World
‘Love Is Blind: U.K.’ Reveals Cast and Trailer as Hit Netflix Dating Show Moves Across the Pond
“Love Is Blind” is moving across the pond.
The U.K. version of the hit Netflix dating show revealed its full cast and trailer on Wednesday, teasing plenty of drama to come when the first episodes launch on Aug. 7.
“Love Is Blind: U.K.” shares the same synopsis as the U.S. version, following 30 singles who “have signed up for a less-conventional approach to modern dating, and will choose someone to marry without ever meeting them.” The singles hail from Dublin, London, Edinburgh and everywhere in between, range in age from 27 to 38 and include a chicken restaurateur, a techno DJ and a baby photographer.
“Over several weeks, the newly engaged couples will move in together, plan their wedding and find out if their physical connection matches their strong emotional bond developed in the Pods,” the synopsis continues. “When their wedding day arrives, will real-world realities and external factors push them apart, or will they marry the person they fell blindly in love with?”
“Love Is Blind: U.K.” is hosted by Matt and Emma Willis, who have been married since 2008 and share three children. Matt is best known as the singer of pop-punk band Busted, while Emma has presented “Big Brother” as well as the U.K. edition of Netflix competition series “The Circle.”
The 11-episode series premieres on Netflix Aug. 7 with four episodes. The next four will premiere on Aug. 14, and the last two on Aug. 21.
Watch the trailer for “Love Is Blind: U.K.” below and scroll down to meet the cast.
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Aaron
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 33, Milton Keynes, Chicken Restaurateur
@amurrell1
Since coming out of a long-term relationship, businessman Aaron has enjoyed being single, but the party lifestyle is starting to feel empty for him. He wants to find a partner to settle down with which would delight his close-knit family – Aaron’s role models are his own parents who have been together for 34 years and he is hoping to find a lasting love like theirs.
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Benaiah
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 33, Preston, Structural Landscaper
@benaiahgb
Globe-trotting Benaiah has been single for 11 years following a breakup he found difficult to recover from. He loves adventure and the outdoors but is yearning for a deeper connection with someone and finally feels ready to let his guard down and open up.
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Bobby
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 33, Staffordshire, Luxury Shopping Guide
@bobbyj4k
Losing his cousin Danny in tragic circumstances has made Bobby realize that life is too short to spend it alone. After travelling the world with his job, he is ready to find the right girl and settle back in the U.K. Spiritual Bobby writes and records his own music and says his mum is the most important person in his life.
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Catherine
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 29, Jersey, Dental Nurse
@catrichards94
Catherine reckons living on the small island of Jersey is hampering her chances of finding an eligible bachelor and she needs to cast her net further afield. Catherine was adopted as a baby and has never met a man who understands how this has shaped her life which has, in turn, impacted her relationships.
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Charlie
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 34, Hertfordshire, Gym General Manager
@charlie.mawson08
Cheeky chappy Charlie has been single for five years and is searching for a physical spark with someone who can also be his best friend. His mum is just as keen for him to settle down and even took over his dating apps last year in a bid to help him find love.
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Conor
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 31, Dublin, Health Food Business Owner
@griffindoor92
Cheeky, flirtatious and down to earth, Conor has been single for seven years. Since his last relationship ended, he has struggled to find anyone he can truly connect with. After losing his mum three years ago, he started his own health food business in her memory, determined to make her proud. Now he’s keen to start a family of his own.
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Demi
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 30, London, Safeguarding and Attendance Manager
@demisantanabrown
Sporty Demi loves boxing and playing football which she thinks some men are intimidated by. She says she’s used to guys seeing her only as a friend but then suddenly finding her attractive when she gets dressed up and puts some makeup on. Demi, who has mixed Caribbean and Maltese heritage, wants to meet someone, have kids and bag the fairytale ending.
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Ella
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 27, Derbyshire, Social Worker
@ellalilianaa
Fun-loving half-Italian Ella has tried many ways to meet a partner but without success. She was bullied in school and over the years this affected her confidence. Now, she works with young people and enjoys helping those going through the same experiences she had. Ella likes to play tennis, run, sing and bake in her spare time and says the family dog Dolly is her best friend.
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Elle
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 27, London, Graphic Designer
Elle was predominantly raised by her dad, who was her best friend and describes him as “husband goals”. Single for the last year, Elle has been dating but hasn’t been able to find someone who wants the same things out of life. She dreams of getting married and building a big family – something she never had.
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Freddie
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 32, Bolton, Funeral Director
@freddieppowell
Gym-loving Freddie was brought up by his mum and is very close to his brother Jack who has Down syndrome. He says the empathy their bond has instilled in him has helped in his career as a funeral director. A romantic at heart, Freddie doesn’t like being single and is hoping to find someone he can buy flowers for, take to dinner and travel the world with.
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Jake
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 32, Leicestershire, Civil Engineer
@jake.shill
Sensitive Jake is the agony uncle for all his friends and admits to being “soppy” when in a relationship. After going through a breakup and losing his mum, Jake realised that he is eager to settle down and start a family. Jake says he is ready to find the one and is known for falling in love quickly.
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Jasmine
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 29, London, Mental Health Nurse
@thejaycee_
All Jasmine’s friends have settled down, but she has been steadfastly single for four years and says she never gets approached. She describes her childhood as a “rollercoaster” due to moving from Norwich to the Philippines when she was 8. Jasmine wants to walk down the aisle and thinks she’d make a good wife.
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Joanes
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 31, Luton, Resident Service Manager
@joanes11
Salsa king Joanes prefers old school romance to playing text tennis and mind games. Born in Angola, he moved to the U.K. when he was 1 and says it’s important to him that any future partner loves to travel and experience different cultures. Joanes is known to charm the ladies with his linguistic skills but is ultimately hoping to meet someone who shares his Christian values.
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Jordan
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 33, Surrey, Fashion Tech Founder
@jordybaker
Sharp-dressing business owner Jordan is slow to build trust in a relationship and doesn’t take chances, which is where he feels he may have been going wrong in the past. After watching his friends start to settle down and have families, Jordan thinks now might be the time to throw caution to the wind and take a risk on love.
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Lisa
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 34, Edinburgh, Baby Photographer
@lisahendrie
Lisa falls in love easily but is tired of being judged for her looks. She is looking for a relationship of substance that’s all about what’s on the inside. As a photographer specializing in newborn shoots, Lisa finds herself getting broody and longing for a baby of her own.
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Maria
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 30, Southampton, Makeup Artist
@mariabenkh
Maria is hoping for a traditional relationship and is looking for a man who can protect and care for her. She’s a fiery, outgoing and passionate woman who speaks her mind. Maria’s dad died in 2020 and losing him has been the biggest personal challenge she’s had to face so far.
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Natasha
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 32, Cheshire, Career Coordinator
@tashwaters
Since splitting from her long-term partner two and a half years ago, a heavier Tash felt it was time she motivated herself to have a more healthy lifestyle and stay fit and is now keen to meet her “forever person.” She says she frequently gets friend-zoned by guys but looks to her parents, who have been married for 42 years, and hopes to have that for herself one day.
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Nicole
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 29, Surrey, Head of Brand and Marketing
@theholisticnicole
Nicole was previously married but divorced shortly after and as a result threw herself into her career. She was raised Catholic and still believes there is life after divorce. She still hasn’t given up on love and is hoping to be second-time lucky! Nicole has mixed Ghanaian and Lebanese heritage and has lived in Ghana but is now settled in the U.K.
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Olivia
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 28, London, Creative Project Director
@LivLavelle
Olivia puts being single down to the fact she’s spent years being extremely work-focused. However, after living and working in L.A., she is now back in the U.K. and feels ready to share her life. Since her last relationship ended, Olivia has taken time to get to know herself and is hoping to find true love.
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Ollie
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 32, London, Software Sales
@ollie1sutherland
Smooth talker Ollie hasn’t been in a serious relationship for six years. He admits that he often goes for the “Instagram hot” girls and it never develops into anything deep or meaningful. Ollie says he’s now ready to fall in love with someone’s heart rather than their looks – his nights out are now turning into friends’ weddings and he wishes he had a plus one.
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Priya
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 37, Berkshire, Procurement Manager
@priyanka__grewal
Priya has been engaged before – but only for 24 hours, calling it off after realizing she’d made a mistake. She feels now might be the time to step back into the dating world and explore her options. She is looking to build a lasting connection with someone that goes beyond their physical attributes. Priya’s parents had an arranged marriage and she sees them as a prime example of a loving relationship.
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Ria
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 34, London, Commercial Contracts Manager
@reelouise31
Ria is ready to meet someone but feels she’s exhausted all the options – apart from “Love Is Blind.” Ria has five nieces and nephews who she adores and she loves being the cool aunty, but she’s tired of friends and family asking when she’s going to settle down herself.
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Richie
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 30, Gloucestershire, Sports Turf Maintenance Director
@trickyy
Sports-mad Richie admits to needing a lot of reassurance from a partner and describes himself as caring with a lot of love to give. Any love interest coming into Richie’s life would have to get along with his sister who is also his best friend and confidant.
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Ryan
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 31, Edinburgh, Techno DJ and Cellist
@thescottishkorean
Korean-born musician Ryan has been single for two years, having struggled to hold down a relationship because of his lifestyle which involves late nights and travel. He has dated older women in the past and at 6ft 3in tends to be attracted to tall girls, although he is open to anything the pods might have to offer. He is hoping “Love Is Blind” will help him find someone who values commitment as much as he does.
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Sabrina
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 35, Belfast, Director of Marketing and Communications
@sabrinavittoriaegerton
Unlucky in love Sabrina is hoping to meet the man of her dreams in the experiment. She hasn’t had much luck with men in her dating life which has led to her being hyper independent. Sabrina believes the pods will give her an opportunity to get deep with men from the get-go. She hopes to find someone who has worked through their own issues and wants to grow with her to be the best versions of themselves.
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Sam
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 31, London, Product Design Manager
@sam_klein
Sam believes his progression up the career ladder has come at a cost as it’s left little time for love. Having had his heart broken twice, he is hoping that the next person to come into his life will be third time lucky. Privately-educated Sam enjoys traveling and says he often feels the pressure from his mum to find The One.
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Sharlotte
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 35, London, Global Communications Director
@sharlotteritchie
High-flyer Sharlotte feels her career has gotten in the way of her love life and has found that men are intimidated by her success. Single for eight years, she was briefly engaged to the guy she was with from the age of 19, but knew deep down they had grown apart and fallen out of love. Sharlotte’s twin sister has recently moved in with her boyfriend and so her desire to find her own Mr Right is now stronger than ever.
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Shirley
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 27, London, Junior Doctor
@shirleybekker
Shirley admits that in the past she has enjoyed the thrill of the chase but tends to fall for men who are emotionally unavailable. This is something she’s working on and she realizes now that she wants a partner she can build a life with and hopes to start a family as soon as possible. Born in the Netherlands, she came to the U.K. as a young girl and has recently graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in medicine.
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Steven
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 37, London, Gym Owner
@stvnsmthy
Steven has been single for four months following a whirlwind romance which ended when she moved back to the States. Loyal, thoughtful and ambitious, this Brummie lad is only interested in relationships he sees as leading to marriage, knows exactly what he wants and refuses to compromise when it comes to love.
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Tom
Image Credit: Johan Paulin 38, London, PR and Advertising Consultant
@stroudtom
Tom has been single for six years and says his 30s have been focused on personal growth and preparing to settle down. He is a self-confessed mummy’s boy but has worked hard to build a successful career in PR and advertising and is now ready to fall in love and share his life with someone special.
World
Some flu measures decline, but it’s not clear this severe season has peaked
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. flu infections showed signs of a slight decline last week, but health officials say it is not clear that this severe flu season has peaked.
New government data posted Friday — for flu activity through last week — showed declines in medical office visits due to flu-like illness and in the number of states reporting high flu activity.
However, some measures show this season is already surpassing the flu epidemic of last winter, one of the harshest in recent history. And experts believe there is more suffering ahead.
“This is going to be a long, hard flu season,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, in a statement Friday.
One type of flu virus, called A H3N2, historically has caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people. So far this season, that is the type most frequently reported. Even more concerning, more than 91% of the H3N2 infections analyzed were a new version — known as the subclade K variant — that differs from the strain in this year’s flu shots.
The last flu season saw the highest overall flu hospitalization rate since the H1N1 flu pandemic 15 years ago. And child flu deaths reached 289, the worst recorded for any U.S. flu season this century — including that H1N1 “swine flu” pandemic of 2009-2010.
So far this season, there have been at least 15 million flu illnesses and 180,000 hospitalizations, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. It also estimates there have been 7,400 deaths, including the deaths of at least 17 children.
Last week, 44 states reported high flu activity, down slightly from the week before. However, flu deaths and hospitalizations rose.
Determining exactly how flu season is going can be particularly tricky around the holidays. Schools are closed, and many people are traveling. Some people may be less likely to see a doctor, deciding to just suffer at home. Others may be more likely to go.
Also, some seasons see a surge in cases, then a decline, and then a second surge.
For years, federal health officials joined doctors’ groups in recommending that everyone 6 months and older get an annual influenza vaccine. The shots may not prevent all symptoms but can prevent many infections from becoming severe, experts say.
But federal health officials on Monday announced they will no longer recommend flu vaccinations for U.S. children, saying it is a decision parents and patients should make in consultation with their doctors.
“I can’t begin to express how concerned we are about the future health of the children in this country, who already have been unnecessarily dying from the flu — a vaccine preventable disease,” said Michele Slafkosky, executive director of an advocacy organization called Families Fighting Flu.
“Now, with added confusion for parents and health care providers about childhood vaccines, I fear that flu seasons to come could be even more deadly for our youngest and most vulnerable,” she said in a statement.
Flu is just one of a group of viruses that tend to strike more often in the winter. Hospitalizations from COVID-19 and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, also have been rising in recent weeks — though were not diagnosed nearly as often as flu infections, according to other federal data.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
World
Russia fires new hypersonic missile in massive Ukraine attack, Kremlin says
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Russia said on Friday it used its new hypersonic Oreshnik missile in an attack against Ukraine, according to reports.
The Kremlin said that the strike was carried out in response to what it said was an attempted Ukrainian drone strike on one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residences, something Kyiv has denied, according to Reuters.
The outlet noted that Ukraine and the U.S. have cast doubt on Russia’s claims about the alleged attempted attack on Putin’s residence on Dec. 29, the report said. Ukraine called it “an absurd lie,” while President Donald Trump also doubted the veracity of the claim, saying he did not believe the strike occurred and that “something” unrelated happened nearby.
This is the second time Russia has used the intermediate-range Oreshnik, which Putin has said is impossible to intercept because of its velocity, Reuters reported.
RUSSIA ALLEGES ATTACK ON PUTIN RESIDENCE AS UKRAINE DENIES CLAIM AHEAD OF TRUMP TALKS
A part of the Russian nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile system at the site of the Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Lviv region, Ukraine, Jan. 9, 2026. (Security Service of Ukraine/Handout via Reuters)
The Russian Defense Ministry said that the strike targeted critical infrastructure in Ukraine, according to Reuters, which added that Russia said the attack also used attack drones and high-precision long-range land and sea-based weapons.
While Moscow did not say where the missile hit, Russian media and military bloggers said it targeted an underground natural gas storage facility in Ukraine’s western Leviv region, CBS News reported. Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadoviy said the attack hit critical infrastructure but did not give details, the outlet added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the attack on social media, saying that the aftermath was “still being dealt with.”
“Twenty residential buildings alone were damaged. Recovery operations after the strikes also continue in the Lviv region and other regions of our country. Unfortunately, as of now, it is known that four people have been killed in the capital alone. Among them is an ambulance crew member. My condolences to their families and loved ones,” Zelenskyy wrote.
A resident stands on the balcony of his apartment, damaged during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters)
PUTIN RESIDENCE ATTACK VIDEO SLAMMED AS US OFFICIALS SAY UKRAINE DID NOT TARGET LEADER
The Ukrainian leader said the attack involved 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles, one Oreshnik missile and 22 cruise missiles. Zelenskyy added that the ballistic missiles were aimed at energy facilities and civilian infrastructure as the people of Ukraine faced “a significant cold spell.” He said the attack was “aimed precisely against the normal life of ordinary people.” However, he assured that Ukraine was working to restore heating and electricity.
Zelenskyy claimed that in addition to the civilian infrastructure, a building of the Embassy of Qatar was damaged in the attack.
Apartment buildings hit by a Russian missile strike late yesterday, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in the city of in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Stringer/Reuters)
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“A clear reaction from the world is needed. Above all from the United States, whose signals Russia truly pays attention to. Russia must receive signals that it is its obligation to focus on diplomacy, and must feel consequences every time it again focuses on killings and the destruction of infrastructure,” Zelenskyy added.
A spokesperson for the State Department told Fox News Digital that the U.S. remains committed to ending the war through diplomatic means, emphasizing that it is the only path toward a durable peace. The spokesperson underscored Trump’s desire to end the war that is approaching its fourth year.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
World
Mercosur: How Macron’s domestic weakness undercut his Brussels clout
The French president’s failure to assemble a blocking minority against the Mercosur deal underscores how his domestic weakness is undermining his clout in Brussels. By contrast, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Germany have secured an important victory.
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