UK2.XYZ NEWS

DIY SOS to be 'rested' next year to save money, BBC says

The long-running programme will be replaced by a "more cost-effective" spin-off show revisiting past projects.

Boy, 16, and 80-year-old man die in light aircraft crash near Loch Lomond

Emergency services were called at about 16:45 on Friday, and pronounced both dead at the scene.

Rare pink diamond goes on display in France 100 years after amateur heist

The French royal jewel will be on public display for the first time since it was found hidden in an apple after a 1926 theft.

UK advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia

The UK has advised against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia after attacks by Yemen's Houthis in the region.

Oregon teacher fought school attacker before armed dad shot suspect 'multiple times'

The 16-year-old suspect previously attended the primary school and had targeted a special educational needs classroom, police say.

Abdul El-Sayed absolutely shredded JD Vance after the vice president called him “a weasel”, and people can only marvel at the Senate hopeful’s razor-sharp wit

We’re two weeks out from the US midterm elections, which will decide the fate of the rest of Donald Trump’s second term. If the Democrats manage to win back the House and especially the Senate, then the opposition party can ostensibly grind Trump’s agenda to a halt – as well as launch investigations into the […]

The post Abdul El-Sayed absolutely shredded JD Vance after the vice president called him “a weasel”, and people can only marvel at the Senate hopeful’s razor-sharp wit appeared first on The Poke.

Trump waives several Russia sanctions as row with Zelensky intensifies

The US president temporarily ends many restrictions on Moscow recently passed by Congress over "national security" concerns.

Pope Leo to leave hospital today after lung cancer surgery, the Vatican says

The Pope is set to leave hospital on Saturday four days after his lung cancer surgery, the Vatican has said.

Boffins discover frightening new 'baby T. Rex' dinosaur that lived on the Isle of Wight

The fossil belonged to a group of agile, two-legged carnivores known as megaraptorans and the discovery of the prehistoric beast is the first time a member of this group has been identified in Europe.

Meet the woman who teaches folk to guff in public at parping retreats held at 'fart hotel'

Meet the woman who is taking over the internet by teaching her loyal community of #AfraidToFarters to let go of everything - including that toot you're holding in

England crush Women's World Cup debutants Wales

England scored seven tries before the break, and 13 in total on their way to a comprehensive victory over Wales in their Group A opener.

Heathrow expansion would boost growth, chancellor says

Chancellor John Healey has shown support for expanding Heathrow Airport after Prime Minister Andy Burnham refused to back plans for a third runway.

Thousands of items removed from rectums by UK doctors - full list

Foreign objects have included everything from Lego and Kinder Eggs to bank cards, Coke cans and remote controls

Swinney insists 'stars are aligning' for Scottish independence

The first minister will tell delegates at the SNP conference in Aberdeen that 2026 has been a turning point in Scotland's "journey to nationhood".

'I swapped TK Maxx for porn — now I earn a living around the school run and mums are fascinated'

Kelly Belsey spent three years working at the discount retailer TK Maxx when she finished school, but never felt it was the right fit but now loves wprking in the porn industry

Man jailed for Starmer-linked arson attacks is deported

Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc was sentenced in June over arson attacks targeting the former prime minister's car and property.

Two dead after light aircraft crash

An 80-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy have died after a light aircraft crashed in Scotland, police have said.

England's 41-match unbeaten run ended by Canada

England's 41-match unbeaten streak ends in dramatic fashion as Shoshanah Seumanutafa's late try hands Canada a thrilling 24-21 victory in Toronto.

Three men sentenced to more than 158 years in jail for murders of surfers​

Three men have been sentenced to 158 years and nine months each for the murders of two Australian brothers and their American friend. 

Troubled housebuilder Vistry lays foundations with former Crown Estate boss

Vistry Group, the troubled London-listed housebuilder, is turning to a former executive at The Crown Estate to help repair its battered finances.

Dubois v Wardley 2 - heavyweight title fight predictions

Figures from the boxing world give their predictions for Saturday's heavyweight world title rematch between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois.

Biohacker Bryan Johnson's £1.6m-a-year quest to live forever 'flawed' - but diet trick does work

Bryan Johnson's £1.6m immortality plan has been picked apart, as top UK scientists reveal a simple, budget-friendly diet trick that actually works

Elon Musk unveiled a Tesla “flying car” – 18 people who would rather keep their feet and tyres on the ground

Where Elon Musk is going, he doesn’t need roads. Which is just as well because his former DOGE department probably fired everyone who builds and maintains roads in the US. This week, Musk unveiled the Tesla Roadster 2, which he says will be the world’s first flying car. It apparently uses tech from his aerospace […]

The post Elon Musk unveiled a Tesla “flying car” – 18 people who would rather keep their feet and tyres on the ground appeared first on The Poke.

Pope's health should not be taken 'for granted', says top Vatican diplomat

Archbishop Paul Gallagher tells the BBC there was no sign of the Pope's ill health prior to his operation this week.

Mystery as man’s body found in garden of £800k home as cops probe ‘unexplained’ death

A man's body was found in a garden in Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, on Wednesday evening (October 14), with Nottinghamshire Police treating the death as 'unexplained' and believing it to be an isolated incident

Brazil sees record fall in Amazon deforestation as key election looms

The Amazon rainforest is a crucial buffer against climate change - but deforestation had expanded under former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Faisal Islam: Why China and AI are worrying global finance bosses

At the IMF meeting in Bangkok this week finance and business leaders grappled with uncertainty.

Why hasn't the UK had any named storms yet?

So far this autumn wet and windy weather patterns have been steered away from the UK. When could we see that change?

Miranda's tears, joy and dance moves steal show as deadly boredom sets in on The Celebrity Traitors

Miranda Hart became emotional and spoke about her health problems as more action unfolded on Friday.

Palestine Action post by wife of PM's adviser being assessed by police

The Metropolitan Police are assessing a social media post referencing support for Palestine Action from Sarah Helm, author and wife of Andy Burnham's national security adviser.

Vapes were meant to help people quit cigarettes. Now a million non-smokers are vaping

More than one million people now vape who have never been smokers, according to the ONS.

Not sure what to wear for Halloween? These outfits are set to be the most popular this year

Freaky Nikki, Dolly Parton and whimsical costumes like gargoyles are popular among adults dressing up this year.

Two-week half terms: The school holiday no one can agree on

Parents are divided, with some struggling to arrange childcare while others eye cheaper holidays.

Trial of German steakhouse heiress that sparked a huge spy scandal

For 15 months, a high-security courtroom in Hamburg has been hearing the case of Christina Block, accused of ordering the abduction of her children.

Ranking the Premier League's all-time greatest super subs

Some players are destined to make their biggest impact off the bench, but who are the top 10 Premier League super subs of all time?

Analysis: Zacharia was thrown into a whirlwind - and failed at a critical time for Trump

The White House is facing growing adversity, writes the BBC's Anthony Zurcher, weeks before crucial midterm elections.

Teacher fought with Oregon gunman before parent shot suspect

A teacher threw her phone at the teenage gunman who killed four people in a school shooting in Oregon before tackling and fighting with him, police have said.

Trump’s press secretary Katie Zacharia has been fired after just five disastrous days in the job, and of all the glorious responses, let’s give the final word to Anthony Scaramucci

It was too good – and by “good”, we mean absolutely, unfathomably bad – to last. White House press secretary Katie Zacharia has reportedly been fired – just five days into a job for which she was comically unqualified. On Friday night, Fox News started reporting that Zacharia was “transitioning out” of the role – […]

The post Trump’s press secretary Katie Zacharia has been fired after just five disastrous days in the job, and of all the glorious responses, let’s give the final word to Anthony Scaramucci appeared first on The Poke.

Toxic algorithms wouldn't let them go - now Australia wants an off switch

The Australian government hopes to protect social media users from being served content they don't want to see.

Trump's press secretary responds after leaving role days after taking job

Katie Zacharia has left her role as White House press secretary a week after being appointed, saying "it was an honor to work for" Donald Trump.

Mark Carney’s jab at Donald Trump was subtle enough he probably wouldn’t get it but the crowd’s reaction suggested a knockout blow

Prime Minister Mark Carney was on hand at the Forever Canadian Rally in Calgary to speak to Albertans about a vote on whether to remain in Canada or begin the process toward separation. Along the way, the world’s biggest villain came up. Carney was advocating for a new pipe line that would reduce Canada’s reliance […]

The post Mark Carney’s jab at Donald Trump was subtle enough he probably wouldn’t get it but the crowd’s reaction suggested a knockout blow appeared first on The Poke.

Trump’s new press secretary Katie Zacharia is so bad she doesn’t even know what the Daily Mail is

It’s been a rough first week for Donald Trump’s latest hand-picked, bleached blonde Press Secretary. Katie Zacharia came out of the gates firing on no cylinders, stumbling through an awkwardly pre-written speech that she couldn’t deliver without reading word-for-word, avoiding eye contact at all costs. Things went so poorly, the White House decided it was […]

The post Trump’s new press secretary Katie Zacharia is so bad she doesn’t even know what the Daily Mail is appeared first on The Poke.

James Blunt on why he changed his name from ‘Blount’ might be his best Twitter gag ever

As no-one who reads this pages with any degree of regularity will already know, we’ve got a bit of a thing for James Blunt. Not just us, obviously, but the 2 million people who follow his every word over there. And while we’ve enjoyed no end of gags over the years, this one might be […]

The post James Blunt on why he changed his name from ‘Blount’ might be his best Twitter gag ever appeared first on The Poke.

People have been sharing the times someone piped up at the ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’ bit at a marriage – 21 total wedding ruiners

The only time you ever hear someone say something to try and stop a wedding is in films and TV. It never, ever happens in real life, right? Well, no, wrong, it turns out. And rather than do it for a noble reason, some people do it for a joke, which is somehow even worse. […]

The post People have been sharing the times someone piped up at the ‘speak now or forever hold your peace’ bit at a marriage – 21 total wedding ruiners appeared first on The Poke.

Feel as successful as Man City without cheating with our bumper 45/1 bet builder

Wardy's Wagers - Our top tipster will make you laugh all the way to the bank and as happy as Ross Kemp finding a Traitor with his predictions on the weekend's football, NFL and racing

Reform UK-er Andrea Jenkyns wants to get rid of speed cameras and this A++ comeback left the rest on the hard shoulder

Former Tory MP turned Reform UK mayor of – Google, Google – Greater Lincolnshire Andrea Jenkyns has come up with a spiffing new policy idea. She’s going to get rid of speed cameras. And the comebacks went from nought to ridicule in 6.8 seconds. 1. Why in God's only name would you want to get […]

The post Reform UK-er Andrea Jenkyns wants to get rid of speed cameras and this A++ comeback left the rest on the hard shoulder appeared first on The Poke.

Groove Armada gig sparks huge surge in hearing checks among over-50s

More than 50,000 people completed a free three-minute online hearing screener before being entered onto 'The Testlist' to win tickets to free gig

Gen Z can fix your Wi-Fi but can't change a fuse, study finds

New research has discovered that only one in four Gen Zers feel comfortable handling DIY tasks in the home.

Brits clock 214 extra hours a year on side hustles in booming '5-9' economy

Nearly half of Brits regularly work towards a personal goal after their day job ends, clocking up 214 extra evening hours a year

Psychologist shares how facing your fears can boost confidence

Dr Eleanor Bryant has shared how doing things which terrify you can help with building confidence - including getting lost, going on rollercoasters and public speaking.

Jeremy Vine’s tale about an especially unusual challenge for this RNLI station was already good but the payoff was simply next level

To the world now of Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine who shared the tale of a particularly unusual challenge for this RNLI station. He didn’t name it for reasons which will become apparent. He told the story a year or two back but that in no way detracts from the enjoyment after it just went […]

The post Jeremy Vine’s tale about an especially unusual challenge for this RNLI station was already good but the payoff was simply next level appeared first on The Poke.

This restaurant enjoyed some first class trolling at the expense of RyanAir boss Michael O’Leary and then RyanAir made it even better on Twitter

Hats off to this particular Irish restaurant which indulged in some top trolling of RyanAir boss Michael O’Leary when he came in to enjoy a meal and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Because it wasn’t just the usual service charge which was added to the bill and it’s all kind of genius. Michael O’Leary, CEO […]

The post This restaurant enjoyed some first class trolling at the expense of RyanAir boss Michael O’Leary and then RyanAir made it even better on Twitter appeared first on The Poke.

Experts predict Yorkshire Wildlife Park future after tiger death - 'people will stay away'

Yorkshire Wildlife Park's future was brought into question after the fatal tiger attack last weekend - and now experts have been weighing in on whether it can remain open

UK school evacuated by police over 'safety threat' as public warned 'avoid area'

Northumbria Police have issued statements about the events this morning after school in Amble has been dramatically evacuated as officers swarmed the area over a 'safety threat'

This Sky News man really wasn’t mincing his words with his questions for Pete Hegseth and the look on his face made it even better

It’s been a recurring feature of these pages how we wish the American media would do more to hold Donald Trump’s administration to account (this latest example with RFK Jr being very much an honourable exception). We say this after Sky News man James Matthews took the opportunity to ask a few questions of Trump’s […]

The post This Sky News man really wasn’t mincing his words with his questions for Pete Hegseth and the look on his face made it even better appeared first on The Poke.

Somebody asked about films that have aged so terribly they’ve been ‘rendered virtually unwatchable’ – 23 mega-cringe movies we can no longer enjoy

It’s not uncommon for films that we thought were brilliant when we first watched them to be awful when viewed a decade or so later, as anyone who grew up with ‘gems’ like American Pie will know. They’ve been discussing this on the AskReddit page after user Early_Direction2312 asked this… What once popular Hollywood film […]

The post Somebody asked about films that have aged so terribly they’ve been ‘rendered virtually unwatchable’ – 23 mega-cringe movies we can no longer enjoy appeared first on The Poke.

Our 25 Favourite Funny Tweets of the Week

It’s Friday, the evenings are getting darker and the weather considerably wetter, but the weekend awaits – and Twitter has been very funny. We’ve gathered some of the posts that made us laugh this week, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we did. 1. You are all against alcohol and sugar now. […]

The post Our 25 Favourite Funny Tweets of the Week appeared first on The Poke.

Bonkers world of drug kingpin Gary Jamieson - cottage beating to blue plague pills empire

Gangster Gary has had a number of run-ins with the law in recent years - and was this week tagged for three months after being caught flouting at super Asbo

This reporter wouldn’t let RFK Jr avoid the question and give him whatever pay rise he wants because it’s brilliant

Shutting down reporters whose questions they don’t like has been one of the hallmarks of Donald Trump’s presidency. The president appears to especially enjoy doing it when it’s a woman asking the question, obviously. But in this case it was a man asking the questions and Trump’s health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr doing his […]

The post This reporter wouldn’t let RFK Jr avoid the question and give him whatever pay rise he wants because it’s brilliant appeared first on The Poke.

Dog lovers want answers after snuggly 50kg 'King Cane' dies after chewing £12 rope toy

A heartbroken Lancashire mum is warning dog owners after her 50kg Cane Corso tragically died after swallowing part of a £12 rope toy bought on Amazon

Donald Trump said he has some ‘severe problems’, and the world said “You’re not kidding!” – 17 top takedowns

Donald Trump’s health has long been a subject of wild speculation. There are the multiple cognitive tests he seems to think measure IQ, the swollen ankles, bruised hands, and – of course – all those Oval Office naps that get no coverage from his tame news outlets. At an event in what is laughingly still […]

The post Donald Trump said he has some ‘severe problems’, and the world said “You’re not kidding!” – 17 top takedowns appeared first on The Poke.

An American trolled Diane Morgan for not being famous enough and this A++ homegrown comeback will make you proud to be British

The great Diane Morgan has thrown us something of a curveball with her latest role, starring in the latest MCU TV series, VisionQuest, alongside Paul Bettany. But perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised. Just because Philomena Cunk doesn’t dress up in a silly costume in front of a green screen it doesn’t make her any less […]

The post An American trolled Diane Morgan for not being famous enough and this A++ homegrown comeback will make you proud to be British appeared first on The Poke.

'Trans Bonnie Blue' slept with 100 men in 4 hours before op to 'celebrate old body'

Trans adult content creator Candy Rose slept with 100 men in four hours as an 'empowering' challenge to celebrate her body prior to gender reassignment surgery

23 funniest and most on-point things people are saying about Celebrity Traitors right now

Celebrity Traitors is nearly at the halfway stage and the second series is delivering just as much – perhaps even more – as the first one, and thank goodness for that. To keep us – and you – going until Friday night’s sixth episode, here are the 23 funniest and most totally on-point things people […]

The post 23 funniest and most on-point things people are saying about Celebrity Traitors right now appeared first on The Poke.

Sarah Pochin accidentally spilled the beans on the Reform UK boys’ club culture, if you were wondering what to nominate for today’s ‘No Shit, Sherlock’ award

The full documentary of ITV’s undercover filming in the rank and file of Reform is set to air on Sunday night at 10:20 PM, but the snippets shown on two successive nights of ITV news have been explosive enough. CW: offensive, bigoted and violent language Reform councillors and candidates were caught on camera making extreme […]

The post Sarah Pochin accidentally spilled the beans on the Reform UK boys’ club culture, if you were wondering what to nominate for today’s ‘No Shit, Sherlock’ award appeared first on The Poke.

Nigel Farage claims Reform representatives were provoked into saying bigoted things in ITV’s undercover filming, and the chinny reckon was visible from Clacton to Westminster

However much the Reform UK PR machine might like it to happen, questions about the racism, sexism, and efforts to circumvent the party’s own vetting revealed by ITV’s secret filming won’t be going away anytime soon. Not even Nigel Farage escaped the scrutiny of the undercover journalists, as he was seen to overrule Reform officials’ […]

The post Nigel Farage claims Reform representatives were provoked into saying bigoted things in ITV’s undercover filming, and the chinny reckon was visible from Clacton to Westminster appeared first on The Poke.

Wildfire: A Warning from the Midlands

What can we learn from wildfires that destroyed 38 homes in the Midlands in August 2026?

Surprise, surprise! Katie Zacharia has been cosplaying as a lawyer after failing her bar exam – 21 massive eyerolls

The new White House Press Secretary is rapidly looking as though she might soon become the latest former White House Press Secretary, as she becomes the story for the third time since she started the job on Monday. Her first stint on the wrong side of the narrative came when people concluded that she doesn’t […]

The post Surprise, surprise! Katie Zacharia has been cosplaying as a lawyer after failing her bar exam – 21 massive eyerolls appeared first on The Poke.

Woman, 26, killed in horror stabbing named and pictured as resident 'woke by screaming'

Alisha Samuels, 26, was fatally stabbed on Dorking Avenue in Newton Heath, Manchester, in the early hours of Thursday morning (October 15) as police launch a murder investigation

Pensioner, 74, admits raping woman who was drugged by her husband for over 20 years

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: A 74-year-old pensioner has admitted raping a woman in 2024 after she was drugged by her husband during a period spanning 20 years, as 10 other men still deny various allegations against the same woman

Yorkshire Wildlife Park makes reopening decision after man mauled to death by tiger

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has revealed when it will reopen after 24-year-old William Chapman was fatally mauled by a tiger, insisting Altai is “safe and well” and won’t be euthanised as enquiries continue.

School teacher took up-skirt photos of schoolgirls and used AI to 'nudify' snaps

A supply teacher who secretly took upskirting images of schoolgirls across seven North West schools and used AI to “nudify” pupils’ social media photos has been jailed

What Brits really do on their mattresses revealed - and it's not just sleeping

New research by Silentnight has shed light on the surprising things Brits do on their mattresses every year.

Parents relying on grandparents for childcare share one major worry

Half of parents are turning to grandparents to help care for their children as a fifth struggle with grandparent childcare costs - saving families £5,370 a year

Parents spend £1,216 a year on fuel driving kids to sport, new study finds

New research shows the cost of driving children to sports training has hit £1,216 - but parents could save hundreds by making one key change

Meghan Markle 'copies' Kate Middleton on first UK appearance with Prince Harry

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have taken part in their first joint public engagement since returning to the UK in August and the Duchess of Sussex has adopted a new move

Short break event trips booming among UK travellers – top tips for your stay

British holidaymakers are increasingly planning their travel around music, sporting and cultural events, according to a study

At the Brooklyn shop in 'surreal' row with Kelly Clarkson over mechanical bird

Art of Play says its staff have been threatened after the singer complained online about how she was treated.

Isle of Wight fossil identified as new dinosaur species

Invictibellatrix would have been up to four metres long with feathers and had 20cm claws.

Obama receives honorary degree from Queen's University Belfast

Receiving his doctorate, the 44th US president praised Northern Ireland's progress and challenged the next generation to continue building a peaceful and inclusive future.

The Sabrina Carpenter clip that helped a 22-year-old make £120,000 a year

Social media "clippers" make short, vertical videos that appear on the likes of Instagram and TikTok.

Sign up now

From news and politics to technology and the royals, get the best BBC journalism to your inbox.

Download now

Top stories, breaking news, live reporting, and follow news topics that match your interests