A left-wing plot to block Nigel Farage’s march to No10 faces three huge hurdles, a polling guru has told GB News.

MPs from progressive parties have been working behind the scenes to establish a tactical voting strategy to thwart Reform’s surge at the next general election.

Similar campaigns were mounted in a bid to stop Brexit in 2019 and boot the Tories out of power in 2024.

Anti-Reform activists felt buoyed by Plaid Cymru’s success in the Caerphilly by-election last October, with Lindsay Whittle winning over thousands of ex-Labour supporters to see off Reform UK by 3,848 votes.

Research by More in Common suggests similar levels of tactical voting could cost Reform UK around 70 seats, leaving Mr Farage short of a majority.

However, Merlin Strategy founder Scarlett Maguire warned those hoping to block Mr Farage face three huge hurdles ahead of 2029.

Speaking to GB News, Ms Maguire said: “The Senedd by-election in Caerphilly clearly shows that there is a substantial appetite for progressive tactical voting to stop Reform, and Nigel Farage should be worried about the implications of that if replicated across the UK.

“However, there are some caveats. Firstly, it will be harder to rally a progressive tactical vote behind an unpopular Government and a Prime Minister as disliked as Keir Starmer is by those on the left and the right.

“Secondly, if the election boils down to a head-to-head between Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage, we could also expect some sort of tactical vote on the right – although not all Conservatives would stomach this.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage could lose a chunk of seats due to tactical voting

 

“Finally, and potentially most importantly, with the polls now a five-way fight, it is going to be very hard to work out who is best to defeat Reform in each constituency.

“This could make the practicalities of tactical voting much messier than many at the moment are anticipating.”

Progressive parties have already found it challenging to decide which candidate is best-placed to take on Reform in polls held since the 2024 General Election.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Green Party have all claimed to be the self-appointed opposition to Reform UK.

Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle won the election with 15,961 votes | PA

The fragmentation on the left almost proved catastrophic in the Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse Holyrood by-election.

Labour, the SNP and Reform UK ended up securing a similar proportion of the vote, leaving just 1,471 ballots separating first and third place.

Meanwhile, polling firms have struggled to consistently show which party could secure the most progressive votes at Reform UK’s expense.

A similar problem has plagued progressive parties in other elections, with the Liberal Democrats and Labour both campaigning as the main challengers to the Tories in 2019 based on different data.

Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey could struggle to stop Nigel Farage

 

Talks have so far been conducted behind the scenes, with Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs becoming increasingly jittery about Mr Farage’s support in the country.

However, Reform UK is already looking to consolidate itself as the main centre-right party ahead of crunch Local Elections in May.

Mr Farage has ramped up his attacks against Kemi Badenoch in recent weeks, connecting the Conservatives to the arrival of Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah and pointing out several Tory-led councils have requested a delay to polls slated for May 7.

A source close to Mr Farage told GB News: “We already know the political establishment will do everything it can to stop Reform.

Green leader Zack Polanski is not expected to form an alliance with Labour if Sir Keir Starmer remains Prime Minister

“It’s why every patriotic Brit who wants to secure borders, law and order, and create an economy that rewards hard work must vote for the only party that can beat the left: Reform.”

There is evidence to suggest Reform UK could also benefit from a similar form of tactical voting if voters fear it risks letting Sir Keir return to No10 in 2029.

Around half of 2024 Tory voters are planning to vote for Reform UK or would consider supporting Mr Farage at the next general election.

Despite Reform UK supporters being far less willing to support a Conservative candidate, a Tory campaign veteran suggested talks would need to take place ahead of 2029.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch speaking at their local election campaign launch at The Curzon Centre in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

“For the sake of the country, Labour needs to be stopped at all costs,” the top Tory told GB News.

“A serious conversation is needed the closer we get to the general election about how that is achieved.”

Ex-Business Secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell have both called on Reform UK and the Conservative Party to unite ahead of the next general election.

Mr Farage helped propel Boris Johnson to No10 after standing down 317 Brexit Party candidates ahead of the 2019 General Election.

Scarlett Maguire is the founder of Merlin Strategy

However, Mr Farage and Mrs Badenoch have both dismissed speculation of a pact or merger in 2029.

The Reform UK leader said: “I would never do a deal with a party I don’t trust. No deals, just a reverse takeover.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Badenoch claimed: “If you get into bed with Farage, heaven forbid the image, we are done with your party.”

Green Party leader Zack Polanski sparked similar problems for progressives after ruling out any alliance with Labour if Sir Keir is still leader.

Thomɑs Skinner erupts ‘illegɑl immigrɑtion is out of control’ ɑs BBC Strictly stɑr rips into migrɑnt crisis: ‘I won’t be cɑncelled!’

WɑTCH HERE: Thomɑs Skinner’s emotionɑl exit speech with ɑmy Dowden ɑs they become the first couple voted out of this seɑson’s BBC Strictly Come Dɑncing

The Strictly Come Dɑncing stɑr took to X on Tuesdɑy evening to teɑr into the current stɑte of ɑffɑirs in the UK

Thomɑs Skinner hɑs unleɑshed ɑ no-holds-bɑrred ɑnd lengthy sociɑl mediɑ rɑnt, ripping into ɑ number of issues currently plɑguing the country, including illegɑl immigrɑtion ɑnd the cost-of-living crisis.

The Strictly Come Dɑncing stɑr, who bowed out of the competition ɑt the first hurdle eɑrlier this yeɑr, regulɑrly uses his X pɑge to highlight issues he feels need ɑddressing, ɑs well ɑs spreɑding positive ɑnd pɑtriotic updɑtes for his followers.

 

This time ɑround, Mr Skinner let loose by shɑring ɑ bullet-pointed list of problems fɑcing the populɑtion, ɑs well ɑs his suggestions on how they cɑn be solved.

His rɑnt comes ɑmid ɑ time when the government ɑnnounced plɑns to house ɑsylum seekers in militɑry bɑrrɑcks, wɑrnings thɑt Chɑncellor Rɑchel Reeves fɑces ɑ £20 billion blɑck hole in her next Budget, ɑnd when more thɑn 8,000 illegɑl migrɑnts hɑve been ɑrrested in ɑ new clɑmpdown.

Thomɑs Skinner is no strɑnger to hitting out ɑt the government’s running of the country

Kicking off his lengthy sociɑl mediɑ post, Mr Skinner ɑcknowledged thɑt “pretty much ɑll of us ɑre fed up with whɑt’s going on in the country right now” before going on to list the issues he felt were “wrong”.

His first complɑint centred on “people working hɑrder thɑn ever ɑnd still fɑlling behind”. He used the “ridiculous” cost of everydɑy items ɑs well ɑs other living costs ɑs exɑmples.

Second on his list were rising tɑxes while the quɑlity of public services declined. “Nothing feels fɑir ɑnymore. Go to ɑny hospitɑl in the country ɑnd see how overworked ɑnd underfunded it is,” he ɑdded.

Elsewhere, Mr Skinner criticised the property mɑrket ɑnd how it is “impossible” for youngsters to get on the property lɑdder nowɑdɑys. He ɑdded thɑt when “normɑl people” speɑk up on these issues, they’re often met with ridicule.

BBC Strictly: Thomɑs Skinner ɑnd ɑmy Dowden were the first couple booted off this yeɑr’s series

“Just look ɑt whɑt the press tried to do to me,” the Strictly stɑr sɑid. “ɑll becɑuse I sɑy it how it is ɑnd love my country.”

The sixth point on his list focussed on the smɑll boɑt crisis. “Illegɑl immigrɑtion is out of control. The system is broken ɑnd people feel unsɑfe, unheɑrd, ɑnd tɑken for grɑnted while they follow the rules. ɑnd it’s ɑll coming out of our tɑx money,” he fumed.

ɑfter providing his long list of gripes, Mr Skinner put his money where his mouth is ɑnd provided ɑ bunch of possible solutions.

He pointed out thɑt he’s “building reɑl locɑl businesses thɑt creɑte reɑl jobs for reɑl people ɑnd creɑte money for the locɑl economy”, ɑs well ɑs “trying to revive struggling high streets with ideɑs thɑt I hɑve to generɑte footfɑll ɑnd help locɑl shops”.

Mr Skinner ɑcknowledged he’s hɑd previous run-ins with the lɑw ɑnd is using his experience to speɑk to children in schools ɑnd youth clubs “ɑbout stɑying out of trouble” ɑnd “not mɑking the sɑme mistɑkes I did”.

ɑddressing his illegɑl immigrɑtion complɑint, Mr Skinner boldly insisted he no longer feɑrs being “cɑncelled” by  TV bosses. Insteɑd, he wɑnts to use his plɑtform to cɑll out the problems fɑcing the nɑtion.

He explɑined: “(I’ll be) speɑking openly on my plɑtform ɑbout the illegɑl immigrɑtion problem without feɑr of being cɑncelled.

“ɑ lot of people in the public eye ɑre too scɑred, ɑs they ɑre ɑfrɑid they will lose TV work. But it is ɑ problem. I will speɑk up.”

BBC Strictly: ɑmy Dowden ɑnd Thomɑs Skinner left the series ɑfter just two weeks | BBCHe concluded his sociɑl mediɑ post by signing off: “Look, I love this country ɑnd I believe in its people. I will bɑck our businesses, our trɑdes, our fɑmilies, our future. I will fight for the UK.

“But insteɑd of ɑll the ɑnger ɑnd hɑte ɑ lot of people give eɑch other online ɑnd in the mediɑ. Why don’t we ɑll stɑrt hɑving normɑl conversɑtions? Just common sense, ɑnd let’s work together to stɑrt doing something ɑbout it.

“I wɑnt ɑ better future for my kids, like 99 percent of the populɑtion does. So let’s stɑrt working together.”

Before long, severɑl of The ɑpprentice stɑr’s fɑns flocked to the comments to shɑre their thoughts on his tɑlking points, with mɑny in ɑgreement.

“It’s inspiring to see you using your plɑtform for chɑnge, Thomɑs,” one X user begɑn. “ɑddressing tough issues heɑd-on is where reɑl diɑlogues begin. Lets ɑmplify those bullet points ɑnd solutionschɑnge stɑrts with shɑred ideɑs, ɑnd the right conversɑtions cɑn spɑrk ɑ movement.”

“Legɑl migrɑtion is completely out of control too Tom,” ɑ second weighed in, before ɑ third sɑid: “You ɑre ɑ good mɑn.”

Meɑnwhile, ɑ fourth echoed: “Everyone knows it, but most ɑre too scɑred to sɑy it out loud……Keep up the good work Thomɑs.”

ɑnd ɑ fifth ɑdded: “Very well ɑrticulɑted. Hɑrd to see ɑny other outcome thɑn ‘tough’ now though, our politiciɑns ɑre not cɑpɑble of chɑnging ɑnything. (for the better ɑnywɑy).” (sic)

In a time when public figures often tread carefully around sensitive issues, two of Britain’s most recognizable television personalities — Dame Joanna Lumley and Rylan Clark — have emerged as unexpected voices of courage. Their recent comments on the UK’s growing migration crisis have sparked national debate, dividing opinion but earning both stars praise for their honesty and bravery.

Joanna Lumley, known for her elegance and sharp intellect, stunned audiences this week when she declared that the UK — “a small island nation” — simply “cannot feed millions.” Her words, though simple, struck a nerve. While critics accused her of being out of touch, thousands across the country applauded her for saying what many silently believe but are too afraid to express.

“Joanna’s not being cruel — she’s being real,” one supporter wrote online. “Someone finally said it.”

Meanwhile, Rylan Clark, the outspoken television host known for his quick wit and candor, made headlines of his own after describing the government’s immigration policies as “absolutely insane.” On This Morning, Rylan boldly defended the difference between supporting legal immigration and condemning illegal routes — a distinction that many politicians have avoided making publicly.

“You can be pro-immigration and still against chaos,” he insisted, a statement that instantly trended across social media.

The comments have earned both Lumley and Clark waves of backlash from critics and activists — but also admiration from ordinary Britons who feel ignored by mainstream voices. Despite facing complaints to Ofcom and intense media scrutiny, Rylan stood firm, later clarifying that his point was about fairness and balance, not exclusion.

For Lumley, her remarks echo decades of advocacy work on humanitarian issues — from refugees to sustainable development — proving her concern stems from compassion, not prejudice. She later emphasized the need for a “global approach” to migration that helps people at the source rather than overwhelming small host nations.

Yet one thing unites these two stars: neither is backing down. In an era where most celebrities fear cancellation or controversy, Joanna Lumley and Rylan Clark have done the unthinkable — they spoke their truth.

And whether you agree with them or not, Britain is talking. Loudly.

After decades of lighting up British mornings with her warmth and wisdom,  TV presenter Anne Diamond is now facing what many describe as the final and most heartbreaking chapter of her life — a private battle against advanced breast cancer that has left fans across the country in tears.

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From Studio Lights to Hospital Rooms

life has a weird way of slapping you down. I was brought up a Roman Catholic and, no matter how lapsed you might be, you always fear reprisal from on high. What came next didn’t just bring me back down to Earth, it felt like more like a slow car crash, writes ANNE DIAMOND

Anne Diamond became a beloved face on British television through shows like Good Morning Britain, Good Morning with Anne and Nick, and GB News. For more than four decades, her familiar voice and radiant smile were part of millions of households across the UK.

The mother-of-five with her then-husband Mike Hollingsworth and their son Jake in 1993

In 2023, Anne revealed her diagnosis of breast cancer — heartbreakingly, on the very same day she received the email announcing she’d been awarded the OBE for her services to broadcasting and charity. “I thought it was just a quick mammogram,” she told The Guardian, “but by the afternoon, I was surrounded by doctors, scans, and words that no woman wants to hear.”

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A Relentless Battle Behind the Scenes

She underwent a double mastectomy and rounds of radiation, describing it as “a long road filled with fear, pain, and gratitude.” During recovery, she was rushed to hospital after suffering dangerously high blood pressure — yet, remarkably, she returned to work not long after, smiling bravely through the pain.

For decades, Pauline Quirke was the beating heart of British television — the quick-witted, big-hearted star whose laughter lit up millions of homes. From her unforgettable role in Birds of a Feather to her enduring friendship with Linda Robson, Pauline embodied warmth, humor, and humanity. But now, behind closed doors, a devastating reality unfolds — one that has left her loved ones shattered.

Today, Pauline, 65, is battling advanced dementia, and her family has confirmed the heartbreaking truth: she no longer recognizes the people who meant the most to her.

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 A Heartbreaking Decline

According to a close family source, the change came gradually — first, forgetting small things, like where she left her keys or the name of a familiar song. But as months passed, the light in her eyes began to fade.

“She looks at us like we’re strangers,” the source shared softly. “One day she called her husband by the wrong name, and another, she looked at her son and asked who he was. That was the moment we knew… we were losing her.”

For a woman known for her fierce independence and sharp sense of humor, the diagnosis has been cruel. Pauline — who once commanded laughter from entire studios — now lives in a quiet, protected environment surrounded by care staff and family who love her deeply but know she may never truly know them again.

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 “She Doesn’t Know Me Anymore”

Among those most affected is Linda Robson, Pauline’s lifelong friend and Birds of a Feather co-star. Their friendship was one of television’s most beloved — two women who grew up together, weathered fame together, and stood by each other through life’s storms.

But now, Linda faces the unbearable truth that her best friend no longer knows her.

Friendship memory keepsakes

“Linda tried to visit,” says one insider. “She sat beside Pauline, holding her hand, talking to her the way she always has. But Pauline just smiled politely and asked if she was a nurse. Linda was heartbroken — she had to step outside to cry.”

For Linda, who has always described Pauline as her “soul sister,” this loss feels like mourning someone who’s still here. “It’s grief in slow motion,” one family friend said. “You watch the person you love disappear piece by piece.”

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 A Family’s Silent Strength

Pauline’s husband and son have become her full-time anchors, navigating the endless cycles of confusion and clarity. “Some mornings she wakes up cheerful, asking what’s for breakfast,” a source shared. “Other days, she’s frightened because she doesn’t recognize her own home. It’s devastating.”

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Despite the pain, they remain devoted — choosing love, patience, and dignity over despair. Friends say her husband has vowed to stay by her side “until the very end,” calling it “the hardest and most sacred promise” he’s ever made.

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 Remembering the Light

In the world’s eyes, Pauline Quirke will forever be remembered as the woman who made us laugh until we cried. But for those closest to her, she will also be remembered as the woman who loved without limits — a mother, a wife, a friend, and a fighter.

Linda Robson, in a quiet tribute, reportedly told friends, “Even if she doesn’t remember me… I’ll remember her for both of us.”

Those words capture the essence of true friendship — one that transcends memory, fame, and even the cruel grasp of dementia.

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 A Nation’s Love

As news of Pauline’s heartbreaking condition spreads, fans across the UK have flooded social media with messages of love and support. “She made us laugh when we needed it most — now it’s our turn to be there for her,” one fan wrote.

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Thousands have shared clips from Birds of a Feather, remembering her infectious laugh, her honesty, and her magic on screen. “She’ll never know how many hearts she touched,” another commented.

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 “Goodnight, My Friend”

For those who knew her best, Pauline’s story is not just one of loss — but of love that refuses to fade. Though she may no longer recognize faces or names, her legacy remains etched in every heart she touched.

As one close friend said, “The world may forget what she said, but it will never forget how she made us feel.”

Tonight, the laughter may have grown quiet, but the love — the love remains.

Bachelor in Paradise alum Kat Izzo is looking forward to a clean slate in the new year.

“All D.M.’s left in 2025 💀,” Kat, 29, wrote via TikTok on Friday, January 2, alongside a video of herself lip-synching to Nicki Minaj saying, “I took some time off to rest and now it’s game time, bitches.”

Without concretely explaining her 2026 plans, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that the “D.M.” initials could refer to a social media direct message or Kat’s ex-boyfriend Dale Moss.

“Caption is crazyyyy love it tho,” one TikTok follower replied, while another added, “You deaded it fr,” both of which Kat “liked.”

Kat and Dale, 37, started dating on Bachelor in Paradise season 10 last summer despite multiple love triangles. As other women pursued Dale, he stressed to Kat that she had nothing to be concerned about since he “deaded” the conversations. (Kat, meanwhile, was confused since “deaded” is not a word in the dictionary.)

Us Weekly confirmed in November 2025 that Kat and Dale broke up months after leaving the BiP beaches as an official couple.

“[There’s] no engagement talks or anything like that,” Dale previously said on a September 2025 episode of “The Viall Files” podcast. “I think, like, you have the show and we built the foundation there. When we talk about after the show [ended] in June, it was still a deep exploration phase for both of us.”

He continued, “We had many conversations, things that sprung up with both of us [and] weren’t created by the other partner. Now, moving forward, we’re just in a very, very strong place.”

According to Dale, he predicted that the pair would reach many relationship milestones together.

“I was never a big dater before. For me, it’s always been taking [the] time to meet someone and get to understand them well,” Dale said. “The relationship will form in its own [time], but I’m not trying to waste my time. I’m not trying to waste anyone else’s time. We’re not just going to casually hang out. There’s certain things that you share ‘cause you’re proud of, but there’s also things that you keep tight.”

Despite keeping their relationship private, Dale admitted he still had plenty of affection for Kat.

“Like I said on the show, I love and care for Kat deeply,” he revealed at the time. “We have all these conversations of what it looks like if [our future includes a] kid, a home [and] what we want. I’ve never fazed [being in] a relationship.”

Kat, meanwhile, revealed she also felt “the love is there” between the then-couple.

“We do express that to one another. Now, we’re moving to the fact that we’re going to be public, and then it’s going to have its own things,” Kat said. “Honestly, we can probably grow even deeper. It’s still really difficult to try to build a relationship in private [and while doing] long distance.”

Kat was briefly engaged to John Henry Spurlock after they met during BiP season 9, which was filmed in 2023. Dale, meanwhile, had proposed to Clare Crawley on her season 16 of The Bachelorette in 2020. After the pair broke up the next year, Dale dated HGTV personality Galey Alix.

After numerous seasons of searching for love and years together, Bachelor Nation’s Chris Bukowski and Anna Redman are officially engaged!

“Best friend. Fiancé. Future wifey,” Bukowski, 39, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, January 4, revealing that he popped the question to Redman, 29, on New Year’s Eve.

Mutual friends Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt initially set the couple up nearly four years earlier. After months of dating speculation, the pair made it official with an Instagram post in March 2022.

Leading up to their dating announcement, Bukowski appeared on the “She’s All Bach” podcast in January 2022 where he addressed the dating rumors and chose to neither confirm nor deny. “For the first time in a long time, I’m happy with no stress behind it,” he said at the time.

He and Redman would later take a trip to Costa Rica for a friend’s wedding. Bukowski posted some sweet photos of the two and wrote, “When ordering lobster mac n cheese without lobster starts to make total sense.”

On Redman’s birthday, Bukowski also shared some photos and wrote, “Happy birthday beautiful! I’m so thankful for you and hope this is your best year yet. I love you.”

Redman recently took to her Instagram Story and let her followers ask questions. One person asked what her favorite thing about Bukowski was, to which she responded: “Idk if I have a favorite thing because I like every single thing about the man.”

The Chicago natives both have a handful of posts that show them traveling together too. On June 1, Redman shared a snap of the two in Stillwater, Minnesota. Love is Blind’s Natalie Lee wrote in the comments: “Love this love.”

Just a week later, Bukowski and Redman ventured to Cabo where they stayed at a beach resort.

Redman is best known for appearing on Matt James’ season 25 of The Bachelor and season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise – both of which she left solo.

Bukowski, for his part, has the most appearances in Bachelor franchise history. Viewers first met Bukowski on Emily Maynard’s season 8 of The Bachelorette, and he later returned for Andi Dorfman’s season 10. During the time gap, he was runner-up on season 3 of Bachelor Pad. Like Redman, Bukowski also participated in Bachelor in Paradise. It was on season 6 in 2019 that he got engaged to Katie Morton, but the two called it quits in December later that year.

The Strictly universe is spinning faster than a show-stopping quickstep today as beloved stars Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara finally confirmed what fans have been whispering for months — baby number two is officially on the way.

From ballroom royalty to baby bliss, the golden couple of Strictly Come Dancing have once again captured the nation’s heart with a reveal that is equal parts magical, emotional and deeply personal.

After weeks of subtle hints, mysterious captions about “new beginnings” and carefully framed family moments on social media, the pair broke their silence with a moving announcement that left their loyal fanbase in tears — reminding everyone why Aljaž and Janette remain the soul of the Strictly family: sincere, grounded, wildly in love and endlessly inspiring.

 “We Needed To Hit Pause — And Rewrite The Script”

In a heartfelt interview, Janette, 41, and Aljaž, 35, shared that their second child is due in early 2026, arriving just as their firstborn daughter Lyra prepares to celebrate her second birthday.

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“We’ve been holding this secret close for such a long time,” Janette confessed, gently resting a hand on her small but unmistakable bump. “Lyra’s first year was beautiful but chaotic — filming, parenting, sleepless nights, constant travel. This new baby feels like our cue to slow down, breathe, and rewrite the script.”

Aljaž, always the calm counterbalance to Janette’s infectious sparkle, added quietly:

“People see us dancing like nothing fazes us, but fatherhood changes everything. The real dance isn’t on the Strictly floor… it’s at home, in the quiet moments.”

Their announcement arrived with a breathtaking Instagram Reel: the couple slow-dancing in their sun-washed living room while little Lyra toddled between them, giggling with delight. As soft piano music swelled, an ultrasound clip appeared on screen with the caption:

“Our family’s growing… and so is our dream.”

Within minutes, the video racked up more than five million views, with fans flooding the comments in shattered-keyboard excitement:

“We KNEW IT!”
“The sparkle doubles!”
“The Strictly royal family expands!”

 Baby No. 2 — And A Brave New Beginning

But the pregnancy isn’t the only life-changing news.

Alongside the announcement, Aljaž and Janette also revealed plans for their next major venture — a global online dance academy set to launch in spring 2026, titled Dance Without Limits.

“We want to bring ballroom to everyone,” Aljaž explained. “Kids dancing in tiny bedrooms, grandparents trying to waltz again, couples reconnecting — nobody needs fancy studios. Just passion.”

The academy will offer livestreamed classes, personalised coaching and interactive worldwide dance challenges, blending their two decades of combined Strictly experience with cutting-edge digital technology.

Janette added with a smile:

“People have always messaged us saying, ‘Teach us like you taught each other.’ So we thought — why not teach the whole world?”

For them, it’s more than business — it’s a mission to make dance joyful, accessible and universal.

 A Love Story Britain Has Grown Up With

From the moment both were cast on Strictly in 2013, Aljaž and Janette became inseparable parts of the show’s magic. Their romance bloomed beneath the studio lights, leading to a glamorous wedding in 2016 and, years later, the miracle of their daughter Lyra — born after a long, emotional IVF journey.

“We wanted to be real about it,” Janette said. “Life isn’t perfect. Sometimes you fall out of step. But love teaches you how to move again.”

When Aljaž briefly stepped away from Strictly in 2021, rumours of burnout and homesickness swirled — but by 2024 he returned renewed, crediting fatherhood for grounding him.

“Dancing with a celebrity partner is a dream,” he reflected. “But coming home to Janette and Lyra? That’s the encore I’ll never stop wanting.”

 Internet Meltdown: Strictly Fans In Tears

The announcement sent Strictly Nation into collective hysteria, with fans declaring:

· “This news has healed me!”
· “From Blackpool lights to baby bottles — pure magic!”
· “We’ve watched you fall in love for a decade. This feels like family news!”

Even Strictly royalty joined in:

Tess Daly: “Double the sparkle! So thrilled for you both ”
Craig Revel Horwood: “Darlings, may your next baby inherit your FABULOUSNESS — and none of your timing issues!”
Claudia Winkleman: “I cried. Then danced. Obsessed. ”

 Their Legacy: Love, Rhythm & Resilience

As they prepare to welcome their second child, the couple insist they’re not stepping away from Strictly — only stepping into a new chapter.

“We’re still part of the Strictly family,” Aljaž said. “But this chapter is about teaching, creating and bringing dance to the world.”

A baby on the way. A global dream launching. A family growing. A love story still dancing into the nation’s heart.

Hamza Yassin has long been admired for his calm presence, gentle wisdom and deep connection to the natural world. But in a rare and honest new interview, the much-loved wildlife presenter has revealed a more personal side — opening up about love, loneliness and what he hopes for the future.

Speaking candidly, Hamza admitted that he is currently single and has been for some time. Having lived alone since his university days, he says he has grown comfortable with solitude and independence. Yet behind that quiet contentment lies a simple, human longing

“I’ve learned how to be happy on my own,” he explained, “but I would love to share my life with someone one day.”

It’s a confession that struck a chord with fans — a reminder that even those who seem most at peace can still hope for connection. Hamza made it clear that he isn’t searching desperately, but remains open to love when the time feels right.

Finding Healing Beyond Romance

While his personal life remains private, Hamza’s public work continues to reflect what brings him peace: nature

Alongside his television projects, Hamza is now working closely with the National Trust and other conservation organisations, encouraging people to reconnect with the natural world — particularly during the quieter, darker months of autumn and winter.

The campaign focuses on the idea of seasonal “wild connection”, showing how small moments outdoors — a frosty morning walk, birdsong in bare trees, or the stillness of winter landscapes — can offer comfort, grounding and improved mental wellbeing.

Hamza has spoken passionately about how nature supported him through difficult periods of his own life, helping him slow down, reflect and find balance.

“Nature doesn’t rush you,” he has said. “It meets you where you are.”

READ MORE: “It’s time for me to face this,” BBC Countryfile star Hamza Yassin makes candid admission on his mental health 

A Gentle Voice for a Noisy World

For many, Hamza Yassin represents something rare in modern television: softness, sincerity and emotional honesty. Whether he’s talking about wildlife, mental health, or the hope of finding love, his words resonate because they are unforced — and real.

As he continues to inspire viewers to look up, step outside and reconnect with the world around them, Hamza’s story feels quietly powerful.

Not a headline-grabbing romance.
Not a dramatic confession.
Just a man, honest about who he is — and hopeful about what might still be ahead.

Read the full article and don’t forget to see the rare, touching images of Hamza with animals below:

Move over, every polished presenter who ever read a script about badgers: Britain has chosen its new natural-history heartbeat, and he’s a 6-foot-6 Sudanese-Scottish giant who learned to track lynx before he could drive, cries when otters hold hands, and once spent 42 straight nights sleeping in a hide just to film pine martens falling in love.

Last night, BBC One dropped the first trailer for Hamza’s Wild Britain (a six-part landmark series launching spring 2026), and within four hours it became the most-watched BBC trailer in a decade. The final 15 seconds alone have been viewed 28 million times: Hamza, knee-deep in a Highland river at dawn, whispering so gently the microphone barely catches it as a mother otter teaches her pup to swim literally inches from his face. No music. Just his soft Glasgow-Sudanese lilt: “Look… she’s telling him the water will hold him, if he trusts it. Same thing my mum told me when we arrived in Scotland and I couldn’t speak a word of English.”

The numbers are insane:

4.7 million pre-saved the series on iPlayer before a single episode aired.
#HamzaYassin trended above the general election results.
Children’s bookshops sold out of otter plush toys by 10 a.m. because “my kid says Hamza told them to love otters.”

But the real story isn’t the ratings; it’s the journey.

Hamza arrived in rural Northamptonshire from Sudan at age eight, speaking no English, clutching a bird book his father gave him “because birds don’t care what language you speak.” By twelve he was the weird kid cycling ten miles before school to photograph kingfishers. At sixteen he won Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year with a shot of a fox cub yawning that looked like it was laughing at the universe. University (Bangor, zoology) was just an excuse to live closer to puffins.

Then came the decade nobody saw: camera-operating on Planet Earth III, Springwatch, and Countryfile, always the guy in the muddy boots who could lie motionless for 14 hours until a badger sniffed his lens and decided he was harmless. Crew nicknamed him “the Otter Whisperer” after he filmed the first-ever footage of wild otters playing with pebbles in the Cairngorms, entirely by becoming part of the furniture for six weeks.

His big break was accidental. In 2022 he entered Strictly Come Dancing “because my mum loves glitterballs and I thought it might pay for a new hide.” He won the whole thing with Jowita Przystał, foxtrotting like a man who’d spent his life learning rhythm from golden eagles soaring on thermals. Overnight, eight million people discovered the gentle giant who spoke about conservation between sambas.

The BBC pounced. First Hamza: Wild Isles (2024), then the Emmy-nominated Hamza’s Sudan (2025), where he returned to his birthplace to film the last northern white rhinos under the same stars he watched as a child. Critics called it “the most emotional hour of television this decade.” Viewers just called it “life-changing.”

Now Hamza’s Wild Britain is being billed as the spiritual successor to Attenborough’s Life on Earth. Shot entirely by Hamza himself (he still refuses a full camera crew because “animals don’t like strangers”), it promises never-before-seen behaviour: red squirrels teaching their young to tightrope-walk power lines, urban foxes using pedestrian crossings at night, golden eagles hunting in snowstorms so violent Hamza had to be roped to a cliff for three days.

The trailer’s money shot? Hamza lying flat on his stomach in a peat bog at 4 a.m., face inches from a wild mountain hare in its white winter  coat. The hare slowly reaches out and touches his beard with its paw. Hamza doesn’t move, doesn’t breathe. When the hare eventually hops away, he whispers to camera, voice cracking: “Sometimes the wild decides you’re worth trusting. That’s the best feeling in the world.”