The Sundhnukur volcano has erupted near Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, the 12th volcanic eruption in the North Atlantic island nation since 2021, the Icelandic Meteorological Office says.
The agency said in a statement on Wednesday morning that an eruptive fissure in southwestern Iceland is 700 to 1,000 metres (765 to 1,095 yards) long.
“Lava is mostly flowing to the southeast and is not approaching any infrastructure,” it added. “Based on GPS measurements and deformation signals, it is likely that this was a relatively small eruption.”
Live images showed flows of lava and smoke being belched into the sky.
People were evacuated from the Blue Lagoon, a luxury geothermal spa resort, and the nearby fishing town of Grindavik, according to the public broadcaster RUV, which quoted police.
Rather than flowing from a central crater, lava from fissure eruptions like Wednesday’s appears from long cracks in the Earth’s crust.
Iceland, which is often referred to as a land of ice and fire, has now recorded a dozen volcanic eruptions since geological systems on its Reykjanes Peninsula reactivated four years ago.
The Reykjanes eruptions have so far neither posed a threat to nearby Reykjavik nor have they caused air traffic disruptions, unlike the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which grounded planes across Northern Europe for almost a week.
Grindavik was home to almost 4,000 people before an evacuation order was issued in 2023. Now, it is mainly deserted because of the threat of lava flows and related earthquakes.
In early April, a volcanic eruption penetrated protective barriers close to Grindavik, and the emergency services evacuated its residents and those staying at the Blue Lagoon spa.
Experts have said eruptions on the peninsula could continue for decades.
Every year, Iceland, which has a population of nearly 400,000 people, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to explore its volcanic landscape.
A Japanese businessman has been sentenced to three and a half years in China for espionage, Japan’s embassy in Beijing has said.
The man, described by Japan’s Kyodo News Agency as an employee of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. in his 60s, was first detained in March 2023 and placed under formal arrest in October.
“In light of the sentence, we have once again strongly urged the Chinese side for the early release of the Japanese national concerned in this case as well as others detained,” Tokyo’s embassy in Beijing said in a statement on Wednesday.
China should also “ensure their legitimate rights and humane treatment during detention” and “improve the transparency of the judicial process”, the embassy said.
Japanese ambassador Kenji Kanasugi called the verdict “extremely regrettable” in remarks to the media after the trial at Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court.
Tokyo has protested a series of detentions of its citizens in China.
At total of 17 Japanese, including the Astellas Pharma employee, have been detained since 2014, when China introduced a counterespionage law, according to Kyodo.
MasterChef host John Torode allegedly found out he has been axed from the cooking show after 20 years through BBC News as he is accused of using racist language
John Torode has been axed from his MasterChef hosting duties (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
John Torode has received the support of fellow celebrities after he was sensationally axed from MasterChef last night. The presenter and TV chef, 59, reportedly discovered his career on the show had come to an end through BBC News.
He claimed he was never contacted by the BBC or MasterChef’s production company Banijay about their decision not to renew his contract on the cooking programme he’s been part of for 20 years. The decision came just hours after Torode unmasked himself as the person accused of using racist language on set.
The claim came from an investigation into his former co-star Gregg Wallace’s behaviour. Torode claimed he had no memory of making the comment and denies it ever happened.
Danny Jones faced his own kiss scandal earlier this year(Image: Getty Images)
However, the BBC and Banijay both confirmed he has been axed from the show and his contract has not been renewed. Torode took to his Instagram late last night to address the scandal.
He said: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been “sacked” from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong.
“I’d hoped that I’d have some say in my exit from a show I’ve worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that. Over the past few months, I have been considering my life and the shape of it now and in the future. Celebrity MasterChef, which I recently filmed with Grace Dent along with two fantastic Christmas specials will be my last.
“Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards.
“My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been. Life is everchanging and ever moving & sometimes personal happiness and fulfilment lay elsewhere. Thank you for the many years of MasterChef. JOHN TORODE.”
Torode has since received the support of McFly singer Danny Jones, who liked the statement on Instagram and knows all too well what it is like to be centre of scandal. Earlier this year, married Danny was swept into a media storm when he was filmed kissing Love Island star Maura Higgins.
After trying to stay low and brush off the attention into his home life, Danny went on to issue his own groveling apology to his wife Georgia and their seven-year-old son Cooper. He has since returned to the spotlight and embarked on a tour with his band.
Both Danny and Amanda liked John’s statement
Torode has also been supported by Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, who liked his statement. She had also been keen to share her stance on the scandal earlier in the week when she also liked his previous statement.
Piers Morgan branded Torode’s axe a ‘witch trial’ as he fumed online: “Have I got this right? The BBC has fired @JohnTorode1 because he allegedly made a racially insensitive comment in a bar EIGHT YEARS ago, that he immediately apologised for, and now doesn’t remember ever saying? Salem wants its witch trials back.”
The former MasterChef host has kept comments off on his latest posts. A statement from Banijay UK said on Tuesday evening: “In response to John Torode’s statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously.
“The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018.
“This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.”
The BBC also said: “John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation, which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace, was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation.
Article continues below
“He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.
“The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”
READ MORE: Get 30% off menopause supplements for bloating women ‘wish they’d found sooner’
Paranormal expert Dan Rivera has died aged 54 while travelling with the original Annabelle doll. The investigator had been hosting a US tour with the doll that inspired the character in horror film The Conjuring.
He died suddenly following a stop at the New England Society of Psychic Research in Pennsylvania. Lead investigator at the society, Chris Gilloren shared the sad news on the group’s Facebook page.
Chris wrote: “It’s with deep sadness that Tony, Wade, and I share the sudden passing of our close friend and partner, Dan Rivera.” He added: “We are heartbroken and still processing this loss.”
Rivera had been travelling with the Annabelle doll ( dan_rivera_nespr/Instagram)
In his statement, Chris went on to speak of Rivera’s legacy. “Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal. His kindness and passion touched everyone who knew him.
“Thank you for your support and kind thoughts during this difficult time.” Rivera’s cause of death is yet to be shared publicly. The Adams County Coroner listed it as “pending,” according to records viewed by USA Today.
According to Adams County dispatch scanner archives, authorities were called to a Gettysburg hotel on July 13. They are said to have responded to a report of a CPR in progress of a 54-year-old man.
Just a day before, NESPR hosted a showing of the Annabelle doll. It is normally kept at the Warrens’ Occult Museum in Connecticut, which was created by demonist Ed Warren and trance medium Lorraine Warren. They were played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga in the films.
The haunting Annabelle doll story is said to have began in 1968 when a nursing student was gifted a Raggedy Ann doll as a gift. “She brings it home where she lives with a roommate,” the NESPR say.
“Almost immediately, the roommates noticed strange occurrences with the doll and they were introduced to a medium who told them the doll was inhabited by the spirit of a young girl named Annabelle. The two roommates tried to accept the doll’s spirit and please it only to have it reciprocate maliciousness and violent intent.”
The Warrens were called to investigate the doll, which they removed from the house and encased it in a glass box. As part of the Annabelle doll tour, the NESPR state it has “reportedly brought misfortune, injury, and even death to those who have interacted with it improperly.”
Rivera had been involved in paranormal research for over a decade before his death. His bio reads: “At an early age he was introduced to haunting phenomena, having witnessed paranormal events occurring in his home.”
The US Army veteran considered himself to be “an expert in the rites and rituals of Santeria.” He was part of the Devils on the Run Tour, hosted by NESPR, as they travelled with the Annabelle doll.
Over the weekend, they visited Gettysburg’s Haunted Orphanage. They have planned to travel across the US over the next few months including Maine, Illinois and Kentucky.
Annabelle first appeared in the 2013 horror film The Conjuring before getting her own spin-off series. Her self-titled movie was released in 2014 followed by Annabelle: Creation in 2017 and Annabelle Comes Home in 2019.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter in Zurich
WhatsApp group chats, a new ‘clicking’ celebration and ‘a day in the life’ of Beth Mead – England are doing all they can to bond as a team off the pitch.
Having booked their spot in the quarter-finals, the defending champions are gearing up for Thursday’s match against Sweden (20:00 BST).
The Lionesses overcame a heavyweight group stage, suffering defeat by France but bouncing back to record emphatic victories over the Netherlands and Wales.
It was no surprise then, to see captain Leah Williamson relaxed in front of the media on Tuesday, while forward Chloe Kelly spoke glowingly about the squad’s “finishers”.
‘Clicking’, group chats and the ‘finishers’
Getty Images
England enjoyed themselves in their 6-1 win over Wales on Sunday as six players got their names on the scoresheet.
Among them were substitutes Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones and their celebrations caught the eye as they ran over to the bench, ran along the substitutes who were lined up on the touchline and clicked their fingers in the air.
Keira Walsh, who started in midfield and won the player of the match award, was left in the dark as to what it meant – but forward Kelly later had an explanation.
“We have a little group of us in a [WhatsApp] group chat – ‘the finishers’ as you call it – and [they were] ‘positive clicks’,” said the Arsenal winger.
“You probably saw we were all clicking, thinking ‘what are they doing?’ But it was just a positive click. We said: ‘If one of us comes on and scores, let’s do that’.
“It’s just about sticking together and being at our best when called upon, making sure we’re prepared to go on the pitch to do a great job.”
Kelly said Walsh would be “kept in the loop” from now on, but the group chat was created by Manchester United captain Maya le Tissier for the substitutes.
England’s super-subs made a big impact at Euro 2022 – Kelly scored the winner in the final against Germany, after Ella Toone had lobbed goalkeeper Merle Frohms in the same match. Alessia Russo produced a memorable backheel finish in the semi-final win over Sweden.
“Some of us didn’t have the pictures of the click celebration so that’s where the group chat came from – to send each other the pictures,” added Kelly.
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
It is not the only WhatsApp group chat on the go, as Lucy Bronze revealed last week they still use the one they had at Euro 2022.
Recently retired goalkeeper Mary Earps has been among those to message the squad in Switzerland, as well as former striker Ellen White.
“It’s just mostly ‘good luck’, ‘well done’ or ‘we believe in you’,” said Williamson when asked about the messages.
“For them to reinforce their belief in the team and want to be part of it, that speaks volumes of the group.
“That group chat was originally created for the [Euro 2022] celebrations, so every time it pops up, it’s not a bad thing.
Williamson’s exhausting day with Mead
Getty Images
The banter was there from Williamson this week, however, as she joked with the media in the build-up to England’s quarter-final tie with Sweden, dismissing suggestions that ABBA were better than The Beatles, and stressing that nobody wanted to “kill each other yet” after several weeks together in camp.
Regularly catching up with former team-mate Jill Scott, who is out in Switzerland working as a BBC pundit, is one of the many things Williamson has done to switch off from football during the tournament.
“We were begging for someone to employ her at the FA [Football Association] when she left just to bring her along,” Williamson joked.
Having spent most of Euro 2022 sleeping in between games, the centre-back has also tried to be more sociable this time around.
She missed out on the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where England reached the final, because of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, so does not want to let her experience in Switzerland pass her by.
But taking part in a ‘day in the life’ of Arsenal team-mate Mead was a step too far for Williamson.
“Keira [Walsh] always says I pick up a new hobby every tournament and never follow through with it,” said Williamson.
“Beth Mead was laughing at me the other day because I did the ‘day in the life’ of her which meant I didn’t go back to my room and I was very sociable.
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter in Zurich
WhatsApp group chats, a new ‘clicking’ celebration and ‘a day in the life’ of Beth Mead – England are doing all they can to bond as a team off the pitch.
Having booked their spot in the quarter-finals, the defending champions are gearing up for Thursday’s match against Sweden (20:00 BST).
The Lionesses overcame a heavyweight group stage, suffering defeat by France but bouncing back to record emphatic victories over the Netherlands and Wales.
It was no surprise then, to see captain Leah Williamson relaxed in front of the media on Tuesday, while forward Chloe Kelly spoke glowingly about the squad’s “finishers”.
‘Clicking’, group chats and the ‘finishers’
Getty Images
England enjoyed themselves in their 6-1 win over Wales on Sunday as six players got their names on the scoresheet.
Among them were substitutes Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones and their celebrations caught the eye as they ran over to the bench, ran along the substitutes who were lined up on the touchline and clicked their fingers in the air.
Keira Walsh, who started in midfield and won the player of the match award, was left in the dark as to what it meant – but forward Kelly later had an explanation.
“We have a little group of us in a [WhatsApp] group chat – ‘the finishers’ as you call it – and [they were] ‘positive clicks’,” said the Arsenal winger.
“You probably saw we were all clicking, thinking ‘what are they doing?’ But it was just a positive click. We said: ‘If one of us comes on and scores, let’s do that’.
“It’s just about sticking together and being at our best when called upon, making sure we’re prepared to go on the pitch to do a great job.”
Kelly said Walsh would be “kept in the loop” from now on, but the group chat was created by Manchester United captain Maya le Tissier for the substitutes.
England’s super-subs made a big impact at Euro 2022 – Kelly scored the winner in the final against Germany, after Ella Toone had lobbed goalkeeper Merle Frohms in the same match. Alessia Russo produced a memorable backheel finish in the semi-final win over Sweden.
“Some of us didn’t have the pictures of the click celebration so that’s where the group chat came from – to send each other the pictures,” added Kelly.
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
It is not the only WhatsApp group chat on the go, as Lucy Bronze revealed last week they still use the one they had at Euro 2022.
Recently retired goalkeeper Mary Earps has been among those to message the squad in Switzerland, as well as former striker Ellen White.
“It’s just mostly ‘good luck’, ‘well done’ or ‘we believe in you’,” said Williamson when asked about the messages.
“For them to reinforce their belief in the team and want to be part of it, that speaks volumes of the group.
“That group chat was originally created for the [Euro 2022] celebrations, so every time it pops up, it’s not a bad thing.
Williamson’s exhausting day with Mead
Getty Images
The banter was there from Williamson this week, however, as she joked with the media in the build-up to England’s quarter-final tie with Sweden, dismissing suggestions that ABBA were better than The Beatles, and stressing that nobody wanted to “kill each other yet” after several weeks together in camp.
Regularly catching up with former team-mate Jill Scott, who is out in Switzerland working as a BBC pundit, is one of the many things Williamson has done to switch off from football during the tournament.
“We were begging for someone to employ her at the FA [Football Association] when she left just to bring her along,” Williamson joked.
Having spent most of Euro 2022 sleeping in between games, the centre-back has also tried to be more sociable this time around.
She missed out on the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where England reached the final, because of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, so does not want to let her experience in Switzerland pass her by.
But taking part in a ‘day in the life’ of Arsenal team-mate Mead was a step too far for Williamson.
“Keira [Walsh] always says I pick up a new hobby every tournament and never follow through with it,” said Williamson.
“Beth Mead was laughing at me the other day because I did the ‘day in the life’ of her which meant I didn’t go back to my room and I was very sociable.
