FILMING has begun on the new series of a cult comedy favourite and fans will see a familiar face amongst the cast.

Mandy, directed and starring Diane Morgan, first hit our screens in 2020 after a successful pilot episode.

BBC

The BBC have confirmed filming for series four of Mandy has now begun[/caption]

X/@cherylfergison1

This series fans will be treated to an appearance by Eastenders star Cheryl Fergison[/caption]

BBC

The surreal comedy is known for its many celebrity cameos[/caption]

It follows the misadventures of, as the title suggests, Mandy and her life on the dole with her mate and Salon owner Lola, played by Michelle Greenidge.

Mandy finds herself constantly looking for work, either due to her own chronic lethargy or a series of disasters that seem to thwart her at every turn.

In previous series we’ve seen her foil a mid-air bomb plot whilst working as an air steward and being attacked in church, by flocks of birds like an Alfred Hitchcock film.

Even when she lands her dream job as a taster at a biscuit factory, disaster looms and she manages to slip on her own vomit, fall down several flights of stairs and then out of an open window.

The series is bizarre at times and known for its many celebrity cameos squeezed in to the short episodes. Graham Norton, Micheala Strachan and Deborah Meaden have all appeared as themselves.

But fans of the show will see another familiar face in series four as Cheryl Fergison, who played the iconic Heather in EastEnders will be joining the cast.

When asked about the recommission the show’s iconic creator Diane was in typical form saying: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be asked to provide a quote for a press release that tells people how thrilled I am that the BBC is bringing back Mandy.

“However I am too busy writing, directing and starring in the show to come up with anything, so I’ve asked someone else to write it. They are thrilled.”

The Director of Comedy at the BBC, Jon Petrie, had a little more to add saying: “Series 3 saw Mandy save a plane from a terrorist attack, commit mass murder with a blowpipe, and get fired from a biscuit factory.

“Mandy gets bigger, bolder, and more brilliantly absurd with every series—and we’re here for every hilarious moment of Diane Morgan’s brilliant creation.”

Previously Diane has spoken about her broad appeal and what makes Mandy resonate with viewers. She said: “Sometimes people come up to me in the street to say hello and I think I can always guess what they like me from.

“If it’s a man in his 40s it’ll be Charlie Brooker stuff – Philomena Cunk. If it’s a woman with a pram it’ll be Motherland, and if it’s a gay man or a hen party from Manchester it’ll be Mandy.

“Mandy seems to have the broadest appeal of all the shows I’ve done. Mums and daughters watch it together. Lots of people say it helps them get over a bad day by watching someone have an even worse one.”

BBC

Who knows what Mandy will get up to next?[/caption]

All three previous series of Mandy are available to watch on the BBC Iplayer.  

OLIVIA Attwood has opened up on her latest series of Getting Filthy Rich, and revealed what her husband Bradley Dack really thinks of the show.

The 33-year-old is going to delve even deeper into the adult industry for her balsy third series, and immerses herself in the world of financial domination, adult cosplay, the boyfriend experience and meets the OnlyFans top one percent earning up to $150,000 a month.

ITV

Olivia Attwood has opened up on her latest series of Getting Filthy Rich[/caption]

instagram

Olivia and Bradley have been married since 2023[/caption]

Love Island star-turned-presenter Olivia has been left gobsmacked by some of the things she’s seen during filming in the past – including a gigantic penis replica.

And Olivia, who says she’s “pretty boring” in her own sex life, tells The Sun that husband Bradley thinks she’s “insane” for doing the show.

She said: “He thinks I’m crazy. I’ll ring him when I’m filming and be like ‘oh my God, you’ll never guess what I said today.’

“He genuinely thinks I’m on the wind up, and as soon as I get clips and edits from the rushes I’m like ‘I told you I saw this.’

“And he’s like ‘what?’ because he actually doesn’t normally believe me until he actually sees it, and when I say it out loud, some of the things sound insane.”

Olivia continued: “He’ll say to me ‘how are you just sitting there? I couldn’t watch that in person.’

“And that’s why I tell him that it’s my show and not his.”

In series three, Olivia is embarking on even more surprising services – from Giantesses to ‘MILFS’ and ‘GILFS’ making erotic content.

And even she finds it shocking, despite having fronted two series already.

Olivia said: “I was arrogant thinking nothing can shock me anymore because I’ve seen so much, but I was completely wrong.

“I think that this is probably the most X rated series so far and I think it’s the most shocking.

“I think it’s going to create the most conversation out of all the series, and I was literally quite speechless some days.”

Olivia’s approach to film-making saw the first of the ITV2 series bag a prestigious Broadcast Award after she joined Only Fans and even had a clothed, walk-on role in a porn film.

But stripping off has really pushed the boundaries at home for Olivia before.

The blonde beauty previously told us: “Brad would never say to me don’t do something, because that’s just not how this household runs, as I’m sure you lot can imagine.

“But he was like, as your fiance I hate that.

“I hate the fact that there’ll be men in there looking at you in your underwear.

“And I was like, but do you understand that I feel like I have to do this to get experience of this?

“It would be so easy for me to stand on the side and be like, oh yeah, this is what it’s like.”

Understanding Brad came round to her way of thinking.

She went on: “A couple of days before when I got really nervous, I was like I don’t know if I could actually do this.

“He actually then turned, and was like ‘you can do this.

“It’s gonna be great, it’s going to give you such insight, you’re gonna feel like you learnt so much from doing it.

“Remember the reason why you’re doing it’.

“He said ‘It’s not really about you, if you can’t dance and people don’t think you’re sexy it doesn’t matter because it’s not your day job, you’re doing it to find out what it feels like’.

“So yes, he was very supportive.

“I would hope that he would tell me if he was gonna go somewhere and dance around his underwear. So I get it.”

ITV

The Love Island star turned presenter says her hubby thinks she’s ‘crazy’[/caption]

instagram/bradleydack1

Bradley doesn’t believe Olivia has filmed the things that she has until he sees them himself[/caption]

Rex

THE Princess of Wales paid a touching tribute to the late Queen as she stepped out to pay her respects during an emotional Holocaust Memorial Service in London.

Kate, 41, looked effortlessly chic as she joined her husband, Prince William, 41, to honour those who lost their lives.

AFP

Catherine, Princess of Wales, at a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony[/caption]

PA

The Princess of Wales lights a candle at a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony[/caption]

The event marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.

During the reception, Kate embraced Holocaust survivors, including around 50 individuals who had endured the Nazi regime and subsequent genocides.

She also had a heartfelt reunion with Yvonne Bernstein and Stephen Frank – two Holocaust survivors she had photographed in 2020 as part of a project commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

For the occasion, Kate looked elegant in a black coat paired with black wide-leg trousers and a black sweater.

She completed the look with a five-strand pearl necklace that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II – a poignant nod to Her Majesty.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed her choice of jewellery.

One royal fan wrote: “Wearing Queen Elizabeth’s pearl suite, the Princess of Wales honours Her Late Majesty at this year’s Holocaust remembrance service. A very touching tribute.”

A second added: “The Princess of Wales – wearing a five-string pearl necklace that belonged to the late Queen – warmly greeted Holocaust survivors Stephen Frank and Yvonne Bernstein, telling Mr Frank: ‘It’s like seeing an old friend, it really is.’”

During the reception at London’s Guildhall, Kate was seen catching up with Yvonne, with the two women holding hands as they spoke. Yvonne stroked the Princess’s arm and thanked her for attending.

Kate greeted the 87-year-old warmly, saying: “It’s so nice to see you.”

After learning that Yvonne had faced some recent health challenges, Kate added: “You’ve had such a hard time, haven’t you?”

In 2024, Kate underwent chemotherapy but has now revealed that she is in remission following her cancer battle. 

She has been “forever changed” by her cancer treatment, according to a royal expert. 

Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent Katie Nicholl shared on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “She did a lot of running up and down the country, juggling that with the three children doing the overseas tours. 

Arthur Edwards / The Sun

Kate Middleton hugging a Holocaust survivor at a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony[/caption]

Getty

Catherine, Princess of Wales lighting a candle at a Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony[/caption]

“People would be quite surprised to learn just how hands on William and Catherine are as parents. 

“And I think this is just, well, it’s a wake up call, isn’t it? 

“This is a real reality check for her. 

“And so I think it’s a case of what Kensington Palace are describing as a very gradual return to work that’s very much on her terms. 

“And I think that’s how it should be.”

KYLE Walker’s raging wife Annie Kilner is to snub his Italian footie debut — while Celebrity Big Brother bosses want her on the new series.

Annie, 31, is refusing to travel to see her love cheat hubby, 34, play for AC Milan against arch-rivals Inter this weekend.

Getty

Kyle Walker’s raging wife Annie Kilner is to snub his Italian footie debut for AC Milan[/caption]

annievkilner/Instagram

Annie has been told to ‘name your price’ to sign up for Celebrity Big Brother[/caption]

Getty

Annie was expected to fly to Milan last weekend with their four boys to see Kyle being unveiled to fans[/caption]

Sources said they are barely speaking after a series of rows over his ex-mistress Lauryn Goodman’s reported plans to relocate abroad.

Meanwhile, mum-of-four Annie has been told to “name your price” to sign up for CBB, which airs this Easter.

A source told The Sun: “ITV have approached Annie’s team. Coleen Rooney’s success on I’m A Celebrity proved how much interest there is for Wags and they would love to replicate her success on CBB.

“Annie’s team were told to name their price — they’ll do anything to get her on board. It would be an absolute coup to get her in the Big Brother house.”

She was expected to fly to Milan last weekend with their four boys to see Kyle being unveiled to fans.

But Annie, sporting a new braided hairstyle, celebrated a pal’s 40th birthday instead.

She is now refusing to fly out this weekend too.

A source said: “She’s sick and tired of dropping everything for Kyle and is putting her foot down.

“He’s flown his mates out and she’s livid. He appears to be settling in very well and that’s not helping matters either.

“Kyle’s mum and dad are going to be in the San Siro on Sunday to support him.

“Again, she had no idea and was furious when she found out. They’re not communicating whatsoever.”

Kyle, who has two kids with influencer Lauryn, 34, is on loan from Man City.

Getty

She’s sick and tired of dropping everything for Kyle and is putting her foot down, a source revealed[/caption]

instagram/annievkilner

Annie Kilner is a top target for Celebrity Big Brother[/caption]

Instagram

Husband Kyle has just moved to Milan[/caption]

Getty

Annie, who was recently pictured sporting a new braided hairstyle, celebrated a pal’s 40th birthday instead of flying to Italy[/caption]

Splash

Kyle, who has two kids with influencer Lauryn, 34, is on loan from Man City[/caption]

XBOX is known for its regular giveaways featuring special editions of its Xbox Series X console and controllers.

This time, the console maker is teaming up with Fanta across Europe and fans have a chance to win custom consoles and controllers inspired by the popular soft drink’s flavours.

Xbox

A Fanta Lemon-themed Xbox Series X is the Grand Prize in the giveaway[/caption]

The raffle will be available to fans from eight European countries, including the UK, and a set of prizes will be given away every week until March 25, 2025.

In the UK, prizes will be drawn every Thursday from all entries received during the previous week.

The weekly prizes are custom controllers in different Fanta-inspired colours, and the Grand Prize is two Xbox Series X custom consoles with 1TB storage.

All entries throughout the promotional period participate in the Grand Prize draw.

There will also be instant prizes redeemed online in the form of 1,600 vouchers for a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

To enter, fans will need to scan a QR code on promotional Fanta packs to download and open the Coca-Cola app on their phones.

There are limits to the number of entries per user – two per day for the instant win prizes, and 100 entries for the prize draws during the entire promotion.

Based on the announcement trailer on Coca-Cola’s website, fans in the UK will have a chance to win one of three Fanta designs for the controller.

In the trailer we could see an orange, yellow and pink controller, based on the Fanta Orange, Lemon and Fruit Twist flavours.

The Grand Prize is a yellow Series X console, based on the Fanta Lemon with a matching Xbox controller.

The analogue sticks, bumpers and triggers on all three controller variants are in the dark blue colour of Fanta’s logo.

The same promotion but with different colour options is available in seven other European countries – Germany, France, Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and Norway.

To participate, fans must be aged 18 or older and reside in one of the participating countries.

For more on Xbox, check out our January 2025 Developer Direct recap with all the announcements from Xbox’s latest showcase.

ONE of the biggest games of the Championship season is live TONIGHT.

Top of the table Leeds United travel to third-placed Burnley with only three points separating them.

After Sheffield United suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat to Hull City on Friday night, a Leeds win would extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.

A Burnley win would see them leapfrog the Blades into second, although Leeds hold a seven-goal advantage in goal difference.

• Kick -off: 8pm
• TV: Sky Sports Main Event
• Burnley XI: Trafford, Esteve, Egan-Riley, Brownhill, Anthony, Humphreys, Roberts, Foster, Flemming, Cullen, Laurent.
• Leeds XI: Meslier, Bogle, Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Gruev, Tanaka, James, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Follow our live blog below…

A THIS Morning star hits back at cruel trolls as she reveals that medication has changed her husband’s appearance.

The married couple are resident therapists on ITV‘s This Morning, and have given their expert views on other shows such as Loose Women and Big Brother.

Rex

This Morning star hits back at cruel trolls as she reveals that medication has changed her husband’s appearance.[/caption]

Getty

Nik Speakman and Eva Speakman are resident therapists on This Morning[/caption]

The pair has studied human behaviour together for over 25 years and run their own therapy business helping people overcome a range of psychological issues.

The couple use a behaviouristic approach to therapy and have treated people with a whole range of issues ranging from eating disorders to fears and phobias and self harm.

They also have a host of celebrities are also among their clients.

One of the first famous faces they worked with was Kerry Katona, who at the time was trying to turn around financial and drug problems.

Speaking at the time, Nik said: “We got her over all those issues and she’s still without medication and drugs today. It’s the Speakman magic.”

Another celebrity client was Corrie actress Kym Marsh, who turned to the couple to overcome her anxiety of driving on a motorway.

This Morning ex host Holly Willoughby was also helped by the pair, after she admitted a fear of flying.

Other celebrity patients have included Peter Andre, Katie Price, Vicky Pattison, and Linda Robson.

They even once helped the axed talk show host Jeremy Kyle overcome his lifelong phobia of spiders.

But as the couple posted an update on their official Instagram account they were hit with comments from cruel trolls.

The photograph showed the pair posing alongside This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.

It was captioned: ” A lovely start to this week on @thismorning helping to brighten up your Blue Monday.

“We hope everyone’s had a fabulous week, and is looking forward to a fun weekend ahead #thismorning.”

However users commented on Nik’s face and said: “Nice couple but tell your husband to stop with the filler.”

• Visit our This Morning page for the latest updates

Eva was quick to respond and replied: “Please don’t be judgemental. He’s on steroids & can’t help the effect,”

A fan added: “Disgusting comment. Do better he is clearly on steroids. I’ve had the same happen when I was on them.”

Another explained: “People can be cruel I am on steroids so I know the feeling when people judge.”

“I’m on steroids and I’ve noticed a massive change in my face” added another.

While one fan stated: “I know how he feels my face went from normal to a moon face !! I didn’t really notice until I had a photo done.”

Sadly, it’s not the first time that Nik has been accused of cosmetic surgery as he had to deny plastic surgery back in 2018.

Nik had posted an image on social media asking viewers to join the pair on a magical mystery tour Stateside.

As the couple posed in the desert, a now deleted post warned the couple not to melt in the heat – implying they’d both had plastic surgery.

Nik hit back and replied: “That’s a compliment that you think we’ve had plastic surgery but only had white fillings & veneers & pretty sure they won’t melt but appreciate your concern!

“It was pretty hot out in the desert.”

This Morning airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.

A CROCODILE chased Scary Spice — before bottling it when it got near the pop star.

Crew on Bear Grylls’ TV show looked on nervously as the 10ft beast stalked Mel B through the Costa Rican jungle.

Getty

The crocodile has been dubbed ‘Juvenile Julie’, because she is younger than her century-old counterparts[/caption]

PA

Bear Grylls on Celebrity Bear Hunt[/caption]

But they were relieved when the croc suddenly darted away from the Spice Girl, one of a dozen stars taking part in Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt.

An insider said: “All the crew were joking that even this terrifying man-eater knew it might have met its match with Scary, so performed a swift exit.

“But for a while there were some seriously twitchy producers because, unlike shows like I’m A Celebrity, the crocs on Bear Hunt don’t have their jaws tied shut.”

The creature lives in the jungle and has been dubbed “Juvenile Julie” because of her relative youth compared to other crocs, who can live to be over 100.

Viewers can watch the chase on the show — hosted by Holly Willoughby — when it drops on February 5.

The eight-parter sees famous faces — including Shirley Ballas, Lottie Moss and Boris Becker — trying to evade capture by TV survival expert Bear in a sectioned-off part of the jungle.

Bear said: “There are ‘created elements’ within it, but it is a naturally constrained area that genuinely has a crocodile in it, who we’ve nicknamed ‘Juvenile Julie.’

“I think the crocodile getting so close to Mel B when she was trying to escape was the gnarliest thing that happened during filming.

“We got brilliant footage of the crocodile just lasering into her.”

Juvenile Julie is just one of the show’s potentially deadly creatures, including scorpions, tarantulas and snakes.

Exec producer Ben Mitchell said: “All the animals that are in there really are just living there – it is genuinely terrifying.”

Getty

Spice Girl Mel is one of a dozen stars taking part in Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt[/caption]

THE next set of Israeli hostages to be released from Hamas captivity as part of the fragile ceasefire agreement has been revealed.

Six hostages will be handed back to Israel in two batches this week – but fears loom for the Bibas boys, aged 2 and 5, as it remains unknown whether the young pair are dead or alive.

AP

Arbel Yehud, 29, is among the next batch of Hamas hostages set to be freed this week[/caption]

bringthemhome

Rex

Hamas are set to release six hostages this week in two separate groups[/caption]

Two of those who are set to be released within a mere few days are women who were horrifically kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attacks.

Arbel Yehud, 29, and IDF soldier Agam Berger, 21, will be freed alongside a currently unnamed male hostage on Thursday, followed by three more unnamed hostages on Saturday.

Israel had reportedly asked Qatari and Egyptian mediators to get proof off of Hamas showing Arbel alive.

Confirmation was handed over as early as Saturday evening, reports the BBC.

On Sunday night it was confirmed that a dispute over the implementation of the ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas had been resolved.

Israel said that Hamas terrorists had sent a list detailing the conditions of the remaining hostages set to be released in the continuing 42-day first phase of the breakthrough ceasefire.

The failure to send the list by Saturday, partnered with Hamas’s failure to free Arbel before IDF soldiers, have been dubbed by Israel as violations of the deal.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the military would now allow hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to the north Gaza Strip, beginning Monday morning.

The office added that Israel had reached the agreement with the terror group following “strong and determined negotiations,” making it clear that it would “not tolerate any violation of the agreement”.

Previous reports emerged from NBC News that US native Keith Siegel, 65, was to be released in the coming week.

AFP

A video released by Hamas in April 2024 shows a man who identified himself as Keith Siegel, one of the hostages abducted during the October 7 massacre[/caption]

AP

Tal Wax holds a poster with a photograph of her uncle Keith Samuel Siegel, an Israeli-American hostage held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks[/caption]

No confirmation has yet been provided and it remains unclear if Keith’s potential release would happen on Thursday or Saturday.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel are to free Palestinian security prisoners, equating to 30 for each civilian and 50 for Agam Berger.

On Saturday, Israel blocked the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza after the release of four female soldiers by Hamas as the terror group have to prioritise the release of civilian women as per the agreement.

One hostage, Arbel, is being held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which had reportedly been falsely describing the 29-year-old as a soldier and demanding more prisoners to be released for her to be returned, Times of Israel reports.

On Sunday, local media said that the Jihad group had agreed to classify Arbel as a civilian.

Hamas gave relief to Arbel’s family on Sunday, saying it had given confirmation that she was alive and safe and would be released soon.

Arbel was abducted alongside her boyfriend, Ariel Cunio, from their Kibbutz Nir Oz home during Hamas’s October 7 horror attacks that left over 1,200 people dead.

Her brother, Dolev Yehud, was killed by the terrorists while defending the kibbutz and his remains were identified last June.

Ian Whittaker

Mum Shiri Bibas was seen desperately clutching to Kfir and his brother Ariel as they were kidnapped on October 7[/caption]

Supplied

Yarden and Shiri Bibas with their two young boys before the family became hostages[/caption]

Meanwhile fears have grown over the youngest Israeli hostages still being held in captivity after they were not among the four released in the latest prisoner swap.

Kfir and Ariel Bibas, just two and five years old, were snatched by Hamas terrorists but their family recently revealed they have no idea whether the boys are alive or dead.

The children, along with their parents Yarden and Shiri, are all on the list of are on the list of hostages to be released in the first six-week phase of the fragile ceasefire.

Despite this, relatives have received no information since the ceasefire began on Sunday – the day after Kfir’s second birthday.

Israel said they expect to hear more about the captive family soon.

Despite this, the Bibas family’s relatives said their “world came crashing down” when they discovered the boys and their parents were left off the second hostage release list, according to The Times of Israel.

In a heart-wrenching statement, the family called on local media to not forget about “our pain, our struggle, and, most importantly, the crucial discussion about the complexity and tragedy of them not being on the list.”

The family added: “Does the grave concern for their lives cancel out the fact that they are civilians in captivity who must be brought home?

“Does the grave concern for Shiri’s life mean that there is no longer a need to display her photo as a kidnapped civilian in Gaza whose fate remains unknown?”

The family also recently revealed they have no idea if the young boys are dead or alive, after no proof of life has been provided by Hamas.

On Saturday, Karina Ariev, 20, Daniela Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Elbag, 19, were all handed over to the Red Cross by balaclava-wearing Hamas thugs.

The women were all captured as Israeli soldiers rather than innocent civilians caught in the horror October 7 massacre.

The four brave soldiers revealed to local media about life being held by Hamas – and how they took a brave step to humiliate their evil captors after their release.

The women were captured in footage acting calmly and confidently as they smiled and waved to crowds of gunmen and Gaza civilians.

One of the released hostages told Kan TV news: “We showed them on the stage that we were not fazed.

AFP

Displaced Palestinians have been forced to wait at the border[/caption]

Reuters

Karina Ariev, 20, Daniela Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Elbag, 19, were handed over to the Red Cross on Saturday[/caption]

“It had no impact on us. We are stronger than them.”

Israel went on to delay the return of Gazans to northern Gaza in the as they claimed Hamas breached the ceasefire agreement by the order of the releases.

Arbel’s release on Friday now means the people of Gaza will be allowed to return home, Netanyahu confirmed.

It is believed that thousands of displaced Palestinians had been blocked at the military enforced border for the last two days.

This week will now see the first double releases as pressure mounts to return all the hostages home.

After all six are handed over to the Red Cross, Israel will begin to allow Palestinians to move north on Monday.

The additional Palestinians prisoners will then also be returned to Hamas later in the week, Netanyahu and Qatari officials added.

Brit Emily Damari and fellow Israeli captives Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31 were all also freed in the first exchange last Saturday.

Since the ceasefire deal came into force, more than 200 prisoners have also been given back by Israel.

As Israel pushes for answers, the international community is closely watching the unfolding negotiations, which remain fraught with tension.

Over 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, and the prospect of further polarization looms.

Emily Damari was one of the first three Israeli hostages released in phase one of the ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli-Brit lost two fingers after being shot by Hamas during the October 7 attack on her kibbutz, Kfar Aza, where she was ambushed.

Her long-awaited release comes as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds after months of relentless warfare.

The truce was nearly derailed in the final hours of negotiations, but hostages were exchanged as part of the deal, marking the first step toward a tenuous pause in hostilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear this ceasefire is temporary, emphasising: “We are committed to dismantling Hamas and bringing every hostage home.”

The reunion of the hostages with their families in southern Israel was a moment of raw emotion.

But before escaping terror hell, Emily, Romi and Doron were handed Hamas “gift bags” containing haunting mementos of their captivity.

The bags reportedly included photos of the women during their imprisonment and a so-called “certificate” – acting as a grim reminder of their 15-month nightmare in Gaza.

DeepSeek is making waves in the United States after launching a free AI assistant it says uses less data at a fraction of the cost of incumbent firms' models.