Bbc

• BBC Sport has launched an updated app experience specifically designed for the FIFA World Cup 2026. • The new features include live match updates on lock screens, short-form video content, and immersive 3D match experiences. • These enhancements aim to support the expanded scale of the tournament, which features 48 nations competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

• Olivia Rodrigo discusses her songwriting process and struggles with writing happy songs in a recent interview. • The pop star revealed she has already chosen her wedding song, despite often singing about heartbreak in her music. • Rodrigo also shared her experience with anxiety, including an attack she had at Glastonbury.

• The BBC has canceled the 2026 Christmas special of Doctor Who amidst behind-the-scenes turmoil. • Russell T Davies, the showrunner, has quit the series, leaving it in chaos after his departure. • This development comes after Ncuti Gatwa's early exit from the role of The Doctor last year.

• BBC Sport TV and radio commentators have identified 20 emerging players poised to become breakout stars at the 2026 World Cup. • Key highlights include Alvaro Fidalgo, who opted to represent Mexico over Spain in February, and Switzerland's Manzambi, a goalkeeper inspired by Manuel Neuer. • The analysis emphasizes the importance of young talent stepping up, noting Switzerland's historical trend of providing platforms for players like Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye to excel.

• BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has released his score predictions for the opening round of group games at the 2026 World Cup. • Sutton predicts a 0-0 draw between Ecuador and Ivory Coast, citing both teams' strong defensive records during their respective qualifying campaigns. • In his overall tournament forecast, Sutton has picked Japan as the eventual winners and the Netherlands as the runners-up.

• The BBC has announced the cancellation of the upcoming *Doctor Who* Christmas special following a period of "careful consideration." • Showrunner Russell T Davies has also confirmed his departure from the series, marking a significant leadership change for the long-running sci-fi drama. • This decision is unexpected given the show's historical tradition of holiday episodes and Davies' pivotal role in the program's modern revival.

• Actress Lacey Turner, best known for her long-running role as Stacey Slater on the BBC One soap EastEnders, has been confirmed as the first celebrity contestant for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. • Turner joined EastEnders in 2004 and has since earned both a British Soap Award and a National Television Award for her performance. • Beyond her soap opera success, she has appeared in various television dramas, including the BBC series Our Girl.