Martinelli’s Hat-Trick Fires Arsenal Past Portsmouth In FA Cup

Gabriel Martinelli shrugged off the backlash to his clash with stricken Liverpool defender Conor Bradley to send Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win at Portsmouth on Sunday.

The Championship side were dreaming of an upset against the Premier League leaders when they went in front after just three minutes through Colby Bishop.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had made 10 changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Liverpool on Thursday.

Martinelli drew stinging criticism for trying to push Bradley off the pitch in the closing stages after the Northern Irishman hit the ground with a serious knee injury.

Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that the right-back will require surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.

READ ALSO: High-Flying Super Eagles Defeat Algeria’s Desert Foxes To Reach AFCON Semi-Final

Arsenal’s Brazilian forward #11 Gabriel Martinelli (2R) celebrates scoring the team’s third goal during the English FA Cup third round football match between Portsmouth and Arsenal at Fratton Park in Portsmouth, southern England, on January 11, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

The Brazilian apologised to Bradley after the game and did not seem affected by the furore at Fratton Park.

Arsenal could rely on their threat from set-pieces to turn the tie around.

The Pompey lead lasted only two minutes as Christian Norgaard bundled in from close range before Martinelli flicked in the first of his three goals.

Noni Madueke missed the chance to make it 3-1 from the penalty spot when the England international fired wide.

Martinelli killed the tie off early in the second period from Gabriel Jesus’ cross before completing his hat-trick from another Arsenal corner.

Arsenal’s Brazilian forward #11 Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal, his hat-trick, during the English FA Cup third round football match between Portsmouth and Arsenal at Fratton Park in Portsmouth, southern England on January 11, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /

Darren Fletcher is looking to further his case to remain in charge of Manchester United beyond Sunday with victory over Brighton later to keep alive the Red Devils’ hopes of silverware this season.

Leeds needed a second-half fightback to beat Derby County 3-1 and book their place in the fourth round.

The Premier League side have lost just once in their last nine games to pull clear of the relegation zone.

But they were headed for defeat at half-time to second-tier Derby after Chilean international Ben Brereton Diaz drilled a strike into the bottom corner.

Joel Piroe had seen a penalty saved by Jacob Zetterstrom before Leeds fell behind, but the Dutch striker redeemed himself by playing a part in the comeback.

Jaka Bijol played the ball into the area, and Piroe’s neat step-over allowed Willy Gnonto to smash home a 55th-minute equaliser.

Just four minutes later, Piroe’s low shot was parried by Zetterstrom, and Ao Tanaka slotted in the rebound.

The visitors made sure of victory in stoppage time when James Justin rounded off a slick counter-attack.

BBC icon Reggie Yates undergoes surgery after tumour diagnosis

BBC presenter Reggie Yates has undergone surgery for a tumour. The broadcaster explained that last year, he endured one of the “hardest moments” of his life and had initially chosen to bury the news.

He went on to say that while he chose not to forget it, he decided to hide it and “heal, move on.” Reggie continued: “I was wearing my own little lump of uncertainty. A Tumour.

“A collection of cells that could be benign or cancerous. Then followed a fun week of waiting to find out which version of lump my body decided to grow. I wasn’t ashamed, I was a willing participant in an uncoupling.” Reggie, known for presenting the likes of Top of the Pops, said that while he was scared, he struggled not to laugh while wearing a hospital gown and compression socks.






The broadcaster explained he feared he would lose his hand during the ordeal
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Reggie explained that the cells could have been benign or cancerous


Reggie explained that the cells could have been benign or cancerous
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During this period, he says that he learnt “a lot” about himself, while also discovering things about his loved ones. Writing on his Substack, he added: “You learn a lot about who you’re becoming when you go from fears of losing the use of your hand in February, to delivering your publisher a novel typed by that same hand in December…”

Sharing the news on Instagram, Reggie penned: “NEW YEAR, OLD TUMOUR… Funny what you can learn from a little lump of cells.” His post was soon flooded with messages of support from fans and celebrity pals. Zawe Ashton said: “Angel, I’ll read, had no idea. Thinking of you – truly hope you’re okay.”

“I hope it’s a year of healing recovery and abundance,” said one fan. A second commented: “Wishing you a very healthy 2026 (and beyond, obviously!)”

Meanwhile, a third typed: “Being humbled by our own mortality isn’t something we’re prepared for. Ever. One day at a time.” “Praying for your swift recovery,” penned a fourth fan.

Reggie, who made his first television appearance aged just eight, went on to become one of the nation’s most well-known broadcasters – appearing on Radio 1 and fronting several BBC documentaries.

Reflecting on his career, he previously told The Guardian: “The first interview I did as a presenter was on Top of the Pops. I spoke to Sting, and for some reason, I had dressed in a brown corduroy suit from Topshop with matching sneakers. I also had a crap tash and braids.

“I was like, ‘Hi Mr Sting’, and asked him the dumbest questions. I remember him looking at me like, ‘Who is this guy? Get me out of here.’ There were lots of those awkward moments growing up on TV, but I can’t feel too embarrassed as I was just a baby.”

But having been on television for over three decades, Reggie admits he now has a “thick skin” and no longer worries about judgment or criticism.

He added: “The best part of my life now as a writer and director is the variety. One day I can be making a documentary about racism, and the next day I’ll be doing the voice of Rastamouse. I can make silly comedy films.”

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Are ‘efficient’ Chelsea ready to chase down titles?

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Chelsea have not had to chase for a while. At this stage, they usually lead the Women’s Super League title race – and gone on to win the last six in a row.

But with ground to make up on current leaders Manchester City, who are six points clear after beating Everton, Blues boss Sonia Bompastor is preparing for a challenging few months.

Her side meant business when they arrived at Kingsmeadow on Sunday for their first match of 2026 and a thumping 5-0 win over West Ham sent a message they will not be dethroned without a fight.

Within 49 seconds they were 1-0 up – Yu Endo’s own goal the second fastest in Women’s Super League history – and by half-time they led by four.

Sandy Baltimore’s second goal of the afternoon from the penalty spot in the 70th minute wrapped up an impressive 5-0 win.

Chelsea are aiming to defend their three domestic titles and win that elusive Women’s Champions League trophy, so can they peak at the right time to achieve their target?

“It was really important to come into this second part of the season and have the right mindset,” said Bompastor.

“We are in a different place from last season where we were at the top. But I think the club has been in this situation before.

“I’m comfortable – even if I wish we could be at the top. The only thing we can control is that we put in the best performance in every game to make sure we get the three points.

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‘Really important you are efficient’

Being ruthless is not a problem Chelsea have encountered often in recent years, but it has crept in this term.

An early-season defeat at Aston Villa, underwhelming draws with Manchester United and Liverpool, and a shock 1-0 loss by Everton in December have all proved costly, with City taking command at the top.

In those games, creating chances were not the issue – it was scoring goals. But after managing 14 in their past two matches – including a 9-1 League Cup win at Liverpool in December – Chelsea seem to have rediscovered their finishing touch.

Against West Ham, they capitalised on two defensive errors and converted five of 10 shots on target, as well as hitting the crossbar.

Given Chelsea boast the meanest defence in the division with just six goals conceded from 12 games, being clinical at the other end could be a lethal combination.

“If you reflect on the first part of the season, if you analysed the performances and looked at the stats, we created a lot of opportunities” added Bompastor.

“It’s really important that you are efficient. We speak a lot about performances but the most important thing when you are at Chelsea is to win.”

That is the main message until the end of the campaign.

Chelsea know there is wriggle room in the title race with meetings against Arsenal and City to follow later this month.

They also visit an in-form Tottenham side, while their busy schedule will include the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals in March.

“When you play for Chelsea, you have to compete in four competitions and win titles,” said Bompastor. “It’s reinforcing these messages all the time.

‘Every day we can learn’

Rita GuarinoGetty Images

Chelsea’s ruthlessness came at the wrong time for West Ham, who were playing in their first match under new manager Rita Guarino.

The Italian was given a harsh lesson on life in the WSL and the gap between the elite and second-bottom West Ham.

It was always going to be a tall ask to deliver a result, especially as Guarino has had just weeks with her players.

But this could not have gone much worse.

They trailed 2-0 following errors by defender Endo and goalkeeper Kinga Szemik and gave away a penalty in the second half for Viviane Asseyi’s handball.

“It was a tough game against a great opponent, who play great football and are one of the best teams in Europe,” said Guarino. “We can learn about many things, such as being more organised and not making easy mistakes because I know the quality of my players.

“It’s not about concentration. It was little tactical mistakes and understanding. If you give time and space to an opponent like Chelsea, obviously they have the chance to score.”

It is a busy few weeks for West Ham too, with further away games at Newcastle in the Women’s FA Cup on Friday and at Leicester City the following weekend.

Guarino will hope that by the time they return home – welcoming Tottenham on 1 February – they show improvement.

“I see the high level of commitment from the players. That is there in every training session and in every minute of this game,” she added.

“I saw they tried to do what we prepared [against Chelsea] but they could not always do it.

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines

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Jodie Marsh’s heartache as animals die during fire at sanctuary

Jodie Marsh has been left devastated after a fire at her animal sanctuary killed two animals.

Local fire crews were called to her farm, Fripps Farm in Essex, on Saturday, following reports of a fire. Two marmosets died in the fire, which started on the first floor at around 5pm on Saturday. The blaze is said to have been accidental and started by an electrical item.

A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters were called at 4.56pm to a fire in Lindsell, Dunmow. On arrival, the property was full of smoke and crews discovered a fire in the upstairs bedroom. Crews worked hard to extinguish the fire and stop it from spreading.






Jodie Marsh at Fripps Farm in Essex


There has been a fire at Fripps Farm in Essex
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“The cause of the fire has been recorded as accidental, started by an electrical item.” Nestled in the countryside, Jodie’s animal sanctuary is a five-acre property within striking distance of the historic market town of Saffron Walden. The farm consists of hundreds of animals, most of which the former reality television star says have been rescued.

The animals include emus, llamas, alpacas, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and deer. There is also an enclosure full of peacocks and chickens, with geese and ducks roaming around.

Beyond the more common farmyard animals, there is a large cage full of marmosets, a small monkey more usually found in South America. There are also enclosures for foxes, meerkats, skunks, and wolf-dogs, and snakes, Essex Live reports.






Fripps Farm


The fire is believed to have been sparked by an electrical item
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Jodie claims she spends £25,000 a month to keep Fripps Farm going, paying for her two full-time staff and five part-time workers and all the costs of looking after her animals. The 47-year-old ex-glamour model also has 15 volunteers helping her keep her small zoo of animals going.

She says she pays for some of this through social media, particularly the somewhat controversial OnlyFans platform. However, the farm has sparked controversy as campaigners have accused Jodie of animal cruelty, mistreatment, and having poor living conditions for the animals.

Critics also claim that Jodie buys most of her animals, alleging that she only says she rescues them as an excuse to keep exotic pets that wouldn’t usually be allowed in the UK. However, she denies these allegations.

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Inside Call the Midwife Timothy Turner star’s life from real age to famous mum

Call the Midwife icon Max Macmill

Call the Midwife icon Max Macmillan delighted viewers when he returned as Timothy Turner for the Christmas specials.

The 23-year-old actor first appeared on the much-loved BBC period drama in 2012 when his character was introduced during the first-ever festive episode as Doctor Patrick Turner’s (Stephen McGann) mischievous, though kind-hearted, son.

During his Call the Midwife debut, Timothy is a young schoolboy who waits for his dad in a car whilst he attends to an older lady in dire need of medical attention.

He was also a Boy Scout who got involved in Nurse Chummy’s (Miranda Hart) Christmas nativity, giving his dad a look of pride as he performed the violin in a memorable heart-warming moment.

Timothy, who was first seen during the 2012 festive episode but he disappeared off-screen for season 14, which aired last year. It was here that Dr Turner made no secret of his missing eldest son, Timothy, who was away working as a junior doctor in Edinburgh.

However, during the recent festive specials, which aired on Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2025, Timothy returned to Poplar and reunited with his family. The tense episodes included an explosive plot abroad as the nuns and nurses embark on a rescue mission.

Set in 1971, the plot kicked off with Fred (Cliff Parisi) and Violet Buckle (Annabelle Apsion) leaving Poplar, East London, and travelling to Hong Kong to spend Christmas with her son, Derek (Nicholas Atkinson).

However, tragedy struck when the Hong Kong Branch House collapsed, and there were multiple fatalities. A rescue mission was hastily organised, and a team from Nonnatus House made emergency plans to head out to Hong Kong to do what they could to help.

Call the Midwife fans have seen Timothy grow from a young lad to a young man as he follows in his father’s footsteps and becomes a doctor.

Who is Max Macmillan’s mum?

Away from the BBC drama, Max isn’t the only star in his family as his mother is the internationally bestselling author Gilly Macmillan, who writes thriller books. She has eight published novels, including The Manor House, The Perfect Girl, The Nanny, The Long Weekend and The Burning Library.

The proud mum has previously reshared photos posted on the official Call the Midwife Facebook page. Reposting a snap of Max on the drama’s set with his co-star Daniel Laurie, who plays Reggie, Gilly penned back in 2017: “My boy Max on set at #CallTheMidwife.”

As Max started his acting career on Call the Midwife, the actor has not appeared in many other series.

However, he did star in a short film called “The Night to Come.” In 2019, Max appeared as Peter Stemp alongside Tim Roth and Clive Owen in The Song of Names, a film about two boys who form a bond over their shared love of music.

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Away from acting, Max is a man of musical talents as he can sing and play instruments. He can be seen playing the piano on Call The Midwife, and he has also performed several concerts in real life.

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He is also a keen photographer, and you can find Max Macmillan’s photos on his Instagram page: @lazydonkey27.

BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson says ‘it’s heartbreaking’ as he addresses ‘loss’

Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has shared his heartache over a saddening change he’s witnessed over the years in Gloucestershire, where his Cotswolds Farm Park is based

BBC’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has spoken of his heartbreak at the falling number of orchards near his farm, where he lives with wife Charlie.

Speaking about the tradition of wassailing, an ancient winter tradition involving singing and dancing on the Twelfth Night (January 5), Adam said he was glad that despite the falling number of orchards in Gloucestershire, wassailing was still taking place.

Writing in Cotswold Life about nature in winter, Adam said: “In days of old, the sheer number of fruit orchards dotted across Gloucestershire made the county a prime place for wassailing.

“The Twelfth Night custom of blessing the trees in hope of a good crop later in the year dates back to pagan times.

“I can’t guarantee that chasing away the evil spirits always worked but I do know that every self respecting wassail involved singing, dancing, the lighting of bonfires and drinking plenty of farmhouse cider.

“It’s heartbreaking that so many orchards have been list in recent decades but it’s good to know that there’s renewed interest in wassailing. Gatherings now take place all over the region.”

Adam’s concerns over the loss of many orchards in the Cotswolds come as the Gloucestershire Orchard Trust warns that changes in buying habits and infrastructure are impacting the number of orchards in the county.

In a statement, they said: “Traditional orchards have unique ecological, genetic, heritage and landscape value that we need to conserve and celebrate.

“Changes in agriculture and in the way supermarkets buy and sell fruit have meant that Gloucestershire has lost over 70% of its orchards in the past 50 or so years and what was once a familiar part of the landscape is now increasingly rare.”

This isn’t the first time Adam has talked about the importance of trees, in an article for the official BBC Countryfile website, he discussed about what people get wrong about them, especially old veteran trees, and how they’re so much more than they appear.

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He explained: “You might think that a tree that is full of holes, cavities and crevices is no use to anyone but, in fact, veteran trees are incredibly important for biodiversity and nature conservation.

“For starters, fungi and lichen provide a free home for insects, food for animals such as squirrels and voles, and nesting material for birds.