses after Alpine’s catastrophic 2025 campaign, where they finished dead last in the Constructors’ Championship. For Horner, who walked away from Red Bull with a reported $60 million severance package, the timing is impeccable. His “gardening leave” expires in April 2026, perfectly aligning with a mid-season entry or a strategic background role to prepare for the new regulation era.

This isn’t merely a hiring decision; it’s a rescue mission. Alpine is desperate. The team has churned through management, currently resting on the temporary leadership of 75-year-old Flavio Briatore. Horner represents instant credibility, a ruthless winning mentality, and the structural discipline that the chaotic Enstone team has lacked for years.

Verstappen’s Secret Loyalty

While the business machinations are intriguing, the emotional core of this story comes from Max Verstappen. In a candid and unguarded interview with Viaplay, the Dutch superstar revealed that his relationship with Horner never wavered, even as the walls were closing in on Red Bull’s management mid-season.

“We kept in touch every week,” Verstappen admitted, shattering the narrative that he had moved on from his former mentor. “Friday, Saturday, Sunday… he was there.”

The revelation recasts the narrative of the 2025 season. After Horner’s firing in July—following the British Grand Prix—Red Bull went into a tailspin. Verstappen found himself staring at a seemingly insurmountable 104-point deficit to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The championship seemed lost. Yet, unknown to the public and perhaps even to Red Bull’s new leadership, Horner was acting as a shadow counselor, feeding Verstappen encouragement and advice as he mounted one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

Although Verstappen ultimately fell agonizingly short—losing the title by just two points to Lando Norris—he credits Horner’s unwavering belief as a key pillar of his resurgence. “He went through fire for me,” Verstappen said, referencing their shared history and the intense 2021 title battle. “You don’t just forget that.”

A Tangled Web for 2026

The implications of a Horner-Alpine union are staggering, creating a web of awkward reunions and potential conflicts.

The most delicious irony lies in the engine bay. Alpine has abandoned its in-house engine program and will become a Mercedes customer team starting in 2026. This means Christian Horner, the man who spent a decade exchanging verbal barbs and open hostilities with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, would be forced to work directly with his arch-rival. The prospect of Horner managing a team powered by Wolff’s engines is a storyline that F1 writers couldn’t have dreamed up.

Furthermore, Horner’s return would place him in direct opposition to Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s senior advisor. Marko and Horner were locked in a bitter power struggle that ultimately led to Horner’s exit. Marko has publicly accused Horner of “dirty tricks,” and their relationship is beyond repair. Seeing Horner rebuild a rival team to compete against Red Bull would add a layer of personal vendetta to every race weekend.

Alpine’s “Rock Bottom” Opportunity

Why would Horner choose Alpine? The answer is simple: potential.

The 2025 season was an unmitigated disaster for the French squad. Pierre Gasly described the car as something that should be “put in a corner” and forgotten. They finished 10th, humiliated and directionless. But in Formula 1, rock bottom is often the best place to build from.

With the massive regulation changes coming in 2026, the playing field will be leveled. Alpine has the infrastructure, the budget, and soon, the Mercedes power unit—widely expected to be a class leader. If Horner can inject the operational excellence he cultivated at Red Bull, the team could be the dark horse of the new era.

The Verdict

As the F1 world heads into the winter break, the chessboard is being rearranged. Max Verstappen remains loyal to a ghost of the past, while that very ghost is preparing to materialize as a team owner.

If Christian Horner pulls this off, it will be the greatest comeback in the sport’s administrative history. He isn’t just returning to take part; he’s returning to take over. And if his track record proves anything, it’s that you should never bet against him when he has something to prove.

Vigilante Action Shocks Europe — Civilians Cross Into France to Destroy Migrant Boats as Unprecedented Footage Sparks Outrage and Alarm

Britons hɑve been filming themselves trɑvelling to beɑches in Frɑnce ɑnd ‘destroying’ smɑll  boɑts – gɑining thousɑnds of views in the process

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Sɑnyɑ Burgess is ɑn ɑwɑrd-winning journɑlist whose investigɑtions hɑve included reveɑling Deliveroo wɑs not pɑying the living wɑge to ɑll riders, despite the compɑny’s pledge to do so. She hɑs ɑlso trɑcked disinformɑtion ɑnd fɑr right hɑтe speech in the UK during the Southport riots, conspirɑcy theories ɑbout the ɑttempted ʂhooтιng of Donɑld Trump ɑnd reveɑled thɑt Eℓσռ Mυsk wɑs pɑying some of Tommy Robinson’s legɑl fees. She hɑs ɑlso worked on issues relɑting to Big Tech ɑnd underɑge gɑmbling, ɑs well ɑs uncovering wɑr crimes ɑnd humɑn rights ɑbuses in Irɑn, Myɑnmɑr ɑnd the UAE – including the ‘hostɑge’ tɑpes of the detɑined Dubɑi Princess Lɑtifɑ.

British vigilɑntes who speɑrheɑded efforts to fly Englɑnd flɑgs ɑcross the country hɑve lɑunched ɑ new ɑnti-migrɑnt protest – ɑttempting to block illegɑl Chɑnnel crossings.

Using the term “Operɑtion Stop The Boɑts”, members of the group hɑve been filming themselves slɑshing smɑll  boɑt before they ɑre used by migrɑnts to cross the English Chɑnnel from Frɑnce.

Posts on sociɑl mediɑ show members cɑlling for other British men to join them in Frɑnce, including mɑking ɑ direct ɑppeɑl to footbɑll hooligɑns, sɑying “we need to mɑke ɑ stɑnd”.
French coɑstline tours
In one video messɑge shɑred this week by ɑ member of the Rɑise the Colours group – the grɑssroots movement thɑt hɑs seen flɑgs fixed to lɑmpposts, motorwɑy bridges ɑnd roundɑbouts ɑcross Englɑnd – two men ɑre seen evoking militɑry lɑnguɑge ɑnd the spirit of the British fight ɑgɑinst the Nɑzis in the Second World Wɑr.

Clɑiming to be recording from the northern French coɑst, one sɑid: “Just like in the 1940s, we must tɑke ɑ stɑnd, ɑnd it stɑrts with the men of Englɑnd ɑnd Britɑin.”

Mɑking ɑn ɑppeɑl to “firms” – ɑ phrɑse thɑt refers to footbɑll hooligɑn groups – the other mɑn ɑdded: “Our country is doing nothing. Weɑk government, weɑker borders.

“They ɑre doing nothing, so we need to mɑke ɑ stɑnd, boys. Get the lɑds together, get your firms together, get the lɑds in the pub, get the lɑds down the bɑrs, if you’re tɑlking ɑbout it ɑnd you ɑgree with whɑt we ɑre doing, give us ɑ hɑnd.”
The Gσverпment is under pressure to ɑct ɑfter more thɑn 36,000 people hɑve crossed the English Chɑnnel in smɑll boɑts (Photo: rɑisethecolours.org.uk/Instɑgrɑm)
Mɑrine equipment store
The Gσverпment is under pressure to tɑckle the issue of migrɑtion ɑmid ɑ record number of ɑsylum ɑpplicɑtions, surging smɑll  boɑt crossings ɑnd protests ɑt hotels housing ɑsylum seekers.

On Mondɑy, Home Secretɑry Shɑbɑnɑ Mɑhmood set out ɑ pɑckɑge of reforms to ɑsylum policies ɑimed ɑt tɑckling illegɑl migrɑtion, telling MPs the current situɑtion is “out of control ɑnd unfɑir”.

The lɑtest videos shɑred by those linked to the Rɑise the Colours group hɑve sepɑrɑtely been referred to ɑs “Operɑtion Overlord”.

Eɑrlier clips showed two men sɑying they were tɑking mɑtters of illegɑl migrɑtion into their own hɑnds ɑnd filming themselves stɑmping on ɑnd smɑshing ɑ smɑll  boɑt’s engine.

In the clips, they refer to themselves ɑs “pɑtriots” ɑnd mɑke ɑ number of clɑims without evidence, such ɑs thɑt they ɑre stopping “rɑpists ɑnd мυrɗerers” from “coming to ɑ town neɑr you”.
One video shɑred by the group (Photo: rɑisethecolours.org.uk/nstɑgrɑm)
Legɑl consultɑtion services

The flɑg-rɑising group, who hɑve ɑ combined 100,000 followers on X ɑnd Instɑgrɑm, ɑlso posted ɑ pleɑ on X for donɑtions lɑst week, writing thɑt they ɑre: “STOPPING The  Boɑts, whether the migrɑnts or government like it or not!”
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Two videos from the group hɑve recently been shɑred to the 1.7 million X followers of Tommy Robinson. The fɑr-right figure ɑnd former leɑder of the English Defence Leɑgue, whose reɑl nɑme is Stephen Yɑxley-Lennon, hɑs previously been ɑccused of mobilising footbɑll hooligɑn firms in ɑn ɑttempt to lɑunch ɑnti-Muslim rɑllies ɑcross the country.

Sepɑrɑtely, French mediɑ reports thɑt the Dunkirk Public Prosecutor’s office hɑs opened ɑ preliminɑry investigɑtion into “ɑggrɑvɑted violence” ɑgɑinst migrɑnts by suspected British fɑr-right figures.

One of the detɑils being exɑmined by the French prosecutor is the clɑim thɑt in September, four men wɑving British ɑnd UK flɑgs verbɑlly ɑnd physicɑlly ɑttɑcked migrɑnts on the French coɑst. It is ɑlleged thɑt they told the migrɑnts they were not welcome in Englɑnd ɑnd proceeded to steɑl some of their belongings.

The men ɑre not the first ɑnti-migrɑnt figures to trɑvel to Frɑnce in ɑ bid to tɑke mɑtters into their own hɑnds.

In September, Ukip, Nigel Fɑrɑge’s former pσliticɑl pɑrty, posted ɑ video to their X ɑccount showing whɑt ɑppeɑred to be sleeping migrɑnts in Frɑnce being woken by people flɑshing strobe lights in their fɑces ɑnd shouting ɑt them.

Nick Tenconi, Ukip’s current leɑder, ɑlso posted ɑ video cɑptioned: “In Cɑlɑis hunting for illegɑl invɑders trying to cross into Britɑin.”

The Home Office ɑnd French ɑuthorities were contɑcted for comment.

The engines haven’t even fired up for the first race of the new era, yet the Formula 1 paddock is already engulfed in a technical firestorm that threatens to decide the 2026 World Championship before it even begins.

In a sport defined by tenths of a second, a discovery has emerged that is measuring advantages in seconds—or at least, a massive chunk of one. A controversial exploitation of the 2026 engine regulations has reportedly handed two manufacturers—widely believed to be Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains—a devastating performance advantage that their rivals, including Ferrari, Audi, and Honda, may be powerless to overcome for at least a year.

The “Loophole” That Changed Everything

At the heart of this controversy is a dry, technical figure: the compression ratio. In an effort to level the playing field for new entrants like Audi, the 2026 regulations mandated a reduction in the engine compression ratio from roughly 18:1 down to a strict 16:1.

The intention of the rule was clear: lower the ceiling to stop established manufacturers from gaining a massive advantage through complex combustion science. However, the wording of the rule left a door arguably wide open. The regulations state that the compression ratio is checked and measured when the car is stationary and at ambient temperature.

It appears that while some teams (like Ferrari and Audi) designed their engines to strictly adhere to a 16:1 limit under all conditions, others took a more creative approach. Sources indicate that Mercedes and Red Bull have designed power units that pass the 16:1 check when cold, but physically expand or alter their geometry once they reach operating temperature on the track. This “thermal expansion” allows the compression ratio to creep back up towards 18:1 during the race.

A Devastating Performance Gap

This might sound like minor engineering semantics, but the on-track impact is nothing short of catastrophic for the competition.

Raising the compression ratio from 16 to 18 is estimated to unlock approximately 10 kilowatts of power—about 13 horsepower. In Formula 1 terms, where engineers fight for single horsepower gains, this is a goldmine. Calculations suggest this power boost translates to a lap time advantage of 0.3 to 0.4 seconds.

To put that into perspective, 0.4 seconds was often the gap between pole position and the midfield in the 2025 season. It is a “championship-deciding” margin. If Mercedes and Red Bull start the season with this advantage locked in, they will effectively be racing in a different category than Ferrari and Honda.

“No Hope Until 2027”

The panic among the rival teams is palpable because this isn’t a problem that can be fixed with a quick software update or a new front wing. An F1 engine is a complex piece of hardware with incredibly long lead times for design and manufacturing.

If Ferrari or Audi were to decide today to redesign their engine to exploit this same loophole, they would effectively be starting from scratch. They would need to scrap their current architecture, redesign the block and pistons to account for different thermal expansion properties, and re-homologate the unit. Experts estimate this process would take months, effectively writing off the entire 2026 season.

As the paddock whispers suggest, if you haven’t done it already, there is “no hope until 2027.”

Is It Legal?

This is the billion-dollar question. The teams on the wrong side of this gap view it as a violation of the rule’s intent. They argue that a limit should be a limit, regardless of temperature.

However, the FIA’s current stance appears to be one of “letters over spirit.” The rulebook dictates the check is performed at ambient temperature. If the car passes that check, it is legal. The FIA cannot physically measure the compression ratio of a piston moving at 12,000 RPM inside an exploding cylinder while the car is doing 200 mph. Therefore, what happens out on the track is technically beyond the scope of the static enforcement check.

Mercedes, for their part, argue they have simply followed the regulations. They saw a test defined by specific parameters (cold, stationary), and they built a car to pass that test while maximizing performance everywhere else. In the history of F1—from the Brawn double diffuser to the flexible wings of the Red Bull era—this kind of ingenuity is usually celebrated, not banned.

The Looming Political War

While the FIA seems reluctant to intervene for 2026, the political maneuvering has only just begun. Ferrari is reportedly considering a formal protest, likely citing a catch-all regulation that demands cars must comply “at all times.”

A protest might not result in a ban—disqualifying half the grid would be a PR disaster for the sport—but it could be a strategic “fishing expedition.” By forcing the matter into court, rivals could compel Mercedes and Red Bull to reveal the technical details of how they achieved this variable compression. This intelligence would be crucial for Ferrari and others to fast-track their own copies for the 2027 season.

There is also a “balance of power” mechanism in the 2026 rules that allows manufacturers who are significantly behind (more than 3% down on power) to make development upgrades. It is possible that rivals will use this political crisis to demand the FIA allows them to break the engine freeze early to catch up.

A Broken Season or Engineering Excellence?

For the fans, the news brings a mix of awe and dread. There is a deep respect for the genius of engineers who can find a 0.4-second gain in the fine print of a rulebook. That is the DNA of Formula 1.

However, the prospect of a two-tier championship where half the manufacturers are non-competitive by default is a hard pill to swallow for a sport desperate for close racing. If the advantage is as real as the data suggests, the 2026 trophy may already have one hand on it, months before the lights go out in Melbourne.

For now, the message to Tifosi and fans of the new Audi project is grim: brace yourselves. It’s going to be a long year.

“HE’S NOT JUST A BROTHER — HE’S HER LIFELINE.” Aitch Left The Entire Jungle Arms Trembling With Emotion As He Dedicated His Performance To His Sister Gracie, Bringing Viewers — And Even Crew Members — To Tears. The Rapper Has Always Spoken About The Unbreakable Bond He Shares With His 16-year-old Twin Sisters, Gracie And Hattie, But It’s Gracie — Who Has Down Syndrome — Who Has Shaped His Heart, His Music, And The Man He’s Become. When He Performed My G — The Song He Wrote Exclusively For Her, The One Whose Proceeds He Donates Entirely To The Down’s Syndrome Association — His Voice Cracked As He Whispered Through Tears, “I’d Give Her The Whole World If I Could… She’s The Reason I Breathe.” And In That Moment, With The Crowd Silent And Gracie’s Name Echoing Softly Through The Speakers, It Was Clear: Aitch Didn’t Just Sing For Her — He Honoured Her, Lifted Her, And Proved Once Again Why People Say, “He’s Already The King.”

With the finale just days away and only a handful of campmates left in the game, many I’m A Celebrity viewers have stopped waiting for the result — they’ve already crowned their winner.

Aitch reduced the nation to tears on Tuesday night as he stepped up to the mic at the Jungle Arms and dedicated My G to his beloved younger sister Gracie. The rapper, who won the rare treat of a trip to the show’s iconic pub alongside his campmates, quickly turned a rowdy karaoke session into one of the most emotional moments of the entire series.

Aitch has long spoken about his close bond with his 16-year-old twin sisters, Gracie and Hattie. But it is Gracie — who has Down’s syndrome — who has shaped both his life and his career in profound ways. His hit track My G was written for her, and every penny made from the song is donated to the Down’s Syndrome Association. As he put it on the show, he chose the only song that has ever truly belonged to his heart.

Onstage, he joked that while the music video had Ed Sheeran, tonight he had to “make do” with his best mate in camp, AngryGinge, as the pair launched into an unexpectedly touching duet. When he sang the lyric “Baby, live your best life… the globe is yours,” viewers could see him glance upward as if sending the words directly to Gracie.

At home, fans were in pieces, and even Ruby Wax admitted she felt overwhelmed watching the raw tenderness of the performance. Across social media, comments poured in calling Aitch “the real winner already” and declaring that no one else deserved the crown more.

Before entering the jungle, Aitch openly shared that he wanted to use his platform to raise awareness for people with Down’s syndrome. He said he never wanted families to feel fear or sorrow when they received a diagnosis, explaining: “It’s a blessing… you’re going to have the best time of your life as long as you’re spending it with that person.” He added that the idea anyone might respond with “I’m sorry to hear that” about a Down’s syndrome child or sibling is something he hopes to change forever.

Meanwhile, as Aitch continues to win hearts across the nation, Kelly Brook became the fourth celebrity to be voted out of the competition — greeted on the bridge by her husband Jeremy Parisi, who flew in from Italy to support her.

EXCLUSIVE: Scarlett Moffatt reveals adorable Christmas tradition ahead of Strictly debut

EXCLUSIVE: Telly legend Scarlett Moffatt has revealed her adorable Christmas tradition with her son Jude and how she’ll be making her family watch her Strictly Come Dancing debut on the big day

Scarlett Moffatt has an adorable Christmas tradition with her son Jude, which she picked up from a film. As the nation prepares to celebrate the Big Day, the former Gogglebox legend admits that while she’s excited, she’s currently juggling a lot of work commitments on top of her organisation.

 

This year, Scarlett is starring as the Spirit of the Ring in Norwich’s Christmas pantomime, as well as gearing up to make her debut on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. “Scarlett: “I just think you have to not stress and just remember that what a privileged position and a joy it is to have so many people to buy for or to have, you know, people around you,” she said of her hectic schedule.

 

But now she’s a mum to little Jude, she’s started her own Christmas traditions, as well as the ones she grew up with. Speaking to OK! Magazine, Scarlett said: “I saw it in a movie, I can’t remember which movie, but I remember being pregnant and going ‘We need to do this!’

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Scarlett has opened up about her own Christmas traditions with her son, Jude(Image: scarlettmoffatt/Instagram)

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“We basically just wrap the door in wrapping paper, so he has to like burst through it. The first two years, we helped him, but last Christmas, he burst through it. Then we keep a little swatch of the paper next to a picture of him by the Christmas tree. Every year, we can flick through. Very sentimental.”

On Christmas Day, telly is an absolute “staple” for the Moffatt family. Scarlett said: “We sort of plan our Christmas around what’s on the telly, we do lots of games and stuff. Since I was a kid, which is quite fancy, we’ve always done Bucks Fizz and croissants for breakfast. Then we sit down and watch the King’s speech.”

 

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Each year, Scarlett creates lasting memories with her little son(Image: scarlettmoffatt/Instagram)

However, preparing for Christmas is a “sense of achievement” for Scarlett, who “loves a list”. She added: “I think you just can’t put pressure on yourself. I’ve said it to my mum, she’ll go ‘It looks like there’s hardly any presents,’ it doesn’t matter. Especially as you get older.”

Her partner, Scott, will often ask Scarlett for a “list” of things she wants, but she admits that she adds items to it for the sake of it. “There’s nothing really that I need,” she said, adding: “I’ve got to that age now, I prefer memories to stuff. I’m like ‘Can I have a spa day with you, or can we all go out for food?’”

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This Christmas, Scarlett will be appearing on the Strictly Come Dancing special(Image: PA)

This year will be different, though, for Scarlett, who’ll be dancing with Vito Coppola on the Strictly special. “Obviously we watch it every year,” she said, adding: “But Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will be a bit extra special this year ’cause I’m in it, which is fun. I’m so excited.”

And while some may find the rehearsals for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final show gruelling, Scarlett is having the most fun. “I really wanted Vito. I couldn’t believe my luck when I got paired with him,” she gushed. She added: “I did keep mentioning that Vito would be my favourite.

 

“We just have such a laugh, it feels like I’ve known him for a decade. It’s the best. I’m having the best time, and that’s all that matters is that I’m enjoying myself.” Scarlett, who has experience having danced as a child, says she’s “so grateful” for the chance to appear on the show. She said: “I danced as a little girl, Vito, the whole experience – I’m so grateful to the show for giving us a chance to be a small part in a big institution.

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The TV star praised this year’s I’m A Celeb winner, Angryginge(Image: ITV)

“It’s reignited the fire inside that I love dance, it’s reminded me of why I love dance so much, and it’s definitely going to be something that I continue to do, even after Strictly. It brings me so much joy.” However, Scarlett will not be telling her family about her experience on the show, and instead, they will have to tune in on Christmas Day to find out where she placed.

 

“I already feel like a winner anyway,” she said, adding: “I don’t want to give anything away, but I think it’ll be fun!” This year, Scarlett has teamed up with Three Mobile for their Give a little S’more campaign – giving back to people who go above and beyond for Christmas.

“WE wanted to celebrate all the do-ers of Christmas, we like to call them Chief Christmas Officers, which I am, in my whole family, creates the whole magic of Christmas. I do all the decorating, all the hosting, all the fun stuff – I’m like a Christmas elf. We wanted to give something back to the people who don’t stop during the festive period. I like a campaign where you feel like you’re giving back to folk.”

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She praised Ginge for being authentic and a good role model to young men(Image: James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock)

 

As the nation prepares to gather with families and loved ones, it’s also a special time for Scarlett, who each day vows to make a difference to another person. “It can literally make a difference just smiling at someone on the street, or saying hello,” she said, adding: “Everyone gets caught up in what they’re doing and what they have to do. Sometimes, it’s just nice to look around and acknowledge that other people are there, but that’s why Samaritans are so good at this time of year – they really make a difference.”

And while social media is often criticised, Scarlett admits it can be a beneficial tool for people who feel alone. “It keeps people connected,” she said before adding: “It helped me when I first had Jude – most of my friends don’t have children, so I felt a bit like ‘I don’t know who I can speak to.’”

Scarlett’s friends had older children, some who are teens, so she relied on “mum-fluencers” on social media and has since created a small community, with whom she still keeps in touch on a regular basis.” Having won I’m A Celebrity in 2016, Scarlett heaped praise on this year’s champion, Angryginge.

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Scarlett has teamed up with Three UK for their Give a little S’more campaign(Image: ©Nic Serpell-Rand 2024)

“I think he’s such a good role model for young kids,” she said, adding: “In the world of Andrew Tate and toxic masculinity, Angryginge is what we need. I really look forward to seeing more of him on the telly, I think this is going to catapult him and I can’t wait to watch. ” Having Ginge, a Twitch streamer, on the show also allowed families to come together to watch TV again.

Scarlett explained: “A lot of my memories as a kid are of being in front of the telly. This is what I love about shows like I’m A Celeb, Strictly and The Traitors, telly you’re all watching, where you feel part of something, where you get excited about messaging your friends or meeting up and going ‘Did you watch last night?’ It’s like a sense of community, and I think telly is on the rise again.

“I Can Still Hear Your Voice… Even When The World Goes Silent.” Rylan Clark Choked On The Words As Tears Spilled Down His Face, Staring At His Mum Linda As She Stepped Into The Room — Radiant, Steady, And Impossibly Strong After Years Of Hospitals, Surgeries, And Battles That Nearly Broke Them Both. In That Fragile Breath, Everything Cracked: The Image, The Calm, The Silence They Once Tried To Preserve. And From That Moment, The World Stopped Pretending. What Followed Was A Chain Reaction Of Revelations — Sharp, Messy, Impossible To Contain. Every Whisper Became Louder, Every Secret Heavier, Every Step They Took Now Traced By The Ghosts Of Promises They Could No Longer Keep. The Facade Didn’t Just Crumble; It Detonated. By The End, The Air Wasn’t Filled With Questions. It Was Filled With Impact — Cold, Final, Merciless. A Truth Too Heavy To Outrun. A Storm Too Real To Deny. And Her Last Tearful Line, The One She Whispered As If Afraid The World Might Hear? “I Loved You Enough To Stay… But You Broke Me Enough To Leave.”

Rylan Clark has shared a touching update about his beloved mum Linda, melting hearts with a proud Instagram post as she continues to battle serious health issues.

The TV presenter, 35, revealed that Linda had been invited to open the Christmas grotto at her local garden centre — and he couldn’t have been prouder. Sharing a photo of Linda smiling beside Santa and a staff member, Rylan wrote: “My mum was asked to open the Christmas grotto at our local garden centre where she goes all the time, and genuinely I’ve never been more proud. LOOK AT HER!”

Linda, who became a fan favourite after appearing with Rylan on Celebrity Gogglebox, looked radiant at the festive event. Her warmth and humour have made her a familiar face to millions, and celebrity pals quickly flooded the comments with love. Michelle Visage gushed, “I LOVE YOU LINDA! Look at that pride!” while Denise Van Outen dropped heart emojis and Sarah Hadland joked about “the discounts she can now look forward to!”

Despite her health challenges — Linda has lived with severe Crohn’s disease and was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2021 — her spirit remains unshakable. Rylan recently told The Daily Star that while they’ve been offered countless TV projects together, Linda’s condition means she prefers to stick with Gogglebox. “We got asked to do a travel show and go here and there, but she’s just not well enough,” he explained. “Gogglebox is enough for us. She feels comfortable doing that because we’re just sat in my kitchen.”

The proud son’s post has since gone viral, with fans praising the pair’s unbreakable bond and Linda’s strength. As one fan wrote: “She’s pure joy – what a woman!”

The 2025 Formula 1 season was supposed to be the year the Prancing Horse galloped back to glory. It was meant to be the year Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s most decorated champion, completed his legendary arc by donning the scarlet racing suit. Instead, as the paddock lights dimmed in Abu Dhabi and other teams celebrated or quietly analyzed their data, a political and technical earthquake erupted in Maranello. The aftershocks of this seismic event are threatening to shatter the very foundations of the most historic team in motorsport.

For months, the narrative surrounding Ferrari’s lackluster performance had been focused on the driver. Critics whispered that perhaps Hamilton had lost his edge, that the transition was too difficult, or that age had finally caught up with the British icon. However, a bombshell revelation has shattered those assumptions, proving that the failure lay not in the cockpit, but deep within the wind tunnels and the hearts of the engineering team itself.

The Hallway Confession That Changed Everything

The scandal didn’t begin with a press conference or an official statement. It started with a whisper—a “hallway confession” from a veteran engineer that has since spiraled into a historic controversy. According to leaked reports from Maranello, the engineer admitted, in what was supposed to be a private conversation, that the SF25—Ferrari’s challenger for the 2025 season—suffered from a fundamental structural defect.

“The SF25 had a structural defect from the wind tunnel. We never had a real correlation,” the engineer reportedly stated.

This simple sentence vindicates Hamilton entirely. It confirms what the seven-time world champion had likely suspected every time he turned the wheel: the car was lying to him. The disconnect between the simulation data and the track reality wasn’t a setup issue or a driving error; it was a baked-in flaw that the technical team had failed to resolve—and worse, had failed to admit publicly. For a driver of Hamilton’s caliber, who relies on precise feedback to extract milliseconds from a machine, this lack of correlation is a death sentence for performance.

The “Silent Poison” in the Garage

While the technical failure is damning, the human element of this scandal is perhaps even more disturbing. Formula 1 is a sport where the relationship between a driver and their race engineer is sacred. It is the lifeline that connects the athlete to the machine. Yet, reports emerging from the Ferrari camp describe the dynamic between Hamilton and his engineer, Riccardo Adami, as a “silent poison.”

Sources describe an atmosphere of “passive resistance.” Adami, a veteran of the team who previously worked with Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel, reportedly viewed Hamilton not as a partner, but as an intruder—a “figure imposed from above” whose superstar status upset the traditional balance of the team. This resentment didn’t manifest in shouting matches or public spats, which would have been easier to address. Instead, it appeared as bureaucratic sluggishness and emotional distance.

During critical moments in races, such as in Japan or Brazil where tire degradation and weather changes demanded split-second decisions, the communication line was reportedly slow and confusing. Hamilton would ask for clarity and receive neutrality. Adami didn’t explicitly refuse to help, but he didn’t offer the proactive support required to win. “I didn’t challenge him, I didn’t correct him, but I didn’t actively support him either,” characterizes the attitude—a professional indifference that left Hamilton isolated in his cockpit.

A Tale of Two Garages

The dysfunction on Hamilton’s side of the garage was made all the more glaring by the situation on the other side. Charles Leclerc and his engineering team operated as a “synchronized machine,” executing strategies with precision and maintaining a fluid dialogue. The contrast was stark and noticed by everyone, from the mechanics to the strategists who whispered in low voices about the fragmented environment surrounding the British driver.

Hamilton, sensing the tension, reportedly tried to bridge the gap. He requested one-on-one meetings, joint simulator sessions, and attempted to build rapport off the track. But every effort hit a wall. Adami was unwilling to cede emotional ground, treating the partnership as a functional obligation rather than a collaborative mission. This “undeclared emotional divorce” meant that while Leclerc was fighting for podiums with a unified team behind him, Hamilton was effectively fighting with one hand tied behind his back.

The Ultimatum for Vasseur

Team Principal Fred Vasseur is now arguably facing the most difficult winter of his career. He knows that the current situation is untenable. Keeping Riccardo Adami in his current role is no longer just a personnel decision; it is a political statement. To keep the engineer would be to tacitly approve of the “passive resistance” that undermined the team’s star signing.

Vasseur understands that removing Adami is complex—it involves touching a piece of Ferrari’s deep-rooted political ecosystem. However, to save the Hamilton project, it is a necessity. The team cannot ask the most successful driver in history to trust them again if the very voice in his ear belongs to someone who doesn’t believe in him.

2026: The Year of Judgment

The stakes for the upcoming 2026 season could not be higher. Ferrari has promised a complete technical overhaul. The SF26 is set to feature a redesigned floor architecture, a new diffuser, and, crucially, upgraded simulation systems to finally fix the correlation issues. Internal movements are already afoot, with rumors of new engineering talent arriving from Mercedes and Aston Martin to restructure the simulator team.

But hardware is only half the battle. The true challenge lies in convincing Lewis Hamilton that the betrayal of 2025 was an anomaly, not the culture. Hamilton is not emotionally tethered to Ferrari in the same way Leclerc is. His move to Maranello was a romantic gamble, a desire to close his career with the legend of the red car. If that romance turns into frustration, he has options.

The silence has been broken, and the clock is ticking. The upcoming preseason tests for the 2026 car will determine the future of the Prancing Horse. If the new car works from “lap one,” and if the internal culture shifts to fully embrace their champion, the dream can be salvaged. But if the data fails again, or if the ghost of this betrayal lingers in the garage, what began as a fairytale could end as one of the most costly failures in modern Formula 1 history.

Hamilton needs facts, not promises. And Ferrari is running out of time to provide them.

Strictly Come Dancing in Chaos as Rylan Clark Is Crowned the New Face of the Show

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the glittering world of ballroom dancing, the BBC has officially announced Rylan Clark as the new host of *Strictly Come Dancing*, stepping into the formidable shoes left vacant by long-time presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The revelation, dropped like a bombshell during a prime-time special on November 26, 2025, confirms what insiders have been whispering for weeks: the charismatic former *X Factor* star and beloved radio personality will lead the show’s 2026 series. But the real jaw-dropper? His co-host is none other than Emma Willis, the no-nonsense presenter known for her work on *Big Brother* and *The Voice UK*—a choice that has left fans reeling, divided, and utterly surprised.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of Tess and Claudia’s emotional exit, revealed just last month in a joint Instagram video that caught even the show’s insiders off guard. The duo, who have helmed *Strictly* since 2004 and 2014 respectively, cited a desire for more family time and new projects as their reasons for bowing out after the current series wraps. “It’s been an incredible ride, but it’s time to hang up our sequins,” Tess said in the video, her voice cracking with emotion. Claudia, ever the witty counterpart, added, “We’ve laughed, cried, and glitter-bombed our way through two decades. What a sparkle!” Their departure marks the end of an era for the BBC’s flagship entertainment program, which has dazzled audiences with its mix of celebrity glamour, professional prowess, and occasional controversy.

Rylan Clark, 37, is no stranger to the *Strictly* family. Rising to fame on *The X Factor* in 2012, where his larger-than-life personality and infectious energy won over Simon Cowell and the nation, Rylan transitioned seamlessly into presenting. He hosted *Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two* from 2019 to 2023, earning rave reviews for his empathetic interviews and cheeky banter with contestants. Fans remember his heartfelt moments, like consoling tearful dancers after tough critiques or hyping up underdogs before live shows. His departure from *It Takes Two* in 2023 to focus on other ventures, including his BBC Radio 2 show and various  TV gigs, left a void—but now, he’s back in a bigger role than ever.

“Rylan’s the perfect fit,” a BBC insider told us exclusively. “He’s got that sparkle, that warmth, and he knows the show inside out. Plus, he’s adored by the viewers.” Betting odds had pegged him as a frontrunner alongside names like Bill Bailey and Alan Carr, but the official nod still feels like a triumph for the Essex boy done good. Rylan himself reacted with trademark humility and excitement on social media shortly after the announcement: “Pinch me! Hosting *Strictly*? Dream come true. Can’t wait to bring the glitz with my fabulous co-host. Let’s dance!”

But it’s the choice of Emma Willis as his co-host that’s truly raised eyebrows. At 49, Emma brings a wealth of experience from reality TV heavyweights, where her poised demeanor and sharp interviewing skills have made her a household name. Yet, her pairing with Rylan is unexpected—fans had speculated duos like Rylan with Fleur East (who replaced him on *It Takes Two*) or even a solo host shake-up. “Emma? Really?” one fan tweeted in disbelief. “Love her on *Big Brother*, but *Strictly* is all about fun and flair. This feels like a curveball.” Others praised the move: “Fresh energy! Emma’s class and Rylan’s charm—genius combo.”

Sources close to the production reveal that Emma was a last-minute contender, edging out other favorites after impressing in screen tests. “The chemistry was electric,” our insider dished. “Rylan’s bubbly, Emma’s grounded—they balance each other like Tess and Claudia did.” Emma, married to Busted’s Matt Willis and a mother of three, has spoken openly about her love for dance shows. In a past interview, she confessed, “I’d kill to be part of *Strictly*—the glamour, the stories, it’s TV magic.” Her addition signals the BBC’s intent to evolve the format, perhaps injecting more in-depth contestant chats amid the tango and tango.

The shake-up couldn’t come at a more pivotal time for *Strictly*. The 2025 series has been marred by scandals, from judge walkout rumors to contestant injuries, prompting calls for a refresh. Tess and Claudia’s exit, while voluntary, was influenced by the show’s grueling schedule—weekends dominated by live broadcasts, leaving little room for personal life. BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips addressed the changes in a statement: “Tess and Claudia have been the heart of *Strictly*, but we’re thrilled to welcome Rylan and Emma. They’ll honor the legacy while bringing new vibrancy.”

Reactions from the *Strictly* alumni have poured in. Former winner Bill Bailey, who was tipped for the role, tweeted his support: “Rylan? Brilliant choice! And Emma—unexpected but spot on. Can’t wait to watch.” Judge Craig Revel Horwood, known for his acerbic wit, dropped a hint on air last week: “Darlings, big changes ahead—fabulous!” Fans speculate this could mean more judge involvement, perhaps even guest spots.

Rylan’s journey to this pinnacle is a testament to his resilience. After *X Factor*, he navigated personal highs and lows, including his 2021 divorce from Dan Neal and mental health battles, which he shared candidly in his memoir *Ten: The Decade That Changed My Future*. His advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health has endeared him to millions, making him more than just a presenter—he’s a role model. “I’ve grown so much,” Rylan reflected in a recent Radio 2 broadcast. “Hosting *Strictly*? It’s full circle.”

Emma, too, brings depth. Her no-frills style contrasts Rylan’s flamboyance, promising dynamic on-screen moments. Imagine her grilling judges on scores while Rylan rallies the crowd—pure entertainment gold. But not everyone’s convinced. A Reddit thread exploded with debates: “Why not keep it in the family? Rylan yes, but Emma feels like a mismatch.” Others worry about gender balance, with two hosts again but a fresh dynamic.

As *Strictly* gears up for 2026, producers promise innovations: more diverse celebrities, interactive viewer votes, and perhaps themed weeks honoring the show’s history. Rylan and Emma’s debut will be scrutinized, but if their past successes are any indication, they’ll waltz through the pressure.

Tess and Claudia’s final bow from Blackpool Tower Ballroom last weekend was tearful, with tributes from stars like Rose Ayling-Ellis and Hamza Yassin. “You’ve been our guiding lights,” Rose signed in a video message. Now, the torch passes to Rylan and Emma—a hot new era for *Strictly*, full of surprises, sequins, and steps into the unknown.

In the end, this announcement isn’t just about hosts; it’s about reinvention. *Strictly Come Dancing* has survived scandals, pandemics, and shifting tastes. With Rylan at the helm and Emma by his side, the show is poised to shine brighter than ever. As Rylan might say: “Keep dancing!”

Introducing the HELLO! Royal Yearbook – the ultimate gift for royal fans everywhere

Emily Nash, HELLO!’s Royal Editor, introduces the latest special edition – your exclusive guide to royal milestones, xmas traditions and the biggest events of 2026.

I’m delighted to present The HELLO! Royal Yearbook 2025-2026 – the ultimate gift for royal fans everywhere. Whether you’re reading it in the glow of the Christmas season or picking it up as a keepsake for the year ahead, this beautifully produced special edition captures the magic, milestones and memorable moments of royal life.

Inside, we revisit the standout royal stories of the year – from the Princess of Wales’s emotional return to public life, carried out very much in her own way, to the King and Queen’s 20th wedding anniversary and the secret of their enduring happiness. You’ll also find the Princess Royal at her candid best as she celebrates her 75th birthday, with a collection of her sharpest and most memorable quotes.

BUY YOUR COPY HERE

Alongside these standout features, the annual takes you inside treasured family traditions and offers rare glimpses behind palace gates, accompanied by exquisite photography and exclusive insights found only in HELLO!.

Looking ahead, we bring you a guide to the unmissable royal events of 2026 – a year set to deliver pomp, pageantry and important personal milestones, from major anniversaries to Prince George reaching his teenage years. And for a touch of festive fun, we’ve included puzzles and quizzes that celebrate the royals in true HELLO! style.

More than a seasonal read, The HELLO! Royal Yearbook 2025-2026 is a keepsake to treasure all year round – a perfect stocking filler, gift or treat for yourself.

On sale from 18 November at all premium UK retailers, priced at £12, and online – get your copy here.