After receiving a request from within the party ranks to outlaw the burqa, the Muslim leader of the radical right-wing Reform UK party in the United Kingdom has resigned.
Hours after kicking back at Reform UK lawmaker Sarah Pochin for asking Prime Minister Keir Starmer if his government might consider outlawing the burqa, Zia Yusuf declared on X on Thursday, “I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time.”
In a political environment traditionally dominated by the ruling Labour Party and the opposition Conservatives, Pochin won her seat in a by-election last month that saw the anti-immigration party, some of whose members have been accused of Islamophobia, gain significant ground.
The new lawmaker asked Labour’s Starmer to decide whether the move was “in the interests of public safety” when she made her first appearance on Wednesday at the BBC.
In the midst of a raging debate over whether banning the burqa should be party policy, Yusuf said, “I do think it’s stupid for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party wouldn’t do.”
After leaving the Conservative Party, Yusuf, a former banker and self-described “proud British Muslim patriot,” assumed leadership of Reform UK after the general election of last year.
In a remarkable election last year, Reform UK, led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, won four parliamentary seats, moving on to win its first mayoralty, and a number of council seats in local elections last month.
It currently outperforms the Labour Party in national opinion polls.
Yusuf is “a huge factor in our success on May 1st,” Farage claimed on X.
Prior to now, party hierarchy divisions had been made public.
Rupert Lowe, one of Reform’s lawmakers, was charged with a number of charges, including physical assault on Yusuf, in March.
ExCLUSIVE: Love Island contestant Megan Forte Clarke revealed that before she entered the villa, she had worked with a former islander and gave her some very wise words.
Megan has had advice from a past islander (Image: Instagram/meganforteclarke)
Love Island’s brand-new series is kicking off with a bang on Monday, June 9, and one of the most talked-about arrivals is Megan Forte Clarke, who’s ready to turn heads in the famous Mallorcan villa.
Megan, a 24-year-old beauty who was originally from Dublin but now lives in Brighton, has a surprising connection to a former Islander who has already walked the walk.
Megan, a makeup artist and model, revealed she received a helping hand from none other than Harriett Blackmore, who appeared on Love Island earlier this year during the All Stars-style winter edition.
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Before entering the villa, Harriett Blackmore gave Megan some advice.
The two worked together in Brighton, and Harriett – known for her bold personality and glam looks – was more than happy to share her insider knowledge with her former colleague before she jetted off.
Speaking exclusively ahead of her villa debut, Megan opened up about her friendship with the former Islander and the advice Harriett passed on – from the practical to the emotional.
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“I had a great time working with Harriet in Brighton for two years.”
Harriett, 23, made waves in the early months of 2024 when she entered the villa with her signature confidence and high-energy flirting. While she didn’t walk away with a partner, she certainly made an impression – and her experience left her with some words of wisdom for Megan.
“She did give me some guidance before entering.” You’re going to need it all, she said, “pack everything,” not “overpack it,” no matter if it’s overweight. I therefore felt prepared to support that with her presence.
It turns out, Harriett’s help was less about grafting and more about girl-prep – ensuring Megan felt confident and ready to face the unknowns of villa life. But when it comes to romantic strategy? That’s where things got a little more personal.
She didn’t necessarily counsel me on relationships. I don’t believe we’re the best people to be giving advice to one another because we have completely different personalities in what we choose to do, but she definitely did and said, “You’re gonna slay, enjoy it.” I’m excited because she claimed it was her best accomplishment to date.
The new summer series, which returns to ITV2 and ITVX on Monday night, is expected to bring back the classic Love Island formula with fresh singles, flirty bombshells, and dramatic recouplings under the Spanish sun. Fans are already buzzing about the new lineup, and Megan’s arrival is sure to stir things up from the start.
Megan anticipates the villa’s fireworks display.
With Harriett’s pep talks in her back pocket, Megan steps in ready to slay, and she describes herself as “fun, flirtatious, and fearless.” The Brighton-based bombshell is hoping for some fireworks and isn’t afraid to experiment with it when she doesn’t feel the spark.
Despite her stunning appearance, Megan’s dating experience hasn’t been smooth.
“I don’t believe I’ve ever had a good date, especially when you meet people on Hinge and other things.” It’s just awkward, and I’ve always been a conversationalist. Do you know what I mean when I say, “Oh, you buy me a drink?” You asked me on the date, but I’m sure. Before, I’ve been asked to go for a walk. I thought, “It’s obvious that I’m a Chihuahua.”
All eyes will be on Megan as she enters the villa doors, with Harriett cheering her on from the sidelines and millions watching back home.
I’m a book, open to all. Everyone says that, I am sure. You get what you see, not what you get.
Continue reading the article.
Will she find love, bring about conflict, or both? One thing is certain: She will arrive prepared.
On ITV2 and ITVX, Love Island airs on June 9 at 9 p.m.
EXCLUSIVE: One of the singles who entered the Love Island villa on June 9, 2025 is Ben Holbrough, and the private hire driver has a close relationship with the show.
Ben has had a previous encounter with the show(Image: Instagram/ben.holbrough)
Love Island 2025 is set to sizzle with a fresh batch of singletons entering the villa on Monday, June 9 for its 12th series. Among them is 23-year-old Ben Holbrough from Gloucester, a private hire taxi driver and part-time model who’s no stranger to the show’s casting process, he reveals.
Standing at 6’2 with a chiseled physique, Ben has been modelling for the past six years, while juggling his taxi driving job, he is often showcasing his workouts and modelling shots to his 11,000 Instagram followers.
Although he opens up about his past involvement with the show, his journey to the villa wasn’t straightforward.
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Ben is part of the 2025 cast of the show, celebrating 10 years(Image: ITV)
“Last year I went to London for the interview,” Ben revealed to us. “Before that, I was in talks with them for a couple of years, but it never got further than a few Zoom calls in the application phase… at school, it’s funny, all the teachers used to say to me, ‘I see you on Love Island in a few years.’”
Ben’s decision to join the show stems from his frustration with modern dating. “Dating in 2025, for me, is a shambles. It is mission impossible,” he admitted. “Being in the Love Island villa, no one can fake their feelings in there.”
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“Everything’s intense. It’s hard for people not to be true to themselves. I feel you get a better judge of character in there. It’s easier to find ‘the one’ when you’re all in the same situation. In the outside world, social media, everything, gets in the way. It’s so easy to go on, ‘like’ a few pictures. Finding a solid girl is hard.”
Preparing for villa life, Ben has been hitting the gym hard. “I’ve definitely been upping it at the gym. I’ve been going and doing double sessions, weights in the morning, and cardio in the evenings, trying to get those abs a bit more popping,” he shared.
“But I don’t really see the other lads competing with me.” I’ve been working out hard for my physique for a long time, so I’m not comparing myself. I’ve also been having no conversations with any girls in the last two and a half months. I’m yelling to return to the meeting place and talk to girls.
This season introduces a new rule regarding sexual activity in the villa where it will be shown, with Executive producer Mike Spencer confirming the sizzling shake-up after an exclusive tour of the villa: “If sex happens, we’ll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours.”
Ben hit the gym ‘hard’ in order to prepare himself for villa life(Image: ITV)
When asked about this, Ben unflinchingly said, “I can’t promise anything.” I’ve explained this to them. I’ll do my best to maintain the PG. However, I am unable to disclose at this time what I will be feeling while staying at the villa.
“I have no idea what the circumstances will be.” I’m not sure who I’m going to be paired with. The temptation to share a bed with a girl every day is unfathomable, in my opinion. Never repeat “never”
Ben joins a diverse lineup of contestants this season, including footballer Harry Cooksley, Dublin native Megan Forte Clarke, and motivational speaker Sophie Lee.
With his blend of charm, honesty, and readiness to find genuine connection, Ben is poised to make a significant impact in the villa.
Continue reading the article.
On ITV2 and ITVX, Love Island airs on June 9 at 9 p.m.
Harry Cooksley, one of the newest islanders entering the villa for the 12th series of Love Island, is ready to shake things up both on and off the pitch.
Harry has an unusual job for a popular famous footballer(Image: ITV)
Footballer and Declan Rice’s body double Harry Cooksley is one of the latest bombshells heading into the Love Island villa for the show’s 12th series – and he’s ready to shake things up both on and off the pitch.
The 30-year-old professional footballer is trading boots for swimming trunks this summer, swapping his time on the field – and behind the camera – for a shot at romance in the Majorcan villa. Cooksley, who once played in the US and across Europe, might be new to Love Island fans, but he’s already brushed shoulders with some of England’s biggest sporting names – quite literally.
Speaking ahead of his Love Island debut, Cooksley revealed his unlikely connection to Arsenal and England star Declan Rice.
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Harry is Declan Rice’s body double(Image: HarryCooksley8/Instagram)
Harry said, “Yes, I spoke to Dec before I came out. He’ll be fine because he’s now taken a summer vacation, so he’ll be able to live without me.”
Why is a body double necessary for Declan Rice? It’s all about reducing time for production teams, Harry claims.
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When they don’t have time with the actual players, it’s primarily for close-up shots. He continued, “It’s basically my body on camera for those shots.”
What is Rice’s opinion of Harry’s plans for reality TV? He expressed happiness for me. He simply instructed me to be who I am. He’ll be supporting the outside. He jumped up.
Harry’s appearance comes as Love Island Series 12 gets underway, with ITV promising more romance, drama, and late-night revelations than ever before. Viewers are already speculating who’ll couple up, who’ll be dumped — and who’ll be sharing more than just a bed.
With the show known for its steamy hideaway scenes, sex on TV remains one of the most hotly debated aspects of the series. When asked about the possibility of having sex on screen, Harry didn’t dodge the question.
He said, “I did speak to my mother about it, but I haven’t spoken to my friends about it.” She didn’t do it very much, but I’ll try to be polite. I’ll remember her in general, not just at the moment.
Harry Cooksley is set to enter Love Island(Image: @harrycooksley8)
Cooksley’s thoughtful, self-aware approach might surprise those expecting the usual “footballer bad boy” persona. But he insists he’s not here to play games.
He said, “I’d like to believe I’m breaking that stereotype.” I’m currently a little older. Yes, I did a little playing on the field when I was in my early 20s. Footballers do occasionally get a bad rap, which is understandable, but it doesn’t apply to everyone. I enjoyed myself. I want to find someone because I’m now open and ready.
Whether or not he finds love under the Spanish sun, Harry’s already proving to be one of the more intriguing contestants of the 2025 series – part pro athlete, part body double, and all in when it comes to romance.
Continue reading the article.
On ITV2 and ITVX, Love Island airs on June 9 at 9 p.m.
Milan AC and Chelsea are interested in signing France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Maignan is valued at about £25 million by the Italian club, but the Blues are in talks to lower the figure.
Since joining Milan on a five-year contract from Lille in 2021, the 29-year-old has been a regular.
He has won 30 caps since making his France debut in 2020, and he has also been the first choice since Hugo Lloris left international football in January 2023.
Maignan would be interested in moving to Stamford Bridge, according to sources who have spoken to BBC Sport.
Since purchasing Kepa Arrizabalaga for £71 million in 2018, which still holds the record for a goalkeeper, Chelsea has struggled to find a long-term option in the box.
Edouard Mendy left for Al-Ahli in 2023, and Kepa has spent the last two seasons on loan at Real Madrid and then Bournemouth. Two years later, they signed him.
Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic, and Filip Jorgensen have all been signed by Chelsea in the past two years, but the three players don’t seem convinced by each of them.
