In the high-octane world of Formula 1, admitting weakness is usually forbidden. It is a sport built on bravado, psychological warfare, and the projection of invincibility. Yet, as the sun rises on the monumental 2026 regulation reset, Red Bull Racing—the team that defined the ground-effect era—has done the unthinkable. They have openly admitted they are losing the race before it has even begun.

In a candid and potentially history-altering revelation, Team Principal Laurent Mekies has conceded that Red Bull is “already behind” its competitors for the 2026 season. The admission confirms the paddock’s worst fears: while rivals like Ferrari, Mercedes, and the resurgent Aston Martin abandoned their 2025 campaigns early to pour resources into the new rules, Red Bull remained trapped in the present, fighting to diagnose the flaws of a car that ultimately cost them the 2025 Drivers’ Championship by a heartbreaking two points.

This is not just a technical setback; it is a philosophical gamble that could dismantle the dynasty built around Max Verstappen.

The Autopsy Over The Acceleration

To understand the gravity of Mekies’ admission, one must look at the scars of 2025. It was a season of turmoil, marked by the mid-year exit of long-time leader Christian Horner and a car—the RB21—that lost its way. While Lando Norris and McLaren surged to a title victory, Red Bull found themselves in a crisis of correlation. The tools at the factory in Milton Keynes were no longer matching the reality on the track.

Faced with this existential threat, Red Bull made a controversial choice. They refused to turn the page.

“It became very clear to us that we didn’t want to simply turn the page,” Mekies explained, revealing the logic behind the delay. The team believed that skipping the autopsy of their 2025 failure would only mean carrying those same “blind spots” into 2026. They chose to spend precious wind tunnel time and engineering resources fixing the process rather than building the future.

Mekies argues this was a “people-first strategy,” designed to rebuild trust in their data and cohesion among the engineers. “We learned a lot… it’s about the methodology we use,” he insisted. “Do we think our car will be faster than the competitors’? No, honestly not. But it helps in how we work as a group.”

It is a noble sentiment, but Formula 1 does not award points for internal cohesion. It awards points for speed. And by Mekies’ own admission, Red Bull expects to start the new era slower than their rivals.

The Cost of Clarity

The consequences of this decision are already rippling through the paddock. In modern F1, the first interpretation of a new rule set often establishes a competitive ceiling that lasts for years. When Mercedes nailed the 2014 hybrid regulations, they locked in eight years of dominance. When Red Bull mastered the 2022 ground-effect floors, they created an invincible machine.

By voluntarily starting on the back foot, Red Bull is betting that their “deeper understanding” of their tools will allow them to out-develop rivals in the long run. But this assumes the gap is manageable. If Ferrari or Mercedes—who shifted focus to 2026 as early as April 2025—have found a “silver bullet” innovation in their extended development time, Red Bull may find the gap insurmountable.

“Time is the one resource that cannot be recovered,” the reality of the sport dictates. While Red Bull was busy fixing a broken 2025 car, wind tunnels in Maranello and Brackley were screaming with 2026 prototypes. The deficit isn’t theoretical; it is baked into the timeline.

The Max Verstappen Variable

Looming over this technical gamble is the human variable that changes the stakes entirely: Max Verstappen.

The four-time world champion is coming off a bruising defeat, having lost the title to his friend and rival Lando Norris. Verstappen has pledged his commitment to Red Bull for 2026, but his patience is historically thin. He is a driver who demands perfection, and he has spent the last year dragging an underperforming car into championship contention through sheer force of will.

If the 2026 car arrives in Bahrain lacking pace, Verstappen’s position shifts immediately from “partner” to “evaluator.” With his new teammate Isack Hadjar stepping up from the junior team, Verstappen will have no veteran benchmark to lean on. The burden of performance will rest solely on his shoulders.

The paddock is already buzzing with rumors. Mercedes and Aston Martin are widely viewed as the favorites for the new era, having synchronized their chassis and power unit developments seamlessly. If Red Bull spends 2026 fighting for scraps, the narrative will inevitably turn to Verstappen’s exit strategy for 2027.

Formula 1’s most valuable asset will not wait for long-term promises. As the video analysis keenly notes, “Loyalty gives way to logic.” If the car is slow, the exit door opens.

A Dangerous Game of “Catch-Up”

Red Bull’s strategy relies on the belief that the 2026 regulations will cause a “reset” that allows for rapid gains. However, history suggests that early gaps tend to stabilize, not oscillate. The team that starts ahead usually stays ahead.

By accepting a deficit, Red Bull is essentially hoping their rivals stumble. It is a passive strategy from a team known for aggression. “Red Bull didn’t fall behind by accident,” the analysis concludes. “They accepted it as the price of self-diagnosis.”

The danger is normalization. If Red Bull enters 2026 framing the season as a year of “adaptation” rather than domination, the psychological edge that once terrified the grid will evaporate. Sponsors will adjust expectations. Engineers will look for transfers. The aura of invincibility, once shattered, is almost impossible to rebuild.

The Verdict

As the teams prepare to unveil their creations for the new era, Red Bull stands at a precipice. Laurent Mekies has bet his tenure—and potentially the future of Max Verstappen—on the idea that a unified team is better than a fast head start.

It is a romantic notion in a ruthless sport. If Red Bull recovers quickly and storms back to the front, Mekies will be hailed as a visionary who saved the team’s soul. But if the RB22 (or RB2026) languishes in the midfield while Ferraris and McLarens disappear into the distance, this decision will be remembered not as wisdom, but as the hesitation that toppled an empire.

The admitted delay is no longer a secret; it is a target on their backs. Come the first race of 2026, Red Bull will learn the harshest lesson of all: in Formula 1, you can have the best excuses in the world, but the stopwatch never listens.

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, standing still is synonymous with moving backward. But for the 2026 season, the sport isn’t just moving forward—it is undergoing a complete metamorphosis. With new regulations set to shake the grid to its core, every team is scrambling to interpret the rules and find that elusive “silver bullet.” However, all eyes are currently fixed on Maranello. Ferrari, the most storied team in F1 history, is pulling out all the stops with a radical new engine design that could either be a catastrophic misstep or a stroke of pure genius.

The upcoming 2026 regulations represent a massive reset button for the sport. The power unit, the very heart of the car, is getting a complete transplant. While the 1.6-liter V6 internal combustion engine remains, the way it delivers power is changing fundamentally. The new rules dictate a near 50/50 split between the combustion engine and the electric motor (MGUK). This isn’t just a tweak; it’s a revolution. The electric motor will be three times more powerful than current iterations, churning out approximately 350 kW (around 470 horsepower). When combined with the engine, the total output will scream past the 1,000 horsepower mark.

But with great power comes great complexity. The removal of the MGUH (Motor Generator Unit-Heat)—the component responsible for harvesting energy from exhaust gases—has created a massive engineering headache for teams. Without it, cars risk running out of electrical juice on long straights, turning them into sitting ducks.

This is where Ferrari’s audacity comes into play. While rivals scramble for efficiency, Ferrari has reportedly found a “master key” to the 2026 puzzle, and it involves a material that most racing engineers would consider archaic: steel.

The Steel “Master Stroke”

In a move that has sent ripples through the paddock, Ferrari has decided to utilize a steel alloy for their new engine’s cylinder heads. In modern F1, where weight saving is a religion, this seems counterintuitive. Aluminum has long been the standard for its lightweight properties. Steel is heavy. Steel is dense. On paper, it sounds like a disadvantage.

However, Ferrari’s engineers are betting on physics. The new engines will be pushed to their absolute limit, running at incredibly high pressures with a turbo pressure limit of 4.8 bar. Aluminum, for all its lightness, struggles under such extreme thermal and mechanical stress. Steel, on the other hand, is robust. By using a specialized steel alloy—likely reinforced with copper and ceramic components—Ferrari creates a cylinder head that is virtually bombproof.

This is a classic Maranello gamble: trading weight for strength. The theory is that the durability of steel will allow them to run the engine at higher boost levels for longer periods without the risk of failure. While other teams might have to dial back their power to save their aluminum components from melting or cracking, Ferrari could theoretically keep the hammer down. If the weight penalty can be offset by the sheer performance gains of running higher pressures, this “heavy” engine could ironically make the car faster.

Solving the Energy Puzzle

Beyond the metallurgy, Ferrari seems to be winning the war on energy management. The loss of the MGUH means the only way to recharge the battery is through braking (via the MGUK). Critics feared this would lead to “clipping,” where the electric power cuts out halfway down a straightaway.

Remarkably, reports from Maranello suggest that Ferrari’s early dyno tests are not just meeting targets—they are exceeding them. The team appears to have developed a highly efficient energy recovery system that maximizes every ounce of kinetic energy generated during braking. This is crucial because, in 2026, the driver’s ability to manage energy will be just as important as their raw speed. A car that can harvest energy more efficiently can deploy that 470hp electric boost more often, creating a massive advantage in both attacking and defending.

Drivability is King

Raw power is useless if the driver can’t keep the car on the track. With the 2026 cars expected to have significantly less downforce, they will be “a handful” to drive. Ferrari is acutely aware of this. They aren’t just chasing big horsepower numbers; they are obsessed with “drivability.”

To achieve a smooth, linear power curve, Ferrari is employing advanced direct injection systems and pre-chamber ignition technology. This isn’t brand-new tech, but Ferrari aims to perfect it. Pre-chamber ignition allows for a much faster and more complete burn of the fuel-air mixture. The result? More power from every drop of fuel and, crucially, a predictable delivery of torque. This gives drivers the confidence to push the car to its absolute limit without fear of sudden, snapping power surges that could lead to a spin.

The Green Revolution

Adding another layer of complexity is the switch to 100% sustainable fuels. These new eco-friendly fuels burn differently than traditional fossil fuels, requiring a complete recalibration of the combustion process. Ferrari’s long-standing relationships with their fuel and oil partners are proving invaluable here. The team that unlocks the chemical secrets of these new fuels first will have a significant leg up on the competition, and Ferrari is confident that their “lab to track” approach will pay dividends.

The Verdict: A New Era of Dominance?

For the “Tifosi”—Ferrari’s legion of passionate fans—the last few decades have been a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak. The pressure on the team to return the championship to Maranello is immense. But the mood inside the factory seems different this time. There is a quiet confidence.

Ferrari is not just following the trends for 2026; they are trying to set them. They are taking calculated risks—like the steel cylinder head—that show they are no longer afraid to be different. They know that to beat the juggernauts of Mercedes, Red Bull, and the incoming Audi, they cannot simply copy what others are doing. They have to innovate.

The 2026 season may seem far away, but in the world of F1 development, it is tomorrow. If these early signs are accurate, the Prancing Horse isn’t just ready to gallop; it’s ready to stampede. The engine is the heart of the car, and it looks like Ferrari’s new heart is going to be made of steel.

Former Bachelor Ben Flajnik is a dad!

“Baby boy Flajnik made us a family of three on December 22,” Ben, 43, and wife Christina Flajnik wrote via Instagram on Thursday, January 1, sharing a photo of the newborn’s feet. “He has shown us a new level of love we didn’t know was possible. Our hearts are forever changed.”

Ben and Christina announced late last year that they were expanding their family.

“Chapter 2 🍼,” they jointly wrote via Instagram in October 2025, alongside maternity snaps.

Ben and Christina have primarily kept their relationship out of the limelight, including details from their 2023 wedding.

“Last month, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by family I married my best friend and it was the most incredible day of my life,” the former Bachelor Nation star wrote via Instagram in November 2023. “Tears and laughs were had and I’ve never felt so present with another person in my life. I’m so grateful to do life with you and thank you for your unwavering love and support.”

Ben rose to fame in 2011 during Ashley Hebert’s season 7 of The Bachelorette, where he left as the runner-up. The winemaker subsequently led his own season of The Bachelor, which aired in 2012. While Ben proposed to finalist Courtney Robertson during the season 16 finale, they split several months later. (Robertson, 42, is now married to Humberto Preciado, with whom she shares three children.)

Three years after their split, Robertson broke down her side of the story in a tell-all memoir.

“I was not happy about the book. I didn’t read the book. I flipped through it,” Ben later exclusively told Us Weekly in July 2021. “People do things for different reasons — who knows, you know, what she was going through at the time. We’ve since made amends. We’re fine. We’re cool. We didn’t speak for probably six years after that book came out and then I reached out and just kind of extended the olive branch.”

Ben further told Us that Robertson is also still on good terms with his sister.

“She talks to my sister a lot still,” he told Us. “They’re still very quite friendly. I think she is happy living in Scottsdale, at least it looks that way. And, you know, Courtney was always a really nice person, deep down. She got a pretty raw deal with the [villain] edit.”

While Ben stressed that he was glad to see his ex-fiancée find her Happily Ever After, he was navigating the trenches of single life at the time.

“I sporadically go on Hinge every once in a while, so yeah, I suppose I’m on the apps,” Ben quipped at the time. “I live in Sonoma now, which is a fairly small town and that makes dating fairly difficult. … If I go on a bunch of first dates in the town of Sonoma then everyone probably just assumes I’m back being the Bachelor, which is not the case.”

Ben further revealed that he had even been approached to appear on Bachelor in Paradise.

“They’ve asked me to do it, like, five times,” he said. “My handler at the time, Adam Mansfield, is now working on that show, so he always reaches out and I’m just too busy. I have too many projects and companies and I’m too old.”

Sometime after turning down the beachy Bachelor Nation spinoff, Ben found love with Christina.

Joanna Lumley has never been one to shout for attention.

For decades, she has commanded it effortlessly — through grace, wit, intelligence, and a presence that feels both glamorous and profoundly kind. That is why her recent words have landed with such emotional force. No drama. No theatrics. Just honesty.

“My time is coming quite soon.”

Spoken calmly, without fear, those words from the 79-year-old icon have rippled through Britain and beyond, leaving fans reflective, emotional, and deeply grateful for a woman who has given so much of herself to the world.

A voice that chose truth over fear

Lumley’s comments were not delivered as a cry for sympathy, nor as a medical confession filled with alarming detail. Instead, they came as part of a wider reflection on ageing, health, and the natural closing chapters of life.

Those close to her describe her tone as peaceful — even philosophical.

She spoke not as someone surrendering, but as someone who has made peace.

In a culture that often treats ageing as something to hide or fight at all costs, Lumley’s words felt radical in their simplicity. She did not deny reality. She did not dramatise it. She acknowledged it — and in doing so, gave others permission to think honestly about their own lives.

An icon who never chased immortality

Joanna Lumley’s career spans generations. From her early modelling years to her unforgettable performances on screen and stage, to her tireless activism and humanitarian work, she has lived multiple lives in one.

Yet she has never clung desperately to relevance.

She reinvented herself without erasing who she was. She aged publicly without apology. And now, she speaks about mortality without fear.

Fans say that is exactly why her words hurt — and heal — at the same time.

“She’s teaching us how to face the end with dignity,” one admirer wrote. “And how to live before it.”

The reaction: grief, gratitude, and love

Within hours of her words being shared, social media filled with messages from fans across the world.

Some expressed heartbreak.
Others shared memories of growing up watching her on television.
Many simply said thank you.

“Joanna Lumley raised us,” one post read. “She made us laugh, think, and care.”

Another wrote: “If this is her farewell era, then what a beautiful way to say goodbye — with honesty and grace.”

There is a sense among fans that this moment is not about loss — not yet — but about appreciation. About recognising the weight of a life that has mattered.

Health, age, and quiet courage

While Lumley has been open about facing health challenges that naturally come with age, she has not framed herself as fragile. On the contrary, she remains active, engaged, and mentally sharp — still writing, speaking, and advocating for causes close to her heart.

What has changed is not her strength, but her perspective.

Those who know her say she is focused less on what remains to be done, and more on what has already been shared: love, laughter, stories, and kindness.

“She doesn’t talk about dying,” one friend noted. “She talks about living — and knowing when to rest.”

A lifetime of compassion

Beyond fame, Lumley’s legacy is defined by empathy.

From her tireless campaigning for the Gurkhas, to environmental causes, to humanitarian work that never sought headlines, she has consistently used her voice for those without one.

That compassion is why her words resonate so deeply. When someone who has spent a lifetime caring for others speaks softly about their own limits, it feels personal — as though a beloved family member has leaned in to share something tender.

Not an ending — a reflection

It is important to say this clearly: Joanna Lumley has not announced a farewell. She has not withdrawn from life. She has not disappeared.

What she has done is far more powerful.

She has reminded us that time is finite — and therefore precious.

Her words invite reflection, not panic. Gratitude, not despair.

A lesson only icons can give

Many celebrities speak about ageing. Few are listened to with such reverence.

Because Joanna Lumley is not just admired — she is trusted.

Trusted to tell the truth.
Trusted to do it kindly.
Trusted to leave us better than she found us.

If this chapter of her life is quieter, it is no less meaningful. And if her time is indeed drawing closer to its natural close, then what a rare gift it is to hear her speak of it with clarity rather than fear.

A true icon.
A lifetime of love.
And words that will stay with us — long after the moment has passed.

As the world welcomed a new year, Sir David Beckham and Victoria Beckham used the moment of reflection and renewal to send a powerful public message to their estranged son, Brooklyn Beckham. In an emotional New Year’s Eve post, the former footballer paid tribute to his family, sharing words that many fans immediately interpreted as the biggest olive branch yet—especially toward Brooklyn. The message was simple, raw, and impossible to ignore: “You are my life.”

The post quickly captured public attention, not because of glamour or celebrity spectacle, but because of its vulnerability. David Beckham, known globally for his success on the pitch and his polished public image, offered a rare glimpse into his private emotions. By centering his message on family and love, he signaled that reconciliation matters more than pride, timing, or past tension

Speculation about distance between Brooklyn and his famous parents has circulated for some time, fueled by missed public events, quiet social media gaps, and subtle signs of strain. Neither side has publicly detailed the situation, which has only heightened curiosity. Against that backdrop, David’s New Year’s Eve message felt intentional—a quiet but unmistakable invitation to heal.

Victoria Beckham echoed the sentiment, reinforcing the idea that family remains at the heart of everything they do. Together, their words carried weight not as a press statement, but as parents reaching out. Fans noted that New Year’s Eve was a meaningful moment to do so—a symbolic reset, a chance to leave the past behind and step forward with hope.

Social media reactions were swift and emotional. Many praised the Beckhams for choosing love over silence, calling the message “heartbreaking,” “beautiful,” and “brave.” Parents, in particular, resonated with the tone of unconditional support, recognizing the universal pain of family distance—no matter how famous the last name.

What made the message so powerful was its lack of defensiveness. There were no explanations, no clarifications, no subtle digs. Just love. Just presence. Just a reminder that, at its core, family isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment, even when things are complicated.

David Beckham’s tribute also reframed the public narrative. Instead of focusing on estrangement, it highlighted longing, connection, and the desire to move forward. By stating that his family is his life, he underscored a truth that transcends fame: success means little without the people you love beside you.

 

Whether Brooklyn responds publicly or chooses a private path remains to be seen. But the message itself has already done something meaningful—it shifted the conversation from speculation to empathy. It reminded fans that behind headlines and Instagram posts are real relationships, real emotions, and real hope.

As 2026 begins, the Beckhams’ New Year’s Eve post stands as more than a celebrity update. It’s a reminder that new beginnings don’t always come with fireworks—sometimes they arrive quietly, in the form of an open heart and a simple sentence: You are my life.

An ITV legend launched a surprise new career after he quit This Morning and left his colleagues in tears.

Martin Frizell stepped down as editor of the daytime programme back in February to take care of his wife Fiona Phillips, who has Alzheimer’s.

Now, he has announced his next career move and revealed on Instagram that he would be working on a new weekly podcast, This Much Is True Crime

The new venture is set to launch soon, but an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

He wrote: ‘Takes a prolific serial killer to knock Adolescence off the No1 Netflix spot. Gone Girls profiles America’s modern day Jack the Ripper and his body count may not be over yet!

‘Coming soon is This Much is True Crime, a new weekly podcast with Britain’s leading criminologist (and serial killer expert) Prof David Wilson and me (Fred West and many other crime reports).

Powered by
GliaStudios

+6
View gallery

Producer Martin Frizell (right) stepped down as editor of the daytime programme back in February to take care of his wife Fiona Phillips (left), who has Alzheimer’s

+6
View gallery

Now, he has announced his next career move and revealed on Instagram that he would be working on a new weekly podcast, This Much Is True Crime

+6
View gallery

It comes after Martin appeared on This Morning in February on his very last day on set. Pictured sharing an emotional farewell with Alison Hammond

‘If it’s in the headlines or the ratings, we’re talking about it. We start with Gone Girls. Not just a whodunnit, but a whydunnit?’

It comes after Martin appeared on This Morning in February on his very last day on set.

Martin had overseen the show’s production for the last decade and at the end of his final episode, he sat on the sofa with Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond.

In a moving segment, the co-presenters told Frizzell how much he meant to them and how much they valued his impact on their careers.

An emotional Hammond said: ‘He’s the one that took a chance on us, transforming mine and Josie’s careers.

‘It’s an incredible opportunity and we just want to say thank you very much. We love you’.

The This Morning presenter continued: ‘On behalf of the team on This Morning we think you are incredible and we are so sad to see you go’.

+6
View gallery

Josie Gibson (left) and Alison Hammond (centre) invited This Morning boss Martin Frizzell (right) onto the show’s famous sofa on what was his last day

Gibson echoed Hammond’s words, adding that Frizell believed in her when she didn’t even believe in herself.

‘I just want to say, thank you so much because you believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself and you grew me as a presenter and I just can’t thank you enough’.

Reacting to the pair’s kind words, Frizell replied: ‘If you were rubbish, you wouldn’t be on telly. You’re very good. It has been a great ride and a fantastic time’.

His departure from the show’s production team had been announced earlier on during the broadcast by Gibson and came off the back of his own announcement last November that he would soon be stepping down for personal reasons.

Frizell’s wife Fiona Phillips had received a heartbreaking Alzheimer’s diagnosis back in 2022, with the This Morning boss taking the decision to quit the show in order to spend more time with her.

‘Next year I’m expecting my family priorities to change, so I need to free up time for them’, the 66-year-old said back in November.

‘I love my team at This Morning and will miss them and the thrill of live telly, but it’s an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment, and I won’t be able to do both.

+6
View gallery

Alison Hammond (left) being embraced by show boss Martin Frizzell (right) after breaking down in tears over his departure from This Morning

‘It’s been a privilege to lead truly great presenters and producers, between us we’ve turned out more than six thousand hours of live topical telly, that’s around 20,000 items.

‘Whilst the gongs are always nice, I’m most proud of the change we made to so many lives, even saving a fair few with our campaigns on anti-suicide, menopause, testicular cancer and ‘how-to’ items.

‘This juggernaut is the toughest test for any broadcast journalist’.

Legendary former football manager Harry Redknapp, 78, is demonstrating to the entire nation the extraordinary power of devotion as his wife, Sandra, 77, remains hospitalized following an emergency admission. Images of Harry keeping vigil hour after hour by her bedside at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, have become a symbol of enduring love after nearly six decades.

Witnesses at the hospital describe a touching scene: Harry barely moved from his plastic chair since December 9, 2025. Anxiety and devotion were clearly etched on his face every time he gripped Sandra’s hand tighter, especially when the monitors beeped. A close friend revealed Harry’s choked-up whisper outside the ward: “I can’t leave her… not now, not ever.”

Sandra was rushed to the hospital on December 7 after collapsing at their Bournemouth home with severe breathing difficulties. Initial reports suggest a recurrence of pneumonia—the same illness that nearly claimed her life in 2017—now complicated by her long-standing battle with rheumatoid arthritis and recent mobility issues.

Harry, who has always publicly called Sandra “his rock” since they met at 17, cancelled all professional commitments, including his punditry slot on Sky Sports, to care for his wife 24/7.

Those close to him confirm that Harry has barely eaten or slept, sustaining himself only on vending-machine coffee and sheer willpower. One visitor shared: “He holds her hand like it’s the only thing keeping her here.” Nurses at the hospital were also moved by his dedication, recounting how Harry continuously tells his wife stories from their life—from their first dance, their children, to West Ham’s FA Cup victory—as if desperately pleading for her to stay.

Their 58-year love story has entered football folklore. Married in 1967, they have navigated tragedy (the 1990 car crash in Italy that killed Harry’s friend and left him with a fractured skull), triumph (Harry’s 2008 FA Cup win with Portsmouth), and relentless media scrutiny. The 2017 pneumonia scare saw Harry cancel an I’m a Celebrity stint to be with her, famously stating: “Football’s nothing compared to her.”

The entire nation is collectively sending well wishes, with the hashtag #StayStrongSandra reaching 400,000 posts. Their son, Jamie Redknapp, shared a childhood photo of his parents dancing, with the message: “Mum, you’re tougher than all of us. We love you.”

Discover more
Sport
Sports
Gift baskets
Activewear
Football kits
Celebrity
athletic

Discover more
Football kits
Sport
Sports
Activewear
Gift baskets
athletic
Celebrity

Doctors remain cautiously optimistic, with Sandra’s condition described as “stable but serious.” Harry told a friend: “She’s my world. I’m not going anywhere.”

For a nation that has followed their love story from East End ballrooms to Wembley glory, Harry Redknapp’s greatest victory is not on the pitch, but the hand he resolutely refuses to let go.

WASPI campaigners have fought for years to get DWP compensation(Image: Getty)

The head of the WASPI campaign has warned ministers that support is stronger than ever and members are ready for a court showdown in the New Year.

Angela Madden, who chairs the Women Against State Pension Inequality group, said millions of 1950s-born women will not give up their fight for compensation. It comes as the Government reviews the controversial decision to reject payouts after new evidence came to light.

Angela, 71, said nothing short of a compensation scheme for over 3.5million women will suffice. She told The Mirror: “We will be ready again if we think the decision is unlawful. We’re quite willing to go to court again.”

Angela Madden has warned ministers that WASPI campaigners are ready for a court battle in 2026(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

WASPI had been set for a court clash at the start of December demanding a judicial review – but legal action is on hold pending the outcome of the latest review. Angela said members are still furious over the decision not to award payouts of between £1,000 and £2,950 over a year ago. She estimates one affected woman dies every 13 minutes.

After agreeing to pay £180,000 in legal fees in an 11th hour agreement, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to announce its decision in February.

Angela said: “The government didn’t want to go to court because they knew their decision would have been found to be unlawful. We’re getting more and more suspicious that they have made their mind up and nothing is going to change.”

Failures at the DWP meant the decision to increase the state pension age for women was not properly communicated. The worst-affected were plunged into poverty after being unable to plan for the future as a result.

Angela – who retired just before she turned 55 to care for her seriously-ill mother – said that far from feeling deflated, support for the campaign is growing. “I think our Facebook followers have gone up to about 165,000, so we’ve had 35,000 extra followers sign up in the last few weeks,” she said. “And we do have a paid membership scheme, and that membership scheme has increased as well.

WASPI campaigners are ready for a New Year court showdown(Image: Getty)

“So it’s actually having the opposite effect. People are getting more involved and wanting to do their bit. And the crowd justice fundraiser, the target is £270,000 and we’ve actually exceeded that target. People are phoning up and saying, ‘do you still need money?’ So it shows that people are still behind us.”

In 2024 the Government apologised for a 28-month delay in sending letters informing affected women of the pension age change, but rejected any kind of financial payouts. This was despite the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) recommending MPs immediately set up a compensation scheme.

Angela said: “It just would not happen to a less vulnerable group of people than we are. They shouldn’t do this to their senior citizens. We did everything right for the whole of our working lives.

“We paid our taxes, we paid our National Insurance. The Government is now making a big thing about this fictitious generational divide. And we have many, many young people who support WASPI because they know in the twinkling of an eye, they’re going to be exactly where we are. And they don’t want to be treated as badly as we’ve been treated.”

Keir Starmer previously insisted that a compensation scheme costing £3.5billion to £10.5billion would not be a good use of taxpayers’ money. Angela said: “This isn’t something that the ombudsman made up, or something that we’ve made up. It is a reflection of what actually happened.

“It’s our lived experience, so we know what happened to us. Some of us have given up jobs that we wouldn’t have given up had we known our state pension age was going to be six years later. And some of us were divorced, and our divorce settlements were based on a state pension age of 60 – so the judiciary wasn’t even aware of the change to the law. There are many examples like that, but the department is just not willing to hear them.”

In November, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said a new document from 2007 had come to light which was not shown to his predecessor, Liz Kendall. As a result the decision not to award compensation has been placed under review.

However he told the Commons that retaking the decision would not automatically lead to compensation. “Retaking this decision should not be taken as an indication that Government will necessarily decide that it should award financial redress.”

The WASPI group said they have been told by the DWP that an outcome will be announced by February 24. In January a poll found three quarters (74%) think women should be “fairly compensated”. Another 78% think Keir Starmer has broken his word after he signed a pledge in opposition which read “I support fair and fast compensation for 1950s women”.

Bromley, Bexley, Havering and Barking & Dagenham could all prove fruitful for Reform UK next May.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has set his sights on seizing control of six London councils next year.

Mr Farage identified London as one of his key targets ahead of another “earthquake” set of local elections in May.

All 32 London boroughs will contest polls on May 7, including across the Reform-leaning outer belt bordering Essex and Kent.

The Reform UK leader is hoping to target Sir Sadiq Khan’s “terrible” record on law and order in a springboard push to topple the London Mayor in 2028.

Mr Farage has struggled to leave his mark in London during his political journey so far, with the capital remaining a stronghold for the 2016 Remain campaign and Labour Party.

However, the Clacton MP claimed “everything has changed” since the last General Election.

Mr Farage told The Daily Mail: “Labour are going to find their vote horrendously split.

“With the Greens and Corbyn and the Gaza independents. All these different people. There is a chance that Labour vote really gets hit.”

Nigel Farage claimed ‘everything has changed’ since the last General Election. | PA

He added: “Starmer’s problems as we face May are immense.

“These elections in May are the British equivalent of the US midterms. We’re going for gold.”

Reform UK is now hoping it has a “very real chance” of winning in “half a dozen” of the 32 London boroughs, including Bromley, Bexley, Havering and Barking & Dagenham.

Mr Farage is preparing to launch Reform UK’s London campaign at a major event at the Excel Centre next month.

Sadiq Khan intends to seek a fourth term in City Hall | PA

However, Labour could also struggle at the hands of its other rivals in the capital in May.

The Tories will hope to regain control of the once flagship councils of Westminster and Wandsworth.

Meanwhile, the Green Party looks poised to make significant inroads across London’s left-leaning inner boroughs.

Zack Polanski was elected as one of three Green London Assembly Members in 2024.

Labour faced a significant challenge from pro-Gaza independents at the last General Election, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting holding on to Ilford North by just 528 votes.

Reform UK made significant inroads in the 2025 Local Elections | PA

However, Reform UK struggled across London in 2024, winning just one city-wide Assembly Member and receiving just 78,865 votes when Sir Sadiq won his third term as mayor.

Mr Farage managed to push the Tories close on the outer ring of the capital a few months later, making Hornchurch & Upminster, Old Bexley & Sidcup and Romford key targets in 2029.

Reform UK goes into the 2026 Local Elections in London from a low base, holding just six wards across the capital.

Meanwhile, Labour faces a real challenge after winning 1,156 out of 1,817 wards in 2022.

Zack Polanski could win hundreds of wards across London | PA

Reform UK used the 2025 Local Elections as a springboard to a significant poll increase this year, securing 677 wards and 10 councils on May 1.

A tally of this year’s contests shows that Reform has quietly gained an additional 59 seats at by-elections this year, including 25 from Labour and 19 from the Conservatives.

The Liberal Democrats have also picked up an additional 20 seats, half of which from the Conservatives.

However, Mr Farage is looking at bringing legal action against Sir Keir Starmer after it was revealed Labour had invited local councils to cancel polls slated for next May.

Sadiq Khan’s record faces increasing scrutiny | PA

Opinion polls ahead of the 2028 London Mayoral Election suggest Reform UK could jump from three to 13 per cent.

Meanwhile, Sir Sadiq’s support has dropped from 44 per cent to 38 per cent.

The Conservative Party remains the main challenger to Sir Sadiq, halving his lead to just six per cent.

Despite speculation Sir Sadiq would not seek an unprecedented fourth term in City Hall, the three-time London Mayor this year confirmed his “intention” to run in 2028.

Eamonn Holmes ‘lonely’ as he deals with major rejection from younger girlfriend

TV presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford are currently going through a divorce after 14 years of marriage and sharing a son together

Eamonn Holmes is in a relationship with Katie Alexander(Image: N.C)
Eamonn Holmes is said to be “lonely” as he deals with a major rejection from his younger girlfriend. The  TV star is currently in a relationship with a woman 22 years younger than himself after splitting from Ruth Langsford.

However, it’s thought that the new couple could be facing some issues as Katie Alexander is reportedly refusing to move in with Eamonn. The marriage counsellor is choosing to stay living in Yorkshire due to co-parenting her two teenagers with her ex-husband.

This means that she won’t be moving to London to spend more time with Eamonn who now lives in a penthouse flat in Kingston after moving out of his house he shared with Ruth. A source has said that there is “no way” that Katie will be moving in any time soon.

Eamonn is reportedly ‘lonely'(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
The MailOnline reported that they were told by a source: “‘There’s no way she will move in with Eamonn in the near future, or for many years. She has her children to consider. Truth be told, they are a little unsettled at her relationship being played out in the media and she doesn’t want to uproot them.

“They have met Eamonn on several occasions and get on great with him, so things will stay as they are for the time being. Eamonn seems so lonely since splitting with Ruth, so it’s not exactly ideal for him.”

Article continues below

Eamonn and Ruth were together for 14 years before they called time on their relationship last spring. The former couple had been together since 1996 and married since 2010.

The pair have been quiet about their split but it was reported that the the divorce has been “very painful” for Ruth. Ruth previously opened up about the split and told Woman and Home Magazine: “A break-up of a relationship is hard enough for anybody to deal with. A divorce is very difficult and it’s very painful, but most people don’t have to do it in the public eye, with everybody having an opinion about you and writing things about you and commenting things about you.

“But that’s the nature of my job. I’ve always had that and if you can’t cope with that, you shouldn’t be doing this job. I’m quite fine being on my own, but not forever. When you’re in a relationship, it’s easy to say, ‘Great, I’ve got a weekend to myself,’ but when you think that might be every weekend, it’s a different story.”

The former This Morning power couple released a blunt statement last May as they announced their split, which said: “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”