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Fireman who won £100k on ITV The Chase show realises dream

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Former firefighter Gavin Carter, who won ‘Beat the Chasers’ in August last year, achieved a life goal by running the London Marathon last Sunday (April 26).

The Witney local described it as “one of the best experiences of my life” and completed the 26.2-mile run in four hours, 35 minutes and 12 seconds, including fuel stops.

READ MORE: Fireman reveals London Marathon strategy after £100K ITV The Chase win

Mr Carter had previously attended the annual event as a spectator a number of times as it falls around the time of his birthday on April 25 which he often celebrates in the capital.

However, this year, the day after his 52nd birthday, he ran the race for the first time.

He said: “The training went really well which set me up for the day. I had trained to 22 miles, but that last four miles and 385 yards were hard.

Gavin Carter crossing the London Marathon 2026 finishing line (Image: Gavin Carter)

“The weather was warm, but I’d take that over heavy rain. Running it was one of the best experiences of my life and I would recommend it to anyone.”

Around 60,000 runners took part in this year’s London Marathon which also featured a new men’s world record, when Sabastian Sawe ran the first sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race.

Supported by his family, Mr Carter took part in the event to raise money for Debra UK, an organisation that supports people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

At the time of writing, he is on £2,225 with members of the public able to make donations here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/gavin-carter

He added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated to this brilliant charity. I have raised over £2,000 now and I know there is more to come.”

Former firefighter Gavin Carter won £100K on Beat the Chasers (Image: Gavin Carter)

He became involved in the charity after seeing former footballer Graeme Souness’ campaign and said he was moved by the children who suffer from the condition.

Before the race, he said that when he was ‘hitting a wall’ in the marathon he had been advised by the former footballer to think of those he’s raising money for.

READ MORE: Winner of £100K on ITV The Chase spin-off in marathon test

Mr Carter said: “Graeme Souness doubled down on these poor kids with their illness, and he said, ‘when the going gets tough, just think of those little kids’.”

His participation follows a year in which he has retired from the fire service and won £100,000 on the ITV game show.

“I’ve had a fantastic year,” he said, explaining that he was grateful to have the time to train.

He added: “How these people who work nine to five managed to train for the marathon, I don’t know.”





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All Strictly pros who have left BBC show for 2026 series

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Gorka Marquez is the latest to confirm that he has left Strictly Come Dancing, but he is not the only dancer who will not be back for the next series.

Reports have suggested that there are plans to reinvent the series, particularly off the back of long-time presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly leaving.

Here are all the Strictly pros who have left the BBC show and will not be back for its next series later this year.

All Strictly pros who have left BBC show for 2026 series

Karen Hauer

Karen was the show’s longest-serving Strictly professional in the current roster at the time she was axed.

A source said at the time that the dancer was “very upset after being told the news” but was “trying to remain positive about the future”.

She joined Strictly in 2012, with her most successful series being in 2020, when she came runner-up alongside Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing.

Karen HauerKaren Hauer was the long-serving pro when she left (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

With Karen’s exit, the longest-standing current Strictly professional is now Aljaž Škorjanec, who has been in all but two series in 2022 and 2023 since 2013.

Nadiya Bychkova

Nadiya Bychkova was another who was axed from the BBC dance show after she had been on the series for nearly a decade.

Her best result was in the 2021 series with TV star Dan Walker, where the pair finished fifth.

Despite leaving the show, she wrote: “This isn’t the end… I look forward to being part of the Strictly world for many years to come in ways I am beginning to explore.

“I’m excited to have time to focus on new projects, and to spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter. Life feels full of possibilities.”

Luba Mushtuk

Russian pro Luba revealed she was leaving Strictly in late March, after being part of the series for 10 years.

“Thank you for the amazing opportunity and the unforgettable memories”, she said in a statement at the time.

Fans were sad to see the dancer leave, with one saying they were “ruining the show”.

Another wrote: “You’re going to have to let us in on your strategy for this mass cull because loyal viewers like myself root for all the pros and I have really struggled to understand why they are doing this.”

Michelle Tsiakkas

Cyprus-born dancer Tsiakkas said she had “hoped to have more time” on the BBC dancing competition in a statement at the time.

She only joined in 2022 and did not receive a partner in the last series.

She also revealed that she had made the “very hard decision” to pull out from the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour.

The BBC wrote: “Her talent, dedication and energy have been much appreciated, and everyone wishes her all the very best for what comes next.”

Gorka Marquez

Gorka is the latest Strictly pro to reveal that they are not returning in 2026.

He was another long-standing dancer, having joined in 2016, and been runner-up three times, most recently in 2022 with Helen Skelton.

The show’s official Instagram account hailed the Spanish star as “a hugely popular” part of the show.

They said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years.”

Other changes for Strictly Come Dancing in 2026

The next series of Strictly may seem very different to many viewers, with bosses reportedly overhauling the show.

The big one is the departure of long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Names have been flying around regarding potential replacements, including names like Alex Jones, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Emma Willis.

The popular companion show, Strictly – It Takes Two, is also reportedly being scrapped in favor of a “vodcast” format aimed at reaching a wider, younger audience.

The format would allegedly similar to The Traitors spin-off Uncloaked, hosted by Ed Gamble.

Rumours say that Janette Manrara and Fleur East may not return.

Which dancer(s) will you miss most in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know in the comments below.





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Tesco expands Clubcard Prices offer as 45 new products added

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The supermarket giant has expanded its “3 for £8” Finest deli offer to a whopping 68 items, giving shoppers more than 54,000 mix-and-match combinations.

The move is aimed at Brits hunting for easy lunches, picky teas and laid-back sharing dinners at home, as reported by creatorzine.com.

New additions span everything from gourmet dips and olives to pastries, prawns and premium meats, with some seriously indulgent picks on the list.

Standout treats include whipped feta and tabbouleh, savoury pastel de nata, truffle-infused prosciutto and garlic butter olives.

Among the headline grabbers is the new Tesco Finest Whipped Feta & Tabbouleh, a creamy dip topped with coriander, mint and parsley with dressed bulgur wheat and a mint-infused oil.

Another eye-catching addition is the Savoury Pastel de Nata – a twist on the classic sweet treat, made with all-butter puff pastry and packed with extra mature Cheddar cheese custard.

All items are included in the 3 for £8 Clubcard deal unless stated otherwise.

The update comes after Tesco was crowned Good Housekeeping’s “Picky Tea Supermarket of the Year 2026”, underlining the boom in grazing-style meals and relaxed hosting.

A Tesco spokesperson said the overhaul is its biggest deli revamp yet, designed to match how customers are eating now, from solo snacking to casual get-togethers.

Shoppers can snap up everything from cured meats like Salami with Fennel (£3.50), Parma Ham (£3.50) and Prosciutto Crudo with Truffle (£3.50), to deli staples including Mediterranean Olive Trio (£4), Sicilian Nocellara Olives (£4) and Mozzarella Pearls with Basil Pesto (£4).

There are also plenty of hearty bites, including Garlic & Paprika King Prawns (£5), Serrano Ham & Manchego Croquetas (£4.50), Burrata Arancini (£3.75) and Chorizo with Sherry & Honey Glaze (£4).

Pastry lovers are covered too, with options like Bacon & Onion Sausage Rolls (£4.50), BBQ Pulled Pork Rolls (£4.50), Nduja Mozzarella Quiche (£4) and the new Savoury Pastel De Nata (£4.25).

For picky tea spreads, shoppers can pick up Mini Melton Mowbray Pork Pies (£3.25), Mini Pork Sausage Rolls (£3.25), Cheddar Onion Muffins (£3) and Rosemary Focaccia (£2.50).

And for lighter sides, there’s Buffalo Potato Salad (£3.50), Caesar Bacon Coleslaw (£3.50), Labneh with Smoky Aubergine (£3.50) and Houmous & Roasted Red Pepper (£3.50).

With thousands of combinations on offer, Tesco is clearly betting big on Britain’s love of picky bits, and making it easier than ever to build the ultimate spread without breaking the bank.

Full list including base prices (all part of 3 for £8 Clubcard deal):

  • Salami with Fennel – £3.50
  • Parma Ham – £3.50
  • Prosciutto Crudo with Truffle – £3.50
  • Jamón Serrano Gran Reserva Ham – £3.50
  • Spanish Coppa & Ibérico Cheese – £3.50
  • Mortadella with Nocellara Olives – £3.50
  • Mediterranean Olive Trio – £4
  • Sicilian Nocellara Olives – £4
  • Chargrilled Greek Halkidiki Olives – £4
  • Middle Eastern Style Domat Olives – £4
  • Prosecco & Blood Orange Spritz Olives – £4
  • Garlic & Chilli Greek Halkidiki & Kalamata Olives – £4
  • Double Stuffed Halkidiki Olives – £4
  • Mozzarella Pearls & Sicilian Semi Dried Tomatoes – £4
  • Mozzarella Pearls with Basil Pesto – £4
  • Italian Chargrilled Tomatoes – £4
  • Atlantic White Anchovies with Lemon – £4
  • Barber’s Cave Aged Cheddar – £4
  • Ploughman’s Pot – £4
  • Marinated Chickpeas & Chorizo – £3.25
  • Marinated Greek Feta with Lemon – £4
  • Marinated Butter Beans with Greek Feta – £3.25
  • Italian Artichokes – £4
  • Sundried Tomato & Basil Chicken Koftas – £3.75
  • Bolognese & Pecorino Calzones – £3.75
  • Feta & Spinach Parcels – £3.75
  • Halloumi & Hot Honey Filo Batons – £3.75
  • Serrano Ham & Manchego Croquetas – £4.50
  • Nduja & Roasted Red Pepper Croquetas – £4.50
  • Chorizo with Sherry & Honey Glaze – £4
  • Spanish Style Potatoes – £3.50
  • Garlic & Paprika King Prawns – £5
  • Burrata Arancini – £3.75
  • Bruschetta with Ibérico Cheese & Serrano Ham – £4.50
  • Calabrian Bruschetta with Ibérico Cheese & Nduja – £4.50
  • Baking Feta with Wildflower Honey – £4
  • Spanish Chorizo Tortilla – £3.50
  • Spanish Roasted Pepper Tortilla – £3.50
  • Burrata with Semi Dried Tomatoes – £4.50
  • Smoked Ham Mushroom Lattices – £3.25
  • Red Leicester & Jalapeño Cocktail Sausages – £3.25
  • Bacon & Onion Sausage Rolls – £4.50
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Rolls – £4.50
  • Whipped Feta Tomato Tarts – £4.25
  • Ploughman’s Tarts – £4.25
  • Savoury Pastel De Nata – £4.25
  • Nduja Mozzarella Quiche – £4
  • Pecorino Tomato Quiche – £4
  • Beef Ragu Parmesan Bites – £3.75
  • Chorizo Chicken Empanadas – £3.75
  • Chicken Pepper Pastries – £3.75
  • Cheddar Onion Muffins – £3
  • Mini Melton Mowbray Pork Pies – £3.25
  • Mini Pork Sausage Rolls – £3.25
  • Pork Cocktail Sausages – £3.25
  • Honey Mustard Cocktail Sausages – £3.25
  • Rosemary Focaccia – £2.50
  • Buffalo Potato Salad – £3.50
  • Four Cheese Potato Salad – £3.50
  • Caesar Bacon Coleslaw – £3.50
  • Labneh with Smoky Aubergine – £3.50
  • Whipped Feta & Tabbouleh – £3.50
  • Houmous & Roasted Red Pepper – £3.50
  • Mozzarella Pearls & Pesto Orzo Salad – £3.50
  • Red Pepper Tomato Pasta Salad – £3.50
  • Prosciutto Crudo & Cheese Rollitos – £3.70





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Sainsbury’s shoppers can bag Nectar points with simple trick

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The easy hack, which takes just a few clicks, has been doing the rounds on social media this week.

And bargain hunters are loving it, as reported by creatorzine.com.

Many reckon it’s one of the quickest loyalty wins out there right now, with points landing almost instantly.


UK supermarket rankings in 2026


The trick was shared on Reddit, where a post on the r/UKFrugal thread revealed how one savvy user bagged 500 Nectar points with barely any effort.

The post, from MovieMore4352, read: “Check your emails from Nectar.

“I’ve just been given 500 Nectar points for simply registering with Marriott Bonvoy. Easy and took seconds.”

The deal is part of Nectar’s tie-up with Marriott Bonvoy, letting members link accounts, swap points and unlock bonus rewards across both schemes.

Through the partnership, shoppers can trade points for hotel stays, experiences and travel perks while also earning extras just for signing up or staying at participating hotels.

New Marriott Bonvoy members who sign up via Nectar can pocket a 500-point bonus – worth about £2.50 – simply by linking their account, with even more points up for grabs on hotel stays.

Some shoppers initially thought they had to book a trip to qualify but later realised the sign-up alone could trigger the bonus.

Story From Jam Press (Simple Sainsburys Hack) Pictured: A social media user reacts to earning Nectar points instantly with a simple trick. Sainsbury’s shoppers can bag hundreds of Nectar points instantly with this simple trick Sainsbury’s shoppers are being tipped off about a super-simple trick that could bag them hundreds of Nectar points – with some claiming they’ve scored rewards in seconds. The easy hack, which takes just a few clicks, has been doing the rounds on social media this week. And bargain hunters are loving it, as reported by creatorzine.com. Many reckon it’s one of the quickest loyalty wins out there right now, with points landing almost instantly. The trick was shared on Reddit, where a post on the r/UKFrugal thread revealed how one savvy user bagged 500 Nectar points with barely any effort. The post, from MovieMore4352, read: “Check your emails from Nectar. “I’ve just been given 500 Nectar points for simply registering with Marriott Bonvoy. Easy and took seconds.” The deal is part of Nectar’s tie-up with Marriott Bonvoy, letting members link accounts, swap points and unlock bonus rewards across both schemes. Through the partnership, shoppers can trade points for hotel stays, experiences and travel perks while also earning extras just for signing up or staying at participating hotels. New Marriott Bonvoy members who sign up via Nectar can pocket a 500-point bonus – worth about £2.50 – simply by linking their account, with even more points up for grabs on hotel stays. Some shoppers initially thought they had to book a trip to qualify but later realised the sign-up alone could trigger the bonus. Others rushed to try it, with many saying it worked straight away. One user wrote: “Thank you, this worked for me just now!” Another user said: “Thank you! Just did it and got points immediately.” A third of person added: “That was surprisingly painless. Thanks a lot for sharing.” Others shared tips for those who didn’t get the email – pointing out the offer can also be found in the Nectar app. One user wrote: “I didn’t get the email… but it was also listed under ‘Partner Offers’ in the Nectar app with a link that takes you straight there.” ENDS (Image: Jam Press/Reddit)

Others rushed to try it, with many saying it worked straight away.

One user wrote: “Thank you, this worked for me just now!”

Another user said: “Thank you! Just did it and got points immediately.”

A third of person added: “That was surprisingly painless. Thanks a lot for sharing.”

Others shared tips for those who didn’t get the email – pointing out the offer can also be found in the Nectar app.

One user wrote: “I didn’t get the email… but it was also listed under ‘Partner Offers’ in the Nectar app with a link that takes you straight there.”





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