RAF Typhoons deployed guided bombs in a joint operation with the French air force on Saturday night. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said several access tunnels were targeted, located in a mountainous area north of the central ancient city of Palmyra. The operation aimed to "help prevent any attempted resurgence of the Daesh terrorist movement". Daesh is another name for Islamic State, often shortened to ISIS or IS. The facility had been used by IS, most likely to store weapons and explosives, and the surrounding area was devoid of civilians. There was no indication of any risk to the local population, and all aircraft involved in the operation returned safely. In December, the US launched strikes in Syria to "eliminate ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites". The MoD said RAF Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager refuelling tanker, joined French aircraft in a joint strike on the underground facility. "Our aircraft used Paveway IV guided bombs to target a number of access tunnels down to the facility; whilst detailed assessment is now underway, initial indications are that the target was engaged successfully," the statement added. Read more from Sky News:Syria targets Islamic State cellsISIS resurgent in SomaliaSyria moves past Assad Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation was designed to "eliminate dangerous terrorists who threaten our way of life". "This action shows our UK leadership, and determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, to stamp out any resurgence of Daesh and their dangerous and violent ideologies in the Middle East," he said in a statement. Western ​aircraft have been conducting patrols ​to stop a resurgence of the Islamist militant group that ‍ruled parts of Syria until 2019.

The January 2024 killing of Hind Rajab shocked the world after her desperate telephone calls with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) emergency services were recorded in real time and made public. Hind and six of her relatives (the Hamada family) had been attempting to escape the fighting in Gaza City when their car came under attack. The Voice Of Hind Rajab, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, fuses Hind's actual voice with a dramatised performance to tell the story of her desperate cries for help. Set inside the charity's West Bank call centre, the film reconstructs the resolute efforts of Red Crescent workers during a hopeless negotiation with the Israelis over a safe route for the rescue. Over 90 minutes, an avoidable tragedy is played out from the perspective of the call handlers who listen, refuse to abandon hope, and sometimes fight over the rules of sending an ambulance out to a deadly mission. The film invites an audience that already knows how the story ends to feel the long and frustrating wait, and to experience the complex Israeli protocols Palestinians have to live by. What unfolds is an uncomfortable watch as day turns to evening and the child's voice pleads: "Please don't leave me, I'm afraid of the dark." 'The magical power of cinema' Director Kaouther Ben Hania says the film was not about investigating the death. Speaking to Sky News, she said she wanted to let audiences feel what life is like for Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. "This story was investigated by The Washington Post and Sky News, so in terms of explaining what happened, this was done," she said. "I asked myself what can cinema bring to the table? Cinema has a magical power of empathy - you experience 'otherness', you live the life of others. And I thought, we are done explaining, now let's feel. "What does it mean to be Palestinian, working in the Red Crescent? Your mission is to save lives, and you have this system making your life impossible." PRCS staff kept Hind on the line for hours through multiple calls before an ambulance could finally be dispatched. By 6pm, the ambulance crew were close to the family car, telling dispatchers they had their emergency lights on but no siren. "Oh, there she is," a paramedic said, just before communication ended abruptly with the sound of heavy gunfire. Both paramedics were killed, and all nine bodies were found 12 days later. 'I felt my heart going to explode' Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees plays Omar, the first call handler to take Hind's call. He told Sky News how repeatedly hearing the child's voice during the making of the film took its toll on the cast and crew. "Thinking about it and hearing her voice begging to be rescued, I was feeling so powerless," he said. "There were some moments I felt I had panic attacks, and during one of the scenes I felt my heart is going to explode." Awards buzz and big name backing The film is a contender at this year's Oscars and received a record 23-minute standing ovation at the 2025 Venice Film Festival where it won the Grand Jury Prize. Hollywood elites Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix signed on as executive producers, which Malhees said felt like "a great honour." The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was not in the area on the day of Hind's death, but it made its presence there public, perhaps mistakenly. Twelve days after the attack, on the same day the car and ambulance were found, the IDF published a press release about its activities in Gaza, saying "over the last two weeks" it had "conducted raids on terror targets" with forces operating in Shati and Tel al Hawa neighbourhoods in Gaza. Tel al Hawa is the same neighbourhood where Hind Rajab, the Hamada family, and the paramedics were killed. The press release was later deleted from the IDF website and a Sky News investigation found a number of Israeli tanks were indeed present and likely to have fired at civilians. The Voice Of Hind Rajab is set for UK and Irish theatrical release on 16 January.

More than 2,000 magistrates have been trained since 2022, and ministers want to recruit the same number again over the next financial year, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) says. The recruitment effort is part of the government's bid to reduce the backlog and speed up justice for victims, and comes on the heels of the announcement of a series of reforms - including controversial plans to limit jury trials. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said: "Magistrates play a vital role in our court system - hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice. "They are everyday heroes - and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer not just to deliver justice but to serve and represent their local communities. "Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others - that's why I'm calling on the public to apply and play your part." The Magistrates' Association said the move was a "big vote of confidence" in magistrates, but more resources are needed for the courts, including enough trained, well-paid legal advisers, and repairing crumbling court buildings. What's expected of new recruits? Magistrates are expected to volunteer at least 13 days a year to hear cases, and judiciary bosses are seeking candidates with good communication skills, a sense of fairness and the ability to see an argument from different sides. New recruits are wanted across criminal, youth, and civil and family proceedings, and have specialist legal advisers to support them to deal with a range of cases. According to the latest figures from the MoJ, 57% of magistrates are female and 14% come from an ethnic minority background, aside from London where it is the highest proportion of 31%. Read more from Sky News:Snow warnings upgradedLikely cause of Swiss bar fire identified Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan welcomed efforts to recruit more magistrates, but said it "cannot paper over the failings of a justice secretary and Labour government that has consistently failed to deliver meaningful reform." The senior Tory described the previously announced plans to scrap jury trials as "reckless", and warned it "risks undermining public confidence". The drive to recruit new magistrates comes after Mr Lammy announced a series of proposals last month to overhaul the courts, including increasing magistrates' sentencing powers up to 18 months' imprisonment, up from 12 months currently, so they will be able to deal with more serious cases. But the most controversial of the planned reforms is to remove the right to a jury trial for defendants who are likely to get a sentence of three years or less. It has sparked concerns across the political spectrum, and 38 Labour MPs have come out publicly against the move, describing it in a letter to the prime minister as an "ineffective way" of dealing with the backlog, although it is understood that more are privately opposed as well.

Littler becomes just the fourth back-to-back champion alongside Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson. He is also the first since 'The Flying Scotsman' completed the feat back in 2016. It means the 18-year-old Englishman has staggeringly still only lost one match on the Ally Pally stage - the 2024 final against Luke Humphries on his debut year. Premier League Darts 2026 announcement on Monday on Sky Sports NewsWorld Darts Championship: Schedule, fixtures and results🏆Relive our live blog of the final from Ally Pally ✍Got Sky? Watch on the Sky Sports app 📱Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW 📺 Littler's levels in the final were simply sensational with a 106.02 average, 16 180s, 19 140s, a 46 per cent success rate on the doubles, seven sets on the spin and a 147 checkout to seal the win summing up the talent he is. The tears that then fell as the moment was realised showed just what it meant for Littler to achieve what he has been dreaming of for 12 months. His appearance in the final also made him the fourth player to make it three world finals in a row alongside Dennis Priestley, Taylor and Anderson. The records keep on coming too as he joins just Taylor, John Part, Lewis, Anderson, Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright in having won the biggest prize in all of darts on more than one occasion. Littler lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy twice in just three attempts extends his advantage as world No 1 and is the latest symbol of his groundbreaking impact on the sport. He is now the holder of the World Championship, UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam and the Players Championship titles. He is also the first winner of the £1m prize pot awarded to the victor at Ally Pally. Prior to the 2026 edition, the last 7-1 final was 17 years ago in 2009 when Taylor cruised past Raymond van Barneveld. Story of the match: Littler takes out seven sets on the spin Littler reeled off an incredible seven sets on the spin to become a back-to-back champion and keep himself firmly on top of the world. The first set was one that saw both players trying to settle into the contest and a break each saw Van Veen throw for the set after a lovely 116 checkout, eventually clinching it on D4 as doubling slightly troubled both stars. However, the second set was when the final really burst into life. Both Littler and Van Veen averaged over 110 in a sensational showing and despite the Dutchman taking out 127 and 145 checkouts to help move the set to a decider, Littler pinned 112 on tops to bring things level at one set apiece. Littler took it up a notch as he made it six legs on the spin and claimed a 3-1 lead - a 'Big Fish' in the deciding leg of the third set, despite having time on his side, then 116 and 112 checkouts in the fourth saw him make Van Veen's near 100 average look uncompetitive compared to his 115.68 in the third set. After just four sets, there had been a remarkable six ton-plus checkouts between the finalists. Van Veen's body language started to show his frustration and even a 137 checkout to hold his throw could not stop Littler romping ahead once again, Littler's scoring with his average over 107 setting him apart. Littler managed to keep that level even with a rude interruption from the return of the Ally Pally wasp, the crowd breaking out into chants for the creature as Littler ran around the stage attempting to get it away. The Dutch No 1 was playing well but simply could not hold a candle to Littler's scoring or doubling and adding to that the fact he did not take the rare opportunities afforded to him, the 5-1 lead came in double-quick time. Needing just one set to go back to back, Littler had taken out a staggering nine legs in a row, two 180s in the final leg of the seventh set for the Dutchman not enough to help him back into the contest. That came even with another bizarre moment as blood from Van Veen's finger forced a change of board. Once again, Littler remain unfazed. Then, Littler wrapped up his moment in history in incredible fashion, completing a 147 finish on D15 to allow the tears to flow and celebrations to begin. Littler: The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice! Luke Littler speaking to Sky Sports Darts after becoming a two-time world champion: "It feels amazing. First of all thanks to John McDonald and John Noble - what a fantastic career they have had. In my first year Russ Bray retired, now these two legends! I'm a bit late to the party! "I've been wanting to say this. Everyone knows what happened with Anthony Joshua and his guys and his team and his friends. "Just like AJ said 'the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice!'. "I started playing better from the second set. The first set, I wasn't happy going into the break but I had to kick on from there. "I said to myself, 'give it time, you will find it'. I started off from the left of the oche and moved over to the right. It all came to plan. "Gian, what a tournament, he can be very happy. Every set he was there and behind me. I had to take my chances." Van Veen: I was under pressure in every single moment! Gian van Veen, speaking to Sky Sports after the final: "No, he definitely wasn't in the mood to give me any more chances. He played phenomenal. He put me under pressure every leg, every set, and I missed too many chances to make it a game. "He's a fantastic player which is why he's world number one by a margin now. That's why he's back-to-back world champion. "I would have liked to pick up the title, but I would have liked to give Luke a game and that's what I didn't do. I lost too many legs and I missed too many chances. Looking back at this tournament I'm very proud to have got to the final. Number three in the world and Dutch number one. "I'm very proud of this achievement but also disappointed." What's next? The Premier League Darts line-up 2026 will be revealed on Monday January 5 at 3.30pm, live on Sky Sports News, with the format of the competition unchanged this season. The top four from the PDC Order of Merit - Littler, Humphries, Van Veen and Van Gerwen - will be joined by four wild-card picks to complete the line-up for a 16-week regular season, played across the UK and Europe, with the top four in the standings then progressing to Finals Night at The O2 in London. Keep up to date with the 2026 Darts schedule. You can also stream darts and more top sport with NOW.

Littler, 18, lost the first set at Alexandra Palace but roared back with seven straight sets to win the coveted title in back-to-back years. It was the teenager's third final in a row, having lost to Luke Humphries in 2024 when he was just 16 years old. Littler, nicknamed 'the Nuke', lost just four sets across the whole tournament in an utterly dominant display over the festive period. Littler, quoting two-time world champion boxer Anthony Joshua, said: "The first time was so nice, I had to do it twice." The win means the 18-year-old becomes just the fourth back-to-back champion alongside Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson. He is also the first man to retain his Ally Pally title since Anderson a decade ago. As a player who has lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy twice in just three attempts, he extends his advantage as world number one after making a groundbreaking impact on the sport. He is also the first winner of the £1m prize pot awarded to the victor. Van Veen becomes the new world number three, despite falling just short in his quest to follow in the footsteps of countrymen Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen by winning the World Championship. Littler paid tribute to Anthony Joshua, who survived a fatal car crash in Nigeria on Monday. He told Sky Sports Darts: "Everyone knows what happened with Anthony Joshua and his guys and his team, rest in peace to his friends. "But just like AJ said: 'the first time was so nice, I had to do it twice!'" He said he started playing better from the second set. "I said to myself, 'give it time, you will find it'. I started off from the left of the oche and moved over to the right. It all came to plan. "Gian, what a tournament, he can be very happy. Every set he was there and behind me. I had to take my chances." Read more from Sky News:Littler defends darts titlePaul Lim makes darts history Littler reeled off an incredible seven sets on the spin to become a back-to-back champion and keep himself firmly on top of the world. Van Veen was disappointed that he was unable to give Littler a real game. "Luke wasn't in the mood to give me any more chances today. He played phenomenal. "I would have liked to lift up the title, but I would have liked more to give Luke a game, and that's what I didn't do. "I lost too many legs while I wasn't involved. I missed too many chances. But you know, looking back at this tournament, I'm very proud... getting even to the final."

Film fans flocked to the cinema in 2025, with Ne Zha 2, Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch and A Minecraft Movie dominating the worldwide box office. Wicked: For Good bowed out with a bang despite the musical being received less enthusiastically than its predecessor. The sequel surpassed the first film to earn the highest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation but left critics less spellbound amid complaints of messy pacing, weak new songs, a lack of colour and inconsistent lighting. We said goodbye to Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning as we welcomed David Corenswet's Clark Kent in Superman. It was a fantastic year for horror with Sinners and Weapons at the front of the pack. A number of Marvel Studios pictures that would normally reap billion-dollar rewards had disappointing box office runs, including Thunderbolts*, Captain America: Brave New World, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Jurassic World Rebirth was deemed a box office success - stomping past $800m worldwide - but received mixed reviews from audiences. Meanwhile, Snow White, M3GAN 2.0, and Tron: Ares completely flopped despite high expectations. As we head into 2026, here are some of the pictures that will be aiming to entice film lovers to the cinema this year. Dune: Part Three Denis Villeneuve's epic science fiction space opera will come to a close with this third and final instalment in his Dune film trilogy. Based on Frank Herbert's 1969 novel Dune Messiah, it will continue the journey of Paul Atreides/Muad'dib (Timothee Chalamet) as he rules as emperor but finds himself burdened by the devastating consequences of his holy war. The film - which already boasted a stacked cast including Zendaya (Chani), Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica), Josh Brolin (Gurney Halleck), Florence Pugh (Princess Irulan) and Anya Taylor-Joy (Alia Atreides) - has added Robert Pattinson to the bill. And although previously playing coy, it would be surprising if Javier Bardem (Stilgar) failed to return as the Fremen leader as his character appears in the book. Dune: Part Three is scheduled for release in December. The Odyssey A number of blockbusters are set to duke it out in a bid to be crowned champion of the summer box office. Oscar-winning director Sir Christopher Nolan will be looking to emulate the success of Oppenheimer with his adaptation of the classic Greek myth, The Odyssey. Written and directed by Nolan, the action fantasy film is based on Homer's ancient epic. The story follows Odysseus, legendary king of Ithica, on his long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War. During his dangerous voyage, the hero encounters a number of mythical creatures - including the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and witch-goddess Circe. Nolan loves an ensemble cast and The Odyssey does not disappoint with the likes of Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page and Samantha Morton just a few names on the star-studded bill. The Odyssey is scheduled for release in July. Spider-Man: Brand New Day Tom Holland has once again suited up to play Marvel's friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the 38th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the fourth in the MCU Spider-Man series. The story will pick up after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Peter Parker made the ultimate sacrifice to stop the multiverse from collapsing. The former Avenger lost his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), as well as his friends, and went back to fighting street-level crime as opposed to world-ending events. The solitary hero doesn't look like he'll be on his own for long, however, with violent vigilante Frank Castle/Punisher (Jon Bernthal) set to join him. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon will reprise their roles as Michelle "MJ" Jones-Watson and Ned Leeds respectively, with Mark Ruffalo also expected to appear as Bruce Banner/Hulk. Stranger Things star Sadie Sink is a new addition to the cast, but the powers that be are yet to confirm what character she'll be playing. Some fans have speculated that she could be May "Mayday" Parker, Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, or indeed X-Men mutant Jean Grey. Filming took place across the UK, including at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey, Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, and at Battersea Park in London. In Glasgow city centre, streets were transformed into New York as crowds lined up to watch one of the film's action set pieces. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled for release in July. Avengers: Doomsday Avengers: Doomsday is the 39th film in the MCU and the fifth in the Avengers series. It is set to follow on from the events of Thunderbolts* and will see the Avengers, Wakandans, Fantastic Four, New Avengers and X-Men team up to take on Doctor Doom. It would be quicker to list those not in the sequel - with directors Anthony and Joe Russo securing an all-star cast of previously seen superheroes. Chris Evans will return as Steve Rogers, with Chris Hemsworth also set to reappear as Thor. Most notably, Robert Downey Jr will be playing supervillain Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom. Although he last stepped out in the MCU as Tony Stark/Iron Man, it's not unusual for actors to reappear in another Marvel role. Among multiple others, Evans was Johnny Storm/Human Torch before he was Steve Rogers/Captain America, Ryan Reynolds was Hannibal King before becoming Wade Wilson/Deadpool, and Jon Favreau was Franklin "Foggy" Nelson before Harold "Happy" Hogan. Alternatively, the Russo brothers could explain Doom's appearance by way of a darker Iron Man variant from the multiverse, or even that the villain is manipulating his looks to resemble the fallen Avenger. The casting has been criticised by some as nostalgia-baiting. And again, while not unusual, it was reported the filmmakers were shooting without a finalised script, which has sparked concerns the production could end up a hot mess. The critical and commercial success of the MCU did taper off following Avengers: Endgame. Doomsday has the potential to bring that shine back, but fans will be expecting more than green screen overuse. At the moment, it's set to go head-to-head with Dune: Part Three - so we have another potential Barbenheimer (the simultaneous theatrical release of Barbie and Oppenheimer). However, don't be surprised if one of the competing studios buckle and move their release date to avoid the blockbusters from cannibalising each other at the box office. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for release in December. Michael The life and career of Michael Jackson is being brought to the big screen by acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer trilogy). Written by John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator), the film will tell the tale of the King of Pop from his time with The Jackson 5 as a child to becoming a global icon in the years that followed. If the timeline charts Jackson's life right up to his death in 2009, it will be interesting to see how the filmmakers approach the highly publicised child sexual abuse allegations levelled against the late American singer-songwriter. It was due to be released in 2025, but the troubled production suffered delays and reshoots. Jackson's daughter, Paris, has distanced herself from the biopic, claiming she had "0% involvement" in the film. However, there is certainly appetite for the film. The teaser trailer was viewed 116.2 million times within its first 24 hours - breaking a Lionsgate record and making it the most-viewed music biopic or concert trailer of all time, surpassing the 96.1 million for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. Jackson is being played by his own nephew, Jaafar Jackson, alongside a cast that also includes Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer John Branca, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, and Nia Long as Katherine Jackson. Michael is scheduled for release in April. Psycho Killer 2026 is gearing up to be another great year for horror - with Psycho Killer at the top of that list. The film revolves around a Kansas highway patrol officer (Georgina Campbell) who sets out on a journey to track down her husband's murderer. As the hunt progresses, she comes to realise the man responsible (James Preston Rogers) is a sadistic serial killer with a sinister agenda more twisted than anyone could have imagined. Writer Andrew Kevin Walker also penned David Fincher's Seven and Joel Schumacher's 8mm - with both crime thrillers leaving a long-lasting impression on audiences. Gavin Polone, who produced 8mm, is making his directorial debut with the satanic panic-themed production. Expect creepy jump-scares and an ending that will most likely leave you bruised. Psycho Killer is scheduled for release in February. Scream 7 The Scream series has been scaring audiences for 30 years. However, the departure of Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) from the franchise caused a devastating split in the fanbase. The Mexican actress was fired from the slasher sequel after her pro-Palestinian social media posts were deemed "antisemitic" by production company Spyglass Media Group. Wednesday star Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) subsequently left the project, which most likely has brought an end to the Carpenter sisters' storyline. Given the controversy, disgruntled fans have been sharing potential spoilers online and have vowed a boycott. As part of filmmaker efforts to win over unhappy cinemagoers, Scream 7 welcomes back original final girl Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott. Campbell returns to the series after being absent from Scream VI. This time round, the frightening game of cat-and-mouse sees killer Ghostface target Sidney's daughter, Tatum (Isabel May) - aptly named in honour of Rose McGowan's best friend character from the first film. Courteney Cox will return as Gale Weathers, with Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding additionally reprising their roles as twins Mindy and Chad Meeks-Martin. Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Asa Germann and Joel McHale join the franchise. Scream 7 is scheduled for release in February. Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come Since the release of Ready Or Not in 2019, fans have been screaming for a sequel to the snappy horror-comedy. Samara Weaving is set to return as Grace MacCaullay - the former daughter-in-law of the devil-worshiping Le Domas family who was forced to fight for survival during a deadly game of hide-and-seek on her wedding night. The sequel picks up immediately after the first film, with scream queen Weaving catapulted into a new nightmare. The honeymoon is well and truly over as she goes head-to-head with the wealthy high court families who have been tasked to hunt her down in a bid to control the world. This time round she is joined by younger sister Grace, played by Kathryn Newton. From the trailer, Sarah Michelle Gellar appears to channel her inner Buffy The Vampire Slayer for a cool stake-style battle move. However, her character Ursula Danforth does not seem to be a hero and is instead one of the big bads. The all-star affair also includes Shawn Hatosy, Elijah Wood, Nestor Carbonell, Kevin Durand, and legendary horror master David Cronenberg. Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come is scheduled for release in March. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple was shot back-to-back with 28 Years Later and is the fourth film in the franchise. It takes place after the events of the previous entry - which ended with the shock scare of a cult styled after prolific sex offender Jimmy Savile. As youngster Spike (Alfie Williams) is inducted into Sir Jimmy Crystal's (Jack O'Connell) gang of sadistic killers, Dr Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) makes a discovery that could alter the post-apocalyptic world. Erin Kellyman (Jimmy Ink), Emma Laird (Jimmima), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Jamie) and Chi Lewis-Parry (Samson) additionally reprise their roles from 28 Years Later. There are rumblings Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy, who starred as Jim in the first film, could appear to set the stage for the next planned instalment. Nia DaCosta was behind the camera for this instalment, which was once again written by Alex Garland. Director Danny Boyle is set to return for the currently untitled fifth film. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is scheduled for release in January. Scary Movie 6 Scary Movie 6 will reboot the Wayans brothers' much-loved horror-parody franchise. Fan favourites Anna Faris (Cindy Campbell) and Regina Hall (Brenda Meeks) are returning, as are Marlon Wayans (Shorty Meeks), Shawn Wayans (Ray Wilkins), Jon Abrahams (Bobby Prinze), Lochlyn Munro (Greg Phillippe) and Dave Sheridan (Doofy Gilmore). It has been 13 years since Scary Movie 5 was released. In that time, the Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer franchises have continued. Other horrors we could see parodied include Get Out, Nope, Longlegs, Heretic, Sinners, the Terrifier films, The Conjuring Universe, Midsommar, M3GAN, Smile, The Substance, A Quiet Place and It. Scary Movie 6 is scheduled for release in June. The Devil Wears Prada 2 The Devil Wears Prada was a critical and commercial hit when it was released in 2006. The film helped to launch Emily Blunt's Hollywood career and would later spawn a West End musical. Now 20 years on, we're finally getting a sequel with Meryl Streep (Miranda Priestly), Anne Hathaway (Andrea "Andy" Sachs), Stanley Tucci (Nigel Kipling) and Blunt (Emily Charlton) reprising their roles from the first film. The original novel was written by Lauren Weisberger, who briefly worked at Vogue as an assistant to then editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour. Weisberger wrote a sequel, Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns, set a decade after the events of the first book. It is not yet clear how closely the second film will resemble the novel, which sees Andy about to get married and now a successful magazine editor in her own right. The teaser trailer gives nothing away, but reports have suggested it will follow tyrannical magazine editor Miranda as she navigates the decline of traditional print journalism. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled for release in May. Masters Of The Universe Mattel's Masters Of The Universe franchise has been entertaining children for decades. There's been plenty of comics, cartoons, action figures and games, but only one live-action He-Man film - the 1987 cult classic starring Dolph Lundgren and Courteney Cox. There have been numerous attempts over the years to get another film over the line, but each time the planned productions found themselves stuck in development quagmire. Once Amazon MGM Studios snapped up the rights, work steamed onward on the superhero flick. It will reportedly follow a young Prince Adam of Eternia as he crash-lands on Earth and becomes separated from his magical power sword. After tracking it down years later, he must uncover the mysteries of his past if he is to take on the mantle of He-Man in the battle for his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor. Nicholas Galitzine is a fine choice for the role of Prince Adam/He-Man, and he has bulked up to play the hero. Meanwhile, Jared Leto will be hoping his performance as the villainous Keldor/Skeletor proves a critical hit - he needs a boost after his last three films flopped (Morbius, Haunted Mansion and Tron: Ares). One of the most exciting castings is Alison Brie as Professor Evelyn Powers/Evil-Lyn. Brie has a larger-than-life personality so we should see her having a lot of fun playing the dastardly sorceress. Camila Mendes, who earned her stripes at the school of Riverdale, will also have an opportunity to show off her action capabilities as Teela - captain of the guards and Man-At-Arms' adoptive daughter. Idris Elba (Duncan/Man-At-Arms), Morena Baccarin (Sorceress of Castle Grayskull), James Purefoy (King Randor), Charlotte Riley (Queen Marlena Glenn) and Kristen Wiig (Roboto) are also part of the cast. Masters Of The Universe is scheduled for release in June. Mortal Kombat II / Street Fighter Fans of both the Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter video game series are in for a treat this year. It feels like the 1990s all over again, but we've come a long way from the Christopher Lambert and Jean-Claude Van Damme cult classics. Mortal Kombat II is a follow-up to the 2021 reboot, with Johnny Cage (Karl Urban) joining the champions of Earthrealm as they are forced into battle against one another as they attempt to resist the dark rule of Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford). In Street Fighter, estranged fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) are thrown back into combat when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament. As the pair take part in the brutal clash of fists, fate and fury, they unearth a deadly conspiracy that forces them to face off against each other and the demons of their past before it's game over. The cast also includes Jason Momoa as Blanka, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson as Balrog, and David Dastmalchian as M Bison. Mortal Kombat II is scheduled for release in May, with Street Fighter following in October. The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping is based on Suzanne Collins' prequel novel which revolves around Haymitch Abernathy's experience during the 50th edition of the deadly competition. The story explores Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games and how the horrific experience and aftermath of the Second Quarter Quell shapes Haymitch into the mentor Katniss Everdeen later knows. The dystopian action film is the sixth instalment in the series and serves as both a sequel to The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes and a prequel to The Hunger Games. Joseph Zada, who recently appeared in Amazon Prime Video's We Were Liars, takes the lead as Haymitch. Mckenna Grace is playing District 12 tribute Maysilee Donner, while Ralph Fiennes takes over from Tom Blyth and Donald Sutherland as the tyrannical President Coriolanus Snow. The always amazing Jesse Plemons is playing a younger Plutarch Heavensbee (previously the late Philip Seymour Hoffman), with Elle Fanning in the role of Effie Trinket (previously Elizabeth Banks) and Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman (previously Stanley Tucci). Legendary actress Glenn Close will most likely steal a few scenes as venom-tongued Capitol loyalist and District 12 escort Drusilla Sickle. The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping is scheduled for release in November. Wuthering Heights Wuthering Heights, first published in 1847 and the only novel by author Emily Bronte, is often considered a classic of English literature. The passionate and tumultuous love story between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff is set against the backdrop of the rugged West Yorkshire moors. Saltburn writer and director Emerald Fennell is behind this loose adaptation of the gothic novel, with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the star-crossed lovers. The production has attracted controversy - with some critics suggesting Robbie, 35, is too old to play the role of a young maiden. Others have singled out an apparent lack of historical accuracy in relation to the design of a wedding dress. Owen Cooper, the youngest male actor to win an Emmy for his performance as teenage murder suspect Jamie Miller in hit Netflix miniseries Adolescence, is set to portray the young Heathcliff. Meanwhile Charli XCX, the musician behind the cultural phenomenon Brat Summer, is contributing an album of original songs for the soundtrack. The question on everyone's lips though - will the erotic psychological drama feature a scene similar to Saltburn's jaw-dropping bathtub moment? Wuthering Heights is scheduled for release in February. Narnia: The Magician's Nephew The Magician's Nephew is the sixth published but first chronological novel in CS Lewis' The Chronicles Of Narnia series. It tells the tale of two children - Digory and Polly - who become ensnared in otherworldly travel by Digory's eccentric uncle. Their adventures lead them to witness the creation of Narnia by lion Aslan and how evil sorceress Jadis becomes the White Witch. Writer and director Greta Gerwig (Barbie) is bringing the story to the big screen, reuniting with rising star Emma Mackey - who's playing Jadis, the future antagonist of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. BAFTA-winner Carey Mulligan and former 007 Daniel Craig are also part of the cast. The Netflix film will enjoy a limited theatrical run before dropping on the streaming service on Christmas Day. Narnia: The Magician's Nephew is scheduled for release in November. Disclosure Day Steven Spielberg's next project is a UFO film based on his own original idea. The legendary filmmaker is no stranger to Close Encounters of the Third Kind - with Disclosure Day vibing more with War of the Worlds rather than the softer E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film, written by Jurassic Park's David Koepp, appears to revolve around a global secret that looks set to be revealed to the world's public all at once. The tagline states: "If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? "This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people." The cast includes Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Wyatt Russell, Josh O'Connor and Colman Domingo. The film is scheduled for release in June. The Mandalorian And Grogu Star War series The Mandalorian has been a hit for streaming service Disney+. Director Jon Favreau created the show, which revolves around a lone bounty hunter who protects a mysterious and powerful Force-sensitive infant of the same species as Yoda. Favreau and co-writer Dave Filoni had initially written a fourth season, but production was delayed by the 2023 Hollywood labour disputes. Lucasfilm re-evaluated its plans for the franchise and instead decided on a film over a series. In this exciting new adventure, the Galactic Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, legendary Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and young apprentice Grogu are enlisted to help in the epic battle of good versus evil. The Mandalorian And Grogu is scheduled for release in May. Supergirl Supergirl is the second film in the DC Universe (DCU) and is part of the media franchise's Chapter One: Gods And Monsters phase. We got our first sighting of Kara Zor-El/Supergirl (Milly Alcock) in James Gunn's Superman. Her character drunkenly thundered in, which is a great introduction as audiences join her on her transformation from hot mess to superhero. It's based on Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow, a comic book miniseries by writer Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, the film will follow Kara as she battles her own personal demons while travelling across the galaxy with her mischievous dog Krypto. Along the way, she meets young Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley) and encounters a tragedy that leads her on a murderous quest for revenge against Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts). Supergirl is scheduled for release in June. Clayface Clayface is the third film in the DCU and is also part of the Chapter One: Gods And Monsters phase. James Watkins (Eden Lake, Speak No Evil) is directing from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, Midnight Mass) and Hossein Amini (Drive, The Snowman). The shape-shifting character is mostly known to haunt Gotham City as an adversary of Batman, so expect the body horror to deliver a psychological punch rather than the traditional comic fanfare. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries will be playing Matt Hagen/Clayface, with British actress Naomi Ackie in the role of fringe scientist Dr Caitlin Bates who ultimately transforms his body into clay. Clayface is scheduled for release in September. Project Hail Mary Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling takes the lead in this sci-fi adventure based on Andy Weir's 2021 novel. Project Hail Mary revolves around Dr Ryland Grace - the sole survivor of a space crew sent to the Tau Ceti solar system in search of a solution to a catastrophic event on Earth. In his hunt for answers, the teacher-turned-astronaut must rely on his vast array of scientific knowledge, sheer ingenuity and human will - but as it turns out, he may not have to search alone. Project Hail Mary is scheduled for release in March. Focker In-Law Focker In-Law is the fourth film in the Meet The Parents franchise. The comedy will mirror the original, but this time round Gaylord "Greg" Focker (Ben Stiller) is now the parent. Expect similar in-law mishaps and chaos as Greg's son Henry (Skyler Gisondo) announces his intention to marry Olivia Jones (Ariana Grande), a strong-willed woman who appears to be his complete mismatch. Most of the original cast are set to reunite, including Robert De Niro (Jack Byrnes), Blythe Danner (Dina Byrnes), Owen Wilson (Kevin Rawley) and Teri Polo (Pam Byrnes Focker). Focker In-Law is scheduled for release in November. Toy Story 5 It's toy meets tech in this fifth instalment of Pixar and Disney's beloved franchise. This time round, Woody and the gang's jobs are under threat when young Bonnie becomes enamoured with what children are obsessed with today - electronics. Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear), Joan Cusack (Jessie) and Tony Hale (Forky) return to the animation, with Anna Faris (Lilypad), Ernie Hudson (Combat Carl) and Conan O'Brien (Smarty Pants) joining the cast. Toy Story 5 is scheduled for release in June. Minions 3 Minions 3 is the seventh film in the Despicable Me franchise. Universal Pictures has remained tight-lipped on the plot, but the mischievous yellow creatures will no doubt be getting up to more comical hijinks. Minions 3 is scheduled for release in July. Moana Disney has given its 2016 animation Moana a live-action makeover. The action-packed voyage follows adventurous teenager Moana as she sets sail on a daring mission to save the people of Motunui. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is returning as shape-shifting demigod Maui, with Catherine Laga'aia replacing Auli'I Cravalho in the titular role. Cravalho is still part of the production, but this time serving as an executive producer. The adaptation has attracted criticism, with some believing it too soon for a remake and others taking umbrage at the CGI-laden trailer. It's set to be a summer release so will either sink or swim at the box office. Moana is scheduled for release in July.

The Reform UK leader said the budget watchdog leaves chancellors "beholden to it rather than doing their own thinking", and said it is "effectively dictating to elected politicians". But Treasury minister James Murray warned against "fiscal recklessness" and claimed Mr Farage would "hammer the British economy with a Liz Truss plan on steroids". Speaking to The Telegraph newspaper, Mr Farage said: "I have questioned the need for it. The question we have to ask ourselves is 'is the OBR serving any useful purpose?'" He added: "We have to discuss whether we would be better off without the OBR. I am giving that very serious thought." He went on: "With the OBR I worry once again that we have a Blairite-style quango effectively dictating to elected politicians what they should or should not do. "It seems that in too many areas of our public life the power has moved to judges and quangos and not the government the people choose." The OBR was created in 2010 by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government, and it is mandated to produce five-year forecasts for the economy and the public finances. These are published twice yearly, alongside the budget and the spring statement, and factor in any tax and spending decisions announced by the chancellor. However, the watchdog has come under fire in recent years over the accuracy of its forecast, as well as its perceived excessive influence over politicians' decision-making. It also hit the headlines at last year's budget after its forecasts were accessible on its website before the chancellor had delivered her statement in the Commons, resulting in the resignation of its chairman, Richard Hughes. There have also been tensions with the Treasury, and OBR officials had raised concerns with the Treasury about budget leaks spreading "misconceptions" about its forecasts. Mr Farage told The Telegraph that the OBR "distorts policy", and said: "Chancellors become beholden to it rather than doing their own thinking. "Given the economic decline that we're in, we need a government of radicalism. It is difficult to imagine the OBR is capable of radicalism in any way at all." Asked who would be responsible for economic forecasts if he were to scrap the watchdog, the Reform UK leader declined to answer. Prior to the OBR's creation, forecasts were produced by the Treasury, which led to accusations the numbers were skewed in favour of the government. Former prime minister Liz Truss declined to get the OBR to analyse her 2022 "mini-budget" ahead of its delivery, which is seen as having contributed to the negative market reaction that led to her resignation. In response to Mr Farage's comments, chief secretary to the Treasury Mr Murray said: "Not content with taking advice from Liz Truss, Nigel Farage is now willing to go further. "Working people know the price of fiscal recklessness - many are still paying huge sums more on their mortgages than they would have done before Liz Truss crashed the economy. Yet Farage still called it the best Conservative budget since 1986. "It's time Nigel Farage realised that politics isn't a game. He'd hammer the British economy with a Liz Truss plan on steroids - and it's working people and British businesses who'd be left to foot a very heavy bill."

Root (72no) and Brook (78no) each hit half centuries in an unbroken 154-run stand that led an England recovery from 57-3 to 211-3 by tea, before the final session fell foul of the weather. Root was typically calm and composed at the crease in notching his 67th Test fifty, while Brook was a touch more frenetic en route to his 15th half century. Scorecard: Australia vs England, fifth Ashes TestAshes Daily Podcast with Nasser and Athers in AustraliaChoose the Sky Sports push notifications you want Between them, they tamed an Australian attack featuring no specialist spinner at the SCG for the first time since 1888, with Beau Webster preferred to off-spin option Todd Murphy. Fellow all-rounder Cameron Green's poor series continued as he, in particular, was targeted by Root and Brook, with 57 runs plundered from his opening eight overs. England too opted against picking a frontline spinner, with Shoaib Bashir again overlooked for the extra batting depth provided by part-timer Will Jacks, while Matthew Potts was brought in for the injured Gus Atkinson in the only change to the victorious team from Melbourne. Ben Stokes won a fourth toss in five and elected to make first use of a green-tinged pitch but one that has proven far more batter-friendly than the much-maligned MCG track that produced a two-day Test match. England's top order was, however, swept aside once more in the morning session as, after an encouraging start by Ben Duckett (27), he departed when edging Mitchell Starc (1-53) behind. Zak Crawley (16) was pinned lbw by Michael Neser (1-36) soon after, before Scott Boland (1-48) got Jacob Bethell (10) with the ball of the day in the next over, nipping one away and inducing an edge from the young left-hander. It left England wobbling on 57-3, but Root and Brook bailed the tourists out of trouble with their superb century stand before the circling storm clouds signalled an early tea and a premature end to the day's play. Root did survive an early lbw appeal, while Brook had minor scares off both edges before he got going. But they soonfound some rhythm, albeit Brook would have had his heart in his mouth when, on 45, he toe-ended a pull off Starc that landed agonisingly between three converging catchers. Unfazed, Brook went on the hook again later in the afternoon session but this time swatted a Green short ball emphatically into the stands for six. Australia were glad of the break when bad light signalled an early tea, the ominous looking clouds eventually bringing a downpour that would wash out the evening and trigger an earlier 11pm (UK) start to day two. Ashes series in Australia 2025-26 Australia lead five-match series 3-1 First Test (Perth): Australia won by eight wicketsSecond Test (Brisbane): Australia won by eight wicketsThird Test (Adelaide): Australia won by 82 runsFourth Test (Melbourne): England won by four wicketsFifth Test: Sunday January 4 - Thursday January 8 (Sydney)