Britain’s New Nature Star Has Arrived — And He’s Already Doing What No One Else Can

For decades, Sir David Attenborough has been the voice we trusted with the wild. Calm. Reassuring. Timeless.

But this week, something extraordinary happened.

A man who once hid in hedgerows with a borrowed camera has quietly stepped into the nation’s heart — and viewers are already calling it a new era for natural-history television.

His name is Hamza Yassin.

The Trailer That Stopped The Internet

On Tuesday night, BBC One released the first glimpse of Hamza’s Wild Britain, a six-part series launching in spring 2026. Within hours, the teaser became the most watched BBC trailer in ten years.

The reason wasn’t flashy editing.
It wasn’t celebrity cameos.

It was silence.

Fifteen seconds of Hamza kneeling in a freezing Highland river as a mother otter guides her pup through its first swim — so close the ripples touch his beard. No soundtrack. No narration. Just his hushed voice:

“She’s showing him the water will hold him… if he trusts it. That’s what my mum told me when I arrived in Scotland and couldn’t speak the language.”

Twenty-eight million people watched that moment. And kept watching.

From Refugee Child To Wildlife Icon

Hamza came to the UK from Sudan at eight years old, carrying little more than a bird guide his father gave him because, as he says, “Animals don’t care where you’re from.”

While other kids played football, he cycled miles before dawn to photograph kingfishers. By sixteen he’d already won Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year. University at Bangor wasn’t about lectures — it was about living closer to puffins.

Then came the invisible decade: camera-operating on Planet Earth III, Springwatch, Countryfile. Always the man lying still for hours so foxes forgot he was there. Colleagues nicknamed him the Otter Whisperer after he captured footage no one had ever managed before — by simply becoming part of the landscape.

An Accidental Star

In 2022 he joined Strictly Come Dancing to please his mum.

He left with a glitterball trophy — and eight million new fans who realised wildlife didn’t have to feel distant or academic. It could feel human.

The BBC didn’t hesitate.

First came Hamza: Wild Isles. Then Hamza’s Sudan, filmed under the same skies he stared at as a boy. Critics wept. Viewers called it life-changing.

The Moment That Changed Everything

But nothing prepared audiences for the final shot of the Wild Britain trailer.

At 4 a.m., Hamza lies flat in a peat bog. A wild mountain hare edges closer… closer… then reaches out and touches his beard.

Hamza doesn’t flinch.

After the hare disappears, he whispers through tears:

“Sometimes the wild decides you’re worth trusting.”

Attenborough’s Blessing

Sir David Attenborough has broken his usual silence with a rare statement:

“Hamza sees nature with the eyes of a poet. The baton isn’t being passed — it’s being shared.”

The Impact No One Saw Coming

Primary schools report children swapping dreams of TikTok fame for ranger badges.
RSPB junior memberships have tripled.
Social feeds are filled with drawings of otters wearing glittery bow ties “for Uncle Hamza.”

And Hamza? He posted nothing but a muddy pair of boots beside a child’s sketch, writing:

“I’m just the tall idiot who talks to animals. Thank you for trusting me with your living rooms.”

Britain didn’t just discover a presenter this week.

It discovered a reason to care again.

‘THIS COULD BE THE END’ RESIGNATION FEARS SWEEP WESTMINSTER AFTER BOMBSHELL REVELATION CHAOS AT THE TOP

 ‘THIS COULD BE THE END’ RESIGNATION FEARS SWEEP WESTMINSTER AFTER BOMBSHELL REVELATION CHAOS AT THE TOP: What began as quiet unease has exploded into full-scale crisis. Sources claim senior figures are scrambling as pressure mounts to unbearable levels. The Prime Minister’s authority is said to be “evaporating by the hour,” and one leaked exchange hints a decision has already been taken just not announced yet

Resignation rumors are swirling around Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with insiders suggesting he may not last until 2026. Bookmakers are placing odds on his departure, and polls reveal a staggering 79% of the public disapproves of his performance. The political landscape is shifting, and the pressure is mounting.

Starmer’s candid acknowledgment of the rampant speculation regarding his leadership marks a significant turning point. This admission reveals that the Prime Minister is acutely aware of the growing discontent among both the public and his own party, which has reached unprecedented levels.

Recent polling data paints a grim picture for Starmer. A staggering 66% net approval rating deficit places him as the most unpopular Prime Minister in history. With only 18% of Britons viewing him favorably, the urgency for a change in leadership is palpable and growing.

The pivotal date of May 7, 2026, looms large on the political horizon. Local elections across the UK, including the crucial Welsh Senate, could serve as the tipping point for Starmer’s leadership. Should Labor underperform, the pressure for a leadership challenge will become irresistible.

Reports indicate that discussions among Labour MPs about replacing Starmer have already begun. The Guardian revealed that plans are actively being prepared, signaling that the party is readying itself for a potential shift in leadership. This is not mere speculation; it’s a calculated response to a dire situation.

Andy Burnham’s recent denials about plotting against Starmer have only fueled the fire. His refusal to dismiss the rumors suggests that the ambition for leadership is palpable among Labour’s ranks. Meanwhile, Shabana Mahmood’s reluctance to quash similar suggestions hints at a brewing power struggle.

As Starmer’s approval ratings continue to plummet, the internal dynamics within the Labour Party are shifting. MPs are reportedly viewing the upcoming local elections as a potential catalyst for a leadership challenge, with many believing that losing Wales would be catastrophic for Starmer’s leadership.

The January reset planned by Downing Street aims to refocus priorities, but doubts linger over its effectiveness. If the reset fails to yield positive results, the party may face an existential crisis as the May elections approach.

With the vultures circling, potential successors are already being discussed. West Streeting emerges as a front-runner, despite his denials of ambition. The political landscape is rapidly evolving, and the question of Starmer’s survival is becoming increasingly urgent.

BRITISH TROOPS FOR FOREIGN WARS BUT NO PLAN FOR BRITAIN’S BORDERS ! Keir Starmer is busy signing declarations, sending troops abroad and lecturing the world on security, while small boats keep landing and communities at home are ignored. Global posturing seems to matter more than fixing the crisis on our own streets.

UK and France sign declaration of intent to send troops to Ukraine in event of peace deal

Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been holding a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris.

‘UK will establish military hubs across Ukraine’

The UK and France have signed a joint declaration pledging to deploy troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, to guarantee the nation’s security.

The agreement states that a “multinational force for Ukraine” would be deployed to the eastern European country to deter further attacks from Russia and bolster security guarantees.

This would also allow the Ukrainian armed forces to rebuild strength, Sir Keir Starmer has announced.

Image:The leaders met for talks in Paris. Pic: Reuters

It follows a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing in Paris on Tuesday afternoon, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and the British prime minister.

Jared Kushner, the US president’s son-in-law, and the US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, also attended the talks, along with a number of other European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Starmer: We want peace that can last

Sir Keir has previously stated that the UK might deploy troops to Ukraine following a peace deal, but this agreement now creates the legal framework for allowing British and French troops to operate there.

The declaration was formally unveiled at a news conference by Mr Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sir Keir.

Addressing the media, Sir Keir said: “We’ve had a very constructive meeting.

“The purpose of the Coalition of the Willing is to help to deliver a peace that can last and to work with the US to guarantee Ukrainian security for the long term.

“This work is more advanced than ever.”

Ukraine more reassured after coalition of willing Paris meeting

The PM said the UK would participate in US-led “monitoring and verification of any ceasefire”, would provide arms to Ukraine in the long-term, and would seek binding commitments to support Ukraine in case of a future armed attack by Russia.

As well as ensuring that soldiers would be deployed on Ukrainian soil, the agreement also covers protection for Ukraine’s skies and sea, Sir Keir added.

The declaration also states that the two countries would establish “military hubs” in Ukraine, so that military equipment could be deployed for defensive needs.

One killed in Russian strike on Kyiv hospital

Sir Keir added: “This is all about building the practical foundations on which peace would rest. But we can only get to a peace deal if Putin is ready to make compromises.

“We have to be frank – for all Russia’s words, Putin is not showing that he is ready for peace.”

He concluded that the UK and its allies will continue to turn up the pressure on Russia until “they come to the table in good faith”.

Speaking at the news conference, Mr Macron said the summit had seen European nations discuss “strong security guarantees” with the US representatives, while Mr Zelenskyy called the joint declaration “very concrete”.

‘Considerable progress’ on Ukraine security guarantees

The Ukrainian president added: “This illustrates the willingness of the coalition and the European countries to work for peace.

“We want to be ready so that when diplomacy reaches peace, we can deploy the forces of the Coalition of the Willing.”

US wants ‘killing to stop’

Ukraine already has enough details and knows which countries will get involved in the agreement, including what each of them will contribute separately, Mr Zelenskyy said.

But he admitted that some issues “remain open” with the revised 20-point peace plan, with the biggest problem being “the issue of territory”.

Image:US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff speaks as US businessman Jared Kushner looks on during a press conference in Paris. Pic: Reuters

Speaking on behalf of the US, Mr Witkoff said he would meet with the Ukrainian delegation again on Tuesday evening, but that they are “largely finished with security protocols”.

He added: “We are here to mediate and help in the peace process, and we’re prepared to do anything necessary to get to that place. President Trump strongly, fervently believes that this killing has to stop, that the carnage has to stop.”

Emmerdale Star Kelvin Fletcher Devastated as Family Farmhouse Is Destroyed by Fire

A Dream Turned to Ashes!  Emmerdale’s beloved star Kelvin Fletcher faces every family’s worst nightmare — his once-idyllic farmhouse, the heart of his dreams, engulfed in flames.  Watching from miles away, powerless to help as fire consumed the home he built with Liz and their children, Kelvin called it “the stuff of nightmares.”  Now, fans around the world are rallying online, pouring out messages of love, strength, and support for the devastated family.

In what he describes as “the stuff of nightmares,” former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz Fletcher have confirmed their family farmhouse was devastated by a dramatic blaze — a catastrophe that struck while they were away.

 Fire Rips Through Home in Peak District

The couple’s 120-acre farm in the Peak District — acquired in 2021 — had been the subject of years of renovation.

During a family holiday, they received the horrifying call: their home was on fire.

Flames tore through the roof, and smoke damage left the interior uninhabitable.

“We were in another country, and there was nothing we could do,” Fletcher recalled.

 “Stuff of Nightmares” — The Emotional Toll

Kelvin used stark, emotional language to convey the disaster’s impact:

“It was the stuff of nightmares… the fire was roaring.” GB News

Liz also reflected with bittersweet humor, remarking that one casualty of the fire was her ironing board — “luckily, I never did much ironing anyway.”

 Moving Forward — Life, Farm, and the Show

Despite the trauma, the Fletchers are determined to rebuild and continue.

Their ITV show, Fletcher’s Family Farm, is still set to return on Sunday, 19 October.

While the damage is severe, the heart of their project — the farm itself — is expected to endure.

 A Scandalous Headline — But Based on Fact

Yes, the headline-style phrasing — “heartbreaking announcement,” “roars through family farm” — is sensationalized, but it is rooted in real events. The fire is confirmed. The damage is real. The suffering is personal.

“MY HEART CAN’T TAKE THIS…” JESY NELSON FACES DEVASTATING NEWS ABOUT HER TWIN BABIES Jesy Nelson Has Revealed Heartbreaking News That Has Left Her World Shattered: Doctors Have Told Her That Her Twin Babies Will Never Walk. The Little Mix Star Broke Down In Tears As She Shared The Devastating Diagnosis, Describing The Moment As “The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Faced.” Fans Quickly Flooded Social Media With Messages Of Love And Support, Rallying Around The Devastated Mum As She Struggles To Come To Terms With A Future Filled With Unimaginable Challenges. Amid The Grief, Jesy’s Raw Vulnerability Has Touched Hearts Everywhere — A Reminder That Even In The Darkest Moments, The Pain Of A Mother’s Love Is Impossible To Measure

Jesy Nelson has shared the most heartbreaking update of her life, revealing that her twin daughters have been diagnosed with the rare genetic condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) — a disease that doctors warned could mean they may never walk.

The former Little Mix star, 34, welcomed twins Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster with her fiancé Zion Foster in May, following a high-risk and emotionally draining pregnancy. Now, just eight months later, Jesy has told fans that her life has been turned upside down.

In an emotional Instagram video, Jesy struggled to hold back tears as she admitted she is “grieving a life I thought I was going to have with my children.” She explained that SMA affects every muscle in the body, leading to severe weakness, breathing difficulties and problems with swallowing.

Jesy revealed that she has effectively become a nurse to her own babies, saying she is now putting her daughters on breathing machines and doing things “no mother should ever have to do with their child.”

The singer said concerns were first raised when her mum noticed the twins were not moving their legs as much as expected. Initially, Jesy was reassured that their development would be slower because they were born prematurely. She was repeatedly told not to compare them to other babies and that everything was fine.

But over time, worrying signs appeared. The twins began struggling to feed properly, and despite multiple GP visits, Jesy was reassured again that it was normal. After months of relentless appointments and pushing for answers, the devastating diagnosis finally came: SMA Type 1 — the most severe form of the condition.

Jesy explained that without treatment, babies with SMA Type 1 often do not live past the age of two. She said time was critical, describing how quickly everything moved once specialists became involved.

After assessments at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Jesy and Zion were told their daughters would likely never be able to walk, may never regain neck strength, and would live with lifelong disabilities.

“The best thing we can do right now is get them treatment and hope for the best,” Jesy said, adding that without it, her girls would not survive. Thankfully, the twins have now received treatment, something Jesy described as lifesaving.

While there is currently no cure for SMA, new treatments can significantly slow or stop the disease if given early enough. Campaigners, including SMA UK, are pushing for routine newborn screening across the UK, arguing that many diagnoses come too late. Scotland is set to begin a pilot screening programme in 2026.

Jesy admitted the past months have been the most heartbreaking of her life, saying the hospital has become her second home. Despite her pain, she remains hopeful, telling fans she truly believes her girls can defy the odds with the right help.

Support has poured in from fellow celebrities, including Jesy’s ex-partner Chris Hughes, who called her “a warrior” and urged her to be kind to herself. Zion also shared a message of hope, posting a photo of the twins and saying they were “smiling through the challenges,” adding simply: “Daddy loves you so much.”

The devastating news comes after Jesy previously revealed she had filmed a deeply personal documentary series about her pregnancy and early motherhood for Amazon Prime, documenting what she called a new chapter in her life.

11 STONE GONE! ALISON HAMMOND’S PT REVEALS THE EMOTIONAL TRUTH BEHIND HER 5-YEAR TRANSFORMATION.

Alison Hammond’s personal trainer reveals the secrets to her 11st weight loss in video of her five-year journey as This Morning star gushes ‘you have made my life so much easier’

Alison Hammond’s personal trainer has lifted the lid on the quiet, emotional five-year journey that led to the This Morning star’s incredible 11-stone weight loss.

Alison Hammond’s personal trainer has revealed the secrets to her incredible 11st weight loss in a clip shared to Instagram on Sunday
The clip details some of Alison’s favourite moments in her fitness journey as she candidly shared a clip of her using resistance bands to sit up and out of a chair

Alison reposted the video as she gushed about how grateful she was to Ellis: ‘Massive thank you to the incredible @ellisgatfield who started my whole fitness journey’

In a moving Instagram clip shared on Sunday, fans were given a rare look at the TV favourite’s transformation, from her earliest, toughest workouts to the confident woman she is today.

Alison and her PT appear to have a strong relationship, as the montage saw the pair laughing together as they worked hard in the gym

Tagging her trainer, Alison shared the clip to her Instagram Stories with Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song Can’t Stop playing over the top

The 50-year-old presenter proudly showed herself in the weights section of the gym, demonstrating how far she has come since starting her fitness journey. The montage includes footage of Alison using resistance bands to help herself rise from a chair, before progressing to weighted cycling sessions through her local streets alongside her long-time personal trainer, Ellis Gatfield.

Ellis and Alison posed together as the TV star told him: ‘You never looked down on me and this I will always be grateful for. So happy you can still check in on me and push me’

Reposting the video to her own page, Alison couldn’t hide her gratitude.

“Massive thank you to the incredible @ellisgatfield who started my whole fitness journey,” she wrote.
“I will never forget the time you put into me and how gentle and kind you were when I was struggling. You have made my life so much easier by simple changes and kindness I will never forget.

“You never looked down on me and this I will always be grateful for. So happy you can still check in on me, push me and keep me accountable.”

Over the past five years, Alison has shed an astonishing 11 stone after discovering she was pre-diabetic — a wake-up call that prompted her to overhaul her lifestyle with healthier eating and regular exercise.

In a previous interview, Alison explained how she manages to stay on track while working on The Great British Bake Off, surrounded by irresistible cakes.

“I eat a bit of Paul and Prue’s after they’ve finished judging,” she admitted.
“I only try the ones that got a handshake from Paul or the ones that won. If the judges aren’t impressed, I’m not trying it.”

The star has also been open about rejecting weight-loss jabs, choosing instead to rely on training and moderation.

At her heaviest, Alison weighed 28 stone. Speaking to Heat, she revealed:
“I’ve got a personal trainer — she’s amazing. She trains me when I can train. If I’m working, I don’t train, I’ll go for a walk. But when I’m at home, I’ll do a session in the morning, about an hour, maybe four days a week.”

When it comes to food, Alison insists she hasn’t banned anything completely.

“I don’t deny myself anything. I eat everything — just in moderation.”

She has previously explained her hesitation around weight-loss injections, telling Good Housekeeping UK that scare stories had left her frightened.

“For people who need them, they’re a good thing,” she said.
“But as soon as I hear any scare story, I get frightened. I wouldn’t rule it out in the future, but I would never judge anyone who uses them.”

Alison has also shared the deeply personal reason behind her determination to change. Her mother Maria died in January 2020 from lung and liver cancer, and she was living with type 2 diabetes.

“My mum was worried for me,” Alison said.
“So when I found out I was pre-diabetic, it was frightening. I thought, ‘I have to be an adult about this.’ The sweets had to stop — and the fatty foods.”

Today, her routine includes seeing her personal trainer twice a week, keeping weights in her bedroom, walking, stretching and even doing yoga — simple habits that have completely transformed her life.

When The Lights Go Quiet — Pauline Quirke’s Family Face The Long Goodbye Dementia Brings

Pauline Quirke was diagnosed with dementia back in 2021, a life-changing moment her family chose to keep private as they tried to understand what this cruel condition would mean for the woman they adore. When they finally shared the news publicly in 2025, it was not for headlines or sympathy — it was to help others navigating the same silent heartbreak.

The slow shift no one ever sees

Those closest to Pauline describe dementia not as a single blow, but as a quiet erosion. It begins with small changes: a wobble of confidence, slips in short-term memory, conversations losing their natural rhythm. Over time, it reaches deeper, stealing names, shared jokes, and even the instinctive recognition between parent and child.

Friends say Pauline has gently withdrawn from the world she once ruled. No more acting. No public appearances. Yet inside the family home, her days are now shaped by care, patience and extraordinary courage.

Families living with dementia often talk about a single, devastating moment — the first time a loved one looks at them with uncertainty instead of recognition. The face is familiar. The eyes are gentle. But the lifelong bond suddenly feels fragile.

A different kind of goodbye

Dementia does not come with a final curtain call. It lingers, stretching time and forcing families to grieve in instalments — every forgotten name, every vanished story, every question that once needed no asking.

Yet within that sorrow, Pauline’s family have found something else: moments of connection that live beyond memory. A smile without context. A laugh without explanation. The comfort of simply sitting together.

They no longer measure life in milestones. They measure it in moments of peace.

Turning pain into purpose

By speaking out, Pauline’s family are helping to dismantle the silence that still surrounds dementia. Their story is not about fame — it is about the countless households across the UK quietly living the same reality behind closed doors.

Pauline Quirke once gave Britain characters we will never forget. Now, through her family’s bravery, she is offering something even more powerful: a reminder that love does not end when memory fades — it simply learns to speak in a different way.

LOCKED IN TO D|E? An emergency exit was “always locked,” a bartender has claimed — as investigators probe the deadly Swiss ski resort inferno

A criminal investigation was launched yesterday into the French owners of the Swiss ski bar engulfed by a deadly inferno on New Year’s Eve, amid claims that an emergency exit at the venue was ‘always locked’.

Police announced that Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, were being investigated on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm and arson after a horrific blaze killed 40 and injured 119.

The inferno at Le Constellation in the Alpine resort of Crans–Montana erupted in the venue’s basement bar when sparklers in champagne bottles set a ceiling covered in insulation foam alight.

Harrowing video footage showed revellers, many of whom were teenagers, continuing to party as the flames spread across the ceiling, losing crucial seconds during which they could have fled.

The venue was branded a ‘deathtrap’ after it emerged that partygoers squeezed up a narrow staircase to escape the flames and toxic smoke in the basement.

But in a major development, it was yesterday claimed there was another potential escape route via an emergency exit within the basement – but that it was allegedly always locked.

Andrea, 31, a bartender who works elsewhere in the resort but was a regular at Le Constellation, told German newspaper Bild: ‘There was an entrance that also served as an exit. And there was an emergency exit. But whenever I was there, it was always locked.

‘Everyone in town knew things were bound to go wrong eventually.

‘The emergency exit was in a separate smoking room. Hardly anyone used it; most went up to the conservatory. The smoking room was used as a kind of storage room. There was a sofa inside in front of the door, and carelessly discarded objects lay outside.’

Pictured: 16–year–old girl Chiara Costanzo, from Milan, Italy, was the second person to be named as a victim

A makeshift memorial outside the ‘Le Constellation’ bar following the fire

Another witness, Grigori, who was on his way to the bar when the fire erupted, and whose friend is among the missing, said: ‘There’s another exit, but I think they were locking it because some people were escaping without paying.’

Read More

Pictured: How Swiss bar owners renovated club themselves – as they say they are ‘very unwell’

The Mail on Sunday has also identified a third exit on the ground floor of the bar, which led into a covered shopping area that includes a ski rental shop.

Anyone using that exit would then, however, have to go through another glass door to escape on to the street. It is unclear whether either of those doors were open or locked when the fire started at 1.30am.

The revelations came as a 16–year–old girl from Milan, Italy, was the second person to be named as a victim. Chiara Costanzo’s father, Andrea, told an Italian newspaper he felt a ‘great emptiness’ after receiving a call ‘that should never come to a father’.

‘Until the very end we hoped that Chiara was among the injured admitted to the hospital but not yet identified,’ he said. ‘Then, without warning, the world collapses. You’re never ready. You can’t be.

‘It’s unnatural for a father to lose a daughter. I wish she wasn’t ‘just’ a name on a list of victims. Because she was never a number. She was a beloved daughter.’

Italian national Emanuele Galeppini, 17 and a golf prodigy, was the first victim to be reported dead, with the news confirmed by the Italian Golf Federation on Friday.

Police yesterday said eight Swiss victims had been identified and their bodies released to their families. They are four women and four men, including two 16–year–olds.

Dozens of families, however, continue to face an agonising wait as experts attempt to identify the remaining 30 victims and five of the most seriously injured.

The entrance of the bar Le Constellation where a fire ripped through the venue during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans–Montana

Mourners hug alongside floral tributes to the victims of the fire near the bar in Crans–Montana

Swiss justice minister Beat Jans (second from the right) looks at the tributes to the victims

A firefighter pays tribute to the victims of the deadly fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans–Montana, Switzerland

A photo appears to show the moment champagne sparklers set fire to material on the ceiling of the Swiss nightclub

Footage shows the deadly flashover, when extreme heat caused everything inside the enclosed space to ignite almost at once, that left people little chance to flee

‘It’s a wait that destroys people’s stability,’ said Elvira Venturella, an Italian psychologist working with the families. Those missing include French–born Charlotte Niddam, 15, who attended Immanuel College, a private Jewish school in Hertfordshire, and the Jewish Free School in North London.

Read More

Firefighters who braved Swiss ski resort inferno honour victims they couldn’t save

One of her friends, Summer Chesler, yesterday posted a video montage showing the pair dancing together with the caption: ‘I miss my best friend.’

Another friend, Sophie, shared a separate TikTok video with a caption that read: ‘My heart has broken. Please come home Charlotte, we are all waiting for you.’

Sixteen–year–old Arthur Brodard is also among the missing. His mother Laetitia, from Lausanne, Switzerland, said: ‘There are five unidentified people in hospital [but] the authorities refuse to tell us where they are, in which country, in which canton. Anger is starting to rise. There are more than 30 parents looking for our children.’

Stephane Ganzer, state councillor in charge of the Department of Security, said the identification of victims was ‘a top priority’, acknowledging the ‘unbearable wait’ endured by families.

Mr Moretti yesterday appeared for the first time since the tragedy, near a restaurant he owns in the nearby village of Lens. He refused to answer questions from the MoS.

Meanwhile, last night’s episode of ITV’s The Masked Singer scrapped a performance of the song Disco Inferno, which featured dancers in fire suits, ‘owing to potential insensitivities’.

“They Can’t Just Do This — It’s Dangerous!” Shocking new footage shows masked British men targeting migrant boats on French beaches, sparking fear, outrage, and warnings of a dangerous escalation in the Channel crisis. Witnesses say lives were put at risk as chaos unfolded in plain sight. What’s behind this vigilante action — and how serious could this become? Watch the footage and read the full breakdown below.

“They Can’t Just Do This!” New footage has emerged showing masked British men targeting migrant boats on French beaches, sparking outrage and fear across both sides of the Channel. Witnesses described the scenes as “terrifying” and “chaotic,” with locals and officials alike warning this could mark a chilling new chapter in the crisis. Is this the result of public desperation after years of political inaction — or the beginning of something far more dangerous?

In the windswept dunes of northern France, where the English Channel’s waves crash like a relentless tide of human desperation, a new front has opened in the battle over illegal migration. Shocking footage circulating online shows masked British men, cloaked in hoods and anonymity, storming beaches near Calais and Dunkirk. Armed with knives, they slash inflatable dinghies destined for the UK, their blades slicing through rubber as they bellow war cries like “Not one more!” and “Don’t touch another person!” These self-proclaimed patriots, operating under banners like “Operation Stop The Boats,” have turned the migrant route into a theater of vigilante justice, raising alarms about escalating violence on Europe’s shores.

The clips, amassing thousands of views on platforms like X and Instagram, depict the men—often waving Union Jacks—digging up buried boats from the sand, stomping engines, and puncturing hulls under cover of night. One viral video captures a hooded figure plunging a knife into a deflated vessel, the hiss of escaping air underscoring his declaration: “We’re taking matters into our own hands because no one else will.” These aren’t isolated acts; groups like Raise The Colours, with over 100,000 followers, have documented dozens of such raids, framing them as a grassroots response to what they call a “migrant invasion.” Their online pleas for donations urge supporters: “Stopping the boats, whether the migrants or government like it or not!”

This surge in far-right activism comes amid record Channel crossings. In 2025 alone, over 50,000 migrants have braved the deadly 21-mile stretch, a 50% spike from last year, driven by smuggling gangs profiting millions. French authorities, bolstered by £500 million in UK funding, have intensified patrols—deploying drones, buggies, and even slashing boats themselves in shallow waters. But critics argue these measures fall short, with migrants regrouping in squalid camps, undeterred by the peril. Last July, BBC footage showed gendarmes wading in to knife a dinghy packed with families, dragging the wreckage ashore amid cries of frustration. “It’s like a war zone,” one migrant told reporters, echoing Nigel Farage’s warnings of “hammer attacks and stabbings” by rival gangs.

Yet, the vigilantes’ interventions teeter on the edge of criminality. French prosecutors in Dunkirk have launched probes into “aggravated violence” against migrants, citing September incidents where four flag-waving Brits allegedly assaulted asylum seekers, stealing belongings and hurling insults: “You’re not welcome in England!” Human rights groups like Utopia 56 decry the acts as xenophobic thuggery, warning they exacerbate dangers—deflated boats mean more desperate launches, and 73 deaths last year underscore the route’s lethality. One Kurdish migrant, Deniz, recounted four failed crossings: “We begged the officer to look away, but he slashed it anyway. Now it’s these masked men doing the same.”

Back in Britain, the raids split opinions. Supporters hail them as bold patriotism, filling a void left by “ineffective” governments—Labour’s border policies under fire for hotel housing and benefit strains. Detractors, including anti-fascist watchdogs, fear they embolden extremists, potentially sparking clashes with armed smugglers who, in one clip, stabbed at a vigilante’s car tire while police stood by. As winter storms brew, the question looms: Will these knife-wielding crusaders deter crossings, or ignite a transnational powder keg? With Franco-British summits looming, the beaches remain a flashpoint—where desperation meets defiance, and one punctured dream can sink lives on both sides.

Nation in Tears as Heartbreaking News Is Confirmed About Isla, the Brave 8-Year-Old Who Touched Millions

The nation is holding its breath in sorrow and hope tonight as devastating news emerges about 8-year-old Isla Screaton Kilpatrick — the radiant little girl whose courage and unforgettable smile became a symbol of joy for millions during BBC’s DIY SOS.

Isla, who lives with the extremely rare genetic condition Mandibuloacral Dysplasia (a unique mutation making her the only known person in the UK with this variant), has seen her health deteriorate sharply in recent days. Her single mum, Stacey, has confirmed that Isla’s brittle bones, mobility challenges, and the premature aging effects on her major organs have worsened significantly. She is now seriously ill and currently receiving intensive care in hospital.

The heartbreaking update comes just months after the country fell in love with Isla during the opening episode of the revived DIY SOS series, which aired in October 2025. Stacey had nominated her family for the show in the hope of creating a more accessible home that would give her daughter greater independence despite the daily struggles caused by her condition.

When Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team arrived in Aylestone, Leicester, the response from the public was overwhelming. A near-record 2,000 volunteers applied to help, and around 160 tradespeople worked tirelessly to transform the family home in just days. The bespoke adaptations — lowered light switches, door handles, a downstairs bathroom, wider doorways, and stair access improvements — were designed specifically around Isla’s needs.

The moment of the big reveal will forever be etched in the nation’s memory. As Isla explored her beautifully adapted new home, her face lit up with pure delight. With the biggest smile, she turned to the camera and said the words that melted hearts across the country:

“I love it. I can get around the house more easily…”

Those simple, heartfelt words captured everything: gratitude, triumph, and the quiet courage of a little girl who had spent much of her life crawling or needing help for the smallest tasks. Viewers described breaking down in tears within minutes of the episode, hailing Isla as “a little superstar” and praising the extraordinary kindness of the community that rallied around her.

Stacey later shared how the transformation had exceeded all expectations, giving Isla the freedom to walk up stairs instead of crawling and to reach things on her own for the first time. The new home was meant to be a safe, joyful space for whatever time Isla had ahead.

Doctors had previously warned the family that after the age of seven, the risks of serious complications — including strokes and heart problems — would increase significantly due to the progressive nature of her condition. In recent days, those fears have become reality. Isla’s illness has taken a sudden and severe turn for the worse, and she is now fighting in hospital under close medical supervision.

Tonight, the family released a short, emotional statement asking for continued love and prayers:

“Isla is the strongest, most joyful little girl. She has taught us all to celebrate the smallest victories — like turning on a light switch by herself. Right now she is very unwell in hospital and we are by her side every moment. We are so grateful for the love and support she has received from everyone since DIY SOS. Please keep her in your thoughts.”

Nick Knowles, visibly moved, posted on social media: “Isla’s smile and those words ‘I love it. I can get around the house more easily…’ touched every single one of us. She is the bravest little soul. Sending all our love to Isla, Stacey and the family at this incredibly difficult time. Stay strong, little one.”

Across Britain, tributes are pouring in. Clips of Isla’s DIY SOS moment are being reshared thousands of times, with people writing messages like: “She gave us hope. Now we’re all praying for her.” “That smile… we can’t lose her.” “Britain is crying with you tonight, Stacey.”

Earlier this year, cruel online hoaxes had falsely claimed Isla had passed away shortly after the episode, forcing Stacey to speak out to protect her daughter’s memory. Tonight’s news is real and raw — not a hoax, but a genuine medical crisis that has the whole country holding its breath.

Isla’s story has once again highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness, research funding, and support for families living with ultra-rare genetic conditions. The DIY SOS team has reiterated their love and support, promising to stand by the family in any way they can.

As Isla fights in hospital, the nation remembers her not as a tragic statistic, but as the bright, determined little girl who reminded us all what matters most: the joy found in small freedoms, the power of community, and the unbreakable spirit of a child who never stopped smiling.

“I love it. I can get around the house more easily…” Those words, once a celebration of victory, are now being whispered as a prayer for strength across the country.

Please keep Isla in your hearts tonight.