Author: bang7

The end of a Formula 1 season is not merely a time for celebrating champions; it is the moment for the annual, fever-pitch debate over who the truly best drivers in the world are. This year, one set of 2025 F1 driver rankings has thrown the established order into a state of utter chaos, delivering a crushing demotion to a seven-time World Champion while controversially elevating a younger rival into the undisputed elite.

The analysis, which judges drivers on a weighted average of their performance over the last two full seasons, is a seismic statement on where true talent lies, unearthing hidden gems and exposing the heartbreaking truth of careers on the precipice. From George Russell’s contentious leap to the very top to the spectacular, painful drop of Lewis Hamilton, this tier list is set to ignite the most emotionally charged F1 discussion of the year.

The Elite Tier: Breaking the Best of the Best

The highest tier in any F1 ranking is usually reserved for a single name, and Max Verstappen’s presence in the Best of the Best category remains utterly unchallenged. He is the generational benchmark, a driver whose performance has only seemed to sharpen as his Red Bull car has wavered mid-season. His legendary status and consistent excellence need no further justification; he is the gold standard against which all other talent is measured.

However, the drama begins with the two drivers controversially placed alongside him: Charles Leclerc and George Russell.

The Tragedy of Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc’s inclusion in the absolute top tier, on Max’s level, is a move that acknowledges pure, unadulterated talent often held hostage by inferior machinery. The analysis paints a tragic picture of the Monegasque star, whose performance in the “awful” 2025 Ferrari has been nothing short of phenomenal. The team’s disappointing season, described as a potential “tractor” for most of the year, underscores Leclerc’s brilliance. Despite key mistakes, such as the widely criticized weekend at Silverstone, his overall body of work has been so good that the pundit feels “sorry for him.”

The core argument is one of heartbreaking potential: if Leclerc were in the dominant Red Bull or the newly competitive McLaren, the expert is convinced he would be contending for or even leading the World Championship. He is rated as a “better driver than Lando Norris” and “a better driver than Oscar Piastri at the moment,” making his current plight in a struggling Ferrari a monumental waste of championship-calibre skill. His ranking is a powerful emotional plea for one of the sport’s greatest talents to finally get the equipment he deserves.

George Russell’s Controversial Elevation

Perhaps the most shocking entry into the Best of the Best tier is George Russell. The assessment of Russell over the past two seasons is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how he has “done everything right” as the leader of the Mercedes team in Lewis Hamilton’s final year. He is credited with cleaning up the mistakes that plagued his 2023 season, winning a number of races, and dominating his rookie teammate, Kimi Antonelli.

The pundit’s hesitation—a struggle that almost saw him drop Russell out—reflects the magnitude of the statement: putting him on the same tier as a talent like Verstappen. Yet, the final decision affirms that Russell, like Leclerc, is held back only by his equipment. He possesses the speed, the mentality, and the refined racecraft of a champion merely waiting for the right car. This controversial elevation is a stunning vindication for Russell, marking him as a champion-in-waiting and a future superstar of the sport.

The Borderline Champions: The Pain of Demotion

If the top tier was about dramatic ascension, the Borderline Champions category is defined by the agony of a legendary fall. This is where the rankings deliver their most brutal, emotional blow.

Lewis Hamilton’s Crushing Demotion

For many years, the seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, has sat comfortably in the highest tier. His drop to Borderline Champions—a stunning demotion for a driver of his caliber—is the headline event of these rankings. The move is attributed to a combination of factors: his rough start to life at Ferrari, driving what may be the worst car of his career, and critically, a stark inconsistency that has seen him “solidly outqualified by Leclerc.”

The unforgiving statistic is 15-5 in the head-to-head qualifying battle with his younger teammate, a deficit that has undeniably dented his reputation. While the expert acknowledges that “peak Lewis” moments are still present, the lack of consistent speed and the overall struggles at Ferrari have tipped the scales. This demotion is a painful yet honest assessment of a legend enduring a challenging transitional phase, suggesting that while he remains a superb driver, he is no longer operating at the undisputed Max-and-Leclerc level of perfection.

Lando Norris: The Almost-Man

Lando Norris’s inclusion here, alongside Hamilton, paints the picture of a driver hovering just outside the ultimate elite. Norris has arguably had the equipment to seriously challenge for the title over the last two seasons, yet he has failed to truly seize the moment. The key criticism is his inability to “push Max as much as he should have” during the 2024 season, coupled with inconsistencies in 2025.

The analysis firmly states that Norris “is not on the same tier as Max Verstappen” and even suggests that Leclerc would beat him in equal machinery. Norris is viewed as a champion-in-the-making, a driver who has all the tools, but who is currently lacking the final, ruthless edge of consistency and championship mentality required to enter the elite tier.

The inclusion of Fernando Alonso in this tier is a testament to his ageless brilliance, still performing at a world-class level despite being in his mid-forties. However, the inability to properly benchmark him—due to his teammate, Lance Stroll,—makes his true form difficult to gauge, leaving him to settle just below the very best.

Midfield Mavericks and Rookie Revelations

The middle and lower tiers reveal a grid brimming with unfulfilled potential and surprising rookie excellence. The Quality Midfield Drivers tier is a solid group of dependable points scorers, featuring Nico Hülkenberg, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon.

The most notable movement here belongs to Carlos Sainz, who suffers a severe drop from Borderline Champions to this midfield tier. His demotion is a stern critique of his performance, citing “key crashes” that hindered Ferrari’s 2024 title hopes and a disappointing, inconsistent start to his life at Williams in 2025. Despite his race-winning quality, the lack of consistency and momentum at pivotal moments has seen his stock drop dramatically, proving that consistency is the most brutal metric of F1 success.

The Rise of the Rookies

The Solid but Replaceable tier is perhaps the most exciting, containing a host of incredibly talented new faces: Oscar Piastri, Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman, Kimi Antonelli, Gabriel Bortoleto, and the standout rookie, Isaac Hadjar.

Hadjar is unequivocally named the standout rookie of the 2025 season. His phenomenal composure and speed, particularly his performance at Zandvoort, have surprised even the Red Bull leadership, namely Helmut Marko. This excellence is the primary reason for a predicted, and somewhat inevitable, power play: Hadjar is forecasted to be promoted to Red Bull, replacing Yuki Tsunoda, who has had a “massive disappointment” of a season against Verstappen. Tsunoda’s drop to this tier is a harsh reality check, highlighting how merciless the F1 world is to drivers who cannot convert potential into immediate, relentless results.

Gabriel Bortoleto also receives high praise as the “most underrated rookie of the season,” silently delivering strong performances against the highly rated Nico Hülkenberg. This crowded tier of young talent shows that the current F1 grid has never been deeper, setting the stage for ferocious midfield battles for years to come.

The Bottom Line: Something to Prove

Finally, the Something to Prove tier houses drivers who simply have not delivered the required evidence of their worth. This category is dominated by drivers whose futures are tenuous, including Liam Lawson, Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto, and critically, Lance Stroll.

Stroll’s placement is based on his career-long inconsistency, peppered with “ridiculously bozo moments,” and the unforgiving reality of being whitewashed by Fernando Alonso in qualifying (an 8-0 head-to-head deficit at the time of recording). Stroll’s inability to even get close to his elderly teammate underscores the constant question marks over his continued presence on the grid, highlighting a gap in performance that no amount of privilege can erase.

The Verdict: A New Order

This 2025 driver ranking is a raw, emotional statement on the true currency of Formula 1: sustained excellence. It is a world where legendary careers can be demoted in an instant, where raw talent can be championed despite a poor car, and where the next generation is already lining up to take the seats of established veterans.

The debate is simple, yet explosive: Is George Russell truly on the same level as Max Verstappen? Has Lewis Hamilton’s time at the absolute pinnacle finally, tragically ended? And which of the astonishing rookies—Bearman, Hadjar, or Bortoleto—will survive the cutthroat environment? The answers, laid bare in these rankings, are set to fuel the fires of discussion until the lights go out on the very first race of the new season.

The 2026 Formula 1 regulations are fast approaching, promising a seismic shift in technical design and power unit philosophy. Yet, no team has embraced the coming revolution with the sheer, unapologetic audacity of Scuderia Ferrari. Under the firm and fearless direction of Team Principal Fred Vasseur, the famous Maranello factory is not merely adapting to the new rules—it is tearing up its own cautious playbook in favor of a high-stakes, high-reward approach that could either usher in a new era of dominance or result in one of the most spectacular failures in the team’s storied history.

The car, internally codenamed Project 678, is more than just a new chassis; it is the physical manifestation of Vasseur’s demand for bravery, a bold statement against the incremental, risk-averse development cycle that has long plagued the team. Everything about the 2026 car—from its revolutionary power unit changes to its radical aerodynamic and suspension concepts—screams courage, making it Ferrari’s first true car built without conservative constraints. It is a technological gamble designed to hit the ground running, a deliberate attempt to capture the initiative in a new regulatory cycle and deliver the World Championship that has eluded the Tifosi for nearly two decades.

Fred Vasseur’s Mandate: Be Brave

For years, critics have argued that a culture of fear and internal blame stifled creativity within the walls of Maranello. Fred Vasseur’s primary contribution has been less about a single technical directive and more about a wholesale cultural overhaul. His message to the Ferrari personnel is unequivocal: be brave, be courageous, and be adventurous. No more half-measures. This internal shift is designed to foster a working atmosphere where creativity is prized, collaboration between departments is seamless, and mistakes are viewed as necessary steps toward innovation, rather than career-ending offenses.

This newfound cultural courage is the very bedrock of Project 678. The technical team, liberated from the shackles of past conservatism, has been given the license to pursue ‘extreme solutions’—a philosophy that dictates building the fastest possible car, even if it carries the inherent risk of a major design flaw. They are going all guns blazing, aiming not just to compete, but to dominate from the first race of 2026. This aggressive stance is evident in the fact that the design process has already progressed far beyond the conceptual stage. According to reports, the new chassis is not just on the drawing board—it is currently locked in production.

The Chassis: A Point of No Return

The decision to begin the production of the chassis this far in advance of the 2026 season signals Ferrari’s immense confidence in their foundational blueprint. The initial chassis already has the power unit placement, cooling layout, gearbox dimensions, crash structures, and crucial suspension mounting points finalized and set in stone. This early commitment is the opposite of the cautious approach seen in previous years, where flexibility often came at the expense of an aggressive design envelope.

This is a point of no return. By locking in these foundational elements now, Ferrari is betting that their revolutionary design choices are fundamentally correct. The team is already preparing this initial chassis for the crucial FIA crash tests, which will validate its structural integrity. This level of early production demands exceptional collaboration and belief across the various departments, transforming Vasseur’s cultural mandate into a physical reality.

The Suspension Bombshell: A Leap Back to Go Forward

The most sensational technical detail to emerge about Project 678 is the radical overhaul of the suspension system, which features a return to a double push-rod layout, a configuration not seen on a Ferrari F1 car since the 2010 F10 model that Fernando Alonso nearly drove to a championship.

The Aggressive Front End

The front suspension is set to revert to a push-rod system, moving away from the pull-rod design that caused aerodynamic headaches and performance inconsistencies in the final years of the current ground effect era. This is not just a return to a tried and tested layout; it’s an application of an aggressive, cutting-edge geometry.

Under Vasseur’s direction, the team has reportedly taken a direct leaf out of McLaren’s playbook, particularly the aggressive anti-dive philosophy seen on the MCL39. The geometry for Ferrari’s front suspension will incorporate extremely high anti-dive characteristics and more radical pickup points. This is done to achieve a dynamically stable platform under braking, manipulating the relationship between the chassis and the road surface to allow for an aerodynamically cleaner suspension arm layout. These clean surfaces are vital for ensuring perfect airflow management toward the crucial sidepods and floor edges, effectively turning the suspension components into aero devices themselves.

The Radical Rear: Inverted Wishbones

While the front push-rod is an aggressive evolution, the rear suspension is the true bombshell. Ferrari is not only reverting to a push-rod rear suspension—a choice deemed highly radical in the modern F1 landscape—but they are also planning to invert the wishbones compared to recent Ferrari designs.

This inversion is a technical masterstroke—or folly—that completely changes the car’s dynamic and aerodynamic structure. It requires entirely new load paths through the rear of the car, demanding new gearbox casings and structural layouts to accommodate the revised kinematics. Crucially, the inverted wishbones fundamentally change the air wake and flow structures around the critical diffuser area. This single suspension decision forces the creation of a completely new and brand-new aero map for the entire 2026 car.

Changing the rear suspension configuration is a colossal undertaking. It requires thousands of hours of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) work and extensive wind tunnel testing to ensure the design yields performance without aerodynamic side-effects. The fact that Ferrari has committed to this high anti-squat, high anti-dive setup, incorporating sweeped wishbone geometries and extreme rod angles, indicates a total dedication to using every mechanical component to manipulate airflow, chasing the cutting edge of technology that Red Bull and McLaren have successfully exploited.

The Drivers’ Verdict: Positive, But Cautious

The most critical factor in validating such an extreme design is the feedback from the drivers themselves. Both Charles Leclerc and the incoming superstar, Lewis Hamilton, have reportedly spent time in the Maranello simulator testing the core concepts of Project 678.

Internal sources indicate that the feedback has been “extremely positive.” While this is encouraging for the Tifosi, it must be treated with a degree of journalistic caution. A positive simulator result is relative—it means the car feels better than the current SF-25 and its pull-rod predecessors. It does not guarantee that the design will be the fastest on the 2026 grid against the equally revolutionary designs from rival teams.

However, the fact that two of the most experienced and fastest drivers in the sport have signed off on the fundamental feel of the radical kinematics offers a significant boost of confidence. Hamilton’s early involvement is particularly noteworthy, allowing the team to integrate his decades of world-class developmental experience into the car from its genesis.

The Looming Specter of Risk

This entire venture is an extreme, high-risk, high-reward strategy. The risk is immense and undeniable. If the complex interplay between the ultra-aggressive suspension kinematics and the new aero map proves fundamentally flawed—for example, if the inverted wishbone design creates unintended aerodynamic consequences—it would not be a simple fix. Such a major overhaul would likely require substantial re-engineering of the chassis components and a complete reset of the car’s aerodynamic philosophy, a process that could effectively cost Ferrari an entire season of development and contention.

Yet, history offers the Tifosi a ray of hope. Ferrari has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to start new regulation cycles strongly. This trend was evident in 2017, where they came out of the gate strongly with a competitive car, and again in 2022, at the dawn of the ground effect era. While they have struggled with in-season development and maintaining their championship momentum, the initial jump into a new rule set often sees them executing their core vision effectively.

Project 678 is Fred Vasseur’s opening gambit, a cultural and technical declaration of intent. It is an acknowledgment that to beat the best, you cannot simply follow; you must invent, innovate, and dare to fail spectacularly in the pursuit of ultimate success. For Ferrari, the 2026 car is not just a chance to win, but a chance to redefine who they are—a brave, adventurous, and championship-capable powerhouse. Only time, and the unforgiving asphalt of the racetrack, will reveal whether this extraordinary technical leap will lead to the ultimate triumph or the most catastrophic of falls.

The Formula 1 season is hurtling toward a dramatic and unpredictable conclusion, but the most compelling fight isn’t taking place on the tarmac. It’s an ideological war unfolding inside the Woking headquarters of the McLaren team, pitting the pursuit of a World Championship against the enduring principle of fair play. At the center of this firestorm is McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, whose recent, surprisingly blunt comments have sent shockwaves through the paddock, suggesting that the team’s commitment to driver equality is so absolute, it might cost them the title against Max Verstappen.

Brown’s position is radical, almost defiant, in the ruthless world of elite motorsport. While most championship contenders eventually consolidate their efforts behind a single driver—the designated ‘number one’—McLaren is standing firm. Brown has publicly declared that both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will continue to be treated as equals, allowed to race each other freely until the final checkered flag. This isn’t just a management preference; it’s a commitment etched in painful history, and the potential consequence is the most emotionally charged storyline of the year.

The Unwavering Doctrine: “Both Drivers Are Number One”

In the most critical phase of the championship, with every point being a weapon against the formidable Max Verstappen, Zak Brown’s commitment to his two young drivers is a study in principled leadership—or perhaps, an act of sheer folly, depending on who you ask.

Brown is unapologetic about his refusal to institute team orders. He insists that both Norris and Piastri are currently viewed as “number one” drivers. This policy is highly unusual when the point difference is minimal and the rival is closing the gap. The traditional logic dictates that a team should sacrifice one driver’s individual ambition to maximize the collective championship opportunity, ensuring that critical points are not mutually destroyed.

However, Brown’s philosophy is rooted in a belief that the spirit of racing, and the long-term health of the team, is more valuable than a single trophy. He believes that compelling a driver to surrender their dream of winning the World Championship is fundamentally against the essence of competition. This stance ensures that McLaren’s internal integrity remains intact, even if the external results suffer.

This approach has naturally drawn both praise for its fairness and heavy criticism for being too naive and risky in a championship battle this close. But to truly understand Brown’s conviction, one must look back at the historical ghost that haunts the McLaren garage.

The Ghost of 2007: A Trauma That Defines Policy

Zak Brown has been chillingly clear about the source of his steadfast policy: the devastating 2007 Formula 1 season. That year, McLaren fielded one of the most explosive driver pairings in history: the veteran Fernando Alonso and the sensational rookie Lewis Hamilton. The intense, often toxic, rivalry between the two drivers—both fighting for supremacy—did more than just create a bad atmosphere; it directly led to them losing the championship.

Both Hamilton and Alonso finished the season tied on points, and crucially, they both lost the title to Ferrari’s Kimi Räikkönen by a single, agonizing point. The internal conflict, ego clashes, and strategic missteps resulting from the zero-sum game between the two drivers allowed a rival to snatch victory from their grasp.

Brown views 2007 not just as a lost championship, but as a crisis of team culture and integrity. He wants to avoid any hint of that destructive fighting and the bad atmosphere it created. His recent confession is stark: He would rather see a rival driver win the title than tell one of his own drivers to help the other and replicate the internal implosion of that fateful season.

This statement is the central, emotionally potent core of McLaren’s current narrative. It’s an extraordinary admission—a declaration that principle trumps immediate victory. For Brown, being beaten by a faster, better rival is acceptable; being defeated by internal mistakes, jealousy, and a breakdown of trust is not. This strong historical context is the backbone of the team’s current, high-risk strategy.

The Paddock War: Jos Verstappen’s Shocking Intervention

Zak Brown’s commitment to equality was suddenly thrown into question by a powerful external voice: Jos Verstappen. The father of rival Max Verstappen entered the conversation with explosive comments, hinting strongly at favoritism within the McLaren camp.

Verstappen senior pointed to the recent and sudden change in performance between the two McLaren drivers. Earlier in the season, Oscar Piastri was the one setting the pace and leading the championship, demonstrating incredible speed and maturity. However, in recent races, the momentum has swung dramatically toward Lando Norris, who has taken the lead, while Piastri has visibly struggled.

Jos Verstappen expressed his surprise at this sudden shift, suggesting that a driver of Piastri’s caliber could not have simply “forgotten how to drive.” His comments directly hinted that Norris might be receiving special, favorable treatment from the team. While he admitted to having no concrete proof, he stated that, from the outside, the situation certainly “looks like favoritism.”

Verstappen then escalated the pressure, publicly urging Piastri to take a stand. In a direct and arguably inflammatory piece of advice, he suggested that Piastri and his manager, former F1 driver Mark Webber, should “make their voices heard inside the team to fix the problem.” The implication was clear: if Piastri remained silent, it would be perceived as an inability to handle the pressure, damaging his reputation as a top driver. This intervention added a new, vicious layer of outside scrutiny and personal drama to the already tense atmosphere at McLaren.

The Technical Truth: Andrea Stella’s Counter-Narrative

In direct response to the rumors of favoritism and the pressure from the Verstappen camp, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella provided a comprehensive and highly technical counter-narrative, effectively defusing the suggestion of internal bias.

Stella directly addressed Oscar Piastri’s recent dip in form, linking it not to a lack of effort or team preference, but to the specific technical challenges of the recent circuits. He explained that tracks with naturally low grip, such as Austin and Mexico City, have been the root of the problem.

According to Stella, the team’s data showed that Piastri was struggling to adapt his natural driving style to these “slippery surfaces.” This is a common and predictable issue for young drivers, who often develop a highly specific style that works brilliantly in certain conditions but falters when the track characteristics change drastically. Low-grip surfaces demand a softer touch and a different, more nuanced technique for corner entry and exit—a mastery that Piastri is still in the process of acquiring.

This detailed, driven explanation completely sidesteps the idea of the team playing favorites. Instead, it frames the performance difference as a technical and learning issue. Stella confirmed that the team had conducted a thorough review with Piastri, using data and video to identify the problem. They found specific, small changes to both the car’s setup and Piastri’s driving line that would help him navigate low-grip situations more effectively.

Stella was quick to praise Piastri’s mature handling of the situation, expressing confidence that this difficult experience would ultimately make him a better, more versatile driver in the long run. The technical explanation served as a powerful defense of the team’s integrity, confirming that McLaren is focused on helping their driver improve, a key part of their long-term developmental plan, rather than sacrificing him for political gain.

The Grand Calculus of Risk

The dramatic convergence of Brown’s principled policy, Jos Verstappen’s provocative accusations, and Stella’s technical defense has set the stage for one of the most gripping conclusions to an F1 season in recent memory.

McLaren’s commitment to letting Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri race freely means they are willingly accepting the enormous risk that their drivers will inevitably take points from each other. In a championship battle where the gap to Max Verstappen is razor-thin, every point gained or lost is magnified. The strategic cost of a zero-sum internal battle could be the handing of the title to their rival.

The final races will be the ultimate, public test of Zak Brown’s leadership philosophy. If McLaren manages to win the title while maintaining their policy of absolute equality, it will be hailed as a seminal moment for fair play, setting a new, principled standard for team management in elite sport. Brown’s gamble will be recognized as a masterstroke that forged an unbreakable team culture while delivering the ultimate prize.

However, if McLaren loses the title by a small number of points—specifically because Norris and Piastri finished ahead of one another and effectively cancelled each other out—the policy will be heavily and mercilessly scrutinized. Brown’s bold declaration will be remembered as the costly mistake that threw away a golden opportunity, serving as a cautionary tale for all future title contenders.

The resolution of this internal-external drama will determine more than just the 2024 (or 2025, as per video date) championship winner; it will set an enduring example for how racing teams navigate the moral tightrope of competition, ambition, and corporate principle. The final chapters of this season promise not just incredible racing, but a profound and dramatic conclusion to Zak Brown’s bold, high-stakes gamble. The answer to whether his unwavering commitment to equality was a genius move or an act of self-sabotage is just weeks away, waiting to be delivered in the most unpredictable fashion.

BBC viewers have been urged to look out for any clues as the broadcaster is reportedly gearing up to announce the return of one of its biggest shows very soon

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Line of Duty could be making a comeback very soon(Image: BBC)

A huge BBC drama is set to announce its comeback within a matter of days. Fans have been waiting on tenterhooks to see if another series will be released, and now the cast have finally aligned their schedules to make it happen.

The BBC are said to be gearing up to confirm Line of Duty will be back on screens for a seventh series. Fans have been urged to keep an eye out for any online announcements that will be followed by TV teaser trailers.

The police drama has been a smash hit with fans as it initially aired over six series from 2012 up until 2021. Cast members had been hinting at a comeback as Adrian Dunbar, who starred as Superintendent Ted Hastings, confirmed the show’s creator Jed Merucio was working on a new script.

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Actors Adrian and Martin have already teased a return(Image: PA)

Now, it seems fans won’t have long to wait for an official announcement as a source said: “Although this has been discussed at length since the unsatisfactory ending of series six in 2021, it’s still going to create huge excitement when the Beeb makes the announcement.

“It’s one they’ve been preparing to make for weeks, but they’ve been trying to pick the right moment, since The Celebrity Traitors has been hogging quite a lot of limelight recently.” They added to Sun: “And the BBC very much view Line Of Duty as one of the jewels in its crown that they want to deliver with some fanfare.”

The BBC declined to comment when approached by the Mirror. Back in July, Actor Adrian said: “We’re really excited about getting our hands on a Line of Duty script, to see what happens to us.”

The Ridley star even teased what is to come on the programme, which could air in 2026, as he told The Times: “It is down to the BBC to make an announcement, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that next year we’ll be working on a new series. No doubt Jed will think of some interesting twists and turns.”

Martin Compston played DS Steve Arnott in the show, which came to an end when his character and his team discovered the identity of “H”. He also shared details on whether viewers can expect more from the series.

“We’re always talking about possibilities and schedules and whatnot,” he said to The Sun. Martin didn’t dare share more and added: “Everybody’s got stuff going on at the minute, so I think anything, unfortunately, would be a way off.”

Before Martin discussed a potential new series, a source told the same publication that Adrian, Vicky McClure and Martin will reunite to film six new episodes. They said at the time: “This is the news Line of Duty fans have been waiting for since the sixth season left them deflated when it aired back in 2021.

“The BBC almost immediately requested more episodes to continue the story, but the success of the show meant Vicky, Martin and Adrian were instantly snapped up for other projects. But after several meetings with Jed [Mercurio, creator and writer] and the production team, they’ve finally managed to clear space in their calendars next year to commit to making the show.”

While last August, Adrian said that he was desperate to get back into character for another series. He told Good Housekeeping: “We all want another series.

“We filmed our last series in lockdown, which meant we didn’t get to do anything other than work, so we’re really keen to get together for one last hurrah.”

TV presenter and DJ Denise Van Outen lives a very lavish life as she is certainly enjoying everything that comes with being a celebrity from luxury trips to beauty products

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Denise Van Outen’s truth behind her luxury life has been revealed(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Blue Marlin Ibiza London)

Denise Van Outen appears to be embracing her celebrity lifestyle and is partial to a freebie. The TV presenter has carved a successful career thanks to her role on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast.

She went on to star as a judge on talent shows I’d Do Anything and Any Dream Will Do, as well as make regular appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox. In recent years, Denise has transitioned into a DJ and has enjoyed tours as a result of her career change.

Away from work, Denise appears to be enjoying the perks of celebrity life she has been lucky enough to receive as she has been inundated with PR gifts and experiences. She has enjoyed luxury trips abroad, expensive cosmetic products and even wallpaper for her home, all in return for a few posts on social media.

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Denise has enjoyed luxury holidays(Image: INSTAGRAM)

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She is said to love a freebie

The mum-of-one simply labels her Instagram posts “ad” or “gifted” to avoid flouting advertising laws, as she gets to embrace the benefits of her hard work. “She never seems to pay for much; she loves a freebie,” a source told the Daily Mail.

Denise recently headed on a half-term holiday with her daughter Betsy and niece Freja to Universal Orlando in Florida. They lapped up a stay in one of the onsite hotels, with rooms costing up to £565.

She wasn’t the only celebrity invited on the trip, as Holly Willoughby, Abbey Clancy, Peter Crouch, Mark Wright and Olly Murs were also there. And it’s not just holidays Denise has received thanks to her celebrity status.

The TV star has kitted out her London flat with a Caple wine cooler, which retails at £2,100. In return for the product, she shared: “I love entertaining at my London flat, so it is essential to have the perfect wine cooler and this one by Caple fits the bill.

“It doesn’t just cool your bottles, it also keeps your glasses nice and chill. So, I guess this is why my friends love stopping by my flat for a chill wine every time.”

Denise also has a comfy-looking grey three-seater sofa, which is reportedly worth £1,499. She shared a video of her new furniture to promote it as she said: “Super comfy and stylish, and part of the lifestyle fabric range, which means it is really easy to clean.

“So, if you have got a busy home with kids and pets but still want a touch of luxe, be sure to check out Sofology’s lifestyle fabric range.” Denise has even got some lavish wallpaper, which she showed off in another video.

Her wardrobe has also seen new additions thanks to work with brands including Primark, Topshop and JD Williams. She has been sent beauty products, which has included a ‘glow set’ from Korean skincare brand Yepoda, worth £111.

Even her health has been given the luxury treatment as Denise has promoted a London clinic. She shared: “Absolutely loved my full health check at @preventicum_london.

“The team are so thorough, professional, and caring – it feels amazing to do this for myself and have that peace of mind with the results. Thanks to Preventicum for supporting this experience, I can’t recommend them enough!” Prices at the clinic start at £2,000.

Denise has enjoyed a work trip to Maldives, Ibiza as well as Glastonbury, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Isle of Wight Festival. It is thought influencers with more than a million followers can bag more than £10,000 per sponsored post, with celebrities having the potential to earn even more through these common collaborations and brand deals.

BBC presenter Ore Oduba has revealed for the first time that he struggled with addiction to porn for 30 years, which started at the age of nine, before finally seeking help

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Ore Oduba hit rock bottom before seeking help for his 30 year addiction(Image: ITV)

Ore Oduba has revealed the ‘rock bottom’ he hit, which was the catalyst for him finally seeking help for an addiction he had suffered for 30 years in secret.

The BBC TV presenter is known to many for fronting the likes of Newsround and the Olympics. Unbeknownst to his fans, 39 year old Ore was struggling with a secret pornography addiction, after being introduced to sexualised images at the age of just nine.

Ore, who opened up for the first time this week about his addiction on Paul C Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast, was shown a sexualised image of a video game by an older brother of a schoolfriend, which saw him become “curious”. It wasn’t long before Ore began seeing more images on TV, computers and in magazines, before it spiralled into an addiction which “isolated” him.

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Ore Oduba revealed he had been addicted to pornography for 30 years

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Ore and Portia were married for 10 years until their split in 2024(Image: (Credit too long, see caption))

However, the breakdown of his marriage to wife Portia Jett, who he shares his two children Roman, seven, and Genie, four, with saw him finally seek help.

Ore has explained to the Daily Mail: “You know, I went through a number of rock bottoms and two bereavements to be able to go, ‘I finally see what’s happening here, I want to change’. We all have the power to do that, to see that we are worth something.

“Sometimes it just starts with one conversation, and I really hope that this might be one of the conversations that people might listen to and go ‘OK. I’m going to start day one today’.”

Ore and Portia, 35, were married for 10 years before splitting in 2024. As news of Ore’s addiction spread following the release of Paul C Brunson’s podcast, Ore’s ex-wife Portia appeared to take aim at her ex in a cryptic Instagram post.

Portia posted a rare black and white photograph of herself with her two children sitting on a bench at a pumpkin patch. The apparent swipe came as Portia added Taylor Swift’s song Father Figure to the post. The lyrics in the song include discuss a partner who is “young, wayward and lost in the cold” and includes the phrases “you pulled the wrong trigger”.

Ore and Portia announced the end of their marriage on Instagram, after first meeting during their time at Loughborough University in 2010. The statement from the pair at the time read: “Hi guys. Portia and I are sad to announce that we separated earlier this year [2024.]

“We’re so grateful for all the love you’ve shared with us both over the years.

“And we want to thank you in advance for respecting our privacy as we navigated this difficult transition.

“We will be making no further comment. Be kind, always.”

Since the news of their split, Portia has moved on and went public with her new romance last month as she shared a photo of herself kissing a new man, who was later revealed to be businessman Saxon Birch, 37, who works in data management.

Portia has since shared a number of cosy snaps with Saxon, including a gushing post of her sharing selfies alongside Saxon as she gushed in the caption: “You’re my favourite plot twist… If you are still waiting for yours… trust me when I say… when you least expect it, it will happen…..”

Lorraine Kelly’s regular guest Dr Hilary Jones said he thankfully “got away with” the encounter, as he addressed his future on the show ahead of a major ITV shake-up

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Lorraine Kelly’s show will air fewer episodes next year (Image: ITV)

Lorraine show regular Dr Hilary Jones has opened up about a time he appeared on the programme while “drunk” – and later apologised to bosses. The professional medic has been a firm fixture on the show for several years, providing his expertise on a wide range of health topics. Reflecting on the early days of his appearances, Dr Hilary, 72, recalled a moment when his professionalism slipped while live on air.

He shared: “I’d run the New York Marathon and I had met up with two of my brothers to celebrate. Of course, I hadn’t eaten, hadn’t drunk, and there was a lot of beer. I was scheduled to do a live segment from a remote studio in Times Square with Lorraine on her show.”

The doctor explained that as he tried to figure out the remote camera setup, he was “suddenly live” and being asked questions by Lorraine.

“All I remember was giggling and laughing and talking rubbish because I was actually a bit drunk. Afterwards I thought, ‘They’re going to sack me, I’ve made a big faux pas. What did I say?’”

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Dr Hilary Jones is a regular guest on the show (Image: ITV)

Fearing he had jeopardised his position, Dr Hilary said he called the show’s bosses the following day to apologise.

“I phoned them and said, ‘I’m really sorry’ and they said, ‘Why? You sounded brilliant, you just sounded happy! You sounded euphoric and it was really energetic and lovely.’ So, I got away with it.”

Since that humorous encounter, Dr Hilary has continued to appear regularly on the show, addressing the nation’s medical concerns.

However, next year will bring major changes to ITV’s schedule. From 2026, Lorraine and Loose Women will be shortened from an hour to 30 minutes and air on a “seasonal basis”.

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Lorraine Kelly has been fronting her show since 2010(Image: ITV)

Reflecting on his future involvement, Dr Hilary said: “What I think I’ll be doing is guest appearances. The plan is still being worked out, but there will still be medical input from me. I’ve been with them for so long that I think I’ll still be appearing on breakfast TV.”

Meanwhile, Lorraine has shared her thoughts on the changes to the programme she has fronted since 2010.

“It’s a different world we live in, isn’t it? I’m a realist and I knew there had to be cutbacks and changes. There are so many more outlets now, and television has to cut its cloth in every single department. It’s not like it was,” she told Woman Magazine.

Despite the adjustments, she remains optimistic about the future, adding: “This is just another change – who knows what will happen in six months? They might want to expand it, they might not. I love my job, I love working with these incredible people, so we just get on with it and see what happens. Nothing ever stays still.”

an upscale coffee shop late afternoon laughter fills the air a simple man in a gray shirt walks in holding a small bouquet of flowers in the corner a group of women whisper and giggle he actually showed up one of them pushes a wheelchair toward the table and says softly let’s see if he still stays he walks closer smiling gently hi I’m Jack the girl in the wheelchair looks up her eyes carry a deep sadness he leans down and places the flowers on the table they said this was a blind date but I think they were wrong
Jack Turner is 38 years old he’s a single dad who runs a small auto repair shop on the edge of town his hands are calloused from years of fixing engines and changing oil his clothes are simple his life is simple but his heart that’s anything but ordinary Jack’s friends thought it would be fun to set him up on a blind date they laughed about it over beers they made jokes they said he needed to get out more what they didn’t tell him was that it was all a prank a cruel joke planned by people who used to be his friends
on the other side of town lives Clara Lane she’s 31 she’s the CEO of Lane Corp one of the fastest growing tech companies in the city she’s brilliant she’s ambitious she’s successful but three years ago a car accident changed everything the crash left her paralyzed from the waist down since then she rarely appears in public she runs her empire from behind closed doors through video calls and assistance her friends wanted to help they said she needed to get out to feel normal again so they convinced her to go on a blind date
they promised it would be fun they promised it would be safe what they didn’t tell her was that they wanted to test if anyone could see past the wheelchair Jack has a daughter her name is Ella she’s 9 years old she has her mother’s bright eyes and her father’s gentle spirit Jack’s wife passed away when Ella was just 3 since then it’s been just the two of them against the world Ella is wise beyond her years she once told her father something he never forgot don’t laugh at anyone who’s different daddy being different doesn’t mean being less
those words live in Jack’s heart every single day before he left for the date Ella gave him something it was a handkerchief she had embroidered herself the stitches were crooked but the message was clear strong hearts walk farther Jack folded it carefully and put it in his pocket now standing in this upscale coffee shop Jack feels out of place the marble floors shine the furniture is expensive everyone here looks like they belong everyone except him but he came here for a reason someone needed to show up for this date
someone needed to be kind Clara sits in her wheelchair near the window she watches people walk by outside she sees couples holding hands she sees children running she sees a world that keeps moving while she feels stuck her so called friends sit at a nearby table they watch they wait they wanna see what happens when Jack realizes the truth one of them whispers loud enough for Clara to hear this should be interesting Clara closes her eyes she knows this was a mistake she should have stayed home she should have known better than to trust them
but then the door opens Jack walks in with his gray shirt and his small bouquet of flowers he looks nervous he looks around the room and then he sees her for a moment time stops Clara waits for the disappointment to cross his face she waits for him to turn around and leave she waits for the humiliation but it doesn’t come instead Jack smiles a real smile a kind smile he walks straight toward her Jack reaches the table and sets down the flowers gently hi I’m Jack Clara looks up at him searching his face for pity

for fake politeness for anything that would confirm what she already believes that this is just another joke I’m Clara she says quietly Jack pulls out the chair across from her and sits down he doesn’t hesitate he doesn’t glance at the wheelchair he just looks at her really looks at her at the table nearby her friends nudge each other one of them pulls out her phone and starts recording they’re waiting for the moment Jack makes an excuse and leaves but Jack stays so he says his voice warm my friends told me this was a blind date
I’m guessing your friends did the same Clara nods slowly something like that well Jack says with a grin I hope they gave you better information than they gave me I showed up thinking we were meeting at a diner took me 20 minutes to realize this place doesn’t serve burgers despite herself Clara lets out a small laugh it’s the first genuine laugh she’s had in weeks from the corner someone giggles one of Clara’s friends leans toward another and whispers just loud enough she’s in a wheelchair let’s see how long he lasts
Clara hears it her smile fades she looks down at her hands you don’t have to stay she says quietly they were just trying to be funny Jack’s expression doesn’t change he leans forward slightly maybe they were he says calmly but I’m not leaving someone alone because of a joke Clara looks up surprised there’s something in his voice something solid something real Jack starts talking about his daughter he tells Clara how Ella loves to fold paper flowers how she makes hundreds of them and leaves them all over the house
how he finds them in his toolbox in his truck even in his shoes last week Jack says I found one in my coffee cup I didn’t notice until I’d already poured the coffee in Courage Son and Clara laughs again a real laugh this time the kind that reaches her eyes the people watching from the other tables start to get uncomfortable this wasn’t supposed to go this way Jack was supposed to leave he was supposed to prove that no one would want to be with someone in a wheelchair but Jack isn’t leaving he asked Clara about her work
he listens when she talks about her company he doesn’t interrupt he doesn’t try to fix anything he just listens at one point Jack’s phone rings he excuses himself and steps outside to take the call the moment he’s gone one of Clara’s friends walks over to the table she leans down with a smug smile poor thing she says in a fake sympathetic voice he’s just pitying you Clara’s heart sinks maybe she’s right maybe this whole thing is just Jack being nice because he feels sorry for her but then Jack walks back in he must have heard the comment
because he stops right next to the table he looks at the woman who just spoke no Jack says firmly I’m admiring her the woman’s face goes pale she stammers something and walks away quickly Jack sits back down like nothing happened he picks up his coffee and takes a sip sorry about that he says my daughter wanted to make sure I wasn’t embarrassing her Clara stares at him no one has stood up for her like that in years no one has treated her like a person instead of a problem why are you being so kind to me she asks her voice is barely a whisper
Jack sets down his coffee he looks at her seriously my daughter taught me something he says she told me that being different doesn’t mean being less and honestly I don’t see anything different about you I see someone smart someone funny someone who showed up even when she probably didn’t want to Clara feels tears building in her eyes she blinks them back you’re not like most people she says neither are you Jack replies with a smile that’s what makes this interesting they talk for two more hours they talk about books and movies and favorite foods
they talk about their biggest fears and their wildest dreams they talk like two people who have been waiting a long time to be heard when the coffee shop starts to close they both realize how much time has passed Clara looks at Jack with something close to gratitude thank you she says for staying for being kind for seeing me Jack nods thank you for giving me a chance too as they leave the friends who set up the joke watch in silence they thought they were being clever they thought they were being funny instead they just witnessed something
they’ll never understand real kindness real respect real connection after the date ends Clara thanks Jack one more time then she disappears into a car that’s been waiting for her Jack watches the vehicle drive away into the city lights he stands there for a moment holding the empty coffee cup he thinks about her smile about her laugh about the way she looked at him when he said he was admiring her then he walks to his truck and drives home he tells himself it was just two strangers being kind to each other at the wrong time
nothing more nothing less life goes on Jack goes back to his repair shop he fixes transmissions and changes brake pads he picks up Ella from school they eat dinner together they do homework they watch movies on the couch three days pass on Thursday morning Jack gets a call it’s from a building management company downtown they need someone to fix the elevator system in a corporate tower it’s a big job good money Jack agrees immediately he needs the work the building is massive all glass and steel the kind of place where
important people make important decisions Jack feels out of place the moment he walks through the revolving doors a woman in a sharp suit greets him at the security desk you’re here for the elevator repair she asks yes ma’am Jack says follow me she leads him through the lobby past expensive artwork and marble columns they take an elevator to the 15th floor when the doors open Jack sees a long hallway with frosted glass offices on both sides at the end of the hallway is a conference room the woman gestures toward it
they’re waiting for you in there the CEO wants to personally approve all building modifications Jack’s stomach drops he wasn’t prepared to meet with executives he thought he’d just be working in a maintenance shaft somewhere but he nods and walks toward the conference room the door is already open inside a long table is surrounded by people in business attire lawyers managers board members everyone looks expensive everyone looks important and at the head of the table in a wheelchair sits Clara Jack freezes in the doorway
Clara looks up for a moment neither of them speaks the room goes silent everyone turns to look at Jack then at Clara then back at Jack one of the board members leans over and whispers to another that’s the CEO Jack’s mind races CEO the woman from the coffee shop the woman he thought was just someone’s friend playing a cruel joke Clara is wearing a tailored gray suit her hair is pulled back she looks powerful professional completely different from the vulnerable woman he met days ago but her eyes are the same kind
searching real Mr Turner Clara says her voice steady please come in Jack steps inside still holding his toolbox he feels every eye in the room on him he must look ridiculous work boots stained jeans a company shirt with his name stitched on the pocket Clara gestures to an empty chair please sit Jack sits down slowly he sets his toolbox on the floor Clara looks around the table at her executives then she looks back at Jack ladies and gentlemen she says this is Jack Turner we met a few days ago murmurs ripple through the room
Clara continues her voice is calm but firm Mr Turner treated me like a person not like a CEO not like someone to pity not like someone to fix he treated me with dignity and respect something I haven’t experienced in a very long time Jack doesn’t know what to say he just sits there listening one of the executives clears his throat Miss Lane with all due respect what does this have to do with the elevator repair Clara smiles slightly everything she wheels herself closer to the table and pulls out a folder for the past six months
Clara says we’ve been developing a new initiative a humanitarian project focused on accessibility and dignity for people with disabilities we’ve been searching for someone to lead it someone who understands what dignity actually means she looks directly at Jack I want Mr Turner to lead this project the room erupts executives start talking over each other some are shocked some are confused one man stands up and says Miss Lane he’s a mechanic Clara’s eyes go cold and you’re a man who just interrupted me which one of us is unqualified

the man sits back down Clara turns back to Jack her expression softens you don’t have to answer now she says but I’m serious you already know what this project needs you know how to treat people like they matter that’s more valuable than any degree or title Jack finally finds his voice I don’t understand why me Clara wheels closer to him she speaks quietly but everyone in the room can hear because 3 days ago you saw me not my wheelchair not my disability not my company just me and you chose kindness when everyone else chose cruelty
Jack thinks about Ella about the handkerchief in his pocket about the lessons his daughter has taught him strong hearts walk farther he says quietly Clara’s eyes widen what Jack pulls out the handkerchief and shows her the crooked stitching the simple message my daughter made this he says she reminds me every day that being kind isn’t weakness it’s strength Clara stares at the handkerchief then she looks back at Jack with tears in her eyes your daughter is right she says and so are you the board members watch in stunned silence
this wasn’t what they expected this wasn’t how corporate meetings are supposed to go but Clara doesn’t care she’s the CEO she makes the decisions Mr Turner she says formally will you consider my offer Jack looks around the room at all the powerful people at the expensive suits and the judgmental faces then he looks back at Clara at the woman who showed up to a cruel joke and stayed anyway at the person who built an empire from a wheelchair yes Jack says I’ll consider it Clara smiles a real smile the kind that reaches her eyes
good she says then let’s start with fixing those elevators after that we’ll change the world the story spreads like wildfire someone at the coffee shop recorded the whole blind date on their phone they posted it online thinking it would be funny they wanted people to laugh at the awkward mechanic trying to impress a woman in a wheelchair but the internet saw something different they saw kindness they saw respect they saw a man treating a woman like a human being instead of a problem to solve the video goes viral millions of views in 24 hours
then someone recognizes Clara they realize she’s not just any woman she’s the CEO of Lane Corp one of the most powerful people in the tech industry the news picks up the story major outlets local channels international press CEO promotes mechanic after viral blind date from coffee shop to boardroom a story of dignity single dad shows corporate world what leadership really means Jack’s phone doesn’t stop ringing reporters want interviews talk shows want him as a guest his repair shop is suddenly flooded with customers
who want to support him his old customers tell everyone they know I’ve been going to Jack for years they say proudly he’s always been this way the local news runs a feature story on his shop they interview his neighbors his daughter’s teachers everyone has something good to say but the most interesting calls come from the people who set up the blind date Clara’s so called friends start reaching out they send messages they try to call they want to apologize some send flowers some send gifts all of them want forgiveness
one of them shows up at Jack’s shop in person it’s the woman who said Jack was just pitying Clara she stands in the doorway looking ashamed her eyes are red she’s been crying I’m sorry she says we thought we were being funny we didn’t think Jack wipes his hands on a rag he doesn’t look angry just disappointed you didn’t think what that she deserved respect that she was a real person with real feelings the woman looks down at her expensive shoes we were wrong we were so wrong yes Jack says quietly you were she leaves without another word
Jack watches her go he doesn’t feel satisfaction he just feels sad that it took a viral video for people to understand basic kindness the community response is overwhelming people who used to ignore Jack now stop him on the street to shake his hand parents point him out to their children as an example of what a good person looks like even the mayor mentions him in a speech about community values but the best moment comes three weeks after the viral video Jack is at home with Ella when there’s a knock on the door
he opens it to find Clara on his doorstep she’s in her wheelchair smiling hi she says I hope I’m not interrupting before Jack can respond Ella runs to the door you’re the lady from daddy’s phone Ella says excitedly Clara laughs I guess I am Ella kneels down to Clara’s level did my daddy make you smile Clara looks at Jack then back at Ella your daddy reminded me that I still can Ella grins that’s because he has a strong heart strong hearts walk farther I taught him that Clara’s eyes fill with tears you’re absolutely right and you’re very wise
I know Ella says matter of factly then she hugs Clara without hesitation Clara freezes for a moment then she wraps her arms around the little girl and holds on tight she can’t remember the last time someone hugged her without treating her like she might break Jack watches from the doorway his heart feels full that evening the three of them sit in Jack’s backyard they eat pizza they laugh they tell stories Ella falls asleep on Clara’s lap Clara looks down at the little girl then up at Jack thank you she whispers for what
Jack asks for seeing me Clara says for staying for teaching your daughter to be kind Jack smiles she taught me first one year later Jack stands outside a beautiful building with large windows and accessible ramps the sign above the entrance reads Lane Foundation Center for dignity and Independence Ella holds his hand she’s 10 now taller still wise beyond her years are you nervous daddy she asks a little Jack admits don’t be Ella says you’re good at this she’s right over the past year Jack has LED the Humanitarian Project
he’s helped design accessible housing he’s created job training programs for people with disabilities he’s changed hundreds of lives but today is special today is the grand opening inside the building is filled with people families community leaders people in wheelchairs people with canes people with service dogs everyone is welcome here Jack sees Clara near the front of the room she’s standing actually standing she’s wearing prosthetic legs she’s worked for months in physical therapy to get to this point she still uses her wheelchair most days
but today she wanted to stand when she sees Jack and Ella her face lights up she walks slowly toward them each step is deliberate careful but confident Ella runs to her you’re walking Clara kneels down carefully and hugs Ella I am because someone taught me that strength doesn’t mean giving up she looks up at Jack thank you for everything Jack helps her back to her feet I didn’t do anything special I just showed up that’s exactly what made it special Clara says the ceremony begins Clara gives a speech she talks about dignity
about respect about second chances a year ago she says I sat in a coffee shop waiting for humiliation what I found instead was hope one man showed me that kindness isn’t pity it’s power and that power can change the world she gestures to Jack this man didn’t see a CEO he didn’t see a wheelchair he saw a person and because of that hundreds of people now have a place where they’re seen too the crowd applauds Jack feels his face getting hot he’s not used to this kind of attention after the ceremony the three of them walk to a nearby lake
Clara uses her wheelchair now she’s tired from standing but happy they sit by the water the sun is setting the sky is painted orange and gold Clara looks down at her prosthetic legs the metal catches the light it shines like hope like possibility like a second chance at life they thought they were making fun of me Jack says quietly but life was setting up something far better Clara reaches over and takes his hand Ella takes Clara’s other hand they sit together as the sun disappears below the horizon three people who were broken in different ways
three people who found each other when they needed it most 3 people who prove that kindness can rewrite destiny subscribe if you believe kindness can rewrite destiny

Nicola Peltz Beckham shared a sweet post to her sister as she broke her silence after David Beckham’s knighthood after skipping the ceremony with Brooklyn

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(Image: WWD via Getty Images)

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham were notable absences at Windsor Castle on Tuesday as dad David achieved his knighthood dream.

David had invited the whole family from wife Victoria to his parents and children Cruz, Romeo and Harper looking proudly on – but eldest son Brooklyn and Nicola failed to show at the huge family occasion. The pair didn’t join the thousands reaching out to David on the achievement on social media either.

Brooklyn chose to stay completely away from his accounts, avoiding the outpouring of love for his dad who was awarded for his services to charity and sport. Miles away in their home in Los Angeles, the estranged due chose to spend the day thinking about anything but Brooklyn’s family in London.

Nicola has now taken to Instagram in her first post since David’s knighthood, but again failed to mention the momentous occasion. Instead Nicola reached out to her sister, who she remains on speaking terms with, Brittany Peltz.

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Nicola gushed about her close bond with her sister

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Brooklyn no show at David Beckham knighthood as rest of family rallied round the former England captain(Image: romeobeckham/Instagram)

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Sharing a huge bouquet of pastel coloured peonies from her sibling, Nicola penned “Thank you so so much. They are breathtaking.” But the heriess failed to say what the flowers were for.

This week it was reported that Nicola is still ‘not ready’ to make peace with her in-laws, despite David attempting to reach out to her and Brooklyn since June.

Victoria is also said to be trying to make peace with her son and his wife. However, all attempts at a truce have fallen flat so far.

“Nicola’s not ready to make nice,” the source revealed.

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Nicola and Brooklyn have cut his family out of their lives

The alleged family feud began when Nicola allegedly refused to wear a wedding gown designed by her mother-in-law. The actress-model told Variety in 2022 that she wanted Victoria to design her bridal gown, but months before her big day, Victoria realised ‘her atelier couldn’t do it.’

Nicola decided to walk down the aisle in a Valentino couture dress instead. “She didn’t say you can’t wear it; I didn’t say I didn’t want to wear it. That’s where it started, and then they ran with that,” Nicola said of the feud origin.

This year, Nicola and Brooklyn got married again – without David and Victoria there – as they renewed their vows in front of her family only. The move was said to have been a dagger in the heart to Brooklyn’s parents who weren’t even told the ceremony was happening.

In a cover interview with Tatler magazine in 2022, Nicola discussed her husband Brooklyn and said he’d had a difficult start in life.

Nicola said Brooklyn was now able to speak to her billionaire dad, Nelson Peltz, for career advice. She said before that Brooklyn had been under a ‘lot of pressure to please people with his career.’

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They were once a close knit bunch, but a feud was sparked after Brooklyn and Nicola’s multi million pound wedding day(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier this year Brooklyn declared his unwavering support for his wife as he said he would ‘always choose her’ as the family rift took a bleak turn.

It came after he and Nicola were notably absent from several recent family events — including David’s 50th birthday celebrations.

Posting a video of him and Nicola riding on a motorbike through Los Angeles, he captioned post: “My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you’re the most amazing person I know xx me and you forever baby.”

‘Too many people chirping in when it’s not their game’

ITV game show Deal or No Deal returned to our screens today (November 5), with player Nicole taking her seat to take on The Banker.

Things didn’t get off to a good start, though. And, minutes into her game, Nicole had took out a huge number of the high red boxes. She knocked out the £10k, £50k and the £100k box in quick succession, with host Stephen Mulhern among those sharing his concern.

Left with just the £75k and nothing more than £5k at the halfway point in the game, viewers all had the same prediction – that it was “game over” for poor Nicole. And, although she did turn things around, what she had in her box at the end of the game was absolutely gutting for the nail technician…
Stephen Mulhern did his best to support Nicole as red box after red box was opened (Credit: ITV)

Deal or No Deal today – ‘game over’ for Nicole

At the start of the show, Nicole revealed she had a series of lucky numbers that she’d stick to throughout her game. She also brought along an array of good luck charms, and a crystal that she clutched throughout the show.

However, after opening the big reds, her gameplay was quickly mocked by critical viewers watching at home.

“Here we go again….crystals and tut……it’s a game of random chance love!” said one. “Not working out, this game is it?” said a second. A third added: “No number is lucky  – it’s a number!”

“She should’ve dealt at £3,750,” another commented. “Here comes the greed,” said another as Nicole played on.
Nicole looked more downcast as the game progressed but she had reason to smile by the end (Credit: ITV)

What did Nicole win today?

Nicole ended up taking out the 1p in the next round, though, with The Banker offering to pay her £6,470 for her box. She turned down the offer and played on – with £5, £10, £50, £4k and £75k left on the board.

The next box Nicole opened was £10, followed by the £4k. The Banker then upped the offer to £15,800 – which Nicole decided to accept on the advice of her mum, who was sitting in the audience.

However, she had to play on to see what happened. Next, Nicole took out the £5 box. This left £75k and £50, with The Banker revealing he’d have then offered Nicole £38,750 for her box.

Then it was time to open her box and see what she’d brought to the table. With Nicole barely able to look, Stephen Mulhern did the honours, opened her box and revealed she had the £75k in her box.

“It was there the whole time!” declared one viewer. “OMG Nicole I’m gutted for you,” said another.

Viewers react

However, not everyone was as nice. Many pointed out that the players waiting in the wings, as well as Nicole’s mum in the audience, heavily influenced her game. As a result, they blamed them for Nicole missing out on the money that was sitting right in front of her the entire time.

“Too many people chirping in when it’s not their game, she wanted to go on but influenced by her mother and the others changed her mind. All those who’ve not played need to stop saying take the money to the ones who are playing,” complained one.

Another felt the same and said: “The entire wings were telling Nicole to take these money and run. Make the wings shut their mouths and stop manipulating the player. She should have gone all the way.” “Serves ya right for listening to the [bleep]s on the side,” said another.

“Well her mum said take the money and run so she did take the offer. Just 60 grand less than what she had in her box. Moral to the story: Don’t listen to Mum. No use pulling a face now Leanne,” said another to Nicole’s mum.