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How did an ordinary Indian boy, born into a Parsi family in Zanzibar and brought up at school in Bombay, become a global superstar? Farrokh Bulsaras transformation into Freddie Mercury , singer, songwriter and frontman of the rock band Queen, is told in a new exhibition at the V&A in London. Freddie Mercury: Splendid Things, being held to celebrate the showmans 80th birth anniversary, has tried to reflect his career through seven of his outfits. Freddie Mercury in the Made in Heaven music video

Ten Lloyds Bank branches are scheduled to close between November 3 and November 19. The closures affect locations in Lancashire, Tyne and Wear, Derbyshire, the West Midlands, Leicestershire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire. Customers may be able to use other Lloyds Banking Group branches, Post Office services or nearby banking hubs for some everyday transactions. Lloyds Bank is set to close 10 branches across England in November, leaving customers in several towns and cities facin

Healey to deliver cautious first budget on Wednesday Help expected on energy bills, with a higher bank levy likely Burnhams big spending plans set to be delayed UK borrowing costs remain the highest in the G7 CHANCELLOR John Healey is expected to deliver a cautious first budget on Wednesday, prioritising stability in the bond markets over the big spending plans Andy Burnham promised when he became prime minister. Healey is likely to offer some help to households facing another rise in energy bil

The full UK state pension is expected to rise by 3.9 per cent to 13,036 a year from April. A proposed tax-free allowance of 13,036 could shield nearly a million low-income pensioners from income tax. The Chancellor is also reportedly shelving plans to reduce the maximum tax-free pension lump sum. Nearly a million pensioners in the UK could be spared income tax under plans expected to be announced in the Budget, as an increase in the state pension threatens to push more people above the existing

FORMER No.10 adviser to prime minister Rishi Sunak, Ameet Jogia , has been reselected as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Hendon after losing the north London seat by just 15 votes at the 2024 general election. Jogia said he was determined to build on the result and win the seat for the Conservatives at the next election. I am determined to finish the job we started and turn Hendon blue, he told Eastern Eye . His defeat by a margin of 15 votes was the narrowest result in the country

New-home registrations fell 13 per cent year on year to 26,231 in the third quarter of 2026, according to the NHBC. Registrations in the rental and affordable housing sector dropped 23 per cent, while private sector registrations fell 8 per cent. The Government is preparing details of a proposed 2.5 per cent deposit scheme for first-time buyers as it pursues its target of delivering 1.5 million homes in England. The UK Government faces a fresh challenge in meeting its housing target after regist

Two men killed by falling trees in north London and Dumfries and Galloway More than 90,000 properties without power on Sunday evening Gusts of up to 85mph recorded in Argyll and Bute Flooding hits Clyde coast towns, with damage to homes and businesses TWO men have been killed by falling trees as Storm Boelo battered the UK on Sunday, leaving more than 90,000 properties without power. A man in his 20s died in Finchley, north London, after a tree fell on the car he was driving on Dollis Road at ar

LINNEA BERTHELSEN does very well to hold the stage at the Bush Theatre for 90 minutes, without an interval, recounting what happened in the 1984 Union Carbide tragedy, which is regarded as the worlds worst industrial disaster. I am alive, emphasises her character, referred to as She, right at the start of the play. In marked contrast, thousands were not so lucky. Since the tragedy occurred 42 years ago in Bhopal, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, many younger members of the audience might n

Highlights Filipino actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes left a career in filmmaking and advertising to pursue musical theatre in the UK, following his first love for the stage. Now playing Benny in RENT , he wants audiences to see the character as a complicated human being rather than simply the villain. Valdes believes Asian representation in British theatre has improved, but says producers and creative teams still have a long way to go. Filipino actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes spent nine years working in fi

Highlights Ariana Grande has debuted a shoulder-length brunette bob with flipped-up ends. The playful hairstyle offers a retro twist on the classic bob and draws inspiration from cartoon character Betty Boop. Celebrity hairstylists share how to recreate the look at home. Ariana Grande is giving her signature ponytail a break with a fresh hairstyle that puts a playful, retro spin on the classic bob. The singer and actress recently showcased a sleek, shoulder-length brunette cut with flipped-up en

More than 31,000 homes without power as Storm Austen hits south-west 76mph gust recorded on the Isles of Scilly Part of Brightons West Pier falls into the sea Amber warning for Storm Boelo from 9pm on Saturday TENS of thousands of homes lost power and schools were closed as Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, battered south-west England on Friday. A gust of 76mph was recorded at St Marys airport on the Isles of Scilly. By 3pm, more than 31,000 homes in the south-west were without

Highlights Adam Brody and Kristen Bell return as Noah and Joanne, who begin living together in the third season. Their relationship loses some of its early romantic spark as they settle into domestic life. Timothy Simons and Justine Lupe bring fresh energy as Sasha and Morgan, whose growing connection could become the shows next big romance. Netflixs Nobody Wants This returns for a third season, with Adam Brody and Kristen Bells Noah and Joanne taking the next step in their relationship. But as

Highlights Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany, 40, was reportedly taken to a Munich hospital with an emergency doctor on Friday, according to Bild and Sky Sky says his condition is stable, but Bayern had not confirmed anything or issued a statement at the time of writing Bild reported that a helicopter landed at the club's Sbener Strae training ground, and the cause of the hospital visit has not been officially confirmed Kompany had been unwell for more than a week, and Bayern executive Ma

Highlights Marvel Studios will unveil a new preview of Avengers: Doomsday during Game 1 of the World Series on October 23. A stormy promotional teaser featuring the Avengers logo has fuelled speculation about what the footage could reveal. Reports suggest another trailer could arrive on the same day, although Marvel has not confirmed this. Marvel Studios is building anticipation for A vengers: Doomsday with another promotional reveal, this time taking the superhero blockbuster to the World Serie

Highlights The Treasury expects businesses to save around 800 million through cuts to unnecessary paperwork and regulation. Streamlined reporting requirements are expected to save 290 million, while changes affecting asset managers and property transactions could save a further 221 million. Import tariff suspensions covering more than 250 products will be extended for another year, with savings of up to 155 million. UK businesses are set to receive around 800 million in savings from a government

London will host a one-day fusion wedding fair in May 2027, designed for couples planning celebrations that combine Asian and Western wedding traditions. Organised by Silver Lined Wedding Shows , East Meets West will take place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden on Sunday, 9 May 2027, from 11am to 4pm. Entry will be free. The event aims to address a gap in the wedding industry, where mainstream wedding fairs may not cater to the requirements of British Asian couples, while Asi

Highlights Tom Cruise will receive the American Film Institutes 52nd Life Achievement Award on 24 April 2027. The ceremony will take place at Hollywoods Dolby Theatre, celebrating his contributions as an actor and producer. Cruise joins previous recipients including Eddie Murphy, Nicole Kidman, Denzel Washington and George Clooney. Tom Cruise is set to join some of Hollywoods most celebrated names after being named the recipient of the American Film Institutes (AFI) 52nd Life Achievement Award.

Highlights Ayushmann Khurrana plays a Pakistani agent who loses his memory and begins to believe he is an Indian patriot. The spy comedy uses India-Pakistan tensions as the backdrop for slapstick humour and political mockery. While the identity confusion generates some effective laughs, the film struggles with crude jokes and stereotypes. Ayushmann Khurranas latest film, Udta Teer , takes a comic approach to espionage, turning the familiar India-Pakistan conflict into a farcical spy story. Direc

Highlights Leeds to York train services will be suspended from tomorrow (24) to Sunday, November 1. Direct rail replacement buses will run between the two cities, alongside local stopping services for intermediate stations. The work will allow the installation of overhead equipment needed to electrify the route. Rail passengers travelling between Leeds and York face nine days of disruption as Network Rail carries out a major bridge replacement in Church Fenton. No trains will run on the main rou

Highlights The H3 Podcast crew says it will not work with Ethan Klein any more, after Hila Klein publicly alleged he had an affair lasting more than six months The crew's statement, posted on Instagram on 23 October, says its members are shocked, angry, and heartbroken and would not continue working with him involved or profiting in any way Ethan announced an indefinite hiatus for the podcast on 22 October, less than 12 hours before Hila's post The crew says it does not yet know what this means

Highlights 418 earns praise for its eerie atmosphere, sound design and climax, but viewers are divided over its screenplay and pacing. Directed by debutant Kirtan Nadagouda, the Telugu horror thriller centres on a mysterious hostel room locked for 15 years. Some viewers find the second half more engaging, while others feel the film falls short of its promise of genuine scares. The Telugu horror thriller 418, presented by KGF and Salaar filmmaker Prashanth Neel, has arrived in cinemas following p

Highlights Around six million households across Britain are expected to receive the 150 Warm Home Discount this winter. Some recipients will get the discount automatically, while others must contact a helpline by February 26, 2027. The government is urging households to use their energy supplier's official contact details and watch out for scams. Millions of households across Britain are being told to check their letterboxes for confirmation of a 150 energy rebate as the Warm Home Discount begin

Highlights Cla Mnier, 17, a back-row for Union du Bassin Marmandais Under-18s, has died after an injury in a match against Agen Agglo Rugby on Saturday 17 October She was treated at the pitch and taken to Pellegrin Hospital in Bordeaux, where French media report she died on Wednesday 21 October Neither her club nor the French Rugby Federation has disclosed the nature of the injury, though French outlets describe a violent blow to the head The federation has set up psychological support for her t

Highlights Airbnb's new rules take effect on November 20 for reservations covered by its updated policy. Hosts generally will not be able to ask guests to strip beds, take trash offsite or wash and put away dishes. Guests can still be asked to follow reasonable house rules, including putting used dishes in the sink. Airbnb guests who have been asked to strip beds, wash dishes or haul rubbish away before checking out will soon have clearer grounds to push back. The accommodation platform is chang

Trump says he asked Pichai about renaming the Atlantic Ocean, but Google's CEO was reluctant. The president also joked about calling the Pacific the American Ocean. The exchange follows Trump's earlier push to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. US President Donald Trump says Google CEO Sundar Pichai rejected his idea to rename the Atlantic Ocean, after the company previously adopted his administration's Gulf of America name change for users in the United States. Trump recounted th

Highlights Dame Judi Dench says her deteriorating eyesight has left her unable to perform on stage, make films or read. The 91-year-old actor was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration in 2012. She has also spoken about struggling to recognise faces and the awkward encounters caused by her sight loss. Dame Judi Dench has opened up about the impact of her deteriorating eyesight on her acting career, revealing that she can no longer perform on stage, make films or read. The Oscar-winning

Frances Segelman, who is making a 20ft bronze statue of the Indian politician Mulayam Singh Yadav , sculpted a bust of the actor Richard E Grant in front of an audience on Sunday (18). This was done in St Pauls Church Covent Garden, which is popularly known as the Actors Church. Segelman, who is known for her ability to do faces, started with a lump of clay, but within a couple of hours produced a wonderful likeness of the Oscar nominated star of such films as Withnail and I, Saltburn and The Ag

Highlights Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.5 is scheduled to launch on 22 October, bringing new content to the role-playing game. A reported leak points to console mod support, dual-wielding pistols, new quests and a field-of-view slider. CD Projekt RED has confirmed cyberware customisation and a new dual-wielding playstyle, while other leaked features await official confirmation. Cyberpunk 2077 update 2.5 could bring some major additions to Night City, including console mod support, new missions and ga

Miatta Fahnbulleh says longer settlement wait could harm cohesion Mahmood plans to extend the wait from five to 15 years Angela Rayner has also criticised the plans Burnham considering an exemption for care workers ENERGY SECRETARY Miatta Fahnbulleh has criticised home secretary Shabana Mahmoods plans to make migrants wait longer for permanent settlement, deepening a cabinet split over immigration. In a post on her constituency website, Fahnbulleh said extending the wait for indefinite leave to

Highlights: Miley Cyrus hit back at online criticism of her vocals and stage movement during her Hollywood Bowl comeback concerts. The singer said she would not tolerate questions about her commitment to performing, insisting: I am fully present. Cyrus acknowledged that returning to live performance was more difficult than it had been before her extended break. Nearly 1.5 million fans reportedly joined the presale queue for her two Hollywood Bowl shows. The singer said the concerts were a person

Highlights: Padma Bhushan awardee Sudha Ragunathan performed a two-and-a-half-hour Carnatic music concert at The Bhavan on 10 October. The vocalist was accompanied by violinist Balu Raguraman and mridangam artist Somasundaram Desigar. The concert took place in the lead-up to Navratri, bringing devotional music to London audiences. The Bhavan and Dance Umbrella co-hosted a discussion with choreographer Akram Khan MBE on 12 October. Royal Ballet director Kevin OHare CBE led the conversation, which

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have marked Dussehra with a special family announcement, revealing the name of their second daughter and sharing the first glimpse of their newborn. The Bollywood stars introduced their little girl as Devi Padukone Singh in a family photograph posted by Deepika on Instagram on Tuesday, 20 October. The picture captures a tender moment between the couple and their two daughters, offering fans a rare glimpse into their growing family. Deepika captioned the post, O

UK unemployment falls unexpectedly to 4.7 per cent Analysts had forecast the rate would stay at 4.9 per cent Around one million young people not in work, education or training Chancellor John Healey to deliver budget on October 28 UK UNEMPLOYMENT fell unexpectedly to 4.7 per cent in the three months to the end of August, official figures showed on Tuesday, a boost for the government ahead of next weeks budget. The rate, down from 4.9 per cent in the three months to July, is the lowest since mid-

Sabir Zazai remembers how he first heard about the refugee convention. He was given an official letter, after arriving in Dover in the back of a lorry during the cold December of 1999. It told him that he was now a person liable to be detained, having arrived without permission, but that he could make his application for asylum under the 1951 refugee convention. Zazai recalls a kind woman giving him some fish and chips and reflected, more recently, that there were no balaclava-clad men roaming

Highlights More than 4,500 jewellery pieces were created for the first part of Ramayana . Tribe Amrapali spent over 18 months researching and designing jewellery for the epic. Ayodhya, Mithila and Lanka each have distinct styles inspired by their identities and characters. The world of Ramayana is being shaped not only by its grand sets and costumes but also by the intricate jewellery worn by its characters. For Nitesh Tiwaris two-part cinematic adaptation, jewellery brand Tribe Amrapali has cre

Highlights Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Gemma Chan were among the stars making a statement at the Academy Museum Gala. Naomi Ackies custom Balenciaga gown featured a voluminous silhouette, sweeping train and pockets. Colman Domingo, Inde Navarrette and Cailee Spaeny brought distinctive designs to the red carpet. The Academy Museum Gala brought together some of Hollywoods biggest names for an evening of cinema, fashion and celebration in Los Angeles on Saturday (October 17). From Taylor Sw

Crypto vault deposits have climbed from $4bn to more than $10bn, according to Blockworks data cited by the Financial Times. Vaults typically offer returns of 3 to 10 per cent, with riskier strategies promising 20 per cent or more. Regulators in the US and Europe are examining whether parts of the sector should face financial rules. Crypto vaults have attracted more than $10bn in deposits as investors chase returns of up to 20 per cent, but analysts warn that the strategies can expose them to rap

Highlights Davina McCall, 59, has revealed on her Begin Again podcast that she has cardiovascular disease, after a benign brain tumour in 2024 and breast cancer in 2025 She said she had been told her cholesterol was high for quite a long time before the diagnosis She received an all-clear from breast cancer in April The British Heart Foundation says coronary heart disease kills twice as many UK women as breast cancer, and that South Asian people are almost twice as likely to develop it as White

Highlights Selena Gomez says heavy nicotine vaping has changed her voice and urges fans not to take up the habit. The singer and actor has stopped vaping and hopes to remain nicotine-free. Gomez has previously spoken about throat swelling and her long-term health challenges. Selena Gomez has warned fans against vaping after revealing that she believes the habit has changed her voice. The 34-year-old singer and actor shared the update in an Instagram post on Sunday, explaining that she had been v

Bus passengers could face fines of up to 100 for loud music and other offences under new local authority powers. A national rail campaign will ask passengers to share the carriage, not the noise. Transport campaigners have welcomed the crackdown but questioned whether authorities will have the resources to enforce it. Passengers who play loud music on buses in England could face fines of up to 100 under a government crackdown on antisocial behaviour across public transport. The measures target d

Highlights Three suspects have been arrested in Rajasthan over the firing at Tiger Shroffs car in Mumbai. A social media post claiming responsibility for the attack warned that people working with Salman Khan could be targeted. A separate audio message reportedly threatened Khan and his family, with police investigating the claims and the alleged gang connection. Three men suspected of opening fire at Tiger Shroff s car in Mumbai have been arrested in Rajasthan, following an attack that has rais

Women arrived in Britain hoping to marry and begin a new life. Some were instead subjected to intimate virginity examinations at Heathrow Airport, with their bodies scrutinised by officials seeking to establish whether their stated reasons for entering the country were genuine. Decades later, many people remain unaware that the practice took place. For filmmaker Keshavi Jaharia, that lack of awareness was one of the reasons the story needed to be told. Her short film Simran Kaur 1970 revisits th

Hundreds protest in Parliament Square against Indias election chief YouTuber Dhruv Rathee addresses rally in Hindi Smaller group of Modi supporters stages counter-protest Police keep rival groups apart as chants grow heated HUNDREDS of people gathered at Mahatma Gandhis statue in Parliament Square on Saturday to protest against Indias chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the revision of the countrys voter lists, as a smaller group of Narendra Modi supporters staged a rival rally nearby.

Employers could be required to pay 25 per cent of training costs for apprentices aged 25 and over. The proposed change is intended to reverse a 40 per cent decline in youth apprenticeship starts over the past decade. Ministers are considering a phased introduction from September 2027, although the plan has not been finalised. Employers in England could face higher training costs for older apprentices under government plans to steer more businesses towards hiring and training young people, as min

Apple says demand for its first foldable iPhone has been nothing short of extraordinary, with delivery dates slipping into January. The Duo starts at $1,999 and can cost up to $3,200 with maximum storage. Strong iPhone 18 Pro sales are giving Apple momentum ahead of the holiday quarter, despite supply pressures. Apple's first foldable iPhone, the Duo, has sold out for delivery until next year after a surge in pre-orders, with the company describing demand for the $1,999 device as nothing short o

Highlights Veteran Tamil composer Deva has died in Chennai at the age of 75. Known as Thenisai Thendral, he helped bring Chennais gaana music into mainstream Tamil cinema. From Rajinikanths Baashha to Ajith Kumars Aasai , his compositions shaped the sound of Tamil cinema across generations. Veteran Tamil film composer and singer Deva has died at the age of 75, leaving behind a musical legacy spanning nearly four decades and more than 400 films. Born Devanesan Chokkalingam, Deva became one of Tam

DONALD TRUMP is said to be writing a new history of the Second World War, speculating on what would have happened had he been US president in 1939. This follows his entirely sensible suggestion that its time for Ukraine to get a new president, following Volodymyr Zelenskys criticism of the US diesel deal with Russia. According to the BBC, the Ukrainian president warned that a new deal to release millions of tonnes of Russian diesel into the US would provide Moscow with money to continue its war

Highlights The judge told jurors the allegations in the 2023 documentary have never been tested in any court, and that the film will not be shown to them He said the defence may argue the programme caused the women to wist their memories, and described it as one-sided and dramatic in manner Two of the complainants have now been cross-examined: the first on Thursday, another on Friday Reuters says the trial is now expected to last around six weeks The judge's ruling At the start of Thursday's he

Britain plans to launch a spacecraft in 2029 to capture and remove two dead satellites. Space debris travelling at more than 17,000mph can damage satellites supporting GPS, weather forecasts and communications. The 61 million mission could help British companies develop technology for a growing satellite servicing industry. Britain is preparing to tackle the growing problem of space junk with a robotic spacecraft designed to capture and remove two dead satellites, in a mission aimed at protectin