Move over, every polished presenter who ever read a script about badgers: Britain has chosen its new natural-history heartbeat, and he’s a 6-foot-6 Sudanese-Scottish giant who learned to track lynx before he could drive, cries when otters hold hands, and once spent 42 straight nights sleeping in a hide just to film pine martens falling in love.

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Last night, BBC One dropped the first trailer for Hamza’s Wild Britain (a six-part landmark series launching spring 2026), and within four hours it became the most-watched BBC trailer in a decade. The final 15 seconds alone have been viewed 28 million times: Hamza, knee-deep in a Highland river at dawn, whispering so gently the microphone barely catches it as a mother otter teaches her pup to swim literally inches from his face. No music. Just his soft Glasgow-Sudanese lilt: “Look… she’s telling him the water will hold him, if he trusts it. Same thing my mum told me when we arrived in Scotland and I couldn’t speak a word of English.”

Hamza arrived in rural Northamptonshire from Sudan at age eight, speaking no English, clutching a bird book his father gave him “because birds don’t care what language you speak.” By twelve he was the weird kid cycling ten miles before school to photograph kingfishers. At sixteen he won Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year with a shot of a fox cub yawning that looked like it was laughing at the universe. University (Bangor, zoology) was just an excuse to live closer to puffins.

Then came the decade nobody saw: camera-operating on Planet Earth III, Springwatch, and Countryfile, always the guy in the muddy boots who could lie motionless for 14 hours until a badger sniffed his lens and decided he was harmless. Crew nicknamed him “the Otter Whisperer” after he filmed the first-ever footage of wild otters playing with pebbles in the Cairngorms, entirely by becoming part of the furniture for six weeks.

Gift baskets

His big break was accidental. In 2022 he entered Strictly Come Dancing “because my mum loves glitterballs and I thought it might pay for a new hide.” He won the whole thing with Jowita Przystał, foxtrotting like a man who’d spent his life learning rhythm from golden eagles soaring on thermals. Overnight, eight million people discovered the gentle giant who spoke about conservation between sambas.

The BBC pounced. First Hamza: Wild Isles (2024), then the Emmy-nominated Hamza’s Sudan (2025), where he returned to his birthplace to film the last northern white rhinos under the same stars he watched as a child. Critics called it “the most emotional hour of television this decade.” Viewers just called it “life-changing.”

Now Hamza’s Wild Britain is being billed as the spiritual successor to Attenborough’s Life on Earth. Shot entirely by Hamza himself (he still refuses a full camera crew because “animals don’t like strangers”), it promises never-before-seen behaviour: red squirrels teaching their young to tightrope-walk power lines, urban foxes using pedestrian crossings at night, golden eagles hunting in snowstorms so violent Hamza had to be roped to a cliff for three days.

The trailer’s money shot? Hamza lying flat on his stomach in a peat bog at 4 a.m., face inches from a wild mountain hare in its white winter coat. The hare slowly reaches out and touches his beard with its paw. Hamza doesn’t move, doesn’t breathe. When the hare eventually hops away, he whispers to camera, voice cracking: “Sometimes the wild decides you’re worth trusting. That’s the best feeling in the world.”

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Sir David himself has already given the ultimate blessing. In a rare statement, the 99-year-old legend said: “Hamza sees the natural world the way poets see love: with wonder that never ages. The baton isn’t being passed; it’s being shared.”

Social media is flooded with kids posting drawings of otters wearing glittery bow ties “for Uncle Hamza.” Primary schools are reporting record numbers of children wanting to become “rangers instead of YouTubers.” The RSPB’s junior membership has tripled in six months.

Hamza, being Hamza, responded to the “new Attenborough” hype with typical humility on Instagram last night: a simple photo of his muddy wellies next to a child’s drawing of an otter holding a glitterball, captioned, “I’m just the tall idiot who talks to animals. Thank you for letting me into your living rooms. I’ll try to make the planet prouder than I am right now.”

Britain has a new voice for its wild places, and it sounds like hope wrapped in a Highland breeze. Spring 2026 can’t come soon enough.

Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy is set to return to the PDC World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace in 2026, exactly a year after he handed the famous trophy to teenage sensation Luke Littler.

The Team GB icon, who won six Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles during his glittering cycling career, attended the world darts final for the first time last year – and the experience clearly stayed with him. Speaking ahead of this year’s championship, Hoy admitted he was blown away not just by Littler’s talent, but by his composure under pressure.

Reflecting on Littler’s historic world title win at just 17, Hoy said what struck him most was how effortlessly calm the teenager appeared on the biggest stage in darts. He explained that even if Littler had been in his late 30s or early 40s, with decades of experience behind him, his performance would still have been impressive – but to show that level of control at such a young age was extraordinary.

Hoy said: “What was remarkable was how Luke Littler, even if he’d been in his late 30s, early 40s, a veteran of his sport, he would still be impressive, but he was 17. It’s incredible how calm he was for a guy of his age and truly remarkable.”

He went on to underline how mentally demanding darts can be, noting that it often takes decades not only to master the skill, but to cope with the pressure that comes with it. “His age is the first thing that catches your attention and the fact that a sport that requires such skill normally takes decades to not just master, but to deal with the pressure,” Hoy said, adding that the mental side of the game is just as important as technical ability.

What impressed him most, however, was Littler’s apparent immunity to the chaos around him. Hoy said it was Littler’s coolness under pressure, relative to his age, that made him stand out, explaining that the young star seemed completely unaffected by the noise, expectation and intensity of the occasion. He noted that sporting heroes often feel like a different breed, removed from normal life, yet Littler appeared disarmingly ordinary as he walked onto the stage. According to Hoy, there was no visible weight on his shoulders – he simply embraced the moment. Crucially, Hoy stressed it wasn’t a one-off, pointing out that Littler has continued to perform at the highest level ever since, describing him as “a true marvel”.

Hoy’s return to Ally Pally this year is about far more than admiration for a rising star. He will be back in his role as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer UK, with tournament sponsor Paddy Power teaming up with the charity for its Even Bigger 180 campaign. The initiative pledges £1,000 for every 180 thrown during the tournament and £180,000 for every nine-dart finish, helping raise life-changing funds.

Sharing his pride in the campaign on social media, Hoy said it was fantastic to see the initiative raise over £1 million with several days still to go. He explained that the funds would make a tangible difference in the fight against prostate cancer, helping countless men and their families across the UK, and said he was delighted to support the campaign again and was looking forward to being back at Alexandra Palace for the final.

Away from the darts spotlight, Hoy has continued to speak openly about his health after revealing his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in October 2024, having first shared earlier that year that he was undergoing treatment. Despite being told he may only have two to four years to live, Hoy has recently said he is responding positively to treatment and remains focused on living life fully.

He is also recovering from a broken leg following a serious mountain bike accident. Speaking candidly about how he is coping, Hoy said: “I’m doing all right. It’s been a funny couple of years, but it changes your perspective on everything, and you learn to kind of live more in the moment. In that respect, I’m doing really well. I’ve had a bit of a tumble on the mountain bike, which wasn’t ideal, but apart from that…”

He added that anyone who has faced a serious health diagnosis goes through a period of acceptance before finding a way forward. “You go through that initial period of getting to the stage of acceptance and then you just get on with life,” he said, explaining that having young children and responsibilities makes that mindset even more important. “It’s not easy but you find your way through and once you do, you recognise that you’re still in the same position. None of us know what’s going to happen in the future.”

A left-wing plot to block Nigel Farage’s march to No10 faces three huge hurdles, a polling guru has told GB News.

MPs from progressive parties have been working behind the scenes to establish a tactical voting strategy to thwart Reform’s surge at the next general election.

Similar campaigns were mounted in a bid to stop Brexit in 2019 and boot the Tories out of power in 2024.

Anti-Reform activists felt buoyed by Plaid Cymru’s success in the Caerphilly by-election last October, with Lindsay Whittle winning over thousands of ex-Labour supporters to see off Reform UK by 3,848 votes.

Research by More in Common suggests similar levels of tactical voting could cost Reform UK around 70 seats, leaving Mr Farage short of a majority.

However, Merlin Strategy founder Scarlett Maguire warned those hoping to block Mr Farage face three huge hurdles ahead of 2029.

Speaking to GB News, Ms Maguire said: “The Senedd by-election in Caerphilly clearly shows that there is a substantial appetite for progressive tactical voting to stop Reform, and Nigel Farage should be worried about the implications of that if replicated across the UK.

“However, there are some caveats. Firstly, it will be harder to rally a progressive tactical vote behind an unpopular Government and a Prime Minister as disliked as Keir Starmer is by those on the left and the right.

“Secondly, if the election boils down to a head-to-head between Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage, we could also expect some sort of tactical vote on the right – although not all Conservatives would stomach this.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage could lose a chunk of seats due to tactical voting

 

“Finally, and potentially most importantly, with the polls now a five-way fight, it is going to be very hard to work out who is best to defeat Reform in each constituency.

“This could make the practicalities of tactical voting much messier than many at the moment are anticipating.”

Progressive parties have already found it challenging to decide which candidate is best-placed to take on Reform in polls held since the 2024 General Election.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Green Party have all claimed to be the self-appointed opposition to Reform UK.

Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle won the election with 15,961 votes | PA

The fragmentation on the left almost proved catastrophic in the Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse Holyrood by-election.

Labour, the SNP and Reform UK ended up securing a similar proportion of the vote, leaving just 1,471 ballots separating first and third place.

Meanwhile, polling firms have struggled to consistently show which party could secure the most progressive votes at Reform UK’s expense.

A similar problem has plagued progressive parties in other elections, with the Liberal Democrats and Labour both campaigning as the main challengers to the Tories in 2019 based on different data.

Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Ed Davey could struggle to stop Nigel Farage

 

Talks have so far been conducted behind the scenes, with Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs becoming increasingly jittery about Mr Farage’s support in the country.

However, Reform UK is already looking to consolidate itself as the main centre-right party ahead of crunch Local Elections in May.

Mr Farage has ramped up his attacks against Kemi Badenoch in recent weeks, connecting the Conservatives to the arrival of Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah and pointing out several Tory-led councils have requested a delay to polls slated for May 7.

A source close to Mr Farage told GB News: “We already know the political establishment will do everything it can to stop Reform.

Green leader Zack Polanski is not expected to form an alliance with Labour if Sir Keir Starmer remains Prime Minister

“It’s why every patriotic Brit who wants to secure borders, law and order, and create an economy that rewards hard work must vote for the only party that can beat the left: Reform.”

There is evidence to suggest Reform UK could also benefit from a similar form of tactical voting if voters fear it risks letting Sir Keir return to No10 in 2029.

Around half of 2024 Tory voters are planning to vote for Reform UK or would consider supporting Mr Farage at the next general election.

Despite Reform UK supporters being far less willing to support a Conservative candidate, a Tory campaign veteran suggested talks would need to take place ahead of 2029.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch speaking at their local election campaign launch at The Curzon Centre in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

“For the sake of the country, Labour needs to be stopped at all costs,” the top Tory told GB News.

“A serious conversation is needed the closer we get to the general election about how that is achieved.”

Ex-Business Secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell have both called on Reform UK and the Conservative Party to unite ahead of the next general election.

Mr Farage helped propel Boris Johnson to No10 after standing down 317 Brexit Party candidates ahead of the 2019 General Election.

Scarlett Maguire is the founder of Merlin Strategy

However, Mr Farage and Mrs Badenoch have both dismissed speculation of a pact or merger in 2029.

The Reform UK leader said: “I would never do a deal with a party I don’t trust. No deals, just a reverse takeover.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Badenoch claimed: “If you get into bed with Farage, heaven forbid the image, we are done with your party.”

Green Party leader Zack Polanski sparked similar problems for progressives after ruling out any alliance with Labour if Sir Keir is still leader.

Strictly’s Pete Wicks SHUTS DOWN Lorraine Kelly’s PROBE with THREE-WORD REMARK.

Pete Wicks was quick to shut down any discussion of his love life during an interview with Lorraine Kelly. The Strictly Come Dancing star appeared on the presenter’s self-titled ITV show on Wednesday (8 January), to discuss his new TV programme, For Dogs’ Sake.

Pete, 37, who is famed for appearing on The Only Way Is Essex, was hesitant to talk about dating, despite Lorraine’s attempts to quiz him. As they spoke about his busy TV career, Lorraine cheekily said: “With all this going on, have you no time for romance?” to which Pete laughed, adding: “I wondered how long that was going to take.”

Lorraine Kelly tried to quiz Pete over his love life

Lorraine then insisted: “You can tell me! You can tell me!” This led Pete to jokingly shut down the conversation.

Pete is rumoured to be dating Love Island star Maura Higgins, 34, but the pair are yet to officially confirm their romance. They were first linked last year, following claims that they shared a kiss at the Pride of Britain Awards afterparty in November.

Maura, who appeared on last year’s series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, has spoken relatively openly about Pete, having revealed that the pair were friends for five years before Pete decided to ask her out. While in the jungle, she also revealed they’d enjoyed dates together.

Pete is said to be dating Maura Higgins (
Image:
GC Images)
Chatting to Oti Mabuse, Maura revealed that when she agreed to a date with Pete, she took her friends with her and called it a “friendship date”. However, a second date followed, which was a much more intimate occasion between just the two of them.

After exiting the I’m A Celeb jungle, Maura spoke about Pete in interviews, even admitting she’d missed him. While appearing on ITV’s This Morning, host Alison Hammond grilled Maura over the romance, prompting her to open up.

The former Love Island star confessed: ”Do you know what, you forget about the cameras, I do like to keep things private. I said I miss him, I do miss him. Like I miss all my friends and family.” She went on to say she was “so proud” of Pete’s Strictly Come Dancing stint, and that he was also “proud” of her.

 LABOUR HUMILIATED: Fɑrɑge RIPS the Heɑrt Out of Stɑrmer’s Northern Strongholds — Working-Clɑss Revolt Leɑves Westminster Reeling

Reform UK has bagged another by-election win that could pave the way for greater gains in Labour’s heartland.

Reform snatched victory from Labour in a Sunderland by-election this week in a dramatic swing, taking home 45.2 per cent of the vote.

Sir Keir Starmer’s party, meanwhile, slipped to third place in the Hetton ward by-election, with a share of just 22.7 per cent of the vote, falling behind an independent candidate who finished up on 25.6 per cent.

The results will come as a blow to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, whose Houghton and Sunderland South constituency encompasses the Hetton ward.

Why the win is so significant

The seat is regarded as a ‘bellwether’ ahead of Sunderland City Council’s May elections.

Bellwether seats are constituencies where the local result tracks a wider voting trend.

Reacting to the by-election results, GB News’ deputy political editor, Tom Harwood, said: “I spoke to the candidate in this by-election on Wednesday.

“Sunderland goes to vote in May, and Reform were looking to the Hetton by-election for clues in terms of how that might go.

“Looks likely to be another Durham moment.”

Reform swept to victory in the by-election held in Bridget Phillipson’s constituency

Mr Farage said it was a “huge result” for his party.

“Labour pushed into third place. Bridget Phillipson would lose her seat if this was repeated at the next election,” the Clacton MP wrote to X.

“No wonder Keir Starmer can’t stop attacking me!”

Hetton, Sunderland

As set out in our analysis above, Reform stormed to victory in the Education Secretary’s consistency, with candidate Ian McKinley elected.

Reacting to his win, Mr McKinley said: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the residents of Hetton ward for putting your faith in me to represent you on Sunderland City Council.

“I will absolutely not let you down!Thank you also to my Reform colleagues, I will never forget all you have done for me, and I look forward to working with you all in May.”

The full results:

Reform: 45.2 per cent
Independent: 25.6 per cent
Labour: 22.7 per cent
Lib Dem: 4.2 per cent
Conservative: 2.3 per cent

Reform candidate Ian McKinley (middle) took home the majority of votes in the by-election

Good things come in twos

Reform marked a second by-election victory in the Hunstanton ward on King’s Lynn and West Norfolk council, filling a previously independent-held seat.

The election had been called following the resignation of long-time councillor Paul Beal due to ill health last month.

Reform candidate Fred Pidcock bagged 29.2 per cent of votes, followed by the Lib Dems with 25.6 per cent.

Labour, meanwhile, plummeted to last place, with 3.2 per cent.

The full results:

Reform: 29.2 per cent
Lib Dems: 25.6 per cent
Independent: 18.2 per cent
Conservative: 17.8 per cent
Independent: 6.1 per cent
Labour: 3.2 per cent

Fred Pidcock bagged 29.2 per cent of votes in the Hunstanton ward by-election

Barnoldswick, Lancashire

It was a Lib Dem hold in the Barnoldswick ward on Pendle Council in east Lancashire.

Sir Ed Davey’s party stormed ahead, with candidate Bryony Hartley winning almost 60 per cent of the votes

Reform meanwhile fell behind with 26.2 per cent, while Labour again came in last place.

The by-election was triggered after the previous representative, Mick Strickland, decided to stand down from his role.

The full results:

Lib Dem: 59.8 per cent
Reform: 26.2 per cent
Conservative: 10.1 per cent
Labour: 3.9 per cent

‘Heartbroken’ star tells of final texts with Rachael Carpani before shock death

Jess Napier said there were ‘no words strong enough’ to describe how shattered she was that she had lost her friend.

Rachael Carpani was texting her former McLeod’s Daughters co-star and making plans to meet for a drink in the weeks before she died, the ‘heartbroken’ friend has revealed.

Actress Jess Napier, who played Becky Howard in the beloved Australian drama, took to Instagram on December 17 to share an emotional tribute to the woman she called her “beautiful, beautiful friend”.

Rachael died unexpectedly but peacefully, aged 45, after a “long battle with chronic illness”, her parents Tony and Gael revealed in a statement that sent shockwaves through Australia’s entertainment industry.

Jess said there were “no words strong enough” to describe how shattered she was that she had lost her friend.

Rachael and Jess starred together in McLeod’s Daughters. (Credit: Intagram/Jess Napier)
“I keep trying to make sense of this loss, and I can’t, because nothing about it feels fair. None of it,” she shared.

Jess went on to reminisce about the time she and Rachael had lived in Adelaide together in a “dilapidated apartment by the sea because it was the only place available with the beach on the doorstep”.

“I think about the endless nights watching Kath & Kim, drinking homemade daiquiris (sugar-free, of course),” she recalled.

“You never complained – even when we had to putty up the holes in your bedroom walls (I’m so sorry,” the star added.
Jess and Rachael were firm friends. (Credit: Instagram/Jess Napier)
“I think about how you knew every single word to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”, the way you’d drive your Holden Vectra like a racing car whenever a car park was empty, and those early mornings listening to Triple J on the drive to set, half asleep.

“I remember how much joy we found in the ‘Where Are They Now?’ segments on the radio -laughing about when it would be us they were talking about, making up futures for ourselves… but never once imagining this ending,” she went on.

“I’m heartbroken that we didn’t get to have that last drink we’d been texting about for weeks. That will stay with me,” Jess continued.

“I’m devastated for your beautiful family, who meant the absolute world to you, and who should have had so many more years with you. It feels unbearable that they, and all of us, have lost you so soon.

Rachael played Jodi on the beloved Australian drama, while Jess played Becky.
“The world is dimmer without you in it,” the devastated actress concluded. “You were a shining light – someone who stood up for what she believed in, who was beautiful, smart and funny, and so deeply loved.

“I feel incredibly grateful that our lives overlapped at all, that we got to share a moment in time together – and what a moment it was.”

“I’M NOT TAKING THIS BACK — NOT TODAY, NOT EVER.” Lulu’s voice cracked through the studio like a lightning strike — and within seconds, This Morning was thrown into complete chaos. Producers shouted. Cameras swung. Ben Shephard froze. And then came the moment that stopped the entire broadcast: “I’M SO, SO SORRY!” Ben blurted out, his face pale, forced into an on-air apology as Lulu’s shocking behaviour spiraled far beyond anything ITV expected. Viewers were stunned. The crew was rattled. And Ben? He desperately tried to steady a show that had just slipped out of his control. Social media erupted within minutes — calling it the wildest live TV meltdown of the year.

18 December, 2025

This Morning host Ben Shephard forced to apologise after guest Lulu swears live on air

This Morning descended into chaos on Wednesday

Wednesday’s instalment of This Morning was brought to a dramatic halt after a guest swore on live TV.

Singing sensation Lulu appeared on the show alongside Ben and his co-host Cat Deeley when she made the mistake.

Lulu appeared on This Morning on Wednesday (Credit: ITV)

Ben Shephard halted This Morning to make an urgent apology after Lulu dropped the F-bomb while making a tragic admission.

The 76-year-old singer was discussing her battle with alcoholism when she swore while quoting her friend Sir Elton John.

“My son didn’t know, he said: ‘Wait a minute, Mum, are you sure?’ and Elton said: ‘How the [bleep] did I miss that?’”

Ben apologises for Lulu’s swearing

Ben jumped into action after Lulu’s blunder, telling ITV viewers he was sorry.

“Elton has an interesting vocabulary, we need to be quite careful because it’s quite early. Apologies, you’ll understand that it was Elton saying that and not Lulu.”

Looking red-faced, Lulu added: “I’m so sorry, I am so sorry. Also, it’s me trying to push the story. How did I miss that?”

ITV viewers couldn’t believe it

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) after the F-bomb, fans couldn’t quite believe what they’d just heard on live television.

“Did Lulu just drop F bomb ? I thought my ears were deceiving me #ThisMorning,” one said.

Another added: “Lulu casually dropping the F bomb on #ThisMorning.”

A third penned: “It’s okay, Lulu. Us watching say [bleep] quite a lot. #thismorning”

Sharing the clip of the moment, another said: “For those that didn’t catch it, Lulu saying [bleep] on daytime tv #thismorning”

One was clearly a fan of the blunder, admitting: “I feel like Lulu should just be given her own slot on here. #ThisMorning.”

Fans couldn’t believe what they heard (Credit: ITV)

Lulu’s heartbreaking admission

Despite swearing, Lulu did go on to tell her devastating story on This Morning. She’s been sober for more than a decade, but recalled being “ashamed” before.

“I was very secretive, I was so ashamed of it. I would go out and have a drink, a couple of drinks,” she told Ben and Cat.

“I would go home, and have another drink. You know you’re an alcoholic if you can’t stop. I have a lot of friends who have a drink and say: ‘Oh I’ve had enough,’ but I couldn’t do that.

“I was a highly-functioning alcoholic, that’s why nobody knew. I would fall asleep sozzled. I’d set the alarm, wake up for work the next day, brush myself off and go to work.”

In the latest episode of Emmerdale, tensions rise as Ceila and Ray plot their escape, completely unaware that Cain is listening in. Just as they attempt to flee, their car explodes in a shocking twist! Did Cain orchestrate this deadly turn of events? Read on to uncover the intense drama and plot twists that make Emmerdale more thrilling than ever.

Emmerdale has always been known for its gripping storylines and unexpected twists, and the latest developments are no exception. In a recent episode, viewers were left on the edge of their seats as Ceila and Ray discussed their plans to escape the village. Little did they know, Cain was eavesdropping on their conversation, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events. As the couple prepared to leave, their car suddenly exploded, leaving fans questioning whether Cain played a role in this shocking incident.

The Build-Up: Ceila and Ray’s Escape Plan

The tension between Ceila and Ray has been palpable for weeks. With their lives in turmoil and the weight of their secrets growing heavier, the couple believes that running away is their only option. Their discussions about escaping have been filled with desperation and urgency, highlighting the lengths they are willing to go to for a fresh start.

However, unbeknownst to them, Cain has been lurking in the shadows, listening intently to their every word. Cain, known for his unpredictable nature and fierce loyalty to his family, is not one to take betrayal lightly. As Ceila and Ray’s plans unfold, viewers are left to wonder what Cain’s next move will be. Will he confront them, or will he take matters into his own hands?

The Explosive Twist: Did Cain Orchestrate the Car Explosion?

Just as Ceila and Ray attempt to make their getaway, the unthinkable happens—their car explodes in a fiery blaze. This shocking twist leaves viewers gasping and raises the stakes for all characters involved. The explosion serves as a pivotal moment in the storyline, forcing everyone to reevaluate their loyalties and the lengths they are willing to go to protect their interests.

The question on everyone’s mind is: Did Cain orchestrate this explosion? Given his history of violence and his protective instincts, it wouldn’t be surprising if he had a hand in this catastrophic event. The writers have expertly crafted a narrative that keeps fans guessing, making it difficult to determine who can truly be trusted.

As the dust settles, the fallout from the explosion will undoubtedly ripple through the village, affecting not just Ceila and Ray, but also those connected to them. The aftermath will likely lead to a series of confrontations and revelations, further intensifying the drama that Emmerdale is known for.

What’s Next for the Characters?

With the shocking explosion leaving viewers in disbelief, the future of Ceila, Ray, and Cain hangs in the balance. Will Ceila and Ray survive the blast, or will this be the end of their story? And what will Cain do next? The writers have set the stage for a thrilling continuation of this plot, with potential for new alliances, betrayals, and unexpected twists.

As the villagers react to the explosion, we can expect a mix of emotions—fear, anger, and perhaps even guilt. Characters who were once allies may find themselves at odds, while others may seize the opportunity to step into the power vacuum left by the chaos. The intricate web of relationships in Emmerdale ensures that every action has consequences, and the explosion is sure to have far-reaching effects.

The writers have done an exceptional job of building tension and creating a sense of urgency, making it clear that no character is safe from the repercussions of their actions. Fans will be eagerly tuning in to see how this explosive turn of events unfolds and what it means for the future of Emmerdale.

Conclusion

Emmerdale continues to captivate audiences with its intense storylines and shocking twists. The recent events surrounding Ceila, Ray, and Cain have left fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what comes next. As the dust settles from the explosion, viewers are left to ponder the fate of their favorite characters and the potential for new conflicts to arise.

If you want to stay updated on all the latest developments in Emmerdale, be sure to tune in each week. The drama is only getting started, and you won’t want to miss a moment of the action!

There are television presenters, and then there are people who quietly become part of a nation’s emotional landscape.
Monty Don belongs firmly to the latter.

For more than two decades, he hasn’t just fronted Gardeners’ World — he has offered Britain something far rarer than expertise: permission to slow down. And now, as Monty gently hints that he may not want to do the show “forever,” viewers are confronting a feeling they didn’t expect — resistance.

Not anger. Not panic.
But a quiet, collective not yet.

A Voice That Arrived When People Needed One

Monty Don’s rise wasn’t loud. It wasn’t manufactured. It happened because, at a time when television was growing shinier and more frantic, he stood still.

He spoke calmly.
He made mistakes openly.
He treated gardening not as performance, but as patience.

For millions, especially during periods of uncertainty — recessions, lockdowns, personal loss — Monty became something closer to a companion than a presenter. Friday nights didn’t feel instructional. They felt grounding.

The Man Who Never Pretended It Was Easy

Part of Monty’s enduring power lies in his honesty. He never sold gardening as a cure-all. He openly discussed depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and the physical toll of working outdoors year after year.

More recently, he has spoken candidly about age and limits — about listening to his body, about not wanting to continue simply out of obligation.

“I want to stop while I still love it,” he has said.

That sentence landed softly — and heavily.

Because it wasn’t a farewell.
It was a boundary.

Why Viewers Aren’t Ready

Britain’s reluctance to imagine Gardeners’ World without Monty isn’t about resistance to change. It’s about loss of tone.

In an era dominated by hot takes, conflict, and spectacle, Monty represents a vanishing presence: a man who does not rush, does not shout, and does not demand attention — yet commands it entirely.

He doesn’t compete for relevance.
He doesn’t chase youth.
He doesn’t frame his work as legacy.

And that makes him irreplaceable.

Longmeadow, Not the Spotlight

Away from the cameras, Monty’s life at Longmeadow reflects the same values he brings to screen — routine, restraint, and reflection. His social media presence remains gentle and unpolished, focused on plants, seasons, and small observations rather than performance.

In many ways, he already lives as though he’s preparing for a quieter chapter — even if the audience isn’t.

Not a Goodbye — Just Gratitude

Monty Don has never promised forever. And perhaps that is why the idea of him stepping back feels so personal. He taught viewers to respect cycles — growth, rest, renewal. Now, he may be applying the same wisdom to himself.

Britain isn’t ready to say goodbye because Monty represents something we fear losing: calm authority without ego, knowledge without noise, and kindness without agenda.

Whether he stays a little longer or eventually steps away, his impact is already rooted deeply.

Like the best gardens, it was never about how long it lasted —
but how it made people feel while it grew.

Rylan Clark has confirmed that his time at This Morning is over—this time for good. After a whirlwind week of controversy, the TV star revealed that his contract with ITV has officially been terminated following the backlash to his explosive remarks on immigration.

In an emotional sign-off, Rylan, 36, told viewers on Friday: “At last, I can finally breathe easy and speak out about those disgusting truths. I have no regrets for speaking up, even if it cost me my career. Thank you, everyone…”

The announcement marks a dramatic end to his stint as stand-in host alongside Josie Gibson, who had been covering for Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard during their summer break. Josie responded on-air with: “What a week!”—but fans had no idea that it would also be Rylan’s last.

The storm began earlier in the week when Rylan clashed with viewers over his take on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s mass deportation plans. Speaking live on air, he questioned:

“How come if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I won’t be let in? But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?”

Television presenter coaching

Rylan insisted that he was not against immigration, adding: “This country is built on immigration—legal immigration. They pay tax, they help our country thrive. But illegal routes? That’s something we can’t ignore.”

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He also highlighted what he saw as a growing injustice: “You’ve got people who have lived here all their lives struggling, while others are handed hotels, phones, even iPads. Something major has to change.”

The remarks instantly divided audiences, with critics accusing him of spreading misinformation about asylum seekers in the UK. Social media erupted, and within hours, calls were mounting for ITV to act.

On X, Rylan fought back, declaring: “You can be pro-immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans rights and respect women. You can be straight and support gay rights. The list goes on.”

Social media training

But by Friday, the damage was done. ITV confirmed behind the scenes that his role would not continue, with insiders revealing that the network and Rylan had “mutually agreed” to terminate his contract.

Fans reacted with heartbreak. One wrote: “Please keep Rylan and Josie on! They’re the best duo in years.” Another added: “I won’t be watching come next week—he was the only reason I tuned in again.”

The news came just as former host Ruth Langsford teased her own return to the iconic sofa. Speaking to The Mirror, she hinted she’d happily reunite with her “TV son” Rylan:

“I love Rylan. He’s like my son. We’ve worked together before, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If ITV asked, I’d be there.”

However, with Rylan’s future at ITV officially closed, fans are now left wondering: could the duo reunite on an entirely new project away from This Morning? Ruth teased that something might already be in the works.

For now, one thing is clear: Rylan Clark is stepping away from daytime  TV on his own terms—louder, prouder, and with no regrets.