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No cameras. No script. Just cages, fear… and one life-changing decision.

When Pete Wicks stepped onto a remote dog-meat farm in South Korea, the former TOWIE star wasn’t chasing a storyline — he was answering a call for help that would leave him shaken to his core.

More than 170 dogs were crammed into rusted wire cages, many trembling, malnourished and moments away from slaughter. Some had been born there, never knowing grass, toys, or a gentle human touch. Others were believed to be former pets, abandoned or stolen

And this time… the world didn’t look away.

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 “THEIR EYES BROKE ME”

Working alongside international animal welfare charities, Pete joined a painstaking rescue mission to liberate every single dog from the site

Volunteers carefully lifted terrified animals from the pens — wrapping them in blankets, whispering to calm them, carrying them out into daylight for the very first time.

“You don’t forget those eyes,” Pete later said.
“They didn’t know what was happening — only that someone was finally being kind.”

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 A JOURNEY FROM HELL TO HEALING

After the rescue, the dogs began their long road to freedom — flown to the UK, US and Canada for medical treatment, rehabilitation and eventual adoption.

For many, it was the first time they felt:

clean air

soft bedding

hands that didn’t hurt

Pete was there loading carriers, calming frightened pups, and using his platform to shine a spotlight on a hidden cruelty most people never see.

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 MORE THAN A  CELEBRITY MOMENT

This wasn’t about fame.

It was about responsibility.

About refusing to let suffering stay invisible.

“Cruelty survives when nobody looks,” a volunteer said.
“Pete looked — and he acted.”

His involvement helped drive awareness, donations, and global support for future rescue missions.

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 NOT THE END — BUT A BEGINNING

For the 170 dogs saved, this is the start of a new life.

For countless others still trapped, it’s a warning to the world.

And for millions watching, it’s proof that compassion isn’t loud — it’s hands in cages, tears in silence, and choosing to do something when it would be easier to walk away.

Pete Wicks didn’t rescue 170 dogs alone.

But he stood there.
He lifted them.
He stayed.

And because of that…

170 lives now have something they never had before: hope. 

Sir Richard Branson has paid a deeply moving tribute to his late wife Joan, celebrating her life alongside their children during an intimate New Year service on Necker Island.

Six weeks after Joan’s death at the age of 80, the billionaire entrepreneur gathered family and close friends on his 74-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands for what he described as a “beautiful celebration” marked by songs, laughter and tears. The ceremony brought together their two children, Holly, 44, and Sam, 40, in a moment of shared remembrance and gratitude.

Branson first announced Joan’s passing in November, writing that he was “heartbroken” to lose the woman who had been his partner for half a century. He said she was not only an extraordinary wife, but also the most loving mother and grandmother their family could have wished for, calling her his best friend, guiding light and entire world.

Footage shared online showed Branson, his children and guests dressed in white, walking in single file along the island’s rugged coastline beneath a glowing moon. Despite nursing an arm injury, Branson later addressed the gathering, raising a glass of champagne as he spoke about a life filled with love, joy and unforgettable memories.

In his tribute, he explained that his family has always believed in celebrating people while they are alive and after they are gone, saying that was exactly what they had done for Joan. He described the evening as a heartfelt farewell, full of stories, music and emotion, honouring a woman he called an incredible partner, mum, grandmother and friend.

Branson added that the family chose to hold the service under the brightest moon of the year, marking the end of what he described as a beautiful month. Separate images showed him and son Sam sitting quietly together on the beach, reflecting beneath the rising moon.

Sam, a talented musician, also performed during the ceremony and later shared that it had been a very special service for a very special woman. Holly, meanwhile, posted her own emotional tribute, admitting the initial shock and pain of her mother’s death had slowly turned into gratitude for 44 years of unconditional love. She described Joan as one in a billion, brilliant and kind, and thanked supporters around the world for the messages, cards and flowers that helped the family feel held and loved.

The couple married on Necker Island in 1989 after meeting years earlier at The Manor in Oxfordshire. Branson has previously said Joan was unimpressed by his early showmanship, something he quickly realised made her even more special.

Great British Bake Off presenter Alison Hammond has struggled with her weight for most of her adult life — but today she says she finally feels confident, healthy and genuinely at peace with herself.

Now 50, Alison recently stunned fans after revealing she is happily in love with boyfriend David, 28, and has even dropped a quiet marriage bombshell after shedding an astonishing 13 stone.

At her heaviest, Alison weighed close to 30 stone. She has previously admitted that she sometimes booked an extra airline seat to avoid discomfort or embarrassment for other passengers. Over the years, she has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her size — from the trauma of having a gastric band fitted to feeling deeply ashamed of her appearance.

So what really sparked the transformation?

Ahead of presenting the festive repeat of last year’s Great Christmas Bake Off this Saturday (December 20), Alison has finally opened up about the powerful moment that changed everything.

The turning point, she says, was the heartbreaking loss of her mother in 2020. Her mum, who suffered from type-2 diabetes, had repeatedly warned Alison about the dangers after she herself was diagnosed as pre-diabetic.

“Mum said to me, ‘If you can, sort out your weight, Alison,’” she told Good Housekeeping.
Those words, combined with grief and fear, stayed with her — and ignited a determination she had never felt before.

Although Alison has publicly supported weight-loss medication for those who need it, she admitted she personally chose not to go down the injection route because of safety concerns. She hasn’t ruled it out forever, but so far, she says, her weight loss has been achieved without jabs or injections.

Earlier this year, Alison told Closer that she has now lost around 13st 7lbs — and insists there was no extreme dieting or punishing regime behind it.

Instead, she works with a personal trainer when she can, fits in walks on busy days, eats in moderation and no longer believes in denying herself food.
“I don’t deny myself anything,” she said.

There is, however, one lifestyle change she credits above all others: giving up alcohol.

During a segment on This Morning, Alison revealed that becoming teetotal has completely changed her life. She said she now wakes up feeling clearer, happier and healthier. Even though co-host Dermot O’Leary pointed out she had never been a heavy drinker, Alison insisted the impact has been huge.
“Teetotal is the way forward,” she declared.

Her transformation hasn’t just improved her health — it has transformed her personal life too.

With her relationship with Russian masseur David Putman growing stronger, friends say wedding plans are firmly back on the table. The couple, who have a 22-year age gap, began dating in December 2023 and went public with their romance in 2024, soon making their red-carpet debut.

Alison has described their connection as fitting together “like a jigsaw” and recently said David has “the most beautiful energy.” Insiders say her desire to look and feel her best on her wedding day has only intensified her focus.

Beyond weight loss, Alison has also invested heavily in skincare, regular facials and natural products. She now works out consistently, walks more than ever and feels her confidence — and energy — soaring. With whispers of new professional opportunities, including possible work in the US, those close to her say she is happier and more motivated than she has been in years.

And after everything she’s been through, Alison says she finally feels grateful — not just for the body she’s rebuilt, but for the love she’s found.

Declan Donnelly and Ali Astall Stun Fans With Secret Twin Baby Reveal at Age 50 — and It’s the NAMES That No One Saw Coming

For years, they chose silence instead of headlines.
Privacy instead of publicity.
A quiet life instead of constant speculation.

And then — without warning — Declan Donnelly and his longtime partner, Ali Astall, did the unthinkable.

Early on a peaceful London morning, while much of the city was still waking up, a single post appeared online.

Just one photograph — and a handful of words powerful enough to set social media ablaze.

The image showed Declan, 50, bathed in soft natural light, cradling two newborn babies in his arms.

Wrapped in simple cream blankets, the twins slept soundly, completely unaware that their arrival had just sparked a global reaction.

Beside him sat Ali, her face glowing with emotion — smiling through unmistakable tears.

Within minutes, fans realized this was no ordinary announcement.

This was a double bombshell.

Not only had the couple quietly welcomed twin babies after years of guarding their private journey — they had done it without a single leak, rumour, or confirmation along the way.

“They waited years.”
“They kept it completely private.”
“And then they shared everything in one unforgettable moment.”

The post spread at lightning speed across social media.
Screenshots flooded timelines.
Entertainment outlets scrambled to push out updates.

Fans around the world reacted with a mix of shock, joy, and disbelief.

But as the initial surprise began to settle, it became clear that it wasn’t only the twins themselves capturing everyone’s attention.

It was their names.

In the caption, Declan and Ali quietly revealed the twins’ names for the very first time:
Theodore James Donnelly and Elijah Rowan Donnelly.

Almost instantly, the internet erupted.

Fans called the names “unexpected,” “deeply meaningful,” and “beautifully classic.”

Others praised their timeless quality, noting how both felt traditional yet emotionally rich.

Online, speculation quickly followed — with users wondering about family connections, personal symbolism, and whether the names paid tribute to loved ones from the couple’s past.

“Theodore” was widely seen as a name rooted in strength and legacy, while “Elijah” sparked discussion for its softer, more poetic tone.

The middle names — James and Rowan — only deepened the intrigue, sending fans searching for hidden meanings behind every choice.

One comment summed up the collective feeling perfectly:
“The names feel chosen with love, not trends.”

The secrecy surrounding the twins’ arrival only amplified the emotional impact.

In an age where celebrity lives are documented in real time, Declan and Ali’s decision to wait — and to speak only when they were ready — felt almost radical.

Sources close to the couple described the announcement as “deeply intentional.”

According to insiders, the post was shared without media advisers or promotional strategy.
“This wasn’t about attention,” one source said.

“It was about family.”

Friends say becoming a parent later in life has brought a profound sense of peace to Declan.

“There’s a calmness about him,” one insider shared. “He feels grounded.”

Ali, meanwhile, has been widely praised for her strength and quiet grace.

Messages poured in applauding her decision to protect such a deeply personal chapter of their lives until now.

“She guarded her family fiercely,” one fan wrote.

As the day went on, reactions continued to flood in — from fellow celebrities, longtime supporters, and parents who saw their own journeys reflected in the story.

Many described the announcement as “quietly powerful” and “deeply moving.”

And then, just as deliberately as it appeared, the moment ended.

No follow-up posts were shared.
No interviews were announced.

Two names.

And two newborn lives, introduced to the world on their own terms.

Sometimes the biggest stories don’t arrive with noise or spectacle.

Sometimes, they arrive softly — and linger with us long after the moment has passed.

TOWIE cast member Pete Wicks is reported to have bagged a second series of his TV show For Dogs’ Sake.
Earlier this year Pete, 37, hosted four episodes of the programme for U&W. It was filmed at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Basildon, Essex.

Now, according to reports, the former Strictly Come Dancing fave will front another run of the show after commissioners were pleased with the initial series.

Alison Hammond under fire

Furthermore, a telly insider is said to have compared the reality TV veteran to showbiz legend Paul O’Grady. He presented 11 series of For The Love Of Dogs on ITV before his passing in March 2023.

This Morning star Alison Hammond subsequently took over the reins from Paul as host, but has been slammed by some unhappy viewers on social media.

Alison later hit back at the haters, suggesting they switch off if they don’t want to watch. But negative remarks about her have persisted online.

Some viewers criticise Alison Hammond on social media (Credit: ITV)

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake news update

A source is reported to have told The Sun about Pete: “The show got a great reception when it aired earlier this year. And not just because he was still basking in the afterglow of Strictly.

Many viewers compared For Dogs’ Sake to For The Love Of Dogs.

“Many viewers compared For Dogs’ Sake to show For The Love Of Dogs, and said he was a worthy successor to the late, great Paul O’Grady who hosted the ITV show.”
Entertainment website design
Stirring the pot, the unnamed insider is said to have added: “It will be interesting news for ITV, as it has just launched a second series of For The Love Of Dogs under new host Alison Hammond.”

ED! has approached a representative for Pete Wicks for comment.

‘Pete would’ve been perfect’

When For The Love Of Dogs returned to ITV with a new, 13th series earlier this week, detractors of Alison frequently brought Pete’s name up as their preferred alternative to present the programme.

“You need a different host ASAP. Take a look at Pete Wicks For Dogs’ Sake’. He would’ve been perfect to take over from our darling Paul #FLOD,” one X user sniped.

Another suggested: “Surely someone like Pete Wicks would be a better host of For The Love Of Dogs.”

And a third claimed: “The presenter should be Pete Wicks or the Crufts presenter Radzi Chinyanganya. Both of these are dynamic talented presenters who love dogs. I’ve taken the advice that Alison gave us last season. She said: ‘If you don’t want to watch, don’t watch.’ Thanks Alison, I won’t watch!”

ED! readers also voted in an exclusive online poll, with a huge 87% of respondents backing hunky Pete to take over from Alison.

Peter Andre has gushed about his new born daughterCredit: Rex

Peter Andre has shared a touching insight into his new family life after welcoming his second daughter with wife Emily — and he admits their little girl has changed everything.

The loved-up couple welcomed Arabella Rose into the world back in April, marking a new chapter for the family.

Emily gave birth to Arabella in April this yearCredit: dr_emily_official

Already parents to Theo, seven, and Amelia, nine, Peter, 51, and Emily, 35, are also raising Peter’s older children Junior and Princess from his previous marriage to Katie Price.

a group of people standing on a red carpet with britain written on the wall behind them 5 Peter spoke to The Sun at The Pride of Britain Awards with wife Emily and his oldest children Junior and PrincessCredit: Getty

Speaking exclusively to reporters at the Pride of Britain Awards, Peter couldn’t hide his emotion as he talked about his six-month-old daughter.“She’s beautiful,” he said. “She has honestly made us complete — she really has.”

Emily revealed the night out was a big moment for her as she’d left Arabella at home for the first time.“It’s the first time I’ve really left her,” she admitted.

Peter added:“It’s taken a lot to get her out,” before Emily laughed:

“I had a bit of a wobble, but we’re fine!”

Asked how they are coping with life as a family of five, Emily explained:“It’s a juggle — but we’ve got helping hands,” pointing to Junior and Princess, who have both thrown themselves into big-sister and big-brother duties.

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A Dancing Star in the Making?

a family posing for a picture in front of a christmas tree 5 Peter and Emily pictured with Princess, Junior, Amelia and TheoCredit: peterandre/Instagram

Peter also hinted that baby Arabella might already be following in the family’s musical footsteps.“She is dancing — she loves dancing at the minute,” he smiled.

“She could potentially become one of Diversity… you never know. The next generation.”

The Andre clan made a rare red-carpet appearance together at the awards, marking one of their first public outings since Arabella’s arrival. v

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The Emotional Birth Announcement

Peter is now a proud father of fiveCredit: Instagram

Peter and Emily first shared the joyful news of Arabella’s birth on Instagram in April.

He wrote:“Just minutes old…

We feel so overwhelmed right now. So happy to welcome our beautiful girl to the family.
Mum and daughter are doing amazing. Born Tuesday 2nd April 2024, 7lb 3oz and thankfully very healthy

Baby has been spoilt with cuddles from Junior, Princess, Amelia and Theo who are all in love with their new little sister.
As parents, we couldn’t be happier.”

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Why Peter Rarely Uses Her Name

While the couple chose the elegant name Arabella, Peter later admitted he doesn’t actually call her that very often.

Writing in his column for new! magazine, he shared:“Arabella is now seven weeks old — where has the time gone?

I still haven’t called Arabella by her name. I absolutely love it and she really suits it — but I still call her ‘bubba’.”

With Arabella now firmly settling into family life, Peter says he has never felt more complete — surrounded by love, laughter and the joyful chaos of raising five children.

Jesy Nelson has revealed she is fighting for SMA1 screening at birth after her twin daughters could have avoided severe muscular disease with early treatment.

On Sunday, the former Little Mix star, 34, explained that after ‘the most gruelling three or four months’ her eight-month-old daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe have been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA1).

The genetic neuromuscular disease causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to motor neuron loss.

Jesy was tearful as she explained that the condition ‘affects every muscle in the body down to legs, arms, breathing and swallowing’, adding that ‘essentially what it does over time is it kills the muscles in the body’.

Now, the singer has shares an update from hospital as she revealed that she has put a petition in to try and get newborn babies screened from birth for SMA and is ‘determined and ready to fight’ to see it approved.

If SMA1 is treated pre-symptomatically (at or near birth), the disease can be largely prevented, and many children develop with minimal or no symptoms.

Jesy Nelson has revealed she is fighting for SMA1 screening at birth after her twin daughters could have avoided severe muscular disease with early treatment

The singer, 34, explained on Sunday that her eight-month-old daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe have been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Opening up in a new Instagram video filmed in a hospital, Jesy said: ‘Hey guys I just wanted to come on here to basically say thank you genuinely so much from the bottom of my heart for the outpour of support and beautiful messages for me and other families dealing with this horrible diagnosis.

‘I am genuinely so overwhelmed from the level of support and I just want to say thank you for sharing, learning about it, took the time to watch it and send their beautiful messages, thank you I appreciate it so much.

‘I also wanted to let you guys know, I am starting a petition to try and get the newborn screening heel prick testing from birth and I just need you to know that I am so determined to make this happen and I am going to fight as much as I can to make this part of the newborn screening.

‘It’s currently under review so I will keep you updated and also I will be on This Morning tomorrow talking about my baby girls. I love you all so much and I can’t thank you enough for the support. We have along way to go but I love you so much.’

On Sunday, Jesy said that doctors initially dismissed her fears about her baby twins not hitting milestones because they were born prematurely.

In her emotional video posted to Instagram she explained that her mum had first noticed that the twins’ legs weren’t as mobile as maybe they should be.

Jesy then took them to the doctors to get things looked at and routine health visitors had also checked them over.

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She explained: ‘A few months ago my mum noticed that the girls were not showing as much movement in their legs as they should be.

The singer has shared an update from hospital as she revealed that she started a petition to try and get newborn babies screened from birth for SMA and is ‘determined’ to see it approved

If SMA1 is treated pre-symptomatically (at or near birth), the disease can be largely prevented, and many children develop with minimal or no symptoms

After thanking fans for their support Jesy said: ‘I wanted to let you guys know, I am starting a petition to try and get the newborn screening heel prick testing from birth’

‘It wasn’t really a concern to me at the time because from the minute I left NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), I was told “Your babies are premature, so do not compare your babies to other babies. They won’t reach the same milestones, take them as they are and they will get where they need to be when they do”.’

Health visitors also offered reassurance when Jesy and her partner Zion also grew concerned about their feeding.

However, they were told the babies were ‘great and healthy’ and there wasn’t anything to worry about.

After later undergoing further tests, they were given the SMA Type 1 diagnosis.

Choking back tears the singer said in her video: ‘If it’s not treated in time your baby’s life expectancy will not make it past the age of two.’

She went on to explain that Great Ormond Street have advised that the girls ‘are probably never going to be able to walk or regain their neck strength so they will be disabled’.

She added: ‘The best thing we can do right now is get them treatment and hope for the best.’

Jesy welcomed her twin daughters with partner Zion on May 15, 2025.

‘I just need you to know that I am so determined to make this happen and I am going to fight as much as I can to make this part of the newborn screening’

She added: ‘It’s currently under review so I will keep you updated and also I will be on This Morning tomorrow talking about my baby girls’

What is spinal muscular atrophy?

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a disease that weakens a patient’s strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord.

It results in gradual muscle wasting and the severity of symptoms varies by type

Type 1 SMA is the most severe and is evident at birth. The weakening of muscles means sufferers cannot sit and usually leads to death by the age of five

Type 2  is intermediate with the sufferer being unable to stand

Type 3 is mild and makes it difficult to get up from a sitting position, while

Type 4 sufferers don’t have symptoms until they are in their 20s or 30s

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She spent much of her difficult pregnancy in hospital before the girls were delivered at 31 weeks which was followed by a stay in the NICU.

‘After the most gruelling three, four months and endless appointments the girls have now been diagnosed with a severe muscular disease – SMA Type 1,’ she explained in her video.

‘Once the girls got treated, it was a very rapid process because time is of the essence with this disease’ Jesy said of the twins’ treatment plan from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, adding that there is no cure for SMA.

She said the girls have had their treatment over the past few weeks which ‘I am so grateful for because without it they will die.’

‘It has just been endless hospital appointments, I feel like the hospital has become my second home and I feel like I have had to become a nurse because I have to put them on breathing machines and do stuff that no mother should have to do with their child.’

Jesy broke down as she admitted: ‘The last few months have been the most heartbreaking time of my life. I literally feel like my whole life has done a 360. I almost feel like I am grieving a life I thought I was going to have with my children.

‘I truly believe my girls will defy all the odds with the right help and do things that have never been done.’

She ended her video by explaining she wanted to make the post to help others and raise awareness of early diagnosis in children and the signs to look for which include floppiness in babies, bell-shaped bellies and rapid breathing.

She also stressed the need for a heel prick test at birth ‘which can literally save their legs, and so many parts of their body.’

Ocean Jade and Story Monroe were born at just 31 weeks old, after Jesy was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) – a rare condition that can put one or both babies at risk.

Before being released from hospital the twins had been receiving treatment in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

On Sunday, Jesy broke down in tears as she said that doctors initially dismissed her fears about her baby twins not hitting milestones because they were born prematurely

Jesy announced she was expecting twins with her boyfriend Zion back in January 2025 after rumours they had split. They got engaged later that year

Jesy recently opened up about their premature births, telling fans: ‘Nothing or no one will ever be able to prepare you as a parent for NICU.

In March 2025 during her pregnancy, Jesy had to undergo an emergency procedure after suffering complications and was advised to remain in hospital until she was at least 32 weeks into her pregnancy.

Throughout the ordeal, her partner Zion admitted he and Jesy, who was seven months pregnant at the time of her procedure, had ‘grown to understand each other on a deeper level’.

Jesy announced she was expecting twins with her boyfriend Zion back in January 2025 after rumours they had split.

Janette Manrara and her husband Aljaz Skorjanec have announced some exciting news(Image: Suzan Moore/PA Wire)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara have shared an exciting joint announcement. The couple both worked as professional dancers on the popular BBC programme. In 2021, Janette moved away from her role and it was announced she was becoming the new presenter of Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, taking over from Zoe Ball.

Meanwhile, Aljaž is currently partnered with La Voix on this year’s series. The RuPaul’s Drag Race star wowed fans last weekend with a spectacular performance of a paso doble to Beethoven’s The 5th.

Away from the ballroom, Aljaž and Janette often share family updates and offer glimpses of what their life is like outside of Strictly Come Dancing.

The two met in 2010 at a studio in London and worked on the dance show ‘Burn the Floor’ together. The dancers tied the knot in 2017 after seven years together.

Janette and Aljaž have one child together, daughter Lyra. The presenter welcomed daughter Lyra in July 2023.

Earlier this year, the couple set off on their UK tour with their show “A Night to Remember”. The performances featured a variety of dance styles, accompanied by a live big band.

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They have now announced they are “back” for more, confirming a new tour for next year. A post on Instagram said: “They’re back! Aljaž and Janette are back with a brand new tour for Spring 2026 ‘Let’s Face The Music And Dance!’

“A dazzling tribute to the legendary songwriters, composers and producers whose music has sound tracked our lives, performed live with the incredible Tom Seals & his Big Band, and a supporting cast of the UK’s very best dancers!

“Expect show stopping routines, timeless tunes, and all the sparkle you’ve been waiting for. Tickets on sale Friday 7th November.”

The tour has 16 dates, including Manchester, Blackpool and York. Fans are excited for the couple to return to the stage, with one user commenting they are “over the moon”.

On Instagram, one fan said: “How exciting” while another said: “Yesss can’t wait.” A third added: “Over the moon yes they are back” and a fourth said: “Amazing”.

Vicky Pattison also commented: “I WANT TO COME.” The reality TV star is taking part in this year’s competition with professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

Gorka Marquez also added to the comments, sharing round of applause emojis. The Strictly pro is not partnered with a celebrity this year due to other work commitments. Gorka is a judge on the second series of “Bailando con las estrellas” which is the Spanish version of Strictly Come Dancing.

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, silence is often the loudest sound. But recently, the silence coming from Maranello has been broken by a roar—not from an engine on the track, but from a leak that has sent shockwaves through the paddock. It has been nearly two decades since Ferrari truly ruled the sport. The days of Michael Schumacher’s dominance and Kimi Räikkönen’s 2007 title feel like ancient legends, gathering dust in the trophy cabinet. The Constructor’s Championship has eluded them since 2008, a painful drought for a team that defines itself by winning.

But 2026 promises a new dawn. With the sport undergoing a massive regulatory overhaul, the playing field is being leveled. And in the shadows of their Maranello factory, Ferrari has been forging a weapon that defies convention, logic, and perhaps even safety. They call it Project 678, but the world is about to know it as the “Steel Heart” of Ferrari.

The Impossible Choice: Why Steel?

For years, the formula for a winning F1 engine has been lightness above all else. Aluminium has been the gold standard for critical components like cylinder heads—light, effective enough, and predictable. But Ferrari, staring down the barrel of another decade of mediocrity, has decided that “predictable” doesn’t win championships.

In a move that has baffled rival engineers and delighted tech nerds, Ferrari’s 2026 power unit will reportedly feature cylinder heads made from a newly developed steel alloy.

On the surface, this sounds like madness. Steel is heavy. In a sport where every gram is shaved off with obsessive precision, voluntarily adding weight to the engine seems counterintuitive. However, the 2026 regulations have changed the math. Power units are getting heavier anyway—up to 150kg—and the emphasis is shifting from pure lightweight materials to combustion efficiency and durability.

The new rules mandate a 50/50 split between electric power and the internal combustion engine (ICE). To get the most out of that combustion side, you need heat. Extreme heat. You need pressures that would melt standard aluminium components into slag. That is where steel enters the picture. Steel can withstand thermal punishment that aluminium simply cannot. It allows for more aggressive ignition strategies, higher compression ratios, and ultimately, more explosive power from every drop of fuel.

The Struggle Behind the Scenes

This innovation didn’t come easily. In fact, it almost didn’t happen at all. Reports from inside the team suggest that the road to Project 678 was paved with failure. Early prototypes of the steel heads were a disaster. They suffered from thermal cracking and fatigue, unable to survive the brutal vibrations and heat cycles of an F1 simulation.

Wolf Zimmerman, the mastermind behind Ferrari’s combustion technology, reportedly faced a wall of skepticism. There were whispers that the project was too extreme, too risky, and that the team should retreat to the safety of aluminium. The fear was palpable: in 2026, teams are strictly limited to just four internal combustion engines per driver for the entire 24-race season. If your fancy steel engine cracks in race three, your championship hopes are effectively over.

Facing a technical dead end, Ferrari did something rare for the proud Italian outfit: they asked for help. They brought in AVL, an Austrian powertrain consultancy famous for making the impossible possible. AVL’s experts didn’t just advise; they reportedly rescued the project. Through their collaboration, they managed to turn the fragile steel concept into a reliable weapon.

Late in 2025, a quiet confidence began to spread through the factory. The aluminium backup plan was scrapped. Ferrari was all in on steel.

A Dangerous Game of Risk vs. Reward

The implications of this decision are staggering. If the reports are true, Ferrari’s new engine is producing pressures and temperatures never before seen in Formula 1. While rivals like Mercedes are reportedly chasing complex compression ratio tricks and Red Bull is focusing on battery energy cycling, Ferrari has chosen a path of brute engineering strength.

It is a high-stakes gamble. The extra weight of the steel must be compensated for elsewhere. Ferrari has reportedly developed new compact radiators, a lighter battery system, and a tighter packaging layout to offset the engine’s mass. They are also reintroducing a push-rod rear suspension—a layout they haven’t used since 2010—mimicking a geometry that Red Bull is rumored to be pursuing. This allows for better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity, crucial for handling the heavier 2026 cars.

But the risks remain massive. “Reliability” is the watchword for 2026. A single failure can ruin a weekend; a pattern of failures ruins a season. Ferrari is betting that their Austrian-aided steel alloy can hold together while screaming at 12,000 RPM for two hours straight, Sunday after Sunday.

The Human Element: Hamilton and Leclerc

Beyond the nuts and bolts, this story is deeply human. It is about redemption.

Charles Leclerc, the prince of Maranello, has waited years for a car capable of fighting for the title on merit, not just luck. After a 2025 season where he scraped together seven podiums but zero wins, his patience is undoubtedly wearing thin. He needs a machine that matches his talent.

And then there is Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion made the shock move to Ferrari not to drive in the midfield, but to cement his legacy with an eighth title in red. His 2025 season was a statistical low point—zero podiums for the first time in his illustrious career. Hamilton has seen enough failed projects to know the difference between hype and reality. Yet, insiders suggest he is “locked in” and hopeful. If Project 678 delivers on its promise, Hamilton might just have the machinery to challenge the younger generation one last time.

The pressure on Team Principal Fred Vasseur is suffocating. He knows that Ferrari cannot afford another false dawn. The decision to unveil the car on January 23rd—just days before the pre-season test in Barcelona—shows a team that is eager, perhaps even desperate, to prove its worth. Vasseur has even revealed a “two-spec” strategy: a launch car designed to verify the reliability of the new steel engine, and a “B-spec” performance version that will arrive later for the Bahrain race. This aggressive development plan signals that Ferrari is no longer content to play it safe.

The Verdict: A New Era or a Final Failure?

The 2026 season represents a hard reset for Formula 1. Everyone starts from zero. In this environment, the team that takes the biggest risk often reaps the biggest reward. Mercedes dominated the hybrid era because they nailed the engine regulations better than anyone else. Ferrari is hoping that their “Steel Heart” will be the defining innovation of this new era.

Rumors in the paddock already place Ferrari’s engine readiness as second only to Mercedes, and potentially ahead of Red Bull Ford. For a team that looked lost in 2025, that is a seismic leap.

But until the lights go out in Bahrain, it is all just simulation data and hopeful whispers. The steel heads could be the masterstroke that brings the world title back to Maranello after 18 years. Or, they could be the Achilles’ heel that leaves Leclerc and Hamilton stranded on the side of the track in a cloud of smoke.

One thing is certain: Ferrari is done with half-measures. They have looked at the future, saw the challenges, and decided to build something dangerous. In a sport that often rewards the brave, Ferrari has made the bravest call of all. Now, the world waits to see if the gamble pays off.

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where ego is often the fuel that powers the fastest machines on the planet, a new kind of champion has emerged—and he is baffling the establishment. Lando Norris, the 26-year-old McLaren superstar, has officially etched his name in history as the 11th British Formula 1 World Champion. It is a moment that should be defined by champagne-soaked roars of conquest and unbridled arrogance. Yet, as the confetti settles and the history books are updated, the narrative surrounding Norris’s victory is taking a startlingly introspective turn.

Addressing the world media not as a conqueror, but as a young man seemingly overwhelmed by the weight of his own achievement, Norris dropped a bombshell that has set the paddock ablaze. Instead of claiming his place on the throne with the ruthlessness of a Max Verstappen or the calculated precision of a Michael Schumacher, Norris offered a confession that bordered on embarrassment. He admitted, with a raw vulnerability rarely seen in elite sports, that he feels “not even close” to the legends he is now statistically compared to, specifically referencing his childhood hero, Lewis Hamilton.

The “Imposter” Champion?

“To be crowned for the first time… and to be the 11th British champion, it’s incredible,” Norris began, his voice measuring the gravity of the situation rather than riding the high of it. “But just the fact I get to see my name next to [Lewis Hamilton] is something that’s pretty, pretty nuts.”

For fans who have watched Norris grow from a playful rookie into a title contender, this humility is characteristic. But for the shark tank that is Formula 1, it presents a complex dilemma. The sport is conditioned to believe in the “Killer Instinct”—the idea that a true champion must psychologically dismantle their rivals before beating them on the track. Norris, however, is openly rejecting that archetype.

“Lewis proved himself to be probably the best of all time,” Norris said, deflecting praise away from himself. “You compare him to Schumacher… I’m not even close to that. I might never be.”

This admission has polarized the F1 community. To his legions of supporters, it is a refreshing display of “human” authenticity in a robotic corporate world. To the skeptics, however, it smells of blood in the water. Is this the mindset of a long-term dominant force, or is Norris simply happy to have “gotten one” before the Titans of the sport reclaim their territory?

The Secret Texts from a Legend

Adding a layer of profound emotional depth to Norris’s coronation is the revelation of a private mentorship between him and the man he has effectively dethroned, Lewis Hamilton. The relationship between the two Britons has had its icy moments in the past, fueled by on-track collisions and media misinterpretations. However, Norris revealed that in the heat of the title battle, it was Hamilton who reached out.

“I grew up watching Lewis, and I love the guy,” Norris shared, his admiration evident. “I text him, and he sent me some words of wisdom on Thursday night after the dinner… just to try to help me out a little bit.”

The image of the seven-time champion, in the twilight of his own career, privately guiding the young challenger is poignant. It suggests a passing of the torch that is more cooperative than combative—a stark contrast to the bitter rivalries of the past, such as Hamilton vs. Rosberg or Senna vs. Prost. Norris cherishes this dynamic, noting, “The fact I now get to race against him and he helps me out at times… I love it. I feel like the kid in me is coming out again.”

But this “kid-like” wonder is precisely what worries the purists. Can you truly be the alpha predator of the pack if you are still looking up to the other wolves with stars in your eyes?

Winning “Lando’s Way” vs. The Expectation of Ruthlessness

The core of the current debate lies in the method of Norris’s victory. The 2025 season (leading into this 2026 crowning) was chaotic, with Red Bull struggling unexpectedly and Mercedes fighting their own inconsistencies. This left the door open for McLaren, and Norris walked through it—not by bludgeoning his opponents off the track, but by maintaining a cool, consistent, and arguably “soft” approach.

“I won it my way,” Norris declared. Simple words, but in the context of F1 history, they are a provocation. “I didn’t try to be someone I wasn’t. I didn’t try to be the villain.”

Critics argue that this insistence on being “nice” is a defense mechanism. By refusing to engage in the dark arts of psychological warfare, Norris protects himself from the scrutiny that comes with being a “monster.” If he loses next year, he can claim he “played fair.” If he wins, he is the “good guy.” It is a safe strategy, but is it a champion’s strategy?

The commentary surrounding his win has been laced with whispers that he didn’t truly “fight” for the title in the traditional sense. Theories abound that he floated to the top in a season where balance and internal harmony were rewarded over brute force. While Verstappen fought chaos and Hamilton fought the passage of time, Norris, some claim, fought nothing at all. He simply existed in the right car at the right time.

“Could I have gone out and been more of that person [a ruthless driver]? I could have done,” Norris mused. “But I would have been less proud.”

The Shadow of Conspiracy and “Dark Theories”

Perhaps the most sensational aspect of the fallout is the quiet, persistent theory that Formula 1 needed a Lando Norris championship. After years of the polarizing dominance of Verstappen and the entrenched legacy of Hamilton, the sport’s commercial owners have been desperate for a new face—one that appeals to the younger, “Drive to Survive” generation.

Norris, with his streaming background, relatability, and refusal to be controversial, is the perfect marketing product. This has led to cynical mutterings in the paddock: Was this victory a triumph of talent, or a triumph of orchestration?

Norris himself seems acutely aware of these ghosts haunting his celebration. His retrospective comments on his past behavior—”I know at times I say some stupid things… some things I regret”—read like a man trying to scrub his record clean, to present a spotless image that justifies his new status.

In the hyper-politicized ecosystem of modern F1, even remorse becomes evidence. Some view his apologies and humility as a calculated “PR Masterclass”—a way to disarm criticism before it can even form. If you tell the world you aren’t as good as Hamilton before they can say it, you take away their weapon. It is a psychological tactic, conscious or not, that reframes the championship not as a coronation of supremacy, but as a lucky alignment of stars.

The “Embarrassment” Factor

Why use the word “embarrassed”? While Norris didn’t scream the word from the podium, the sentiment drips from every sentence of his post-championship interviews. He is embarrassed to be elevated to the pantheon of gods like Schumacher when he still feels like a mortal. He is embarrassed by the suggestion that he has conquered the sport when he knows he merely survived a favorable season.

“I feel always a privilege that I get to race against someone that is the best in the world,” he said of Hamilton, sounding more like a fan with a paddock pass than the man who just beat him.

This lack of “champion’s ego” is dangerous. In Formula 1, doubt is a virus. If Norris doesn’t believe he belongs on that pedestal, his rivals—hungry, ruthless, and devoid of such humility—will tear him down the moment the lights go out in 2026. The sharks smell blood. Oscar Piastri, his own teammate, is already lurking in the wings, unburdened by the same level of reverence for the old guard.

Conclusion: The Burden of Proof

Lando Norris is the World Champion. The trophy is in his cabinet, and the record books are inked. That fact is unchangeable. But the meaning of his title is still being written.

History is rarely kind to those who don’t fit the mold. We remember the tyrants of the track—Senna, Schumacher, Vettel, Hamilton, Verstappen. We remember them because they forced us to. They demanded submission from the sport. Norris has requested acceptance instead.

As the celebrations fade and the reality of the #1 on his car sets in, Norris faces a challenge far greater than winning the title: proving he deserves to keep it. As the old paddock saying goes, “Winning once proves talent; winning again proves truth.”

Right now, Lando Norris has the talent. But does he have the truth? His own words suggest he isn’t quite sure yet. And until he is, the ghost of imposter syndrome will ride shotgun in that McLaren, waiting for the first crack in the armor to expose the “nice guy” champion to a field of wolves who have forgotten how to be kind.