Strictly Come Dancing star arrested on suspicion of rape

A former Strictly Come Dancing star has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of rape.

The unnamed male, who is in his thirties, is also being questioned by police “over allegations of non-consensual intimate image abuse”.

It follows an earlier allegation of anonymous individuals regularly using cocaine during their time on the show.

A Met spokesperson told The Independent: “On Friday, 22 August officers arrested a man in his thirties in East London on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.

“This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary and while the investigation is in its early stages we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us quoting 8479/22AUG.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by submitting an online form.

“The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The case is not believed to be related to the forthcoming series of Strictly that’s set to premiere next month.

The BBC told The Independent: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.

The series has been hit with repeated scandals and controversies in the past few years.

Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice was investigated for his behaviour towards one of the show’s celebrity contestants, Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, after she said she accused him of “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying” in September 2023.

A BBC review found no evidence of physical aggression, but upheld accusations of swearing and giving negative feedback.

In July 2024, pro dancer Graziano Di Prima was also dropped from the show after allegations about his behaviour towards Love Island star Zara McDermott.

Last year’s series was thrown into controversy due to the conduct of opera singer Wynne Evans, who apologised for “inappropriate and unacceptable” remarks made during the Strictly live tour.

Months later, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick was suspended from the BBC after he was accused of using an offensive term towards people with disabilities during his time on the programme. He apologised and said the terminology was “entirely unacceptable”.

Strictly implemented new rules in an effort to prevent further issues, including adopting chaperones during training sessions. Welfare producers were also added to the team, and training was provided for dancers, the production team, and crew.

Family of missing woman found living among lost ‘African’ tribe in Scottish forest speak out

A missing Texas woman found living with the self-proclaimed leaders of a lost “African” tribe in a Scottish forest insists she is there by her own free will, despite her family’s fears she is lost to the sect forever.

Kaura Taylor was recently found living in the woods with the group after vanishing from her home three months ago, leaving relatives distraught.

“It is very stressful, and difficult. It breaks our heart. We’re overly concerned about Kaura, but she doesn’t think anyone is concerned about her,” Taylor’s aunt Teri Allen told The Independent.

In a message posted to Facebook after 21-year-old Taylor, mother to a one-year-old child who she took with her to Scotland, said that she was not missing lashed out at reports she “disappeared.”

“I’m very happy with my King and Queen, I was never missing, I fled a very abusive, toxic family,” Taylor wrote, following up with a video message telling U.K. authorities to leave her alone in the woods in Jedburgh, 40 miles south of Edinburgh. She added that she is “an adult, not a helpless child.”

However, Allen on Thursday pushed back stridently against those assertions, describing her niece’s younger years as “very sheltered and protected.”

She said Taylor “was brought up in church, but not their religion. Not this thing that they got going. It’s a bunch of hogwash.”

Speaking to The Independent from her Dallas-area home, Allen said Taylor kept it “totally hidden from the family” when she began communicating in 2023 with so-called Kingdom of Kubala leader King Atehene, a former opera singer and PR agent from Ghana whose real name is Kofi Offeh, and his wife Jean Gasho, who now goes by Queen Nandi.

Queen Nandi did not respond to a request for comment. An email seeking comment from King Atehene bounced back as undeliverable.

The Kingdom of Kubala claims to be a lost Hebrew tribe that aims to retake the land they say was expropriated when Queen Elizabeth I expelled native black Jacobites from England in the 1590s.

The trio in Jedburgh hope to add to their numbers by bringing other supposedly lost tribes back to their purported ancestral homeland.

Allen said she thinks Taylor, who now answers to Asnat of Atehene, handmaiden of Queen Nandi, discovered the group online through a high school classmate.

She then cut herself off very suddenly from loved ones, refusing to attend family gatherings and stopped celebrating holidays altogether, Allen recalled.

At the time, Taylor was living with her aunt Vandora Skinner, Allen’s sister.

In a separate interview with The Independent, Skinner said: “She went missing in May. But she wasn’t missing at all, she left to go live with these people.”

Taylor, who lived with Skinner during her teenage years, was, according to her aunt, a “very very unruly” teen who could be “very disrespectful,” but was always given a lot of latitude at home.

“She lived in a four-bedroom house, with her own room, and maybe I shouldn’t have been as light on her as I was,” Skinner said. “I allowed her boyfriends to come over, but maybe I shouldn’t have. But I did get her to graduate high school. ”

Taylor tried to get her then-boyfriend to relocate to the Scottish forest with her, but he was turned off by King Atehene and Queen Nandi’s “ungodly rituals” and decided against it, according to Skinner. The 21-year-old then ended the relationship and in May headed to Scotland with her then-eight-month-old daughter, whose father was no longer in the picture, Skinner said.

About two days later, Skinner said Taylor texted her, saying, “We had to get out and explore a little bit.” When Skinner asked where she was, she didn’t get a response.

“She said she would have to call me when she got connected to wifi, but then I never heard from her again,” Skinner said.

Skinner did, however, hear from Taylor’s best friend, who spoke to her every day. So when the friend started asking Skinner about Taylor, she said she knew something wasn’t quite right.

The friend told Skinner that Taylor had talked about going to live with “these people,” but that she didn’t know anything further.

“And I said, ‘What people?’ And they said they didn’t know, so I started to call around,” Skinner went on. “I called her ex-boyfriend and that’s when he told me about the [Kingdom’s] Facebook page and that she said she was going to the U.K. I looked up the Facebook page and sure enough, there she was.”

Skinner immediately told Allen, who passed the news along to their other sister, Taylor’s mother.

“She thought it was photoshopped, but it turned out to be true,” Skinner said.

Skinner then began searching Facebook for more information, and saw that Atehene and Nandi had previously set up an almost identical living situation with another young American woman.

What really upset Skinner, she continued, was spotting Taylor in a video posted to the social network saying that while she wasn’t actually married to King Atehene, she still considered herself to be his second wife.

“Now she’s talking about, she’s married to this man and he can have as many wives as he wants?” Skinner said in disbelief.

Skinner eventually connected with a Jedburgh-area resident in the comments section beneath a news article about the group. The couple had fought a losing battle against eviction from their patch of woods.

The Jedburgh resident suggested Skinner contact Scottish police, and gave her a number, so she reported Taylor and her daughter, who turned a year old in June, missing.

Taylor is believed to have flown to the U.K. on May 25 on a six-month tourist visa that would mean her time there is due to end in November, after then her aunts hope she’ll be forced to leave the country and return home to Texas.

A top coach’s four pre-9am daily habits guaranteed to boost health

Do you want to feel fitter and healthier as you navigate life? Do you also want to feel a little bit smug while sitting at your desk? Then start your day with a few health-promoting habits.

Waiting until the evening to exercise or eat a nutritious meal creates myriad opportunities for these plans liable to be derailed. But, by front-loading your day with positive behaviours, you’re making a healthy deposit in your body’s bank before too many distractions can creep in.

“Win the morning, win the day,” quotes Dan Lawrence, a performance coach who works with everyone from elite athletes to chief executives through his company Perform 365. “If you can nail your morning then the likelihood of you having a good day is substantially higher.

“You don’t need to make a complete 180-degree shift in your lifestyle and only eat chicken and broccoli while training six days per week. If you can just move more, and you have a bit of a system involving positive things you can do on a daily basis, then give it four weeks and see how you feel – it will make a difference.”

“Someone can start the day with every intention of doing a 7pm workout, but with every hour that goes by post-midday, the likelihood of that session is reduced,” Lawrence says. “We know people are often putting out fires at work; they have loads of things going on and they are thrown constant curveballs, which is why I think most people should be training first thing in the morning.

“Of course, this is context-specific – if someone has kids or an irregular schedule it might not work. But generally, that’s why ‘win the morning, win the day’ is such a powerful approach, particularly regarding exercise.”

By doing this on a regular basis, you build a “consistent win” into your day to reinforce positive habits, Lawrence adds. “This will wake up your body, improve circulation after hours of laying down stationary, and prime your nervous system to prepare for the day.”

Whatever type of movement you choose, Lawrence recommends utilising the “RAMP protocol” – an acronym for raise, activate, mobilise and prime – for your morning workouts to enhance focus, fight sluggishness and leave your body feeling limber.

Read more: Do these five things daily for 90 days to see a ‘profound difference’ in your health, fitness and energy levels

Or, if you prefer a gentler start to the day, Lawrence suggests waking up with a short mobility flow.

“Carrying out mobility work in the morning can set you up for the day ahead,” Lawrence says. Some of the benefits include increasing blood flow, lubricating joints and activating muscles.

“It also improves focus and energy for the rest of the day through increased oxygen delivery to the brain.”

To start, try the two moves below:

Read more: If you struggle to stay fit, try adding these nine simple science-backed behaviours into your week

Lawrence’s second recommendation is to spend at least five minutes outside in the sun shortly after waking.

“This regulates your circadian rhythm, which can lead to an improvement in sleep quality,” he says. Our circadian rhythm, or internal body clock, is plugged into pretty much every bodily process, so maintaining a regular routine and using this habit can act as a catalyst for improving the function of many systems such as hormone regulation, cellular function and metabolism.

“[Morning exposure to sunlight] also boosts serotonin and mood early in the day, and supports hormonal balance, including natural cortisol peaks that help energy levels and alertness,” Lawrence adds.

Accessing the sun in the UK is easier said than done, he admits, but the key is simply spending this time outside.

“Even on an overcast morning in the UK, outdoor light intensity is usually 5,000–10,000 lux, compared to only 100–500 lux indoors. That’s still enough to signal your brain to start the cortisol awakening response and suppress melatonin.”

Read more: Five stretches you should be doing every day according to a flexibility expert

Though hydration needs will differ on a case-by-case basis, Lawrence finds that drinking 500-750ml of water within 30 minutes of waking up has been beneficial for clients. For active clients, he also recommends adding electrolytes – sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium – to their morning water.

“This will replenish fluid lost overnight through respiration and sweat, and support mental clarity and physical performance later in the day,” he explains.

“It can reduce cravings and mid-morning fatigue caused by dehydration, as well as serving as a reset – it’s a far better way to start your day than smashing a coffee and diving into your phone*

“Having a coffee right away can impact cortisol and your body’s natural circadian rhythm, or sleep/wake cycle.”

Read more: I’m a trainer specialising in longevity – these are the five changes that have the biggest impact on my clients

Raducanu begins US Open campaign against qualifier Shibahara

Emma Raducanu begins her US Open campaign and goes in search of her first win at the tournament since winning the title in 2021 as she takes on qualifier Ena Shibahara.

After winning the US Open as an 18-year-old qualifier four years ago, Raducanu has twice crashed out in the opening round – losing to Alize Corner in 2022 and Sofia Kenin in 2024.

But Raducanu said she is returning to the US Open in a better place, having enjoyed a consistent run on the court and showing some decent form ahead of the final grand slam of the year.

The British No 1, who narrowly missed out on seeding for the tournament, takes on the Japanese qualifier Shibahara, ranked 130th in the world, with Jack Draper also in action against a qualifier tomorrow.

Follow live score updates from the US Open and Raducanu v Shibahara below:

Summer escapes made easy: find your perfect sunbreak fuss-free

When it comes to booking your summer getaway, finding the perfect break can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge. Whether it’s a fun-packed family holiday, a romantic couples trip, an activity-filled solo break or a group trip where you need to tick everyone’s travel boxes, there’s a lot to consider, and a vast range of options to choose from. So it can be tricky knowing where to start.

To make it easier to plan your perfect break, holiday experts Travel Republic have you covered, whether you’re researching dream destinations or making last-minute plans. With over 20 years of travel know-how, plus big-name airlines, top hotels and exciting attractions – they make booking your next great value getaway easy, affordable and totally stress free.

From trending destinations to incredible money-saving deals and travel ideas tailored to you, Travel Republic has everything you need to find and book your perfect trip. On top of all that, they offer flexible payment plans, super low deposits, are ATOL protected and offer all the holiday extras you need such as car hire, airport parking, transfers and travel insurance.

Ready for some travel inspo? Here’s our guide to four diverse, versatile destinations that offer it all: dreamy beaches, family entertainment, culinary delights, active adventure, and history and culture by the spadeful.

With over 6000 islands and islets, 200 of which are inhabited, not to mention a culture-rich mainland, Greece definitely has something for every type of traveller. For couples, friends and singles looking to party, head to the clubs and beach parties of Ios, Zante (Zakynthos) or Mykonos – enjoy the growing foodie scene in the pretty white-washed, streets of Mykonos Town, while adrenaline junkies will feel at home on the water, with kitesurfing, windsurfing, scuba diving and jet skiing on offer. For sandy beaches and calm waters, book into the islands of Rhodes or the family friendly Kos. If chilling on the beach is your priority, some of the world’s best can be found in Crete or Halkidiki – sporty types take note of the 13km scenic coastal cycling route. Or head to Faliraki with the kids for banana boat rides, snorkelling and splashing about at Faliraki Waterpark.

History lovers won’t want to leave Greece: explore the archeological wonder that is the Athens Acropolis, walk the capital’s charming old Plaka neighbourhood and stop at one of the many local cafes to enjoy souvlaki, moussaka and gyros. For another UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the island of Corfu’s Old Town and submerge yourself in a world of Venetian cobbled streets, fortresses and tunnels.

Whether you want the perfect package holiday with breathtaking beaches, buzzing bazaars and cafes on your city break or a boutique stay to explore a multitude of ancient ruins, Turkey has a dream holiday for everyone.

Istanbul will keep every generation entertained: visit the impressive Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosques, go haggling in the Grand Bazaar, then grab a traditional pide (folded pizza) and a Turkish tea before making a trip to the array of castles and fortresses. There’s also a zoo, aquarium and entertainment parks.

Turkey has an abundance of historical sites, with many accessible from top beach resorts such as Side and Izmir. Head to the Dalaman region, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast in reference to the picture-perfect Blue Lagoon beach. Make the short journey from Daylan town to the magnificent ancient port city of Kaunos, which dates back to the 9th century BC and be sure to go turtle spotting at the neighbouring İztuzu Beach. Thrill seekers should head to the nearby resort of Fethiye, to spy its rugged scenery and historic sites from a paraglider. While Marmaris offers everything from parties and waterparks to romance. Head inland to Anatolia to experience the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations of Cappadocia from the skies in a hot air balloon — a true bucket list experience.For resorts that offer a bit of everything, choose Bodrum and Antalya for everything from Roman ruins, bazaars and nightclubs to yacht-filled marinas, waterparks and pristine beaches. Lots to keep little ones entertained, and party goers busy while couples can enjoy luxe adult-only hotels.

From the Costas to the Canaries and Barcelona to the Balearics, Spain really does have it all. If it’s a city break you’re after, choose the cosmopolitan capital of Madrid: take in art at the impressive Prado Museum, stroll through the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens and tour the famous Bernabeu Stadium, home to the mighty Real Madrid. Or if you like beach vibes with your culture, opt for the city of Barcelona. Visit the Gothic Quarter for breathtaking architecture, marvel at the iconic Sagrada Família and enjoy tapas and cava in the narrow streets of the El Born district – home to the Moco and Picasso museums.

For full-on beach action, stay on the mainland and choose between Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Brava or the ‘Golden Coast’ of Costa Dorada. Here,Salou is a good option for those looking for buzzing restaurants and bars, active types keen on coastal walks, kayaking and snorkelling and kids keen to mix rollercoasters and waterparks at PortAventura theme park.

If you’re more about ‘island life’ there’s no shortage of options: head to Ibiza or Majorca for parties galore and secluded beaches with crystalline waters or opt for one of the equally idyllic Canaries. For a break that feels out of this world, choose volcanic island Lanzarote, which offers pristine white sand beaches across the island, including the main holiday resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Playa de los Pocillos, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. The latter offers a wealth of bars and restaurants, waterparks, 5km promenade and lively marina with a daily market.

Dramatic coastlines with crystal clear waters, buzzing city life with pop-up restaurants and dolphin and whale watching for wildlife lovers are just some of what is on offer in Portugal, making it a must-visit for group and solo travellers alike. Head to the south coast for the holiday haven of the Algarve, home to some of Europe’s top beaches. There’s 30km of coastline to enjoy at Albufeira alone, peppered with beachfront family friendly and adult-only hotels. Be sure to explore the cobbled streets and palm tree-lined squares of the Old Town before settling down for local seafood specialities including the Cataplana stew. Want to get active? Hike the coastal Seven Hanging Valleys Trail for views of rock formations against the backdrop of turquoise waters. While nightlife lovers should head to the Algarve cities of Lagos and Faro for rooftop cocktails and tunes that play until the sun comes up.

For culture fans, head to capital city Lisbon for countless museums, galleries and beautiful historic buildings including the huge, Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lose yourself in the cobbled alleyways of the Old Town of Alfama and soak up the smells and tastes of Portuguese baking including the delicious Pastéis de Belém. Beach lovers worry not, you can have sand between your toes after a quick bus ride, while surf lovers can train it to Estoril or Cascais to catch some waves.

For more travel ideas, inspiration and great value getaways, visit Travel Republic

Notting Hill Carnival begins with colourful Caribbean celebration

Europe’s biggest street party, the Notting Hill Carnival, kicked off its annual summer bank holiday extravaganza on Sunday, drawing revellers of all ages to celebrate Caribbean culture and history.

The festivities commenced early on Sunday with the J’ouvert celebration, where people covered each other in paint, coloured powder and chocolate.

Sunday also marks Children’s Day, leading up to the carnival’s main event scheduled for Monday.

The streets are set to be flooded with colour, costumes, dancing and music.

About one million people are expected to be on the streets of West London for the event, the Metropolitan Police said previously.

About 7,000 police officers will be on duty across the capital this Sunday and Monday.

The Met said live facial recognition (LFR) technology – which captures people’s faces in real-time CCTV cameras – will be used on the approach to and from the carnival as well as outside the boundaries of the event.

Alongside the use of LFR technology, the Met also said it planned to install screening arches at some of the busiest entry points to the carnival, where stop-and-search powers will be used in a bid to keep weapons out.

The annual celebration has been running for more than 50 years.

Rayner could block Sadiq Khan from running to be MP while mayor

Angela Rayner has been accused of a bid to block Sir Sadiq Khan from a return to parliament through new legislation.

A bill tabled by the deputy prime minister would prevent the mayor of London from becoming an MP while still in office.

The bill would thwart any chance of Sir Sadiq returning to parliament before the next general election, ending the prospect of a bid for the leadership if Sir Keir Starmer were to step down.

Ms Rayner’s department said the change, which would apply to other mayors, including Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham, would ensure they are focused on serving their cities.

But a Tory strategist told The Sunday Telegraph: “Fresh out of trying to do in Wes Streeting, yet again Angela Rayner is on manoeuvres, knifing leadership rivals. She should focus on delivering for Britain rather than on her petty party political squabbles. Yet again it’s party first, country last.”

Boris Johnson was an MP while serving as mayor of London, having used the mayoralty to raise his profile before his eventual leadership bid.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill put forward by Ms Rayner would prevent Sir Sadiq from following a similar path to Mr Johnson, with speculation he is interested in the leadership.

Sir Sadiq has denied he wants to become Labour leader, stating he has “no interest at all” in the position and that he has “no ambitions to go back to the Commons”. He is currently serving his third term as London mayor after last May’s election and is not expected to run for a fourth.

The Independent has contacted Mr Khan for comment.

After a disastrous first year since the general election, which saw his poll ratings plummet, Sir Keir has faced growing speculation that his MPs will seek to oust him as leader.

A growing number of MPs on the “soft left” of the Labour Party have been vocally critical of the PM, with some urging Ms Rayner to launch a bid to replace him.

Ms Rayner has previously said she never wants to be leader of the Labour Party or prime minister, insisting she is happy with her current job.

In a recent Sky News interview, she said: “Absolutely not. I don’t want to be leader of the Labour Party.”

She added: “I’m very happy and honoured to be deputy prime minister of the country, and I’ve got a lot in my in-tray to prove that I can do the job that I’m doing and deliver on those milestones for people in the country. That’s what I’m interested in.”

A spokesperson for Ms Rayner’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “It is already the case that mayors who are police and crime commissioners cannot also serve as MPs, and these changes will make this consistent for all mayors so that they can focus on what is a significant role at the forefront of delivering change.”