The roar of the engines, the blinding speed, the adulation of the crowd—it is the singular dream that drives every young racer from the moment they first step into a kart. For decades, however, that dream has been filtered through a harsh lens for female drivers; it has felt more distant, more fragile, and at times, completely unreachable. When Formula 1 launched the F1 Academy in 2023 under the guidance of Susie Wolff, it came with a singular, bold promise: to create a real, tangible road to Formula 1 for women.

Now, as we settle into 2026, the initial sheen of the launch has faded, leaving behind a stark and uncomfortable question that is echoing through paddocks around the world: Is the F1 Academy a genuine launchpad for elite talent, or is it simply the most polished, high-budget PR stunt in the history of motorsport?

The Surface Success: A Marketing Masterclass

To dismiss the F1 Academy entirely would be unfair. Under Susie Wolff’s leadership, the series has achieved things that were previously thought impossible. The commitment is undeniable—all ten Formula 1 teams are involved, livery support is visible, and the funding is long-term. The metrics, on the surface, are a triumphs of modern sports marketing.

Since its inception, the series has driven a staggering 60% increase in the female audience for the sport. The release of the docu-series sparked a massive spike in global interest, creating momentum that feels tangible and electric. You can see it in the stands; you can feel it in the engagement online. The Academy has successfully shifted perception, telling the world that women belong in the cockpit. But in motorsport, perception is not performance, and engagement does not equal lap times.

The “Time Crunch”: Where the System Fractures

The harsh reality lies in the machinery and the timeline. The F1 Academy runs F4-specification cars. While this is a necessary entry point, it creates a severe developmental lag when compared to the ruthless trajectory of male counterparts.

Consider the landscape: male drivers of the same age are often already racing in Formula 3 machinery. Many are running dual campaigns, effectively doubling their seat time and accelerating their development curve. In the brutally competitive world of open-wheel racing, this isn’t just about speed—it is about time. The traditional pathway is a relentless march: Karting, F4, F3, F2, and then, for the chosen few, Formula 1.

The gap between the F1 Academy (F4 level) and Formula 3 is not just a step; it is a canyon. It is a gap so wide that raw talent, no matter how brilliant, often struggles to jump it without intermediate steps that simply do not exist for many female drivers.

The Doriane Pin Dilemma

There is no clearer example of this systemic flaw than the case of Doriane Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy Champion. Pin is a name that has become synonymous with dominance. She was relentless, winning everything there was to win, answering every question asked of her on the track. Fans and pundits alike demanded the next logical step: a full Formula 3 seat, an FP1 session, a real test in faster machinery.

But here is the problem that 2026 has laid bare: winning the F1 Academy does not guarantee graduation. We have not seen a woman race in Formula 2 since Tatiana Calderón. Contrast this with the trajectory of male prodigies like Oscar Piastri or Gabriel Bortoleto, who won F3 and F2 back-to-back as rookies and found themselves in Formula 1 seats before they hit their twenties.

The average male F1 rookie today is an F2 veteran by the age of 18 or 19. Meanwhile, F1 Academy drivers are capped at age 25, still developing their craft in F4-level cars. This discrepancy creates a “time crunch” that is almost impossible to beat. By the time a female driver dominates the Academy, she may already be “too old” in the eyes of a paddock obsessed with finding the next teenage sensation. If the system fails to graduate a dominant champion like Pin to F3 and subsequently F2, it fails its most fundamental test.

2026: A Critical Pivot Point

Cognizant of these criticisms, the 2026 season introduces changes designed to change the equation. The calendar now features seven races at iconic circuits like Silverstone and the Circuit of the Americas. This move finally brings the series the prestige it deserves, placing the drivers on the same asphalt as their F1 idols.

Furthermore, a key rule change now allows top drivers to earn an exemption for a third season. This is an admission that better drivers aren’t just born; they are built through seat time. The introduction of rookie tests that measure physical limits, cognitive load, and reaction thresholds suggests a move toward a more scientific, performance-based approach.

But is it enough? The structure is still being judged by its foundation. If the Academy remains an island—a destination rather than a stepping stone—it fails the dream it sold to thousands of young girls.

The Financial Firewall

Beyond the technical regulations, we arrive at the hardest truth in motorsport: money decides how far you walk. While the F1 Academy is significantly cheaper than a standard full F4 season—a crucial factor in its accessibility—the jump to Formula 3 sees costs explode.

The expectation for a professional driver today is a dual campaign: the Academy season plus regional F4 championships to gain mileage. This means more travel, more risk, and significantly more funding. This is the juncture where F1 teams must step up. It is not enough to slap a logo on a car in the Academy; the investment must follow the driver up the ladder. Only when we see teams funding female drivers in genuine, mixed-gender F3 and F2 competitions can we measure real progression.

The Verdict

The F1 Academy is not a gimmick. It is a necessary platform, a vital doorway that did not exist three years ago. The fact that 87% of young girls now express a desire for more opportunities in motorsport is a testament to its cultural impact.

However, a cultural victory is not a sporting one. The numbers don’t lie regarding engagement, but the final test remains graduation. Until we see champions move seamlessly into Formula 3 and then Formula 2, the question of “PR vs. Pathway” will remain unanswered. The dream is closer than ever, but the bridge over that final gap is still under construction.

As we watch the lights go out in 2026, we are not just watching a race; we are watching a litmus test for the sport itself. Will we see a female Formula 1 driver in our lifetime? The Academy has started the engine, but the sport has yet to put its foot on the gas.

The world of Formula 1 is standing on the precipice of its most significant transformation in decades. As the sport hurtles toward the 2026 season, the atmosphere in the paddocks is not one of simple evolution or refinement; it is a full-blown revolution. For Scuderia Ferrari, the most iconic name in motorsport history, this regulatory reset represents far more than just a new set of technical guidelines. It is a defining “make-or-break” moment, a desperate and determined bid to reclaim the throne after years of agonizing near-misses and unfulfilled potential.

In the hallowed halls of Maranello, the mood has shifted from cautious optimism to radical aggression. The team is no longer content with following trends or playing it safe. Instead, emerging reports indicate that Ferrari is making bold, controversial engineering choices for their 2026 power unit—choices that fly in the face of conventional wisdom and have the potential to either launch a new dynasty of dominance or condemn the team to further heartbreak. At the center of this storm is a shocking technical gamble: a move away from standard materials in favor of a heavier, more robust solution that could change the game entirely.

The 2026 Reset: A New Battlefield

To understand the gravity of Ferrari’s decisions, one must first grasp the sheer scale of the 2026 regulation changes. This is not merely a tweak to aerodynamics or a slight adjustment to fuel flow. The entire philosophy of the Formula 1 power unit is being rewritten. The sport is moving toward a near-even 50/50 split between internal combustion power and electric power, a radical departure from the current dominance of the combustion engine.

The new electric motor (MGU-K) will be roughly three times more powerful than the current iteration, producing a staggering 350 kilowatts—approximately 470 horsepower—on its own. When combined with the 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engine, the total output will remain comparable to today’s beasts, but the delivery of that power will be unrecognizable. This shift fundamentally alters the DNA of racing. Power is no longer an infinite resource to be deployed at will; it becomes a precious commodity that must be managed with surgical precision over every single lap.

Adding to the complexity is the removal of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat), the complex system that currently harvests energy from exhaust gases. In 2026, the battery can only be recharged through braking. This single change creates a massive headache for engineers: if a car runs out of electrical deployment on a long straight, it will feel lifeless, a sitting duck as rivals power past. Efficiency is no longer just a buzzword; it is the absolute backbone of performance.

Ferrari’s Controversial “Steel” Solution

In the face of these daunting challenges, most manufacturers are expected to lean into lightweight materials to offset the increased weight of the new electrical systems. The consensus prediction has been a universal adoption of aluminum cylinder heads—light, easier to package, and a known quantity. However, Ferrari has reportedly chosen a completely different path, one that has made rival engineers sit up and take notice.

Sources suggest that Ferrari’s 2026 engine will utilize a steel alloy cylinder head. On the surface, this seems counterintuitive. In Formula 1, weight is the enemy. Every gram matters, and steel is significantly heavier than aluminum. Why would the most prestigious team in the sport voluntarily add mass to their car?

The answer lies in the extreme operating conditions of the new engines. The 2026 regulations cap turbo boost pressure at a massive 4.8 bar. Under this immense stress, aluminum components risk deformation and fatigue. Steel, however, offers superior structural integrity and thermal resistance. By accepting the weight penalty of steel, Ferrari’s engineers believe they gain a crucial advantage: durability under extreme load. This stronger material allows the engine to run at higher pressures and temperatures for longer periods without flirting with catastrophic failure. It creates a “thermal headroom” that aluminum simply cannot match, potentially allowing Ferrari to extract maximum performance consistently rather than in short, fragile bursts.

The Art of “Drivability”

Ferrari’s gamble isn’t just about the hardware; it’s about how that hardware translates to the driver’s feeling on the track. With the massive increase in electric torque, the relationship between the gas pedal and the rear wheels is changing. The days of simply mashing the throttle are over. The 2026 cars will require a delicate dance of energy management, where drivers must decide instantly whether to deploy boost for an attack or harvest energy for defense.

Ferrari is obsessing over “drivability”—the predictability and smoothness of power delivery. A car that surprises its driver is a slow car. If the 470-horsepower electric kick arrives aggressively or inconsistently, it destroys tires and shatters driver confidence. Ferrari’s goal with their robust engine architecture is to create a linear, trustworthy power curve. They want their drivers to know exactly what the car will do the moment they touch the pedal.

Early signs from Maranello’s dyno testing are promising. Reports indicate that their energy recovery efficiency is already exceeding internal targets. By focusing on a stronger combustion engine foundation (the steel head) paired with advanced software management, they appear to have found a “sweet spot” where the systems integrate seamlessly. This could give them a decisive edge in wheel-to-wheel combat, where confidence is worth more than raw theoretical speed.

The Combustion Revolution

Beyond the materials, Ferrari is also revolutionizing the combustion process itself. The shift to 100% sustainable fuels forces a complete rethink of how fuel is ignited and burned. These new fuels behave differently, and mastering them early is a key differentiator.

Ferrari is leveraging its deep partnerships with fuel suppliers to optimize direct injection and pre-chamber ignition technologies. The robust steel cylinder head plays a role here as well, allowing for higher compression ratios and more aggressive combustion strategies that might melt a lighter aluminum component. This holistic approach—sacrificing weight for strength to enable better combustion—is classic Ferrari engineering: brave, slightly romantic, and incredibly risky.

A High-Stakes Future

The stakes could not be higher. Ferrari is not just competing against their traditional rivals like Mercedes and Red Bull; they are facing new titans like Audi and Ford, who are pouring massive resources into their own 2026 programs. The margins for error are microscopic. If Ferrari’s steel alloy gamble fails—if the weight penalty proves too high or the cooling benefits don’t materialize—they could be left behind for another generation.

However, if they are right, they may have unlocked the secret to the new era of Formula 1. They may have built an engine that doesn’t just survive the new rules but thrives within them—a power unit that is bulletproof, consistent, and relentlessly fast.

For the Tifosi, the loyal fans who have weathered years of disappointment, this news offers a glimmer of genuine hope. Ferrari is not resting on its laurels. They are attacking the 2026 regulations with creativity and courage. Whether this bold engineering bet pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ferrari is ready to fight, and they are doing it on their own terms. The engine war has begun, and Maranello has fired the first, heavy-metal shot.

In the high-octane, cutthroat world of Formula 1, timing isn’t just a metric on a stopwatch; it is the currency of success. Today, January 9, 2026, the history books were rewritten at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. In a move that has sent shockwaves from Maranello to Milton Keynes, Audi has become the very first team to physically run a 2026-spec Formula 1 car on a race track.

While established titans like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes remain behind closed doors, reportedly still putting the finishing touches on their challengers, the German automotive giant has firmly planted its flag. The debut of the Audi R26 wasn’t just a test; it was a declaration of war. Audi is not merely entering Formula 1 to participate—they are arriving to conquer.

The “Seismic Shift” of 2026

To understand the magnitude of this achievement, one must first grasp the context. The 2026 Formula 1 season represents the most significant regulatory overhaul in the sport’s modern history. The cars are radically different: smaller, lighter, and featuring complex “active aerodynamics” that allow drivers to adjust the car’s drag profile on the fly. Under the hood, the power units have undergone a revolution, shifting to 100% sustainable fuels and a massive increase in electrical deployment, which now accounts for nearly 50% of the total horsepower.

For existing teams, this transition is a headache. For a new manufacturer, it is often a nightmare. Yet, Audi has turned this potential stumbling block into a strategic masterstroke. By getting the R26 on track months before pre-season testing officially begins, they have gifted themselves a treasure trove of real-world data that their rivals can currently only dream of simulating in virtual environments.

A Flawless Debut in Barcelona

The scene in Barcelona was one of quiet intensity. This was a “filming day,” a regulated session allowing for 200 kilometers of running on special demonstration tires. Usually, these days are used for promotional footage and marketing gloss. However, for Audi, this was a critical shakedown—a first breath for a machine born from years of relentless development.

Reports from the track describe the session as suspiciously smooth. In an era where new cars often spend their first days plagued by software glitches, fluid leaks, and sensor failures, the Audi R26 reportedly ran “flawless.” All basic systems checked out. The complex interaction between the internal combustion engine and the upgraded electric motor functioned as designed.

Taking the wheel were the team’s chosen warriors: the seasoned veteran Nico Hülkenberg and the reigning Formula 2 champion, Gabriel Bortoleto. The contrast in their experience mirrors the team’s philosophy—a blend of rock-solid reliability and explosive youthful potential. For Bortoleto, who described the first engine fire-up as giving him “goosebumps,” taking the R26 around the Spanish circuit was the realization of a dream and the start of a massive responsibility.

The Architects of Ambition

This early success is no accident; it is the result of a meticulously assembled “dream team.” Audi has spared no expense in recruiting top-tier talent to steer this ship. At the helm is Jonathan Wheatley, the former sporting director of Red Bull Racing—a man who knows exactly what it takes to build a championship-winning machine. Working alongside him on the technical front is Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team principal.

Binotto’s involvement is particularly intriguing. Known for his deep technical understanding of power units, his influence is likely a key factor in why the Audi engine is already singing while others are still being tuned. The acquisition of the Sauber team provided the chassis foundation, but make no mistake: this is a full-factory Audi operation. The facilities in Hinwil and Neuburg have been transformed into state-of-the-art fortresses of engineering.

The timeline of their progress reveals a team operating with frightening efficiency. They announced their entry in 2022. By December 2025, they had fired up the power unit. On January 7, 2026, the complete car roared to life for the first time. Two days later, it was lapping Barcelona. This rapid cadence of milestones suggests a development program that is not just on schedule, but perhaps ahead of it.

Psychological Warfare

Beyond the technical data, the psychological impact of this test cannot be overstated. In F1, paranoia is rampant. When a new competitor—especially one with the resources of Audi—hits the track first and encounters no issues, it breeds anxiety in the rival garages.

Engineers at Mercedes and Ferrari will see the news and wonder: Did they miss something? Is Audi’s interpretation of the active aero rules better? How are they managing the energy recovery so early? Audi has fired the starting pistol on the 2026 era, forcing every other team to react. The pressure is now squarely on the incumbents to match this pace.

Managing Expectations: The Road Ahead

Despite the euphoria of a successful shakedown, reality remains a harsh mistress in Formula 1. A filming day on demo tires is not a qualifying session. The R26 was not being pushed to its absolute limit, and the true pecking order will remain a mystery until the official pre-season tests later this month.

However, reliability is the precursor to performance. You cannot make a fast car if the car does not finish the lap. By proving the reliability of their package now, Audi can spend the official test days focusing on setup, speed, and tire degradation, while others might still be troubleshooting basic system errors.

The team has officially scheduled their public launch for January 20th in Berlin. There, the world will get a proper look at the livery and the detailed design of the R26. But for the engineers and drivers, the real victory has already been won on the tarmac of Catalonia.

A New Era Begins

The 2026 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling spectacles in motorsport history. The deck has been reshuffled. The cars are new, the rules are new, and the stakes have never been higher.

Audi has entered the arena with the swagger of a champion and the preparation of a surgeon. They have signaled that they are not here to make up the numbers. They are here to disrupt the status quo. As the R26 cooled down in the Barcelona pit lane, one message rang clear across the motorsport world: The Four Rings are back, and they are ready to race.

The other teams will be watching with a mixture of admiration and apprehension. The giant has awoken, and it is moving faster than anyone expected.

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, rumors travel faster than the cars themselves. Yet, every once in a while, a whisper emerges from the paddock that is so seismic, so fundamentally game-changing, that it threatens to upend the entire establishment. Right now, that rumor is gaining deafening volume: Max Verstappen, the undisputed king of the current grid, is being heavily linked to a shock move to Aston Martin for the 2026 season.

At first glance, the notion seems absurd. Why would the dominant force of the sport leave Red Bull Racing, a team built entirely around his specific driving style and ruthless efficiency? However, as we peel back the layers of this developing story, the “impossible” begins to look increasingly inevitable. A convergence of massive ambition, technical genius, and internal fracturing is creating the perfect storm for what could be the transfer of the century.

The Billionaire’s Obsession

The driving force behind this potential earthquake is Lawrence Stroll. The Aston Martin owner is not merely a participant in Formula 1; he is a man on a singular mission to win, regardless of the cost. Stroll has already transformed the Silverstone-based outfit from a midfield struggling team into a genuine podium contender. But contending isn’t enough for a man of his stature. He wants dominance.

According to emerging reports, Stroll has designated Max Verstappen as his “number one target.” This isn’t just a casual interest; it is described as a calculated, aggressive pursuit. Stroll has reportedly approached the Dutchman before with eye-watering financial offers, which Verstappen previously declined. At the time, leaving a championship-winning car for a project team was a gamble Max didn’t need to take.

But the landscape of 2026 is vastly different. The sport is heading into a new era of regulations—a complete reset of engine and aerodynamic rules. In F1, a regulation change is the great equalizer. It resets the board, stripping dominant teams of their advantage and offering a blank slate to those with the resources and talent to capitalize. Lawrence Stroll knows this, and he is positioning Aston Martin to be the team that leaps to the front.

The “Ruthless” Dilemma: Son vs. Legend

However, fitting a titan like Verstappen into the Aston Martin garage requires solving a puzzle that is as personal as it is professional. Currently, the seats are occupied by two very different drivers: Fernando Alonso, the ageless two-time world champion, and Lance Stroll, the owner’s son.

This creates a scenario straight out of a Shakespearean drama. Fernando Alonso is driving with the ferocity of a man half his age. If Aston Martin delivers a car capable of winning in 2026, the Spaniard—a natural-born competitor—will almost certainly want to stay. Pushing out a performing legend is difficult, but pushing out your own flesh and blood is a different beast entirely.

Lance Stroll has been a fixture of the team since his father’s takeover. While a solid driver on his day, he has yet to demonstrate the consistent, world-beating pace required to secure a Constructors’ Championship against the likes of McLaren or Ferrari. If Lawrence Stroll is truly serious about making Aston Martin the best team in the world, he faces the toughest decision of his life: firing his own son to make way for Verstappen.

It would be a cold, ruthless move, the kind that defines business tycoons but rarely plays out so publicly in sports. Yet, as the rumor mill suggests, Formula 1 is a ruthless business, and sentimentality rarely wins trophies.

The Technical Allure: Newey and Honda

Why would Max even listen? Money is a factor, certainly—Stroll could easily make him the highest-paid athlete on the planet—but Verstappen has never been solely motivated by cash. The real draw lies in the technical infrastructure Stroll has assembled, specifically two names: Adrian Newey and Honda.

The signing of Adrian Newey, the most successful designer in F1 history, was a coup that sent shockwaves through the paddock. Newey is the architect behind Verstappen’s current dominance at Red Bull. The two share a proven track record, a symbiotic relationship where driver and designer extract maximum performance from one another. The prospect of continuing that partnership in a new environment is a massive selling point.

Add to this the Honda factor. Aston Martin has secured an exclusive works engine deal with Honda for 2026. Verstappen has a deep respect for the Japanese manufacturer, having won all his titles with their power units. The combination of Newey’s aerodynamics and Honda’s power—housed within Stroll’s state-of-the-art new factory—creates a technical package that rivals, or perhaps even exceeds, what Red Bull can offer in the future.

The Crumbling Fortress at Red Bull

While Aston Martin is rising, questions are beginning to mount about the stability of Red Bull Racing. For years, the team appeared bulletproof, a unified machine dedicated to Verstappen’s success. However, cracks are appearing in the façade.

Recent comments from Sergio Perez have painted a disturbing picture of the internal environment at Milton Keynes. Descriptions of a “toxic atmosphere” and a team potentially on the verge of collapse suggest that the departure of key figures and internal power struggles are taking a toll. If the Red Bull dynasty is indeed fracturing from the inside, the stability Max craves may no longer exist there.

Furthermore, there is the human element. Max has been under the intense spotlight of the Red Bull program since he was a teenager. The relentless pressure, the travel, and the weight of expectation can lead to burnout. A change of scenery—a new project where he can build a legacy separate from the team that made him—might be exactly the motivation he needs to extend his career. It also offers him a chance to step out of the shadow of his father, Jos Verstappen, and assert his independence in a new environment.

The Verdict: A Risk Worth Taking?

Is it all just a negotiating tactic? It’s possible. Verstappen’s management team is shrewd, and linking their client to a rival is a classic move to squeeze a better contract out of a current employer. But this feels different. The alignment of the 2026 regulation changes, the arrival of Newey and Honda at Aston Martin, and the undeniable ambition of Lawrence Stroll creates a narrative that makes logical sense.

For Max Verstappen, the move represents a risk, but also the ultimate reward: the chance to lead a new team to glory and prove he can win anywhere, in any car. For Lawrence Stroll, it is the final roll of the dice to validate his billions. And for the fans, seeing Verstappen in British Racing Green, battling against his former team and the rest of the grid, would spark a golden era of competition.

As we look toward 2026, the question isn’t just “Can Aston Martin build a winning car?” It is “Who will be brave enough to drive it?” If the rumors are true, we are about to witness the most aggressive transfer market battle the sport has ever seen.

‘My Time Is Coming Quite Soon’ — Joanna Lumley, 79, Speaks With Heartbreaking Honesty About Life, Mortality, and Letting Go

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.

“We Can’t Live Without Her”: Doctor Husband George Moran Faces Life Without Tatiana Schlossberg After Sudden Tra:gedy

The doctor widower of JFK’s granddaughter Tatiana Schlossberg faces bringing up two young children alone after her tragic death from blood cancer aged just 35.

George Moran was praised by his late wife in a soul-baring New Yorker essay last month revealing her terminal diagnosis and must now juggle his grief, a demanding job and caring for his three-year-old son Edwin and one-year-old daughter Josephine.

‘Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts,’ a tribute from George, his children and other Kennedy family members read in an Instagram post that announced Tatiana’s death on Tuesday.

Just last month, Schlossberg revealed in a candid essay for The New Yorker – published on the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination – that she had been given a year to live.

In the piece, Schlossberg praised Moran for his support throughout her treatment, writing: ‘George did everything for me that he possibly could.

‘He talked to all the doctors and insurance people that I didn’t want to talk to; he slept on the floor of the hospital; he didn’t get mad when I was raging on steroids and yelled at him that I did not like Schweppes ginger ale, only Canada Dry.’

She added, ‘He would go home to put our kids to bed and come back to bring me dinner. I know that not everyone can be married to a doctor, but if you can, it’s a very good idea.

‘He is perfect, and I feel so cheated and so sad that I don’t get to keep living the wonderful life I had with this kind, funny, handsome genius I managed to find.’

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Tatiana Schlossberg, a 35-year-old mother of two, died on December 30, just six weeks after she revealed she was battling blood cancer

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In an essay announcing her diagnosis, Schlossberg praised her doctor husband, George Moran (left), 36,  for his support throughout her treatment

Schlossberg was the daughter of former US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, JFK’s only surviving child, and designer Edwin Schlossberg.

She studied at Yale for her undergraduate degree, where she met her future husband, Moran, now an attending urologist at Columbia University.

Schlossberg later earned a master’s degree in United States history from the University of Oxford and pursued a career as a journalist.

The couple married in 2017 at the Kennedy compound on Martha’s Vineyard, with former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick officiating the ceremony.

They lived in a $7.68 million apartment in New York City’s Upper East Side, but in Schlossberg’s New Yorker essay, she revealed she spent much of the last year of her life in and out of the hospital.

Schlossberg said she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer, in May 2024.

Doctors only found the disease through routine blood tests after she gave birth to her second child.

In her piece, Schlossberg said the diagnosis came when a doctor noticed an imbalance in her white blood cell count.

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The couple met while studying at Yale, and share two children, Edwin, three, and Josephine, one

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Schlossberg (pictured with her mother and brother meeting Prince William) was the daughter of former US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, JFK’s only surviving child, and designer Edwin Schlossberg

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They lived in a $7.68 million apartment in New York City’s Upper East Side, but in Schlossberg’s New Yorker essay, she revealed she spent much of the last year of her life in and out of the hospital

‘A normal white-blood-cell count is around four to eleven thousand cells per microliter. Mine was a hundred and thirty-one thousand cells per microliter,’ she wrote.

‘It could just be something related to pregnancy and delivery, the doctor said, or it could be leukemia,’ she recalled.

Schlossberg was eventually diagnosed with a ‘rare mutation called Inversion 3’ which ‘could not be cured by a standard course.’

Schlossberg said she was bewildered by the news, and said despite being nine months pregnant, she was routinely exercising and ‘didn’t feel sick.’

‘I did not – could not – believe that they were talking about me. I had swum a mile in the pool the day before, nine months pregnant. I wasn’t sick. I didn’t feel sick. I was actually one of the healthiest people I knew,’ she wrote.

Schlossberg said she spent five weeks at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital after giving birth, before she was transferred to Memorial Sloan Kettering for a bone-marrow transplant.

She then underwent grueling chemotherapy at home, and in January, she joined a clinical trial of CAR-T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy against certain blood cancers.

In a devastating blow following the news, Schlossberg said she was eventually told by doctors that she had just a year left to live.

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Schlossberg said she was eventually told by doctors that she had just a year left to live

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The couple married in 2017 at the Kennedy compound on Martha’s Vineyard, with former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick officiating the ceremony

Schlossberg wrote in her essay: ‘For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry.

‘Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.’

Schlossberg’s tragic death is the latest hammer blow for her mother Caroline, who has been beset by a series of horrific tragedies over the course of her life.

Her father, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in Dallas in November 1963, five days before Caroline’s sixth birthday.

Five years later Caroline’s uncle Robert Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles.

In 1994, Caroline’s mother Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis – the former First Lady of the United States – died of lymphoma at the age of sixty four.

And in 1999 Caroline lost her only sibling, John F. Kennedy Jr.  JFK Jr, also known as John John, crashed his plane into the Atlantic Ocean off Martha’s Vineyard.

The accident also killed his wife Carolyn Besette and Carolyn’s sister Lauren Bessette.

Caroline has been married to Edwin Schlossberg since 1986 and has two other children, 37-year-old Rose and 32-year-old Jack.

BRUSSELS ON FIRE! EUROPE’S FARMERS TURN THE EU CAPITAL INTO A WARZONE AS THE “DEAL OF DEATH” IS FORCED INTO DELAY! This is not a peaceful protest. This is an uprising. Christmas trees are burning in the streets, windows are smashed, and clouds of tear gas hang over Brussels as MORE THAN 10,000 farmers descend on the EU quarter. Over 1,000 tractors choke the city, blocking roads and surrounding the Parliament as farmers scream that their livelihoods are being sacrificed. They say this trade deal will FLOOD Europe with cheap South American beef and grain, destroying local farms that have survived for generations. While politicians hide behind barricades, leaders panic behind closed doors. Some beg for a delay to avoid public humiliation. Others demand the deal be signed immediately, no matter the cost. The postponement has been announced, but farmers are warning this is only a PAUSE before betrayal. The EU may have delayed the vote, but the anger is far from over.

BRUSSELS ON FIRE: “THEY ARE KILLING OUR FARMERS!” STARMER SILENT AS EU CAPITALS BURN!

WATCH: Farmers clash with police during protests in Brussels

European farmers fear the scheme is threatening their livelihoods

The European Union has delayed the signing of a divisive trade agreement with South American nations amid intense farmers’ protests in Brussels.

Farming Equipment Supplies

Both France and Italy have requested additional time to win over their agricultural sectors, seeing the bloc postpone the inking of the deal until the new year.

This postponement has once again scuppered the EU’s plans to finalise the long-stalled Mercosur free trade accord.

The agreement, which has been under negotiation for a quarter of a century, would establish the world’s largest free-trade zone encompassing between 700 and 780 million people.

Under its terms, Mercosur nations Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay would reduce tariffs on European exports, whilst the EU would expand food import quotas and lower duties.

However, farmers across the continent have argued that increased imports of beef, chicken and cereals from the South American market would threaten their livelihoods.

To protest the planned sealing of the agreement, 10,000 farmers from across all 27 EU member states descended on Brussels.

More than 1,000 tractors rolled through the streets of the Belgian capital as part of the mostly peaceful demonstrations that occasionally spilt over into chaotic scenes.

The EU has delayed a divisive trade deal after fiery protests from farmers in Brussels

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Protesters were seen hurling potatoes and eggs at police while blocking roads and igniting fireworks.
Brussels Travel Guide
Some also brought down the Christmas tree standing outside the European Parliament, replacing it with a blazing pile of tyres and debris.

Police deployed water cannons and tear gas to manage the crowds, with black smoke engulfing surrounding streets.

Windows at the parliament building were smashed by troublemakers on the fringes of the demonstration, prompting officials to email staff, warning them to keep away from the windows.

As many as 10,000 farmers from across all 27 EU member states protested the plans outside the European Parliment
Farming Equipment Supplies

In the shadow of what some called the century’s largest mobilisation of European farmers, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced on X: “We have reached out to our Mercosur partners and agreed to postpone slightly the signature.”

A Commission spokesman also confirmed: “The European Commission proposed that it be postponed to early January to further discuss with countries that still need a little bit more time.”

The delay follows a telephone conversation on Thursday between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

“Meloni explained that she is not against the agreement, she is simply experiencing some political embarrassment because of the Italian farmers, but that she is certain she is capable of convincing them to accept the agreement,” President Lula said.

“She asked me that if we have patience for a week, 10 days, at most a month, Italy will join the agreement,” he added.

Ms Meloni’s office stated on Thursday evening: “The Italian government is ready to sign the agreement as soon as the necessary responses are provided to farmers, which depend on the decisions of the European Commission and can be finalised quickly.”

French President Emmanuel Macron also called for a delay, making clear upon arriving in Brussels that Paris would not back the agreement without enhanced protections for its agricultural sector.
Brussels Travel Guide
“I want to tell our farmers, who have been making France’s position clear all along: we consider that we are not there yet, and the deal cannot be signed” as it stands, President Macron told reporters.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni requested a delay in the agreement

He pledged that France would resist any “attempt to force this through”.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a contrasting view, pressing for rapid progress on the accord.

“If the European Union wants to remain credible in global trade policy, then decisions must be made now,” Chancellor Merz stated in Brussels on Thursday.

Germany, Spain and the Nordic countries remain strong advocates for the pact, keen to boost exports amid Chinese competition and potential American tariffs.

Reform UK surges again as Labour’s by-election COLLAPSE accelerates across Britain. Another bruising week of by-elections has exposed a political shift Labour can no longer dismiss as noise. Reform has pulled off a fresh breakthrough, adding to its growing tally since the local elections, while Labour’s losses continue to stack up at an alarming rate. Aggregate figures now show Reform racing ahead with momentum clearly on its side, as Labour sinks deeper into negative territory. What began as isolated defeats is starting to look like a pattern voters are repeating again and again.

SHOCKING TURNAROUND! Reform UK SNATCHES By‑Election Victory ɑs Lɑbour COLLAPSES

WATCH: Francesca O’Brien calls for GB News Senedd ban to be lifted after Caerphilly by-election
Event calendar listing

Another busy week of by-elections has seen both the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK gain seats, while Labour and the Conservatives continued their torrid slump.

The Liberal Democrats boast two holds, along with a gain from the Conservatives, while Reform also managed to bag another seat.

It leaves Reform in the driving seat having an aggregate result of 61 (+52) since the 2025 Local Elections, while the Liberal Democrats continue to chase their tails with an aggregate result of 53 (+18).

It remains bleak reading for the Conservatives, who sit on 18 (-21), and even more so for Labour on 14 (-41).

With that being said, GB News takes a closer look at this week’s five by-election results.

Tudor (Watford)

Liberal Democrats held on to their seat in the Tudor ward of Watford with an increased margin, as Callum Robertson emerged victorious.

The by-election was called after Councillor Charlott Saunders, elected in May 2023, was unable to attend council meetings for over six months for “personal reasons”.

Cllr Robertson said: “I’m humbled by the result. Thank you to every resident who put their trust in me and the Liberal Democrat team.

Liberal Democrats held on to their seat in Watford with Callum Robertson

Nunthorpe (Middlesbrough)

Up north in Middlesbrough, Reform UK recorded a major win, with Joanne Rush emerging victorious.

She snatched the seat from the Liberal Democrats to become the party’s first-ever Middlesbrough councillor.

The by-election had been called after the shock resignation of Councillor Morgan McClintock.

Cllr Rush posted on Facebook following the victory: “I just want to say the biggest thank you to every single person who put their trust in me and lent me your vote. Because of you, we won.

“I am genuinely overwhelmed and so grateful. Every conversation on the doorstep, every message, every bit of support over these last few weeks has meant the world. You placed your confidence in me, and I will work every single day to repay that trust. I am ready to get started and be the voice Nunthorpe deserves.”

Joanne Rush became Reform UK’s first-ever Middlesbrough councillor in the Nunthorpe ward

Winkleigh (Torridge)

In the Winkleigh ward of Torridge, Liberal Democrats gained yet another seat from the Conservatives, with Stephan Thomas Middleton emerging victorious.

The by-election was called after Councillor Simon Newton’s resignation due to relocation.

Taking to social media to celebrate his success, Cllr Middleton said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me with this campaign, your support has been amazing.

“I’d also like to thank my family for being by my side. I am ready to serve our community and tackle the issues that effect us all!!!”

Stephan Thomas Middleton won his by-election third time around, nicking a seat from the Conservatives

Stapleford South East (Broxtowe)

Next, in Nottinghamshire, Sarah Camplin won for the Broxtowe Alliance, taking the seat from Labour.

The by-election was called after the death of Councillor Ross Bofinger in August.

The Broxtowe Alliance took to Facebook to celebrate their victory: “To the people of Stapleford South East a massive THANK YOU! We won. We won well. Congratulations to Sarah Camplin.”

“I’ll Give Everything I Have… If It Means She Lives!” — Pete Wicks Breaks Down in Public as He Races to Save a Dying Rescue Dog. The TV star, visibly shaking and fighting back tears, vowed: “I don’t care about the cost… I just need her to have a chance.” Onlookers say the raw display of devotion left them stunned, many weeping as Wicks cradled the frail animal, whispering words of comfort. Sources reveal the dog, close to death before Wicks stepped in, now has a fighting chance — all thanks to his relentless determination and heart-wrenching courage. Fans flooded social media: “This isn’t just a rescue… it’s a love story. Pete is a hero.”

Reality star Pete Wicks has once again proven he’s more than just a familiar face on screen — he’s got a heart of gold.

In a deeply emotional episode of ITV’s For Dogs’ Sake, Pete was seen wiping away tears as he met a rescue dog in critical condition. The dog, a neglected mix-breed suffering from severe illness, had racked up a vet bill that her shelter simply couldn’t afford.

Without hesitation, Pete looked into her eyes, turned to the rescue team, and said:

 “She Deserves a Chance…”

The moment stunned viewers, many of whom took to social media in tears. One fan posted:

“I didn’t expect to cry tonight but Pete Wicks broke me. What a beautiful soul.”

Pete’s willingness to step in — not for the cameras, but because he truly cares — was praised by fans, animal lovers, and fellow celebrities alike.

Known for his tattoos, tough image, and no-nonsense banter on TOWIE and Celebs Go Dating, Pete has found a new purpose in animal welfare. Through For Dogs’ Sake, he’s helped highlight neglected pets across the UK and used his platform to drive real impact.

 “Some Things Matter More Than Money”

Pete later explained in a behind-the-scenes clip:

“It’s not about money. It’s about giving a life the second chance it never had.”

ED DAVEY’S BOMBSHELL MESSAGE FOR 2025: “I WILL DEFEAT FARAGE!” In ɑ powerful New Yeɑr stɑtement, Ed Dɑvey boldly vows to crush Nigel Fɑrɑge’s pσliticɑl ɑmbitions. But thɑt’s not ɑll — he’s ɑlso tɑking ɑ swipe ɑt Donɑld Trump! And there’s more… Dɑvey hɑils Dr. Al Pinkerton’s tireless push for ɑ UK-EU Customs Union. The stɑkes couldn’t be higher. READ MORE

ED DAVEY’S BOMBSHELL MESSAGE FOR 2025: “I WILL DEFEAT FARAGE!”

Sir Ed Davey has boasted about “taking the fight” to Nigel Farage and vowed to stop the Reform UK leader making Britain like Donald Trump’s America in his New Year message to the nation.

The Liberal Democrat leader, who last week swiped at “right-wing conspiracy theorists” in his Christmas message, used his pre-recorded address to look back on his electoral achievements in 2025.

Speaking opposite the Houses of Parliament beside Westminster Bridge, Sir Ed said: “2025 hasn’t always been easy, but I am so proud of everything our Liberal Democrat team has achieved this year.

“Our record breaking success in the local elections – beating Labour and the Conservatives.

“Our victories in Parliament – from banning puppy smuggling to backing a new Customs Union with the EU.

“Fighting to end the cost-of-living crisis. Protect our environment. Fix the NHS and social care.

“Standing up to Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Taking the fight to Nigel Farage – and winning.

“And we can win again in 2026 – in Scotland, Wales and across England.

Sir Ed Davey delivered his New Year message opposite the Houses of Parliament

 | LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

“To stop Trump’s America becoming Farage’s Britain. And change our country for the better.

“So from all of us at the Liberal Democrats: I hope you have a happy and hopeful New Year. Let’s make it a good one.”

The Liberal Democrat leader has been ramping up his attacks against Mr Farage throughout the year, using his keynote conference speech to warn the Reform UK leader would follow Mr Trump in scrapping the NHS and rolling back gun laws.

Sir Ed also included a round-up of 2025 in his message, with the Liberal Democrat leader sharing footage of him playing cricket, visiting farmers, opposing Mr Trump’s tariffs and standing up for Gazans over the “abhorrent” war in Gaza.

He also included footage of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch swiping at the Liberal Democrats for “fixing church roofs”.

PICTURED: Zia Yusuf, Nigel Farage and Reform activists cheer as Sarah Pochin wins the Runcorn & Helsby by-election | PA

However, Liberal Democrat leader also shared footage from inside the House of Commons, including a fiery exchange between MPs and Nigel Farage.

Despite claiming the Liberal Democrats have been defeating Reform UK at the ballot box, opinion polls continue to show Mr Farage’s party as the frontrunners ahead of the next general election.

Find Out Now’s Christmas Eve poll puts Reform UK on 30 per cent, 12 points ahead of the Tories in second.

Meanwhile, Zack Polanski’s Green Party soared from seven per cent in 2024 to 17 per cent.

Sir Ed also included a round-up of 2025 in his message, with the Liberal Democrat leader sharing footage of him playing cricket | PA

Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour has seen its support more than halve to just 14 per cent, leaving the Liberal Democrats in fifth place on just 12 per cent.

However, Sir Ed had plenty to smile about at the 2025 Local Elections, finishing second nationally after winning an extra 163 wards and taking control of an additional three councils.

The Liberal Democrats have also won more council by-elections in 2025 than any other party, narrowly edging out Reform UK by just one seat.

Despite claiming to have put Mr Farage on the back foot, Reform UK recorded the most by-election gains of any party since the 2025 Local Elections.

Nigel Farage claimed victory in Kent following the 2025 Local Elections | PA

Mr Farage has picked up an additional 58 wards since May 1, with the Liberal Democrats and Greens adding an extra 19 and two to their respective tallies.

Reform UK is also polling strongly ahead of key electoral contests in Scotland and Wales, while the Liberal Democrats remain in single digits ahead of polls opening for both bouts.

However, Sir Ed will still hope to make significant inroads on May 7 next year, with Liberal Democrat candidates expected to perform strongly in London and the Home Counties.

Sir Ed faces his next major challenge on January 16, when MPs will debate the second reading of Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton’s proposed legislation for the UK to join a Customs Union with the EU.

The proposed legislation to rejoin the customs union will return to the House of Commons for its second reading on January 16 next year | PARLIAMENT TV

The Ten Minute Rule Bill, which was brought forward by the Surrey Heath MP on December 9, passed by a majority of one.

The vote was evenly split with 100 MPs supporting calls to bind Britain to Brussels’s rule-taking trade arrangement and 100 MPs voting against.

Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes, who had the whip removed by Boris Johnson after rebelling against Brexit in September 2019, was called to cast the deciding vote.

Ms Nokes pointed out that her casting vote was merely following parliamentary precedent.

“In accordance with precedent, I will cast the casting vote aye to allow further debate,” Ms Nokes said.