Eamonn Holmes worries TV bosses as they ‘barely hear from him’ after stroke

Eamonn Holmes has been off-air since April (Picture: GB News)

Concerns are reportedly growing for Eamonn Holmes as he remains off-air following his health troubles.

The Northern Irish broadcaster, 66, was hospitalised in April after a stroke, with bosses at GB News wishing him well for his recovery and requesting privacy while he underwent treatment.

Understandably, Eamonn has been absent from his breakfast show for the past four months, a gig he took on in 2022, originally alongside Isabel Webster before co-host Ellie Costello took over.

He’s also been inactive on social media, his last post being a picture of his granddaughters shared shortly after his stroke, with Eamonn vowing to ‘get well soon’ in the caption.

Now, however, it’s claimed that Eamonn’s future at GB News is uncertain, as TV bosses ‘barely hear’ from him, and it looks unlikely he’ll return.

As reported by the Daily Mail, GB News big wigs have had ‘limited contact’ with Eamonn since he went off, with his eldest son, Declan, in charge of his affairs for the time being.

The broadcaster, 66, suffered a stroke and was hospitalised (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)

‘Everyone has started to accept Eamonn won’t be coming back to do the same job as he did before,’ an insider said.

‘They have barely heard from him in months, and he isn’t on social media anymore.

‘Declan has been really conscious not to cause his dad any more stress.’

The source added that, before Eamonn’s stroke, he was ‘going back and forth with lawyers’ over his £10million divorce from Ruth Langsford, from whom he split in May 2024 after 14 years of marriage.

‘Anything work-related has been going through Declan.’

Eamonn is reportedly on a £450,000 salary at GB News, making him one of its highest-paid stars.

Ellie Costello has been holding the fort at GB News (Picture: GB News)

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But while he’s gone, Ellie, 32, is taking the helm, alongside a variety of co-presenters.

The publication adds that she has been instructed to ‘keep the show on the road’, although many feel the channel is now ‘in limbo’ without Eamonn.

Ellie is reportedly finding the switch-ups ‘extremely stressful’, as she is ‘often left wondering who will be sitting beside her each morning’, despite being praised for her ‘incredible job’.

Prior to Eamonn’s set-back, there were already rumours that he could retire, with some staffers believing it was time for him to ‘bow out gracefully’ and return just for special broadcasts.

This followed a series of live TV mishaps, such as the time he fell off his chair and went clattering to the ground.

Ultimately, insiders believe the screen ‘legend’ should now be allowed to ‘enjoy his retirement’, saving him from publicly ‘declining’.

Eamonn had a ‘tough year’ last year, also due to health issues and his divorce from Ruth Langsford (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

‘Waking up in the early hours of the morning would take its toll on the healthiest of people,’ the source continued.

‘Eamonn admittedly loves it; he did the same thing at Sky News for years, but it has had an impact.’

They’ve claimed that the fast-paced environment ‘is not conducive to his health’, leaving other employees unhappy as higher-ups won’t ‘just admit he is not coming back’.

In the aftermath of Eamonn’s stroke, GB News issued a statement to update viewers.

‘Eamonn was taken ill last week, and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke,’ they shared four days later.

‘He is currently responding well to treatment.

Bosses don’t know whether he will be coming back to the breakfast show (Picture: Instagram/Ellie Costello)

‘Eamonn has asked for privacy as he focuses on getting better.’

Clearly optimistic about him returning, the message concluded: ‘His colleagues and everyone at GB News wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the People’s Channel when he is ready to return.’

The stroke was the latest in years’ worth of health woes for the ex-This Morning host, who has been open about his struggles since his chronic pain began five years ago.

He’s since undergone extensive physical therapy in a bid to regain independence but requires mobility aids to get around and has often been seen in a wheelchair when out with his girlfriend, Katie Alexander.

Eamonn also suffered a fall at home last May, and an ambulance had to be called.

Reflecting on his health shortly after, he admitted it had been a ‘tough year’ as he navigated life post-divorce.

‘I have been basically disabled for a year and a half or so, and I have to have a carer to do the smallest, simplest things, and it’s humiliating and humbling,’ he told The Sun.

‘But thank goodness that carers are available.’

Reps for Eamonn Holmes have been contacted for comment.

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Former champion leaves WWE after 7 years in a major ‘fumble’

Ilja Dragunov has ditched WWE after seven years (Picture: 2024 WWE)

WWE superstar Ilja Dragunov has left the company after seven years.

The so-called Mad Dragon, who was also known as Unbesiegbar and The Czar, was born in Russia and raised in Berlin, and made his name across the UK and Europe before signing with WWE in 2019.

On Thursday, he was suddenly moved to the alumni section of WWE.com along with other former members of the roster.

A report has since emerged from PWInsider confirming that the 32-year-old wrestler’s contract has expired, and he’s leaving the company.

During his time with WWE, Dragunov won the United States, NXT and United Kingdom Championships.

In 2023, he won Male Superstar of the Year in the official NXT Year-End Awards, while he and Carmelo Hayes won Match of the Year for their bout at NXT No Mercy.

He was considered one of the best wrestlers in the world (Picture: Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)

Despite capturing gold and delivering every time he was between the ropes, fans feel like WWE could have done more with Dragunov, who has been hailed by people as ‘genuinely one of the best wrestlers’ in the world.

‘Bro how did WWE fumble this badly. I have mad respect for Ilja, I hope he finds MAJOR success wherever he ends up. Sad that his talent was wasted,’ wrote BrBl112.

‘Imagine fumbling a talent like Ilja Dragunov,’ agreed X user @undeniableheel, while other fans said they were ‘speechless’ over his shock departure.

Others called out the fact that WWE never ran Ilja versus GUNTHER on the main roster, despite their epic battles across the independent scene and NXT UK.

@WrasslinDragons ranted: ‘It is an absolute, utter, unforgivable, inexcusable shame that we never got Gunther vs Ilja Dragunov on the main roster. What a fumble.’

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His final WWE match came as part of the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the eve of WrestleMania 42 in April.

Late last year, Ilja had an incredible run on SmackDown, beating Sami Zayn for the United States Title on October 17 in his first match back after over a year of action due to injury.

He went onto hold the gold until losing it to Carmelo Hayes on December 19, after eight successful title defences in a series of match of the year contenders.

Ilja had previously told Metro he feels a responsibility to maintain his signature brutal in ring style.

He said: ‘There’s a certain way to my persona to carry myself, and how I compete and how I fight and how I do the things that I do, and if I can’t do them that way anymore, where is the sense, right?

‘I don’t do that for just like, I don’t know, fame or being like a celebrity or whatever, I just do that because I can fully express myself in this business. That is my reason. Number one.’

Ilja Dragunov could have been legit main eventer in WWE

Metro’s WWE expert Alistair McGeorge breaks down Ilja’s exit.

News Ilja Dragunov has left WWE comes as a shock, but there’s a lot we still don’t know.

His contract reportedly expired, but it’s not clear whether that was a decision made by him or the company, which could change things.

I’ve seen Ilja wrestle live numerous times, from the Ritz in Manchester to Wembley Stadium, and had the pleasure of interviewing him a few times.

He had all the potential and talent to be a major player in the company, and his run as United States Champion was a highlight of SmackDown in 2025.

If WWE had pulled the trigger on a main roster feud with GUNTHER, they would have had a ready made headliner for any of the various European PLEs between two stars guaranteed to get people invested.

It remains to be seen where he’ll go from here, but if Tony Khan was smart, he’d already be trying to tempt him to AEW in time for All In London at Wembley Stadium on August 31.

Let’s wait and see.

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Sandra Bullock shares she grieved late partner for ‘four years’ before he died

Sandra Bullock has shared how ‘isolated’ she was during her partner’s illness (Picture: CBS/Getty)

Sandra Bullock has spoken about her late partner, Bryan Randall, for the first time, following his death at the age of 57 in August 2023.

The American actress, 62, confirmed the tragic news with ‘great sadness’ in a statement at the time but has not spoken publicly about the loss in depth.

Bryan died three years after being diagnosed with ALS, a motor neuron disease that causes increased paralysis.

The couple, who had been together for eight years, did not reveal his illness as she has now revealed he had asked her ‘not to share’.

‘I know why he asked me not to,’ she said on the Smartless podcast but admitted that had ‘isolated her in the process’.

Around half of ALS patients are given a three-year prognosis, although some live for far longer, but Sandra said she was ‘grieving Bryan four years before he passed.’ 

Bryan died from ALS after eight years together (Picture: Jackson Lee/GC Images)

‘There was something that had shifted’ she said. ‘My person left a lot earlier than the body left. I don’t think I ever dealt with that until after he passed, because you’re just on this treadmill.’

‘And plus the entire world was locked in with a pandemic. It was literally like the final diagnosis, even though he was ill for half of our relationship.’

She explained that the diagnosis came at almost the same time as ‘the cloak of the pandemic’, which saw everyone shut inside to prevent Covid’s spread.

‘I have a child with severe asthma, I was panicking,’ the Practical Magic star recalled. ‘I had two young kids, that were navigating it, especially a little girl who saw him as a father figure…

‘I wasn’t allowed to tell anybody. My sister was the only one who knew for a while. It’s a huge weight.’

Eventually she did tell her close friend Jennifer Aniston, as well as Smartless host Jason Bateman’s wife Amanda Anaka.

She eventually told friend Jennifer Aniston after keeping the diagnosis secret (Picture: INSTAGRAM/Jennifer Aniston)

In January 2024, Sandra was seen scattering his ashes in the Bahamas to mark his final resting spot.

An insider said at the time that, after the couple first met in 2015, they exchanged their informal ‘vows’ there in 2017 and frequently took family holidays there.

Her sister, Gesine Bullock-Prado had previously confirmed he was also scattered in Wyoming on the banks of Snake River, in a video on Instagram.

On the day that would have been his 58th birthday, she posted: ‘Happy birthday, Bry. Sandy brought you to the river, just as she promised.’

Sandra scattered Bryan’s ashes in the Bahamas (Picture: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)

Shortly after her partner’s death, Sandra was reported to be ‘grateful’ for the support she had received and felt ‘happy’ that people had chosen to donate to ALS charities.

An insider told People at the time: ‘It was very important to her that when she and his family made the initial statement of Bryan’s passing, those who were on this journey with her and Bryan, from the beginning, were recognised.’

The couple had met when Bryan, a photographer, oversaw a photoshoot for Sandra’s son Louis, who she adopted in 2010.

They also shared Sandra’s adopted daughter Laila, 12, and an adult daughter named Skylar from Bryan’s previous relationship.

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Rio Ferdinand makes Premier League title prediction after Arsenal agree £51m transfer

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand (Picture: Rio Ferdinand Presents)

Rio Ferdinand said the signing of Ezri Konsa only reinforces his belief that Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League again this season.

Mikel Arteta was desperate to add defensive reinforcements this summer, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both set to miss the start of the season through injury.

The Gunners identified Konsa as their number-one target and now appear to have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign the versatile defender for an initial fee of £51million.

Konsa will undergo his medical in the coming days and is Arsenal’s fourth new summer signing after Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes.

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Analysing Konsa’s move to the defending champions, Ferdinand told his YouTube channel: ‘I think this is a magnificent signing. A player in his prime who knows exactly who he is and what he is.

‘There’s no frills about him. He’s a solid, really, really, really good Premier League defender.

‘Arsenal are advancing in talks with Konsa from Aston Villa for 51million pounds plus add-ons. I think it’s an absolute steal in today’s market.

Arsenal have agreed a deal for Ezri Konsa (Picture: PA)

’28 years old, minimum four or five years of really, really solid, dependable service, and he provides vital cover in two areas: centre-half and right-back.

‘You’ve got Ben White, who seems fit now, but has had injuries in the right-back area. You’ve got Timber, who hasn’t been able to stay fit as well, and William Saliba’s injury concerns as well.

‘He’s going to be great cover. Someone who can come in there and just play straight away, no questions asked. And that versatility at the top level, the reliability as well, both right-back and centre-half, absolute steal.’

Mikel Arteta was keen to strengthen his side’s defence (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal will begin their title defence on Friday against newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates.

The Gunners have already laid down a marker with their comprehensive win over Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend.

And Ferdinand believes that the imminent arrival of Konsa only puts them in a stronger position to successfully defend their title this season.

‘If you go and get him, that just reinforces why I think Arsenal are going to go and win the league again, because it’s a sensible and very good signing,’ he added.

Rio Ferdinand praised Arsenal’s signing of Konsa (Picture: Getty)

Ferdinand’s former England teammate Michael Owen shares his sentiment and believes another Arsenal title win is virtually ‘set in stone’ this season.

‘Arsenal only have to stand still and they win the Premier League again,’ Owen said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

‘I can’t see anyone jumping out of the pack and getting 85 points whereas Arsenal are pretty much guaranteed to hit that number again.

‘They’re such a steady team with such a good goalkeeper and defence, I just can’t see the wheels falling off.

‘They’re just guaranteed to post a number, it won’t be a number that Man City or Liverpool hit in the past but I just can’t see anyone matching them.

‘There’s too many questions over the others teams, there’s questions everywhere this season with all the new managers bar Arsenal.

‘They will be steady and get mid to late 80s and I don’t think anyone can beat that.

‘I think there’s more question marks over this season than ever before, which is why I think Arsenal are just set in stone to win the Premier League.’

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Woman stabbed to death and another victim in hospital after knife attack in Shepherd’s Bush

A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and attempted murder (Picture: UKNIP)

A woman is dead and another is injured after a stabbing in Shepherd’s Bush.

Officers were called to Askew Road, Shepherd’s Bush this morning and found two women with stab wounds.

One of the victims, 52, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another woman, 32, was taken to hospital where her injuries are being assessed.

A man, 48, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

He was also taken to hospital as a precaution but discharged into police custody.

Neighbours reported a huge emergency response after 8.30am this morning, with Askew Road closed for hours.

Detective Inspector Richard MacKenzie, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our enquiries continue at pace as we work to establish the full circumstances of this deeply tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim and injured woman.

‘We believe this to be an isolated incident within a residential address, but we know it will cause concern locally. Our officers will remain in the area throughout today.

‘We will update the community when we can, and I encourage anyone with any information, CCTV or doorbell camera footage which could support the investigation to contact us.’

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Russia threatens UK with ‘consequences’ after British drones used by Ukraine

Ukrainian drone strikes into Russia has led to widespread fuel shortages (Picture: Contributor/Getty Images)

Russia has threatened to retaliate after British-made drones were used for the first time by Ukraine in strikes against Putin.

Moscow’s embassy in London warned the UK would pay a ‘higher price’ if it becomes more involved in the war in eastern Europe.

According to Russian state media, the embassy accused the UK of ‘deliberately betting on an escalation of the Ukraine crisis, while hypocritically claiming to be striving for peace’.

Repeating a common slur against Ukraine, the statement continued: ‘The United Kingdom is thus acting as an accomplice and accessory to the bloody crimes and terrorist attacks of Ukrainian neo-Nazis seeking to contain our country and to inflict maximum damage upon it using the hands of others.

The Nyon drone was reportedly used to hit oil refinieries (PIcture: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2026/Co)

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‘London’s actions will inevitably have consequences, for which it will have to answer.

‘The deeper its involvement in this conflict and the greater its support for the terrorist machine of Kyiv, the higher the price will be.’

The intervention comes after it was reported that drones made by two UK companies had been deployed by Ukraine to attack Russian oil refineries.

Zelensky’s campaign against the vital Russian resource has caused mroe than £35bn in economic damage, according to estimates, and has led to fuel shortages in the country.

The Sunday Times said the Nyan drone, made by Callen-Lenz, a subsidiary of defence giant BAE Systems was used by Ukraine.

Another drone was also said to have been used in long-range strikes, but was not named by the newspaper for security reasons.

The Nyon drone has a wingspan of 150 miles so can only strike parts of Russia close to Ukraine.

The flying weapons reportedly struck oil refineries in Volgograd and Yaroslavl, near Moscow.

The Russian Embassy’s ominous rhetoric about the use of British drones was escalated by a Kremlin TV propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, who issued a nuclear threat to the UK.

The Putin ally demanded British arms factories that deliver weapons to Ukraine be hit and sunk.

Andy Burnham has continued to maintain British support for Ukraine since entering office (Picture: Simon Jones / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

He said: ‘Hit them with Poseidon [underwater nuclear drone]. Give the British three days to learn to breathe underwater, then hit them with Poseidon.

Putin already threatened last week to seize British vessels after a Western crackdown on his shadow fleet tankers, which are trying to avoid sanctions on Russian oil.

US intelligence recently suggested the Russian president could sanction an attack against Nato territory within weeks to dampen the alliance’s support for Kyiv.

Ukraine has used other British-made weapons to hit Putin’s territory before.

Storm Shadow cruise missiles have previously been deployed by Ukraine’s air force to strike targets across the border.

The UK, US and France have occassionally given the green light for their weapons to be used to attack Russia, but approval has become less frequent amid dwindling stocks and fears from Donald Trump that it will spark an esclation.

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Martin Odegaard sends clear warning to Arsenal’s rivals after Community Shield victory

Arsenal are out to win everything this season, says club captain Martin Odegaard (Picture: Getty)

Martin Odegaard sent a stark warning to Arsenal’s rivals following the side’s statement Community Shield victory over Manchester City, claiming he ‘wants to win everything’ over the coming season.

Goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Odegaard ensured the English champions picked up the first piece of silverware up for grabs this term, with City offering very little by way of response at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

Summer signing Christos Tzolis shone in the Welsh capital, assisting Havertz and Odegaard either side of half-time after Calafiori had opened the scoring just 23 seconds into the contest.

Bruno Guimaraes was also handed his debut following a high-profile £75million summer move from Newcastle and looked comfortable in the middle of the park alongside the impressive Myles-Lewis Skelly.

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Mikel Arteta’s men will no doubt be looking to carry their barnstorming form into the opening match of their Premier League title defence when they play host to newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates on Friday.

Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, will be under pressure to oversee immediate improvements on the back of a lacklustre and disjointed performance from City, who kick off their top-flight campaign at home to Bournemouth in a week’s time.

‘We played some brilliant football, we showed our level,’ Arsenal captain Odegaard said shortly after the final whistle.

The Gunners breezed past City to get their hands on the Community Shield (Picture: Getty)

Odegaard put Arsenal out of sight just moments into the second half (Picture: Getty)

‘We showed we’re ready, serious and want to do it again.

‘We want to attack it. When you get a taste of how nice it is, you want to do it again.

‘We want to win everything.’

Arteta’s men start the new Premier League season against Coventry City on Friday (Picture: Getty)

On debutant Guimaraes, Odegaard went on: ‘I think he has been unbelievable since the first moment.

‘He has come in here and feels like such a natural part of the team although we had some big fights in the past.

‘He has been such a natural part of the team and you see his quality on the pitch, he is so good on the ball but he is also a fighter and he wins the ball.

‘Christos [Tzolis] as well on the left, he had two assists today and a strong performance. I think everyone was good today so it was good to see.’

City new boy Anderson struggled in the middle of the park (Picture: Matt Impey/Shutterstock)

Facing the media after the Gunners’ triumph, Arteta followed Odegaard in applauding new boy Tzolis, highlighting the winger’s ‘intelligence’ and ‘quality’ in the final third.

‘He’s come into the team and really organically he’s fitted in,’ the Arsenal head coach told reporters.

‘He’s a really intelligent boy, and he has a massive quality, which is that in the last 30 metres, he is so composed to pick people out in and around the box or to finish.

‘He has shown that two or three times, and he was decisive.’

Guimaraes made his Arsenal debut in Wales (Picture: Getty)

Asked if there was room for improvement in Tzolis’ game, the Spaniard added: ‘With more quality around him, the numbers will be higher. It is not a coincidence.

‘He is a really consistent player in everything he does and, yes, I’m really impressed with him.’

Arsenal have now lifted the Community Shield on 18 occasions in their history – just three short of Manchester United’s total, who hold the record with 21 victories.

Arteta has steered the north Londoners to three of these wins as a manager, lifting the prize in 2020 and 2023 prior to the team’s latest triumph.

He also won the Community Shield twice as a player, first in 2014 and then again 12 months later.

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Another major EastEnders exit as key star set to leave after four years

Ravi star Aaron Thiara is set to exit EastEnders (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders star Aaron Thiara is set to wave goodbye to Albert Square after four years.

The actor, 33, has played fan-favourite Ravi Gulati on the BBC One soap since 2022.

Ravi was first introduced to viewers as an inmate who Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) crossed paths with while in prison. It’s safe to say he made quite the impression on viewers and not long after he was made a regular on the show, arriving in Walford to start afresh after his release.

In the years since, Ravi has become a pivotal part of the Square and featured in numerous key storylines, from being revealed as the secret son of Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) to later killing both Nish and abusive adoptive father Ranveer.

The introduction of ex Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) and daughter Avani (Aaliyah James) provided for plenty of great material over the years, as did his romance with Denise Fox (Diane Parish).

Ravi’s romance with Priya proved popular with viewers (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

Earlier this year, Ravi was sectioned amid a struggle with his mental health, with star Aaron delivering a powerhouse performance throughout.

He has since returned to the Square, with Ravi making a bid to win back Priya, who he pops the question to next week

But it seems his time in Walford is set to come to an end. According to The Sun, star Aaron will be leaving at the end of the year.

‘Aaron has been at the centre of the some of the soaps biggest storylines since his arrival as bad-boy Ravi back in 2022,’ a source told the publication.

Ravi has become a true staple of the Square (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

‘He’s an incredibly popular member of the cast and the fans love him.

‘He’s decided to focus on new projects, but will stay on set until the end of the year to see out some juicy storylines his character has in store.’

Metro has reached out to EastEnders for comment.

The question is: if Ravi truly is leaving EastEnders, just what will ultimately lead to his exit?

In recent scenes, he’s been trying to uncover who it is that Priya has been having an affair with – but will he succeed?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Former Cambridge University academic Jason Arday found dead at home

Jason Arday has been found dead (Picture: University of Cambridge Faculty/SWNS)

Former Cambridge University academic Jason Arday has been found dead at his home in London.

Metropolitan Police said they were called out by the London Ambulance Service at 3.12pm today.

Arday was found ‘unresponsive’ at the property on Daley Thompson Way, Battersea, as first reported by The Telegraph.

A spokesperson for the Met said: ‘Sadly, a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

‘At this time, his death is being treated as unexpected but is not believed to be suspicious.

The 41-year-old academic resigned nine days ago (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

‘The case is being investigated by officers from the Met’s Central South Command Unit. A file will be prepared for the coroner.’

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson added that they arrived on the scene at 3.06pm.

‘We sent a number of resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic in a fast response car and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team.’

Arday’s death comes after he resigned from his role as a professor at Cambridge nine days ago, one he took on in 2023 as its youngest-ever Black professor.

Speaking after the news of his death broke, Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said she was ‘desperately saddened’, adding: ‘Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.’

Arday’s academic work focused on areas including race, education, and social inequality.

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Arday was the youngest-ever Black professor at Cambridge University (Picture: EPA)

On August 5, he stepped down from his department in sociology of education amid accusations of plagiarism, with an investigation launched into his ‘appointment and tenure’.

He denied the claims against him but admitted he had made mistakes and cited an ‘unrelenting level of public scrutiny’ as his reasons for resigning, adding in his resignation letter that the ‘personal cost’ of such criticism had become ‘too great’, taking a toll on him and his loved ones.

Describing the reaction as a ‘personal attack’, he said that stepping away was the ‘only way to bring this chapter to an end’.

Arday stressed that his decision to resign should ‘not be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded [him]’.

The academic came under review due to allegations concerning his PhD thesis, other work, and accounts of his personal achievements.

Controversy also swarmed his claims about his life and fundraising, such as how he previously said he completed a 600-mile endurance challenge in six days but later said it had taken 12 days. 

He also clarified a widely reported claim that he had raised £5.5million for charity, explaining that the fundraising was a group effort of 100 people and not carried out by him alone.

He said he was stepping down from his role due to ‘unrelenting public scrutiny and personal attacks’ (Picture: Joe Giddens/LOCOG/PA Wire)

Additionally, he claimed he appeared on the TV show Seven Up!, the original instalment of which was broadcast two decades before he was born.

In an interview with The Times before his resignation, Arday stated: ‘I am accountable for the mistakes I’ve made. I hold myself accountable, and other people should hold me accountable.

‘We’re talking about academia here. I didn’t murder somebody.

‘I think the cruelty that I’ve experienced and the positioning of me as this kind of liar and fantasist is totally unacceptable.’

Discussing the claims about his work, Arday attributed some citation problems in his earlier academia to the way he absorbs information.

He said that he used mimicry as part of learning while autistic.

Arday denied plagiarism claims against him but admitted he had made mistakes (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

It came after an analysis of his PhD thesis allegedly showed ‘more than 100 passages’ were either identical or near-matches to the work of other students.

This included a 2009 PhD thesis by a Brunel University student, according to the Daily Telegraph, where the plagiarism claims were first published. It said Arday did credit her 17 times.

While Arday refuted any allegations of deliberately copying material after similarities were noted, the dispute ultimately prompted wider questions about Cambridge’s appointment procedures.

Previously, Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded Arday’s doctorate, had already investigated allegations concerning his thesis. He was cleared of misconduct.

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Millions startled by emergency alert with wildfire warning after UK blazes

An emergency alert was issued amid the fifth heatwave (Picture: Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA Wire)

Millions were sent into panic tonight as an emergency alert appeared unexpectedly on their phones.

At around 7pm, people across England and Wales received a notification, warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks.

It read: ‘There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks.

‘Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire, placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.

‘Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999. Search gov.uk/alerts for more information.’

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged the public to ‘take the emergency alert seriously’.

The alert was issued in response to the risk of wildfires

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The Labour leader wrote on X: ‘This evening, an emergency alert has been sent to people across England and Wales as the wildfire risk remains very high. The request came directly from fire and rescue services.

‘I was in Stourbridge today and saw first-hand the devastating impact these fires have had on people’s homes and lives.

‘Our priority now is to keep everyone safe and prevent more fires from starting.

‘During this period of extreme heat, I’m asking everyone to take extra care. Please do not light any fires in gardens, the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas.

‘Our firefighters and emergency responders are working around the clock in incredibly difficult conditions.

‘We can all help them. Please take the emergency alert seriously and follow the guidance in place.’

Homes in Stourbridge, West Midlands, were destroyed by wildfire (Picture: Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)

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Earlier today, the PM issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbeques due to the ‘significant risk’ they pose.

Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, said Friday’s message was ‘the most extensive use of the UK’s emergency alert system in response to an active incident’.

The system was first used in a test format in April 2023.

Since then, five other emergency alerts have been issued as a means of protecting people across the UK, including during storms.

They are accompanied by a unique siren-like sound, designed to capture attention and be noticeably different from any other notification or text message.

Haigh added that the government ‘took the decision’ to issue the alert ‘in response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires’.

Over 70% of England is now in drought (Picture: Reuters)

She said it ‘reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property’.

‘During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires.

‘By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe.’

The alert follows the outbreak of several major blazes, including a wildfire in the West Midlands, where 19 homes were destroyed.

Communities were also left ‘devastated’ in Stoke-on-Trent after fires gutted houses and forced people to flee. Some of them lost ‘everything’.

Angela Rayner, the Communities Secretary, detailed plans for future responses to incidents.

Temperatures soared into the high 30s this week (Picture: James Veysey/Shutterstock)

‘As well as supporting firefighters on the ground now, my department will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other key organisations to look at our future response.

‘To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life’s possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor and local leaders to make sure you are supported.’

The UK is currently experiencing its fifth heatwave, with the hottest day of the year thus far recorded this week.

On Thursday, temperatures provisionally reached 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in London, the second time this year the country has seen temperatures hit 38°C.

Amber health alerts are still in place due to the weather conditions putting vulnerable groups at additional risk.

Meanwhile, over 70% of England and all of Wales is officially in drought, with Burnham referring to Britain as a ‘tinderbox’ right now and admitting that we must ‘face up’ to the ‘changing climate’.

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The extreme heat has led to overwhelming demand in hospitals and chaos on public transport due to delayed and cancelled services.

Additionally, two trains derailed within 24 hours – one near Lewes railway station in East Sussex yesterday and another near Wickford in Essex this afternoon.

While investigations into the exact causes of the derailments are ongoing, steel tracks have been seen bent out of shape, and it is a known fact that they can become curved in such conditions.

Network Rail executive Martin Frobisher said the ‘unprecedented hot and dry weather that we have experienced this summer’ had presented exceptional challenges to the railway’.

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