Author: bang7

In F1, team principals bear a great weight of responsibility from the pit wall, but one of the paddock’s rising stars is letting off steam by hitting the racetrack

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James Vowles competed for the Garage 59 team, driving a McLaren GT3 machine(Image: Luca Barsali/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

James Vowles has built a reputation as a rising star in the F1 team principal ranks, guiding Williams to a fifth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship in 2025, just five years after they finished bottom of the standings, pointless, in 2020.

However, the 46-year-old has another passion project on the side, racing GT3 cars for Garage 59. Just one week after watching Lando Norris wrap up the F1 Drivers’ Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Vowles took part in the Gulf 12 Hours at the same circuit.

Piloting the No. 8 McLaren 720S GT3, Vowles qualified first in class alongside team-mates and co-drivers Alexander West, Marco Pulcini and Mark Sansom, before converting that result into a first-in-class victory in parts of Sunday’s 12-hour race.

Writing on social media after qualifying, Vowles reported: “P1 in class, P4 in Pro-Am (without a pro!) and P13 overall for the team today out in Abu Dhabi. Well done, really strong qualifying and great laps from Alex, Mark and Marco.

“On a personal note, I was delighted to claim P2 in Group 1 of qualifying. Fastest bronze – good start, long way to go! Tomorrow will be tough, an eight-hour race with a second four-hour race, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

Vowles’ experience behind the wheel at the Yas Marina Circuit was not his first time driving GT3 machinery. In fact, the Williams team principal competed in four rounds of the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series for Garage 59, scoring two points in the process.

To prepare himself for his first competitive race in three years, Vowles took part in a two-day test behind the wheel of the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in between the Italian Grand Prix and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix earlier this year.

“Spent a fantastic two days at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain. Mostly dry and a great technical circuit,” Vowles said after his test. “I was driving a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Garage 59. It was great to be back with a team that I have a strong history with.

“I was rusty to start, it’s been a few years out of a GT3, but very happy with where we ended up after two days of testing. I had to hang up most of my engineering brain and focus on driving – and loved every second. More to follow.”

Whether or not Vowles will extend his racing career revival into 2026 and beyond remains to be seen. In the meantime, Williams are fully focused on the new F1 technical regulations, which offer the Grove-based team an opportunity to continue their journey to becoming a regular threat for podium finishes.

The world of Formula 1 is standing on the precipice of one of the most significant transformations in its history. As the 2026 season approaches, the sport is preparing to debut a radical new power unit regulation set that will permanently alter the competitive landscape. With the removal of the complex MGU-H and a massive tripling of electrical power, the race to build the perfect engine has become a high-stakes game of technical brinkmanship. Rumors are already swirling through the paddock about who has found the “silver bullet” and who is struggling to keep their head above water.

The Mercedes Masterclass: A Controversial Edge? Mercedes defined the original hybrid era, and if early reports are to be believed, they are poised to do it again. The Brackley-based squad is currently the overwhelming favorite, with data suggesting their 2026 unit is hitting a staggering output of 420 kW (approximately 571 horsepower) on the internal combustion side alone. However, it is a specific technical “trick” regarding cylinder compression that has tongues wagging.

Reports suggest Mercedes has found a way to manipulate the compression rate during live running, potentially bypassing the spirit of FIA testing protocols. By increasing the compression ratio beyond the standard 16 parts up to 18 parts, Mercedes could unlock an additional 15 horsepower. In the razor-thin margins of F1, that equates to a three-tenths of a second advantage per lap—a gap that would leave rivals reeling. While the FIA has strict tests, the ability to run these higher rates on-track could be the “illegal” advantage that restores the Silver Arrows to their former glory.

Ferrari’s “Extreme” 3D-Printed Gamble In Maranello, the philosophy for 2026 is simple: speed first, reliability later. Ferrari’s new power unit, codenamed “067,” is being described as a radical departure from traditional manufacturing. The Scuderia is heavily utilizing additive manufacturing (3D printing) with exotic alloys—blending metals and ceramics—to create complex cooling channels and higher combustion pressures.

This technological leap allows Ferrari to shrink their radiator size significantly. This isn’t just an engine gain; it’s an aerodynamic revolution. Smaller radiators mean slimmer, more efficient sidepods, potentially allowing Ferrari to revisit the “zero-pod” concept that Mercedes famously struggled with, but with the cooling capacity to actually make it work. With the FIA offering extra development time to any manufacturer more than 3% down on power, Ferrari is happy to push the boundaries of reliability, knowing they have a safety net if the engine proves too fragile in the opening rounds.

The Newey Effect: Honda and Aston Martin’s Dark Horse Status Perhaps the most intriguing partnership of 2026 is the union of Honda and Aston Martin. Early simulator data from Silverstone has sent shockwaves through the industry: the AMR26 is reportedly running less than three seconds slower than current cars. Given that many expected the 2026 regulations to result in much slower lap times due to increased weight and drag, this is an incredible feat of engineering.

The “X-factor” here is Adrian Newey. The design genius has reportedly forced Honda to completely rethink their engine architecture to fit his extreme aerodynamic philosophy. This “packaging-first” approach, combined with highly aggressive synthetic fuels from Aramco, suggests that Aston Martin could be the team to break the established hierarchy. Drivers may even find themselves barely touching the brake pedal, as the new MGU-K energy recovery systems will require extreme regenerative braking to keep the batteries charged.

Red Bull and Audi: The Steepest Mountains to Climb While Mercedes and Ferrari rely on decades of engine-building heritage, Red Bull is embarking on its most ambitious project yet: building its own power unit. For the first time, the team will not be a customer or a partner, but a primary manufacturer through Red Bull Powertrains. Despite a strategic partnership with Ford, the challenge is immense. Building the infrastructure, test benches, and a world-class engineering team from scratch while competing for titles is a gargantuan task. Insiders expect Red Bull to land in the mid-pack initially, a sobering prospect for a team used to winning.

Meanwhile, Audi enters the fray as the ultimate wildcard. While they have seen massive success in electric motorsports, F1 is a different beast. Paddock rumors suggest the German giant is currently behind the curve, potentially starting 2026 as the weakest engine on the grid. However, with F1’s “token system” allowing struggling manufacturers more time to iterate, the pecking order seen in the first race in Bahrain may look very different by the time the circus reaches the mid-season.

As we count down the days to the private tests in Barcelona, the tension is palpable. The 2026 regulations aren’t just a rule change; they are a total reset. Whether it’s Mercedes’ controversial compression, Ferrari’s 3D-printed alloys, or Newey’s aerodynamic wizardry, the battle for F1 supremacy has already begun in the dyno rooms and secret test facilities of Europe. One thing is certain: the hierarchy of Formula 1 is about to be shattered.

In the high-octane, ego-driven world of Formula 1, Kimi Räikkönen has always been the ultimate outlier. Known as the “Iceman” for his monosyllabic interviews and complete disregard for the “circus” surrounding the sport, Räikkönen’s silence was often mistaken for indifference. However, as he reaches the age of 46, the Finnish legend is finally pulling back the curtain. In a rare and deeply reflective moment, Kimi has shared a profound look into the five drivers he admires most—not for their popularity or their smiles, but for their raw ability to survive the most intense pressure cooker in global sports.

“Formula 1 is full of noise,” Kimi begins, his voice carrying the weight of decades spent at 200 mph. “Too many people trying to explain things that are very simple when you’re inside the car.” For Kimi, respect isn’t given; it’s earned in the silence of the cockpit, when the lights go out and there’s nowhere to hide. His list is a masterclass in psychological resilience, featuring five men who, in his eyes, represent the true essence of what it means to be a racing driver.

The Clarity of Mika Häkkinen

To start his list, Kimi looks back at his fellow countryman, Mika Häkkinen. While many point to Mika’s two world titles as his defining achievement, Kimi sees something deeper: “Clarity.” In a sport where drivers often drown in data and media drama, Häkkinen possessed an uncanny ability to simplify everything.

Kimi vividly recalls the legendary overtake at Spa in 2000, where Mika squeezed past Michael Schumacher on a damp track at terrifying speeds. “That wasn’t aggression,” Kimi explains. “That was precision under absolute commitment.” From Mika, Kimi learned that the highest level of confidence doesn’t need to announce itself. It simply shows up, does the job, and leaves—a philosophy that would eventually define Kimi’s own career.

The Resistance of Fernando Alonso

If Mika represented clarity, Fernando Alonso represents what Kimi calls “resistance.” Having raced against the Spaniard for twenty years, Kimi holds a unique respect for Alonso’s refusal to fade away. While most drivers need the perfect car and the perfect team to succeed, Alonso thrives in the “wrong” conditions.

“Alonso doesn’t wait for things to be right; he survives when they are wrong,” Kimi observes. He describes Alonso as a driver who expects things to go sideways, allowing him to adapt ruthlessly when strategy or grip disappears. In an era where champions often lose their edge once they are no longer in the fastest car, Alonso’s longevity and sharp execution have earned him a permanent spot in Kimi’s hall of respect.

The Structure of Sebastian Vettel

Kimi’s perspective on Sebastian Vettel offers a fascinating look at their time as teammates at Ferrari. While the public often focused on Vettel’s exuberant celebrations, Kimi admired his “structure.” Vettel wasn’t just a driver; he was an architect who organized the entire garage around him.

Kimi acknowledges that while their styles were vastly different—Kimi focused solely on driving while Seb focused on alignment—the German’s willingness to carry the weight of a team like Ferrari was immense. “Sebastian worked like someone who believed F1 was a system that could be solved,” Kimi says. When the structure finally cracked, it wasn’t that Vettel forgot how to drive; it was simply the risk of building everything on precision.

The Endurance of Lewis Hamilton

Perhaps most surprising is Kimi’s take on Lewis Hamilton. Despite being polar opposites in terms of lifestyle and public image, Kimi sees a warrior in Hamilton. He notes that Lewis carries a weight heavier than just speed or team expectations—he carries the weight of being a symbol.

“Most drivers only fight the stopwatch; Lewis fights the sport and the noise around it,” Kimi remarks. He admires the “longevity of his sharpness,” noting that staying motivated after winning everything is the ultimate test of a driver’s patience. In Kimi’s eyes, Hamilton didn’t just race in Formula 1; he absorbed the pressure and turned it into a consistent, decade-long dominance that most would have run from.

The Totality of Michael Schumacher

Finally, Kimi speaks of the man who redefined the standard for everyone: Michael Schumacher. When Kimi arrived at Ferrari, Schumacher’s presence was still etched into the very walls of Maranello. Michael wasn’t just a benchmark; he was the environment itself.

Kimi describes Schumacher’s approach as “total.” There was no separation between driving, politics, preparation, and pressure. “If you relaxed, he didn’t just beat you; he erased you,” Kimi recalls. While the sport has changed and no longer allows for that level of individual control, Kimi respects Schumacher for showing what happens when talent meets an uncompromising obsession.

The Final Lap

Looking back at 46, Kimi Räikkönen doesn’t miss the politics or the explanations. He sees these five men not just as rivals, but as five different ways to survive Formula 1 without losing one’s soul. “You don’t need to be liked to be remembered,” he concludes. “And you don’t need to talk much if what you do on track is clear enough.”

In an era of scripted PR and social media personas, Kimi’s reflection is a powerful reminder that in the end, the only thing that truly lasts is the truth of who you are when the visor goes down. These five legends earned the Iceman’s respect by remaining consistent with themselves, even when the world tried to pull them apart. And in the high-speed world of F1, that rarity is worth more than any trophy.

Maintaining Michael Schumacher’s health and privacy is of the utmost importance to his wife Corinna

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It’s coming up on 12 years since Michael Schumacher’s life-changing skiing accident(Image: Pool Interagences, Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Corinna Schumacher has been steadfast in her battle to maintain the privacy of her husband Michael Schumacher’s health condition through the courts. It’s been nearly 12 years since the seven-time Formula One champion had a life-changing skiing accident in the French Alps in December 2013.

Since then, the 56-year-old racing legend has made no public appearances, with only a select few individuals, permitted by his wife, Corinna, allowed to visit him. It’s understood that Schumacher requires constant care in a home-based hospital setting.

Amid efforts to preserve Schumacher’s privacy, it was revealed last year that the Schumacher family had been combating alleged blackmail attempts from his former bodyguard.

Markus Fritsche, who worked for Schumacher until around 2021, was accused of being involved in the blackmail scheme against the family, allegedly using hundreds of personal photos, videos and medical records of the icon.

Alongside Fritsche, Yilmaz Tozturkan, a bouncer, and his son, IT specialist Daniel Lins, were also implicated in the extortion scheme, threatening to release the footage on the dark web unless they received £12million.

Earlier this year, the trio were found guilty of conspiring to obtain private footage of Schumacher. Tozturkan was sentenced to three years in prison, while Fritsche received a two-year suspended sentence and Lins was given a six-month suspended sentence.

During the hearing, Corinna remained utterly determined to protect her husband’s medical privacy, having requested last year that the proceedings of the hearing were to be held privately, according to German publication Bild.

The Wuppertal Regional Court did partially granted Corinna’s request as they temporarily closed the courtroom to the public for one specific aspect of the case. Corinna’s request was partly successful due to planned evidence from a Wuppertal investigator, who was set to give testimony during the appeal hearing.

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The status of Michael Schumacher’s health remains closely guarded by his family(Image: Getty)

The 60-year-old’s evidence related to private video material that featured Schumacher after his tragic accident. Continuing to keep up Schumacher’s privacy has remained absolutely crucial to his wife, who has been by his side for more than 30 years.

Throughout the trial, the family voiced concerns that one hard drive containing footage of the F1 icon remained unaccounted for. Thilo Damm, legally representing the Schumacher family, stated earlier this year: “We don’t know where the missing hard drive is … so there is the possibility of another threat through the back door.”

The world of Formula 1 is no stranger to technical wizardry and political maneuvering, but as the sport prepares for the massive regulatory overhaul of 2026, a new controversy has emerged that threatens to derail the competition before a single car hits the track. At the heart of the storm is a sophisticated “loophole” regarding engine compression ratios—a discovery that has reportedly left Mercedes and Red Bull with a massive head start, and their rivals at Ferrari, Honda, and Audi calling for blood.

The Science of the “Cheat”

To understand the gravity of the situation, one must look at the fine print of the 2026 Power Unit regulations. In an effort to level the playing field for new entrants like Audi, the FIA mandated a reduction in the maximum allowed compression ratio, dropping it from 18:1 to 16:1. A lower compression ratio generally makes engines easier to build but less efficient and less powerful.

However, a critical flaw exists in how the FIA verifies this rule. Currently, the compression ratio is measured at ambient temperature—meaning while the engine is cold and stationary in the garage. This is where Mercedes’ engineering brilliance, or deviousness depending on who you ask, comes into play. By utilizing the natural thermal expansion of metal alloys, Mercedes has allegedly designed an engine that meets the 16:1 requirement when cold, but expands in a highly controlled manner when running at 15,000 RPM. This expansion effectively shrinks the combustion chamber, boosting the compression ratio back up to 18:1 or higher during actual racing conditions.

A Lifetime in Millimeters

Technical experts, including former F1 technical director Gary Anderson, have noted that even a 0.5mm change in the piston’s proximity to the cylinder head due to heat expansion is enough to bridge the gap between a legal 16:1 and a dominant 18:1 ratio. In the high-stakes world of Grand Prix racing, this isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a revolution.

Insiders suggest this trick could be worth up to 0.4 seconds per lap. In a sport where championships are decided by thousandths of a second, a nearly half-second advantage is an eternity. If allowed to stand, the 2026 season risks becoming a one-horse race, effectively punishing any manufacturer that followed the spirit, rather than the literal cold-metal letter, of the law.

The Paddock in Revolt

The reaction from the rest of the grid has been nothing short of explosive. Ferrari, Honda, and Audi are reportedly “furious,” arguing that the spirit of the 2026 regulations—intended to ensure parity and attract new manufacturers—has been completely compromised. The frustration is compounded by the fact that engine designs are “homologated” or frozen once the season begins. Because this thermal expansion trick is baked into the fundamental architecture of the engine block and pistons, it cannot be easily copied. Rivals estimate it would take them until at least 2027 to redesign their power units to match the Mercedes concept.

Red Bull finds itself in a peculiar position. Reports from Italy suggest that Red Bull Powertrains has been frantically trying to reverse-engineer the Mercedes system for the last seven months, aided by a former Mercedes engineer who jumped ship. However, despite their efforts, it is believed that Mercedes still holds a significant “first-mover” advantage in perfecting the material science required to make the expansion predictable and reliable.

The FIA’s Nightmare Scenario

The governing body is now trapped between a rock and a hard place. If the FIA moves to ban the system now, they risk a massive legal and political battle with Mercedes, who argue they have simply followed the rules as written. Mercedes maintains that “smart engineering” within the provided measurement parameters is the very essence of F1.

On the other hand, if the FIA allows the loophole to remain open, they face the prospect of a fractured sport. There is already talk of a “compromise” where Mercedes would be allowed the system for 2026 only, provided they remove it for 2027. Unsurprisingly, this has been rejected by rivals who refuse to “gift” a world championship to the Silver Arrows for a full calendar year.

A Warning of “Suicide”

The tension has reached such a fever pitch that FIA single-seater director Nicholas Tombazis recently issued a stern warning to all teams. He stated that any deliberate manipulation of measurement systems to circumvent the rules would be considered “technical suicide” for any team involved. To prove they mean business, the FIA has already moved to close a separate loophole regarding fuel flow meters, where teams were allegedly trying to manipulate fuel temperature to trick sensors into allowing more energy consumption.

The Road Ahead

For the fans, this controversy adds a layer of intrigue and anxiety to the 2026 season. Will we see a repeat of the 2014 era, where one engine manufacturer dominated the field for years? Or will the FIA find a way to “re-level” the playing field through the Additional Development and Upgrade (ADU) system, which allows struggling manufacturers extra development tokens if they are more than 2% off the pace?

As the winter break continues, the engineers in Brackley, Milton Keynes, and Maranello aren’t resting. The 2026 season is already being fought in the courtrooms and design offices, and the outcome of this “compression war” will likely define the legacy of the next generation of Formula 1. One thing is certain: the quiet days of F1 are over, and the political fireworks are just beginning.

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Vicky Pattison became the latest celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing (Image: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing professional Kai Widdrington has shared an emotional message following his elimination from the competition alongside celebrity partner Vicky Pattison.

The pair departed the BBC programme just before Blackpool Week, after the judging panel opted to save EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, who faced her fourth dance-off.

Speaking to presenter Tess Daly following their exit, Vicky described Kai as “the best partner a girl can ask for”.

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She added, “I’m so sorry I didn’t get you to Blackpool, but I feel like I’ve won just by having you as my partner, and I’m so grateful.”

The professional dancer has since posted a touching message reflecting on their Strictly experience together, promising fans: “this won’t be the last you see of us”, reports Wales Online.

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Kai paid tribute to Vicky after their exit(Image: BBC)

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He wrote: “Wow, what a journey! While it is with genuine sadness we leave the competition, it has been the most amazing fun and pleasure dancing with the wonderful Vicky Pattison.

“You not only conquered your fears and your nerves, but you showed the world what an amazing dancer you are and how far you’ve come from being a complete novice.

“I am incredibly proud to have been your dance partner in this wonderful adventure that we call strictly, and I truly wish we could’ve taken our journey even further.

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“Thank you to all our incredible Strictly supporters who voted every single week. Your energy and belief is why we worked so hard on that dance floor. We love you all!

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Vicky and Kai had been going from strength to strength before Saturday night(Image: PA)

“Good luck to everybody else who remains in the competition, and see you all in Blackpool! This won’t be the last you see of us!”.

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The pair received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow dancers, with Gorka Marquez writing on Kai’s post: “So sorry to see you both go,” whilst Carlos Xu added: “You guys will be missed.

“Gutted for you both – but what a ride!” one supporter commented, whilst another added: “So gutted for both of you. You guys were incredible, loved your partnership.”

A third remarked: “Well said @kaiwidd. You really were the best partner for Vicky, as a non-dancer, to see the development each week really was special.”

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They faced the dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon(Image: BBC)

Kai joined Strictly as a professional dancer in 2021, having previously featured on Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars.

Since then, he’s partnered with AJ Odudu, Kaye Adams, and Angela Rippon, reaching the final alongside AJ in series 19.

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During Sunday’s results programme, Vicky said: “It was so lovely while it lasted, and I’ve had the nicest time. I knew this week was a difficult one for me, and I tried my hardest as I have every week.

“Listen, I didn’t think I’d get past week one. And I’m really honoured to have shared this experience with so many amazing people. Mostly with this fella [Kai] right here. I don’t want to sound too cheesy ,but [to Kai] you’ve been the best partner a girl can ask for.”

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Vicky praised Kai as “the best partner a girl can ask for”(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)

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Kai remarked: “Oh, goodness me. Where do I start? You [to Vicky] are everything that this series is about. Strong, confident, independent – and all that I can say is, I have loved every single second.

“I’m going to be gutted not coming to Blackpool with you on Monday. But I just want you to know that I feel like I have also won getting you as my partner, and you will live on in Strictly history forever.”

Vicky then expressed, “I’ll miss everybody. I enjoyed it loads more than I thought I was going to. And I know I let my nerves get in the way – Shirley, you are right – and I will proper beat myself up over that. But I’ve never danced before sober and here I am – sober as a judge!”

Strictly fans issued complaints on social media (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing made its eagerly-awaited return to the BBC with week eight of the star-studded competition. However, as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman introduced the panel of judges and the contestants, they highlighted the significance of this week, as the performances will determine which stars will dance at the home of ballroom, Blackpool. Before the competition got underway, a special clip played of the judges and professionals highlighting the importance of Blackpool week and what it means to them.

In the VT, head judge Shirley Ballas stated: “Blackpool is so special to me because I’ve been going there since I was seven years old. The minute I step into the ballroom, I go all fuzzy and warm inside. For me, it’s just the best place on earth.” As she shared, emotional photos and clips of the proclaimed Queen of Latin appeared on screen, highlighting her journey in the ballroom. Despite this, some fans were unimpressed and took to social media to complain about the segment, as one fumed: “Enough of these X Factor vts.” As a second pleaded: “Please don’t turn strictly into a sob story.”

Shirley also shared her experiences in Blackpool (Image: BBC)

Another fumed: “This is literally taking up too much time – they literally could’ve shown this tomorrow night.”

While a fourth questioned: “What is the point of this Blackpool video? Just get on with the dancing please.”

Among the pros to share their excitement for Blackpool, Kai Widdrington opened up about his early days in ballroom and performing on the coveted dancefloor as a youngster.

As a clip of him as a teenager played, the 30-year-old shared: “I was 14 years old when I got to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in Blackpool.”

Referring to the clip, Kai added: “This is me in the red and you can see the grey-haired lady waving her flag, that’s my grandmother, which holds a special place in my ehart because she’s not here anymore.”

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Kai Widdrington opened up about being 14 at Blackpool (Image: BBC )

Newcomer pro Alexis Warr also shared her anticipation and added: “I feel like I’m stepping into a bit of history and it’s so cool.”

While Anton Du Beke reflected: “My fondest memory of dancing at Blackpool on Strictly Come Dancing is the Ann Widdecombe saga. People on the street waiting outside could hear the screams from the ballroom as I did the famous bum spin.”

Ahead of the iconic episode, Strictly has confirmed that four celebrities will make a huge comeback for one night only as part of the spectacular group dance during the Blackpool special.

Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness and Layton Williams will perform with the professional dancers for a dazzling routine that’ll see them each revisit one of their most famous Strictly moments as part of the celebration.

Speaking on the reunion, Ashley shared: “I’m so excited and grateful to be back on the shiny floor in Blackpool again. Nearly a decade later, let’s see if these jive legs can still do their thing! Sequins always help, I’m sure.”

After months of quiet whispers and subtle clues, Ruth Langsford has finally confirmed what fans had long suspected — she’s fallen in love again.  

The beloved Loose Women presenter, 65, took to Instagram to share the emotional news with her followers, revealing that she’s now in a “wonderful new relationship” with Colm O’Driscoll, a 63-year-old property developer — and, in a twist that sounds like something straight out of a romantic film, her very first love from her teenage years in Belfast.

Alongside a striking black-and-white photo of the couple holding hands on a windswept Cornish beach, Ruth wrote:

“Sometimes life brings you full circle. Colm was my first kiss at 16. Forty-nine years later, he’s my future. ”

The heartfelt post exploded online within hours, with thousands of fans flooding the comments section with messages of love and celebration — while insiders claim her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes has been left “stunned and full of regret.”

 A Love Story Rewritten

Just days before the announcement, Ruth and Colm were spotted leaving a quiet dinner at The Ivy Chelsea Garden, appearing relaxed and deeply comfortable together.

According to close friends, the two reconnected unexpectedly in June at a charity fundraiser in Surrey — a chance meeting that reignited a spark nearly half a century old.

“He walked straight up to her and said, ‘Ruth McCullough, you haven’t changed a bit,’” a friend told MailOnline. “She laughed until she cried. It was as if no time had passed.”

Colm, who hails from Belfast and is a father of two grown daughters, made his fortune in the London property world but has always kept a grounded, private lifestyle. Friends describe him as “charming, loyal, and completely devoted to Ruth.”

 Eamonn Holmes “Full of Regret”

Sources close to Eamonn, 65, say the GB News host has been “knocked sideways” by Ruth’s revelation.

After nearly three decades together and fourteen years of marriage, the couple announced their split in May 2024. Eamonn has since gone public with his new partner — Katie Alexander, a 42-year-old relationship counsellor — but insiders insist Ruth’s announcement has hit him far harder than expected.

“Eamonn thought he’d moved on,” one insider shared. “He’s been smiling for cameras, taking Katie to events, but Ruth’s post felt different — it was emotional, elegant, and final. It caught him completely off guard.”

Paparazzi later photographed Eamonn leaving his Surrey home in a wheelchair, looking subdued, as Katie walked beside him carrying coffee. She declined to comment when approached by reporters.

 Fans Celebrate Ruth’s “Full-Circle Love Story”

Within hours of Ruth’s announcement, social media erupted in support — with fans calling her story “the ultimate glow-up moment.”

“YES RUTH! Live your best life, queen ,” wrote one user.

“Eamonn fumbled the bag,” joked another.

“Colm looks at her like she hung the moon. This is the energy we needed,” added a third.

Even Loose Women co-host Coleen Nolan couldn’t hide her joy, revealing that Ruth’s 23-year-old son Jack calls Colm “the chill dad I never had.”

“She’s glowing,” Nolan said. “I’ve never seen her this happy.”

Insiders say the couple’s children — Ruth’s son Jack and Colm’s daughters Aoife (26) and Niamh (24) — have already met and “get along beautifully.”

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From Heartbreak to Healing

After the heartbreak of her split from Eamonn, Ruth spent much of 2024 focusing on herself — her QVC fashion line, her work, and her long countryside walks with her loyal dog, Maggie.

But behind the scenes, fate had already begun stitching together an old love story.

A former school friend recalled:

“They used to sneak into the Belfast Odeon to watch Grease. Colm kept the old cinema ticket in his wallet for forty years. When he showed it to Ruth this summer, she burst into tears.”

Since rekindling their romance, the couple have taken several low-key trips together — including a peaceful retreat in Donegal, where they promised to take things “slow and steady.”

“We’ve both done the big white wedding,” Ruth later told Hello! magazine. “This time, it’s about laughter, companionship, and waking up without dread.”

 “I’m Not Fixed — I’m Free”

Ruth’s Instagram following skyrocketed by more than 40,000 within a single day of her announcement.

She ended her post with a message that resonated deeply with fans around the world:

“To everyone who sent love when I was broken — thank you. I’m not fixed… I’m free.”

As for Eamonn, friends say he’s “still processing” and has gone noticeably quiet online since the story broke.

But for Ruth Langsford, life has truly come full circle. Nearly fifty years after her first teenage kiss, she’s finally found her way back to the man who never stopped holding a space for her in his heart.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron has spoken publicly for the first time about his secret battle with prostate cancer — a life-changing diagnosis he says he would never have discovered without his wife Samantha’s insistence on a GP check-up.

The 59-year-old Conservative peer revealed that Samantha had urged him to book an appointment earlier this year after she heard an emotional radio interview in which Soho House founder Nick Jones discussed his own struggle with the disease. Cameron said he agreed to the test “to keep her happy”, only to receive a PSA result that was “worryingly high”.

An MRI scan showed several dark patches that doctors initially played down, but Cameron recalled the moment his biopsy results shattered any sense of reassurance. He said he sat there thinking that hearing the words “you have prostate cancer” was something he had always dreaded — describing how, even before the doctor finished speaking, he was already panicking: “Oh no, he’s going to say it… he said it.”

Faced with a difficult decision, he chose to undergo focal therapy — a minimally invasive treatment that uses electrical pulses to destroy cancerous cells. A follow-up MRI confirmed the therapy had worked, and Cameron says he is now cancer-free.

Now, the former Prime Minister is publicly urging the Government to introduce targeted prostate cancer screening for men at highest risk. He said he wants to “come out” and add his name to calls from Prostate Cancer Research for a national approach focusing on those with a family history or specific genetic markers.

His intervention comes as the UK edges closer to its first NHS prostate cancer screening programme. The National Screening Committee is expected to make a landmark decision this week on whether to approve a targeted rollout — a move experts believe could save thousands of lives.

Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men, with around 63,000 diagnoses and 12,000 deaths each year in the UK. Long-running campaigns, including one led by the Daily Mail, have pushed for a screening system similar to those used for breast, bowel and cervical cancers.

Cameron, who led the UK from 2010 to 2016, said he hopes sharing his story will encourage others not to delay getting checked. He credits Samantha for “quite literally” pushing him into the appointment that may have saved his life.

Some love stories roar.
Others whisper.
Dave and Shirley Griffiths’ story is the kind that speaks in quiet moments — the kind that breaks your heart without ever raising its voice.

For years, they were the comforting constant on Gogglebox: two familiar faces, sharing jokes, warmth, and gentle teasing from their cosy Welsh living room.
But behind the scenes, another story was unfolding — one so raw, so deeply human, it has left fans across the UK holding their breath.

 When the cameras stopped, the truth slipped in

To the nation, Shirley was the radiant spark: quick to laugh, always ready with a witty remark.
Yet when the studio lights dimmed, she fought a private battle — a battle she hid behind soft smiles and practiced reassurances.

And only one person saw through it.

Dave.
Her husband.
Her anchor.
The man who felt her slipping long before she ever admitted it.

 The promise made in youth… and the moment life demanded he keep it

Long before illness shadowed their home, Shirley once told Dave — half joking, half trembling:

“Don’t ever let me become a burden to you.”

He didn’t hesitate.
“Never,” he said.

Neither of them knew those words would one day become the weight he carried every single day.

 The decline no one wanted to see — but Dave couldn’t ignore

It began so quietly it almost went unnoticed.

A forgotten name.
A sentence trailing off mid-thought.
A momentary confusion that passed as quickly as it appeared.

Shirley brushed it off:

“Just tired.”

“Just getting older.”

“Just one of those days.”

But Dave saw what she tried to hide.
He later confessed:

“I felt her slipping away… like trying to hold sand in my hands.”

 The silent stroke that changed their world forever

One ordinary afternoon, everything changed.

No loud crash.
No dramatic fall.
Just… stillness.

Shirley’s voice faded.
Her breath slowed.
Dave’s entire world tilted in an instant.

At the hospital came the truth:

A silent stroke — the kind that rearranges a life without warning.

No outward signs.
No obvious paralysis.
Just the slow unraveling of memory and confidence.

 The man who became her strength

Since that day, hospitals have become familiar territory.
Dave sits beside Shirley through every scan, every confused pause, every moment she reaches for words that refuse to come.

He watches her:

Ask the same question again and again

Forget what happened five minutes earlier

Search his face as though she’s afraid of losing it from her mind

And every time her heart stumbles, he steadies it.

He never raises his voice.
Never rushes her.
Never lets her see the crack forming in his own.

Because he made a promise.
And he is a man who keeps promises.

 The nights no one sees

People call Dave strong.
But they don’t see the nights he sits in the dim glow of the hospital room, watching Shirley sleep — terrified that one morning she won’t know his name.

Or worse… that she won’t wake at all.

Still, he stays.
Because staying is what love looks like when life gets harder than you ever imagined.

 A love that moved a nation

When fans learned the truth behind Shirley’s decline, the reaction was immediate — an outpouring of heartbreak, support, and gratitude.

The jokes, the banter, the warmth they adored on screen…
Now they understood the price she had been quietly paying.

And they saw Dave — the man who loved her through every forgotten moment.

 Not a tragedy — a legacy of love

Shirley may forget.
But Dave remembers.

Shirley may falter.
But Dave stands.

Where her memory fades, his devotion grows deeper.

Because love doesn’t disappear when life gets difficult.
Sometimes, that’s when it becomes its purest form.

“You will never be a burden to me,” he once promised.
And today — through every tear, every fear, every step —
he proves it.