Category Entertainment News

In this Tuesday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from Madeleine McCann search updates to the latest on driverless taxis

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we’ll be pulling together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Politics teams and more. This Tuesday, we’re featuring everything from the latest search updates on the Madeleine McCann case to driverless taxis which will be brought to the UK next year.

Our Showbiz team has covered Strictly star Oti Mabuse’s heartache as she travelled to west Africa to meet stricken mums nursing premature babies. Meanwhile, our News team has been closely following the couple who have been charged with trying to smuggle cannabis into the UK after being stopped at Heathrow Airport.

Driverless Uber taxis coming to UK in months – all you need to know

This morning, our Politics team reported that driverless taxi and bus services will be brought to the UK next year. The Government will bring forward self-driving commercial pilots on England’s roads to Spring 2026, transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed today.

Firms will be able to pilot small scale “taxi- and bus-like” services without a driver for the first time, which could be available to members of the public to book via an app. Uber will trial robotaxis – autonomous cars – in a partnership with UK AI firm Wayve in London as soon as next spring. Ministers said the driverless car expansion could create 38,000 jobs and a £42billion industry.

A potential wider rollout is expected when the full Automated Vehicles (AV) Act becomes law from the second half of 2027. Driverless vehicles aim to reduce human error, which contributes to 88% of all road collisions. Unlike human drivers, AVs can never get distracted or tired and they won’t drink-drive or speed.

Read the full story here.

Oti Mabuse’s baby heartache – ‘I could only touch her through glass window’

In other news, our Showbiz team exclusively covered Oti Mabuse’s heartache after the Strictly Come Dancing star travelled to west Africa to meet stricken mums nursing premature tots. The pro dancer, 34, returned to a neonatal unit for the first time since she endured a 16-hour labour with her daughter, who arrived two months early, weighing 3lbs, in 2023.

The baby spent the next six weeks in intensive care at University College London Hospital after she was born with an infection and Oti developed sepsis. Baby and mother recovered, but the Dancing On Ice judge has revealed her trauma after visiting a UNICEF-funded specialist clinic in Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) in Africa.

Reflecting on her own experience, Oti said: “I remember the only way I could touch my child and have skin-on-skin was through this glass window – there’s no mother who wants to experience that.”

According to UNICEF, globally in 2024 an estimated 4.8 million children died before reaching their fifth birthday, including 2.3 million newborns who died within the first 28 days of life. In Cote D’Ivoire, lack of access to specialised care is one of the reasons that prematurity is the leading cause of death for children under five.

Read the full story here.

Madeleine McCann cops find ‘clothing and bones’ as they probe samples from dig

In a breaking update, our News team reported that police are investigating samples of ‘clothes and bones’ found in last week’s search for Madeleine McCann, it is claimed. On Thursday, a team of German and Portuguese investigators wrapped up a three-day search along a 120-acre stretch of land in Lagos, Portugal, in their latest attempt to find new evidence against prime suspect Christian Brueckner.

Initial reports suggested the operation – which took place 30 miles from where the three-year-old went missing in May 2007 – had failed to turn up any new leads. But now, it has been claimed that fragments of clothing and bones are to undergo testing this week after being uncovered at the scene.

During the search – the first to take place since 2023 – crews spent three days scouring scrubland and abandoned structures, including a derelict farmhouse. A source told Berlin Morning Post: “Several objects have apparently been discovered, which are now being examined in more detail by the police in the laboratory.

“As Portuguese media report, clothing debris and bones were found, among other things. The investigators have not officially commented on whether the finds could have anything to do with Madeleine’s disappearance but that is clearly their hope.”

Read the full story here.

Met Office details exact day half a month’s rain to batter UK in three hours

After a brief sunny spell, Brits can expect around half a typical month’s rainfall across parts of the UK this week, the Met Office has forecasted. The “intense rainfall” – of up to 40mm – is anticipated across south Wales and Southwest England and will be slow moving, lingering into Thursday.

Thunderstorms are also likely during the deluge, which the Met Office says is expected on Wednesday evening. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: “After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south.

“The intense rainfall could see 20-40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption. While there are no severe weather warnings issued at the moment, it is possible thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week.”

Read the full story here.

Brit couple found with £1m of cannabis in luggage in latest ‘drug mule’ fears

Finally, a couple have been charged with trying to smuggle cannabis valued at £1million into the UK after being stopped at Heathrow Airport, our News team have reported. Sian Warren, 34, and Daniel McDonald, 36, were on their way back from Thailand when officers from the National Crime Agency reportedly found more than 51kg of cannabis in their luggage.

It is understood that the drug was in four cases that the pair were carrying. They appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court where they have been charged with importing Class B drugs and have been bailed under curfew ahead of a plea hearing on June 26 at Isleworth Crown Court.

Warren and McDonald, from Salford, went to Bangkok on holiday last month and Warren’s dad Tony told The Sun that there must have been a mistake. He said: “Sian’s not brought anything back, definitely not. She had her own suitcase with clothes in it.”

Read the full story here.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle never intended to leave royal life altogether, but one word in their sensational statement lead to an ultimatum from the Palace, according to insiders

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle completely quitting their royal roles came down to the use of a single word, according to an insider. Now five years on from them sensationally stepping back as full-time working royals, the Sussexes appear to have left their former lives well and truly behind them.

The pair have both been focusing on their commercial endeavours with Meghan sharing more and more of her life behind the scenes on Instagram, including a recent video of her twerking alongside Harry as they awaited the birth of their daughter Princess Lilibet. However, when they first announced their intention for change more than five years ago, it seemed that they did not want to quit royal life completely, instead saying that they intended to “carve out a progressive new role within this institution”.

But it appears a throwaway, single word in that very statement paved the way for an ultimatum that there would be no half-in, half-out arrangement for them. In the statement announcing their stepping back, the Sussexes said at the time: “We will continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties.”

And according to the Daily Mail, the word ‘collaborate’ is what raised eyebrows, with a source telling the publication: “No-one ‘collaborates’ with the Queen. This is not one of those ‘Kate Moss Top Shop tie-ups’.”

And with the Sussexes, most notably Meghan, forging a very different path compared to the one she had in the Royal Family, the insider added: “This is exactly why Queen Elizabeth knew this whole half-in, half-out version of royalty they were lobbying for was never, ever going to work.

“Harry and Meghan were a law unto themselves from the start, pushing and pushing the envelope to their own professional and financial advantage. Her Late Majesty was nobody’s fool and knew that the chances were, it would all end in disaster.”

In the dancing clip from last week, a heavily pregnant Meghan twerks to the Starrkeisha song Baby Momma, lifting her skirt above her knees, raising her hands in the air and wiggling low with her hands on her hips and legs. Meghan shared the clip on Lilibet’s fourth birthday, saying: “Four years ago today, this also happened.

“Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work – there was only one thing left to do!”

And for royal expert Jennie Bond, she believes it is an “astonishing video on any level” and reveals what the King would have thought of it. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “The hours before you give birth are some of the most personal, intimate and private in the lives of any couple.

“And women are perfectly entitled to do whatever they feel like to get through the waiting, and the pain. Giving birth is a serious business, and anything to lighten the mood is welcome.

“However – to share those scenes with the world is utterly bizarre and, in my view, takes away all the magic of the moment. I cannot imagine why she chose to release it. Maybe show it one day to your nearest and dearest— but to anyone and everyone who wants to click on it?

“If the King has watched it, which I doubt, though he can’t have missed the headlines I’m sure he would be horrified. Royalty has to carry with it some measure of dignity.”

But she added: “Having said all that, there’s no doubt that videos like this connect in a very real way to young people. And perhaps that’s what Meghan is trying to do.

“My own daughter thought the video humanised both Meghan and Harry and was light-hearted and hugely relatable. It reminded her of her own pregnancies and labour and she thought it was rather charming.”

With a formal awards ceremony in the calendar, I turned to one of my favourite high street fashion brands to see if I could find the perfect dress without breaking the bank

Dressing for formal events such as weddings, graduations and evening ‘dos can be tricky – you want to meet the dress code yet still be fairly comfortable, and ideally don’t want to spend a fortune on an outfit you’re unlikely to wear very often.

And so when I was invited to a work awards ceremony and found myself with nothing to wear, I immediately clicked onto the Nobody’s Child website – a favourite of mine for pretty and flattering dresses for all occasions.

I bought five different styles to try on – including one with pockets and a £69 surprise hit – and the one I ended up wearing was a surprise last-minute addition to my basket; it was worth it though, as it received so many compliments from other guests that evening…

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Red Nova Midi Dress

£85 here

This colour was a real curveball for me, as I never wear red, and rarely stray from black, however I was really pleasantly surprised by how much I like this colour on me. The dress was super comfortable and gets bonus points for having pockets. I didn’t keep it in the end as I felt like it was more of an everyday dress than an evening one, but it has encouraged me to be a bit braver with colour.

If you’re looking for an alternative, New Look’s Red Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is £29.99.

Black Ruffle Tiered Cassidy Midi Dress

£89 here

This is the one that I thought would be my favourite it reminds me of an old favourite Reformation dress I own, but it actually didn’t suit me as much as I though when it was on; again, it was too casual for the occasion, and the waistband sat too high on me – under my bust rather than on my waist. It was very light and breezy for summer though, and again, loved the pockets!

New Look does another alternative to this here too, the Black Multiway Tiered Midi Dress, priced at £55.99.

Black Balloon Sleeve Zola Mini Dress

£99 here

Something slightly different from the others, but I really loved this one. I loved the flattering balloon sleeves, and how cute it looked with chunky heels. There were two reasons why I didn’t pick it, however: one, I thought the hem was a bit short for a work event, and two, I’d be getting ready by myself in a hotel room, and would have no one to tie up the bow on the back for me. This would be great for Christmas parties, though.

Topshop clean trapeze mini dress in black, £55, is a similar shape.

Black Tiered Clara Midi Dress

£69 here

I thought I would hate this one as I dislike anything that clings or skims the body, but this was a surprise hit. It’s way more flattering and slimming than I thought, plus you can wear a bra with it (unlike most of these other options), and it folds up very small in a suitcase (like this £39 Next dress). It was a close contender, pipped only to the post by…

Black Puff Sleeve Zora Midi Dress

£130 here

…the Zora dress, which was the one I wore, and which got me so many compliments. I loved the flattering shape, the statement sleeves and the little flash of skin from the slash neck and low back (you can probably still get away with wearing a bra though). Although more expensive than the others, I felt so comfortable in this, and know I’ll get loads of wear out of it.

King Charles once revealed the poignant and emotional last conversation he had with his father Prince Philip just hours before he died. Philip, who was born on this day in 1921, passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, seeing out his final peaceful days surrounded by his family in Windsor Castle.

In a BBC documentary film celebrating the life of the late royal, King Charles reminisced on the last conversation he had with his father the day before he died, highlighting his quick wit and cheeky sense of humour. During the intimate interview, Charles recalled how he gently broached the subject of Philip’s upcoming 100th birthday and suggested a party, knowing it was something his dad was not that excited about.

Knowing his elderly father was hard of hearing, he clarified what he was talking about as he spoke loudly to Prince Philip, emphasising: “We’re talking about your birthday! And whether there’s going to be a reception!”

To which Charles said Philip replied sharply, without missing a beat: “Well, I’ve got to be alive for it, haven’t I?” Charles then said: “I told him ‘I knew you’d say that!'”

Despite Philip’s morbid sense of humour and candid comments about his morality, King Charles said the conversation made for an unforgettable and happy memory with his dad.

According to royal expert Katie Nicholl and her 2022 book, The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown, the father and son shared another touching moment before his death in April 2021.

Nicholl said that it was during one of their last visits together that Philip made a special request of the heir, as she wrote: “Charles got time with his father as well and Philip told him, ‘Whatever you do, promise me you will take care of your mother.’ Charles was very emotional.'”

Following Philip’s death, then-Prince Charles paid a loving tribute to his father, telling reporters outside his Gloucestershire estate of Highgrove: “As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously.”

He described his father as “a much-loved and appreciated figure and apart from anything else, I can imagine, he would be so deeply touched by the number of other people here and elsewhere around the world and the Commonwealth, who also, I think, share our loss and our sorrow”.

He said: “My dear papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that. It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time.”

In the days after his death, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, also spoke to parishioners outside a church service, making her own comments about the death of Prince Philip, while assuring the congregation that the royal passed away peacefully.

She told the members of the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor: “It was right for him. It was so gentle. It was just like somebody took him by the hand and off he went. Very, very peaceful and that’s all you want for somebody isn’t it? So, I think it’s so much easier for the person that goes than the people that are left behind.”

Today marks what would’ve been Prince Philip’s 104th birthday, with the royal born on June 10th 1921 in Corfu, Greece. In February 1947, Philip took his mother’s maiden name of Mountbatten while renouncing his rights to the Greek and Danish throne.

In November the same year, Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey, with the royal couple going on to have four children: King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

Fans of High School Musical star Corbin Bleu have been left gobsmacked after realising where they have seen his dad before as the proud father visits his son in London as he is currently on the West End

Disney Channel fans have been left gobsmacked after only just realising that Corbin Bleu’s dad has appeared in some of their favourite films and TV shows, often co-starring as his real life son’s father on-screen. It comes after the 66-year-old dad, named David Reivers, recently visited Bleu as he is currently lives in London.

Corbin, best known for his role as basketball star Chad in the High School Musical films, made his West End debut this year in the premiere of The Great Gatsby musical. The Broadway star is playing Nick Carraway at the London Coliseum, alongside Love Island contestant and west end star, Amber Davies.

The I Don’t Dance singer was stunned after his cast mates surprised him with High School Musical songs during a pre-show warm up recently – and fans have been rushing to see him on stage in the glamorous performance. As well as fans rushing to see him while he is in London, his dad has also paid him a visit.

Last weekend, Corbin shared a video of his dad seeing his son on a Great Gatsby poster in St Martin’s Lane. The proud dad smiled as he took a picture and said, “hey y’all that’s my son”. “I’m so proud man,” he told Corbin, adding, “that is so f***ing awesome”.

Corbin wrote: “Pops never misses a show.” Amber Davies commented and said: “He’s OUR dad now.” And while the sweet moment raked in over two million views on TikTok, people could not get over their disbelief that David Reivers is his dad.

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One fan commented: “Your father is David Reivers? How did I not know this?” While another probed: “The dad from Jump In is your actual dad?”

A third chimed in: “The Jump In dad was the real papi this whole time,” while a fourth echoed: “Your dad is Jump In dad?”

Someone else wrote: “You mean to tell me that was your real dad this whole time?”

One other, who has proven she is a true fan, said: “The fact most of ya’ll didn’t know the Jump In dad was his real dad… wee you guys never paying attention to the Disney behind the scenes they used to do on Disney Channel?”

David played Corbin’s dad in the 2007 film Jump Inn, where a teenage boxer falls in love with rope jumping. Corbin’s real dad also played his father in High School Musical 3: Senior Year. Plus he also starred alongside his soon in 2008 film Free Style.

The dad-of-four also starred in Nikelodeon’s Drake and Josh as a police office, and in 2006 he also starred as a police office in Gilmore Girls. Plus, he played Sergeant Clemente in one episode of Desperate Housewives. David also played Bob Cowan in eight episodes of Charmed. But he has not done much acting recently; his last noted role was in The Fosters in 2016.

He often shares updates on his life on his Instagram page @dareivers. The proud dad recently shared a video clip of his time in London and said: “Having an amazing time in London seeing my son @corbinbleu absolutely kill it in a fantastic production of The Great Gatsby Musical in the West End, and more…so proud of him.”

Loose Women presenter Carol McGiffin has hit out at ITV bosses over a rule she was forced to follow during her time on the show, which used to make her “shudder”

Carol McGiffin, 64, has criticised ITV’s Loose Women bosses for their approach to dressing the show’s presenters.

She expressed her disapproval of the enforced dress codes and how the presenters transitioned from wearing what they wanted, to being instructed on what to wear for coordination.

She was also left concerned about the amount of clothing waste, claiming that some clothes were discarded even if they’d only been worn once.

Carol had two stints on Loose Women, first from 2000 until 2013, and then again from 2018 until 2023. In an article for Best UK, she stated: “I did Loose Women for almost 20 years and the mandated dress codes used to exhaust me.

“We went from wearing our own clothes to being bought stuff to adhere to ludicrous wardrobe policies like ‘no arms on show’, presumably because our ageing biceps were morphing into bingo wings.

“I always loathed being ‘dressed’ or ‘styled’ as they preferred to call it. You always had to be coordinated up to the eyeballs in nice slacks, wrap dresses or boiler suits.

“It used to make me shudder, nearly as much as the insane amount of waste on unimaginable amounts of clothes that had mostly only been worn once”, she added.

This isn’t the first time Carol has spoken out about Loose Women in recent years. In a conversation with Woman’s Own last year, she discussed her reasons for leaving and her feelings about the career move.

She said: “I don’t regret leaving, I don’t fit in there anymore.”

Her sentiments mirror a previous statement made to OK! Magazine, where she also said: “Someone, somewhere will be offended by absolutely everything. I’d rather not be on a show that panders to that. It’s boring – and I won’t be told what I can or can’t say.”

Although she has parted ways with the show, Carol remains in contact with some of her former colleagues, having warmer relationships with a select few.

She explained: “I’m still very good friends with a lot of the Loose ladies… Denise Welch popped down here with Lincoln [Townley, her husband] last year and we met them for lunch. I’ve seen Kaye [Adams], Jane [Moore] and Nadia [Sawalha] a few times.”