23 h. ago I am content being single. How do I make people understand that I’m happy as I am? | Leading questions

Anyone whose life deviates from mainstream expectations gets this, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith. Perhaps you could play with different ways to describe it Read more Leading questionsI’m 54 years old, and although I was married for 22 years, I’ve been single for the past 14. I did remarry briefly a few years ago, but that chapter was short-lived.At this stage of my life, I feel genuinely content. I’m on my own, but by no means lonely. I have a fulfilling balance between work and personal life, and I’m deeply grateful for my three daughters and my grandchildren, who bring me joy and purpose. Continue reading...

Politics

24 h. ago Join the party for just £285 for 3 nights to see Luke Littler at Butlin’s Minehead for PDC Players Championship Finals

BUTLIN'S Minehead is gearing up for an electrifying weekend of world-class darts as the PDC Players Championship Finals return to the iconic resort. The stage is set for a thrilling tournament, with the biggest names in darts, including teenage sensation Luke Littler and reigning champion Luke Humphries, set to battle it out for the coveted...

Sport

3 d. ago WTA punish top stars as Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka stripped of ranking points

A group of top players who have been penalised for failing to play the required number of mandatory tournaments this season, leading to punishments from the WTA

Politics

3 d. ago ‘It’s all just wonderful’: minnows Mjällby win unlikely Swedish title for first time

Team from a town with a population of under 1,400Jacob Bergström and Tom Pettersson score in 2-0 winMjällby scored twice in the first half to secure a 2-0 victory at IFK Gothenburg and claim a sensational first Allsvenskan league title for the unfancied club from a tiny fishing village in the south of the country.Jacob Bergström scored with a close-range bicycle kick in the 21st minute and Tom Pettersson poked home a second goal seven minutes later as their side took an unassailable 11-point lead over second-placed Hammarby with three games left to play. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Diamond Sky review – fairytale heist thriller has its head in the clouds

Mesmerising leads Hassan Najib and Elena Rivers play a pair of young hotel workers who carry out high-end robberies in this oddly unconvincing storyIt’s not fair to critics who want to avoid spoilers but there’s a twist at the end of this romance-focused crime thriller that partly explains why everything that has come before has been so oddly stilted, unconvincing and thinly sketched out. Presumably, writer-director Felix Mackenzie was hoping to create a fairytale-like atmosphere but with a present-day London setting.We’re supposed to feel enchanted by the tale of Lucan (Hassan Najib) and Alice (Elena Rivers), two crazy young kids pulling off heists while working day jobs as a bell boy and chambermaid, respectively, in a small hotel. But most viewers will just wonder why their high jinks are so incredibly unconvincing, why they trust their criminal mastermind handlers to show up with escape cars at exactly the moment needed, and why they live in a flat that looks as if it was hired ...

Politics

1 week ago Harry Potter TV series hires a SECOND child star to play lead role with 'perfect mop of hair and boyish looks' as mystery behind new face on set is solved

The job of playing the boy wizard, who is character from JK Rowling 's books, was originally given to Dominic McLaughlin, who was unveiled earlier this year - but now a second Harry has been spotted.

Society

2 w. ago Tuchel criticises ‘silent’ England fans, World Cup qualifying news and more: football – live

⚽ All the latest going into weekend’s internationals⚽ Sign up for Football Daily | Mail MichaelPerhaps we should start with Scotland. Ewan Murray was our reporter at Hampden and was brutally honest about how fortunate the home side were to take a crucial victory over Greece.If Scotland make it to the promised land of next summer’s World Cup, they will glance back at this as a crucial evening. There must also be laughter to accompany reflection.No sane observer could claim Steve Clarke’s team deserved to prevail here. Lewis Ferguson and Lyndon Dykes sealed the win. Dick Turpin sprang to mind. Someone, somewhere appears to be smiling on Scotland’s bid to play in a World Cup for the first time since 1998. The Scots, who had just 31% possession, are now in an excellent position in Group C. A playoff spot could be secured on Sunday evening, when Belarus visit Glasgow. Greece, who next travel to Denmark, need snookers. Continue reading...

Sport

2 w. ago Robert Jenrick warned ‘don’t do an Andy Burnham’ as he bides his time over a leadership bid

Amid the gloom at the Tory conference, those close to Robert Jenrick have told him to ‘let things play out’ as leader Kemi Badenoch struggles to make impact amid dire poll ratings, write David Maddox, Millie Cooke and Archie Mitchell

Events

2 w. ago JoJo Siwa is supported by boyfriend Chris Hughes at her London show as she shares sweet on

As JoJo took to the stage at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, performing for the biggest crowd on her tour so far, the singer admitted that she felt like she was 'home' after returning to the capital.

Politics

3 w. ago Taylor Swift's new album title is a lie... and everything you need to know

She owned the world's biggest stage, she reclaimed her music, she got the guy... now Taylor Swift is ready to tell you what it really cost - your ultimate guide to the year's most anticipated album

Politics

3 w. ago Lowry steps out of McIlroy’s shadow to play leading man on biggest stage

Irish golfer represents everything that makes Europe so successful as a team and could well be a future captainIt is not easy being Shane Lowry. Such a close friendship with Rory McIlroy means not only is sporting comparison inevitable but questions towards Lowry are routinely framed with the Northern Irishman in mind. What does Rory think, what would Rory say. Lowry takes it all in good spirit – the vast majority of the time – when he would be entitled to roll his eyes. That also applies to the rogue depiction of the hard-drinking Irishman who has a natural talent for his sport that removes a need for hard work. There are few more dedicated or serious performers than Lowry. He cares almost too much.McIlroy’s outstanding achievements in golf do not extend to what Lowry produced on Sunday. A stirring comeback from the USA had left Europe in serious danger of letting the Ryder Cup slip through a dozen pairs of hands. It was left to Lowry and a 6ft putt on the final green at Bethpage B...

Politics

3 w. ago Lowry steps out of McIlroy’s shadow to play leading man on biggest stage | Ewan Murray

Irish golfer represents everything that makes Europe so successful as a team and could well be a future captainIt is not easy being Shane Lowry. Such a close friendship with Rory McIlroy means not only is sporting comparison inevitable but questions towards Lowry are routinely framed with the Northern Irishman in mind. What does Rory think, what would Rory say. Lowry takes it all in good spirit – the vast majority of the time – when he would be entitled to roll his eyes. That also applies to the rogue depiction of the hard-drinking Irishman who has a natural talent for his sport that removes a need for hard work. There are few more dedicated or serious performers than Lowry. He cares almost too much.McIlroy’s outstanding achievements in golf do not extend to what Lowry produced on Sunday. A stirring comeback from the USA had left Europe in serious danger of letting the Ryder Cup slip through a dozen pairs of hands. It was left to Lowry and a 6ft putt on the final green at Bethpage B...

Politics

3 w. ago Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny to headline 2026 Super Bowl half

Latin trap and reggaeton artist to lead NFL half-time celebration on 8 February, following Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking 2025 showBad Bunny will headline the NFL’s biggest stage next year: the Super Bowl half-time show in northern California.The NFL, Apple Music and Roc Nation announced Sunday that the Grammy-winning artist will lead the halftime festivities from Levi’s Stadium on 8 February in Santa Clara, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Paul Roberts, One Direction and Harry Styles choreographer, dies aged 52

Choreographer worked with some of the world’s biggest music stars, as well as on critically acclaimed TV and stage shows

Events

3 w. ago Rory McIlroy fluffs his history moment but Europe have seized control of the Ryder Cup

Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy led Europe into a commanding 5½-2½ lead at the end of an absorbing Friday’s play at Bethpage Black

Politics

3 w. ago England seek World Cup redemption in Twickenham finale against Canada

Defeat to New Zealand three years ago still hurts but Ellie Kildunne can inspire Red Roses to glory in sellout finalThe unmistakable earworm of ­Dappy’s 2011 hit No Regrets boomed out of the speakers as England stepped on to the turf to train at Twickenham on the eve of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final. It’s fair to say, though, that the Red Roses do have a few regrets, six of them stemming from World Cup final losses.The most recent was three years ago when they fell to defeat at the hands of New Zealand at Eden Park. This time they are hosting the final against Canada at their own iconic stadium and the question remains: can they finally do away with their World Cup demons or will they once again crumble on the biggest stage? Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Ryder Cup state of play as Bob MacIntyre frustrated but Europe storm into morning session lead

Rory McIlroy and Co grab the foursome initiative but Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland slipped up in the last game

Events

4 w. ago Keanu Baccus on track to make a splash at World Cup, says St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson

The midfielder represented the Socceroos at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has been tipped to star on the biggest stage once again.

Politics

4 w. ago 'Divisive' Keir Starmer has NO plan for turning the UK around, rival Andy Burnham claims

Ahead of the Labour conference this weekend, he refused to rule out a leadership bid and said he would be happy to play 'any role' as he criticised the Prime Minister's approach.

Events

4 w. ago Behind the scenes at the Ryder Cup 2025: How DP World keeps golf’s biggest stage running

When the action begins at the Ryder Cup, it will mark not only the start of one of the world’s most iconic sporting events but also one of the most logistically complex.

Politics