ITV HAS announced another major schedule shakeup as they pull a beloved quiz show off air.
The broadcaster has already told Coronation Street fans their Friday visit to the cobbles has been axed.
Instead, its hour-long episode will air on Thursday night at the later time of 9pm.
And now ITV have confirmed Lee Mack’s The 1% Club won’t air this week.
It’s been dropped from the TV guide as bosses clear the schedule on Saturday night for the Brit Awards.
The awards ceremony – which comedian Jack Whitehall will host again this year – kicks off from 8:15pm.
It will run until 10:40pm where the ITV News at 10 will come on air.
Meanwhile, funnyman Jack exclusively told The Sun how he is returning over unfinished business with the Brits.
He said: “The last show I did was in 2021, which had a fair few restrictions due to Covid.
“So it always felt like, due to circumstances beyond my control, I’d maybe gone out with a little bit of a whimper.
“I think the Brits 2025 is going to make up for that and be a really big night.
“When I first started out I was just like ‘Jack, don’t mess this up. This is such a big opportunity’. You don’t want to say the wrong thing and insult someone and then get taken off air.
“Then I got to a point where I was like, ‘It’s probably best now to not outstay my welcome’.
“And now, here I am, back again.”
Would you know the answers to some of quizzing TV's hardest questions
HOUSEHOLDS are having to wait up to a year to get a smart meter appointment as suppliers struggle with surging demand and a shortage of qualified staff.
An investigation by The Sun has found a host of major energy suppliers have a lack of appointments in some areas, while others can’t tell customers when they will be available.
Smart meters allow customers to track their energy usage, helping them to identify areas where they are overspending and potentially cut their bills.
In theory, they should also ensure energy bills are accurate as they send up-to-date meter readings to suppliers automatically.
The government has been mandating that suppliers must roll out smart meters across the country and now requires them to meet annual installation targets.
Over the past five years, smart meter installation has increased by 114%, with around 37million meters fitted in total.
In 2012, just 1% of households had a smart meter, rising to 11% in 2016 and 19% in 2017. By 2019, this had almost doubled again to 37%.
But the rollout appears to have ground to a halt recently, with customers unable to get installations booked in.
In 2024, a total of 2.37million smart meters were installed, taking the total number of households with smart meters to 61%.
This may sound a lot, but it was the lowest number installed since the pandemic and an increase of just 2.3% on the previous year.
And figures published by energy suppliers online show many missed their target installations last year, in some cases by huge numbers.
For example, British Gas had an installation target of 1,192,991 for 2024, but only installed a total of 713,897. Most of the shortfall was in gas meters, with 365,960 installed against a target of 837,383.
And E.On Next installed 602,223 smart meters in 2024 – over 70,000 less than its target of 672,752.
Forums online are now flooded with energy customers complaining about being unable to secure appointments.
One E.On customer said they have been trying to get an appointment for more than 10 months.
Meanwhile, an Octopus Energy customer said staff had been unable to give them any kind of time frame for when appointments might become available.
The customer, from near Oxford, said: “I’ve asked for a smart meter installation, but they are unable to give me an appointment, or even tell me what sort of time scale the wait is – I just get told that they will be in touch when appointments are available.”
And a Scottish Power customer said he requested a smart meter and was told the firm does not install them in his area.
Here, we take a look at what is causing the scarcity of appointments and what customers can do if they’re struggling to get a slot.
Experts say the recent shortage in smart meter appointments has partly been caused by a surge in requests due to the impending switch off of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters in June this year.
Around 530,000 households still rely on these meters, which offer cheaper electricity rates during certain hours, according to the latest figures from Energy UK.
But these meters will stop working from June this year, and all of those customers will need to have their smart meters upgraded.
However, industry experts say the main issue affecting appointment numbers is that the number of qualified engineers is struggling to keep up with this rising demand.
This has been part of the reason for suppliers failing to hit their installation targets, they added.
Maximilian Schwerdtfeger, sustainability expert at The Eco Experts, explained: “The fact that smart meter appointments are running low is down to a lack of installer capacity, which is mainly due to a skills shortage.
“In other words, the smart meter roll out is being held back because energy suppliers cannot afford to hire or train enough installers to meet demand.
“This is particularly the case in rural areas, as it costs suppliers to redeploy their engineers across the country.”
When The Sun spoke with major suppliers, several confirmed they are receiving high demand for appointments.
An Octopus Energy spokesperson said it installed 78,000 smart meters every month in 2024 and that demand remains as high this year.
“To keep up with this demand, we’ve had to invest heavily into our army of engineers,” they said.
“Last year, we grew our smart meter engineering force by 75% from 800 to 1400 and we expect that to continue to grow rapidly.
“Wait times for appointments vary depending on region, but the majority of our customers can book a job in the next four weeks.”
The firm says RTS customers will be prioritised for appointments.
A spokesperson for E.On said the firm has “sufficiently planned in advance” to ensure it has enough technicians this year and the firm says it is encouraging RTS customers to book appointments.
British Gas, EDF, Ovo, Utilita and Scottish Power did not respond to requests for comment.
EDF customer Elaine Sloman has an RTS meter and has been trying to book a smart meter appointment for months.
But the 79-year-old retiree, from near Hull, said she keeps being told there are no appointments due to a shortage of engineers.
“I phoned EDF’s customer service for them to book me in, but they said there are no appointments as there are not enough engineer staff,” she said.
“It’s a joke – every day I try to book, but there is no priority for people with old RTS meters, so my meter is just going to switch off and I’ll be left behind.”
It’s a good idea to regularly check in with your supplier to see if they have released new slots, and ask what date they release slots on.
For example, Octopus Energy states that it releases new slots on a Monday – and you need to get online early to secure a space.
You can also register your interest with most suppliers and get notified when slots became available.
You will need to be a customer of the supplier as you need to log into your account to secure a space.
In the meantime, there are other ways you can keep tabs on your energy usage and keep costs down.
Mr Schwerdtfeger said: “For anyone who wants a smart meter but can’t get an appointment, remember that having one won’t necessarily bring down your energy bills, but rather they make it easier to track how much you’re using.
“Without one, the best way to make sure you’re using less energy is to make your home more energy efficient, such as by installing loft insulation or draught-proofing your doors and windows.”
A roll of draught insulation tape costs around £5, or you can get a professional in for around £250, but it could save you £40 a year.
It costs around £900 to insulate a semi-detached home with 270mm of loft insulation, according to the Energy Saving Trust, but saves around £230 a year.
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
KATIE McCABE let an F-bomb slip out while conceding Ireland severely under-performed in their 4-0 drubbing to Slovenia.
The 94-times capped captain apologised straight away after blurting out the curse word on what was a night where they’ll curse how they played in Koper.
Towards the end of her interview with RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue, she admitted: “Yeah of course (it’s going to be difficult to accept).
“Look, we’re at the start of our journey with Carla and the coaching staff coming in.
“With a change of system there’s going to be hiccups like this but it shouldn’t have obviously been that big of a losing margin.
“But we’ll pick ourselves up. We’re a great bunch of players and girls.
“I know the girls f***ing love…sorry, absolutely love playing for their country.
“And we won’t put in a performance like that again.”
It was the Girls in Green’s heaviest competitive defeat since losing 5-0 to Sweden in 2008 with no such mauling in the 78 matches Ireland played in the intervening period.
But while the USA were the best in the world, this was a Slovenia team not among the game’s elite.
While Ireland were at the 2023 World Cup and won every game in the first Nations League B two years ago, Slovenia were getting relegated from League B then.
They returned to ‘B’ level last year by topping their League C group, but were still expected to be routinely beaten by the star-studded Girls in Green.
Instead, new gaffer Carla Ward’s team fell apart.
She inherited a team known for defensively solidity but one that lacked creativity.
But Ireland lost their organisation without adding any flair on Tuesday night.
The loss of Megan Campbell in the warm-up did have some impact, but that defenders like Jessie Stapleton and Caitlin Hayes stayed on the bench raises questions.
But whatever about the teething problems of a new system and players playing out of position, it was basic errors that led to Slovenia’s goals.
Ward said that she was to blame for the result as players adjust to her more attacking system that the more defensive tactics used in the last five years.
Ward said: “It’s on me. You can’t have a half of football like that and expect to win the game.
“It is a horrible night but it is a huge learning curve at the minute.
“It’s my job and it’s important that I take the pressure away from the players.”
The more defensive tactics under Vera Pauw and then Eileen Gleeson saw Ireland qualify for the World Cup and go close to reaching both Euro 2021 and Euro 2025.
But Ward insisted she will stick to her belief that the team can be more creative, and stick to the tactics she used at Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Aston Villa that got her the job.
She said: “It was not system. Maybe a couple of players in different positions and trying something a little different.
“We aren’t going to rip it up, we have to own it and we have to make sure that half of football never happens again because that is unacceptable.”
JOE O’CONNOR caused one of the shocks of the snooker season as he dumped world No.1 Judd Trump out of the World Open.
And Leicester’s Pocket Rocket, 29, put the surprise result down to a relaxing skiing trip and business-class travel.
Two-time defending champion Trump, 35, lost in the last-32 of a ranking event for the first time this year.
And it is the first time this early since the Scottish Open in December 2023 – going down 5-2 to the world No.39.
The best player this season, who now lives in Hong Kong, was looking for a fourth title this campaign but was denied a shot at the £175,000 winners’ pot in Yushan.
O’Connor – who eliminated Mark Selby on his Crucible debut appearance last year – has blown open the top half of the draw in China and plays Michael Holt for a spot in the quarter-finals.
And he credited the sensational win to taking a winter break and then flying to the Far East in the plush seats.
The amateur mixed martial arts fighter, who closed it out with a 113 break, said: “I flew business class out here.
“Logically, it makes sense. Good preparation leads to a good tournament and for this event it has so far.
“I feel really good. Any win over someone in Judd’s calibre makes you feel great.
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“I took one shot at a time and was able to string something together.
“I feel fine in those pressure moments. I enjoy being out there against the best in the world.
“I had a little time away over Christmas, I went skiing for the first time and that was enjoyable.
“The little break and reset helped and I have come back stronger. I probably needed it.
“I have just beaten Judd. So, why can’t I go and win it?
“One of the hardest things at the top level of snooker is being able to sit down for a couple of frames, watch your opponent do their stuff, and then when you get a chance, you capitalise on it.
“That separates the best from the rest.”
Shaun Murphy followed up his 147 break on Monday by crushing Thailand’s cueist Thepchaiya Un-Nooh with breaks of 83, 94, 94, 85 and 138 in a 5-0 hammering.
Seoul, Feb 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) Acting President Choi Sang-mok has sent a letter to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, expressing gratitude after a South Korean company secured a major contract to supply advanced trains to the...
The post Choi expresses gratitude to Moroccan King over Hyundai Rotem’s $1.5 bn train deal appeared first on Social News XYZ.
MET Office maps show where snow will hit the UK this morning as Brits wake up to washout.
It comes after a 15-hour amber weather warning saw 100 flood alerts bringing a deluge of downpours.
In a post on X the weather agency said: “A heavy spell of rain will sweep across the country on Wednesday morning, with some hill snow in the north.
“Scattered showers will start to move in from the west, with hail and thunder in places.”
Meteorologist Clare Nasir said Wednesday morning will be “wet for many, dry and bright for a few”, adding: “The air is cold.”
She said an area of low pressure will track across the country towards the east through the day “taking with it some showery bursts of rain”.
“Showers will follow but then as high pressure extends from the southwest that shower activity will be dampened down as we head through to Thursday.”
Referring to the rain this morning, she said “some heavier pulses can’t be ruled out” across much of the country.
Ms Nasir added: “Across the northern Pennines, as well as southern Uplands, expect some hill snow.”
She said there was some snowfall overnight in Northern Ireland.
She went on to say: “The rain could be intense at times but it’s a fairly narrow band and extending quite quickly eastwards.
“Through the afternoon showers will follow with a strong wind.”
Ms Nasir said the rain could also bring “the risk of thunder” as the band moves through the afternoon and into the evening.
She added: “A bit of a cold day with that wind.”
Temperatures are only likely to reach double figures in southern England where highs of 10C are expected.
The Environment Agency has issued 64 flood alerts and nine warnings for today, with one alert put in place by Natural Resources Wales.
Met Office figures show Achnagart saw the most rainfall yesterday with 16mm, while Swanage had the highest temperatures with 13C.
Aberdaron saw the most amount of uninterrupted sunshine with 9.6 hours.
Today:
An unsettled start with locally heavy rain.
Turning brighter with sunny spells and scattered heavy showers throughout the afternoon, heavy in the west and wintry over hills in the north.
Thunder and hail possible. Temperatures around average but breezy.
Tonight:
A band of cloud and patchy rain moves south overnight. Initial showers easing.
Clear spells developing from the west after midnight with lighter winds, where it will turn chilly later.
Thursday:
Fine and largely dry with plenty of sunny spells in between scattered fair-weather cloud. Isolated, mostly light, showers in the west.
Feeling pleasant in the sunshine despite the slight breeze.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Dry for many Friday, with sunny spells and a few showers.
Patchy rain slowly moving southwards through Saturday, further rain in the northwest Sunday. Overnight frosts under any clear skies.
