Emmerdale: Dylan WAKES UP! Kim’s Devastating Blow

Emmerdale launches into the new week with an episode that refuses to let its characters — or viewers — breathe. Monday’s instalment is steeped in tension, grief, and life-altering decisions, as long-running storylines reach critical turning points. From a hospital bedside vigil that could expose dangerous truths, to Kim Tate suffering yet another devastating loss, the village finds itself suspended between hope and dread.

This is one of those Emmerdale episodes where every storyline feels precariously balanced on a knife edge. One wrong word, one impulsive choice, and the fallout could ripple through the village for weeks — if not months — to come.

Dylan Wakes Up — But the Danger Is Far From Over

The episode’s most anticipated moment arrives at the hospital, where Dylan finally regains consciousness after being trapped in a coma. For Marlon and Rona, who have barely left his side, the relief is immediate but fleeting. They are driven not just by hope, but by sheer terror about what comes next.

Dylan waking up should mark the beginning of answers — but instead, it feels like the start of a far more dangerous chapter.

Rona’s earlier mistake looms heavily over the scene. By foolishly letting Celia know that Dylan might regain consciousness, she inadvertently set a ticking clock in motion. Even with Dylan alive, Marlon and Rona know they are far from safe. Ray and Celia are not people who wait patiently for the truth to emerge — they are people who eliminate threats.

As doctors bring Dylan around, Marlon and Rona become frantic, desperate to ensure that Ray and Celia don’t reach him first. Their fear is palpable, etched into every anxious glance and hurried whisper. This isn’t relief. This is survival mode. Dylan may be awake, but he is still dangerously vulnerable.

The question isn’t just whether Dylan will speak — it’s whether he will live long enough to do so.

April’s Fear Collides With the Truth

While Marlon and Rona see Dylan’s awakening as a fragile opportunity to break free from the grip of fear, April sees it very differently. The idea of involving the police fills her with dread. Her reaction is raw, emotional, and heartbreakingly understandable.

April has been conditioned to believe that telling the truth only makes things worse. In her world, honesty has led to threats, punishment, and escalating danger. So when the prospect of police involvement becomes real, her instinct is not relief — it’s panic.

She pushes for Dylan to stay silent, believing that keeping quiet is the only way to protect everyone. It’s a tragic reflection of the psychological control Ray and Celia have exerted over her. Even now, with Dylan awake, their influence remains deeply embedded.

When DS Carter arrives at the hospital to question Dylan, the tension becomes almost unbearable. The room feels heavy with unspoken fear, every character painfully aware that what Dylan says next could change everything.

Ray watches closely, convinced that his grip on the situation is still intact. For a brief, chilling moment, it seems as though things might go his way. Dylan’s vulnerability, April’s fear, and the family’s fractured unity all work in Ray’s favour.

But the question hangs in the air: what will Dylan say?

Will this be the moment Ray finally loses control? Or will Dylan’s silence push Marlon’s family into even greater danger, proving that survival sometimes demands the most painful compromises?

Kim Tate’s World Shatters — Again

Elsewhere, Emmerdale delivers another emotional gut punch as Kim Tate continues her recovery in hospital following her brutal accident. Still unaware that Sam and Lydia were the catalyst behind it all, Kim remains in the dark — a cruel irony that makes what comes next even more devastating.

When Kim receives the heartbreaking news about Ice, she is completely blindsided. The loss hits her with crushing force. Ice wasn’t just a horse — Ice represented loyalty, stability, and constancy in Kim’s increasingly fractured world. At a time when betrayal and chaos seem to surround her, Ice was something she could rely on.

That loss leaves Kim raw, vulnerable, and furious.

Joe, attempting to protect her, steps in and makes a decision on Kim’s behalf. But instead of easing her pain, his intervention only fuels her heartbreak and anger. To Kim, it feels like yet another moment where control has been ripped from her grasp — something she simply cannot tolerate.

She lashes out, her grief spilling over into rage. In that moment, Kim is forced to confront a devastating question: can she ever truly forgive Joe for taking that choice away from her?

It’s a powerful reminder that for Kim Tate, strength is tied to autonomy. Taking decisions away from her, even with good intentions, cuts deeper than most realise.

Ruby’s Chaos Brings Comic Relief — With Consequences

Away from the darkness, Ruby injects a burst of lighter chaos into the episode — though, true to Emmerdale form, it’s not without consequences. After getting spectacularly drunk at a vineyard, Ruby makes an impulsive decision to buy wine, only to later realise she has imported far more than she ever intended.

It’s classic Ruby: bold, reckless, and oddly endearing.

Rather than panicking, Mr. sees an opportunity in the mess and floats the idea of turning Ruby’s mistake into a business venture. The storyline teeters between potential triumph and inevitable disaster. Could this be a surprising success? Or is it another example of enthusiasm sprinting ahead of common sense?

Either way, it adds a welcome dose of unpredictability to an otherwise heavy episode.

A Secret Wedding and a Dangerous Game

Meanwhile, Sarah and Jacob continue their elaborate game of misdirection. While the village believes they are planning a Christmas Eve gender reveal party, the truth is far more exciting — and far more risky. The pair are secretly planning a wedding.

Desperate to avoid Charity and Carrie taking over, they enlist Belle to help keep the secret. Belle agrees, approaching the task with careful planning and quiet determination. There’s a genuine sense of joy and hope in their scenes — a rare emotional uplift amid the chaos.

But this is Emmerdale, and secrets rarely stay buried for long.

As Christmas draws closer, the tension mounts. Will the wedding remain hidden until vows are exchanged? Or will the truth explode at the worst possible moment, turning celebration into catastrophe?

Hope, Dread, and a Village on Edge

Monday’s episode leaves Emmerdale poised on the brink. Dylan’s words could dismantle a criminal grip or deepen the danger. Kim’s grief threatens to reshape her relationships forever. And a handful of risky choices — made out of fear, love, and desperation — threaten to change everything.

With the village suspended between hope and dread, one thing is certain: Emmerdale is heading into a week where nothing — and no one — will emerge unchanged.

The world of Formula 1 was set ablaze when Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s most decorated driver, announced his move to Ferrari. It was a “match made in heaven”—the most iconic driver joining the most legendary team. Yet, as the dust settles on his first campaign in the scarlet red overalls, the dream has rapidly morphed into what Hamilton himself describes as a “nightmare.” Beyond the lack of podiums and the sting of being outpaced by teammate Charles Leclerc, a much deeper issue is surfacing: a fundamental clash between Hamilton’s championship-winning methodology and the rigid, ego-driven culture of Ferrari.

A Season of Unwanted Records

Coming off the back of his statistically worst season in F1 history, Hamilton has reached a crossroads. For the first time in his illustrious career, he failed to stand on the podium over an entire season. The 40-year-old Briton joined Ferrari with a singular focus—securing that elusive eighth world title. However, 2024 was defined by disqualifications and technical stagnation rather than champagne and trophies.

The trouble began early. In China, a glimmer of hope appeared when Hamilton secured a sprint race victory, but the joy was short-lived. By the main Grand Prix, the car’s inherent flaws were exposed. Both Ferraris were disqualified for excessive skid wear—a result of the team forcing the car to run dangerously low to find even a hint of competitive pace. This pattern of “run low and get disqualified” or “run high and be slow” plagued the team throughout the year, leaving Hamilton increasingly disillusioned.

The “Dossier” Dilemma: A Driver Playing Engineer?

Hamilton is not a driver who sits idly by. Drawing from his decade of dominance at Mercedes, he began treating his role at Ferrari as more than just a pilot; he wanted to be a catalyst for organizational change. Throughout the year, Hamilton revealed that he had been submitting extensive technical documents and reports to the hierarchy, including John Elkann, Benedetto Vigna, and Fred Vasseur.

“I’ve been doing that all year,” Hamilton explained, noting that he had put together a complete dossier for the team regarding engine development, suspension geometry, and internal processes. He was essentially handing Ferrari the blueprint that made Mercedes an unstoppable force in the late 2010s.

However, this proactive approach has been met with a surprising amount of internal resistance. Former Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene, who led the team from 2014 to 2019, offered a damning critique of this behavior. Drawing parallels to Sebastian Vettel’s tenure, Arrivabene suggested that when a driver starts acting like an engineer, it is a sign that the relationship is already failing.

“Sebastian Vettel also sent such dossiers,” Arrivabene revealed to Sky Italia. “The documents from the four-time world champion were almost useless. Everyone should mind their own business. If a driver starts playing engineer, that’s it—it’s already over.” Arrivabene’s stance highlights the traditionalist “devil in the details” mindset of Ferrari’s engineering core, which often views external feedback as an intrusion rather than an opportunity.

The Ego Gap: Data vs. Feel

The friction at Maranello often boils down to a conflict of perspectives. Engineers rely on cold, hard data; they see the telemetry and the simulations. Drivers, however, experience the “feel” of the car on the limit. Hamilton’s frustration stems from the fact that while the data might suggest the car is performing, the reality on track is often “awful to drive.”

The Ferrari hierarchy has long been criticized for having an ego that prevents them from listening to their drivers. It is a culture that has seen the team fail to win a championship of any kind since 2008, despite having world-class talent like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel in the cockpit. By ignoring Hamilton’s “dossiers,” the team risks repeating the same mistakes that led to the departures of previous legends.

Radio Silence and the Road Ahead

The strain was audible to anyone listening to the team radio this season. The exchanges between Hamilton and his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, were frequently tense, awkward, and tinged with anger. In Hungary, after qualifying a dismal 12th, Hamilton’s self-deprecation reached a low point, suggesting he was “useless” and that the team might need a different driver.

As the season concluded, Hamilton sounded like a man broken by the “Matrix” of professional racing. His desire to “disconnect,” “put the phone in the bin,” and speak to no one over the winter break speaks volumes about the mental toll this season has taken.

Despite the public friction, Ferrari’s head of track engineering, Matteo Tonini, insists that the relationship is “extremely positive” and that the media has sensationalized the struggle. He argues that the frustration is a natural byproduct of a team failing to meet its targets. However, for F1 fans and analysts, the signs are clear: if Ferrari does not set aside its ego and utilize the immense technical knowledge Hamilton brings from his Mercedes glory days, the 2026 engine regulations might just be another wasted opportunity.

Hamilton isn’t just looking for a fast car; he’s looking for a team that is willing to evolve. If the “dossiers” continue to go unread, the most famous partnership in racing history may go down as its most significant disappointment.

Lawrence Robb: From Emmerdale’s Mackenzie Boyd to Multi-Talented Performer

Scottish actor Lawrence Robb has become a familiar face to British television audiences thanks to his role as Mackenzie “Mack” Boyd in ITV’s long-running soap opera Emmerdale. With his natural acting style, charm, and emotional depth, Robb has quickly distinguished himself as one of the soap’s most compelling newer cast members.

Early Life and Career Path

Born and raised in Kilmacolm, Scotland, Lawrence Robb displayed a passion for the performing arts from an early age. Interested in drama and music, he pursued professional training in theatre, screen acting, and music at New College Lanarkshire, earning a BA in Acting & Performance.

Before joining Emmerdale, Robb honed his craft through various stage productions and smaller television roles, gradually building his experience and demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

Breakthrough with Emmerdale

In 2020, Robb joined Emmerdale as Mackenzie Boyd, the younger brother of Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb). Mack quickly became a fan favorite, with his mischievous charm, wit, and hidden vulnerabilities striking a chord with viewers.

Over time, Mack has been at the center of several gripping storylines, including a tangled love triangle with Chloe Harris (Jessie Elland) and Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins). Recent plot twists see Mack proposing to Chloe after she announces a second pregnancy—though viewers know his secret betrayal with Charity will eventually come to light.

Robb’s on-screen chemistry with co-stars and ability to convey emotional depth has solidified his status as a key player in the Dales.

Personality and Personal Life

Off screen, Lawrence is described by colleagues as warm, humorous, and approachable. He frequently shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on set via social media, giving fans insight into the cast’s camaraderie.

Lawrence is in a long-term relationship with Joanne Thomson, a Glasgow-born actress, writer, and director. Thomson has appeared in critically acclaimed dramas including Outlander, The Suffragettes, and In Plain Sight, and is set to direct her debut film, recently shortlisted for BFI funding. The couple enjoys travelling together—from Venice to Malibu—and share two dachshunds, Peaches and Pip.

Romantic gestures are also a hallmark of their relationship, with memorable moments shared on social media. For Valentine’s Day, Joanne gifted Lawrence Disneyland tickets, delighting him over a Zoom call.

Musical Talents

While best known for acting, Lawrence’s first love was musical theatre, which he studied at university. A trained vocalist and pianist, he has previously performed covers of classic tracks for fans. In June 2020, he uploaded a video performing Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” on piano, showcasing his musical skills and earning praise from followers.

Career Beyond Emmerdale

In addition to Emmerdale, Robb has appeared in the dark comedy-drama I Hate Suzie (2020) and the detective film The Trouble Downstairs (2014). Though acting remains his primary focus, he continues to explore musical projects, embracing a multifaceted career that blends performance, music, and stage work.

With his talent, dedication, and growing fan base, Lawrence Robb is poised for continued success in television, theatre, film, and music—cementing his place as one of Scotland’s rising stars.

Coronation Street reveals first look at Todd’s special episode after worrying cliffhanger

The big scenes air on Monday.

Coronation Street has shared a first look at Todd Grimshaw and Theo Silverton’s powerful special episode – and it’s the long-running soap as we’ve never seen it before. The show will experiment with a unique style, for one night only, as Todd and Theo’s disturbing story takes its latest twist.

Show bosses recently announced that Monday’s episode (15 December) will explore the latest drama for Todd and Theo through the perspective of various in-universe cameras. These will include doorbell cams, CCTV, police body cams and the hidden recording devices that Todd has planted around his and Theo’s flat

Corrie left fans on a worrying cliffhanger last night, as Gary Windass mentioned that he’d overheard a disturbance at Todd and Theo’s place. This fuelled George Shuttleworth and Christina Boyd’s fears that something strange is going on involving Todd.

Monday’s episode sees the show flash back to what happened in the build-up to Todd and Theo’s mysterious and concerning incident.

A newly-released spoiler clip shows the opening scene of this special ‘behind closed doors’ episode, as Todd’s friend Sarah Barlow arrives unexpectedly at the flat.

As seen on doorbell footage, Sarah asks to be let inside, which leaves Todd feeling uneasy. Abusive Theo has previously ordered Todd to cut Sarah out of his life, so Todd is wary of going against his demands.

When Sarah makes it clear that she won’t take no for an answer, Todd reluctantly buzzes her in.

Hit play below for a first look at the scene:

Speaking recently about overseeing this first-of-its-kind episode, Coronation Street director Matt Hilton explained: “It felt like a really bold idea to show it in this intimate and voyeuristic way that I’d never seen done before. As a fan of the true crime genre, I could see how it could work if we did it right, something that would be intriguing for the viewer and make them feel uncomfortable in watching it all take place.”

Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd, added: “We were discovering how to play to that style of filming ‘on the job’, so it felt like an exciting collaborative adventure for all departments.

“I think I anticipated it might feel like we were watching Corrie characters through a haze, a slight step further back from the action, but it actually has the opposite effect where it feels like it brings us closer, like we’re eavesdropping on our characters and seeing something we shouldn’t. I haven’t seen the full episode yet, but the bits I have seen are very effective and disorientating.”

EMOTIONAL UPDATE  Amy Dowden Reveals Reality of Healing After Cancer Surgery

Strictly star Amy Dowden has issued a post-operation update, just weeks after getting a second mastectomy.

The Welsh dancer, 35, opened up in a video for her followers on Instagram earlier today (Tuesday, December 9).

Amy was at a carol service hosted by Breast Cancer Now last night (Credit: BBC)

Amy Dowden on ’emotional’ night at Breast Cancer carol service

Last night saw Amy give a reading at Breast Cancer Now’s Carol Concert at St Peter’s Church.

Reflecting on the night on her Instagram story today, Amy opened up about how one speech in particular last night “resonated” with her.

“I had the most wonderful day last night [at] the Breast Cancer Now Christmas Carol service. I had the honour to do a reading. It was just one special night. Met so many wonderful ladies who are going through breast cancer, have secondary breast cancer, to those who are on the other side,” she said.

Speaking about a speech from a breast cancer survivor who she sought advice from following her own diagnosis, Amy said: “Certain things she said in her speech, I could really relate to and it really helped me. She said how she’s no longer emotionally attached to her body, especially her boobs. Well, I’ve got two new ones.”

Amy issued an update (Credit: @amy_dowden / Instagram)

‘A cancer diagnosis never leaves you’

The pro dancer continued, saying: “Then she said how proud she is of her body for all it’s got her through and for standing there today, and allowing her to do all she can today. And I was just like, ‘Oh, absolutely’.

“It was quite emotional as well. It really touched me and it made me even more grateful last night to be where I am today, celebrating and looking forward to the run-up to Christmas, the Strictly final,” she then continued. She then revealed that filming of the Christmas special is today.

Amy then continued, saying: “Last night was another reminder to go grab life, as Nikki would say, and don’t hold back. Yes, a cancer diagnosis never leaves you but gosh, I’m one of the lucky ones.

“I will do all I can, like this incredible soul I just spoke about, to continue to raise awareness and to give back to all that helped me during a really tough period of my life.”

Amy underwent an op last month (Credit: ITV)

Amy on her preventative mastectomy

Speaking on Lorraine last week, Amy opened up about undergoing a second mastectomy and how she “can’t” go through another cancer diagnosis.

The mastectomy is to prevent her cancer from coming back after specs were found in her left breast.

“This is preventative. I’m young. I want children. I would do anything to just have my old life back and not be going through this,” she admitted during the segment.

“I certainly don’t want to have surgery again. But what I do know is I can’t go through another cancer diagnosis again. I can’t,” she said.

At the end of the segment, Amy expressed her hopes for the future.

“I would really love to be back dancing, a little bit, in the Strictly final,” she said.

The Formula 1 paddock is no stranger to drama, but the latest revelations surrounding the departure of Christian Horner and his enduring bond with Max Verstappen have sent shockwaves through the sport. For months, the narrative suggested a clean break between the man who built the Red Bull dynasty and the driver who became its greatest crown jewel. However, a candid interview has pulled back the curtain on a reality that is far more complex, emotional, and strategically charged than anyone dared to imagine.

The Secret Connection: “We Never Stopped Talking”

In an extraordinary revelation that has left analysts stunned, Max Verstappen recently confirmed that his relationship with Christian Horner did not end when Horner was unceremoniously dismissed from Red Bull Racing in July 2025. Despite the internal “unrest” and the arrival of new management under Laurent Mekies, the three-time world champion maintained constant, secret contact with his former mentor during the most intense title fight of his career.

Verstappen revealed that Horner was a persistent presence in the background, sending messages of encouragement every single race weekend—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. “Christian ultimately went through fire for me,” Verstappen stated, referencing their shared history and the legendary 2021 battle. This wasn’t just professional courtesy; it was a lifeline. While the world watched Verstappen claw back a massive points deficit against Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Horner was there, acting as a silent advisor and a “biggest fan.” This enduring loyalty highlights a deep-seated rift between Verstappen and the Red Bull hierarchy, suggesting that the “bond” built over a decade of dominance remains unbroken by corporate politics.

Horner’s $60 Million Revenge: The Alpine Takeover

While Verstappen battles on the track, Christian Horner is reportedly using his staggering £60 million ($76 million) severance payout to plot a comeback that would redefine the F1 grid. Reports from The Telegraph indicate that Horner is not looking for a mere job; he is looking for power. He is currently in active negotiations to acquire a significant 24% ownership stake in the Alpine F1 team.

The opportunity is ripe. Alpine, which finished a dismal 10th in the 2025 Constructor’s Championship, is a team in desperate need of an architect. The current investment group, Otro Capital—which famously includes Hollywood stars like Ryan Reynolds, Michael B. Jordan, and sports icons like Rory McIlroy—is reportedly looking for an exit strategy. Horner, whose gardening leave expires in April 2026, is positioning himself to step into the void. The irony is palpable: the man who led Red Bull to the summit may soon own the team that currently sits at the very bottom. With Alpine switching to Mercedes engines in 2026, Horner could be holding the keys to the sport’s next great turnaround.

A Grid in Turmoil: The Fallout of Horner’s Return

The potential return of Horner to the paddock as a team owner brings a volatile dynamic to the 2026 season. His relationship with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff remains “frosty at best,” and with Mercedes set to supply Alpine’s engines, the two rivals will be forced into a forced marriage of technical necessity. Furthermore, the accusations from Red Bull’s Helmut Marko regarding “dirty tricks” suggest that Horner’s return will be anything but a quiet affair.

For Alpine, the move represents a gamble on credibility. The team has become a revolving door for talent, recently replacing rookie Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto after only six races. Lead driver Pierre Gasly’s public frustration—demanding the team “hide the car” from his sight—underscores the toxic atmosphere Horner would inherit. Yet, Horner’s track record of turning struggling operations into winners is exactly why Alpine’s desperate leadership might hand him the reigns.

Verstappen’s Own Crossroads: Mercedes and Endurance Dreams

As Horner plots his return, Max Verstappen is facing a transformative period of his own. Recent sightings of Verstappen testing a Mercedes AMG GT3 at Estoril have fueled rumors of a shift in his private racing ventures, moving away from Ferrari machinery toward the Silver Arrows. This move is more than just a brand change; it’s a signal of his growing interest in endurance racing, specifically the grueling Nurburgring 24 Hours.

However, the 2026 F1 calendar poses a significant threat to these ambitions. With wholesale regulation changes and Red Bull launching its first in-house power unit, Verstappen admitted that balancing F1 with outside racing will be “very complicated.” The scheduling conflicts are brutal, with six NLS preparatory rounds clashing directly with Grand Prix weekends. Verstappen finds himself at a juncture where he must choose between the pursuit of a fifth world title and the personal racing passions that keep his fire burning.

The Dawn of a New Era

We are witnessing the beginning of what could be the most compelling storyline in modern Formula 1. On one side, a deposed king (Horner) prepares to reclaim his throne through sheer financial might and tactical genius. On the other, the sport’s greatest driver (Verstappen) navigates a future that feels increasingly disconnected from the team that made him a legend.

Will Horner transform Alpine from a “laughingstock” into a championship contender? Will Verstappen’s loyalty to his former boss eventually lead him away from Red Bull? As the 2026 season approaches, the secret conversations and “Friday messages” may very well be the foundation of the next great F1 empire. One thing is certain: the era of Red Bull dominance as we knew it is over, and the era of the Horner-Verstappen shadow-alliance has just begun.

BREAKING: Amber Davies’ Strictly Dream SHAKEN as Glitterball Odds Take a Hit

Strictly star Amber Davies’ odds of lifting the Glitterball Trophy are slipping, according to the bookmakers.

The Welsh West End star, 29, narrowly avoided elimination last week after finding herself in the dance-off against Lewis Cope.
Amber and Nikita were in the bottom two (Credit: BBC)

Strictly star Amber Davies’ odds at Glitterball trophy win slip

Days after finding herself in the bottom two, Amber has now seen her chances of winning the Glitterball trophy slip.

According to BetMGM, the Love Island champ is now 40/1 to win the trophy with her pro dance partner, Nikita Kuzmin.

She is also at 8/5 to be eliminated next, just behind Balvinder Sopal. She is the favourite to leave this weekend at 4/7.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale, Karen Carney and George Clarke are sitting pretty.

The Lionesses legend and the TikTok star are currently 4/5 and 9/10 to win the show’s grand prize.
Karen and Carlos are favourites to win (Credit: BBC)

Karen Carney ‘slight’ favourite to win

Meanwhile, Balvinder is 34/1 to win, with Amber languishing below her.

Brand Director at BetMGM, Dan Towse, said: “This year’s Strictly is shaping up to be one of the tightest in history, with both Karen Carney and George Clarke odds-on to win it.

“We make Carney the slight favourite at 4/5, but with Clarke 9/10 it’s all to play for ahead of the semi-finals this weekend,” he then added.
Alexis and George are also favourites (Credit: BBC)

What dances are the stars performing this week?

Earlier today (Tuesday, December 9), the official Strictly social media accounts revealed what dances the stars will be performing this weekend.

Each couple will perform twice.

Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin will be performing a Couple’s Choice to Fly Me To The Moon by Raye. They will also perform a tango to Higher by Michael Bublé.

George Clarke and Alexis Warr will perform a Charleston to We No Speak Americano by Yolanda Be Cool. They’ll then dance a Samba to Volare by Gipsy Kings.

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu are set to perform a Salsa to Turn The Beat Around by Vicki Sue Robinson, followed by a Waltz to One Moment In Time by Whitney Houston.

Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon will perform the same dances as Karen and Carlos, just the other way round. They’ll perform a Waltz to At This Moment by Michael Bublé.

They’ll then perform a Salsa to a mix of Rhythm Is Gonna Get You and Get On Your Feet by Gloria Estefan.

But who will impress enough to book their slot in the final? T-minus four days until we find out!

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing: Motsi Mabuse speaks out as trolls target Amber Davies

Strictly continues on Saturday, December 13 at 6.35pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

PETE WICKS POURS £5M INTO SANCTUARY TO RESCUE 13 ABANDONED PUPPIES – ONE HEARTFELT WORD THAT FROZE THE ROOM! CQ1

In the glittering world of reality TV, where scandals and spotlights often steal the show, Pete Wicks has always been the wildcard—the tattooed heartthrob from The Only Way Is Essex who traded party nights for paw prints. But beneath the Essex swagger lies a fierce advocate for the voiceless, a man whose love for dogs runs deeper than any scripted drama. In a move that left animal lovers worldwide in awe, Wicks, now a self-made millionaire from his TV empire and bestselling books, stunned everyone by splashing out £5 million on a sprawling dream farm in the English countryside. His mission? To rescue 13 terrified puppies, mere hours from the slaughterhouse, and give them—and countless others—a fighting chance at life.

The story unfolded like a scene from one of Wicks’ own emotional documentaries. It was a crisp autumn morning in rural Essex when Wicks received the desperate call from Dogs Trust, the UK charity he’s long championed. Thirteen mixed-breed pups—barely weaned, shivering in a dingy crate—had been dumped at a notorious puppy mill on the outskirts of London. Bred for profit in squalid conditions, these innocents were slated for the bolt gun at a local abattoir, their tiny lives reduced to a grim ledger entry. “They were skin and bones, eyes wide with fear that no puppy should know,” Wicks later recounted, his voice cracking in a recent interview. With his fortune built from TOWIE residuals, endorsement deals, and his heartfelt book For the Love of Frenchies, he didn’t hesitate. Within hours, the farm was his—a 100-acre haven complete with heated kennels, organic meadows for romps, and a state-of-the-art vet clinic.

But this wasn’t just a celebrity flex; it was a calculated strike against the underbelly of the pet trade. Wicks, drawing from his 2017 odyssey to South Korea where he helped Humane Society International liberate 170 dogs from a dog meat farm, knew the stakes all too well. There, amid the stench of despair, he’d witnessed horrors that haunted him: cages stacked like prison cells, dogs bred solely for brutality. “I held one in my arms, a Jindo mix like these pups, and promised we’d end this nightmare,” he said. Back in the UK, the puppy farming crisis rages on—thousands of dogs suffer annually in hidden hellholes, pumped full of hormones and separated from mothers too soon. Wicks’ farm, dubbed “Paw Haven,” aims to dismantle that cycle, partnering with rescues to rehabilitate and rehome while funding raids on illegal breeders.

The turning point came during the farm’s grand opening, a star-studded affair buzzing with influencers, vets, and tearful volunteers. As champagne flowed and the 13 pups—now renamed Hope, Valor, and their playful siblings—tumbled across the grass, Wicks stepped to the mic. The room hushed as he shared a raw, unspoken truth from his Korean mission, a single, bone-chilling phrase that echoed like thunder: “Every meal on those tables was someone’s Eric.” Eric, his loyal French Bulldog rescue, the furry anchor who pulled Wicks from personal darkness after a string of heartbreaks and losses. The words hung heavy, a visceral reminder that behind every statistic is a soul like Eric’s—loyal, loving, irreplaceable. Gasps rippled through the crowd; donors pledged double, celebrities vowed campaigns, and the room transformed from celebration to crusade.

Wicks’ act ripples far beyond those 13 lives. Paw Haven will house up to 500 dogs yearly, offering therapy programs for trauma and spay/neuter clinics for strays. It’s a beacon in a world where animal welfare battles corporate greed, inspired by global shifts: South Korea’s 2024 dog meat ban, now under enforcement, and the UK’s push for stricter breeding laws. Yet challenges loom—rising costs, black-market breeders evading crackdowns. “This farm isn’t my trophy,” Wicks insists. “It’s their fortress. And if one whisper can silence doubt, imagine what a roar we can make together.”

Pete Wicks’ journey—from Essex lad to dog-saving dynamo—proves that true power lies not in fame, but in fierce compassion. As the pups chase sunbeams on their new turf, one thing’s clear: in the war for the innocent, Wicks isn’t just fighting; he’s rewriting the ending.

The winds of change are blowing through Maranello with a ferocity not seen in a decade. As Formula 1 stands on the precipice of the 2026 technical regulations—the most significant rules overhaul in the sport’s history—Ferrari has decided that playing it safe is no longer an option. Under the leadership of Fred Vasseur, the Scuderia is embarking on a daring, multi-layered strategy designed to not only produce a championship-winning machine but to salvage the legacy of the most successful driver in history: Lewis Hamilton.

The “Spec A” Deception: Launching Early, Racing Late

In a move that has caught the paddock by surprise, Ferrari has announced one of the earliest launch dates for the 2026 season. On January 23rd, the world will get its first glimpse of the new scarlet machine, likely at the historic Fiorano test track. However, insiders suggest that what we see in January will be a far cry from what lines up on the grid in Australia.

Ferrari is adopting a “Spec A” philosophy, a tactic reminiscent of Mercedes’ dominant years. By launching early with a basic, reliability-focused specification, the team aims to iron out the inevitable “niggles” that come with all-new power units and active aerodynamics. This allows their engineers to work until the absolute final second—literally until January 22nd—on the high-performance “Spec B” parts that will actually be used for racing.

Team Principal Fred Vasseur has been vocal about this aggressive timing. “If you want to finish one month before, it’s not aggressive at all,” Vasseur noted. By assembling the car at the last possible moment before the Barcelona tests, Ferrari is maximizing every minute of wind tunnel and simulation time.

The Hamilton Factor: Resetting a Legend

While the technical side of the 2026 project is fascinating, the human element is even more compelling. Lewis Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari was, by his own admission, a “bitter disappointment.” The statistics tell part of the story—156 points compared to Charles Leclerc’s 242—but the body language told the rest. Hamilton struggled immensely with the ground-effect cars of the 2022-2025 era, finding the braking systems and engine-braking maps of the Ferrari “esoteric” and difficult to master.

Vasseur admits the team may have underestimated the psychological and technical toll of Hamilton moving away from the Mercedes ecosystem after a lifetime of familiarity. The 2025 season ended with Hamilton speaking of “unbearable anger and rage” after a string of Q1 exits.

For Hamilton, 2026 represents a “Great Reset.” The new regulations will move away from the finicky ground-effect requirements that stifled his signature late-braking, fast-rotation driving style. The hope within Maranello is that a more balanced car, combined with the lessons learned during a grueling 2025 transition year, will allow the seven-time champion to find his “magic” once again.

Navigating the 2026 Unknowns

The 2026 rules introduce a complex web of energy harvesting, “boost” modes, and active aerodynamics. Ferrari’s strategy isn’t just about building a fast car; it’s about building a “smart” car that can navigate the chaos of a race. Because teams have developed their 2026 designs in total isolation, the first days of testing in Barcelona will be a shock to the system.

Ferrari stopped development on their 2025 car as early as April to focus entirely on this revolution. However, they face a unique challenge: the cost cap. With limited budget freedom, Vasseur’s team cannot simply “bolt on” every new part they design. They must be surgical, choosing the upgrades that provide the “biggest bang for their buck.”

The upcoming “upgrade war” will be fought not just in the factory, but in the cockpit. Drivers will need to master complicated energy management systems while racing wheel-to-wheel. Ferrari believes that the team that climbs the “learning curve” the fastest in the opening three races will hold a decisive advantage for the rest of the decade.

A Legacy at Stake

As the January 23rd launch approaches, the pressure on Ferrari is immense. For Charles Leclerc, it’s a chance to finally assert himself as the undisputed king of Maranello. For Lewis Hamilton, it is a fight for relevance at age 40, a chance to prove that his greatness isn’t tied to a specific set of rules or a specific silver car.

Ferrari is taking no risks by being early, yet they are taking the ultimate risk by being aggressive. If the “Spec A” plan works, they will head to Melbourne with a reliability advantage and a hidden performance ceiling that could stun the field. If it fails, one of the most anticipated partnerships in sports history could end on a heartbreaking low.

One thing is certain: the world will be watching when the garage doors open at Fiorano. The red car that rolls out may only be a placeholder, but the ambition behind it is very, very real.

“THIS IS D.A.M.NING… AND THE COUNTRY DESERVES ANSWERS.” The Studio Froze As Chris Hope Unleashed A Blistering On-air Assault On Keir Starmer, Ripping Into What He Called A “Misleading, Evasive, And Deeply Troubling” Defence Of Rachel Reeves’ Budget, A Moment So Raw It Sent Shockwaves Across Live Television. With His Voice Tight And Unflinching, Hope Warned, “You Can’t Rebuild Trust While Massaging The Truth,” Accusing Labour’s Leadership Of “Spinning Figures, Dodging Responsibility, And Treating Voters Like Fools.” Starmer’s Calm Exterior Cracked Under The Pressure As The Exchange Spiralled Into A Full-blown Showdown, Viewers Flooding Social Media With Disbelief: “If This Is Transparency, What Are They Hiding?” And “How Can We Trust Anything He Says Now?” By The End, The Verdict Was Brutal — A Clash That Didn’t Just Wound A Narrative, But Carved A Scar Across Labour’s Credibility, Leaving One Searing Conclusion Hanging In The Air: When The Numbers Don’t Add Up, Neither Does The Leadership

‘How can GB News viewers trust anything you say?’ Watch Christopher Hope grill 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 as he rushes to Rachel Reeves’ defence

‘How can GB News viewers trust anything you say?’ Watch Christopher Hope grill 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 as he rushes to Rachel Reeves’ defence |

The Prime Minister defended the Chancellor’s Budget today

Prime Minister 𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 faced a fierce grilling today as GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope challenged him on “how anyone could trust him”.

Speaking at a news conference in central London, the Prime Minister defended Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has been accused of “misleading” the public.

Questioning Sir Keir after the speech, Christopher asked: “You wanted to tread lightly on our lives before you were elected. You said that you were different from the Tory party.

“But aren’t you exactly the same? From David Lammy repeatedly not being clear about an escaped migrant in the House of Commons to Rachel Reeves talking about a black hole that wasn’t actually there.

“Now you want to cut benefits, but trust matters. How can our viewers trust anything you say?”

Mr Starmer responded: “Chris, I simply don’t accept the starting proposition. I’m really sorry.

“When I was told that we started the Budget process at minus £16billion, I didn’t cheer. I didn’t think it was good. I thought it was a very bad starting position.

“I was curious as to why the productivity review had been done this year and not previously. But there we are. That’s the nature of the beast. It’s done, and the price is calculated, and I’m handed the tab.

Weak feeble excuses giving rise to serious fiscal consequences for our country cannot ever be glibly shrugged off with insincere comments from a Prime Minister who quite frankly never showed leadership qualities from the outset.

Christopher Hope grilled the Prime Minister after his speec

“I’m not suggesting the other figures aren’t there, but I won’t accept the proposition that somehow this was a good starting point.

“I’m £16billion down on what I thought I’d have. I know the impact that’s going to have on your viewers, because I know for them that the cost of living is the single most important issue.”

He pointed to concerns over January season ticket rises, prescription charges and energy bills, arguing that starting with a £16billion shortfall limited the choices available.

He added: “I know for them they are going to be worried at the beginning of the month in January, is their season ticket going up?

𝘒𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘳 defended his Chancellor

“Because they normally get whacked with that pretty early in January. Prescription charges matter to them and their energy bills matter to them.

“There are choices, therefore, that can or can’t be done if you start with minus £16billion.

“If that hadn’t have happened, I’d have had £16billion more to weigh in the options and the choices that we made.

“I think all I can do is explain the impact that these decisions have on your viewers, and to assure them that I am well aware that the number one issue for them is the cost of living.

“I think for many of your viewers, they will, I hope, be pleased to see things like new measures going in. The childcare is a real game changer for so many parents and carers across the whole country.”

The announcement will come after the Conservative’s described the Budget as one for “benefits street”, following the Chancellor’s decision to lift the two-child benefit cap from April, at a cost of £3billon.

In response, Tory Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said: “It is frankly laughable to hear the prime minister say Rachel Reeves’ Benefits Street budget has put the country on the right course and that he wants to fix the welfare system.

“His Chancellor has just hiked taxes by £26bn to pay for a welfare splurge, penalising people who work hard and making them pay for those who don’t work at all.

“And she misrepresented why she was doing it, claiming there was a fiscal black hole to fill that she knew didn’t exist.

“Labour’s leadership have repeatedly shown they lack the backbone to tackle welfare and instead are just acting to placate their left-wing backbenchers.”

Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available content from GB new to provide a multi-dimensional perspective. It is not intended to attack, defame, or represent any individual, organization, company, government, or political party. All views are for informational purposes only.