LONDON, UK, 12 November 2025 — The official DreamToys list 2025 announced this week, reveals that Hot Wheels Formula 1® Grand Prix Race Circuit is expected to be one of the 15 hottest toys under the UK’s Christmas trees this festive season.

Selected by a panel of independent toy retailers and experts, from small independents to national chains, the DreamToys list is the most independent and authoritative prediction of the hottest toys on the market this year.

The Hot Wheels Formula 1® Grand Prix Race Circuit is the ultimate in die-cast racing with actual overtaking on the track. Authentic Formula 1 cars whip around the track thanks to a two-speed three-lane booster. Timing is everything when you hit one of the two manual DRS diverters and gain some extra speed, blaze past the competition or simply retake first place in the 2-into-1 overtake 180 wall. Don’t worry about counting laps thanks in large part to the dual lane lap counter that counts up to 25 laps. Want to race for longer? No problem! Switch into infinity mode and race to your heart’s desire. Authenticity never felt more real with F1® liveries and teams such as Oracle Red Bull Racing, MoneyGram Haas F1® Team and Williams Racing.

It comes as industry data tracking experts, Circana, revealed the UK toy market grew by six per cent in value this year, the largest increase since 2020. According to the Circana data, the UK toy market is worth £3.9B to September 2025, with Christmas expected to account for £0.9B of sales (or 23 per cent of the total sales for the year).

The track set’s success follows Mattel’s revealing last month that the Hot Wheels Formula 1® collection would now include all 10 Formula 1® teams, including Scuderia Ferrari HP Team and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The full lineup reflects the official Formula 1® 2025 team liveries and driver roster and will be available in both the Hot Wheels core and Hot Wheels premium lines, with cars arriving at major retailers globally beginning December 2025.

Alongside the Formula 1® Grand Prix Race Circuit, available from all UK retail stores and online, the Hot Wheels Formula 1® product lineup also includes:

Hot Wheels Premium Series Formula 1® Race Cars
RRP: £10.99 | Available end of November 2025 with additional waves throughout 2026. Available to buy at Smyths Toys Superstores, The Entertainer, Sainsbury’s, B&M, Asda.

• Create the hottest and fastest Hot Wheels collection with a 1:64 scale Premium Formula 1® race car. Each vehicle features a Metal/Metal body and chassis, driver-specific helmets and Real Riders tyres with authentic details to replicate the actual, real-life race car. The display plinth and specialised packaging enhance collectability. Each die-cast is designed for true automotive enthusiasts who appreciate the legacy and collectability of a Hot Wheels and Formula 1® collaboration.

Hot Wheels Formula 1® Singles 1:64 Assortment:
RRP: £2.30 | Rolling out in November 2025 with additional waves to come throughout 2026 wherever Hot Wheels vehicles are sold.

• Embrace the pinnacle of motorsport as Formula 1® makes its grand debut as part of the iconic Hot Wheels range. Including F1® teams like McLaren Formula 1® Team, Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team, Scuderia Ferrari HP, KICK Sauber F1® Team and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, these open-wheeled single-seat racers are ready for some serious Hot Wheels racing on Hot Wheels Formula 1® track sets as well as existing Hot Wheels tracks.

Hot Wheels Formula 1® 5-Pack Assortment:
RRP: £11.50 | Rolling out starting January 2026. Available to purchase at Smyths Toys Superstores, The Entertainer, Asda, Argos, Sainsbury’s and Very.

• Speed into the high-octane action of Formula 1® with a 5-pack of Hot Wheels Formula 1® race cars in 1:64 scale. Each die-cast vehicle features five of the hottest racing teams on the circuit, including Oracle Red Bull Racing, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, BWT Alpine Formula One Team, Moneygram Haas F1® Team and Atlassian Williams Racing. The set is designed for true automotive enthusiasts who appreciate the legacy and collectability of a Hot Wheels and Formula 1® collaboration. Put them on display or recreate legendary moments from the pinnacle of motorsport on the Hot Wheels Formula 1® Sprint Race Track Sets.

Hot Wheels Formula 1® 2-Pack Assortment:
RRP: £21.99 | Rolling out starting June 2026, available at Smyths Toys Superstores, The Entertainer, Argos & Very.

• Elevate any Hot Wheels collection to the podium with a Hot Wheels Premium Formula 1 2-Pack. Sets commemorate each of the 10 teams from the 2025 season with both racecars in 1:64 scale. The die-cast vehicles feature authentic race liveries including front wings and sidepods as well as detailed drivers’ helmets for extra realism. The Metal/Metal body and chassis and Real Riders tyres showcase their premium execution, and the specialised packaging and custom plinth make for an elite display.

Hot Wheels Formula 1® 10-Pack Assortment:
RRP: £23.00 | Rolling out in July 2026, available at Smyths Toys Superstores.

• Hot Wheels continues to drive collectability by introducing a new Formula 1® 10-Pack! Bringing the thrill of the racetrack straight to your living room, uniting all 10 teams from the 2025 season in a single collection.

In addition to the Hot Wheels Formula 1® racecars, Hot Wheels will also continue to release new track sets inspired by Formula 1® throughout 2026. For more information and to stay up to do, fans can follow @hotwheelsofficial on Instagram, @hotwheels on TikTok and find out more information here.

Key Highlights

• All-new, fully analogue hypercar with a carbon monocoque chassis, naturally aspirated 6.6-litre V12, and 6-speed manual gearbox.
• Created from a completely blank canvas without compromise. Manufactured in ultra-low volume, with just 25 road cars to be created.
• Design inspired by the icons of the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s. Penned by Angel Guerra, formerly of Bugatti and Rimac.
• Developed with world-class partners including Italtecnica (engine), DEXET Technologies (carbon and aerodynamics), and leading motorsport suppliers such as Brembo, Öhlins and Xtrac.
• Garagisti & Co. is a new British marque blending tradition, innovation and engineering excellence in the pursuit of driving purity.

A New Force in Purist Motoring
Garagisti & Co. today unveils the GP1, an all-new, fully analogue hypercar powered by a naturally aspirated V12 and built around a carbon monocoque. In an era dominated by hybrid systems, algorithms, and automation, the GP1 stands apart: a purist’s machine that exists for no other reason than to make the act of driving an unfiltered joy – and the art of bespoke not just a phrase but a true experience, akin to having your own private atelier.

The Beating Heart
At its core is a completely new and bespoke 6.6-litre naturally aspirated V12, developed by Italtecnica Srl, the renowned Italian motorsport and powertrain specialists. Delivering 800 hp at 9,000 rpm and more than 700 Nm of torque, it’s a V12 designed not just to perform, but to delight with a mechanical soundtrack reminiscent of motorsports engines from a bygone era.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a longitudinally mounted 6-speed manual gearbox by Xtrac, offering unmatched tactility and engagement.

Design: Sensual Sculpture Meets Functional Aerodynamics
The GP1’s upper surfaces are a celebration of form, blending cues from the golden age of wedge design. While it was created from a blank piece of paper by Angel Guerra, formerly of Bugatti and Rimac, many car enthusiasts will comment on varying inspiration points. During the design phase, GP1 customers and ambassadors commented on seeing echoes of the Lancia Stratos Zero, the Countach, and other Gandini masterpieces, yet it is unmistakably its own creation, flowing, organic, and created to be modern yet timeless.

Beneath the design-led coachlines lies a very different language: pure engineering and motorsport-grade aerodynamics. Thanks to intelligent packaging, the underside accommodates some of the largest rear diffusers ever fitted to a road car, delivering true ground-effect performance.

Inside the Machine: Beauty, Simplicity, Purpose
The GP1’s interior is sculpted for driving purity. The twin-cockpit layout is free from distraction. Ventilation is seamlessly integrated into the design, eliminating ducts and clutter. Every surface is intentional, every control placed exactly where it should be. ‘No oversized screens. No unnecessary gimmicks. Just you, the machine, and the road ahead’, was the brief to design lead Angel Guerra.

A True Road Car — With a Beast Within
In the spirit of the supercar icons of the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s, the GP1 is not just built to wow on a circuit, but be a true GT tourer and road car, too. Though ultralight (1,000 kg dry) and brutally fast, it offers comfort, measured cabin noise, and luggage space for grand touring. Push harder, and it is engineered transform — raw, visceral, and alive.

An Unlikely Coalition of Masters
Garagisti takes its name from the rebellious privateer teams that shook up Formula 1 in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Like its namesake, this is a coalition of specialists, not generalists:

• Italtecnica Srl (www.italtecnicaengineering.com) – Engine development and calibration.
• DEXET Technologies (www.dexet.tech) – Chassis, monocoque, and aerodynamic development.
• Angel Guerra (@angelguerradesign)– Exterior and interior design.
• Brembo, Öhlins, and other elite motorsport suppliers – bringing competition-grade componentry to the road.

Together, they are creating what the big manufacturers cannot: a hypercar with no brand legacy to protect, no focus groups to please, and no algorithms to optimise. Just instinct, taste, and engineering excellence.

Price, Exclusivity, and the “Open Doors” Programme
The Garagisti & Co. GP1 will be limited to just 25 road cars. Each will be hand-finished to its commissioner’s specification through a bespoke commissioning programme based in the UK.

The £2.45 million plus local taxes and any applicable shipping fees, the price reflects more than a no-expense-spared philosophy, it represents a car created entirely from a blank sheet, free from compromise. The first 12 commissioners will gain unprecedented access through Garagisti’s Open Doors programme: intimate gatherings across the UK and Europe with the engineers, designers, and visionaries shaping the GP1. A rare opportunity to influence, learn, and witness the creation of a hypercar from the inside.

A Statement from the Founders
“Our vision for Garagisti was born from a simple question,” said Mario Escudero, co-founder of Garagisti & Co. “What if the golden age of analogue supercars never ended? What if icons like the Countach Evoluzione had sparked a lineage rather than a dead-end? What would the great cars of the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s look like today if they’d evolved with new technology but kept their analogue soul?

“We brought together some of the best minds in the world and answered that question with our hands, our hearts, and our passion. The GP1 is our answer.”

The Garagisti & Co. GP1 – revealed for the first time in detailed renderings – is now in advanced stages of engineering and production. Based in the heartland of British motorsport, the company champions transparency in the process, progress and pace of its work, driven by passion, precision and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the journey continues, Garagisti & Co. will unveil further milestones in the creation of its debut model – the GP1.

The range includes the Shredder Cable Guy, compatible with both phones and controllers, plus four individual Mini Cable Guys, each representing one of the iconic Turtles in their own pose and color.

TMNT Shredder Cable Guy £29.99 from ExgPro.com

The fearsome leader of the criminal organization, the Foot Clan, is now your ultimate device guardian! Phone, remote control and gaming controller holder.

TMNT Mini Cable Guys (Holdems Range)

Each Mini Cable Guy is a standalone collectible, sculpted with care to reflect the personality and signature style of the Turtles. They’re compact and designed to hold smartphones upright while charging, streaming, or displaying.

Leonardo Mini Cable Guy £17.99 from ExgPro.com

Donatello Mini Cable Guy £17.99 from ExgPro.com

Michelangelo Mini Cable Guy £17.99 from ExgPro.com

Raphael Mini Cable Guy £17.99 from ExgPro.com

All products are officially licensed. These Cable Guys stands are built to be both collectible and practical, perfect for desks, nightstands, and gaming setups.

A New Era of Xbox Gaming

While rumours of a handheld Xbox have circulated for years, Microsoft has taken a strategic turn by focusing on a PC-based portable console, rather than competing directly with Nintendo Switch or the Steam Deck with native Xbox hardware. This approach lets Microsoft fully leverage its Game Pass ecosystem, Remote Play capabilities, and the flexibility of PC gaming—all wrapped in a familiar Xbox user interface.

The devices boot directly into an Xbox-style dashboard, offering controller-first navigation, cloud gaming access, and tight integration with Xbox Game Bar. From the moment you switch it on, it feels like you’re holding an Xbox in your hands—even though it runs Windows under the hood.

Hardware Specifications

Both models offer impressive specifications tailored for high-performance portable gaming:

Both versions feature familiar Xbox-style buttons, analog sticks, and haptic feedback triggers, ensuring the ergonomics feel right at home for Xbox players.

Xbox Game Pass, Cloud Gaming, and Full PC Support

One of the standout advantages of these handhelds is access to the full Xbox ecosystem—including:

• Xbox Game Pass for PC

• Xbox Cloud Gaming

• Remote Play from your Series X/S console

• PC storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG

This makes the ROG Xbox Ally a truly versatile hybrid device, capable of running AAA titles either natively or through streaming. Titles that support Xbox Play Anywhere allow players to enjoy the same game on console and PC with shared saves and achievements.

User Experience: A Console Feel on Windows 11

To avoid the typical complexities of Windows on handheld devices, Microsoft has introduced a custom full-screen Xbox shell that loads at startup. This user interface is tailored for gamepad navigation, with easy access to your library, cloud saves, and settings.

ASUS’s Armoury Crate software has also been revamped to integrate tightly with this experience, allowing gamers to manage performance settings, adjust fan speeds, and switch between gaming modes on the fly.

Release Date and Pricing

The Xbox handhelds are expected to launch in time for Christmas 2025, hitting major markets across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia. While no official UK prices have been confirmed, estimates suggest:

• ROG Xbox Ally: Around £599

• ROG Xbox Ally X: Up to £999

Pre-orders are likely to open later in 2025, with bundles potentially including Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions.

The Competition: Steam Deck and Beyond

The Xbox Ally enters a market already populated by the Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally (original), and Lenovo Legion Go. However, Microsoft’s deep integration of the Xbox ecosystem—and its familiar UI—gives it an advantage with console gamers seeking a portable companion without learning new systems.

Unlike the Steam Deck, which relies on Linux-based SteamOS, the Xbox Ally runs Windows 11, allowing access to a broader range of titles, including those from Epic and Xbox Game Pass.

Final Thoughts

The ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are not just Microsoft’s response to the growing handheld gaming trend—they’re a strategic evolution of the Xbox platform. By blending the power of Windows gaming PCs with the accessibility of Xbox’s UI and Game Pass infrastructure, Microsoft is carving out a new category: the Xbox Gaming PC Handheld.

For fans of Xbox who crave mobility, or PC gamers who want Game Pass in their backpack, this could be the handheld they’ve been waiting for.

Keywords for SEO: Xbox handheld 2025, ROG Xbox Ally, Xbox Ally X specs, Xbox portable console, Xbox Game Pass handheld, Microsoft gaming handheld, Xbox cloud gaming device, Steam Deck vs Xbox Ally, Xbox handheld UK release

Stephen Fry is more than just a familiar face on British television—he is a national treasure. Actor, comedian, writer, presenter, and mental health advocate, Fry’s influence stretches across literature, theatre, broadcasting, and activism. Known for his unmatched wit, eloquence, and intellect, his contribution to British cultural life has spanned over four decades, cementing his place as one of the most respected figures in modern media.

Early Life and Education

Stephen John Fry was born on August 24, 1957, in Hampstead, London, and raised in Norfolk. His youth was tumultuous—he was expelled from multiple schools and even spent time in prison for credit card fraud. Despite these setbacks, Fry’s prodigious intellect earned him a scholarship to Queens’ College, Cambridge.

At Cambridge, Fry joined the renowned Footlights drama club, where he met lifelong friends and collaborators including Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson. His time with the Footlights set the stage for a glittering career in entertainment.

Rise to Fame: Comedy and Acting

Fry’s early fame came with the BBC sketch show A Bit of Fry & Laurie (1989–1995), co-starring Hugh Laurie. The duo’s cerebral, satirical humour won them critical and audience acclaim. Around the same time, they brought P.G. Wodehouse’s beloved characters to life in Jeeves and Wooster (1990–1993), with Fry playing the unflappable valet Jeeves.

His portrayal of General Melchett in Blackadder Goes Forth remains one of British comedy’s most iconic roles. But Fry’s talents were not limited to sketch and sitcom—he dazzled critics with his lead role in Wilde (1997), a poignant portrayal of Oscar Wilde that earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Master of Many Media

Beyond the stage and screen, Fry has thrived as a novelist, playwright, and journalist. His novels—including The Liar (1991), Making History (1996), and The Hippopotamus (1994)—combine intelligence with sharp humour. He has also written insightful autobiographies such as Moab Is My Washpot (1997) and The Fry Chronicles (2010), offering candid reflections on his personal life and mental health.

Fry also found success as the long-running host of the BBC quiz show QI (2003–2016), where his encyclopaedic knowledge and gentle sarcasm made the show a cult favourite. He was also the voice of the UK Harry Potter audiobooks, beloved by fans for his warm narration and mastery of character voices.

Champion for Mental Health

Stephen Fry has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder, bringing mental health into mainstream discussion at a time when it was rarely spoken about. His Emmy Award-winning documentary, Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive (2006), marked a turning point in public awareness of mental illness in the UK.

As president of the mental health charity Mind since 2011, Fry has remained a prominent advocate for compassion, awareness, and change. His openness has helped reduce stigma around mental health issues, encouraging countless individuals to seek help.

Later Career and Recent Recognition

In recent years, Fry has appeared in a variety of film and television projects, including The Hobbit trilogy, V for Vendetta, and the critically acclaimed drama It’s a Sin. In addition to acting and narration, he continues to write, lecture, and present.

In 2025, Fry was knighted in the New Year Honours for his services to broadcasting, literature, and mental health awareness—an honour many believed was long overdue.

He continues to reach audiences through podcasts, public speaking, and his official website, stephenfry.com, where he shares essays, videos, and personal reflections.

Personal Life

In 2015, Fry married comedian and writer Elliott Spencer. Though the couple maintain a relatively private life, Fry has occasionally spoken publicly about their relationship with warmth and affection. He has also openly discussed his battle with prostate cancer, diagnosed in 2018, from which he has since recovered.

Fry is an active environmentalist, humanist, and campaigner for civil liberties. His ability to use his platform to educate and entertain—while advocating for critical social causes—underscores his cultural importance.

Legacy

Stephen Fry’s career defies easy categorisation. He is at once a comedian, dramatist, novelist, quizmaster, activist, and intellectual. His extraordinary body of work—spanning comedy, literature, broadcasting, and advocacy—has made him one of the most influential public figures in Britain.

Through his honesty, humour, and humanity, Fry has inspired generations to think more deeply, laugh more freely, and live more compassionately. Whether reciting Shakespeare, playing a foolish general, or narrating wizarding adventures, Stephen Fry remains a truly irreplaceable voice in British culture.

William Hill is one of the most iconic names in the UK gambling industry, with a legacy that spans over nine decades. Established in 1934, the company has grown from a modest postal betting service into a global leader in sports betting and gaming. Known for its innovation, resilience, and adaptation to changing technologies and regulations, William Hill remains a key player in the modern gambling landscape.

The Origins of William Hill

William Hill, the founder, started his betting business at a time when gambling was technically illegal in the UK. By offering postal and telephone betting services, Hill found a legal workaround and built a loyal customer base. His insistence on paying out winnings—even when not legally obligated—quickly established a reputation for trust and reliability.

Despite initially opposing the 1961 legalization of betting shops—calling them “a cancer on society”—Hill eventually embraced the change. He opened his first physical betting shops in 1966, further embedding the brand into British culture.

Expansion and Innovation

From the 1970s onwards, William Hill expanded rapidly. The company began acquiring other bookmakers and branching into international markets, including telephone betting services in countries like Germany and Italy. As the internet era dawned, William Hill launched its first online betting platform in 1998, signaling a major shift toward digital betting.

Today, William Hill offers a wide range of services:

• Sports betting (football, horse racing, tennis, and more)

• Online casino (slots, table games, live dealer options)

• Poker and bingo platforms

• Mobile betting apps for iOS and Android

• In-play betting and live streaming across top sports

A Changing Ownership Structure

William Hill’s modern journey includes a number of ownership changes. In April 2021, the company was acquired by Caesars Entertainment, the American casino giant. Just over a year later, in July 2022, it was sold to 888 Holdings—a well-established name in online gambling—for £2.2 billion.

In 2024, 888 Holdings rebranded as Evoke plc, positioning itself as a forward-looking digital entertainment company. William Hill is now a subsidiary of Evoke, maintaining its iconic name while benefiting from the resources and global reach of its new parent company.

William Hill in the Digital Age

William Hill’s digital platforms are among the most user-friendly in the industry. The sportsbook is renowned for its extensive football coverage, in-depth market options, and competitive odds. Live streaming is offered on many major events, and their mobile app is highly rated for functionality and speed.

Promotions like free bet offers, accumulator boosts, and daily odds enhancements keep bettors engaged, while a strong commitment to responsible gambling ensures users have tools to manage their activity, including deposit limits, self-exclusion, and time-outs.

Betting Shops and High Street Presence

Despite the rise of online gambling, William Hill continues to operate hundreds of high street betting shops across the UK. These outlets offer a more traditional betting experience and serve as a community hub for many loyal punters. Even as digital growth accelerates, these shops remain a valuable part of William Hill’s identity.

Commitment to Responsible Gambling

William Hill has been a leader in promoting safer gambling practices. The company is a member of several industry bodies, including the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), and supports national awareness campaigns about gambling addiction.

Its platforms include:

• Self-assessment tools

• Budgeting and limit-setting features

• Links to external support services like GamCare and BeGambleAware

Global Recognition and Trust

Over the years, William Hill has garnered numerous awards for customer service, innovation, and responsible gambling. Its long-standing history and consistent evolution have made it a trusted name in both retail and digital betting.

With thousands of employees across multiple countries and a loyal global customer base, William Hill continues to lead in a highly competitive industry.

Conclusion

From a one-man postal operation in 1934 to one of the world’s most recognisable betting brands, William Hill exemplifies resilience and reinvention. Its adaptability—across decades of technological change and regulatory evolution—cements its status as a cornerstone of the global gambling industry.

Now under the umbrella of Evoke plc, the future looks bright for William Hill as it continues to innovate, expand, and deliver premium betting experiences for customers worldwide.

Original Stormtrooper 3D Helmet Decanter Set £79.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Bring the Star Wars galaxy home with the Original Stormtrooper 3D Helmet Decanter Set. Officially licensed and crafted by Andrew Ainsworth, this collector’s set includes a 750ml helmet-shaped glass decanter, two coordinating glasses, and a cool black tray with soft grips. A eye-catching centrepiece for any home bar, it blends function and fandom, making it the ideal gift for collectors, film fans, or anyone looking to show-off their drinks cabinet with a touch of sci-fi style.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Boba Fett Cable Guys Controller Holder and Phone Stand £29.99 from ExgPro.com

Clad in signature Mandalorian armour and ready for his next mission, Boba Fett joins the Cable Guys range as a striking display and functional accessory. Standing 8.5″ tall, this legendary bounty hunter is equipped to hold your smartphone, gaming controller, or remote with ease. Whether on your desk or shelf, Boba brings attitude and practicality to your setup. Compatible with controllers and mobile phones, this is the ultimate accessory for any fan of the galaxy’s most feared mercenary.

Original Stormtrooper Sound Frame – Bluetooth Picture Frame Speaker £49.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Experience sound and style with the Original Stormtrooper Sound Frame, a Bluetooth speaker and wall-mounted artwork in one. Officially licensed and designed by Andrew Ainsworth, creator of the original 1976 helmet, it features a bold DJ-themed Stormtrooper design. With crisp audio from a 5W speaker, universal Bluetooth connectivity, and a clutter-free setup. Easy to install and ideal for any room, it’s the ultimate gift for Star Wars fans.

Original Stormtrooper 3D Beer Glass – 1 Pint £24.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Bring the galaxy to your bar collection with the Original Stormtrooper Beer Glass., this pint glass blends authentic design with sci-fi heritage. A standout piece for any home bar, it celebrates the iconic style of the Galactic Empire while offering practical use. Ideal for collectors and Star Wars fans. it’s a unique tribute to cinematic history and classic beer enjoyment.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Ahsoka Cable Guys R.E.S.T Collectible Figure Device Holder £29.99 from ExgPro.com

Ahsoka Tano, warrior, survivor, and symbol of resistance, joins the Cable Guys range in striking form. Known as Fulcrum and featured in The Mandalorian, she stands ready to support your tech essentials, whether it’s a gaming controller, smartphone, or remote. With her dual lightsabers and calm determination, Ahsoka brings balance to any setup. Compatible with most devices, she’s a powerful addition to any fan’s collection, blending functionality with the spirit of a true galactic hero.

Original Stormtrooper Terrarium £39.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Add a touch of galactic greenery to your home with the Original Stormtrooper Terrarium. Created by the man who made the Original Stormtrooper Helmet. This stylish planter merges sci-fi design with natural charm. Durable, green and a mini planet all on it’s own, it’s perfect for creating your own little world. Ideal for fans and collectors, it brings the power of the Empire and a hint of nature into any home.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Darth Vader Cable Guys Controller Holder and Phone Stand £29.99 from ExgPro.com

Serve the Dark Side in style with the Darth Vader Cable Guy. Officially licensed by Lucasfilm, this striking 8.5″ figure captures the iconic villain in full black armour, ready to hold your smartphone, gaming controller, or remote. Compatible with most devices, including PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series S/X, and all iPhones, it’s both functional and collectible. A must-have for Star Wars fans, this powerful display piece brings order, and convenience, to any gaming setup or desk.

Original Stormtrooper Pizza Cutting Board £11.99 from ThumbsUp.com

Add a real topping and galactic twist to your kitchen with the Original Stormtrooper Pizza Cutting Board. Featuring an engraved Stormtrooper helmet design, this wooden board is as practical as it is iconic. Grooved for precision slicing, it ensures perfectly cut pizza slices every time. Durable, easy to clean, and versatile enough for all kinds of food prep, it’s a standout piece for any home. A fun and functional gift for fans and foodies alike.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Grogu ‘Seeing Stone Pose’ Cable Guys R.E.S.T Collectable Figure Device Holder £29.99 from ExgPro.com

Everyone loves Grogu, now you can add him to your setup with this officially licensed Cable Guy stand. Styled from The Mandalorian series, Grogu stands 8.5″ tall atop a Jedi-script plinth in a peaceful seeing-stone pose. Compatible with most smartphones and gaming controllers. including PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series S/X, and all iPhones. It features the patented rotating R.E.S.T. shelf system for versatile use.

EXG Pro Star Wars: Imperial Stormtrooper Cable Guys R.E.S.T Collectable Figure Device Holder £29.99 from ExgPro.com

This loyal soldier of the Empire is ready to secure your smartphone, gaming controller, or remote with unwavering precision. Compatible with a wide range of devices, including PS5 DualSense, Xbox Series S/X, and all iPhones, it’s both a display-worthy collectible and a practical desktop companion for any Star Wars fan.

Ahead of the 43rd London Marathon, research from Paddy Power Bingo reveals the nation is overflowing with confidence – just not necessarily ability.

Over four million Brits (6%) believe they could beat the world marathon record – clocking 26.2 miles in under two hours. And not after months of prep and protein shakes – they reckon they could do it with zero training.

CAN’T RUN? BECOME THE PM INSTEAD

Of course, running 26.2 miles may not be your thing. No problem. According to the research:

• 4.8 million Brits (7%) think it’d be easier to become Prime Minister than run a marathon
• 2.7 million would rather walk the entire length of England (that’s 556 miles, by the way)
• And over a million believe an Ironman triathlon – which includes a marathon after a 112-mile cycle and 2.4-mile swim – would be an easier option.

MARATHON ROUTE? APPARENTLY JUST A MYSTERY TOUR

When asked which iconic locations you pass on the London Marathon, 11% of Brits said… none. As in, zero London landmarks. No Big Ben, no Tower Bridge, no Buckingham Palace – just a long, anonymous run through who-knows-where.

And some clearly think the event is less capital city, more UK sightseeing tour:

• 12% think it passes Wembley Stadium
• 2% say the Angel of the North (which is 272 miles away)
• 1% expect to get a scenic view of the White Cliffs of Dover on their way to the finish line

TOP FIVE MARATHON MISHAPS: MOST INCORRECT LOCATIONS

DISTANCE? ANYONE’S GUESS

Despite being one of the world’s most iconic races, 43% of Brits don’t actually know how far a marathon is.

• Only 56% correctly said 26.2 miles
• 53% of women got it wrong compared to 35% of men
• And for those identifying as “Other”, a staggering 71% had no idea

THE MARATHON ‘ICK’ IS REAL

While many Brits cheer on the runners with pride, not everyone’s feeling the love.

• 10% dislike seeing fully grown adults in fancy dress
• 8% moan about the traffic
• 3% say marathon runners give them the ick
• 2% admit they hate pretending to care by clapping for hours on the sidelines

LIE TO ME, MARATHON EDITION 

Turns out over five million Brits (7%) have straight-up lied about completing a marathon. Top reasons?

• “It’s easier than admitting I haven’t” – 46%
• “I thought I’d be judged” – 32%
• “I exaggerated a half marathon” – 22%
• And yes, 7% did it to “impress someone they fancy”

LONDONERS LEAD THE PACK… IN FALSE BELIEF 

Leading the charge in overconfidence are Londoners, with a full 10% believing they could leg it around the capital’s 26.2-mile route in under two hours without any training and still be home in time for Sunday roast.

Not far behind are the proud people of Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham, with 9% of locals in each city backing themselves to break records, Eliud Kipchoge-style.

WHAT PADDY POWER BINGO HAS TO SAY

On behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, Paddy Power said: “Only in Britain could millions of people believe they can run faster than the actual world record holder – without so much as a warm-up.

“We salute the confidence. But let’s be honest – most would be out of breath halfway through tying their laces.

“That’s why at Paddy Power Bingo, we reward stamina of a different kind – like lasting a full game without needing a nap.”

To test your luck from the comfort of your sofa – no trainers required – head to Paddy Power Bingo.

These collectible figures do more than sit pretty. Designed to securely cradle controllers, smartphones, earbuds, and more, they’re ideal for keeping your tech organised while putting your Minecraft loyalty on full display.

Minecraft: Steve Cable Guy R.E.S.T Collectible Figure Device Holder £29.99 from EXG Pro

Minecraft’s original protagonist arrives in classic form. Whether you’re crafting by day or adventuring by night, Steve’s got your gear covered—literally.

Minecraft: Creeper Cable Guy R.E.S.T Collectible Figure Device Holder £29.99 from EXG Pro

Possibly gaming’s most infamous mob, the Creeper brings explosive personality (minus the detonation) to your gaming space.

Minecraft: Steve in Diamond Armour Cable Guys R.E.S.T Collectible Figure Device Holder £29.99 from EXG Pro

Battle-hardened and fully geared, Diamond Steve is a premium pick for players who’ve earned their stripes, and their sparkle.

Minecraft: Enderman Cable Guy Controller and Phone Stand £29.99 from EXG Pro

Eerie, elegant, and unmistakably Minecraft. Enderman adds height and intrigue to any setup, but maybe don’t stare too long.

Minecraft: Steve Holdems, Mini Cable Guys Phone Stand and Device Holder £17.99 from EXG Pro

The pixelated pioneer in compact form. Whether he’s propping up your phone or just hanging out, Steve brings dependable charm to your space.

Minecraft: Enderman Holdems, Mini Cable Guys Phone Stand and Device Holder £17.99 from EXG Pro

A palm-sized echo of the Enderman, perfect for guarding your phone or earbuds in quiet, teleporting style.

Minecraft: Piglin Holdems, Mini Cable Guys Phone Stand and Device Holder £17.99 from EXG Pro

Straight out of the Nether with a flair for gold, this fiery figure is ideal for fans who like their accessories with a bit of attitude.

Minecraft: Zombie Holdems, Mini Cable Guys Phone Stand and Device Holder £17.99 from EXG Pro

He may shuffle, but he holds fast. A mini undead companion with surprising utility, and zero bite.

Smart, sculpted, and unmistakably Minecraft, each EXG Pro figure offers a practical way to celebrate the game as it steps into cinematic territory. Whether you’re catching the movie on launch day or planning a Minecraft marathon of your own, these collectible holders are the perfect sidekicks

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