The warning comes as new figures revealed the number of people in hospital with flu have increased by more than half in just one week. Catch up as it happened: NHS warns of 'worst-case scenario' as 'super flu' surges Latest figures show: • An average of 2,660 patients were in hospital per day with flu last week • This is the highest ever for this time of year and up 55% on last week • At this point last year the number stood at 1,861 patients, while in 2023 it was just 402 Health service bosses are warning the number of flu patients in hospital has already increased sharply since the week covered by this data - with no peak in sight. Read more: Why is flu season worse this year? Virus outbreaks coincide with doctors' strikes Weekly flu numbers in England peaked at 5,408 patients last winter and reached 5,441 over the winter of 2022/23, the highest level since the pandemic. Alongside rocketing flu, the number of norovirus patients in hospital has also risen by 35%. The NHS is now warning winter viruses are starting to "engulf hospitals". Demand for A&Es and ambulance services is also soaring. New monthly figures show A&E attendances were a record for November at 2.35 million - more than 30,000 higher than November 2024. In addition, there were 48,814 more ambulance incidents (802,525) compared with last year (753,711). Some hospitals across the country have asked staff, patients and visitors to wear face masks to cut the spread of flu, while others have gone in and out of critical incident status due to the high number of people attending A&E. The record-breaking demand on the NHS coincides with a resident doctors' strike from 17 to 22 December over pay and jobs - sparking fears of major disruption for patients in the run up to Christmas. People are being advised to attend any planned appointments scheduled during the strikes unless they have been contacted to reschedule. Flu vaccinations on the up... who can get one? The NHS is urging anyone eligible to get their flu vaccination to help prevent them getting seriously ill. Latest figures show more than 17.4 million people have been vaccinated so far this year, more than 381,000 higher than last year. You can get it if you: • Are 65 or over in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland • Are pregnant • Live in a care home • Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive carer's allowance • Live with someone who has a weakened immune system • Are a frontline health and social care worker • Are of school age • Have certain medical conditions (the NHS has a full list) Wes Streeting, the health secretary, warned of a "tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals". "We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible," he said. Warning 'extremely challenging few weeks ahead' Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, warned the health service faces "an extremely challenging few weeks ahead" with "staff being pushed to the limit". She said: "With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors' strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year - with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients. "The numbers of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year. Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead." She added: "We have prepared earlier for winter than ever before, and stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid needing to go to A&E. "For non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place, and use A&E and 999 for life threatening conditions and serious injuries." Read more from Sky News:US accused of 'piracy'Flights diverted in Moscow Mr Streeting has offered the British Medical Association (BMA) a last-minute deal in the hope doctors will call off the walkout, which starts next Wednesday. The doctors' union has agreed to put the offer to members over the coming day, and is expected to announced a decision on Monday, just two days before the planned strike. The offer includes a fast expansion of specialist training posts as well as covering out-of-pocket expenses such as exam fees, but does not include extra pay.

The company said the agreement with Walt Disney was part of a push to ensure the rights of creators in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) space amid growing concerns over copyright, fakes and misinformation. It forms part of a $1bn Disney investment in OpenAI, that will see the entertainment firm roll out ChatGPT to its staff and grow its AI capabilities. Money latest: Urgent warning over tumble dryers The initial three-year licensing deal will allow Sora users to generate and share videos based on more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters. These include Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Luke Skywalker. Sora allows people to quickly create realistic clips based merely on text prompts. Disney and OpenAI said they were committed to responsible use of AI amid the backlash from critics who have pointed to widespread misuse of generative AI in the social media space - a practice known as AI slop. Some have depicted fake messages from celebrities and even used the dead. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said: "This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity, and help works reach vast new audiences. His counterpart at Disney, Bob Iger, added that the partnership would "extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works". As part of the deal, some user-generated Sora videos will be made available on the Disney+ streaming service. Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said of the tie-up: "It’s a win-win situation for Disney and OpenAI. Disney gets to deploy its beloved brands in the world of AI while keeping control of the intellectual property. "Fans can use Disney characters to make videos and take social media content to another level. That could drive significant traffic to OpenAI’s Sora social media platform, turning a relatively unknown entity into a household name in a flash. "As part owner of the business, Disney will be able to use the equity stake in OpenAI to ensure its characters are used in a controlled environment. "It’s a significant step forward for the concept of fan fiction", he concluded.

Resident doctors, formerly junior doctors, will walk out from 7am on 17 December until 7am on 22 December. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has appealed to doctors to accept the government's latest package. The British Medical Association (BMA) said it will consult members by surveying them online on whether or not the deal from the government is enough to call off next week's walkout. The poll will close on Monday - just two days before the five-day strike is set to start. The union said the new offer includes new legislation to ensure UK medical graduates are prioritised for speciality training roles. It also includes an increase in the number of speciality training posts over the next three years - from 1,000 to 4,000 - with more to start in 2026. Funding for mandatory Royal College examination and membership fees for resident doctors is also part of the deal. It does not address resident doctors' demand for a 26% salary rise over the next few years to make up for the erosion in their pay in real terms since 2008 - this is on top of a 28.9% increase they have had over the last three years. Mr Streeting warned a resident doctors' strike over Christmas would have a "much different degree of risk" than previous walkouts. It coincides with pressures facing the NHS, with health chiefs raising concerns over a "tidal wave" of illness and a "very nasty strain of flu". A new strain of the flu virus is thought to be much more infectious than previous strains and has already led to a record number of patients needing urgent hospital care. The union's mandate to strike is set to expire shortly, but Mr Streeting has offered to extend it to allow the medics to take action later in January if they reject his offer. He called the union's decision not to take it up "inexplicable". Last week, NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey branded the decision by doctors to strike as "something that feels cruel" and which is "calculated to cause mayhem at a time when the service is really pulling all the stops out to try and avoid that and keep people safe". Read more from Sky News:US accused of 'piracy'Flights diverted in Moscow BMA resident doctors committee chair Dr Jack Fletcher said the latest government offer "is the result of thousands of resident doctors showing that they are prepared to stand up for their profession and its future". "It should not have taken strike action, but make no mistake: it was strike action that got us this far," he said. "We have forced the government to recognise the scale of the problems and to respond with measures on training numbers and prioritisation. "However, this offer does not increase the overall number of doctors working in England and does nothing to restore pay for doctors, which remains well within the government's power to do."

As things stand, Liverpool have not received any approach for the player. Clubs including Al Ittihad and Al Hilal have tried to sign Salah over the past two years but he has never shown the firm desire to leave the highest level of club football in Europe and move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL). SPL clubs have changed strategy and are now targeting younger players rather than stars approaching the end of their careers, but an exception would always be made for Salah. Got Sky? Watch Liverpool games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺Choose the Sky Sports push notifications you want! 🔔 Al Ittihad made a £150m verbal offer to sign Salah in September 2023 but the move was made very late in the window when the chances of a deal were slim. There was a real prospect of Salah moving to the SPL before he signed a new Liverpool contract in April, but talks were also held about a free transfer with rival clubs in the Premier League and Europe. The door has not been closed on Salah playing for another club in the Premier League, which may be an indication he still believes he has more to offer in Europe, and may feel this is not the right time to move to the SPL. Either way, Salah's explosive interview after he was an unused substitute in Liverpool's 3-3 draw at Leeds and later branded a "disgrace" by Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher, has dramatically changed the dynamic around his future just eight months after signing that two-year deal. "I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season," he told reporters at Elland Road. "Now I'm sitting on the bench and I don't know why. "It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame. "I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am on the bench for three games so I can't say they keep the promise. "I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don't have any relationship. I don't know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn't want me in the club." Read a full transcript of Mo Salah's bombshell interview hereJamie Carragher: Mo Salah comments a disgraceMo Salah removed from Liverpool selectionArne Slot: I have no clue if Salah has played final game The club decided to leave the 33-year-old out of the travelling squad for Tuesday's Champions League win at Inter Milan following his outburst. Though no disciplinary action has been sanctioned, it remains to be seen if he is involved against Brighton on Saturday. Ahead of that victory in Italy, head coach Arne Slot said he had "no idea" whether Salah had played his final game for the club. Mo Salah outburst cannot mask poor form - but Arne Slot also to blameMo Salah's Cristiano Ronaldo-esque powerplay pits him against SlotLiverpool news & transfers🔴 | Liverpool fixtures & scoresSalah a Saudi target - but not everyone is convinced Omar Mugharbel, the chief executive of the Saudi Pro League, confirmed that Salah is a target for some of their clubs, telling the World Football Summit: "Mohamed Salah is welcome in the Saudi League, but it is the clubs that are responsible for negotiating with players. "For sure Salah is one of them [a target]." However, Ben Harburg, the chairman of Al Kholood, said Salah has "underperformed massively" since signing his new Liverpool deal and suggested Saudi clubs should target younger players. "There's already, even among the public, much more apprehension around his coming into the league," Harburg said. "He's 33 years old, he got paid a boatload and has underperformed massively since then. "I'm sure some people like his star power, he's from the region, but my sentiment is that he is not a fit for our league. If it were between him and Vinicius [Junior], I'd take Vinicius. "I'm hoping we go after those 25-year-old next-wave players rather than guys like Salah, who definitely this would be the last stop of his career." Carra: I hope Salah plays for Liverpool again despite 'disgraceful' comments Carragher labelled Mohamed Salah's bombshell interview "a disgrace" but hopes he has not played his final game for Liverpool. Carragher, who was also name-checked by Salah in his interview, believes the forward's intervention was premeditated and potentially intended to get Slot sacked after Liverpool twice blew a lead in the 3-3 draw at Leeds. "I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game," Sky Sports pundit Carragher said on Monday Night Football. "Some people have painted it as an emotional outburst, I don't think it was. "Whenever Mo Salah stops in a mixed zone, which he's done four times in eight years at Liverpool, it's choreographed with him and his agent to cause maximum damage and strengthen his own position." He added: "He's chosen this weekend to do this now and he's waited, I think, for a bad result for Liverpool. "You can see the last-minute goal, Liverpool supporters, the manager, everyone involved in the club feels like they're in the gutter at the moment and he's chosen that time to go for the manager and maybe try and get him sacked."

Changing names, switching flags, and vanishing from tracking systems. That all came to an end this week, when American coast guard teams descending from helicopters with guns drawn stormed the ship, named Skipper. A US official said the helicopters that took the teams to the tanker came from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford. The sanctioned tanker Over the past two years, Skipper has been tracked to countries under US sanctions including Iran. TankerTrackers.com, which monitors crude oil shipments, estimates Skipper has transported nearly 13 million barrels of Iranian and Venezuelan oil since 2021. And in 2022, the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) placed Skipper, then known as Adisa, on its sanctions list. But that did not stop the ship's activities. In mid-November 2025, it was pictured at the Jose Oil Export Terminal in Venezuela, where it was loaded with more than one million barrels of crude oil. It left Jose Oil Export Terminal between 4 and 5 December, according to TankerTrackers.com. And on 6 or 7 December, Skipper did a ship-to-ship transfer with another tanker in the Caribbean, the Neptune 6. Ship-to-ship transfers allow sanctioned vessels to obscure where oil shipments have come from. The transfer with Neptune 6 took place while Skipper's tracking system, known as AIS, was turned off. Read more:Everything we know about dramatic ship seizureIs this what the beginning of a war looks like? Dimitris Ampatzidis, senior risk and compliance manager at Kpler, told Sky News: "Vessels, when they are trying to hide the origin of the cargo or a port call or any operation that they are taking, they can just switch off the AIS." Matt Smith, head analyst US at Kpler, said they believe the ship's destination was Cuba. Around five days after leaving the Venezuelan port, it was seized around 70 miles off the coast. Moving in the shadows Skipper has tried to go unnoticed by using a method called 'spoofing'. This is where a ship transmits a false location to hide its real movements. "When we're talking about spoofing, we're talking about when the vessel manipulates the AIS data in order to present that she's in a specific region," Mr Ampatzidis explained. "So you declare false AIS data and everyone else in the region, they are not aware about your real location, they are only aware of the false location that you are transmitted." When it was intercepted by the US, it was sharing a different location more than 400 miles away from its actual position. Skipper was manipulating its tracking signals to falsely place itself in Guyanese waters and fraudulently flying the flag of Guyana. "We have really real concerns about the spoofing events," Mr Ampatzidis told Sky News. "It's about the safety on the seas. As a shipping industry, we have inserted the AIS data, the AIS technology, this GPS tracking technology, more than a decade back, in order to ensure that vessels and crew on board on these vessels are safe when they're travelling." Dozens of sanctioned tankers 'operating off Venezuela' Skipper is not the only sanctioned ship off the coast of Venezuela. According to analysis by Windward, 30 sanctioned tankers were operating in Venezuelan ports and waters as of 11 December. The tanker seizure is a highly unusual move from the US government and is part of the Trump administration's increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In recent months, the largest US military presence in the region in decades has built up, and a series of deadly strikes has been launched on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. In the past, Mr Ampatzidis explained, actions like sanctions have had a limited effect on illegally operating tankers. But the seizure of Skipper will send a signal to other dark fleet ships. "From today, they will know that if they are doing spoofing, if they are doing dark activities in closer regions of the US, they will be in the spotlight and they will be the key targets from the US Navy." The Data X Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open source information. Through multimedia storytelling we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.

The writer, whose real name was Madeleine Sophie Wickham, revealed last year she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2022. A statement posted to her Instagram account read: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy. "We can't imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life. "Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed - to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career. She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received. "She will be missed so much our hearts are breaking." 'Made you feel better about yourself' Kinsella's novels have sold more than 45 million copies in more than 60 countries, and have been translated into more than 40 languages. Speaking to The UK Tonight With Sarah-Jane Mee, fellow author Jojo Moyes, who was friends with Kinsella for decades, described her as a "graceful", "kind" and "encouraging" mentor. Those who knew her "will always be grateful to have had her in our lives", she said. Her characters "were flawed and messy, but they were also relatable, and you always finished a Sophie Kinsella book feeling better about yourself". "If the thing that you are remembered for is joy and grace and kindness, as well as your talent, what more can any of us ask?" In a post on social media last year, Kinsella revealed she had been receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy at London's University College Hospital, and had undergone "successful" surgery. She said she "wanted for a long time to share with you a health update, and I've been waiting for the strength to do so". "At the end of 2022 I was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer," she said. "I did not share this before because I wanted to make sure that my children were able to hear and process the news in privacy and adapt to our 'new normal'. "At the moment all is stable and I am feeling generally very well, though I get very tired and my memory is even worse than it was before! "I am so grateful to my family and close friends who have been an incredible support to me, and to the wonderful doctors and nurses who have treated me." Kinsella's most recent book is What Does it Feel Like?, published in October 2024 and which "is fiction, but it is my most autobiographical work to date", the author wrote on her website. Other books by the London-born author include The Burnout, released in October 2023, Can You Keep A Secret? and The Undomestic Goddess. The first two novels in her hit eight-book Shopaholic series, The Secret Dreamworld Of A Shopaholic and Shopaholic Abroad, were adapted into the 2009 film Confessions Of A Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher. She is survived by her children, four sons and a daughter, and her husband Henry Wickham. Read more:'Unacceptable' prostate ads bannedDavid Cameron treated for prostate cancer Bill Scott-Kerr, publisher at Transworld, the publishing home of Kinsella for the past 30 years, said: "She has been such an unshakeable pillar of our publishing at Transworld for so many years that the thought of a year without a Sophie Kinsella to publish is inconceivable." He added: "Maddy leaves behind a glorious and indelible legacy: a unique voice, an unquenchable spirit, a goodness of intent and a body of work that will continue to inspire us to reach higher and be better, just like so many of her characters. "On a personal level Maddy was the embodiment of joy, an extraordinarily clever, funny, sassy, impish, kind and generous collaborator who brought light into our lives. She was as part of this company as anyone, and we will all truly miss her."

A spokesman said there are "no specific talks" taking place, after Javier Milei told The Daily Telegraph negotiations with Britain were under way to lift weapons export restrictions. The government's policy since the Falklands War more than 40 years ago has been weapons with British parts are not allowed to be exported to Argentina if they are judged to "enhance Argentine military capability". "There are no world powers without military power," Mr Milei told the newspaper, adding: "There is no country that counts in the international context if they can't defend their borders." He also said he wanted to see the Falklands handed to Argentina via diplomatic means after previously saying he would not relinquish the claim to sovereignty over the islands, but wouldn't seek conflict with the UK. A government spokesman rebutted this, too, saying: "Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands is not up for negotiation, and we will defend its right to self-determination. "In 2013, the islanders held a referendum on their future, with an overwhelming majority choosing to remain part of the UK." But he added: "More broadly, we look forward to deepening our co-operation with Argentina across areas including trade, science, and culture to deliver growth for the British people." Milei wants Starmer meeting Mr Milei said he plans to come to Britain in April or May next year and would like to meet with Sir Keir Starmer and Reform's Nigel Farage. Argentina's cost-cutting agenda has gone down well with Mr Farage and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, and helped inspire the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk. If he makes the trip, it would make him the first Argentinian president to visit the UK since 1998. Read more from Sky News:US accused of 'piracy' after troops storm tankerHow Nobel Peace Prize winner emerged from hiding Mr Milei's comments come after Falkland Islanders told Sky News in March that the threat posed by Argentina "has not changed". Since the end of the conflict, there has been a UK military presence on the islands as a deterrent to Argentina not to exercise its continued claim over the Falklands. A 2,000-strong garrison of troops and a squadron of fighter jets and transport aircraft based around the main airport at Mount Pleasant. But Leona Roberts, a member of the Falkland Islands legislative assembly, said: "Argentina is always a bit of a shadow over our shoulder."

Aiming to become just the fourth player to successfully defend his title at the Palace, Littler was made to show his class against 2020 quarter-finalist Labanauskas. It was a ruthless start from the world No 1, his 101.54 average, 64 per cent on the doubles, and two ton-plus checkouts brushing a battling Labanauskas aside. World Darts Championship 2026: Opening night- as it happened! World Darts Championship 2026: Dates, format, how to watchGot Sky? Watch on the Sky Sports app 📱Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW 📺 Next up, Littler faces Belgian Mario Vandenbogaerde or Welsh qualifier David Davies in the second round. After battling the Ally Pally wasp following his battle with Labanauskas, Littler told Sky Sports: "It definitely wasn't easy. Looking at the stats, it didn't feel like that but I'm happy. "There's a bit of nerves but once you come here and you win a leg, two legs, then the first set, and that first set is crucial because it settles you down. As long as you win the sets, that's all that matters. "Everyone in the tournament wants to win their first round. It's definitely the hardest game. If you don't play well, you won't win. "The first game is done and now I get 10 days off." In the opening set, Labanauskas took Littler all the way and produced a clutch 130 checkout, but 'The Nuke' managed to break the throw in the final leg with a 76 checkout on tops to seal the deal, gesturing to his family that all was calm and he was in control with his 103 average. Despite losing the opening set, Labanauskas did not go away. He took the 18-year-old to a decider once again but Littler stood firm and pinned his favourite D10 for a 14-dart hold and a 2-0 advantage. The third set was where Littler really came into his own with a 124 checkout on the bull then a 120 in quick succession putting him one leg away before he wrapped things up on D6. 2023 champ Smith starts strong with whitewash win over Ashton Michael Smith continued his battle back from injury with a 3-0 victory over Lisa Ashton. The 2023 world champion had gone on a nice run at the Grand Slam all the way to the quarter-finals before losing to Luke Humphries. Back on a stage he knows how to perform well on, 'Bully Boy' had to deal with the crowd being firmly on Ashton's side. The 'Lancashire Rose' took Smith to a decider in the opening set, missing a set dart at the bull, but from there it was all the St Helens man as he upped his scoring and then some to take out five legs in a row, giving Ashton no chances at the double, as he took the second set and a 2-0 lead in the third. Ashton managed to punish missed doubles to stop the rot and send the Ally Pally crowd wild but that only delayed the inevitable as he clinched D18 for the win with a 91.19 average and 36 per cent success on the doubles. Smith will play either Niels Zonneveld from the Netherlands or New Zealand's Haupai Puha in the second round. "That first set I was so nervous. I didn't want to lose that first set and when I came back out I was thinking they would be louder and louder, so I was trying to force things and then I went 180, 180 and I thought 'I've got 60 grand here' but ended up missing," Smith told Sky Sports. "I had to keep focus. Not a great game. But I will take it and I have 10 days off. Solid practice now and back on the 20th. "The butterflies were bad this morning but to be back here, I've never missed a year here for 15 years, but to be back the way I've been playing was weird and that was the first time I felt 100 per cent this year and I didn't play 100 per cent. "I got the job done, will concentrate on the next one and that's the main thing now." Elsewhere, Arno Merk announced himself on his Alexandra Palace debut with a 3-1 victory over Kim Huybrechts. After taking a break of throw to clinch the first set, Merk then took three legs on the spin for the second, coming back from the Belgian getting a set on the board to clinch all three legs in the fourth set for the biggest win of his career to date. Meanwhile, Madars Razma battled through to a 3-1 win over Jamai van den Herik to close out opening night. There were clear nerves on show for Van den Herik on his debut which allowed the experienced Razma to take advantage in the first set but the Dutchman managed to battle back and level things. However, Razma then proved too much as he rattled off the next two sets on the way to victory. What's next? The World Darts Championship continues on Friday December 12 with two bumper sessions of opening round action. The afternoon session is live from 12.30pm and sees Niels Zonneveld vs Haupai Puha, Ian White vs Mervyn King, Ryan Searle vs Chris Landman, and Rob Cross vs Cor Dekker. Then, in the evening session, Ross Smith takes on Andreas Harrysson, Ricky Evans faces Man Lok Leung, Gian van Veen plays Cristo Reyes, and Damon Heta clashes with Steve Lennon. Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live until January 3 on Sky Sports' dedicated darts channel (Sky channel 407). Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.