A feasibility study is under way to establish whether Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course can again host the Open Championship, new R& A chief executive Mark Darbon has revealed.
He insisted the main issue is not who owns the course, in this case the president of the United States, but whether the Ayrshire venue and town is equipped to cope with the numbers attracted to such a world-class tournament.
The Open was held at Turnberry’s iconic Ailsa Course for the fourth and final time in 2009 and Darbon pointed out that his governing body is “blessed to have such a wonderful pool of venues that can stage the Open Championship”.
“We’re doing some feasibility work around what it would look like to return to that venue and the investment that it would require. “
Darbon was quizzed about Turnberry at the official launch of this year’s Open, which will return to Royal Portrush in July for the first time since 2019 and will be the biggest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland.
“The last time we were there, I think we had just over 120,000 people,” he said. “We’ve just announced that this summer we’re going to welcome nearly 280,000 people here. “
This year’s Open is already a sellout, with 278,000 tickets sold and Darbon revealed that there will be some changes from the layout from six years ago and to cope with the 40,000 increase in attendance from their last visit.
Turnberry, meanwhile, has been given £200m of improvements since being bought by Trump in 2014.
“A modern Open Championship is a large-scale event,” Darbon added. “What we know for sure is the golf course is brilliant, so at some point we’d love to be back there.
The line-up for the celebrity version of The Traitors has been revealed. Filming is underway for the hit BBC show – which will be hosted by Claudia Winkleman – and some very famous faces are set to enter the Scottish castle.
As previously confirmed by The Mirror, comedians Bob Mortimer and Alan Carr and former child star Charlotte Church lead the list of big names. A source told us of the new series: “There will be a huge mix of personalities – and ego sizes. Seeing how it all works out is going to be fascinating. The team making the show are expecting it to be quite different to the regular version because the celebrities will be less motivated by the prize fund but care far more about how they come across.
“It will be really interesting to see how the gameplay compares, along with which tactics they employ. Hopefully one thing that will remain the same is that it will be a lot of fun to watch. “
Charlotte Church
Singer Charlotte Church (Getty Images)
Singer Charlotte was confirmed to be entering the iconic Scottish castle by The Mirror. She had previously claimed she didn’t want to make money off the back of her fame – but it looks like she’s giving it one more go as she heads into the castle.
Earlier this year, Charlotte revealed that she is trying “to find peace” and “reclaim her creativity” after growing up as a child star. Speaking about her early years of fame, she said: “I think that when you get commoditised as such a young person, you know, my own creativity and artistry wasn’t really centred at all and so it was actually through setting up other things like The Dreaming [her retreat centre] that I really started to reclaim my own creativity. “
Bob Mortimer
Comedian Bob Mortimer (PR HANDOUT)
Funny man Bob has also been confirmed for the new series. The Mirror announced a few weeks back that the comedian, who recently appeared on Last One Laughing, had signed up for the BBC series.
In 2023, Bob – who underwent heart surgery in 2015 – said his health scare means he no longer fears death. He said: “I don’t feel scared about death, I just feel so frustrated and sad to think I won’t see how stories end. My children’s story. My wife’s. The football. All the stories going on in the world that you’re going to miss the end of. “
Kate Garraway
TV presenter Kate Garraway (ITV)
Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway is also signed up for the new series. The Mirror confirmed the presenter and TV star – who tragically lost her husband Derek Draper last year – would be entering the castle.
Kate has been open about her struggles of now being a single parent to her two kids Darcey and Billy. She said earlier this year: “This is the hardest part of grieving. There are so many moments where I just think, ‘Derek, where are you? ‘”
Alan Carr
Comedian Alan Carr (Mad Sad Dad / Youtube)
Fellow funny man Alan Carr will be entering the Scottish castle. The Mirror announced he would be joining the show alongside five other stars including fellow comedian Bob.
Earlier this year, Alan opened up about his health scare which left him “so worried”. He shared: “I’ve got astigmatism – I kept telling people I had stigmata, like the wounds of Christ. Get over yourself, Alan. I had a bit of a health scare. I went to Moorfields [Eye Hospital, London]. I’ve got something wrong with my eyes – quite a bit of pressure. I hate the glaucoma thing, when they squirt the air in your eyes. I had something wrong with my eyes in the cornea. I was so worried. “
Jonathan Ross
Chat show host Jonathan Ross (Tim P. Whitby, Getty Images for The Walt Disney Company Limited)
TV host and The Masked Singer star Jonathan is also heading for the castle. The TV presenter is best known throughout the UK for his own chat show, where he has interviewed some of the world’s famous faces.
As well as The Traitors, Jonathan has also signed up for a new series called Haunted Homecoming, which will follow his return to his childhood home where he once experienced a paranormal event in his parents’ cellar.
Joe Marler
Rugby star Joe Marler (PA)
Rugby star Joe Marler has also signed up for the new series. He played for the Premiership club Harlequins and also had a stint with the England team, before he retired in November 2024.
Last year, Joe called time on his sporting career. In an emotional statement, he shared: “Playing for England always felt like I was living in a dream bubble. I kept waiting for it to pop and me to suddenly go back to being a gobby, overweight 16-year-old again. But you know when it’s time. I can’t do what I used to do as well as I once could.
“I can’t keep talking about my family being my priority unless they actually are. I want to keep untarnished all these memories of my career, both good and bad. I don’t want to leave my house with my kids crying. I’m ready to make the change. “
Stephen Fry
QI legend Stephen Fry
British icon and QI legend will be entering the show – with filming beginning today. Sources claimed that Stephen jumped at the chance to join the show as he was a secret fan of the BBC programme.
Just last month, Stephen seemingly hinted at him competing on the show. Joking that he didn’t know what it was, he said on This Morning: “It’s a BBC show, isn’t it? It’s an interesting show. Do you think they’re going to do a celebrity version? ” When Ben asked: “Would you be interested in doing a show like that,” Stephen replied: “Let me see how good I am at lying. “
Nick Mohammed
Actor and comedian Nick Mohammed (Getty Images)
British actor Nick has signed up for the new series. He has appeared in Ted Lasso, where he plays Nathan ‘Nate’ Shelley. Nick is also a comedian, so he will no doubt be trying to make his fellow castle-mates laugh.
Last year, Nick explained his role on Ted Lasso could have “easily not happened”. He said: “I’d only seen the pilot script of Ted Lasso at that point and didn’t know what the rest of the show might have in store. But then they called and said, ‘Look, this is where the character’s going to go’ and I realised it was definitely something I wanted to be involved in. But it could easily not have happened. “
Tom Daley
Olympic diver Tom Daley (Getty Images)
Olympic diving legend Tom might have retired from the sport following his success in the 2024 Olympics. Despite turning down multiple reality shows, Tom has signed on the dotted line for the new series of Celebrity Traitors.
When Tom decided to retire, he gave a teary interview where he admitted it was “hard to talk” about his successful career. He said: “Hard to talk about. Yeah I am [proud of myself]. Yeah, it’s just really hard to talk about. But you know, I have to hang it up at some time. But yeah, I’m very proud. I want to be with my family. “
David Olusoga
Historian David Olusoga (Getty Images)
Historian and broadcaster, David is no stranger to award winning shows. He is a BAFTA winning filmmaker and also presents historical documentaries for the BBC, whilst also appearing on shows like The One Show.
In a chat with The Mirror a few years back, David revealed the extent of the racism he had faced as a child and how Paul Gascoigne was the one who helped him through. He recalled how he was pushed over in the playground at six-years-old: “I remember him putting his hand out to pick me up. I was five or six and he was nine or 10. I recall it vividly. “
Niko Omilana
YouTube star Niko Omilana (Getty Images)
YouTube sensation Niko is one of the stars heading into the castle. A sure hit with younger viewers, Niko – who is known for his hilarious pranks online – is also part of one of YouTube’s most influential groups, The Sidemen.
Niko also famously mocked former Prime Minister and fellow politician Rishi Sunak at his speech when he lost his Richmond and Northallerton seat to Labour. YouTuber Niko Omilana held up a printed piece of paper bearing the letter ‘L’ behind him.
Mark Bonnar
Actor Mark Bonnar (Getty)
Line of Duty star and acting legend Mark Bonnar will be heading into the castle. He played DCC Mike Dryden in the hit BBC series – which is thought to be getting a new series soon – and will also be known to viewers for his role in Shetland.
One of Mark’s most famous roles was as Duncan in Shetland. Speaking about that part, which fans will know him from, he said: “Well Duncan just slips off the proverbial tongue! Duncan’s always a pleasure to play because he’s kind of similar to me a bit hapless, a bit try-hard and a bit grumpy sometimes! I certainly haven’t woken up on a beach, though, and I’ve never been in prison. I did like to party back in the day but I think that’s about it! “.
Joe Wilkinson
Comedian Joe Wilkinson (WireImage)
Another comedian is heading into the fold – as Joe signs up for the new series. He has appeared on hit shows like Have I Got News For You and 8 Out of 10 Cats to name a few.
Clare Balding
Sports presenter Clare Balding (Jon Super/Shutterstock for Channel 4)
Sports presenter and British icon Clare has signed up for the brand new series. She has reportedly turned down reality TV again and again but she has signed up for the celebrity version of The Traitors.
Lucy Beaumont
Comedian Lucy Beaumont (Sky UK)
Fresh from her split from Jon Richardson, Lucy has signed up for the new series. The comedian appeared in multiple shows alongside her ex-husband including their show Meet the Richardsons and Jon and Lucy’s Odd Couples.
Paloma Faith
Singer Paloma Faith (Getty Images)
Pop singer Paloma is heading into the castle and is said to be hoping she can show a new side of her. The singer has been vocal recently about her split from Leyman Lahcine and her single parent status.
Ruth Codd
Actress Ruth Codd (Getty Images for ABA)
Ruth will be well known to fans of Netflix series The Midnight Club. The actress starred in the popular streaming servie show, where she played Anya. She is also set to appear in How To Train Your Dragon this summer.
Tameka Empson
EastEnders star Tameka Empson (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders legend Tameka is the only soap star set to enter the Scottish castle. Known for playing Kim Fox on the hit BBC soap, Tameka will no doubt have fans cracking up – but will her acting career help her keep her cards close to her chest?
Celia Imrie
Actress Celia Imrie (WireImage)
Acting legend Celia has also signed up for the new series. With roles in the likes of Bridget Jones’ Diary and Mamma Mia! amongst others, as well as hit dramas including Upstairs, Downstairs, Doctor Who and sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.
Cat Burns
Singer Cat Burns (Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pi)
Singer Cat Burns is also heading into the show. The BRIT Award nominated singer – known for her viral hit live more & love more – is a huge success on TikTok and will hopefully bring in the younger viewers.
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Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on Monday.
“At 7:35 this morning [05:35 GMT], the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” he said.
Here is what we know about the death of the Argentinian pontiff, the first in history from Latin America, who led the Catholic Church for more than 12 years.
How did the pope die?
Pope Francis died of a stroke followed by a coma and heart failure on Monday morning, the Vatican’s press office said in a statement.
The pope has also suffered a “previous episode of acute respiratory failure”, arterial hypertension and type II diabetes, the statement said.
Farrell made the announcement at 9:47am (07:47 GMT), about two hours after Francis died. Farrell spoke from Domus Santa Marta, the apartment on Vatican grounds where Francis lived and where he had returned to recover after a hospitalisation for double pneumonia in February.
In the coming weeks, Farrell will play an important role, overseeing the administration of the Holy See until a new pope is chosen.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra seal the doors of the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and the door to the apartment of the Casa Santa Marta, where the late Pope Francis lived.
The rite of the certification of death and… pic. twitter. com/PP6j4SbqPr
What were Pope Francis’s health problems?
The pope was hospitalised for five weeks in February-March, initially suffering from a severe respiratory insufficiency from viral and bacterial infections. He had often struggled with bronchitis during winter.
He was subsequently diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection, which evolved to pneumonia in both lungs. Francis came close to death during his hospitalisation, according to his medical team.
He was also treated for an asthmatic respiratory episode, early-stage kidney failure, and a bronchial spasm that led him to aspirate vomit following a severe coughing fit.
He received noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy during the day.
Pope Francis attends his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square [File: Filippo Monteforte/AFP]
His doctors had said the pope was so critically ill that the staff considered stopping his treatment so he could die.
“We had to choose whether to stop [treatment] and let him go, or push forward and try [to save him] with all the drugs and therapies possible, running the very high risk of damaging other organs. In the end, we took this path,” Sergio Alfieri, a general surgeon at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, said in an interview recently.
According to Alfieri, it was the pope’s personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who urged the medical team to persist with treatment, saying, “Try everything – don’t give up. ”
His condition stabilised, and the pontiff continued his recovery at his residence. He made several public appearances over the past week, but his weak voice served as a reminder of his frailty.
How did Pope Francis spend his final days?
Doctors at Gemelli Hospital prescribed him a regimen of complete rest.
After 38 days in hospital, the pope was discharged on March 23. He returned to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta.
With Easter just three weeks away, the pope’s schedule grew increasingly demanding.
On April 9, he met King Charles of the United Kingdom and Queen Camilla at the Casa Santa Marta. This meeting coincided with their 20th wedding anniversary during their state visit to Italy.
The audience was arranged at the last minute, following the postponement of a planned formal state visit due to the pope’s health issues.
Pope Francis meets King Charles and Queen Camilla during a private audience at the Vatican [Vatican Media/Handout via Reuters]
On April 17, Holy Thursday, a significant day in the Catholic calendar commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, Francis visited Rome’s Regina Coeli, where he met with some 70 inmates.
In past years, he had washed the feet of prisoners, echoing Jesus’s gesture with his disciples on the eve of his death. This time, however, the Vatican said he apologised for being unable to perform the ritual. Instead, he offered them rosaries and pocket-sized Gospels as gifts.
Pope Francis visited Regina Coeli prison in Rome, Italy, on April 17 [Reuters]
Four days later, on April 20, Francis received United States Vice President JD Vance at his residence.
“I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance said. “Thank you for seeing me. ”
The meeting came as the pope and Vatican officials have criticised several of President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly his efforts to deport migrants.
Francis has denounced the immigration crackdown as a “disgrace”. Meanwhile, Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has defended the policy by referencing his interpretation of Catholic teachings from the medieval era.
It was the pope’s last diplomatic meeting.
Pope Francis met US Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday at the Vatican [File: Reuters]
Later that day, he delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, Latin for “to the city and the world”, before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Vatican’s open-air Easter Sunday Mass.
During this time, the pope condemned the “deplorable humanitarian situation” caused by Israel’s 18 months of war on the Palestinian territory. He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Pope Francis addresses the crowd from the main balcony of St Peter’s Basilica for the Urbi et Orbi message [File: Andreas Solaro/AFP]
Then, to everyone’s surprise, he made his way down to Saint Peter’s Square, riding through the crowds in the open-top Popemobile – the iconic white Mercedes-Benz used by popes to greet the faithful.
Near the end of his final tour of the square, several children were lifted towards him.
It would be the last time the world saw him alive. He died the next morning.
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the Popemobile [File: Tiziana Fabi/AFP]
Manchester United are interested in signing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha this summer.
The Brazilian, who has a £62. 5m release clause in his Wolves contract, is expected to leave Molineux at the end of the season.
Multiple club sources have told BBC Sport the 25-year-old is one of a number of attacking options on United’s shortlist, with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, 22, also of interest.
Cunha is viewed as an ideal addition to play in one of the two attacking midfield positions in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
Cunha – Wolves’ top scorer this season with 16 goals to his name in all competitions – plays in a similar system under current boss Vitor Pereira.
United are set to face competition from a number of Premier League clubs for Cunha, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all known to be looking to sign a forward this summer.
Cunha has scored 32 times in 87 appearances for Wolves but his disciplinary record may be of some concern to suitors.
The former Atletico Madrid striker has been sent off twice this season, missing six games in total through suspension.
The forward said in an interview with the Observer in March that he has told Wolves he needs to “take the next step” and fight for titles.
United’s planning for next season is hindered by uncertainty over their financial situation.
At a conservative estimate, the club stand to gain around £100m in additional funds if they win this season’s Europa League and qualify for the Champions League.
But, with each league position worth £3m in the Premier League, United stand to lose around £24m should they finish in their current position of 14th compared to an eighth-placed finish last season.
United desperate for forwards – analysis
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Cunha would seem to be a very good fit for Manchester United.
An aggressive attacking player, capable of dropping deeper and linking play or threatening the opponents’ goal – and scoring.
He is the kind of player Amorim’s squad has been crying out for all season, with neither Rasmus Hojlund or, before his season-ending injury, Joshua Zirkzee looking like the answer in the most advanced position.
Work is going on behind the scenes at Old Trafford to come up with a summer transfer plan.
However, there is a big but.
It is quite obvious United’s status, in terms of the finances they have to spend, will be shaped by whether they win the Europa League or not.
If they beat Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final, then either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final, United can count themselves fortunate the damage of this appalling campaign has not been too extensive and can create a more rounded squad in the belief results will be far better in 2025-26.
If they don’t, a decision will have to be made over whether they prioritise a couple of positions, believing all the spare midweek fixture slots will give Amorim a chance to work with his players, or lower their sights and bring in more players with the profile the former Sporting boss wants.
It is clear United are desperate for forwards. But they probably need more than one. They also need wing-backs, central midfield players and central defenders.
Manchester United are interested in signing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha this summer.
The Brazilian, who has a £62. 5m release clause in his Wolves contract, is expected to leave Molineux at the end of the season.
Multiple club sources have told BBC Sport the 25-year-old is one of a number of attacking options on United’s shortlist, with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, 22, also of interest.
Cunha is viewed as an ideal addition to play in one of the two attacking midfield positions in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
Cunha – Wolves’ top scorer this season with 16 goals to his name in all competitions – plays in a similar system under current boss Vitor Pereira.
United are set to face competition from a number of Premier League clubs for Cunha, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle all known to be looking to sign a forward this summer.
Cunha has scored 32 times in 87 appearances for Wolves but his disciplinary record may be of some concern to suitors.
The former Atletico Madrid striker has been sent off twice this season, missing six games in total through suspension.
The forward said in an interview with the Observer in March that he has told Wolves he needs to “take the next step” and fight for titles.
United’s planning for next season is hindered by uncertainty over their financial situation.
At a conservative estimate, the club stand to gain around £100m in additional funds if they win this season’s Europa League and qualify for the Champions League.
But, with each league position worth £3m in the Premier League, United stand to lose around £24m should they finish in their current position of 14th compared to an eighth-placed finish last season.
United desperate for forwards – analysis
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Cunha would seem to be a very good fit for Manchester United.
An aggressive attacking player, capable of dropping deeper and linking play or threatening the opponents’ goal – and scoring.
He is the kind of player Amorim’s squad has been crying out for all season, with neither Rasmus Hojlund or, before his season-ending injury, Joshua Zirkzee looking like the answer in the most advanced position.
Work is going on behind the scenes at Old Trafford to come up with a summer transfer plan.
However, there is a big but.
It is quite obvious United’s status, in terms of the finances they have to spend, will be shaped by whether they win the Europa League or not.
If they beat Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final, then either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final, United can count themselves fortunate the damage of this appalling campaign has not been too extensive and can create a more rounded squad in the belief results will be far better in 2025-26.
If they don’t, a decision will have to be made over whether they prioritise a couple of positions, believing all the spare midweek fixture slots will give Amorim a chance to work with his players, or lower their sights and bring in more players with the profile the former Sporting boss wants.
It is clear United are desperate for forwards. But they probably need more than one. They also need wing-backs, central midfield players and central defenders.
Newly crowned Masters champion Rory McIlroy will have “unfinished business” when the Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush this summer, says R& A chief executive Mark Darbon.
Northern Irishman McIlroy, who won at Augusta National earlier this month to complete a career Grand Slam, missed the cut when The Open was held at the Dunluce Links for the first time in 68 years in 2019.
On Tuesday, Darbon announced that this year’s championship, which takes place from 17-20 July, will be the biggest sporting event held in Northern Ireland, with 278,000 fans expected on the Antrim coast links.
“I think he’s probably got some unfinished business here,” Darbon told BBC Sport NI of McIlroy’s chances.
Darbon, who was appointed R& A chief last summer, added: “We were excited enough as it was, having the Open Championship back here, but I think that [McIlroy’s Masters win] is the icing on the cake and sets us up for a fantastic summer of golf. “
This year’s Open, which will be the biggest held outside St Andrews in Scotland, is expected to generate £213m of economic impact.
The 2019 tournament proved a memorable occasion as Ireland’s Shane Lowry won his first major title.
When asked how this summer’s Open can top 2019, Darbon said: “I think we can. You look for certain things when staging an Open Championship.
‘Optimistic’ about Portmarnock hosting Open
Darbon also reaffirmed the R& A’s desire to take the Open outside the United Kingdom for the first time, to Portmarnock in Dublin.
“We’re really excited about the investigative work we’re doing at Portmarnock and pleased with the support we’re receiving from local authorities and the government,” he said.
“We have a lot of work to do to bring that project to life but we’re really optimistic that it will happen. “
Darbon is also keen to return the Open to “brilliant” Turnberry on the Ayrshire coast in Scotland and says “feasibility” work is being undertaken.
The resort, which has been given £200m of improvements since being bought by US president Donald Trump in 2014, last held the Championship in 2009.
Despite the facelift, Darbon says there are still “logistical and commercial challenges” around “road, rail and accommodation infrastructure” to overcome.
“In 2009 we had just over 120,000 people at Turnberry, and this summer we’re welcoming nearly 280,000 people to Royal Portrush,” he said.
