2 hours ago Are modern sports stars still cut out for pantomime season? Oh yes they are | Emma John

Strictly Come Dancing has hit participation but the gymnast Louis Smith is still flying the flag for sporting heroes on stageMerry Betwixtmas, everybody! I’ve a great fondness for this final stretch of December, the weird dead time when Boxing Day obligations to extended family have been fulfilled, and the new year’s party still seems impossibly far in the future. It’s a truly philosophical period, raising questions of mortality, renewal and resolution, and of how long trifle can be left open before it goes off. It’s good for a couple more days, right?You don’t want to go back to work, but you’re also not exactly sure what to do with yourself. Which is, doubtless, why panto exists. This is no slight on the genre, for which I have great respect – the best money my sister ever earned from her acting career was in Aladdin, singing A Whole New World while desperately clinging to a shonky hand-operated flying carpet. Still, there must be a reason people don’t pay to shout “He’s behind yo...

Politics

19 hours ago “It couldn’t have happened at a worse time”: Neighbours speak of shock Boxing Day blaze at Hyde family home

"It must have been horrifying"

Society

13 hours ago Jhon Duran suspension confirmed as Aston Villa lose appeal over red card

The 21-year-old was dismissed against Newcastle on Boxing Day

Economics

19 hours ago Boxing Day teeth whitening sale slashes 30% off bundle that fights 'years of coffee stains'

The MySweetSmile Boxing Day sale is now on, with 20% off individual products and 30% off bundles

Sport

1 hour ago Ruben Amorim already facing storm clouds ahead as Man Utd crisis raises serious questions

Manchester United slumped to another defeat at struggling Wolves on Boxing Day and they could yet be dragged into a relegation battle if Ruben Amorim's men cannot put some points on the board soon

Events

3 hours ago Nitish Kumar Reddy century leads India fightback to frustrate Australia on day three

All-rounder joins Washington Sundar in critical 127-run standTourists trail by 116 runs with one wicket in hand in fourth Test52nd over: India 180-5 (Pant 22, Jadeja 4) Smokes a pull shot! Pant moves along to the 20s by clattering Boland, then takes a single. Jadeja keeps blocking.Guy Hornsby winds up the crank handle on the email machine. “Morning/evening Geoff. I’m somehow still up in darkest Sale in Manchester, full of port and cheese and wondering if Pant and Jadeja can actually save anything here. Their records suggest there’s a chance, but Pant is Cummins’ bunny of late and India must have felt an absolute gut punch after getting to 153-2 before the calamitous run-out. I’m not going to even attempt to apportion individual blame, just say it was a proper horlicks that took the wind out of India’s sails. Now it’s down to these two and a longish but bullish tail to see how much of a dent they can put into this huge Australian total. Perhaps Bumrah has made clear just how much of ...

Politics

16 hours ago River Island's £45 jeans reduced to £17 in the Boxing Day sale that 'suit anyone'

Fashion editor Rachel Pugh has shared the River Island sale items she's got her eye on this year - including a £17 pair of jeans that will suit anybody

Economics

21 hours ago Enzo Maresca reveals second Chelsea player was dropped for Fulham defeat as he explains Noni Madueke decision

Madueke was dropped from the Blues squad on Boxing Day for ’technical’ reasons

Sport

3 hours ago Nitish Kumar Reddy century leads India fightback as Australia strike late on day three

All-rounder joins Washington Sundar in critical 127-run standTourists trail by 116 runs with one wicket in hand in fourth Test52nd over: India 180-5 (Pant 22, Jadeja 4) Smokes a pull shot! Pant moves along to the 20s by clattering Boland, then takes a single. Jadeja keeps blocking.Guy Hornsby winds up the crank handle on the email machine. “Morning/evening Geoff. I’m somehow still up in darkest Sale in Manchester, full of port and cheese and wondering if Pant and Jadeja can actually save anything here. Their records suggest there’s a chance, but Pant is Cummins’ bunny of late and India must have felt an absolute gut punch after getting to 153-2 before the calamitous run-out. I’m not going to even attempt to apportion individual blame, just say it was a proper horlicks that took the wind out of India’s sails. Now it’s down to these two and a longish but bullish tail to see how much of a dent they can put into this huge Australian total. Perhaps Bumrah has made clear just how much of ...

Events

4 hours ago Rangers losing on Boxing Day won't make them any easier to face on Sunday, says Motherwell star

Shane Blaney expects a torrid time against Philippe Clement's under-pressure side

Politics

23 hours ago Best John Lewis deals in the Boxing Day sale, from Le Creuset to Dyson

Enjoy deals across beauty, home, fashion, tech and more

Economics

24 hours ago Full round up of the best and worst Wigan Boxing Night fancy dress costumes

From Star Wars and superheroes to groups of pirates or a wide-mouthed frog - Wigan's big Boxing Day fancy dress night out had it all

Sport

7 hours ago Search for man missing off NSW north coast amid string of drownings across holiday period

21-year-old Taewoo Kim last seen going for a swim at Moonee beach, near Coffs Harbour, on Boxing Day; police say another man’s body found in sea south of WollongongGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA multi-agency search is under way for a man presumed missing in the ocean since Boxing Day, off the north coast of NSW, as another man’s body has been pulled from the water further south.Taewoo Kim, 21, was last seen around 1pm on Thursday, police said in a statement, going into the water at Moonee beach, north of Coffs Harbour.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

Events

12 hours ago High Street shops Christmas misery as John Lewis, M&S and Next make major call

As Boxing Day sales saw a decline of in-store shoppers on the High Street, some retail giants like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer chose to remain shut for the public holiday

Politics

24 hours ago Sales mayhem as thousands queue to snap up Boxing Day bargains at Bicester Village

Frenzied scenes erupted across Bicester Village, in Oxfordshire, as hordes of shoppers joined huge queues to snap up some of the site's biggest discounts ever.

Economics

26 hours ago Ruben Amorim slams one Man United star as players exposed for unseen Wolves moment

Manchester United news as Ruben Amorim picks out one player after his side were beaten 2-0 by Wolves on Boxing Day and Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the second half

Sport

12 hours ago Aston Villa in shock after the FA rejects Jhon Durán’s red card appeal

In-form Villa striker will now be banned for three gamesUnai Emery believes ‘stamp’ on Schär was unintentionalAston Villa are shocked and disappointed after the Football Association rejected their appeal against Jhon Durán’s red card, meaning the striker will serve a three-match ban.The Colombian was given a straight red card by the referee, Anthony Taylor, after being adjudged to have intentionally stamped on the Newcastle defender Fabian Schär when the pair collided in the first half of Villa’s Boxing Day defeat. Continue reading...

Events

13 hours ago Frank Lampard sends Man United legend Wayne Rooney sack message after another defeat

Frank Lampard's Coventry City met Wayne Rooney's Plymouth Argyle in The Championship on Boxing Day with the Manchester United legend under huge pressure

Politics

25 hours ago Shoppers fume after spotting unlikely items on supermarket shelves on Boxing Day

They say Christmas comes earlier every year, with supermarket shelves often stocked with festive treats months before December 25 – but it's not the only holiday getting shoppers riled up early

Economics

28 hours ago Ruben Amorim makes telling Manchester United admission as January transfer update given

The latest Manchester United news as we take a look at some of the stories around Old Trafford following a 2-0 defeat against Wolves on Boxing Day.

Sport

12 hours ago Shocking Boxing Day stampede at store after owner invites people to 'steal'

Footage shows dozens of young people barging their way into a street wear store in Perth, Australia, with many knocked over in the doorway after they were invited to ransack the store on Boxing Day

Events

13 hours ago Aston Villa's response as Jhon Duran LOSES appeal after 'dreadful' red card

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran was sent off during the first half of his side's 3-0 loss to Newcastle United on Boxing Day, after VAR intervention

Politics

27 hours ago Arsenal sent £70million Matheus Cunha transfer message as Wolves stance revealed

Wolves are desperate to keep Matheus Cunha, who highlighted his quality with a Boxing Day goal against Manchester United, as the club's new manager makes his views clear on the transfer interest

Economics

12 hours ago Murder probe launched after 'hero' dad mowed down outside pub on Christmas Day

Kirk Marsden, 37, died in the early hours of Boxing Day after being rushed to hospital following the incident outside The Gate Street Bar and Grill in Blackburn

Events

14 hours ago Michael Owen says just one club can stop Liverpool winning Premier League title

Michael Owen has given his verdict on the Premier League title race after Liverpool's 3-1 win over Leicester on Boxing Day, with the Reds currently seven points clear at the top

Politics

32 hours ago Fresh blow to High Street as number of Boxing Day sale shoppers tumbled by nearly 10 per cent

Experts said some bargain hunters had opted to shop online instead of visiting the shops in person.

Economics

14 hours ago Pregnant Charlotte Crosby reveals heartbreaking death of 'most loving family member' on Boxing Day

Pregnant Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby has taken to Instagram to announce the tragic death of her grandmother on Boxing Day alongside a heartbreaking statement

Events

16 hours ago Up to 75% off bestsellers in Debenhams sale including suitcases, watches and airfryers

Debenhams is not holding back with its Boxing Day sale, offering up to 75% off selected lines and an extra 20% off more than 10,000 items

Politics

16 hours ago Bruno Fernandes and the problem of being captain if you keep getting sent off | Simon Burnton

Manchester United midfielder has been more disciplined this term but unique demands of his job keep him in the firing lineAgainst Leicester on Boxing Day Virgil van Dijk took to 50 the number of successive league games he has played every minute of. This alone does not explain why the Dutchman is such an effective leader, nor why his Liverpool side are currently so successful, but it certainly helps. There are many kinds of captain, many ways of leading, but above all the one unarguably necessary thing is to be present. You cannot lead a team from the stands.At which point it is tempting to go in two-footed on Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, as many newspaper headlines did on Friday morning. The Portuguese is, for a couple more days at least, one of only four other captains to have played in every game of this Premier League season but that run ends with the visit of Newcastle on Monday, for which he will be suspended after Tony Harrington, just after half-time in the Boxing Da...

Events

17 hours ago Two young women taken to hospital after crash involving Audi on Boxing Day

The incident involving two young women happened on Boxing Day

Events

18 hours ago Weekend Wishlist: Our top 9 fashion and beauty picks from the Boxing Day sales

From Charlotte Tilbury to Oliver Bonas, we share the best wardrobe staples, beauty bargains and home buys of the week

Politics

19 hours ago Police issue urgent appeal for missing Troon man who vanished on Boxing Day

Colin McKenna may have travelled to Edinburgh.

Events

18 hours ago Three men charged after pyrotechnic incidents ahead of Edinburgh derby

All three are expected to appear in court at a later date following incidents ahead of the Hearts v Hibernian match on Boxing Day.

Politics

19 hours ago Philippe Clement delivers major Leon Balogun injury update as Rangers boss stresses need for 'solutions'

Balogun had to come off after just 20 minutes during the Light Blues' Boxing Day defeat to St Mirren

Events

18 hours ago Keir Starmer's bond with little brother he lost to cancer: How PM stood up for labourer Nick as he was bullied because of learning difficulties during 'really tough life'

Keir Starmer is typically private about his family, particularly his younger brother Nick, who died on Boxing Day aged 60.

Politics

20 hours ago More than 150,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK since 2018 after another 407 arrived on Boxing Day

In all, 150,220 small boat migrants have reached the UK since the first dinghies crossed in 2018, equivalent to the population of a town the size of Blackpool.

Events

18 hours ago The bar half way around the world which had a team building day watching Gavin & Stacey finale

Members of staff at The Welsh Dragon Bar in New Zealand got together on Boxing Day together to watch the last ever episode of the beloved BBC show

Politics

20 hours ago Starmer pays tribute to ‘wonderful’ brother Nick who died on Boxing Day

The Prime Minister thanked those who cared for his brother, saying ‘their skill and compassion is very much appreciated’.

Events

19 hours ago Christmas chocolates replaced with unlikely item on Boxing Day in supermarket

Shoppers have been left fuming after they spotted an unexpected item lining supermarket shelves just a day after Christmas – and have taken to social media to share their thoughts

Politics

20 hours ago Scots households have power restored after car crashed into electricity box on Christmas Day

Residents were left without any power until 1am on Boxing Day.

Events

19 hours ago Tributes paid to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's 'wonderful' younger brother, who died on Boxing Day

Nick Starmer died on Boxing Day at the age of 60.

Politics

21 hours ago Ruben Amorim admits he's already under pressure after Man Utd suffer Wolves defeat

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim believes he is already under pressure after just 10 games in charge, with the Red Devils falling to a 2-0 defeat against Wolves on Boxing Day

Events

21 hours ago Ruben Amorim responds to question about his future at Manchester United after Wolves defeat

Man Utd were defeated by Wolves in the Premier League on Boxing Day and Ruben Amorim was asked about his future.

Politics

21 hours ago Keir Starmer pays tribute to ‘wonderful’ brother Nick who died on Boxing Day

Nick Starmer died from cancer at the age of 60 on 26 December

Events

21 hours ago Keir Starmer's younger brother Nick dies of cancer aged 60: Prime Minister pays tribute to 'wonderful' sibling after he passed away on Boxing Day

The Prime Minister had been set to go on holiday with his family today but it is understood he will now stay at home.

Politics

21 hours ago PM Sir Keir Starmer pays tribute to 'wonderful' brother after Boxing Day death

Nick Starmer, 60, passed away on December 26, a Downing Street spokesman has said - his brother, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer today shared his heartache saying 'we will miss him'

Events

21 hours ago Ruthless Enzo Maresca axes ANOTHER Chelsea star after Noni Madueke decision

Enzo Maresca has been ruthless since taking charge at Chelsea and he showcased his no-nonsense approach once again as he axed Noni Madueke and Renato Veiga for his side's Boxing Day clash against Fulham

Politics

22 hours ago Three beloved pet dogs killed in tragic Scots Boxing Day horror house fire

Three pet dogs tragically died after a fire broke out in a property in Balfron, Stirling, on Boxing Day.

Events

21 hours ago Bruno Fernandes discovers his fate as Ruben Amorim urged to make major Man Utd change

THE BIG DEBATE: Bruno Fernandes was shown his third red card of the season in Manchester United's loss against Wolves on Boxing Day to add to the scrutiny on the Red Devils captain

Politics

22 hours ago Manuel Akanji makes frank Man City vow after Pep Guardiola's side fail to win again

Manchester City were unable to beat Everton on Boxing Day as their slump continues, but defender Manuel Akanji insists that the champions will get back to their best

Events

22 hours ago Ruth Langsford's Boxing Day spent in hospital with mum in first Christmas without Eamonn

Ruth Langsford has had a busy Boxing Day so far, including visiting her mother Joan in hospital, amid her first Christmas since publicly separating from Eamonn Holmes

Politics

23 hours ago 'Lovely' retired teacher, 72, is killed when Boxing Day fire rips through her home as emergency services probe how it started

A retired teacher was tragically killed in a Boxing Day morning fire which ripped through her Norwich home. Neighbours have since described her as a 'lovely person'.

Events