The Split Up is a spin-off from the hit BBC drama The Split and will follow another family’s law firm.
A spin-off from the hit BBC drama The Split has received a significant update.
Fans were gutted when the legal series starring Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan wrapped up after three seasons in 2022, followed by a two-part special last year. Now, fresh information about the upcoming show The Split Up has emerged, including casting announcements.
The original programme featured Annika star Nicola as Hannah, grappling with the breakdown of her marriage to Nathan (Stephen) whilst juggling affairs, romance and complicated relationships, all while managing her family’s law practice alongside the chaos created by her two sisters and mother.
The Split Up will now centre on a different family law practice, this time based in Manchester and focusing on the British-Asian elite Kishan family.
The six-episode series will explore “the high-stakes world of Manchester’s divorce law circuit, where one family of lawyers, the Kishans, reigns supreme,” according to the previous announcement, reports Wales Online.
It adds: “Kishan Law is a British-Asian high net worth family law firm in Manchester, noted for its clientele and its reputation.
“They are the ‘go to firm’ for Manchester’s elite who come to them for their excellence, integrity, and discretion.
“But the future and legacy of Kishan Law hangs in the balance when a family secret from the past comes to light, throwing their professional and personal lives into turmoil.”
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The line-up for the series has already been unveiled, and it’s now been confirmed that The Good Place star Jameela Jamil is coming on board.
When the announcement was posted on social media featuring a photo of Jameela with leading lady Ritu Arya, the She-Hulk actress responded: “I love her.”
“My two favourites together,” one supporter wrote, whilst another added: “OMG can’t wait. Love you both!!!”
“Very excited for this,” a third person commented.
Jameela is joining The Umbrella Academy’s Ritu Arya, Unforgotten’s Sanjeev Bhaskar, alongside Aysha Kala (Virdee), Arian Nik (Film Club), Danny Ashok (Dinosaur), Dimitri Leonidas (Those About To Die), Mawaan Rizwan (Juice), Sindhu Vee (Matilda the Musical), Shalini Peiris (The White Lotus) and Tom Forbes (Queenie).
Celebrity guest appearances will also feature Lenny Henry and Jane Horrocks.
The BBC revealed: “The fast-rising star of Kishan Law is Aria Kishan (Ritu Arya), poised to step up and take the mantle from her father Dhruv (Sanjeev Bhaskar). However, the death of her mother has cast a new light over these plans for Dhruv, who has begun to wonder if his daughter can, or should, take on this responsibility single-handedly.
“Aria’s relationship is placed under scrutiny too with the wedding for long-term partner Neal (Danny Ashok) on the horizon, but with their personal and professional so entwined it’s unclear if their relationship can withstand any more pressure – a problem further compounded when a former secret flame (Dimitri Leonidas) arrives in Manchester unexpectedly.
“Alongside her siblings Maya (Aysha Kala) and Kav (Arian Nik), Aria must navigate the splits that divide family and those we love – and ask herself: who should you live your life for?”
Creator Ursula Rani Sarma expressed: “Having admired The Split and Abi Morgan for years, I was honoured to be asked to bring The Split Up to life. As a writer passionate about representation, it’s a dream come true to place a contemporary British South Asian family centre stage. Diversity deepens our understanding, enriches our stories, and reflects the true fabric of our society.
“It’s thrilling to watch our amazing cast led by Ritu and Sanjeev bring the Kishan family to life. I can’t wait for audiences to meet them and to witness the drama as it unfolds.”
Abi Morgan chimed in: “The chance to take all that was loved about The Split and use it to inspire the next generation of British South Asian talent, to create a new family of dynamic lawyers spilling over with all the messiness of life, both personally and professionally, has been a brilliant challenge, beautifully realised by lead writer Ursula Rani Sama. I hope audiences will take it to their hearts.”
An underrated period drama based on one of the most influential books of all time is available to watch for free
‘Must-watch’ period drama based on classic book is free to watch(Image: ITV/PBS)
Viewers shouldn’t miss out on this incredible four-part drama based on a classic novel, as it’s available to watch without spending a penny.
This breathtaking adaptation was originally aired in 2023 on ITV and PBS Masterpiece in the US and has developed a passionate cult following despite not receiving critical fanfare at the time.
Based on the novel by Henry Fielding, Tom Jones brings the seminal 1749 novel to life like never before with an ensemble cast of British legends.
William Tell’s Solly McLeod portrays the titular downtrodden hero, a young man with mysterious parentage who falls in love with his spirited neighbour Sophia Western (played by Sophie Wilde).
Sophie decides to flee her arranged marriage to be with Tom, but the pair are kept apart by a series of increasingly fraught misadventures.
They’re accompanied by some of the most recognisable names from the British screen, including Coronation Street’s Lucy Fallon, Harry Potter’s Shirley Henderson, New Tricks’ Alun Armstrong and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham.
Many viewers consider the drama an essential watch and it’s still currently available to stream for free on ITVX.
One 10/10 review from an IMDb user declared it “Gorgeous viewing with a top notch cast”.
They continued: “The cast list is like a who’s who of the cream of British talent, topped by two lovely and good looking leads.
“The episodes fair gallops on its way, cutting through the boring exposition and getting quickly to the important stuff, the love story between Tom and Sophia.”
The review continued to particularly praise Waddingham’s performance as Lady Bellaston, declaring “Seriously, put this woman in EVERYTHING”.
“If you get a chance, watch it in one go, it’s perfect lazy weekend viewing,” the reviewer concluded.
Another warned that fans of the book should expect some changes to the narrative, but admitted: “Even though the story is not like really really the one from the book is one pretty entertaining and very fun to watch. The choice of actors was really good and they did a great job.
“I really recommend for you to watch it if you want some light series combined with romance, a bit of jealousy and of course some British scenery.”
And a 9/10 review said: “This is what you want from English costume drama – and more. I really liked it.
“Fans of historical dramas and literary adaptations will find Tom Jones a must-watch, as it stays true to the spirit of the novel while making it accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences.”
In the mood for a cosy period romance with plenty of laughs and scenery-chewing performances from British greats? Look no further.
Gogglebox viewers were left stunned after a married duo posted a nostalgic photograph.
Much-loved South London pair Sue and Steve became part of the enduring Channel 4 programme back in 2019 – and the pair quickly established themselves as audience favourites.
Throughout the years, Steve, a former black cab driver, and Sue, who is semi-retired, have left audiences in fits of laughter with their witty remarks and amusing reactions to television highlights.
Beyond the long-running show, the couple – who have been wed for more than 40 years – are devoted parents to two daughters and proud grandparents to grandson Roman.
Sue and Steve regularly keep their 5,000 Instagram followers informed about their everyday lives. This week, the duo thrilled fans by posting a throwback photograph, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The image, captured during the 1980s, showed Sue and Steve posing for the camera, appearing considerably younger. They wrote alongside the post: “The way we were #somanyyearsago #younglove #the80s #greattimes #dinnerdances #carefree.”
Fans immediately flooded the comments section to praise the “gorgeous” couple. One admirer commented: “You both look amazing then and now. Love you both on Gogglebox.”
Another added on the platform: “Great pic. Steve’s punching here.” A third person remarked: “What a gorgeous picture of you both. Lovely couple.” Sharing similar sentiments, Gogglebox co-star Ellie Warner wrote: “Youngs love dream.”
In a health-related revelation, Sue took a brief hiatus from Gogglebox in 2024, later bravely sharing her battle with Bell’s Palsy, which resulted in temporary facial paralysis.
She candidly discussed the hurdles she faced post-diagnosis, admitting that she had to “relearn” certain fundamental actions. In her words: “One is to speak through the side of my mouth, and the other one is chewing. Chewing takes a long time.”
Steve couldn’t resist a cheeky comment: “I have offered to chew your food for you, but you declined. I’ve gotta say, you haven’t lost the sharp side of your tongue though, have you?”.
Bell’s Palsy is a neurological disorder that causes temporary weakness or lack of movement on one side of the face. The condition can, on rare occasions, spread to both sides of the face, while more typical symptoms include a drooping eyelid or corner of your mouth, dry mouth or drooling, loss of taste and a dry or watering eye.
Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (1414385c) Tony Adams and Noele Gordon ‘Crossroads’ TV Programme. – 1978Credit: Rex
BELOVED Brit soap actor Tony Adams who starred in Crossroads has died aged 84 with tributes pouring in.
The legend died at Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on Saturday, with his wife Christine by his side.
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Tony Adams, who starred in Crossroads, has died aged 84Credit: PATributes have poured in for the beloved Brit soap actorCredit: PA
Anthony Sawley Adams was born in Anglesey, Wales, in 1940 and later trained as an actor at the Italia Conti theatre school.
Following performances on the stage, he made his name as Dr Neville Bywaters in the 1970s soap General Hospital and appeared in the Dr Who series The Green Death.
In 1978, he took on the role of accountant Adam Chance in soap Crossroads – the role for which he became best known.
The series ended in 1988 after more than 4,500 episodes, with Adams staying until the end.
An ad warns: “Your Cabinet position may be at risk if you don’t heed proper instructions and keep up your correct stamp duty payments.”
It came after the ethics watchdog ruled the real Ms Rayner, who had three homes including a grace-and-favour London flat, breached the ministerial code over £40,000 of unpaid stamp duty.
Studio Canal and Spitting Image were contacted for comment.
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A balding Prince Harry puppet featured in the new Spitting Image spin-off, The Rest is Bullsh*t
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A latex lookalike of wife Meghan was also on the showCredit: PA
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US President Donald Trump could be seen offering King Charles a burgerCredit: PA
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Rayner is seen launching a website called WrongmoveCredit: TNI Press
DAME PATRICIA ROUTLEDGE created a monster, and we loved her for it.
The actress, who has died aged 96, turned Hyacinth Bucket – pronounced “Bouquet” – into one of the most memorable TV characters of all time.
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Dame Patricia Routledge with Keeping Up Appearances co-star Clive SwiftCredit: Shutterstock
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The actress passed away aged 96Credit: Alamy
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The star portrayed one of the most memorable TV characters of all timeCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Decades on from Nineties sitcom Keeping Up Appearances the pearl-wearing snob, with her candlelight suppers and white slimline telephone, is still as embedded in the national psyche as a character from Charles Dickens.
In Patricia’s own words: “She was grotesque.”
But the actress, like viewers, could not help but admire her: “She was always getting it wrong and slipping on the banana skin, and then coming back and flying the flag.”
By the time the sitcom first hit screens, Patricia had been acting for nearly 40 years, in roles from Coronation Street to Broadway musicals, with co-stars from Sidney Poitier to Jerry Lewis.
She was also a favourite of writer Alan Bennett, who wrote his first great TV monologue especially for her in 1982.
Its success led to the landmark series Talking Heads, in which she also starred.
Alan said in 1998: “She has an enormous amount of zest and brio and she puts a lot of air into the language, so it lifts dialogue which might otherwise seem quite banal.”
After leaving Keeping Up Appearances, Patricia had a second smash-hit with Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and in 1996 was voted the nation’s favourite actress of all time.
But Patricia managed to keep her private life out of the spotlight.
She never married or had children, and for years refused to discuss her relationships except to say: “I do know what it is to have loved and suffered.”
Only Fools & Horses legend Patrick Murray had died aged 68
Eventually, she revealed she had had three great love affairs, including one with a married man, which tormented her as a devout Christian.
She also admitted: “I didn’t make a decision not to be married and not to be a mother -– life just turned out like that because my involvement with acting was so total.
“Now I think it’s a pity I didn’t have children. But I’m not sure you can have a career and a family and do both satisfactorily. I always knew, deep down, that everything has a cost.”
But whenever she was asked how to become a success, she had the same answer: “I say, I can give you a tip. It’s called risk. And if you’re prepared to risk everything, then you can do anything.”
The icon as Hyacinth BucketCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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The 90’s sitcom ran for five yearsCredit: Alamy
Katherine Patricia Routledge was born on February 17, 1929, in Birkenhead, Wirral, and grew up in a house behind father Isaac’s “high-class gentlemen’s outfitters” shop.
The family was theatre-mad and Patricia acted in school plays but never saw it as her future: “I always intended to be a go-ahead headmistress in a red sports car who had romances all over Europe in the holidays.”
With that in mind, she studied English at the University of Liverpool but spent so much time in the student drama club that older brother Graham urged her to audition for the Liverpool Playhouse.
She said: “He was the one who said, ‘That’s what you ought to do.’” In 1952, aged 23, she made her professional debut with the company as Hippolyta in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Just two years later she was in the West End, showing off her roof-raising contralto singing voice in musical comedy The Duenna.
By early 1961 she was so well known on stage stage that the makers of Coronation Street, which had begun a couple of months earlier, pounced: “They created a character for me – Sylvia Snape. She had a little cafe.”
Their idea was for the no-nonsense proprietor to become one of the cobbles’ stalwarts, but after just three episodes Patricia quit.
She recalled: “I just knew inside that I needed to have other adventures.”
That included belting out satirical songs on That Was The Week It Was, as well as her big-screen debut in 1967’s To Sir with Love.
She played a teacher who offers support to Sidney Poitier’s character, and years later recalled the actor’s generosity: “I just had one scene alone with him, and he gave it to me.”
Patricia had less happy memories of working with Jerry Lewis in 1968’s Don’t Raise the Bridge, Lower the River: “An absolute nightmare. And I’m afraid I didn’t find him funny at all.”
BROADWAY DEBUT
That year Patricia also took Broadway by storm, with the New York Times critic describing her performance in Darling of the Day as “the most spectacular, most scrumptious, most embraceable musical comedy debut since Beatrice Lillie and Gertrude Lawrence came to the country.”
It landed her a Tony Award, presented by Groucho Marx.
Back at home, Alan Bennett had been a long-time fan and so when he wrote his first ground-breaking TV monologue, he wrote it for her.
Initially, Patricia turned him down: the piece was 47 minutes of just one character speaking directly to the camera.
Patricia recalled: “I said it wouldn’t work – people would switch off in their thousands.”
But Alan told her: “If you don’t do it, nobody will. I’ve written it for you.”
A Woman of No Importance screened on BBC2 in November 1982, with Patricia as Miss Schofield, who bubbled away about office gossip and the goings on at a hospital where, it slowly dawned on viewers, she was dying.
It was a sensation, and won Patricia a British Press Guild award for best actress. She later said of the writer: “He turns cliche into poetry. “He sees a world in a grain of sand – the sympathy, the humanity.”
Its success led to 1988’s beloved Talking Heads series of six monologues, with Patricia in A Lady of Letters as a lonely busybody who finally finds friendship when she is sent to prison.
She said: “It’s about salvation, about learning to love at a tremendous cost. Oh, it was a joyous thing to do.”
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Dame Patricia received a Tony Award for her stage performancesCredit: Getty – Contributor
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The legend was awarded and MBE in 2004Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The icon was born on February 17, 1929 in Tranmere in Birkenhead, CheshireCredit: Rex Features
A second series was made in 1998, with Patricia’s monologue this time about a shop assistant who ends up in the thrall of her chiropodist.
In 2004 she admitted she found that part “very kinky”: “I didn’t really enjoy it. I didn’t understand it, deep down.”
Alan said later: “Patricia has a very strong moral streak and very strong views, and I think if a part doesn’t conform with those she’s very dubious about it.”
In between all this, she showed off her comedy brilliance again in Victoria Wood’s series As Seen on TV, playing an overconfident recurring character called Kitty who came out with lines like: “I’m something of a celebrity having walked the entire length of the Pennine Way in slingbacks, to publicise mental health.”
But when sitcom writer Roy Clarke, already famous for Last of the Summer Wine, presented the BBC with scripts for a new series about a suburban social climber, he did not have a lead actress in mind.
He recalled in 2004: “People do assume I must have written Keeping Up Appearances for Patricia Routledge, but I didn’t.”
It was director and producer Harold Snoad who Roy credited for “that perfect bit of casting”.
Harold said: “I wanted the character of Hyacinth to be a sort of stately galleon. I didn’t want somebody lightweight, either in size or vocal terms.”
Patricia said of the character: “She leapt from the page.”
GLOBAL HIT
The first series began on BBC1 in October 1990; soon 13million people a week were tuning in, including superfan the Queen Mum.
Nobody could have delivered lines like her (“I hope that’s a first-class stamp. I object to having second-class stamps thrust through my letterbox”) but she also brought a bursting energy to the role that was unmatchable.
The late Clive Swift, who played Hyacinth’s long-suffering husband Richard, said in 1998: “I can’t think of an another actress who could have brought the physical clowning to the part, which isn’t there particularly in the script.”
It was a global hit, but in 1995 after five series Patricia announced she would not do any more, despite the BBC’s pleas: “There were other adventures to have.”
They included, at the time, a new relationship.
Speaking to The Sun in 1996 she opened up about her private life for the first time, admitting: “A corner of my heart is taken. I’ve got a sneaking feeling that I might have almost everything in the end.
“He’s someone I’ve known for years and years. He’s in theatrical management but we hadn’t seen each other for a long time and then we met again.
“Life is full of the most wonderful surprises.”
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In 2017 she was made a dame for services to the theatre and charityCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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Patricia was once voted Britain’s favourite actressCredit: Alamy
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Patricia as Laura Partridge, during a photocall for the production of 1950s comedy ‘The Solid Gold Cadillac’ at The Garrick TheatreCredit: PA:Press Association
Patricia moved to Chichester, West Sussex, in 1999 to be closer to this new love, whose identity was never revealed, and lived there for the rest of her life.
She also told The Sun: “I had my heart broken when I was young. It was a grand passion, but it was complicated because he was married and, of course, I felt very guilty.
“I would gladly have lived with him and I wanted his children. But I couldn’t do it because I thought it would kill my parents.”
Her second great passion came in the late Eighties, when she least expected it: “Out of the blue this enchanting person appeared.
“He was a theatre director – a very funny and delightful man. But he had a heart condition, which I didn’t know about for a while.
“One day I went to rehearsal and was told he’d died in the night. This dear man was no more. I was just so hurt, so sore with the pain of loss.”
‘ILLUMINATING LIFE’
Work was always a refuge. In 1996 she was back on screen in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates as pensioner-turned-crime fighter, who was a down-to-earth, proud working-class opposite of Hyacinth.
Patricia later said of that character: “I loved her.”
It was another hit and the actress never forgave the BBC for axing the programme after four series without telling the cast: “No word ever came – how rude.”
Hetty was her last major TV role; afterwards she focused on theatre. Her final role was in Oscar Wilde’s play An Ideal Husband in 2014 in her adopted hometown of Chichester, where she worshipped at the cathedral each week.
In 2017 she was made a dame for services to the theatre and charity.
On getting the news, she said: “I started to laugh, and then I started to cry. It was extraordinary.”
But Patricia believed her profession was important.
She once said: “It sounds a bit high-faluting, but I think acting is the physicalisation of the imagination.
“If the word becomes flesh, then you are illuminating life for other people.”
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Patricia never married and leaves behind no childrenCredit: Shutterstock
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Mary Millar, Patricia and Judy CornwellCredit: Getty
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She surprised diners after being spotted at a restaurant more than 30 years after her hit show endedCredit: michaelnewtonyoung / instagram
A once packed theme park has been left frozen and derelict for more than 25 years with many of it’s buildings still sat on the coast the same as the 1990s
07:00, 26 Sep 2025Updated 08:27, 26 Sep 2025
Frontierland amusement park claimed to be the first real theme park in the UK(Image: LancsLive)
When you think of theme parks, you may think of the city-sized parks of Disney World in Florida, or even the thrills closer to home of Alton Towers and Thorpe Park, but just two decades ago, many more theme parks lined the coast and countryside.
While the Lancashire coast still has rollercoaster screams, kilos of candyfloss and the clatter of rides on a track at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, one place just up the coast has all its thrills frozen in time, abandoned and left to rust.
While thousands may have childhood memories from family days out, now all that remains of those days at one park are the memories. Coastal Lancashire has its fair share of charm, and Morecambe in particular has held many hearts for decades.
Its promenade, vintage amusements, and views across the bay still draw people from miles around. But beneath that familiar seaside postcard, there are corners of the town that feel like they belong to another era entirely, and one such place is Frontierland.
First opening its park gates back in 1987 after the redevelopment of Morecambe Pleasure Park, Frontierland dubbed itself as one of the first “genuine” theme parks in the UK. It was owned by Geoffrey Thomson, managing director of the more popular Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Pleasureland Southport.
It offered log flumes, a Wild West theme, coasters and cables, and a colourful escape for generations of families. The site itself had been a theme park of sorts since 1906, and it once had a wooden rollercoaster called the Cyclone, which was designed and built by American engineer Harry Traver in 1937 for the Paris World Exposition.
A later addition was a 150-foot Big Wheel, which had to be quickly removed in 1982 because of neighbour complaints. But as visitor numbers continued to dwindle at the park, and Morecambe in general, the park decided to begin downsizing just 10 years after it opened, and only two years later, in 2000, it would shut for good.
Many of its attractions were either scrapped or moved over to Thompson’s two other parks. The “Rattler” was moved to the Pleasure Beach, whilst “The Wild Mouse” and “Chair-o-Plans were moved to the Southport site, which would also close in 2006.
For the next two decades, the rest of the park remained derelict, stuck in time and slowly turning into a wasteland.
After lying derelict, Lancaster City Council bought the site in 2021 and has invited interested parties to create proposals for it. Earlier this year, there were reports that the town council was considering plans for development.
Despite 35 developers interested in taking Frontierland ideas and prepared to submit proposals and tenders to the council, no news has yet been shared, and so much of the park continues to lie there, a remnant of a time no longer past.
Drag Race UK is returning to our screens with a new group of talented icons, but one specific star has links to the royal family
Drag Race UK star Paige Three’s royal links revealed as beloved show returns
Drag Race UK is returning to our screens tonight, and one of the stars might be very familiar to a few viewers. Drag queen Paige Three, who hails from Surrey, is one of the many gorgeous queens taking part in the UK’s version of RuPaul’s beloved series – which airs on BBC.
Speaking about her iconic name, she said: “Paige Three, if you don’t know, is a play on words referencing the glamorous women who posed on page three of a tabloid newspaper. My take on that is to exude glamour, body and serve up a performance that everybody’s talking about!”
Other queens taking part are Catrin Feelings, Tayris Mongardi, Sally TM, Silllexa Diction, Pasty, Nyongbella, Elle Vosque, Viola, Chai T Grande, Bonnie Ann Clyde, Bones.
Paige might be ready to lip sync for her life but she’s used to working under pressure as she once performed for Queen Elizabeth II at her 90th birthday as a dancer with Beverly Knight.
Speaking of her career, Paige Three said: “I’ve done all sorts of random stuff in my drag career. You might have seen me at brunches all around London, sometimes I run a bingo, I have performed with Kimberly Wyatt from The Pussycat Dolls.
“I’ve worked really hard to get where I am, but I feel that I’ve reached a wall and I want to break through it and see what else I can do!”
Meanwhile, a huge pop star is joining the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK panel and fans are convinced they know what lip sync will be played.
Mama Ru will be back alongside Drag Race veterans Alan Carr, Graham Norton and Michelle Visage as they hunt for the next UK superstar.
They will be joined by a series of celebrity guest judges, who will be on hand of offer up their honest opinions. To the delight of fans, Girls Aloud icon and singer Nadine Coyle will be among those making a VIP appearance.
She said: “Having been a guest for season three’s Snatch Game (and impersonated by the one and only Charra Tea on season six’s Snatch Game!), it’s such a dream come true to be a guest judge on this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK!
“What an incredible experience to see the immense talent and creativity from the queens, and it was a joy to sit on the judges panel with Michelle, Graham, and the spellbinding RuPaul! You’re all in for a treat!”
Fans loved the announcement and are certain they know what to expect when she appears. One said: “For the love of God, Go To Work has GOT to be a lip sync song.”
Another added: “Already know that ‘Go To Work’ lip sync is going to be one of most iconic lip syncs ever!!” Someone else commented: “MOTHER HAS ARRIVED.”
A SCHOOLGIRL has tragically died at her home, as friends and family pay heartbreaking tributes.
Emergency services attended a property on Manor House Lane, Preston, on Monday morning after reports of a sudden death.
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Nina Papierniok was found dead at her home in Preston
Nina Papierniok, 13, who was a pupil at Archbishop Temple Church of England High School, was found dead.
LancashirePolice have confirmed her death is not being treated as suspicious.
A report will be handed to the coroner in due course.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called to Manor House Lane, Preston, at 7.04am on September 15 following reports of a sudden death.
“Emergency services have attended and tragically found a 13-year-old girl deceased.
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this extremely distressing time.
“The girl’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course.”
Friends and family have rallied round to launch a fundraiser in the Nina’s memory and as a way to support her loved ones.
It has already raised more than £9,500 in just a few days.
A post on the GoFundMe page says: “13-year-old Nina, the beloved daughter of our friend Justyna, passed away suddenly in the United Kingdom.
“Justyna is a single mother, and during this unimaginably difficult time, she needs our support to cover the funeral costs and to say a dignified farewell to her daughter.
“If you can – please support the fundraiser or share it with others.”
A WOMAN killed by a falling tree branch has been named and pictured as her family paid a heartbreaking tribute.
Jen Higgins, 49, died at the scene in Barlow Moor Road, Manchester, on August 30 following the freak incident.
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The fallen tree branch in Barlow Moor Road last monthCredit: MEN Media
In a statement, Jen’s family said: “The family of Jen Higgins are heartbroken to confirm she lost her life in a sudden and tragic accident.
“She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, and aunt – a vibrant and supportive friend to many; and a dynamic and widely respected member of the Manchesterbusiness community.
“You will no doubt empathise with the deep and profound shock we are feeling at this moment and ask for privacy while we grieve. A further statement will be issued when we feel able.”
Died at the scene
Emergency services rushed to the road following a call at around 7.15pm but Jen died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said at the time: “At around 7.15pm on Saturday, August 30, we were called to reports a tree had fallen onto a woman on Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury.
“Despite the best efforts of emergency workers, a woman in her 40s was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
A member of staff at Barlow Moor petrol station, who asked not to be named, described seeing the tree “snap” moments before the tragedy unfolded.
They said: “The tree just snapped, it was a big branch and just fell. A woman was walking underneath.
“The weather was a bit windy but not strong. A few locals came out and some of them were doctors so they were trying to help her.
“Then the ambulance came and police closed the road.
“It is a big tree and it was a massive branch that fell – blocking off all the road. It was two or three thick branches that fell at once.”
An inquest into Jen’s death is due to open at Manchester Coroners’ Court on September 23.
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Jen Higgins was killed by a falling tree branchCredit: Carousel PR
Simon Logan has said an emotional goodbye to fans as his show came to an end
Simon Logan’s show has ended(Image: Simon Logan)
BBC Radio‘s Simon Logan has bid a heartfelt farewell to his listeners as his show concludes after four years.
The star has presented an 80s and 90s show on BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio Tees since 2021, but it has now wrapped.
A petition to keep him on the airwaves had been filed, but although more than 600 people signed it, the show has ended.
Bidding farewell to his listeners on Sunday, Simon said, “What is it they always say, all great things must come to an end.”
He went on: “Whether you’ve ever got in touch with the show or whether you have just listened to our show, thanks to everybody on our Facebook group.”
The star told listeners that ‘all great things must come to an end’(Image: BBC)
“The time has come to say farewell, seriously, thanks for being there,” he said.
The DJ went on: “We’ve had a blast, haven’t we? Hope to catch you really soon. And whatever you’re doing tonight, always stay forever young. Ta-rah.”
The song that played out in his last broadcast on the show was Forever Young, by Alphaville.
Fans were sad to see the show end, with one saying: “This is a great show on Sunday afternoon and looks like it will get replaced with more than likely a load of BBC rubbish!”
Fans had petitioned to keep Simon’s show on the airwaves(Image: BBC)
Somebody else sniped: “It’s disgraceful what’s happening to BBC local radio, the people making the decisions are clearly not proper radio peeps, probably fresh from uni with a degree in social media.”
One said it was a “huge loss to the BBC”.
Simon Logan is a rare jewel in the crown and had one of the most listened to shows on BBC Local Radio,” they added. It was a “Crazy decision by those in charge.”
Simon’s show will be replaced by a national show, All England, which will broadcast across the BBC’s 39 local radio stations at 2 pm. on Sundays.
Doctor Who star Karen Gillan is set to star in an upcoming reboot of classic 1986 fantasy film Highlander, joining Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe and other stars in the cast
Karen Gillan is set to star in a reboot of an 80s classic(Image: Getty Images)
Doctor Who star Karen Gillan has been cast in Amazon MGM’s upcoming reboot of Highlander – the 1986 fantasy classic starring Sean Connery. The reboot was announced earlier this year, with the likes of Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Dave Bautista and Marisa Abela joining the cast.
The original action-fantasy film starred Christopher Lambert as a swordsman in 16th century Scotland who becomes immortal after initially dying in 1536. The film also starred Sean Connery, Clancy Brown, Roxanne Hart and Celia Imrie.
In the reboot, The Witcher’s Henry Cavill will star as lead Connor MacLeod, while Russell Crowe plays his mentor, immortal warrior Ramirez.
Karen Gillan in her Doctor Who days as Amy Pond(Image: PA)
Now, Karen Gillan has been announced to take on the role of Heather, Connor’s immortal wife. Karen shared the news on Instagram today.
“My dialect coach can sit this one out… so excited to be an actual Highlander in Highlander.”
Karen is best known for playing Amy Pond alongside Matt Smith’s Doctor Who in the popular BBC sci-fi series. After leaving the breakout role after three years in 2013, Karen appeared in the Jumanji film series an the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nebula.
Last December, she welcomed her first child – a daughter named Clementine – with her American comedian husband Nick Kocher.
Christopher Lambert in the original Highlander
The Highlander reboot is set to see Karen’s Marvel co-star Dave Bautista take on the role of ruthless warrior The Kurgen. Industry’s Marisa Abela will also be playing a leading role.
Back in May, it was revealed that Karen would be returning to Doctor Who for a special episode of its behind-the-scenes show Unleashed. She’ll be joining co-star Arthur Darvill, who played Rory Williams during her stint on the show.
This week, the BBC shared a huge update on the future of Doctor Who after star Ncuti Gatwa’s sudden exit a few months back.
The BBC’s new head of content Kate Phillips squashed rumours that the show wouldn’t return if Disney did not choose to fund future series. She said at the Edinburgh TV Festival: “Rest assured Doctor Who is going nowhere.
“Disney has been a great partnership and it continues with The War Between The Land And The Sea next year.”
She added: “With or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC.”
A BELOVED car garage with hundreds of thousands of fans has been forced to close its doors.
The garage is shutting down after nearly six years, after its famous owner battled with “rising costs”.
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An iconic garage is sadly closing its doors after six yearsCredit: facebook/BerrowMotors
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Joe Betty runs the popular Shifting Motors YouTube channelCredit: instagram/shifting_metal
Joe Betty first set up his famous garage Berrow Motors in 2020, in the sleepy town of Burnham-on-Sea.
During that time, he slowly built up his customer base and started posting videos about motors online – quickly racking up millions of views.
His YouTube channel Shifting Metal takes viewers behind the scenes of his high-flying lifestyle, as he buys and trades luxury vehicles including Porsches, BMWs and Jaguars.
However, after becoming one of the most famous motor influencers in Britain, Joe has been forced to close the garage which helped launch his career.
The petrolhead and influencer says that rising costs are to blame for the sudden closure of Berrow Motors.
He said: “We’ve had nearly six fantastic years here.
“We’ve won awards, gained over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and raised over £30,000 for local causes — but have decided now is the time to move on.”
“The cost of running a business is constantly rising and has certainly played a part in my decision, but I also wish to focus more time on fundraising and other business ventures.”
He added: “I want to thank all of our wonderful customers for their business over the last few years and of course the team members who made Berrow Motors what it was.
“I really hope another motor trader takes over the site and makes a success of it – you couldn’t ask for better landlords than the Welland family.”
Fans flooded the comments section on Shifting Metal’s social media, as Joe broke the news.
One wrote: “sorry to hear that the business is closing down. I wish you and your family all the very best for the future”
Others said they would miss Joe’s hilarious challenges that he would set himself on YouTube.
In one video, he flipped a coin to set the price of a luxury land rover and, in another, he bought and sold a Mercedes C63 for an eyewatering £35,000.
After letting go of the garage, Joe says that he is going to be focusing on producing even more “car-centric” content online.
The news comes as even major car brands struggle to stay afloat.
Nissan has been forced to accelerate the closure of two of its factories in Mexico, as it slashes its number of global factories from 17 to 10.
The crisis-hit brand has been battling rising debt, which it is hoping to remedy through its Re:Nissan plan.
Craig Bloomer, 54, died in a horror freak crash while on holiday with his family in Greece – his heartbroken daughter paid tribute to the ‘much-loved’ dad
11:44, 09 Aug 2025Updated 12:01, 09 Aug 2025
Craig Bloomer, 54, tragically died following a crash while on holiday (Image: Birmingham Live)
A “beloved” British grandad tragically died on holiday in Greece following a freak accident.
Craig Bloomer, 54, had travelled to the idyllic island of Corfu, for a family holiday with his two daughters, their partners and kids, but sadly died after a moped incident on July 26. The “much-loved” grandad, from Wolverhampton, on this holiday was the “happiest” he had been since his wife Jane, 53, died two years ago from cancer, according to Craig’s daughter.
Craig was rushed to hospital after the horror crash but was pronounced dead by doctors, according to BirminghamLive. His eldest daughter Rebecca, 32, said: “Our dad’s loss has left a massive hole in our lives.”
The grandad had also travelled with his youngest daughter Danni Perks, 27, but his tragic passing meant the family had to cut their holiday short, returning several days earlier than planned on Tuesday, on July 29.
Craig’s body was flown back to England on Wednesday, August 6, which has allowed the family to begin the ordeal of organising his funeral.
Craig had been on holiday with his daughters Rebecca (left) and Danni (right), and their families, when he died(Image: Birmingham Live)
Since his passing, tributes have flooded in for Craig who ran The Cafe in the Low Hill area of Wolverhampton, alongside his two daughters.
Paying tribute to her dad, Rebecca said: “We lost our mum two years ago to cancer. Since then, he has been a bit down in the dumps.
“On holiday, it was the happiest I’d ever seen him, he had a new girlfriend. He was lovely and a proper family man. He liked motorbikes, old cars, going to the pub, snooker, drawing, he was really good at art.”
The heartbroken daughter added: “We own a cafe business which my dad started running after my mum died. The amount of tributes we’ve had off people for dad, saying how lovely he was and what a character he was.
“He was like marmite, you either loved him or hated him – and most people loved him.” Craig’s family has created a GoFundMe page to help with costs following his unexpected death – which has raised over £3,000 so far.
This comes after a mum was tragically killed by a stingray at sea in a horror “freak accident” while on holiday. Judy Kay Zagorski, 57, had been on a boat trip in the Florida Keys but the adventure ended in tragedy.
The mum was killed by a huge spotted eagle ray that jumped out of the water and struck her in the face.
Theo Leggett at the wheel of the oldest Ford Transit still in existence
Climbing into a 1965 Ford Transit is like stepping into a time capsule on wheels.
Forget your modern high-tech nicknacks like satnavs and touchscreens. All you get here is a steering wheel, a big chrome-lined speedometer dial and a chunky heater control. There isn’t even a radio.
Out on the road, it rattles and bangs and occasionally jumps out of gear.
Disconcertingly, there’s no seatbelt, the seat itself has an alarming tendency to move around, and the brakes don’t seem to do very much at all.
Beautiful as it is, it’s hard to imagine that this elderly machine was ever state of the art.
Yet when the original Transit first rolled off the production line at Ford’s plant in Langley, Berkshire, on 9 August 1965, it was a revelation.
By the standards of the day, it was remarkably spacious, powerful and practical. It was comfortable, had sharp handling, and put existing vans such as the Morris J4 firmly in the shade.
Sixty years later, the Transit has been redesigned many times, but the brand itself is still going strong. It remains a staple for many small businesses, even in an age when “white vans” are ten a penny, and the market is rife with competition.
It is the world’s best-selling van – and more than 13 million have been built so far.
“There are lots of iconic cars: the Morris Minor, the Mini, the Land Rover, the VW Beetle, but there’s only one iconic van, and that’s the Transit,” says Edmund King, president of the AA.
“It’s probably the only van that people really know”.
Erica Echenberg via Getty Images
Punk ban The Damned were one of the groups to use Ford Transit’s on tour, seen here in 1977
Originally a collaboration between Ford’s engineers in the UK and Germany, and primarily aimed at the British and European markets, the Transit was designed to be as versatile as possible.
It rapidly became a staple for tradespeople, including builders, carpenters, electricians and delivery drivers.
But it also appealed to others looking for spacious, cheap transport – including aspiring rock bands. It was almost a rite of passage. Among those who spent time on the road in one were Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, the Small Faces and Slade.
“It was the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Petrol was a lot cheaper than it is now,” says Peter Lee, founder of the Transit Van Club.
“I ended up in Spain, lived in one for 13 months as a hippy on a strawberry farm, then came back and started a business. Before you know it, I had 180 workers in 28 Transit vans driving around London.”
‘Britain’s most wanted van’
The Transit’s speed and loading space also appealed to people on the wrong side of the law.
In 1972, so the story goes, a Metropolitan Police spokesman claimed Transits were being used in 95% of bank raids, adding that its speed and loading space meant it had become the perfect getaway vehicle. This, he commented drily, made it “Britain’s most wanted van”.
Meanwhile the stereotype of the bullying “white van man”,defined by Sunday Times reporter Jonathan Leake in 1997 as “a tattooed species, often with a cigarette in his mouth, who is prone to flashing his lights as he descends on his prey”, did not specifically target Transit drivers.
But given how many of them were on the road by then, it is a fair bet they were implicated.
Made in Turkey
For nearly half a century, Transits were built in Britain – first at Langley, then at a factory just outside Southampton. But this closed in 2013, as Ford removed production to Turkey, where it said costs were “significantly lower”. It was a controversial move that put hundreds of employees out of work. It was described by unions as a ‘betrayal’.
Bloomberg via Getty Images
Ford Transit production moved to Turkey in 2013
Today, Ford continues to highlight both the Transit’s British heritage and the work that still takes place here, especially at its UK headquarters in Dunton, Essex.
“Dunton is the home of the Transit,” insists Ford of Britain’s managing director, Lisa Brankin
“It’s where we manage all the engineering and design work for the new vans. But we also build our diesel engines in Dagenham, just down the road, and we make power packs for electric vans in Halewood, near Liverpool.”
Most of the company’s European production remains in Turkey, and that looks unlikely to change.
“It’s about efficiency and just centring manufacturing into one place, rather than having multiple sites across Europe,” Ms Brankin explains.
Bloomberg via Getty Images
Ford promotes its electric vans at commercial vehicle fairs around the world
Much of the activity at Dunton now is focused on what the next generation of Transit vans will bring. But will there ever be another radical game-changer like the original model?
“We’re working on it,” says director of commercial vehicle development Seamus McDermott, when I ask him that question.
He believes that what customers want from a van has not really changed in 60 years. It is still all about having a reliable set of wheels that is versatile and cheap to run. But the way that goal is achieved is now very different.
“Electric vehicles are cheaper to run and cheaper to repair,” he says.
“Also, when we bring in more software defined, ‘smarter’ vehicles, the ability to manage fleets remotely will help bring down costs as well. So the revolution will be about propulsion and software.”
But while the Transit brand has already endured for 60 years, today it is heading into an uncertain future, according to AA president Edmund King.
“In the 60s, 70s and 80s, if someone’s father had a Transit, they would get a Transit,” he says.
“I think that’s changing now. There’s more competition across the van market, and therefore brand loyalty is certainly not as strong as it used to be.”
ANT McPartlin’s ex-wife posted a thinly veiled swipe at I’m A Celebrity host – amid a fallout over their beloved pet dog Hurley.
Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, 48, shares custody of the 12-year-old chocolate labrador with the ITV star.
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Ant McPartlin seen here with the dog he shares with ex-wife Lisa ArmstrongCredit: Alamy
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Lisa and Ant share custody of Hurley ever since their divorceCredit: Instagram
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Lisa often posts pictures of her beloved dog when he is staying with herCredit: Instagram
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The former couple were married for 11 yearsCredit: Getty
But sources say the ageing pooch is currently in Portugal with Ant as he holidays with wife, Anne-Marie, and their family.
Fuming Lisa posted a video of “My Boy” Hurley on Instagram – before following it up with a photograph of him lying down in the middle of a golf course.
In an dig apparently aimed at Ant she wrote: “And now he’s taken from his mama. Poor old boy…”
Ant jetted off to Portugal last month and has been spotted playing golf with pals and frolicking on the beach.
Read more on Lisa Armstrong
A source said: “Lisa is worried about Hurley in that kind of heat because of his age.
“They both adore him and have shared custody of him ever since they split up.
“Lisa is concerned about the temperatures in Portugal.”
A BELOVED grandmother choked to death after being fed the wrong food in a care home.
Joan Whitworth died at the Oaks Care Home in Northumberland after staff prepared her meal in a way which “did not comply with her diet plan”.
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Joan Whitworth, 88, tragically died after choking on her foodCredit: NCJ Media
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An inquest heard the grandmother was living at the Oaks Care HomeCredit: Google Maps
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The 88-year-old’s meal had not been prepared correctlyCredit: NCJ Media
An inquest heard the 88-year-old had lived with her daughter Gillian but moved into the facility when her dementia progressed.
When eating a meal on March 3, 2023, Joan began to display signs of choking.
But the inquest heard how a care assistant did not intervene and had to ask another staff member for help to deliver back slaps and abdominal thrusts.
And, CPR was not performed due to the “inaccurate understanding of a registered nurse”.
Following the hearing, Northumberland’s senior coroner Andrew Hetheringtonhas written a “prevention of future deaths” report.
The care home and NHS trust have 56 days to respond.
The coroner concluded Joan died “in a care home as a result of choking”.
And in his written report, he outlined a total of six “matters of concern”.
Of these, one was regarding the NHS trust and five were directed to the care home’s operator Hillcare.
The first issue was found with the speech and language team.
Joan’s assessment had not been written down in a formal report, meaning observations of her eating had only been passed on verbally.
The coroner also concluded that a nurse and care assistant at the home “were not in date with their training in Basic Life Support and First Aid at Work”.
The coroner added: “I am concerned that a chef in evidence at the inquest was not aware that breaded fish was not a suitable food stuff in the diet identified for the deceased.
“I am concerned that other residents could be fed inappropriate food stuffs that are not in line with their identified diet plans.”
Bryan Smith, Joan’s son-in-law, told ChronicleLive: “Right from the start, we knew what had happened – that they hadn’t given her the right food.
“We knew she hadn’t been looked after.
“The reason we have pursued this is that we knew what had happened.”
Bryan added how the family had been “shocked and astounded by the quantity and severity of the mistakes” that were highlighted in the inquest.
He told how many families have shared similar “painful and shocking experiences”.
In a statement on behalf of the family read in court, they paid tribute: “Joan was a well loved character in Blyth. She was manager of Robson’s shoe shop and then moved to the Water Board.
“When we used to go shopping with Joan, it would take you an hour to get past the car park – as she knew everyone in Blyth with a tap or a pair of shoes!”
A Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “All referrals to our speech and language therapy service are robustly triaged using a risk and evidence-based approach to inform the most appropriate care for that individual. This includes information on the referral form and discussion with the patient and / or those who care for them daily to gather the most up-to-date information.
“We cannot comment further on this case due to patient confidentiality, but would like to offer our sincere condolences to Mrs Whitworth’s family and loved ones.”
A spokesperson for The Oaks Care Home said: “We acknowledge the Coroner’s report relating to the death of Joan Whitworth at our home in March 2023. Our thoughts remain with her family and loved ones.
“Following the incident, we carried out a full review and made all necessary changes to our practices and procedures. These have been in place for some time and will be reflected in our formal response to the Coroner’s report. The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of those in our care remain our highest priorities.”
A BELOVED children’s author who wrote over 150 books has died aged 87.
Allan Ahlberg produced a host of bestselling nursery classics during a stellar career as an author.
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Allan Ahlberg has died aged 87Credit: Alamy
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The children’s author left behind an incredible legacyCredit: CLPE
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He worked with his late wife Janet on books together
Some of his most famous work includes lasting favourites Peepo!, The Baby’s Catalogue and Each Peach Pear Plum.
He came to writing in his late thirties, when his wife Janet grew tired of illustrating non-fiction and asked him to write a story for her to illustrate.
Allan later recalled the moment was “as if she turned a key in my back and I was off”.
The Ahlbergs went on to produce 37 books together, and Allan also wrote more than 100 others, some in Janet’s lifetime, and some since her death from breast cancer in 1994.
Following Janet’s death, Allan worked with illustrators such asRaymond Briggsand Bruce Ingman.
His career came full circle in a series of collaborations with his daughter Jessica including Half a Pig and a pop-up set of anarchic variations on the tale of Goldilocks.
Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, CEO of Walker Books Group, which published some of his books, said: “He was enormously playful in spirit and language and had the ability to make you smile in one sentence.
“Allan inspired generations of children’s writers, inspired all of us who worked with him, and inspired artists to make some of their very best work.”
Death in Paradise will return tonight with a repeat episode of the BBC drama
Death in Paradise favourite Josephine Jobert will grace television screens once more this evening in a repeat broadcast of the beloved BBC series.
Josephine portrayed Detective Florence Cassell in the Caribbean-set police drama.
Lucky in Love, the third episode of series 10, initially transmitted in 2021, will be screened at 9pm tonight on BBC One.
The episode summary states: “It seems money doesn’t buy happiness when lottery winner Cherry is found dead at her luxurious villa, much to the horror of her husband and their visiting friends,” reports the Express.
“As usual, Neville and the team are presented with a real head-scratcher when it turns out no one was in the house at the time – and the mystery deepens when the victim’s body apparently vanishes into thin air.”
Josephine Jobert in Death in Paradise(Image: BBC)
It concludes: “Meanwhile, JP is training unruly new officer Marlon, aware that his wife Rosey is due to give birth at any time.”
This marks another recent repeat showing, following last week’s broadcast of episode two from series 10 on BBC One.
Florence Cassell won’t be the only familiar face returning to screens, as the programme’s longest-serving detective, Neville Parker (Ralf Little), also features in the episode.
Tobi Bakari returns as police officer JP Hooper, whilst Tahj Miles reprises trainee police officer Marlon Pryce.
Following the episode’s original transmission, Tobi, Tahj, Ralf, and Josephine have all departed the programme to pursue different ventures.
Ralf Little and Josephine left Death in Paradise together(Image: BBC)
Tobi became the first to exit in 2021 following the conclusion of series 10. Ralf and Josephine’s departures came in series 13 after their characters sailed off into the sunset together following Neville’s declaration of love to Florence.
Tahj Miles also departed the programme at the conclusion of series 13.
Ralf’s role was swiftly filled by the island’s fresh lead detective, Mervin Wilson, portrayed by Don Gilet.
In an earlier chat with Hello! Josephine discussed her comeback to the programme in series 10 and confessed she was aware it wouldn’t be permanent.
“I already left in series eight, I thought it would be for good, honestly, I thought, ‘I’m done,'” she revealed. “Then they asked me back for series ten as I was like, ‘Hmmm, I don’t know, okay, I’m going to do it.'”.
“But I knew it wouldn’t be forever, I knew it. How long, I didn’t know. I had an idea, but I wasn’t sure.”
The crackdown on “illegally built” buildings at the world-famous Bingin Beach in Uluwatu, Bali began on Monday, drawing huge crowds of angry locals and surfers to gather
14:20, 22 Jul 2025Updated 14:21, 22 Jul 2025
The demolition work began on Monday(Image: ABC NEWS)
Huge tearful crowds formed as hordes of officials destroyed villas and restaurants at a beloved beach.
The crackdown on “illegally built” buildings at the world-famous Bingin Beach in Uluwatu, Bali began on Monday.
The destination is incredibly popular among Australians and global surfers in southern Bali, yet has become a source of frustration for local politicians. Local government officials say none of the buildings have been built with the correct permits, ABC News reported.
Bali’s governor, I Wayan Koster, marched to the beach alongside demolition workers armed with crowbars and sledge hammers. “The buildings for tourism businesses here are illegal — that’s it. We should not let this practice continue. If we let this go on, Bali will be damaged,” he said.
Many people were brought to tears by the demolition(Image: ABC NEWS)
Owners of the targeted businesses wailed and screamed in distress as their livelihoods were torn apart by the workers. As they were unable to bring in heavy machinery due to the buildings’ steep cliff-side construction, they smashed tables and doors to smithereens during the government-enforced demolitions.
ABC News reported that a Balinese woman screamed out: “This is how the bureaucrats work. They’ve demolished our livelihoods.” News.com.au reports that some travellers have had their bookings voided at the popular destination due to the demolition works.
Authorities have denied rumours that the demolition was carried out so a high-end resort can be built.
Eleven-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater took to social media to condemn the move. He wrote: “Awful to hear and see that the beachfront at Bingin in Bali has been bought up and all the local (eateries) and other businesses will be demolished to make room for some kind of beach club and not sure what else?
“Bali has been completely mishandled and ruined by foreign interests in recent years. I hope something can be done to retain the culture and beauty of what attracted everyone there in the first place.”
Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Yet, the influx of visitors has also led to numerous problems, including disruptive behavior from tourists drawn to the island’s idyllic beaches, vibrant food scene, rich cultural heritage, affordable accommodation, and the promise of luxury indulgence.
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While tourism has been a major economic driver—accounting for over 60% of Bali’s economy in 2019—many locals have developed mixed feelings about it. The island has struggled with overwhelming traffic, uncontrolled development, and a growing number of poorly behaved tourists.
In 2023, more than five million foreign tourists visited Bali, which has a population of just four million. The island has had several tourist scandals recently, including a visitor who was criticised for posing naked in front of a sacred tree in 2023.
American travel publication Fodor’s has placed Bali on its ‘perennial no list’, urging people not to travel there and further add to the island’s woes. “This post-pandemic travel rebound has only intensified the strain on the island. While this influx has boosted the economy, it has also placed overwhelming pressure on Bali’s infrastructure. Once-pristine beaches like Kuta and Seminyak are now buried under piles of trash, with local waste management systems struggling to keep up,” Fodors writes.
Earlier this year, faced with the challenges of overtourism, officials in Bali proposed introducing a daily tourist tax, similar to Bhutan’s $100 (€£79) Sustainable Development Fee, which is charged to most international visitors.
Wayan Puspa Negara, head of the Bali Marginal Tourism Actors Alliance and a lawmaker in Bali’s Badung regency, told the South China Morning Post that he envisions Bali “selecting” tourists, much like Bhutan does. The Himalayan nation restricts its annual tourist intake to just 400,000 people and has previously charged up to $250 (£198) per day for visitors, Euronews reports. Tourists are also obliged to hire a guide, driver and transport from any official tour agency.
