Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw has been married to classical crossover singer Camilla Kerslake since 2018, with the couple sharing two children together
Chris Robshaw’s wife had a brutal reaction when he announced he would be on Strictly(Image: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im)
The pair had been engaged for six years when they tied the knot. Classical crossover singer Camilla, 37, made headlines in 2009 when she became the first person to be signed by Gary Barlow’s record label.
She had performed for Queen Elizabeth II as well as performing the national anthem at Wembley and the-then Millennium Stadium. And while Camilla has been one of Chris’s supporters throughout his career, he admits she burst out in a fit of laughter when he told her he would be heading onto the dance floor.
Chris told Heat that Camilla knows “all about my dance moves” but revealed she later reassured the 39-year-old that she backed his decision.
He explained: “She was like, ‘Look, it’s a great opportunity. It’s amazing, so go and do it, we’ll support you’.”
Chris, who shares one-year-old Hunter and four-year-old Wilding with Camilla, says his eldest child has been excited by the news. “We’ve shown him the show, he loves the sparkles and the lights,” Chris explained.
And while Wilding “doesn’t quite understand” that his dad will be taking part in the show, Chris wanted him to see his dad stepping out of his comfort zone. The former flanker says it’s good to “really challenge yourself” at times.
Chris himself is no stranger to a challenge. As well as racking up 66 caps for England, he took part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins last year, although he had to withdraw due to injury.
Chris underwent surgery after a boxing match with Love Islander Ovie Soko. He said: “I had to get an operation. Because I’d popped my shoulder out the ligament was loose so it becomes like a catch which keeps opening. So they reattached the ligament to keep it in place.”
The ex-rugby star said he had experienced some shoulder problems towards the end of his playing career. Before taking part in Strictly, Chris joked that he hoped the BBC show would help him take his “dad dancing to a whole new level”.
He said: “This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.”
Chris will be taking part in Strictly with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova. Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One from 6.55pm today (September 27)
NCIS: Tony & Ziva has been a hit with fans and a second season is yet to be confirmed, but star Michael Weatherly has spoken out about the possibility of a crossover
NCIS Tony and Ziva airs weekly (Image: PARAMOUNT+)
NCIS: Tony & Ziva has already got viewers completely captivated and fresh episodes are being released each week on Paramount+.
The offshoot of the enduring crime drama NCIS features Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo returning to their beloved characters Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David.
The fresh series represents their first joint appearance in 12 years following NCIS season 11, and the original reveal drove supporters absolutely wild.
Weatherly, who additionally served as executive producer on the programme, chatted exclusively to Reach publications regarding a possible collaboration with the main cast.
When questioned about whether any character from the original NCIS might feature, he responded: “I think that’s a great question for everybody, whether that’s feasible.”
“For me the answer is of course, I would love to see that and really it’s just about making it the most quality appearance.
“You don’t want to just stunt cast, somebody with Mark Harmon’s haircut who walks by in the background and they are like ‘Oh, is that Gibbs?'”
“Or somebody with black pigtails with a spiderweb tattoo on her neck – that would have to be Abby.
“I think that would have to be heavily negotiated by all the powers that be, of which I am just a little micro contributor.”
The debut season comprises 10 episodes and is anticipated to wrap up on October 23.
Lead actor Michael Weatherly and lead actress Cote de Pablo(Image: Getty Images for Paramount+)
Regarding the possibility of a second season, showrunner John McNamara revealed to TV Insider: “I try never to count my chickens before they’re hatched.
“I’m just focused on finishing this season and trying to make it as good as possible.
“And honestly, it is going to be entirely up to the fans and the subscribers to Paramount+ and ultimately to Paramount and CBS. It’s their property and it’s their money.”
The programme has received glowing feedback from both audiences and critics, with IMDb describing it as “both a nostalgia trip and a compelling continuation”.
Given this reception, supporters can stay optimistic about a second series and potentially even a crossover episode.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva airs on Thursdays on Paramount+.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin, China, on Sunday. Modi is in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025. Photo by Xie Huanci/Xinhua/EPA
Aug. 31 (UPI) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that the world’s two largest economies should be “partners and not rivals” as Russian President Vladimir Putin made his way to a summit in the city of Tianjin with the leaders.
Meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Modi and Xi “noted the need” to strengthen ties between their populations by resuming direct flights and tourist visa approvals, India’s Press Information Bureau said in a statement.
Flights between the countries have been paused since deadly clashes between their troops in the Himalayas in 2020 over a longstanding border dispute. The visit marks Modi’s first trip to China in seven years, though the pair met in Kazan in 2024, which Xi praised Sunday as the “restart of China-India relations.”
“India is willing to work with China to seek a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the border issue,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in its own statement Sunday. China noted that the border remains “peaceful and stable,” but no timeline was given for when the flights might resume.
Modi noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations “should not be seen through a third country lens,” India’s statement said. China echoed that sentiment, stating that “bilateral relations will not be influenced by third parties.”
“The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms,” India’s statement reads.
Essentially, the Indian government expressed that India and China are seeking non-U.S.-centric alignment on their shared interests in a “multi-polar” world,” despite their differences in other areas. China’s Foreign Ministry further highlighted their roles as important members of the “Global South.”
“China and India, two ancient Eastern civilizations, are the world’s two most populous countries, and important members of the Global South,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement after the meeting. “Being good-neighborly friends and partners for mutual success and achieving a ‘Dancing of the Dragon and the Elephant’ should be the right choice for both China and India.”
The summit comes after President Donald Trump placed stiff sanctions on India for continuing to buy Russian oil as Russia faces the threat of U.S. sanctions for the war in Ukraine. Putin is also seeking to project a united front with India and China as internal tension in his country over the cost of the war grows.
Russia’s economy has been under growing strain as inflation, currently hovering around 9%, continues to bite, having been fueled by Putin’s wartime expenditures and the ongoing effects of Western sanctions.
On July 25, the Bank of Russia lowered its main interest rate by 2 percentage points, bringing it down to 18% per year, because inflation is easing faster than expected and the economy is gradually stabilizing with price growth slowing significantly earlier in the year, it said in a press release.
The bank said, however, that monetary policy will stay tight for a while. On average, the central bank expects interest rates to stay between 18.8% and 19.6% for 2025, then ease to about 13% in 2026 to make sure inflation continues to fall to its official 4% target by 2026.
Russian economists believe the country can sustain its war efforts for another year or so but new sanctions from the Trump administration, like those on India, could hurt Putin’s war effort.
Other members of the summit include Pakistan and Iran. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also met with Xi ahead of the summit and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is also expected to attend.
Walgreens Boots Alliance is being shown the door in favor of a high-flying company that completed its first-ever stock split in mid-June.
For much of the last 30 years, investors have had a next-big-thing innovation to captivate their attention. But in rare instances, two or more hyped trends can coexist. Though the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is the primary headline-grabber at the moment, investor euphoria surrounding stock splits in high-profile companies comes in a close second.
A stock split is an event that allows a publicly traded company to cosmetically adjust its share price and outstanding share count by the same factor. The “cosmetic” aspect of these changes has to do with stock splits having no effect on a company’s market cap or its underlying operations.
But although these changes are superficial, they’re often viewed very differently by investors on Wall Street. Reverse splits, which are designed to increase a company’s share price, are typically viewed as a situation to avoid by investors. Businesses that need to increase their share price are often doing so to avoid delisting from a major stock exchange and may be operating from a position of weakness.
Image source: Getty Images.
In comparison, investors almost always gravitate to companies announcing and completing forward splits. This type of split reduces the share price (and correspondingly increases the share count) to make it more nominally affordable for retail investors who can’t purchase fractional shares with their broker. Generally, if a business needs to reduce its share price to make it more “affordable” for everyday investors, it must be doing something right from an operating standpoint.
To date, three prominent companies have announced and completed a forward stock split in 2025. One of these high-flying stocks — which has gained just shy of 300% over the trailing-three-year period — is becoming the newest member of the benchmark S&P 500(^GSPC 0.24%), effective as of the start of trading today, Aug. 28.
The newest member of the benchmark S&P 500 completed its first-ever stock split this year
The phenomenal business that’s forever changing the broad-based S&P 500 is automated electronic brokerage firm Interactive Brokers Group(IBKR -2.37%).
The S&P 500, which consists of 500 of the largest (and generally profitable) public companies, tends to change a bit each year. Because of mergers and acquisitions, as well as poor stock performance, not all of the 500 components in the benchmark index stick around.
For instance, pharmacy chain Walgreens Boots Alliance(WBA 0.55%) is being acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in an all-cash deal, with a potential divested asset proceed right to come for remaining shareholders. While there’s no set closing date for the Walgreens deal, it’s expected to wrap up before the end of the year. This means it’s only a matter of time before the S&P 500 needs a new member.
Interactive Brokers Group checked all the right boxes to become the S&P 500’s newest entrant and replace Walgreens Boots Alliance. It handily surpasses the minimum market cap requirement of $22.7 billion, as of July 1, 2025, more than meets than minimum monthly trading volume requirements, and has been profitable over the trailing four quarters.
Entering the S&P 500 means index funds that attempt to mirror the performance of this broad-based index will be buying up shares of Interactive Brokers Group stock.
Image source: Getty Images.
Investing aggressively in automation has given Interactive Brokers an edge
However, entering the S&P 500 today represents just a short-term milestone for a company that’s been firing on all cylinders.
Without question, Interactive Brokers is a business that thrives off of the nonlinearity of stock market cycles. Though stock market corrections and bear markets are normal, healthy, and inevitable events on Wall Street, they’re historically short-lived.
Based on an analysis from Bespoke Investment Group that was published on X (formerly Twitter) in June 2023, the average S&P 500 bear market since the start of the Great Depression in September 1929 lasted only 286 calendar days, or less than 10 months.
On the other end of the spectrum, the typical S&P 500 bull market has endured 1,011 calendar days, or roughly 3.5 times longer. Bull markets tend to encourage investors to trade and put more money to work in the stock market, which is good news for online brokers.
But what’s really helped Interactive Brokers Group stand out is its investments in technology and automation, which have been targeted at retail investors.
Aggressively investing in its platform and emphasizing automation has lowered its operating expenses and allowed the company to be more competitive in other areas where it can lure/retain retail investors. For example, Interactive Brokers offers a higher interest rate on cash held in customer accounts than its competitors provide, and its margin loan rates are notably lower than its peers. It’s able to maintain these dangling carrots thanks to its prudent investments in automation.
Every key performance indicator (KPI) for Interactive Brokers is currently growing by a double-digit percentage from the prior-year period. As of the end of June, total customer accounts jumped 32% to 3.87 million from the comparable period last year, with customer equity rising 34% to nearly $665 billion. Perhaps most importantly, daily average revenue trades rose 49% to 3.55 million, which signals that its clients are trading more than ever before.
While a nearly 300% move higher for Interactive Brokers Group stock may merit a short breather at some point, the company’s KPIs point to additional long-term upside.
Sean Williams has positions in Walgreens Boots Alliance. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Interactive Brokers Group. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2027 $43.75 calls on Interactive Brokers Group and short January 2027 $46.25 calls on Interactive Brokers Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
In tonight’s episode of 22 Kids and Counting, one couple make a big decision about the future of their family while the brood celebrate matriach Sue Radford’s milestone
22 Kids and Counting’s Harley debates getting ‘the snip’ in the latest episode (Image: Channel 5)
The Radford family prepared to celebrate mum Sue’s 50th birthday during tonight’s episode of 22 Kids and Counting, but Sue was preoccupied when she had a shock pregnancy scare. On the other hand, son in law Harley wanted advice on the snip.
The Channel 5 show follows the life of Sue and husband Noel Radford as they navigate life with their 22 children. In tonight’s episode, viewers saw Sue and Noel worried after a pregnancy scare – although it was soon revealed it was a false alarm.
Elsewhere, their son in law Harley was facing a different baby dilemma. Harley, 24 who is married to their daughter Millie, 23, asked Noel for some advice on the snip, after having three children in a short space of time.
Millie and Harley tied the knot last year (Image: CHANNEL 5)
“I understand why Harley’s asking about the snip,” Noel told the cameras. “They have had quite a few children in a very short space of time, so I can totally see where he’s coming from.”
Noel himself went through a vasectomy, shortly after their son James however he later got the procedure reversed after realising he’d made a “massive mistake.”
The couple then went on to have 13 more children, as he shared his concerns with Harley, who hadn’t spoken to Millie.
Millie and Harley tied the knot in 2024, and since being together, have welcomed two children together, son Chester 2022, and youngest, Elodie-Jade, who arrived in 2023.
The eldest daughter of Sue and Noel welcomed her first daughter, Ophelia, in 2020 at age 19, though the father’s identity remains private.
However, it doesn’t look like she’s ready to stop just yet.
A few weeks later, Millie confronted Harley, after she heard he had been asking Noel for advice. Sharing his reasoning, Harley said: “I see how hard it is for you when you go to work, and I come home and you feel stressed.
“We’ve got three kids at home and they’re really hard work. Imagine if one day you just fell pregnant.”
The Radfords are Britain’s biggest family(Image: Lion TV)
As Harley went on to gush about his family, he continued: “I feel like if I were to get you pregnant again, it would be bad.”
Millie then agreed the couple had “lots to think about” but Millie said she’d like the option of more kids to be there, as she thinks Harley is “too young” for the operation, as he made a U-Turn on his decision, deciding not to go ahead.
Elsewhere, Sue was left reflecting after a false pregnancy scare. “Britain’s biggest family will not be getting any bigger,” Noel said when they found out the news.
“I miss it,” she said speaking about having a new born. “I used to actually enjoy waking up through the night, but it’s the time that you can get to spend on your own with them. I think the intimacy when you have a new born definitely does bring you closer together. It’s you two against the world.”
As well as the couple’s 22 children, Chris, Sophie, Chloe, Jack, Daniel, Luke, Millie, Katie, James, Ellie, Aimee, Josh, Max, Tillie, Oscar, Casper, Hallie, Phoebe, Archie, Bonnie, and Heidie, they are also grandparents to 15 grandchildren.
Heidie was born in 2020 – and after her birth, the couple insisted she was their last.
STRICKEN Ukraine will be forced to surrender large swathes of its eastern territory and forget about ever joining Nato under peace terms haggled by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Allies have offered “ironclad” security assurances to protect Ukraine from future Russian aggression if a peace deal can be forged.
But it would stop short of Nato Article 5 status, which sees members of the alliance leap to the aid of any member that is attacked.
Ukraine’s desire to join Nato has been blamed as a root cause of President Putin’s invasion.
He has insisted “Nyet” — Russian for “No” — over the proposal.
But the future security of Ukraine is the number one condition of its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.
British and other European troops could be committed to police the peace, with President Trump finally conceding the Americans would play a vital role in the future defence of Ukraine.
Last night, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly stated: “The good news is that America is ready to participate in such security guarantees and is not leaving it to the Europeans alone.”
And PM Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Trump’s “leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing” should be commended.
Calls for an immediate ceasefire were dropped by world leaders yesterday, after Mr Trump announced he was instead pursuing a more stable and lasting “peace deal”.
Trump-Putin latest- Don says ‘no deal’ on Ukraine war & holds call with Zelensky after saying it’s now ‘up to him’
The Sun has been told a surrender deal would see Ukraine forced to reject Nato membership and other “multinational deals”.
Negotiations would also begin about ceding control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Eastern Ukraine which are, in part, heavily occupied by Russian troops.
There was confusion last night over whether the talks would focus on territory currently held by the Kremlin invaders, or whether the wider regions were on the table.
Yesterday, EU leaders insisted: “Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to EU and Nato.”
However, that does not rule out Mr Zelensky deciding to withdraw Ukraine’s stated aim to join both alliances as part of the wider deal.
Battered Ukraine will be outlawed from joining NATOCredit: Reuters
Russia has long claimed Donetsk and Luhansk are more loyal to Moscow than Kyiv, while Mr Zelensky has publicly ruled out giving up the land.
However, he is under massive pressure to concede and end the bloody three-and-a-half year conflict, which has seen more than a million deaths.
European leaders were locked in talks with the White House this weekend, as the world scrambled to catch up with what Mr Trump had offered Mr Putin to end the war.
Last night, UK government sources said the PM was playing a key role in selling the terms of the deal to wider Western allies in a series of calls following the talks between the Americans and Russians.
I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal. This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more
Sir Keir Starmer’s statement
President Trump yesterday insisted it is time for Mr Zelensky to choose whether to agree with the terms of the deal — as the pair prepared to meet tomorrow.
The White House has also offered to play host to a trilateral summit between the Russians and Ukrainians if the deal is within reach.
Speaking following Friday’s talks, where he met with his Russian counterpart for the first time in six years, President Trump insisted it was “a great and very successful day in Alaska!”
He wrote on his Truth Social website: “The meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia went very well, as did a late night phone call with President Zelensky of Ukraine, and various European Leaders, including the highly respected Secretary General of Nato.
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PM Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Trump’s ‘leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing’ should be commendedCredit: Getty
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France’s Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, said: ‘We are clear Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity’Credit: Getty
“It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up. President Zelensky will be coming to D.C., the Oval Office, on Monday afternoon. If all works out, we will then schedule a meeting with President Putin.
“Potentially, millions of people’s lives will be saved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
In a televised address released by the Kremlin, he said: “The conversation was very frank, substantive, and, in my opinion, brings us closer to the necessary decisions.”
He added: “We have not had direct negotiations of this kind at this level for a long time. We had the opportunity to calmly and in detail reiterate our position.”
We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO
European statement
In a long statement, President Zelensky welcomed the offer of security guarantees outlined by Mr Trump, in a tentative sign he may be willing to sign up to the terms.
He wrote: “A real peace must be achieved, one that will be lasting, not just another pause between Russian invasions. Killings must stop as soon as possible, the fire must cease both on the battlefield and in the sky, as well as against our port infrastructure.
“All Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians must be released, and the children abducted by Russia must be returned.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity — they all must be brought home. Pressure on Russia must be maintained while the aggression and occupation continue.”
He went on: “In my conversation with President Trump, I said that sanctions should be strengthened if there is no trilateral meeting or if Russia tries to evade an honest end to the war. Sanctions are an effective tool.
“Security must be guaranteed reliably and in the long term, with involvement of Europe and the US.
“All issues important to Ukraine must be discussed with Ukraine’s participation, and no issue, particularly territorial ones, can be decided without Ukraine. I thank our partners who are helping.”
Yesterday the PM was taking part in a round of behind the scenes diplomacy, speaking to the White House and European capitals.
He heaped praise on Mr Trump, saying his “efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine”.
He went on: “His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended.”
But the PM warned: “While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelensky.
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Negotiations would begin about ceding control of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Eastern Ukraine, pictured a soldier loading artilleryCredit: Getty
The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him. I spoke to President Zelensky, President Trump and other European partners, and we all stand ready to support this next phase.
“I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal.
“This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more.
“In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people. Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.”
In a joint statement, Sir Keir and European leaders including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, said: “We are clear Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries.
Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and Nato.
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Italian leader Giorgia Meloni made a joint statement with MacronCredit: The Mega Agency
DONALD Trump was right to bring Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table on Friday, says Dame Priti Patel.
The Shadow Foreign Secretary gave her support to the US President’s efforts — while adding that Britain must keep up “tightening the screws” on the Russian tyrant’s regime.
The Tory grandee told The Sun on Sunday: “It is right President Trump has brought Putin to the negotiating table.
“And we support his efforts in ending Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“Now is the time for the Euro-Atlantic partnership to be stronger than ever in supporting Ukraine, and forcing Putin to end his barbaric war.
“The British government must lead the charge, as we have done, in keeping pressure on Putin through sanctions — and demonstrate we can lead efforts to support Ukraine, and tighten the screws on Russia.”
But others had concerns that no ceasefire had been reached yesterday — even with Mr Trump having warned Putin of “severe consequences” if fighting did not stop.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: “Trump has to tell him to agree to a ceasefire or he will up the ante on sanctions, secondary sanctions and weapons to Ukraine. Putin has to fear what Trump can do — more than his own generals and politicians who would come after him.”
He added that Trump “must understand who Putin is, a KGB man who has one purpose in life — to recreate the Soviet Union”.
Former PM Boris Johnson also said that Trump was right to make a move as Putin was weaker than he seemed owing to the war’s damage to Russia’s economy.
Most Labour MPs remained quiet on the talks. Crossbench peer and intelligence expert Lord Peter Ricketts said they were a “clear win” for Putin.
The series, promising to be a “faithful, classic adaptation of the novel”, will see The Diplomat star Rufus Sewell as Mr Bennet, with Freya Mavor as Jane Bennet and Heartstopper alumnus Rhea Norwood as Lydia Bennet.
Rounding off the Bennet sisterhood are newcomers Hollie Avery and Hopey Parish in their debut roles of Kitty and Mary. Louis Partridge will take on Mr Wickham, with Stath Lets Flats star Jamie Demetriou as the pompous Mr Collins.
Last to join the cast is Killing Eve star Fiona Shaw as the fearsome Lady Catherine de Bourg, Daryl McCormack as Mr Bingley and Siena Kelly as Caroline Bingley.
Pride and Prejudice, one of the most iconic novels of all time, is being adapted into a six-part limited series for the streamer.
Austen’s beloved works have enraptured generations for hundreds of years and her most famous and widely-read novel, Pride and Prejudice has inspired countless writers and filmmakers.
Executive producer Dolly Alderton said: “Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it.
“Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy – it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life.
“With Euros Lyn directing our stellar cast, I am so excited to reintroduce these hilarious and complicated characters to those who count Pride and Prejudice as their favourite book, and those who are yet to meet their Lizzie and Mr Darcy.”
Newcomer Hopey Parish will play Mary
Previously announced stars joining the cast are The Crown’s Emma Corrin and Olivia Colman, and Slow Horses star Jack Lowden.
A call came from Luka Doncic a couple of times, at first making Marcus Smart think it wasn’t true and then eventually making him believe that Doncic was a Lakers salesman and that he wanted Smart to be a part of what they were building here in Los Angeles.
It wasn’t like they had a strong “relationship,” but Smart said he and Doncic have “a mutual understanding and respect for each other” from meeting on the court in past seasons.
So, when the calls came while Smart was training while trying to figure out his next move after he had agreed to a contract buyout from the Washington Wizards, he was swayed by Doncic to join the Lakers after clearing waivers.
Smart, who signed a two-year deal for $11 million with the Lakers, with a player option for the second season, smiled as he told the stories during his introductory news conference Tuesday about talking to Doncic and being persuaded to join him and LeBron James.
“It first came, my agent, I’m working out, and I get a call from my agent saying, you know, ‘Hey Luka reached out.’ And I’m like ‘yeah whatever’ you know?’ Like all right,” Smart said at the Lakers’ practice facility. “And then another day, same thing — Luka reached out again and now it’s real. It’s no longer what-ifs. It’s real and it’s something we need to talk about. And that was a great feeling, like I said, and that’s kind of what kind of got things going for me to be here and I’m excited to be here.”
The Lakers were in need of a point-of-attack perimeter defender such as Smart, especially with Dorian Finney-Smith going to Houston.
Smart was the NBA’s defensive player of the year in 2022 when he played for the Boston Celtics and has been on the NBA’s All-Defensive first team three times.
Knowing that Doncic and James are “two greats with [the] greatest basketball IQs that I’ve ever seen in this era” made it easy for Smart to become their teammates.
“And when you get a guy like Luka, calling, referencing, checking on you, trying to see where you at to see if you want to come and join something special that he’s trying to cook up over here,” Smart said. “And for him to say that he can really use my help, that meant a lot. Played against Luka a lot. Been on a lot of opposing ends of Luka magic. And to be able to come out and be on his side at this time, it means a lot.”
Doncic has a decision to make with the Lakers.
On Aug. 2, Doncic and the Lakers can talk about a contract extension.
He can sign a four-year deal for $224 million or a three-year deal for $161 million with a player option in 2028, which would then allow Doncic to sign a max deal in 2028 that would give him 35% of the salary cap for that season.
Meanwhile, Smart was asked what kind of recruiter is Doncic.
“It’s the same. He’s a competitor. He’s just the same way. He has that competitive nature when he’s talking,” Smart said. “He’s intrigued and that’s it. He didn’t really have to say much. Luka, his name, his ability, what he has done, [speaks] for himself. And for me, like I said, I’ve been on the other end of Luka magic. So to be able to come and join and see it and witness it on the other side is something that I was like, ‘why not give it a shot?’”
Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) drives against Pistons forward Simone Fontecchio during a game last season.
(Duane Burleson / Associated Press)
Smart, 31, played in only 54 games the last two seasons, injuries costing him time that he spent both with the Memphis Grizzlies and Wizards. In the 34 games he played between both teams, Smart averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and shot 34.8% from three-point range.
“Yeah, I’m very motivated. You know, the last two years, for me, was in my eyes, a disappointment,” Smart said. “Injuries kind of stopped me and held me back. But like I told my wife and my family, you know, everything happens for a reason. And it’s funny that 12 years ago, I could have been here [with the Lakers] and now it’s full circle and I’m here. And like I said, everything happens for a reason. And I just look at those reasons was for me to be here, to not play for people to look at me and say, ‘you know what, maybe he isn’t the same?’ And now that allows me to be in a place where I’m supposed to be.”
Smart was at his best with the Celtics, where he spent nine years and reached the playoffs every year, including reaching the NBA Finals in 2022.
Over the course of his 11 seasons in the NBA, Smart averaged 10.6 points per game, 3.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
The Lakers were 50-32 last season, but lost in the first round of the playoffs.
But he knows the Lakers are about winning championships and the chance to play with Doncic and James in high-stakes basketball games played a part in his decision as well.
“It’s at the top,” Smart said. “I mean, the main goal, the reason you go out and you compete the way you compete is to try to win championships and what better place to be able to do that than here, where the show starts and where the show ends. So, that was definitely a big part of it, being able to get back on that stage, being able to get to a team that definitely could use me and I know I can make an impact and I can help as well and that was a perfect fit here.”
On July 8, Indian Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan delivered a pointed message at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, raising alarms over a budding alignment of strategic interests between China, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The general cautioned that such a trilateral convergence, if it gains traction, could have serious implications for India’s security and disrupt the regional balance of power.
His remarks came in the wake of a widely circulated photograph from Kunming, China, showing diplomats from the three nations meeting during the inaugural trilateral talks held alongside regional economic forums. While the meeting was officially billed as a diplomatic engagement, the image has sent ripples through India’s strategic community.
Bangladesh, clearly aware of the sensitivities involved, has moved swiftly to contain the narrative. Touhid Hossain, foreign affairs adviser to Dhaka’s interim government, publicly disavowed any intention of joining bloc-based or adversarial alliances. Dhaka reiterated that its foreign policy remains firmly nonaligned and anchored in sovereign autonomy.
Despite these assurances, New Delhi’s strategic calculus appears to be shifting. There is now a growing perception in New Delhi that, under the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh may be recalibrating its foreign policy, moving away from the overt closeness seen under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Under Hasina, India and Bangladesh enjoyed unusually warm ties characterised by deep security cooperation, cross-border connectivity projects and shared regional objectives. Dhaka took strong action against anti-India insurgents, gave India access to transit routes through Bangladeshi territory and generally aligned itself with New Delhi’s strategic priorities.
Whether real or perceived, this shift is influencing how India reads the regional landscape.
Chauhan also drew attention to a broader, troubling pattern: External powers – chiefly China – are leveraging economic fragilities across the Indian Ocean region to deepen their influence. With countries such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan increasingly beholden to Chinese investment and aid, concerns are mounting that Beijing is systematically encircling India through soft-power entrenchment.
Bangladesh’s case, however, remains somewhat unique. Its economy, though under pressure, is relatively resilient, and Dhaka continues to emphasise pragmatic, interest-driven diplomacy over ideological alignment. The Kunming meeting, while symbolically charged, does not yet represent a formal strategic realignment.
Still, the formation of a trilateral framework marks a significant development. Unlike previous bilateral engagements, this format introduces a new dimension of coordination that could evolve in unpredictable ways.
The echoes of history are hard to ignore. In the 1960s, China and Pakistan maintained a tight strategic axis that tacitly encompassed East Pakistan – what is now Bangladesh. That configuration unravelled in 1971 with Bangladesh’s independence.
Today, however, subtle signs suggest elements of that strategic triad may be resurfacing – this time in a more complex geopolitical theatre.
For Beijing, deepening ties with both Pakistan and Bangladesh serves its broader objective of consolidating influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. For Islamabad, it provides a layer of diplomatic insulation and strategic leverage. For Dhaka, the relationship is more tactical – an attempt to hedge against regional volatility at a time when its once-stable ties with New Delhi appear increasingly uncertain.
Bangladesh’s cautious posture is also shaped by volatile domestic politics. Since the July protests and the installation of an interim administration, internal cohesion has frayed. Polarisation is resurging, and with national elections looming in early 2026, the government’s priority is stability, not strategy. Foreign policy in this climate is reactive – not transformative.
Dhaka understands the risks of leaning too far in any direction. Lingering historical resentments with Pakistan remain politically sensitive while an overreliance on China would strain crucial trade and diplomatic ties with the West, especially the United States, where concerns over democratic backsliding and human rights have sharpened.
In this context, any overt strategic alignment could invite unnecessary scrutiny and backlash.
The Kunming meeting, despite its symbolism, was primarily economic in focus – touching on trade, connectivity, infrastructure and cultural cooperation. However, when China and Pakistan floated the proposal to institutionalise trilateral cooperation through a joint working group, Bangladesh demurred. This was not indecision. It was a deliberate, calculated refusal.
Dhaka’s foreign policy has long been defined by “engagement without entanglement”. It maintains open channels with all major powers while avoiding the traps of bloc politics. This nonaligned posture is a core principle guiding its diplomacy. Bangladesh welcomes dialogue and economic cooperation, but it draws a firm line at military or strategic alignment.
For India, interpreting Bangladesh’s moves requires nuance. While Dhaka continues to broaden its international partnerships, it has not abandoned its critical role in India’s security calculus, particularly in the northeastern region. The challenge for New Delhi is not just to monitor emerging partnerships but to reinforce the value of its own.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, security cooperation between New Delhi and Dhaka under Hasina’s Awami League was pivotal in stabilising the border region. Bangladesh’s decisive crackdown on militant groups, coupled with close coordination with Indian intelligence and security agencies, played a crucial role in suppressing insurgent threats.
Today, with India’s ties to both China and Pakistan under severe strain, any perceived shift in Dhaka’s stance is scrutinised intensely in New Delhi. The fear that Beijing and Islamabad might exploit Bangladesh as a strategic lever to apply asymmetric pressure remains deeply ingrained in India’s security mindset.
Yet, Bangladesh’s explicit rejection of the proposed trilateral working group reveals a clear-eyed understanding of these sensitivities. It underscores Dhaka’s intent to steer clear of actions that could escalate regional tensions.
This evolving dynamic poses a dual challenge for India: It demands a recalibrated response that moves beyond reactive defensiveness. New Delhi must embrace a more sophisticated, forward-looking strategy – one that transcends old political loyalties and adapts to the shifting diplomatic contours of South Asia.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.
Joining them is a cool crew of celebs including Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek and Tom Grennan. While the World XI team includes Richard Gadd, Edwin van der Sar, Martin Compston and Tony Bellew.
Sam has got a dual role: as well as playing on the pitch, he’s also been running and cycling 260 miles to hand-deliver the ball to Old Trafford and raise more money in a challenge called Matchball Mission for Unicef.
“One of the most special things about Soccer Aid for UNICEF is the togetherness that it brings out,” says Sam, 32. “I’ll never forget being sat at that training dinner table watching the television screens of UNICEF’s great work. People were shedding tears – everyone’s in it together. When we realised we’d helped to raise a record milestone of over £100 million since the game first began, the cheer that went up was bigger than the cheer of winning the actual game, which I think is quite telling.”
Sam Thompson and Louis Thomlinson have more than just Zara McDermott in common – they will both play for England at Soccer Aid 2025(Image: UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures/REX/Shutterstock)
Tears also played a part when Sam crossed the finish line on Friday as he delivered the match ball to Old Trafford and got a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Kier Starmer.
He told the Mirror it’s “mad” that the Prime Minister said he was “inspiring”. “I can’t believe the prime minister knows my name,” Sam said. “I’m on double codeine and paracetamol… I am not going to lie, it hurts a lot,” Sam admitted as he walked to a nearby hotel.
The 32 year old, who has already raised over £1.5 million from the challenge, confessed: “I am totally broken – but so happy . The fact this challenge has grabbed everyone’s attention is just so incredible and I have just been blown away!”
And yesterday he was crying again on This Morning yesterday as he recalled the feat, telling Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: “I’ve gotto stop crying! You’re making me so emotional, so many tears man.”
Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott dated and talked about marriage before splitting late last year(Image: Instagram)
Soccer Aid host Dermot O’Leary is also returning and says half-time is his favourite part of the match because he gets to play pundit. “You have these special moments, it’s a laugh and you’re watching a game of football and you’re seeing goals,” says the 52-year-old.
Former One Direction star Louis lists playing with Ronaldinho as one of his greatest Soccer Aid memories, but for Jill, it’s buddying up with Football Factory star Danny Dyer that makes her day.
“He’s my type of player,” grins Jill, 38. “Strong tackles, probably swears a little bit too much, but I love that passion and football aggression!”
June 3 (UPI) — A 49-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen who pleaded guilty to charges of fighting U.S.-led coalition forces as an Islamic State militant has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Lirim Sylejmani was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty in December to charges of receiving military training from ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
“The defendant will spend a decade in prison thinking about the betrayal to this country,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said in a statement.
Sylejmani and his family were detained by the Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria on Feb. 27, 2019, as coalition fighters made their final advances on ISIS’ last caliphate in the country, which fell the next month.
He was then transferred to U.S. law enforcement on Sept. 15 the following year to face charges in the United States.
According to prosecutors, Sylejmani worked with ISIS from November 2015, when he moved from Kosovo to Syria to join the militant group, to the day of his capture.
Prosecutors said he changed his name to Abu Sulayman al-Kosovi and trained alongside other recruits to be an ISIS soldier following his arrival in the Middle Eastern country. His training included instruction on using AK-47 rifles, PK machine guns, M-16 rifles and grenades.
The Justice Department said he fought against the Syrian Democratic Forces and was wounded in battle, having been hit by shrapnel in the leg. Because of the injury, he was reassigned to a different battalion in the fall of 2017. Prosecutors said he was paid for his services by ISIS.
After being captured, Sylejmani spoke with various media outlets, telling NPR in late 2019 that he and his family arrived in Syria via Canada. He said ISIS promised them free housing, electricity and water, but instead, they “starved” living under the caliphate.
“Anyone thinking that ISIS is the answer to their questions, best think again,” Pirro said. “We will go to any lengths to root out subversive individuals who want to overthrow the government and harm its citizens.”
AN entrepreneur whose clients include former contestants on the show has passed the audition to join the cast of Love Island 2025.
Here’s what we know about Rose Selway, who could be looking for love in the latest series of the nation’s favourite dating show.
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Rose Selway is set to join the cast of singletons looking for love in the summer of 2025 as she swaps business for pleasure at the Mallorca villaCredit: instagram
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The beauty business owner comes from DevonCredit: Instagram
The 24-year-old beauty salon owner from Devon has passed the audition to join the cast of Love Island 2025.
With her background in the beauty industry, Rose would be somewhat of a breath of fresh air on the show — a change from the usual array of models and influencers.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and business experience could make her a formidable presence in the villa.
However, as of June 2, 2025, it has not been confirmed exactly if or when Rose will enter the Love Island villa.
She has opened up about her own plastic surgery, which includes a nose job and botox.
‘It’s my whole world’
Rose said of her company: “Aesthetics isn’t just my job, it’s my whole world.
“I absolutely love it and adore every single one of you I meet day in and day out.
“The confidence I bring you all makes me burst with joy.”
Maya Jama shares sweet video with rarely seen Scottish grandad on family holiday
Although Rose is ready to enter the show after passing the Love Island audition process, the show’s bosses are yet to make their final decision on the starting line-up.
A source told MailOnline: “Rose is friends with many former stars of the show so has a good idea what it’s like being in the villa and now she finally has the chance to experience it herself.”
The 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing may still be months away – but rumours about the line-up for the 23rd season are heating up, with a former contestant from The Apprentice said to be on the list
The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner has been teased as a 2025 Strictly Come Dancing contestant(Image: BBC)
A former star of The Apprentice has reportedly been snapped up for the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing – as the countdown to the 23rd season of the show commences. Thomas Skinner was a contestant on the BBC’s hit business reality show – fronted by Sir Lord Alan Sugar – in 2019.
The 34-year-old Bosh Beds owner was fired by Lord Sugar during week nine of the 15th season of the show – but his time on BBC One served as a launchpad for the Essex lad to appear in a string of TV shows. So far, he has turned up on shows including Celebrity MasterChef and Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel.
This year, it has been suggested the dad-of-three will hit the ballroom floor as a contestant on the BBC’s long-running dance show, Strictly Come Dancing. While the series initially shunned reality stars as contestants, the barrel started being scraped in 2019 when Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing was cast on the show.
In the years since, the line up has been filled up with Love Island contestants, The Only Way Is Essex cast members and more. And now Thomas stands to become the first ever contestant from The Apprentice to star on the show.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Thomas hasn’t any dancing experience, but he’s up for giving the competition his best shot. Strictly bosses are hoping he’ll get the dads watching. He has a massive following, especially with working-class blokes.
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke are tipped to return as judges(Image: BBC/Rob Parfitt)
“He’s a huge football fan and enjoys pies and gravy. He’s not a luvvie at all. He’s bound to get his catchphrase ‘Bosh’ on to the show, too.”
The Mirror has contacted representatives of Thomas and the BBC for comment. The 2025 season of Strictly is not expected to get underway until August – however, cast members are signed up in advance to give them time to start training before live shows begin airing.
It may still be several weeks before the celebrity contestants are revealed – however, the 2025 professional dancers have been confirmed. Returning to the dance floor are Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez.
Further professionals Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola are also expected to return.
Australian dance professional Dianne Buswell – who won the 2024 season alongside comedian Chris McCausland – is said to be coming back for more. And there are set to be two brand new faces joining the professionals.
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said in a statement last month: “The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.”
And Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC added: “The Strictly Professional Dancers are the beating heart of the programme, showcasing to viewers in every corner of the UK their world class talent by lighting up the famous Strictly ballroom every Saturday and Sunday night. Here’s to another fab-u-lous series!”
Judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse are expected to take up their seats again when the show returns. However, it could be the last time fans see Craig Revel Horwood dishing out scores on the show.
The TV judge previously hinted he would bow out of the show once he turned 60 – an age that he reached earlier this year.
