The French star, who has died aged 91, came to embody a new kind of female sexuality on screen that was bold and unapologetic.

She was so famous that she became known simply by her initials.

Emmanuel Macron said Bardot "embodied a life of freedom".

Paying tribute, the French president said: "Her films, her voice, her dazzling glory, her initials, her sorrows, her generous passion for animals, her face that became Marianne" - referring to the national symbol of France.

"French existence, universal brilliance. She touched us. We mourn a legend of the century."

Brigitte Bardot dies: Latest reaction

As a singer, she also released several records during her time in the spotlight, and was famously the muse for Serge Gainsbourg's erotic single Je T'aime... Moi Non Plus.

Despite her success, she retired from acting before she had even turned 40, instead choosing to dedicate her time to helping animals.

Born in Paris in 1934, Bardot rebelled against a strict upbringing to break into film.

She started as a model in the early 1950s, and, after some minor parts, the role that made her a household name came in 1956 - … And God Created Woman.

Directed by her then husband Roger Vadim, the film was considered scandalous at the time for its frank depiction of sensuality, daring to challenge conservative post-war norms about women's behaviour and desire.

Bardot instantly became a symbol of youthful rebellion, a sex symbol and a style icon - an influence that would be felt for decades, seen in the soft, eye-skimming fringes and cat eyeliner many women still turn to today.

Often compared to Marilyn Monroe but with a distinctively European cool, her femininity redefined post-war cinema, captivating audiences.

But while she starred in more than 40 films - and proved she could play much more than the seductive ingenue - by 1973, aged only 39, she walked away from the big screen.

"I gave my youth and my beauty to men," she said of her retirement. "I am going to give my wisdom and experience to animals."

In 1986, Bardot founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation dedicated to combatting animal cruelty, funding sanctuaries and numerous wildlife rescue operations.

Paying tribute to her memory, the foundation called her "an exceptional woman who gave everything and sacrificed everything for a world more respectful of animals."

They went on: "Her legacy lives on through the actions and campaigns that the Foundation pursues with the same passion and unwavering commitment to her ideals."

In later years, she spoke of feeling "used" by the film industry and the media, saying she'd felt increasingly uncomfortable with the constant public scrutiny and the intense objectification she was subjected to.

But Bardot was also a controversial figure herself, with her image tarnished in more recent years following a book she published in 2003 entitled A Cry In Silence, for which she was prosecuted for incitement to racial hatred against Muslims.

She went on to receive several fines over the years for alleged racism in various statements she made, often in the context of her animal campaigning, and most recently in 2021.

But she remained a popular figure to many. While activism and animal welfare were her real passions, she will be best remembered for her lasting influence on international cinema.

Leicestershire Police launched a murder investigation after David Darke died in hospital on Saturday.

He had been injured near the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, North West Leicestershire, on 21 December.

Police said a 36-year-old man initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm had been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers were called to the pub at about 9.45pm last Sunday.

The force said the victim was outside when he was punched and sustained a serious head injury.

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In a statement Mr Darke's family said: "Dave was a deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys.

"He was a much-loved brother and a dear friend. Dave will live on forever in our hearts, minds and souls.

"He was a strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all. He was a devoted family man with a deep passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking.

"His life was tragically cut short and he's now reunited with his loving, caring parents. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him."

Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, of the East Midlands Special Operation Murder Investigation Team, said: "The initial investigation resulted in us identifying several witnesses and examining CCTV from the area.

"Those inquiries will continue and the suspect will be re-interviewed by detectives.

"It is an extremely difficult time for Mr Darke's family and specialist officers are supporting them."

Forecasters warned the end of 2025 will not be "particularly fantastic", with temperatures around 7-8C, but things will take a turn for the worse as 2026 arrives.

The next few days will be cold and cloudy overall, according to Sky News meteorologist Dr Christopher England, although there will be clearer spells, bringing a threat of overnight frost and fog.

It will be breezy in the south, Dr England added, while the north should expect some hard frosts.

Find out the forecast for your area

Northern areas are expected to be subjected to the worst of the chillier conditions from New Year's Day onwards.

Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said: "We're losing this sort of settled but chilly conditions, and bringing in something a little bit more showery with more wintry hazards in the forecast, particularly for the north of the country."

Amber cold health alert issued

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold health alert for the North East and North West of England - where temperatures are expected to fall to around 3-5C - from 8pm on Sunday to 12pm on 5 January.

The agency said the weather is "likely" to cause significant impacts across health and social care settings, including a "rise in deaths" among those with health conditions or aged 65 or over.

It added that the UK may also see "impacts on younger people" and said there will likely be an "increase in demand for health services" across the regions.

Impact from cold temperatures

Other impacts include "temperatures inside places like hospitals and care homes dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks" and "challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C leading to more risk to vulnerable people", the UKHSA said.

It also warned of staffing issues due to external factors such as travel delays, and said other sectors such as transport and energy could start to see the impacts.

The agency also issued a yellow cold health alert for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London.

Temperatures are expected to fall to around 4-6C from New Year's Day in areas covered by the yellow health alert.

Warning of 'serious' health impact

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

"The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions."

It comes after a state of emergency was declared in New York as a powerful winter storm disrupted one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Six fire engines and a height vehicle were sent to a property in the village of Hamstreet, near Ashford, shortly after midday, after an "intense fire" spread throughout the home, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) said.

Ann Millington, KFRS chief executive, said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with everyone affected by this tragic incident, especially the child's loved ones."

The fire service said two fire engines and crews remain on the scene to "dampen down" the property.

Earlier, it urged people living or travelling near the area to close their windows and doors due to the smoke and to stay away. People living or travelling nearby are no longer being advised to close their windows and doors.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

The injury-wracked Australian maverick, currently ranked 671 in the world, beat the women's world number one in straight sets 6-3 6-3.

Sunday's event in Dubai had modified rules where each player was restricted to one serve rather than two, and Sabalenka's side of the court was reduced in size by 9% to compensate for the difference in speed between men and women.

A 10-point deciding tiebreak would have been implemented if required, but Kyrgios needed around 70 minutes to defeat the 27-year-old Belarusian.

There was laughing and joking between the players, some under-arm serves, and even dancing from Sabalenka during a timeout to entertain the crowd at the 17,000-seat Coca-Cola Arena.

The pair are represented by the same agency, which arranged the exhibition match.

Kyrgios, 30, negotiated the slightly smaller "equaliser" court to break his opponent to love in the third game.

The next four games went against serve before the Australian held to love to move 5-3 ahead, where he broke Sabalenka again on his way to closing out the opening set.

Sabalenka threatened to force a comeback when she won three consecutive games to go 3-1 up in the second set, where she used her 60-second timeout to dance to the Macarena, before Kyrgios won the next five games and clinched victory on his third match point.

'Really tough match'

After his win, Kyrgios, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, said it was a "really tough match, she is a hell of a player and such a great champion".

He added: "I didn't really know what to expect. She broke my serve numerous times. Honestly, I had to strap in because she was putting the pressure on. She was hitting some amazing shots."

"I would love to play her again and showcase her talent and what I have left in the tank. Ultimately, it was a really hard-fought battle. There were breaks back and forth."

Before the Dubai event, Kyrgios, who had a career-high ranking of 13 in 2016, was limited to just six tour-level singles matches since 2023 because of wrist and knee injuries. His most recent match was in March this year.

Sabalenka won the US Open in August and reached the semi-finals or better in all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2025, with the Belarusian keen to take positives from her loss into the new season.

'A lot of great shots'

She said: "I felt great. I think I put up a great fight and he was struggling. I think it was a great level. I made a lot of great shots, moved a lot to the net, had great drop shots.

"I really enjoyed the show and I feel like next time - when I play him - I already know the tactics. I know his strengths, his weaknesses and it's going to be a better match for sure."

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The Dubai event had divided opinion in the tennis world.

Before the clash, former British number one Greg Rusedski called the event "a gimmick" but said it would be a success if it brings non-tennis fans to the sport.

The so-called "Battle of the Sexes" was a name borrowed from a 1973 match, when Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs at the Houston Astrodome.

King won in straight sets and the match took place amid her efforts to start a female tour and get equal pay in tennis.

That exhibition followed Riggs beating Margaret Court earlier that year, while other contests dubbed "Battle of the Sexes" include Jimmy Connors defeating Martina Navratilova in 1992.

Prior to the Dubai event, King said the match was far removed from the classic she played in, but it's "good" that it's being talked about.