53 m. ago Cecilia Giménez’s botched Monkey Christ became a global meme. The real marvel was the humble, graceful woman behind it | Sam Jones

The restorer, who died on Monday, brought unwanted attention to herself – and her small Spanish town. Then, slowly, a small miracle took placeVery few of us find fame quite as late, or quite as brutally, as Cecilia Giménez did in the summer of 2012. The Spanish amateur artist was already 81 when her efforts to restore a decent, if unremarkable, fresco of the scourged Christ brought her a renown that almost destroyed her.Almost overnight, Giménez, who died on Monday at the age of 94, was stripped of her quiet existence in the north-eastern Spanish town of Borja, and recast as the well-meaning and unwitting creator of what would become known around the English-speaking world as Monkey Christ. In Spain, the meme phenomenon was dubbed Ecce Mono (Behold the Monkey), a play on the painting’s Latin title Ecce Homo (Behold the Man).Sam Jones is Madrid correspondent for the Guardian Continue reading...

Politics

53 m. ago What happened next: how KPop Demon Hunters became a global phenomenon and outranked Lady Gaga

It’s the Korean fantasy movie that came out of nowhere to become Netflix’s most-watched film ever. And social media mentions of its characters are outranking those of real-life superstarsWhen KPop Demon Hunters landed on Netflix in late June, no one predicted it would become a globe-sweeping, chart-topping phenomenon. The near-instant success of the animated kids’ film caught the industry by surprise, and six months later, fans are still hungry for merchandise, music, spin-offs and more stories. Here’s what you may have missed.It’s an animated ‘musical urban fantasy film’The story follows a K-pop girl group called Huntr/x (pronounced “Huntrix”), who are also demon hunters, responsible for protecting humanity from supernatural threats with their combat skills and empowering pop. Their rivals are the Saja Boys, who are secretly demons. When the groups are pitted against one another, the stakes are peace on Earth, and in particular the Honmoon: the magical barrier that protects humans ...

Politics

4 h. ago Finance expert warns 'be prepared' for three financial changes in 2026

Financial education specialist Antonia Medlicott believes 2026 will be as turbulent as 2025 when it comes to money matters

Events

4 h. ago Psychic Sally Morgan's 2026 predictions: From a Taylor Swift pregnancy reveal to Trump sparking a global meltdown

Psychic Sally, a self-proclaimed medium, previously predicted 9/11, the death of Princess Dianaand the lottery numbers.

Politics

4 h. ago A snake caught in glue, a fox trapped in a chair and a puffin blown 110 miles inland: RSPCA's wackiest animal rescues of 2025 are revealed

The RSPCA has revealed the wackiest animal rescues of 2025 - including a fox trapped in a chair and a puffin blown 110 miles inland.

Events

4 h. ago Royal security scare as intruder, 39, with 'heavy rucksack' is arrested after breaking into Kensington Palace grounds twice just days before Christmas

An intruder with a 'heavy rucksack' is alleged to have twice climbed into the grounds of Kensington Palace in the days leading up to Christmas.

Events

5 h. ago A tech expert’s guide to the best Nintendo Switch 2 deals in the January sales

I’ve been tracking the price of the console since it launched back in the summerFollow live: All the best deals in the January sales 2026

Economics

5 h. ago Currys January sales 2026: Best deals and offers, picked by an expert

For all things electrical, Currys has got you coveredFollow live: All the best deals in the January sales

Economics

5 h. ago I’m a consumer expert tracking the best deals in the January sales

Our team of dedicated deal-hunters are tracking down the best bargains

Economics

5 h. ago Experts issue verdict on potential winners and losers in 2026 housing market

First-time buyers will remain a "driving force" on the property ladder, experts say

Politics

7 h. ago Intruder 'breaks into William and Kate's home with heavy rucksack' twice before Christmas

An intruder was apprehended after twice gaining entry to Kensington Palace in London, in incidents a policing expert claimed were a 'serious cause for concern'

Politics

7 h. ago One pub closes every single day in UK in cost of living crisis as new hangover cure revealed

The future of the public house seems bleak for landlords and punters alike – but some experts have advised on a hangover cure that might help boozers get back out

Events

7 h. ago Gordon Ramsay's scathing digs at Adam Peaty's family 'filmed for Netflix show'

Gordon Ramsay added even more fuel to the ongoing feud with Adam Ramsay Peaty's family after humiliating them in his wedding speech, which was reportedly caught on camera for his Netflix show

Culture

7 h. ago 'Super' virus spreading uncontrollably... as New York sees most flu cases ever and experts warn 'we don't know when it will stop'

Cases of a 'super virus' are exploding across the US, with some states seeing more cases than ever before. Experts have also warned that there seems to be no end in sight for the surge.

Events

8 h. ago Experts worried after 'killer' fungus superbug is becoming more 'infectious' and spreading across the world

Candida auris was first detected in 2009 and has since spread across the globe as an alarming rate as experts warn this 'killer' fungus could cause an outbreak

Events

8 h. ago Photos of New Year’s celebrations across the globe as the world welcomes 2026

Australia saluted the new year with defiance less than a month after its worst mass shooting in almost 30 years

Culture

9 h. ago Have you tried the 'Didcot Dodge'? Read expert MARK DUELL's ultimate guide to saving £100s on train fares, from split

As someone who has travelled from Thurso to Tenby and Portsmouth to Penrith by train over the years, here are my top tips for getting the best deal on your next trip.

Economics

9 h. ago Thousands of teenagers are being subjected to sexual, physical and mental abuse by their partners in hidden epidemic, experts warn

A survey by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) has found that 'far too many' young relationships are being plagued by behaviour that bears all the hallmarks of domestic abuse.

Events

9 h. ago Enzo Maresca at risk of Chelsea sack if poor run persists with a dry January

‘Worst 48 hours’ comment and league form are problemsPalmer substitution and Bournemouth result were booedEnzo Maresca will be in danger of losing his job as Chelsea’s head coach if he cannot improve results before the end of January. The Italian, who was booed by home supporters during the disappointing 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, is under mounting pressure after a poor run of form, and a series of self-inflicted wounds have raised doubts over his position.Chelsea have one win from their past seven league games and although Maresca is set to be in charge for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City his position is increasingly uncertain. Concern over the 45-year-old’s decisions during games and away from the pitch have grown in recent weeks and there can be no guarantee that Maresca will survive beyond the end of January if he proves incapable of reversing the slump. Continue reading...

Events

9 h. ago How you can make a fortune selling on Vinted:  Our experts reveal exactly how to flog your unwanted stuff, the 'golden hour' hack... and the mistakes to avoid

With the Christmas break nearly over, many of us are buckling under an endless mountain of new things - gifts, however well meant, that we neither asked for nor need.

Politics