Today is Donald Duck Day, International Day of Celtic Art, International Dark ’n Stormy Day and World Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Day. Your star sign is Gemini and your birthstone is Pearl (Alexandrite and Moonstone is also recognised).

1934 – 1984 – Jackie Wilson (49), American singer (“Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher and Higher”, “Reet Petite”).

1947 – Robbie Vincent (79), English radio broadcaster and DJ (BBC Radio London, Jazz FM), voted Independent Radio Personality of the Year 1995, born in Felixstowe, Suffolk.

1954 – Pete Byrne (72), English singer and a member of the pop and new wave band Naked Eyes (“In the Name of Love”, “When the Lights Go Out”), born in Bath, Somerset.

1961 – Michael J Fox (65), Canadian retired actor (Back to the Future, Teen Wolf, Spin City), born in Edmonton, Canada.

1962 – Eddie Lundon (64), English musician, singer and co-founder of the band China Crisis (“Wishful Thinking”), born in Knowsley, Merseyside.

1963 – Johnny Depp (63), American actor (Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward Scissorhands, Donnie Brasco), born in Owensboro, Kentucky, United States.

1977 – Paul Hutchison (49), English former first-class cricketer (Yorkshire, Sussex, Middlesex), born in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

1978 – Matt Bellamy (48), English singer-songwriter, musician and lead vocalist of the rock band Muse (“Supermassive Black Hole”), born in Cambridge.

1978 – Miroslav Klose (48), German professional football manager and former player (Bayern Munich, Lazio) who currently serves as head coach of 1. FC Nürnberg, born in Opole, Poland.

1981 – Natalie Portman (45), American actress (Léon, Black Swan, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, V for Vendetta), born in Jerusalem.

1870 – Charles Dickens (58), was an English novelist and critic (The Pickwick Papers, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist).

2014 – Rik Mayall (56), was an English comedian, actor, and screenwriter (Bottom, The Young Ones, The New Statesman, Guest House Paradiso).

2017 – Adam West (88), was an American actor best known for his role as Batman in the 1960s series alongside Burt Ward as Robin.

1904 – Around 40 musicians from Henry Wood’s Queen’s Hall Orchestra (including “God’s Own Quartet” of brass players: Adolf Borsdorf, Thomas Busby, Henri van der Meerschen, and John Solomon) resigned and later formed the London Symphony Orchestra.

1908 – Edward VII visits Tsar Nicholas II at Reval, Russia, where the two discuss the growing power of Germany and British plans for reform in Macedonia.

1933 – Scottish inventor and electrical engineer, John Logie Baird demonstrated high definition television at his Long Acre studio in London, showing the difference between the previous 30-line picture and the new 120-line tubes.

1934 – Donald Duck made its first appearance in “The Wise Little Hen.”

1944 – Ninety-nine civilians are hanged from lampposts and balconies by German troops in Tulle, France, in reprisal for maquisards attacks.

1958 – The Queen opened an extended airport at Gatwick, south of London, modernised at a cost of £7m. The airport was also the world’s first that combined air, road, and rail travel from one location.

1960 – It was announced that one of Britain’s oldest quality cars, the Armstrong Siddeley, was to go out of production.

1975 – The first live transmission from the House of Commons was broadcast by BBC Radio and commercial radio stations as a four-week trial. Secretary of State for Industry Tony Benn was the first minister questioned on air during this initial experiment.

1978 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opens its priesthood to “all worthy men”, ending a 148-year-old policy of excluding black men.

1983 – Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative Party won a landslide second term election victory since that of the Labour Party in 1945, with a majority of 144 seats and the first of two consecutive landslide victories.

1989 – “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier”, directed by William Shatner and starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, premieres.

1990 – Monica Seles wins her first Grand Slam singles title at the French Open, beating Steffi Graf 7-6, 6-4.

1999 – A peace treaty was signed between NATO, Yugoslavia, and Serbia. The treaty was signed in Kumanovo, Macedonia, bringing the end of the Kosovo War the next day.

2014 – The death of the comedian, actor and writer Richard Michael “Rik” Mayall aged 56. He played the anarchist Rick in The Young Ones, alongside his friend, Adrian Edmonson. The duo later went on to star in the series Bottom and Mayall also appeared in Blackadder and The New Statesman.

2019 – Over 1 million people protest in Hong Kong against proposed new laws for extradition to China in one of the largest-ever protests in the city.

2015 – Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cornwall unveiled a memorial window to Sir Winston Churchill, in St. Martin’s Church, Bladon, near Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Churchill died in 1965 and is buried in Bladon churchyard along with other members of the Churchill family.

2023 – Former US President Donald Trump is indicted by a federal grand jury on 37 counts on seven charges, including false statements, conspiracy to obstruct and willful retention of national defense information.

2023 – Four Colombian children are found safe after surviving 40 days in the Colombian jungle after their plane crashed killing the three adults on board.

2023 – Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned as an MP with immediate effect after receiving the so called Partygate Report produced by the privileges committee. The report was made public on 15th June the same year.

2025 – The Madleen, a UK-flagged civilian aid vessel organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza is seized by the Israeli Navy. The activists, including Greta Thunberg were forcibly detained and transported to Israel, then subsequently deported.

1964 – During an evening session, Bob Dylan recorded ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ at Columbia Recording Studios in New York City. This was the first session for Another Side Of Bob Dylan, which saw Dylan recording 14 original compositions that night. The Byrds later covered ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ as their first single, which reached No.1 on both the US & UK Chart. The Byrds’ recording of the song was influential in initiating the musical subgenre of folk-rock, leading many contemporary bands to mimic its fusion of jangly guitars and intellectual lyrics in the wake of the single’s success.

1978 – The Rolling Stones released Some Girls, their first studio album recorded with Ronnie Wood as a full member. The album cover was designed by Peter Corriston and featured The Stones in garish drag alongside select female celebrities and lingerie ads. The cover immediately ran into trouble when Lucille Ball, Farrah Fawcett, Liza Minnelli (representing her mother Judy Garland), Raquel Welch, and the estate of Marilyn Monroe threatened legal action.

1979 – The Bee Gees went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Love You inside Out’, the group’s 9th US No.1 and a No.13 hit in the UK.

1984 – Cyndi Lauper started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Time After Time’ a No.3 hit in the UK. Lauper co-wrote ‘Time After Time’ with Philadelphia based Rob Hyman of The Hooters.

1990 – New Order started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘World In Motion’. England’s song for the World Cup in 1990, following their No.1 in 1970. In the game they were knocked out by Germany on both occasions.

2003 – Former Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating raised more than £100,000 for cancer charities during a 23 day walk from the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim to Kinsale in County Cork. He visited 610 towns along the way, walking an average of 32km (20 miles) each day.

2007 – George Michael became the first music artist to perform at the new Wembley Stadium in London when he played the first of two shows at the venue during his ’25 Live Tour’.

2025 – American musician, songwriter, and record producer Sly Stone died at his home in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, at the age of 82. He was most famous for his role as frontman for Sly and the Family Stone, a band which played a critical role in the development of soul, funk, rock, and psychedelia in the 1960s and 1970s.

68 AD – Roman Emperor Nero commits suicide, imploring his secretary Epaphroditus to slit his throat to evade a Senate-imposed death by flogging.

1549 – The Church of England adopted the Book of Common Prayer, compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer.

1667 – The Raid on the Medway, sometimes called the Battle of Chatham began. It lasted for five days and resulted in a decisive victory for the Dutch over the English in the Second Anglo-Dutch War. The Dutch bombarded and then captured the town of Sheerness and sailed up the River Medway to Chatham, where they burned ten naval vessels and towed away the HMS Unity and the HMS Royal Charles, the pride of the English fleet. It was the worst defeat in the Royal Navy’s history.

1781 – The birth of George Stephenson, English civil engineer and mechanical engineer. Stephenson was renowned as being the ‘Father of Railways’

1836 – Birth of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, English physician who was refused admission to medical schools, so studied privately and was licensed to practice in 1865. She created a medical school for women which became the New Hospital for Women.

1873 – Alexandra Palace in London burned down, after being open for only 16 days. It was built as a public centre of recreation, education and entertainment and as North London’s counterpart to the Crystal Palace in South London. With typical Victorian vigour, the palace was quickly rebuilt and it reopened on 1st May 1875.

The Government has unveiled major new plans to protect children online, with Sir Keir Starmer demanding that tech companies prevent under-18s from sending or receiving explicit images on their phones. Firms have been given three months to act or face legislation, with ministers describing it as a world-first step in tackling online exploitation.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has revealed he personally told US Vice-President JD Vance he was "wrong" after comments linking the death of Henry Nowak to immigration. Lammy described the phone call as "robust", saying the intervention was unhelpful and factually incorrect.

London Tech Week is underway, with the Prime Minister announcing a £750 million investment in a new national AI supercomputer and unveiling plans to strengthen Britain's position as a global technology leader. Artificial intelligence, innovation and the future of work are dominating discussions in the capital.

Sir Keir Starmer has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside the leaders of France and Germany, with the four nations calling for an immediate ceasefire and increased defence cooperation following renewed Russian attacks.

A huge fire at a recycling centre sent thick plumes of smoke across parts of London overnight, with firefighters tackling the blaze and residents advised to keep windows and doors closed while crews brought the incident under control.

Reform UK's local election gains continue to dominate political debate, with commentators discussing whether the party's dramatic success at council level could translate into Westminster seats at the next General Election.

Families of the Nottingham attack victims have renewed calls for accountability, saying "every single agency failed" as they continue campaigning for a public inquiry into the tragedy and improvements to mental health services.

And finally, ministers have launched a national call for evidence on when children should receive their first smartphone, with parents, teachers and experts invited to help shape future guidance amid growing concerns over screen time and online safety.

Several of today's newspapers, including The Sun, The Times and the Daily Mirror, all lead with allegations concerning former West Ham chairman David Sullivan, making it the dominant front page story across Fleet Street this morning.

The Daily Mail leads with a report claiming that half of university graduates earn less than the national average wage five years after leaving higher education, reigniting the debate over the value of a degree.

The Daily Telegraph reports that criminals, organised gangs and even Russia have benefited from misdirected taxpayer funds, raising questions about government oversight and public spending.

The i Paper leads with an exclusive claiming a hidden device was discovered inside a sensitive government building two months ago, prompting questions about security at the highest levels.

The Daily Star goes with a lighter front page, reporting that a great white shark has been spotted in the Mediterranean Sea, sparking concern and fascination among holidaymakers.

The Guardian reports that Reform UK has insisted it "proudly supports the Ukrainian war effort" after Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the removal of Ukrainian flags by some Reform-led councils.

Metro leads with the sentencing of a senior member of the Kinahan organised crime group to 24 years in prison in Dublin, marking a significant development in the fight against organised crime.

The Financial Times reports that Israel and Iran have halted strikes against one another, easing fears that the conflict could derail Donald Trump's efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement between the two countries.

The UK heatwave is dominating searches after forecasters suggested temperatures could climb into the high 20s and low 30s later this week. Millions are checking weather forecasts as many parts of the country prepare for what could be the hottest spell of the year.

Apple is trending worldwide after its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where the tech giant unveiled iOS 27, new AI-powered features and updates coming to iPhones, iPads and Macs later this year.

Frank Lampard is trending after reports linked him with becoming the next England Under-21 manager following Lee Carsley's expected departure after the European Championships.

David Sullivan is one of the UK's biggest trending names after allegations involving the former West Ham chairman dominated the front pages of several national newspapers, including The Sun, The Times and the Daily Mirror.

Ben Stokes is trending as England prepare for another huge summer of cricket, with fans discussing his leadership ahead of the upcoming international fixtures and Test series.

The London recycling centre fire has become one of the UK's biggest overnight stories after dramatic images of thick black smoke spread across social media, with thousands searching for updates.

Screen time is trending following new Government proposals aimed at protecting children online, with fresh debate over smartphones, social media and how much time young people should spend on devices.

SpaceX is trending after another successful Starship test programme update, with renewed excitement about future missions to the Moon and Mars as Elon Musk's company continues pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

Madonna has released a 10-minute promotional film for her upcoming album Confessions II, packed with celebrity cameos and already sparking a game among fans trying to spot all 16 famous faces hidden throughout the video. The Queen of Pop has described the project as more of a short film than a traditional music video.

Katie Price's husband, Lee Andrews, has reportedly begged her to launch a GoFundMe campaign to raise £140,000 to secure his release from prison in Dubai. Katie has said she wants answers before offering any support, with the story dominating entertainment headlines.

Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has revealed she was rushed to A&E after suffering complications from chemotherapy during her breast cancer treatment. The actress thanked medical staff and supporters after describing herself as feeling "as vulnerable as a baby".

Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has praised Jeremy Clarkson for changing public perceptions of farming, saying Clarkson's Farm has done more than almost anyone to educate viewers about the challenges facing British agriculture.

Jennifer Lopez has shared emotional family moments after celebrating her son Max graduating from high school. The singer recently revealed both of her twins have been accepted into their dream colleges and called the occasion one of her proudest moments.

Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison has landed a new movie role after previously revealing she relied on food banks during difficult financial times. Fans have welcomed the news, saying it's great to see the actress back on screen.

Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton continue to dominate celebrity gossip after fresh photographs emerged from the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, with fans debating whether Formula One is becoming as much about celebrity culture as motorsport.

And finally, House of the Dragon returns later this month, with stars gathering in London for the series three premiere. Early previews promise the biggest battles and darkest storylines yet as the Game of Thrones prequel prepares to return.

Madonna has released a 10-minute visual film for her upcoming album Confessions II, featuring a host of celebrity cameos and six brand-new tracks. Fans have been challenging each other to spot all the famous faces hidden throughout the ambitious production.

Niall Horan is on course to score his third UK number one album with Dinner Party, with early sales and streaming figures putting the former One Direction star ahead of the competition.

Deep Purple have released Diablo, the latest single from their forthcoming album SPLAT!, giving fans another taste of the rock legends' new record ahead of its release next month.

Ellie Goulding has revealed that her upcoming album will be her most personal yet, opening up about divorce, motherhood and rebuilding her life. She says writing the record helped her through one of the biggest periods of change she has ever experienced.

Bob Dylan surprised fans by performing his 1967 classic You Ain't Goin' Nowhere live for the first time in 14 years during his latest North American concert.

Ashley Roberts has revealed the gruelling schedule during her Pussycat Dolls days left doctors fearing she had suffered a brain aneurysm. The singer says exhaustion pushed her body to breaking point and has urged others to prioritise their health.

Phoebe Bridgers has announced her first tour in four years, including five UK arena dates, with fans rushing to secure tickets for what promises to be one of the year's biggest alternative music tours.

And finally, Luciano Pavarotti is being honoured in what would have been his 90th birthday year with a special pair of football shirts inspired by Nessun Dorma ahead of this summer's World Cup celebrations, combining two of Italy's greatest passions – football and opera.

Experts are urging shoppers to always wash new clothes before wearing them after retail and warehouse workers revealed garments can pick up dust, bacteria and contaminants during manufacturing, transport and while being tried on in stores.

Aldi has confirmed the return of its £5 school uniform bundle, offering 33 back-to-school essentials at budget prices. The annual promotion is expected to prove popular with families looking to cut the cost of the new school year.

Health experts say a simple kitchen trick could make scrambled eggs even creamier. Instead of adding milk, they recommend salting the eggs and leaving them to rest for around 15 minutes before cooking to improve both texture and flavour.

A growing trend on social media sees people proudly admitting they have very few or even no close friends, with influencers claiming independence is empowering. Experts say the trend also highlights increasing loneliness and changing social habits.

More people are rethinking their shopping habits after experts warned that overconsumption can increase stress, debt and anxiety. Lifestyle coaches are encouraging people to buy less, declutter more and focus on experiences instead of possessions.

A parenting expert has shared tips for making family road trips less stressful this summer, suggesting games, regular breaks and getting children involved in the journey rather than relying purely on screens.

Financial experts are encouraging families to plan ahead for difficult life events by ensuring wills, powers of attorney and important documents are in place before they're needed, helping to reduce stress during challenging times.

And finally, Father's Day is fast approaching, with retailers reporting strong demand for practical gifts such as BBQ sets, luggage, gadgets and personalised presents as families prepare to celebrate dads across the UK.

England's World Cup preparations continue in Florida, with Thomas Tuchel giving his squad time to unwind before the tournament begins. Harry Kane, John Stones, Jordan Pickford and several teammates enjoyed a round of golf with five-time major winner Brooks Koepka as England continue their warm-weather training camp.

England cricket captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson are under investigation by the ECB following an alleged breach of team protocols after the first Test victory over New Zealand. The board says it is gathering further information before announcing its squad for the second Test.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson has shared an emotional letter from the widow of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota ahead of Scotland's World Cup campaign. Robertson said he will carry his friend's memory with him as Scotland chase success on football's biggest stage.

Former NRL forward Kane Evans has publicly come out as gay, becoming only the second male professional rugby league player to do so. Evans has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction, homelessness and mental health, with his story receiving widespread praise across the sporting world.

Jordan are preparing for their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance after making history by qualifying for the finals for the very first time. Their remarkable journey has made them one of the tournament's biggest underdog stories.

John McGinn says he is bursting with pride after a giant mural celebrating his career was unveiled in his hometown of Clydebank. The Aston Villa and Scotland captain hopes it inspires the next generation to believe they can reach the very top.

FightMND has received an extraordinary £40 million donation after Australian business owners Quentin and Kylie Birt increased their original pledge fourfold during the annual Big Freeze fundraiser, creating one of the largest charitable gifts ever seen in sport.

And finally, the countdown to the FIFA World Cup is well and truly on, with England continuing their preparations ahead of next week's opening group match against Croatia. Fans across the UK are already planning late nights, pub trips and early mornings as the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico gets ready to kick off on Thursday.

Olivia Attwood is being tipped as the bookmaker favourite to replace Maya Jama as Love Island host, amid rumours this could be Maya’s final run on the show. Olivia is currently priced as the frontrunner, with Emily Atack, AJ Odudu, Vick Hope and Roman Kemp also being mentioned.

Love Island fans are still reacting after Lorenzo snuck off for a secret kiss with bombshell Priya in the Hideaway Garden. The twist has left Jasmine wondering where she stands and viewers calling the pair “shady” online.

Angelista has ended things with Ope after watching him flirt with bombshell Victoria during the boys’ secret cocktail night. Viewers have criticised Ope after he admitted to having a “wandering eye”, with some fans already calling for him to leave the villa.

Fans are already predicting Sean Fitzgerald and Lola Deal could win the series after just one week. The primary school teacher and Kent detective have been praised for their early connection, with viewers calling them the couple to beat.

George Knight has spoken out after leaving the villa for family reasons, thanking fans for their support and saying it was important for him to be with his family. His sudden departure has continued to dominate discussion around the show.

Molly-Mae Hague has shared sweet photos from her first week as a family-of-four after welcoming a baby boy with Tommy Fury. The couple have not yet revealed the baby’s name, but fans are already speculating it could be announced around Tommy’s fight with Eddie Hall.

Love Island fans have complained about Sam Workman’s lack of screen time, with some viewers asking where he has been after barely appearing in recent episodes. The reaction has sparked another debate about reality TV editing.

And finally, Jazwares has launched an official Love Island party game called Villa Life, aimed at adults and packed with questions, challenges and villa-style drama for fans to play at home.

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over, with the tournament kicking off on Thursday 11 June across the USA, Canada and Mexico. This will be the biggest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities.

FIFA has removed Somali referee Omar Artan from the World Cup officiating roster after he was refused entry to the United States. Artan had been set to become the first Somali official at a World Cup, and the decision has sparked debate over travel rules and tournament logistics.

England fans are preparing for late-night matches, with pub opening hours expected to be extended for key games and many supporters already planning around awkward kick-off times. The time zones in North America mean some matches could leave fans heading to work short on sleep.

Scotland are preparing for their first World Cup finals since 1998, with tens of thousands of Tartan Army fans expected to travel to North America. Excitement is building as Steve Clarke’s side get ready to return to football’s biggest stage.

Andy Robertson has received an emotional letter from the widow of his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, urging him to live the World Cup dream they once spoke about together. Robertson says he will carry his friend’s memory into the tournament.

Brazil say Neymar is making good progress from a calf injury as he races to be fit for their opening World Cup match against Morocco on 13 June. The 34-year-old missed Brazil’s warm-up friendlies but remains hopeful of featuring.

The BBC has launched its World Cup campaign, “Let’s Make It Iconic”, celebrating football fandom through handmade banners, flags, animations and fan culture ahead of the tournament.

And finally, London sports bars are already getting creative for the World Cup, with one venue offering free pints to England fans who can perform John Barnes’ famous World in Motion rap word-perfect before group games.