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THE MASKED Singer’s finale date has been confirmed – and it promises to be the most dramatic yet, with three celebrities battling it out for the crown.

ITV has announced that the final episode of the hit guessing game will air on Saturday, February 15, where the remaining three contestants will perform one last time before being unmasked.

ITV

With the show’s biggest stars still under wraps, fans are eagerly speculating about which famous faces will be revealed – and who will follow in the footsteps of previous winners such as Charlie Simpson and Natalie Imbruglia.

Judges Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Mo Gilligan will be on hand to give their final guesses before the masked celebrities take off their elaborate disguises.

Fans are convinced a huge show star will return to perform on the final after spotting a clue.

Viewers believe McFly’s Danny Jones, 38, who won last year’s series as Piranha, will take to the stage once again for a special duet.

Their theory stems from the fact that Danny is set to appear as a guest judge on the final episode, leading many to speculate that he will slip into his costume once more.

Fans also suspect he could perform alongside this season’s Pufferfish, playing into the idea of a “two fish” duet.

The show often brings back former contestants for the finale, making the theory even more plausible.

Taking to Reddit, one fan asked: “Who do you want think is going to come back for duets in the final ?”

Another replied: “Pirhana and Pufferfish would be amazing.”

Someone else suggested: “I want pirhana and snail.”

A fourth said: “Monster and Dressed Crab would be heavenly, Piranha and Pufferfish is incredible and Snail paired with Robobunny maybe?”

During last year’s series, Piranha was revealed as noughties legend Danny as he was crowned the winner.

He told host Joel Dommett at the time: “I’ve had the most amazing time, I can escape behind here and just be Piranha and sing these songs.

“I’ve learnt so much, I’m able to sing higher now just from being on this show.  I am so happy, thank you!”

Reacting to the win, one fan said: “Danny Jones……What an amazing voice, congratulations what a worthy winner.”

A second wrote: “Danny Jones solo album as soon as possible please. A voice like that and it was hidden in McFly’s music (which I still loved obviously). Insane.”

“Wow! Danny Jones! Didn’t realise how good he is,” said a third.

While a fourth commented: “Anyone that has seen Mcfly live was in no doubt the moment Piranha opened his mouth that it was Danny Jones.”

Who has left The Masked Singer 2025 so far?

Much to the delight of telly fans, The Masked Singer is back in 2025.

Twelve celebrities have been hidden behind intricate costumes, with their identities concealed.

Sadly, not all of this year’s whacky and wonderful characters can make it to the end of the show, as there can only be one winner.

Here’s who has been unmasked so far:

Teeth – this character baffled judges and viewers with their changing voice. They were finally unmasked as former Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc. None of the panel managed to guess it was her

Tattoo – despite Davina McCall saying “you sound the same” after this character was unmasked, none of the judges guessed it was 80s singer Carol Decker, whose hit China In Your Hand was a No1 hit for five weeks

Toad In The Hole – a massive diva strop saw the character storm off the stage after the judges voted them off. They later returned to be unmasked as singer Macy Gray

Pegasus – the mythical horse was revealed to be Prue Leith, with judge Jonathan Ross correctly guessing her identity

Spag Bol – this character was first to be unmasked and was none other than Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway.

Plus there was one extra unmasking this season, with Giant Joel – a caricature of host Joel Dommett – unveiled as double-double Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah.

ITV

ITV

RESIDENTS of a village which could be partially demolished to make way for a third runway at Heathrow Airport have backed the plans.

Hundreds of homes could be demolished in the west London villages of Harmondsworth and Longford if the expansion gets the green light.

PA

AFP

The airport wants to build a third runway to raise capacity and boost resilience.

In a speech on Wednesday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves highlighted the scheme among a throng of major projects she said the Government would support.

Ms Reeves later said she wanted to see the expansion completed by 2035 and added the whole Cabinet is “united” behind the plan.

Ashley Price owns and plumbing business and is from generations of Harmondsworth villagers.

He and his parents “welcomed the news” of their home being demolished.

He told The Times: “I feel good. Knock it down. My parents are retired and this has been in the works for two decades of my life.

“Just get it done.”

But campaigners said the expansion could “smash our community”.

Richard Young is the vicar at the St Mary the Virgin church in Harmondsworth.

He said the plans “cut very deeply” for residents living in what he described as a “tight-knit community”.

He added: “If it went ahead, it would have a devastating effect on the place. The vast majority of it would disappear.

“The church would stay but the community around it would go.

“(The plans) have been talked about for decades and has been a blight hanging over everyone’s heads.

“People can’t move because no one wants to buy their homes. People love living here. It’s their home.

OPINION: Sir Keir Starmer is driving brickies to breaking point

By RICHARD TICE, Reform MP and LEE ANDERSON, Reform MP

For all his talk about being the son of a toolmaker, Sir Keir Starmer couldn’t tell a screwdriver from a spanner. The bloke hasn’t got a clue how the construction industry works.

This week, you heard the government’s big plan—1.5 million homes and even a third runway at Heathrow. It might sound great, but Labour’s policies are driving the very workers we need into the ground.

Britain urgently needs more homes, hospitals, schools, and roads. Yet instead of equipping workers with shovels and tools, the PM has handed them pencils and clipboards.

In Sir Keir’s reckless race to climate targets, the construction industry is drowning in skyrocketing costs and endless red tape. The result? Job losses, delayed projects, and a construction industry crumbling under the weight of its own regulations.

Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves – Labour’s resident maths wizard – thinks hiking employer National Insurance is a great idea. Because nothing screams “economic growth” like strangling family-run businesses. These firms, the backbone of Britain’s construction industry, are being crushed under Labour’s anti-growth agenda.

And the workforce? It’s vanishing faster than new houses are appearing. Over the past five years, UK construction has lost 70,000 workers annually, with the average age of those remaining now over 50. Apprenticeship starts have averaged just 31,000 per year, with nearly half dropping out.

If ‘Rachel from Accounts’ did the maths, she’d see this adds up to a net loss of 50,000 people leaving the jobs market every year. Yet Sir Keir expects these dwindling ranks to deliver his Soviet-style building targets. It’s laughable.

Industry leaders like Steve Mulholland of the Construction Plant-hire Association have warned the PM his policies are hammering the sector. But Sir Keir thinks he knows best.

His forensic expertise has already left pensioners freezing at Christmas and farmers blockading his front door. Now, Britain’s builders are next in line for his dose of wisdom.

Labour’s solution? Import more workers. Why bother training Brits when you can call for a quick fix from overseas? At this rate, we’ll have more brickies arriving at Heathrow than passengers on Starmer’s third runway.

As the benefits bill balloons and borrowing hits record levels, Labour continues to prioritise the workshy over the hardworking like they always have done. This madness has to stop.

At Reform UK, we believe blue-collar workers are the backbone of this country. They should be cherished, not punished. And for too long, our education system has funnelled teenagers into pointless degrees that saddle them with lifelong debts and no real job prospects.

Keir Starmer’s promises might look good on paper, but they’re as flimsy as the clipboard he’s handed Britain’s builders.

If this government is serious about growth, it needs to trade soundbites for real blueprints and start listening to those who actually know which end of a hammer to hold.

If not, Britain’s building dream will collapse faster than Jeremy Corbyn’s allotment shed in a storm.

“There’s anxiety, fear and anger. But there’s also tension because some people hold different views.”

Justine Bayley, who lives in Harmondsworth and is chairwoman of the Stop Heathrow Expansion group, said the scheme risked wiping most of the village.

She said: “It’s inevitable that demolishing hundreds of homes will smash up a community.

“We have two pubs and two shops that would become unviable because of a lack of customers.

“There’s a bus route that would have to disappear because there’s a runway in the way.

“You’d end up with people being left behind … (but) the community would be gone.”

Ms Bayley, who has lived in the village for 30 years, said her home would not be demolished but would be roughly “50 paces” from the boundary of the new runway.

She added: “There is some disbelief that it will actually go ahead.

“It’s not the first time we’ve been here and this is the last in a series of proposals.

“There are many different views in the village and some, particularly those who can’t sell their houses at the moment, are just wanting clarity.

“Some people think any decision is better than no decision.”

PA

Reuters

PA

PA:Press Association

The future of Big Lots remains uncertain for devoted employees and loyal customers of the discount retailer, once popular for selling furniture, home decor, mattresses, tech, and more at steep discounts.

After filing for bankruptcy in September 2024 then being dropped from a deal with Nexus Capital, Big Lots has been "saved" by liquidation firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, which has agreed to transfer the company's assets to Variety Wholesalers, Inc. and acquire between 200 to 400 of Big Lots' 870 remaining locations.

Since the deal, the question has been: Which Big Lots locations will remain open, and which will close?

Big Lots asked in its bankruptcy filing to have until April 7 to choose which stores will carry on. However, Gordon Brothers recently put a slew of locations up for sale, suggesting they were on the fast track to closing. And now, that list just got longer.

RELATED: 11 Secrets Big Lots Doesn't Want You to Know

More Big Lots Stores Added to Lease Sale List

• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• West Virginia

What's Next for Big Lots?

Obviously, Gordon Brothers' "Phase 1" and "2" plans suggest that, while some Big Lots stores may be saved, the retailer is heading into a significant downsizing period by closing over 500 stores across the U.S. (We counted 544 total locations in the "Phase 2" version, though other reports vary.)

What's left will be operated by Variety Wholesalers, Inc., which will include two distribution centers.

RELATED: 7 Best Things to Buy at Big Lots, Experts Say

Big Lots' corporate website states, "Variety Wholesalers is working to finalize and implement transition plans, including as they relate to the Company’s vendor relationships. In the meantime, the Company is continuing to conduct going out of business sales and is no longer purchasing goods, except for those deemed essential to support the wind down of the business."

On Big Lots' retail site, a large banner still reads: "All stores closing: Now save up to 40% off entire store." The product listings are still live but have been set to in-store only.

Those interested in leasing a Big Lots location from the updated list have until February 10, 2025 to submit an offer—an extension from the previously announced deadline of January 24.

Big Lots is among many other nationwide retailers reducing their U.S. footprint this year, including Kohl's, Macy's, and JOANN.

THE Apprentice viewers have ‘worked out’ the real reason that Lord Alan Sugar opted to keep controversial candidate Carlo in the show despite him making a major error.

The BBC show kicked off its brand new series last night with 18 contestants all vowing to win the £250,000 investment from the business titan.

BBC/Naked/Ray Burmiston

BBC

But it quite quickly became clear that one candidate was standing out amongst the rest – and not necessarily for the right reasons.

Carlo, a hair transplant consultant, made sure his voice was heard as soon as he entered the boardroom and instantly began his pitch within seconds of meeting him.

However, it seemed that he got his words in a muddle from the off as he spoke about wanting to secure “0.0% of the market” in a glaring blunder.

Introducing himself on the show, Carlo said: “So, at the moment, I’m a hair transplant consultant, so essentially, I connect patients to reputable clinics around the world.”

Without taking a breath, he then continued: “The industry is currently 5 billion and is expected to go to 46 billion by the end of 2026 and Lord Sugar, if we capture a mere 0.0%, we’ll hit some very impressive numbers.”

As the other candidates took a glance at each other, Karren swiped in to cheekily quip: “He’s already doing his pitch!”

The girls then enjoyed a giggle at Carlo’s expense as he looked on solemn.

Later, as the gang headed to Austria for the first task of the series, Carlo continued to rub his fellow contestants up the wrong way.

As they tried to advertise a €200 bike tour in Austria, Carlo repeatedly targeted the wrong customers going against the advice of his team.

At one point, he even tried to sell the extraordinarily priced tours to a 98-year-old man despite the fact he would have great difficulty in getting on the bike.

But fans now think that Lord Sugar opted not to eliminate Carlo despite his controversial participation as a result of making good TV.

One fan suggested online: “The only reason Carlo is left in is because Sugar knows he’s so unlikeable he’s good TV.”

His targeting of elderly people continued to rile up his co-stars and fans of the show even had something to say, especially when he shut down any help or advice from his team members.

One fan said: “Carlo is coming across as very patronising.”

Another added: “We are going to have to cope with Carlo for 11 more weeks…”

A third went on to say: “Carlo is annoying already.”

Before a fourth penned: “Carlo is a champions league yapper.”

Carlo remained in the contest whilst Emma Rothwell was given the boot and became the first contestant to be axed.

Speaking to The Sun after her elimination, she admitted she “messed up” after cracking under the boardroom pressure.

The Apprentice biggest moments

THE Apprentice has been a fan favourite ever since it burst onto the box in 2005.

Here we take a look at five of the biggest moments over the years on the hit BBC One show.

Tim Campbell – Former London Underground transport manager Tim Campbell won the first series of the reality show in 2005. He is now one of Lord Sugar’s aides on the show.

 Sarah Lynn and James White – For the first and only time in the show’s history, both finalists were crowned winners in 2017.

Amy Anzel – Season 16’s fired candidate Amy Anzel was BANNED from the final celebration show, after a tit-for-tat exchange over Lord Sugar’s mocking tweets.

Michelle Dewberry – Telecoms consultant Michelle Dewberry won the second series of the show in 2006. However, after winning a six-figure job with Lord Sugar she lasted just four months before she sensationally quit.

Selena Waterman-Smith – We’re used to tensions running high in the boardroom, but in 2015 a disagreement between two candidates spilled over – for the first time – into a physical bust-up. Events manager Selina Waterman-Smith was given a verbal warning by show bosses for her role in an off-camera scrap with Charleine Wain.

BBC

PA

A FREEVIEW channel is set to receive a major boost in February as part of a major shake-up in UK sports broadcasting.

The overhaul has come about after the closure of two beloved channels.

Jamie Harris / The Sun

Getty

Eurosport is leaving the UK after 35 years on-air, in a sad loss for Sky and Virgin Media customers – but it stands to benefit those with Freeview.

While much of Eurosport’s programming will move to the paid TNT Sports channels, some will go to the free-to-air Quest channel.

The brands are all owned by Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) which announced the closure of Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 earlier this week.

As part of the move, Quest will air every MotoGP Sprint race.

The channel will also host a new weekly cycling show, as well as highlights of the Giro d’Italia and La Vuelta a España.

Meanwhile, WBD Sports Europe chief Scott Young has said “parts” of the Tour de France will be shown on Quest too.

The changes are set to come into effect on February 28, when Eurosport will close down.

While the long-running brand will disappear from screens in the UK, it will continue to exist in other European markets.

It’s not been confirmed exactly which sports will move to TNT but it’s believed favourites like tennis will shift.

To access TNT Sports channels you’ll either need to pay £30 extra on top of a Sky or Virgin subscription, or subscribe to Discovery+ Premium which costs £31.

Elsewhere, reports suggest TNT may acquire the rights to the Six Nations from the BBC.

Highlight packages would remain on terrestrial TV as the competition is classed as a listed event.

WBD Sports Europe chief Scott Young confirmed they are “looking” at Six Nations but said a deal will prove “very challenging”.

Quest can be found on Freeview channel 12, Sky channel 144 and Virgin channel 169.

You can also sign up for a free version of Discovery+ which allows you to stream Quest live.

Even more changes expected soon

Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun

Broadcasting is going through an almighty shift at the moment with the push toward streaming at a key point.

Despite this latest move, Discovery+’s days are likely numbered.

The streaming service has closed in several countries already to make way for a replacement, Max, bringing HBO and Discovery content under one roof.

The UK is one of the few big markets where Max hasn’t launched yet because of existing agreements with Sky, allowing Sky Atlantic to air big HBO-made hits like Game of Thrones and The White Lotus.

But the pair recently announced a new deal that will pave the way for Max’s launch in the UK early 2026 as a standalone app, while Sky customers will get access at no extra cost.

So expect even bigger changes in the TV and streaming world next year.