world News

THE number of cases of a contagious virus is on the rise – and hospital bosses are urging the public to limit visits.

Norovirus, known as the winter vomiting bug, causes a sudden onset of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Getty Images - Getty

In the first five weeks of 2025, there were 261 cases of Norovirus reported.

The HSE has warned that this figure is rising as the emerging norovirus variant GII.17 spreads.

A parallel increase has also been reported in the UK and the US.

The HSE said heightened activity in health care settings is placing additional winter stress on an already burdened system.

A HSE spokesperson said: “During winter 2024-2025, there has been an increased level of norovirus activity across the northern hemisphere.

“This increase has been due in part to an emerging norovirus variant – GII.17.

“Because this is a new variant of norovirus, people will have only partial immunity to it, which will increase the likelihood of illness.

“At the beginning of December 2024, an increase in norovirus cases and outbreaks was seen in Ireland. The UK, other countries in Europe and US have also seen similar rises.

“Members of the public are also advised to avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes if unwell with vomiting and diarrhoea, to reduce the risk of spreading norovirus into healthcare settings.”

Although dubbed the winter vomiting bug, the infection can be caught at any time of the year.

It’s extremely contagious with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and feeling unwell.

Some people may have a slight fever, headache, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.

These symptoms can start one to two days after infection and last for two or three days.

The virus is spread if small particles of vomit or faeces from an infected person get into another person’s mouth, according to the HSE.

The Mater Hospital in Dublin has been urging the public to avoid its emergency department since January 30.

In a statement, they said: “Patients who are presenting at our ED with non-urgent conditions are unfortunately experiencing lengthy waiting times to be seen.

“Where possible, the Mater advises patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service such as minor injury units or their GP.

“However, any patient who is in need of emergency hospital care will of course be seen and the Mater would urge such patients not to delay and to seek such care.

“Due to the high number of viral illnesses present in the hospital, we will be strictly enforcing visiting times and volumes.”

Getty Images - Getty

Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

THE ‘world’s hottest farmer’ has invited Jeremy Clarkson to visit her land in Florida to exchange farming tips.

The OnlyFans model Rachel Cook, reached out to Clarkson on social media, asking him to make the 4,000 mile journey to see her.

Rachel is a big fan of the former Top Gear presenter and said she loves watching Clarkson’s farm.

Rachel said: “Jeremy is a sexy genius.

“With him being the UK’s sexiest farmer and me being the world’s hottest farmer, we already have two things in common.

She added: “I’m sure I could teach him a thing or two about farming as well.

“So Jeremy, what are you waiting for?”

Clarkson, 64, bought his farm in 2008 and began farming it in 2019 after the local contractor who had been farming the land retired.

He showed the highs and lows of his farming adventure on his Prime Video show, Clarkson’s Farm, which proved a huge hit.

Unlike Clarkson who made his money working in TV, Rachel made her millions from her good looks online.

Rachel used her first million she earned from OnlyFans to purchase a 40-acre plot of land, build a barn and get a tractor and other necessary equipment to work the land.

The model decided to get into farming after watching a documentary about how regenerating the soil can stabilise the climate.

Rachel said: “Having grown up in Washington state, which is filled with beautiful mountains and trees, I’ve always loved nature.

“I had always thought about buying my own land but after I watched a documentary and realised how awful the way we farm can be, I knew I wanted to get involved.

Rachel focuses on regenerative farming, and does not use pesticides or chemicals on her land.

She said having cows graze on her land would help improve the soil and was hoping that Clarkson could give her some tips on looking after them.

Rachel used to live in Los Angeles, and had hopes of making it big in Hollywood but traded city life for nature after growing sick of the constant “hustling”.

She hopes that more young people will follow her path and get their hands dirty and grow their own crops.

Rachel said: “I’m extremely thankful and sometimes I can’t believe this is what I get to do.

“Farming isn’t just fulfilling and fun – it’s sexy too!”

BRITAIN’S Got Talent is back Saturday, February 22, 2025 launching a four-month showdown to find the next big star – and hand them a life-changing cash prize.

But what exactly does the winner take home? From a hefty cash prize to the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform at the Royal Variety Show, here’s everything you need to know about what’s at stake in this year’s competition.

Rex

Sydnie Christmas is the reigning BGT champ[/caption]

What prize does the winner of Britain’s Got Talent get?

Over the years Britain’s Got Talent has crowned 17 winners.

This year, the BGT champ gets to take home a whopping cash prize of £250,000.

The winner is also offered the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.

Prior to these generous prizes, the first five winners of Britain’s Got Talent were given £100k, but Ashleigh Butler and Pudsey the dog benefitted from the most generous year scooping £500,000 in 2012.

What’s new for BGT in 2025?

For the first time ever, the 2025 series will launch in February instead of April, with weekly episodes airing across four months. 

This will make it the longest-running season in the show’s history. 

Fans can expect to see all their favourite judges return to the panel, including Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli. 

However, The Sun revealed last year that singer and media sensation KSI will be stepping in as a guest judge during the first round of auditions.

The social media star will step in for Bruno for three days while he jets off to the USA to film Dancing With The Stars.

A TV insider said that ITV hopes his “colossal fan base” will draw a younger audience.

Speaking about his new role, KSI said “I’m buzzing to see all the fresh new talent, and I’ll be sure to leave a mark.”

Who are the past BGT winners?

Paul Potts – 2007

Doug Seeburg - The Sun

Paul Potts won the first series of BGT[/caption]

Phone salesman-turned-singer Paul Potts won the first series of Britain’s Got Talent.

After releasing several albums, he was then the subject of a biopic called One Chance starring James Corden as Paul.

BGT is not about talent that hasn’t been seen elsewhere – it’s simply about talent.

Paul Potts

Paul has gone on to release six studio albums and is constantly touring.

Speaking about BGT, Paul told The Sun in June 2024: “Britain’s Got Talent is not about untrained or amateur talent.

“It’s not about talent that hasn’t been seen elsewhere – it’s simply about talent.”

George Sampson – 2008

ITV

The dancer went on to find success as an actor[/caption]

George Sampson won the hearts of the nation as a street dancer.

After winning BGT he turned to acting and has appeared in Waterloo Road and Emmerdale.

George has also starred in shows in the West End, including the smash hit production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

The dancer previously revealed how he’d had a £9,000 hair transplant procedure to get rid of a bald patch on his head.

The patch was caused by all the spinning he does on his head during break-dancing routines.

Diversity – 2009

DYMOND/ITV

Diversity beat Susan Boyle[/caption]

Dance group Diversity won the third series of the show, beating singer Susan Boyle.

They’re arguably one of the most remembered and successful of past BGT winners.

They have continued to perform and have spin-off careers in reality and competition shows.

Ashley Banjo has remained in the spotlight, becoming a judge on Dancing On Ice.

Ashley’s younger brother Jordan Banjo, has also made a name for himself on TV – he’s now a regular on the Loose Men panel, and even had a stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle.

Meanwhile, Perri Kiely has appeared on multiple TV shows such as Celebs Go Dating, Dancing On Ice, and Splash! 

Perri and Jordan currently host the Kiss Breakfast radioshow.

Spelbound – 2010

PA:Press Association

Spelbound performed at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony[/caption]

The gymnastics troupe wowed Simon Cowell and the nation, beating Twist and Pulse to the title.

Their unbelievable final acrobatic performance secured them a slot at the 2010 Royal Variety Performance.

Spelbound went on to perform at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony.

Since then, the troupe has disbanded.

Jai McDowell – 2011

Rex

Singer Jai McDowell was the winner of the 2011 series.

Despite being signed to Simon Cowell‘s record label, his success didn’t last long after his debut album didn’t perform well.

He was dropped, so he went on to support other artists on tour including Gareth Gates.

Ashleigh and Pudsey – 2012

Handout

Ashleigh and Pudsey brought a feel-good factor to the talent show[/caption]

In 2012 , Ashleigh won the hearts of the nation with her dog Pudsey.

After their big win the pair enjoyed a glittering showbiz career together both on the screen and on stage.

They even starred in their own film called Pudsey The Dog: The Movie.

Sadly, the adorable pooch passed away in 2017 after battling “acute leukemia”.

We are absolutely devastated and in shock with how quick this has all happened, and our hearts are broken.

Ashley on Pudsey passing

Revealing the devastating news at the time, Ashleigh posted: “We, as a family, had to make the hardest decision yesterday to let Pudsey go to sleep.

“We are absolutely devastated and in shock with how quick this has all happened, and our hearts are broken.

“We would have done anything to keep him with us, even for a little longer, but he didn’t have any more time as acute leukemia made us take the heart breaking decision to end his pain.”

Ashleigh now performs with her new dog, Sully.

Attraction – 2013

PA:Press Association

The Hungarian shadow theatre group wowed the audience[/caption]

Another memorable winner was Attraction.

The Hungarian shadow theatre group put on emotive performances throughout their time on BGT.

However, there was some controversy over a foreign act winning the show.

Afterwards they performed in Las Vegas and were used in adverts.

Collabro – 2014

Rex Features

Collabro have had huge succes since winning BGT[/caption]

Collabro are a classical music group, who now have three studio albums.

However, Richard Hadfield decided to quit in 2016, sparking claims of a feud.

Richard confirmed these rumours and said “I wish them the best. It’s a shame it had to end this way but life’s got a funny way of pointing you in the right direction.”

Collabro continued without Richard, and went on to support Cliff Richard on his Just Fabulous Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour of the UK in 2017.

The boys returned to our screens in 2019 for Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions, where they reached the semi-final.

Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse – 2015

PA:Press Association

Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse faced controversy[/caption]

Another winning dog act was Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse.

However, the act hit controversy after their big win.

This was because a second dog was actually involved in the act as Matisse couldn’t do the heights required for their winning performance.

Ofcom went on rule that this “mislead the audience”.

Richard Jones – 2016

PA:Press Association

Richard Jones was the first magician to win BGT[/caption]

A magician finally won the show in 2016 after many came close in previous years.

Former army officer Richard Jones scooped the crown, after swapping being in the service to pursuing his love of magic.

His career change paid off as he was able to go on tour after BGT.

Richard even had a one-off TV show called Operation Magic.

Speaking to The Sun about how his life has changed after winning BGT, he said: “I’m a lot more confident. 

“Being in the Royal Variety Performance in front of Charles and Camilla was really scary, but it made me trust in my abilities more. 

“I also get to travel a lot, which is incredible.”

Tokio Myers – 2017

Syco/Thames/Dymond

Tokio Myers wowed on the piano[/caption]

Tokio Myers wowed the audience and the judges with his incredible piano skills.

Since winning BGT he has worked on his own album plus performed on a charity record in aid of Grenfell Tower survivors.

Tokio has also been very honest about his traumatic past.

He revealed that he saw his headteacher get stabbed which made him want to focus solely on building a career in music.

Lost Voice Guy – 2018

Rex Features

Lost Voice Guy was a smash hit on BGT[/caption]

Lost Voice Guy was the first comedic act to win the show and went on to gain an army of fans around the world.

The star lost his voice in childhood due to cerebral palsy.

However, this hasn’t stopped him and after winning BGT he also performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and released his own book.

Colin Thackery – 2019

Rex Features

Colin Thackery won BGT 2019[/caption]

Another person who won over the hearts the nation was Colin Thackery.

The pensioner and war hero was crowned BGT’s 2019 champ when he sang the wartime classic We’ll Meet Again.

He went on to give his prize money away to the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, which is where his family lives.

On winning BGT Colin said: “I’m absolutely astonished. The backing I’ve had has been fantastic.”On performing for the late Queen, he added: “That’s the job. That’s what I wanted.”

Jon Courtenay – 2020

ITV

Jon Courtenay won Britain’s got Talent 2020[/caption]

Despite multiple interruptions from the pandemic, the 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent went on—and comedic pianist Jon Courtenay took the crown.

He received the Golden Buzzer from hosts Ant and Dec in his first audition.

Jon‘s final performance moved the judges to tears with a tribute to his late father, and he won the nation’s heart with his comical song about 2020.

Axel Blake – 2022

ITV

Comedian Axel Blake had the audience in stitches[/caption]

Comedian Axel Blake beat singer Tom Ball and ventriloquist Jamie Leto to be crowned winner.

Axel, who was also Simon’s Golden Buzzer choice, couldn’t believe he’d scooped the £250K prize.

He won the show after delivering a stream of jokes during his incredible final performance which left the judges and the audience at home in tears of laughter

Viggo Venn – 2023

Rex

In 2023, it was comedian Viggo Venn who scooped the BGT crown.

The eccentric Norwegian became a judge favourite from the start thanks in part to his high-energy act and high-vis yellow jackets. 

He was crowned Britain’s Got Talent 2023 winner ahead of Lilliana Clifton who came in second place, and Cillian O’ Connor placing third. 

Viggo’s final performance saw him get judge Simon to wear a hi-vis jacket and he declared he had won over the head judge’s heart.

Sydnie Christmas – 2024

Last year, Sydnie Christmas wowed the audience with her voice, prompting Amanda Holden to hit the Golden Buzzer. 

The then-28-year-old sailed through to the semi-finals and won the viewers’ vote.

She triumphed over Cumbrian magician, Jack Rhodes, who Simon described as “the favourite to win the entire competition” earlier in the series. 

However, the outcome resulted in fix claims from furious viewers when Ant and Dec revealed she won with only 27% of the vote.

Following the final, Sydnie returned to her normal job at a gym for three months, before being officially fired from her job.

She has since performed at the Hollywood Bowl for music legend David Foster’s 75th birthday bash and released her debut album My Way in October 2024.

Sydnie is now touring across the UK.

APPLE has revealed a brand new handset that costs hundreds less than last year’s iPhone 16.

The new iPhone 16e is brimming with AI tricks – but it also marks the death of two iconic Apple features.

Apple

Apple’s iPhone 16e is a brand new entry to the tech giant’s phone line-up[/caption]

Apple’s iPhone 16e seems to be a rebranding of the iPhone SE series, a line of cheaper smartphones that launched back in 2016.

This new model starts at £599 / $599, and is the first “budget” iPhone to support the new Apple Intelligence AI features.

These AI tricks let you create your own emoji, edit people out of selfies, and get your notifications summarised to save you time.

That’s far cheaper than the iPhone 16 (£699/$699), and hundreds less than the top-end iPhone 16 Pro Max.

HOME, AND AWAY?

But the iPhone 16e is also the first model in Apple’s “cheaper” iPhone range to finally ditch the Home button.

Apple abandoned the Home button on its main line-up of smartphones back with 2017’s iPhone X.

It was ditched to let the iPhone have an all-display design, swapping out the Touch ID fingerprint sensor with a head-scanning Face ID feature instead.

But the Home button was kept on with Apple’s cheaper iPhone SE range – until now.

It means that 2022’s iPhone SE 3 will probably be the last-ever iPhone to feature a Home button.

LIKE LIGHTNING

That’s not the only feature vanishing from the iPhone either.

The new iPhone 16e comes equipped with a USB-C charging port, just like the iPhone 16.

Gadget fans will know that USB-C is all the rage, appearing on laptops and Android phones, in cars and hotel rooms, and just about everywhere else.

Apple switched away from its own Lightning cable for the more universal USB-C with 2023’s iPhone 15.

And now the iPhone 16e has abandoned Lightning for USB-C too.

The good news is that it means the same cable will work for more of your devices – not just your iPhone.

Apple

The new iPhone 16e ditches the Home button and Lightning port[/caption]

But it’s also a big sign that Apple is finally leaving Lightning behind. The iPhone 14 from 2022 is now likely the final Apple smartphone with a Lightning port.

Apple’s iPhone SE line-up first launched in 2016, and was followed up with an iPhone SE 2 model in 2020.

It was then replaced again in March 2022 with a third-gen iPhone SE.

Now nearly three years on, the iPhone 16e is due to release on Friday, February 28.

Apple

This 2022 version of the iPhone SE has now been replaced[/caption]

A PHENOMENAL home has hit the Irish market for €2.5million – and it comes with huge perks.

The mansion is located on Torry Brighton Road, Foxrock in Dublin 18.

Daft.ie

Daft.ie

Daft.ie

With four bedrooms and five bathrooms, it is perfect for a family.

It measures 473 square metres and has loads to offer.

Upon entering the home, guests are greeted with a bright and spacious entrance hall.

Measuring 7.40m x 4.40m, the reception hall has magnificent marble flooring, timber paneling and ceiling coving.

A feature wrought iron staircase by Bushy Park ironworks leads to the next floor.

The drawing room measures 9.80m x 8.63m, and is the perfect place to entertain guests.

It has a feature Adam style fireplace with a reeded brass inset and gas coal effect fire.

It also has a slate surround and hearth.

The room is complete with wide plank limed oak timber flooring, ceiling coving and recessed lighting.

There are two Hamptons conservatories – the first has stunning picture windows to let in plenty of sunlight, with double doors leading to the grounds.

There is another room, measuring 5.00m x 3.85m, which could be used as a study or another bedroom.

It is complete with a feature bay window that overlooks the magnificent grounds, with ceiling coving, solid cherry timber flooring and built in marble shelving.

There is a guest wc on the ground floor, with a pedestal whb, wc, a marble tiled floor and timber paneled walls.

The first bedroom measures 5.50m x 5.00m, and also has double doors leading to the garden, and a large dressing room leading to an ensuite.

The studio/family room measures 6.33m x 4m, and is currently being used as a gym – but could be transformed into whatever the new owners desire.

It has a stone fireplace with a gas fired inset, a slate hearth, ceiling coving and recessed down lighting.

Two double doors lead to the impressive gardens.

The living room measures 7m x 4m, and has a large window to allow natural light in which overlooks the grounds.

Fab fireplace

It is complete with a magnificent fireplace with a brass inset, gas coal effect fire, a slate hearth, ceiling coving and wide plank timber flooring.

The kitchen and dining room measure 9.40m x 5.70m, and is a breathtaking bespoke, hand-built Christoff kitchen.

It features a large centre island, an American style Sub Zero fridge, two wine fridges, a Miele integrated microwave, a gas fired AGA with electric module to the side, an undercounter sink unit, a dishwasher, undercounter stainless steel Sub Zero drawer fridges, and a warming drawer.

A door leads through to the pantry, which has built-in shelving, a sink unit, granite worktops, and a door leading to the utility room.

The utility room is plumbed for a washing machine and dryer and has an undercounter Belfast sink unit, excellent storage and a tiled floor.

The second Hamptons conservatory measures 7.90m x 4.50m, and has a stone fireplace with a reeded brass inset, a gas coal-effect fire, a slate hearth, slate surround, and a crema marfil tiled floor.

Double doors lead to both sides of the garden, making it the perfect room to entertain guests.

On the first floor, the principal suite measures 9.60m x 4.20m and has recessed lighting, ceiling coving and a stunning bay window overlooking the grounds.

Dressing room

It has a dressing room with built in shelving and a window to the side.

The ensuite bathroom has dual sink basins, a magnificent bath, a w.c, part tiled floors, part timber panel walls and a large double shower.

Bedroom 3 measures 5.17m x 5.00m, and has a picture window overlooking the side and rear garden with ceiling coving, centre rose and recessed lighting.

It also has an ensuite bathroom with a pedestal whb, w.c, shower units, tiled floor and part tiled walls.

Bedroom 4 spans 4.90m x 4.26m and is a dual-aspect room with windows overlooking the front and side, timber flooring, and ceiling coving.

It has an ensuite bathroom with a bath, w.c, pedestal whb, large shower, tiled floor, part tiled walls and Velux roof light.

The first floor landing has recessed lighting, a walk in hot press and built in shelving.

The spectacular family home sits on magnificent gardens spanning 2 acres.

Tucked away on Brighton Road at the end of a tree-lined driveway is the breathtaking property.

According to the listing: “This outstanding home stands as a testament to luxurious living and meticulous design, the like of which rarely graces the market.

“Torry is a masterpiece of modern design that harmoniously blends comfort and elegance.”

The property is in a prime location, just 14km from St Stephen’s Green and a short stroll to Foxrock Village.

The neighbourhood boasts a wide range of impressive properties from elegant period homes to modern state of the art residences.

It is close to Carrickmines and Foxrock Golf Club, Carrickmines Lawn Tennis Club, Leopardstown Racecourse, and the Westwood health and fitness centre.

It is perfect for commuting, with access to the QBC and the M50 and the nearby Luas at Carrickmines.

Daft.ie

Daft.ie

Daft.ie

A CLASSIC detective drama series is set to be given a modern reboot, with an updated retelling.

French detective series Maigret is being brought to life with a 21st century update, 65 years after it first aired.

stephanie branchu

Benjamin Wainwright will star as the new Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, in the new retelling of the french detective drama[/caption]

ITV/Ealing Studios and Maigret Productions Ltd

Previous adaptations have included a two series run for ITV starring Rowan Atkinson in 2016[/caption]

The series is based on the books by Georges Simenon, and features Parisian Chief Inspector Jules Maigret as he solves crime in the French capital.

The new series sees actor Benjamin Wainwright take on the role, and viewers may recognise him from previous roles in BBC’s The Split and ITV’s Belgravia.

The detective crime series has previously been adapted for the screen, with Mr Bean actor Rowan Atkinson starring for two season with ITV in 2016.

The detective drama was also brought to life in 1960 for a BBC TV series, with Rupert Davies taking on the lead role.

The classic story sees the french detective in a different era, complete with a trademark pipe and hat.

However the new series is much more modern, with first-look photos showing Wainwright wearing a shirt and coat with the Eiffel Tower in the background for the drama.

The new series will position Maigret as an “unconventional young detective with something to prove” as he emerges as “a rising star in the Police Judiciaire”.

Despite being a more modern version, the series is still expected to stay close to the original narrative and will feature “the glitzy upper-class world of luxury hotels and mansions to local bourgeois bistros and bars and the underground haunts of the professionally criminal”.

The synopsis adds: “Maigret strives above all to unravel our motivations.

“He is good at this not because he is a genius, or has special methods, but because he listens – he doesn’t solve crimes so much as he solves people.”

Also due to star in the new series are various stars from across BBC, Channel 4 and Netflix dramas.

The new series will feature The Gold‘s Stefanie Martini, Sex Education‘s Reda Elazouar, The Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison, The Responder‘s Kerrie Hayes, It’s a Sin‘s Shaniqua Okwok, Captain Marvel‘s Rob Kazinsky and Showtrial‘s Nathalie Armin.

The series has been created by Patrick Harbinson, and will air on PBS Masterpiece in the US.

A UK air date hasn’t yet been confirmed. so Brits will need to wait to get their hands on the latest series.

ITV

Rowan Atkinson’s retelling stuck close to the classic drama, including the detective’s trademark pipe and hat[/caption]

ITV

The series ran for two seasons on ITV but wasn’t renewed for a third[/caption]

BBC

The BBC also first adapted the novels to create an on-screen Maigret with actor Rupert Davies as the lead role.[/caption]

ONE of the UK’s biggest airports has revealed plans for a new high speed train station – that will make it quicker to get to from London than Heathrow Airport.

Birmingham Airport is making huge changes over the next few years, including opening a new train station that will connect its passengers onto the HS2 network.

HS2.org

Birmingham International Airport is set to get a new train station that will connect its passengers onto the HS2 network[/caption]

HS2.org

Journeys between Birmingham and London will take just 32 minutes, according to the airport’s boss, Nick Barton[/caption]

Once both the train station and HS2 line are complete, journeys between Birmingham International Airport and Old Oak Common in London could take as little as 32 minutes.

Journeys between Birmingham International Airport and London Euston currently take 70 minutes.

Not only will the new HS2 link see journeys between the two destinations slashed by more than a half, but it will also be quicker for passengers in London to get to Birmingham compared to Heathrow.

Tube journeys on the Piccadilly Line from London Heathrow to London King’s Cross take just over an hour.

While the HS2 link to Birmingham would be quicker than journeys on the tube to Heathrow, the Heathrow Express train ferries passengers between London Paddington and Heathrow in 15 minutes (although comes with a hefty price).

Plans to build the new station at Birmingham International Airport are well underway, with the project out to tender.

Nick Barton, who is the chief executive of Birmingham Airport, told the Express & Star: “The station box will be here, and that can put you into London with the right connecting time in under 40 minutes.

“The train time from the main interchange to Old Oak Common which is the main contact point, will be 32 minutes from us which is extraordinary.

“We think we’ll be in Zone 5 of the tube map – Heathrow is in Zone 6.”

While plans are well underway, it is not yet known when the new train station will open.

Earlier this year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, but Barton ruled out a second runway in Birmingham.

The Solihull-based airport extended its runway back in 2014, with Barton explaining that a second runway isn’t needed.

The new train station and its high-speed links to the English capital are just one part of the huge changes that are underway at Birmingham International Airport.

By 2033, the airport hopes to serve more than 18million passengers each year by launching a host of new routes.

Direct routes to long-haul destinations like New York, Toronto and Hong Kong could be on the cards.

Birmingham International Airport is undergoing a huge £300million renovation, with new security scanners being installed.

The new CT scanners eliminate the need to remove liquids or electronics from hand luggage – although passengers need to stick to 100ml liquid restrictions.

Later this year, two new security lanes will open at Birmingham International Airport.

The huge multi-million-pound renovation project is running parallel to Birmingham Airport’s goal to be a net zero carbon airport by 2033.

Nearly £10million has been pumped into an on-site solar farm, which will provide 20 per cent of the airport’s electrical power.

London Stansted Airport confirmed a £1.1billion renovation, with a £600million new terminal.

And Manchester Airport is currently undergoing a £1.3billion renovation.

HS2.org

It is not yet known when the new rail hub will open but plans are well underway[/caption]

Anthony Edwards has shown confidence throughout his young career, not backing down from anybody, even if it’s the former President of the United States. Netflix recently premiered the Court of Gold series, which showcases the basketball teams from the Paris Olympics last summer. In one of the segments, Barack Obama is seen talking to Edwards […]

The post Anthony Edwards’ Team USA moment with Barack Obama goes viral appeared first on ClutchPoints.

NHL icon and Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull passed away on January 30, 2023, and more than two years later, it’s been determined that he was dealing with CTE. The findings were revealed on Wednesday by the Concussion Legacy Foundation, per Daily Faceoff. “Seeing the pain and heartache suffered by his lifetime friend Stan Mikita’s […]

The post Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull diagnosed with CTE 2 years after death appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Two mid-table teams face off as Everton hosts Manchester United. It is time to continue our Premier League odds series with an Everton-Manchester United prediction and pick. Everton comes into the game at 7-9-9 in the year, placing them in 14th in the Premier League. They are 13 points clear of Ipswich and Leicester in […]

The post Everton vs. Manchester United prediction, odds, pick – 2/22/2025 appeared first on ClutchPoints.