couldnt

EXCLUSIVE: The series will end after the 11th run and a plan to go out with a funeral got vetoed, despite many attempts to make it work

Grantchester’s producers planned to kill off Robson Green’s character in a tear-jerking series finale of the TV drama. But in the end they got cold feet and decided viewers would prefer a happier ending.

The final series of the ITV smash – starring Robson and Rishi Nair as crime fighting duo Det Geordie Keating and The Rev Alphy Kottaram – will air in the UK next year.

But viewers in the US have already the eleventh and last-ever series and got a shock when Keating was shot and left fighting for his life. Now screenwriter Daisy Coulam has revealed how she wrestled with the idea of killing him off altogether.

She confessed: “I mean the amount of times we tried to be like, ‘He should die. He should definitely die’. I mean he died probably about four times in the story meeting and we just couldn’t do it. It would just be too big.

“You’re like ‘No, because you need that moment at the end’. You need hope and you need joy because it’s a (platonic) love story and you need your two lovers alive at the end, I think.”

Instead fans will see Keating survive the shooting and decide to retire from the force. But he hands ‘the baton’ over to fellow officer Larry Peters (played by Bradley Hall) to carry on sleuthing with the help of The Rev for future cases.

And in a touching moment, Keating leaves his protégé his hat – which he has kept with him since the start.

Daisy added: “The hat moment … it was randomly filmed the day James Norton came to set for a little visit. We were sitting and we said to Robson ‘What kind of thing would you like to do? You know, what scene do you want?’

“And he said ‘I think you should give Larry the hat’. We were like ‘Yes’ because Emma and I are obsessed with Indiana Jones and it’s basically Indiana Jones, isn’t it? It’s ‘the putting the hat on’. So we were very happy and I just think Bradley acted his socks off and he doesn’t say anything but you really, really feel his pride. It’s so sweet.”

During filming of his final scenes on a hospital trolley Robson, 61, decided to lighten the mood. He sneaked in a sign which read ‘Available for panto’ – as the cast knew they needed to start looking for new projects now Grantchester is ending.

When the hospital porters wheeled him in and the cameras started rolling he held up the sign and made everyone burst out laughing.

Afterwards he told The Masterpiece Studio podcast: “I’m going to miss that feeling of when you look at a schedule, you’re going to a certain location. And in this case, it was Grantchester. I’d always look at the schedule and go, ‘When are we going to Grantchester?’ Because it’s like going on holiday with lots and lots of friends. That’s what I’ll miss.”

Plotlines for the final series will see The Rev Alphy question his faith in God and new fashion boutique owners Cathy Keating and Mrs C (Kacey Ainsworth and Tess Peake-Jones) get caught up in a murder.

Grantchester launched back in 2014 and has run for 11 series. It has had three vicars helping Keating along the way including James Norton as The Rev Sidney Chambers and Tom Brittney as The Rev Will Davenport.

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Gardeners’ World star Adam Frost has been a familiar face on the BBC show for years, but there is one garden design request he simply can’t bring himself to carry out.

Adam Frost has disclosed he knocked back one individual’s gardening request.

BBC favourite Adam Frost, who has featured on Gardeners’ World since 2016, revealed there’s one peculiar item he cannot stand in people’s outdoor areas.

Making an appearance on the most recent instalment of Sunday Brunch (July 5), he chatted with Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer regarding his new podcast alongside Caitlin Moran.

Yet during their chat, Tim pointed out that Adam harbours a loathing for outdoor chess boards, with the BBC presenter confirming this.

He responded: “The massive, plastic chess sets. You go to a hotel, or even people put them in their garden!”

“They pave a huge area, and they have these plastic chess pieces that slowly change colour. Really, kids just use them to attack each other.

“If you want to play chess in your garden, buy a board, a set, take it out into the garden around a table with a nice drink. Civilised. Don’t do that plastic, no.”

While Tim suggested it’s an ‘immersive experience’ having the pieces exceptionally oversized, Adam was swift to dismiss this, reports the Express.

He continued: “That’s not immersive! How is that immersive? No. It’s a complete and utter waste of space.”

When swimmer Mark Foster queried whether it might resemble a form of artwork in a garden, Adam appeared utterly bewildered by the notion.

The Gardeners’ World presenter went on: “I can remember, first doing a landscape job very early on when I had a small landscape company and someone wanted me to lay a checkerboard paving pattern in their back garden.

“I refused, very politely. I just couldn’t do it. It’s just a no.”

This follows Adam’s candid reflections on the bittersweet nature of relocating, which took place towards the end of last year.

The BBC presenter recently returned to his previous home, which has since been taken over by a new couple.

Adam described the conflicting feelings that come with leaving behind a cherished garden as he said: ” I walked around with them [the new couple] and they are absolutely loving it.

“And I think that’s a great thing to hold on to, is the fact that maybe you’ve just left somebody else a whole load of joy.”

Sunday Brunch airs on Sundays on Channel 4 from 10am.

Keir Starmer is out after a short tenure as prime minister during which he failed to connect with voters and much of Britain’s media. As Andy Burnham prepares to become the UK’s seventh prime minister in a decade, can he navigate a media landscape transformed by Brexit and the rise of Reform UK?

Contributors: 
Chris Painter – Professor, Birmingham City University
Peter Oborne – Journalist and broadcaster
Shehab Khan – Political editor, Zeteo UK
Polly Toynbee – Columnist, The Guardian

On our radar

A controversial luxury resort backed by Donald Trump’s family has sparked weeks of protests in Albania. With much of the country’s media looking the other way, Ryan Kohls examines how demonstrators are using independent journalism and social media to shape their own narrative.

Argentina’s Far-Right Rewrite of the Past

As right-wing populists take power across Latin America, they have waged a ‘cultural battle’ to reclaim the past. In Argentina, President Javier Milei – and a legion of supportive influencers and YouTubers – are revising how the country’s history of military dictatorship is remembered and debated.

Featuring:
Agustín Laje – President, Fundación Faro; YouTuber
Sol Montero – Professor, National University of San Martín

Reporter: Tariq Nafi
Producer: Ella Willis

A mum of twins was left baffled when her two infants were refused to sit next to each other on a flight, and she’s now urging others to be aware of little-known rule

A mum has urged other parents to beware of one important rule when flying with infants, as her young twin babies were refused to sit on the same row.

As summer is officially here, many people will be taking the opportunity to travel for the summer holidays, either to soak up the sunshine in a tropical country, or even to visit people in a different part of the world. And if you’re bringing a young infant under the age of two, you’ll be happy to learn that most airlines will offer a cheaper fare if they don’t require their own seat.

But one twin mum named Savannah Gavigan was left baffled as she and her husband boarded their flight recently, as they had been forced to split up their twins on the flight due to a little-known rule they had ‘no idea’ even existed.

“Friendly reminder to all twin parents: two in-lap infants can’t sit in the same row,” Savannah wrote in the overlay text of her TikTok video, which showed her two twins playing with each other despite sitting on separate rows on the plane.

“But they still find a way to spend time together,” Savannah jokingly added in the caption of her post.

Why can’t babies and young kids be seated next to each other on flights?

The main reason why only one lap infant (an infant sat in an adult’s lap) can be seated on each row of two or three seats of a plane is because of airline safety rules, as there are generally only enough oxygen masks in a row for the main passengers with one extra. So if there are multiple kids under the age of two in one row sitting in an adult’s lap, there would not be enough oxygen masks for them all to use.

Passengers will most likely encounter this on flights across most airlines as they often all follow the same rules and precautions.

But there are ways to get around this, such as if you’re flying with twins or just two infants under the age of 2. Many airlines will offer the opportunity to buy an extra, separate seat for one of the infants. If one infant is in their own seat (often in an approved car seat or with a harness), you can all sit together in the same row. Some airlines will also offer seats with bassinets that babies can lay in throughout the flight.

If both infants that you’re travelling with are lap babies, the closest you can sit together is across the aisle or directly in the row in front/behind each other, as it’s every three rows that will have four oxygen masks.

Keep in mind that some airlines require an additional accompanying adult if one adult is traveling with two infants, and at least one of the babies may need to be secured in a safety-approved car seat.

People soon took to the comment section of Savannah’s video to share their bafflement as many parents shared they’d never heard of the rule before.

“This should be in the disclaimer when you book a flight. How random I would’ve never known!” one person commented. Someone else said: “Will be traveling with the family in October and the grandbabies will be six months so this is a good thing to know now!”

Some flight attendants also appeared in the comments to verify the statement, as one said: “Hey flight attendant here! Thanks for bringing this up!!! It has to do with oxygen masks! Should they deploy we want everyone to have one in reach and easily accessible, reaching may take extra time that could be detrimental!”

Someone else went on to say: “You can though BUT – it depends on the aircraft type and where the bassinets are located. 2 bassinets on D & G on B777, A380 etc on many airlines ( Ex cabin crew )”

The Birmingham-born content creator said that while she loves her life in Australia, there is one thing from the UK she simply cannot replace

A content creator has opened up about her decision to leave Australia behind and return to the UK. Ellie McClean, from Birmingham, moved to Australia two-and-a-half years ago, spending time in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

While she says she feels “a lot safer” in Australia compared to the UK, the 28-year-old insists nothing can replace being near to family and friends.

“I am excited to leave Australia, I feel like it’s so not normalised for people to want to leave,” she shared on her TikTok page.

“When you tell people that you’re wanting to leave, they’re like, ‘Why?’. You either have to pick the lifestyle and the weather or your friends and family and I just think there’s no competition for me.”

When Ellie initially relocated to Australia, she was convinced she’d remain there permanently. Yet after more than two years living abroad, she began yearning for the familiar comforts of home in Birmingham.

“After two and a half years of living here, what I’ve realised since being here is that what means most to me is the little things.

“I’ve missed three years of birthdays, little celebrations, dog walks, cups of tea, Sunday roasts, you miss so much that you take for granted when you’re at home.

“And you have to move away sometimes to realise what you’ve got.” Discussing what she’s most eagerly anticipating upon her return home, Ellie added: “I’m ready for England, I’m ready for the cold weather, I’m ready for the percy pigs, I’m ready for real fish and chips, actual chippy chips , English tele, to hear English accents.”

Yet, despite her enthusiasm about coming back to the UK following redundancy from her role as an influencer marketer, Ellie acknowledges it will be tough to say goodbye to numerous elements of life Down Under.

Australia continues to rank among the top choices for British expats, drawing thousands annually with its balmy climate, spectacular coastline, lively cities, robust healthcare infrastructure and employment prospects.

For Ellie, one of the hardest things to leave behind will be living just moments from the beach.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with my free time because I feel like I spend so much at it at the beach,” she revealed.

“And life in general, kangaroos, palm trees, Chemist (Australia’s largest pharmacy retailer Chemist Warehouse), food courts in supermarket, Yo-Chi, coffee in Australia is [also] a million times better than in the UK.”

Might she consider relocating to Australia again down the line? Ellie told us: “I’m travelling for six months before heading home indefinitely. I’ve got no plans to move back but I would 100 per cent recommend others to live there and try it out. It’s been such an amazing experience living here but there’s no place like home.”

Samantha King visited a fancy five-star hotel in one of the cheapest cities in the UK for a luxury break to see whether she’d get a good deal for her money

Illuminated by candles and boasting a valet service, swanky on-site restaurant and enviable Leeds city centre location might sound like it would set you back a hefty sum, but it is actually one of the cheapest luxury stays in the UK.

Leeds has just been named as one of the most affordable places to go if you want to sleep in five-star accommodation, with Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index revealing that the average cost of top lodging in the northern metropolis totals around £145 per night.

Situated just a four-minute walk from the city’s train station is Dakota Leeds, a boutique hotel that offers cost-conscious travellers a quiet cocoon right next door to some of the city’s most talked-about nightlife spots. Its immediate neighbour is the revered Chinese restaurant, Tattu. Better still, rooms can be found for even less than that average nightly rate.

Do you have a story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The glossy black building on Russell Street houses a dimly lit and lightly scented hotel lobby offering a calming atmosphere evocative of a spa, and I was welcomed like an old friend as I spilled through its front doors sweaty, flustered and just a tad sunburnt on a particularly hot Saturday afternoon for my one-night stay.

Thankfully, a quick and efficient check-in service awaited, and I was swiftly directed to my balcony room on the ninth floor, accessible via a lift. As a big light hater, I loved that the subdued lighting wasn’t confined to the lobby. The corridors on each floor were dark too, with the lights only switching on one by one to mark the way to your room.

The room itself, I stayed in 907, had a generously sized corridor that opened up into the cosy double room, which had all the essentials and then some. There was a sofa with a sumptuous wool throw, a chair, a table and a desk which featured a particularly thoughtful detail: a built-in piece of slate to pop your hot curling tongs on.

A mysterious black box that looked like it could house two cufflinks was also waiting on the table. I discovered it contained salted caramel chocolate drops, which I would go so far as to say were the most delicious I have ever tasted. I washed them down with an espresso rustled up from the room’s generous drinks station, which featured two complimentary packets of chocolate cookies and an array of Teapigs teas, all of which I had gratefully consumed by the time I checked out the next day.

The bathroom was frankly gorgeous, with soft grey tiles, a rain shower and a separate bath, plus Molton Brown toiletries and a basket full of towels of all sizes. There were also two hotel robes hung up ready to use.

Staying on a Saturday night meant the party was in full swing around the hotel, truly testing its soundproofing. Despite the thrum of the city below, I heard only the faint sound of buskers drift up to the outdoor balcony, plus the occasional faint growl of a plane coming in to land at the nearby airport. Sliding the balcony door shut effectively blocked out the sound of the outside world entirely, which was reassuring given how much of a light sleeper I am.

I had booked to eat at the on-site restaurant that night, with the menu boasting an array of steaks and other lovely-sounding dishes from the grill, though forget affordability if you are looking to dine in, as it is expensive.

The usual restaurant area had been booked out for a private function the night I was there, so I was offered a spot on the covered outdoor terrace to eat. The space was decorated tastefully, with twinkling lights, faux olive trees and sheepskin throws over each chair, creating an intimate and romantic dining spot. Sadly, no amount of plastic plants could subdue the sound of revellers on the other side of the wall.

Despite the party atmosphere jarring with the upmarket dining experience, the food was still divine and the service top-notch. I enjoyed a starter of Fritto Misto (£12), a perfectly cooked medium-rare 12oz rib-eye steak (£45) for my main, with a side of truffle and Parmesan chunky chips (£8.50) and onion rings (£5), and a chocolate tart (£8) for dessert. The meal alone cost a little over £200 for two diners with drinks and the service charge on top, but it is easily something to swerve if you want to keep costs down, though you will not be disappointed should you choose to indulge.

With a full belly, I had a fantastic night’s sleep on a satisfyingly firm mattress with just the right amount of give, and the following morning I finally got a look at the restaurant area as I headed down for breakfast.

Aside from the room itself, the £24 breakfast was one of the trip’s highlights. I could not believe how much you got for your money. Warm and beautifully presented breakfast dishes such as eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were available to order and have served to your table, as well as a buffet laid out with fresh fruit, yoghurts, juices and cakes to pick at.

Would I stay at Dakota Leeds again? In a heartbeat. But I would be more savvy about when I would go. As the Hotel Price Index advises, the best deals can be had by booking one week ahead and opting for a Sunday night stay.

Staying at off-peak times such as Sundays means you can bag a room at Dakota Leeds for as little as £125 before adding any optional extras such as breakfast. Signing up to the hotel’s free loyalty scheme brings that down even further to £110, meaning it rivals the prices of the UK location deemed most affordable of all in the Hotel Price Index, Brighton, which comes in at an average of £115 per night.

Earlier this year, I paid £60 for a hotel room on the other side of Leeds that had a fire escape for a front door. I can hardly believe that for about £50 more I could have stayed at Dakota Leeds, which feels welcoming and warm and is a perfectly situated sanctuary for anyone looking to soak in all the city has to offer in style.

The cheapest UK cities for a 5* hotel stay

1. Brighton: £115
2. Bristol: £115
3. Chichester: £120
4. Llandudno: £125
5. Worcester: £125
6. Bournemouth: £130
7. Cornwall: £135
8. Leeds: £145
9. Cardiff: £155
10. Liverpool: £170

THEY are set to release their new album Foreign Tongues in July — and it seems The Rolling Stones could also be heading to foreign shores.

After abandoning plans to hit the road on a UK and European tour this summer, I can reveal that Start Me Up hitmakers Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are now looking into playing five nights in Buenos Aires, Argentina, next year.

A source told me: “The band are discussing options for a residency.

“They love the thrill of doing a huge stadium tour around the globe, but the physical demands are immense.

“A residency would mean they can still bring their best to the fans, without the toll that comes with travelling.”

This summer would have been the rockers’ first string of live performances since their Hackney Diamonds tour in the States in 2024 — which sold almost one million tickets.

WRIGHT OFF

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SWEATY SESH

Kelly Brook turns up the heat in leopard bikini in sweaty holiday gym session

A US music critic has said that Keith told bandmates Mick and Ronnie he couldn’t commit to their UK and European trek’s planned shows.

The band will release their new 14-track album on July 10 after recording it at Metropolis Studios in Chiswick, West London, over four intense weeks.

It features a cover of the song You Know I’m No Good by Amy Winehouse, who Mick performed with at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007, four years before she died aged 27.

The track Hit Me In The Head includes old recordings in LA with the late Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who died in 2021, aged 80.

In April, the band released album track Rough And Twisted on vinyl under pseudonym, The Cockroaches.

Earlier this month, at the launch in New York, Mick confirmed the newrecord spans a number of genres, saying: “We have the ability to do ballads, country and dance music.”

He added: “It’s not stuck in one ­particular style.”

I can’t wait to hear it.

FROM 10 TO THE ONE

DECEMBER 10 are the latest Gen-Z heartthrobs ­– but Danny Bretherton is set to break fans’ hearts, as I can reveal he is dating influencer Tallulah Metcalfe.

The singer has even introduced her to his family in Chorley, Lancs.

A source said: “Danny has been spending lots of time with Tallulah. He is very family-orientated so taking her to meet his family was a big deal.”

This month, Tallulah shared a TikTok of her and Danny dancing in the street to his band’s song Infinity (123), captioned: “Look who I bumped into.”

Seems Danny has a new No1.

BIOPIC BOYLE

SUSAN BOYLE is working on a biopic, I have heard.

The film will chart her rise to global fame from her humble beginnings in Scotland to appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.

It comes as the singer is planning a comeback with new music.

A source confirmed: “Susan is working on a film and is hoping that a streamer will snap it up.”

I wonder who SuBo, above, has in mind to play her?

Raising awareness

ROXY HORNER is turning her hand to documentaries.

The model, who married comic Jack Whitehall last month, is believed to be in talks with a company to make a film about living with Type 1 diabetes, which she was diagnosed with in 2021.

A source said: “Roxy has been amazing at raising awareness of living with the chronic condition.

“She now wants to delve deeper and speak to experts.”

Shakira’s miami mini break

SHAKIRA looked her very zest as she stepped out in a bright orange outfit.

The Colombian singer flaunted her toned legs in a mini dress at Miami Swim Week.

She was attending an event on Thursday for her haircare brand Isima.

We’ll soon be humming Shakira’s track Dai Dai, the official anthem for the 2026 Fifa World Cup that she made with Burna Boy.

KELLY SET FOR MIGHTY COMEBACK

KELLY OSBOURNE is preparing for her first performance since dad Ozzy died last year.

The TV presenter and singer will join headliners Scissor Sisters at Mighty Hoopla festival in South London’s Brockwell Park today.

A source said: “Kelly is excited to get back on stage and doing it with the Scissor Sisters is a huge honour.”

Black Sabbath legend Ozzy passed away last July, with Kelly and her mum Sharon Osbourne honouring him at The Brit Awards.

Kelly and Sharon accepted the Lifetime Achievement gong for Ozzy at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena in February.

Speaking to Biz on Sunday’s Emily at the ceremony, Kelly said: “A Lifetime Achievement award is such an honour, I couldn’t think of anyone else more deserving.

“It’s bittersweet.”

I am sure Ozzy would be proud of Kelly today.

Heidi hi, Nat & Nic

HALF of All Saints performed as Appleton at the Mighty Hoopla yesterday.

Nicole and Natalie Appleton took to the stage at the festival in Brockwell Park, South East London, in their typical cool girl style of tracksuits.

Nicole said: “Guys, you have to realise it’s been quite a long time that Nat and I have sung as Appleton.

“But we are so emotional that it’s our first festival.”

Nicole, left, and Natalie, right, were joined by their pal and ex-Sugababes member Heidi Range, centre, for a surprise performance.

Gene, Nicole’s son with ex Liam Gallagher, watched from the side of the stage along with Nat’s hubby, Liam Howlett from The Prodigy.

The duo release Ready To Begin next month, and their Appleton EP will be out in September.

Welcome back, ladies.

It’s go for pro with ex

HE failed to find The One on Channel 4’s Celebs Go Dating, but it seems Professor Green is back with his ex Karima McAdams.

I am told the couple who have five-year-old son Slimane, have been taking things slowly after their split in 2024.

Karima shared an Instagram snap of the lad with Pro Green – real name Stephen Manderson – referring to the chart star as her “partner”.

Explaining her little boy had a suspected wrist fracture after falling from a zipwire, she said: “Son is coming back in plaster and partner medium rare.”
Looks like the rapper is back in the game . . .