legend

The two former Strictly Come Dancing stars have teamed up together for a new project

A Strictly Come Dancing star announced their new career move on Wednesday’s Lorraine.

During the latest instalment, host Lorraine Kelly spoke to Lorraine’s showbiz correspondent, Ross King, who typically airs his segment live from Los Angeles.

However, on Wednesday’s show, Ross, 64, was live in the Lorraine London studio for Wimbledon, where he shared some exciting career news.

Lorraine said: “You have teamed up with Will Young for something very, very special. I would never have put the two of you together necessarily but it is for something super!”

To which Ross replied: “I know, it is… pantomime! So last year I came back, I was back with Rylan over at Southend and then this year we’re going to be at Plymouth so I’m heading up to Plymouth next week for the press call with Will Young for Cinderella again. So I can’t wait!” confirming he will be playing Buttons again.

Lorraine gushed: “We love that, because we all went as a work outing to see you, and it was just the best night. It was the best night. It was great fun.”

The presenter added: “But it just shows you the planning that goes into it, that you all know that you’re all going to be doing that in Plymouth at Christmas time already.

“It’s got to be though, it’s got to be all sorted out, because it’s such a big, big deal” with Ross exclaiming: “No, it’s great, I can’t wait!”

Theatre Royal Plymouth and Crossroads Pantomimes announced earlier this year that Will Young will headline this year’s pantomime as The Fairy Godfather in Cinderella, running from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.

As well as his Lorraine presenting duties, Ross recently appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, where he was paired with professional dancer Jowita Przystal in 2025. The duo were the second contestants to be eliminated on the BBC One show.

Singer Will, 47, who soared to fame after winning the first-ever Pop Idol in 2002, has also appeared on Strictly.

Will appeared on the dance show back in 2016, where he withdrew during the competition for personal reasons at the time.

Lorraine continues on weekdays at 9:30am on ITV and ITVX.

THE Jam star Bruce Foxton has revealed he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

The iconic bassist, 70, took to Facebook this evening to share the news with fans just days after cancelling two shows at short notice due to illness.

In his statement, he revealed the diagnosis came to light after side effects from his cancer treatment were investigated.

He said: “It’s no secret that I’ve undergone treatment for cancer and am still having scans on a regular basis to keep an eye on that.

“However, what you don’t know is that the cancer treatment in itself caused some significant issues for me and investigations into all of that uncovered the fact that I’m now facing a future living with Parkinson’s Disease…and I’m determined to do that as well as I possibly can.

“As anyone coping with this diagnosis will know it’s a huge shock, and it’s taking a long time to let that sink in and for me to accept that my body and mind are dealing with something completely out of my control.

“I have to manage the challenges I now face physically and mentally on a daily basis, and some days are better than others.”

Fans sent the musician their well-wishes in the comments.

One wrote: “Sorry to hear about all your health problems you need to do what is best for you and your family moving forwards.”

Another said: “All the best Bruce, your health is far more important than anything else and I am so sorry that you are having more health struggles. Look after yourself and I hope you enjoy many more years of happiness.”

Bruce cancelled his show in Kidderminster on Friday and postponed the following night’s show in Lincoln after high temperatures aggravated a chest infection.

The former Stiff Little Fingers musician formed From The Jam in 2007 with The Jam drummer Rick Buckler and new frontman Russell Hastings.

Original The Jam frontman Paul Weller was initially critical of the band playing the old hits but his stance softened over the years as his friendship with Foxton strengthened.

The trio were prolific on the touring circuit, thrilling mod fans young and old with the legendary band’s iconic hits such as The Eton Rifles and Going Underground.

Bruce underwent immunotherapy after a cancerous lymph node was found in 2023 and, the following year, he had knee replacement surgery.

The health issues took their toll and fans noticed he appeared to be struggling during shows in 2025, which eventually led to him retiring from From The Jam.

However, he scaled down his schedule and now performs with his All-Star band.

Bruce wears custom hearing aids due to hearing loss from 40 years on stage. He also has lived with tinnitus for years.

Kerr signs with the NWSL champions until 2030, returning to the US league after six years spent with Chelsea in England.

Australian striker Sam Kerr has signed with Gotham ⁠FC, the ⁠reigning champions of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States, the club announced after the iconic player ended her dazzling career with Chelsea, which saw her ⁠win five Women’s Super League titles.

Kerr, who was a free agent, signed the contract on Monday that will see her play in New York through the 2030 season. She previously played ‌in the city between 2015 and 2017.

The all-time leading regular-season goal-scorer for the North American league recorded ⁠116 goals across all competitions with Chelsea and was the 2023 Ballon d’Or runner-up.

“This club was an important part of my journey, and to come back at this moment, with everything Gotham has built, is really special. The ambition here is clear, and I’m looking forward to helping this team ⁠compete for trophies and create more ⁠history,” Kerr said in a statement.

The signing is a fine coup for the NWSL, which saw several players exit for opportunities in Europe ⁠last year, and brings one of the game’s brightest talents to the ⁠biggest sports market in the US.

“Sam is one of the defining players of her generation and a game-changing talent who has consistently delivered at the highest levels of ‌world football,” Yael Averbuch West, the president of football operations for Gotham, said.

“Bringing Sam back to Gotham is ‌a ‌landmark moment for our club, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Kerr played 119 career regular-season games (113 starts) across her seven seasons with three ⁠teams in the NWSL, including three years with Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) from 2015 to 2017.

After playing the 2018 season with the Chicago Red Stars, Kerr played a season for the Perth Glory ⁠in her native Australia (2018-19) before returning to Chicago in 2019. She joined Chelsea in the Women’s Super League in late 2019.

Despite her six-and-a-half-year absence, her 77 regular-season goals are still an NWSL record. In 2017, she won the Golden Boot and MVP awards with Sky Blue FC after a season in ‌which she scored 17 goals in 22 games.

Kerr will debut for Gotham after the NWSL’s transfer window opens on July ⁠14. Gotham host the Washington Spirit on July 15 in the Queens Classic in New York.

A BRIT music legend, 70, has been ‘admitted to hospital’ with a mystery illness as he reschedules gigs last-minute.

Bruce Foxton – the bassist and backing vocalist of The Jam – was set to play a gig in Kidderminster on Friday evening.

But in a post on social media, it was revealed Bruce had fallen ill and would have to reschedule the performance.

The post by AGMP Concerts read: “Due to illness, the Bruce Foxton concerts this weekend are being rearranged.

“Tonight’s concert in Kidderminster has now been cancelled. Tomorrow’s Lincoln show (Saturday 27th June) has moved to Friday 15th January 2027.

“Thanks for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.”

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Meanwhile another post on X from a fan claimed: “Bruce’s show in Kidderminster tonight has been cancelled and not rescheduled due to the fact he has been admitted into hospital.

“Let’s hope it’s not too serious for this absolute legend.”

Bruce’s fans were quick to comment, with one writing: “Get well soon Bruce. Take a break sir, we’d prefer a happy healthy retired Bruce than a pushing himself to the limit to the detriment of his health Bruce.”

Another added: “Sending u my love Legend…TIME2RELAX NOW U WORKED YOUR A*** OFF….We have memories Bruce..enjoy your life now..we all love u and now time to enjoy your memories xx.”

A third commented: “Get well quickly Bruce. Such a great bass player, seen him in The Jam, Stiff Little Fingers and of course From The Jam.”

Bruce first came to prominence in the 1970s in The Jam before pursuing a solo career when the band broke up.

In 1990 he joined Stiff Little Fingers and was with the band until 2007, before he joined Rick Buckler and members of his tribute band, the Gift, to tour under the name From the Jam.

The Sun Online has reached out to a representative for Bruce for comment.

Tennis legend Chris Evert is battling ovarian cancer for the third time and will not attend Wimbledon this year, the 18-time Grand Slam champion and longtime ESPN analyst said Thursday on Instagram.

“This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned,” Evert, 71, wrote. “I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.

“Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health.”

Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021. Two years later, she revealed her cancer had returned.

“Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle,” Evert wrote. “I am deeply grateful to my medical team, my family, friends and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.”

Evert was one of the most dominant women’s tennis players of the 1970s and 1980s, winning a record seven French Open titles to go with six at the U.S. Open, three at Wimbledon and two at the Australian Open. She won at least one Grand Slam for 13 consecutive years (1974-1986) and retired in 1989 with a career record of 1,309-146.

Her on-court rivalry with Czech American tennis great Martina Navratilova during that period is legendary, with Navratilova beating Evert in six of their 10 Grand Slam finals against one another and 43 of their 80 overall matches as opponents. They also won the French Open in 1975 and Wimbledon in 1976 as doubles partners.

A new Netflix documentary, “Chris & Martina: The Final Set,” covers their history together, which also includes a decades-long friendship and support for each other through numerous battles with cancer (Navratilova was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2010 and stage 1 throat cancer and breast cancer in January 2023; she announced she was cancer-free in June of that year).

Navratilova was one of the first people to comment on Evert’s Instagram post.

“My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again,” Navratilova wrote. “We are all pulling for you, and know you will come out on the other side cancer free again- lots of love, m.”

Other former on-court rivals and fellow International Tennis Hall of Fame members also offered their heartfelt support in the comment section of Evert’s post.

“You beat me 18 straight times, therefore you can beat cancer 19 straight if you have to,” wrote Pam Shriver, who lost 19 of her 22 career matches against Evert. “Much love and respect to one of the greatest competitors ever, Pammie”

Billie Jean King, who lost 19 of her 26 matches against Evert, wrote: “You are a champion and a fighter, and you will beat this. Sending love and prayers from both of us for a strong recovery.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

A LITTLE-known band were left totally gobsmacked after a rock legend turned up in the audience at one of their shows.

The Rolling Stones cover band were playing to a small crowd in a bar when the iconic musician revealed himself as a fan, dancing alone in the bar.

The mystery figure was none other than Noughties nu-metal megastar Fred Durst, frontman of Limp Bizkit.

Fellow punters couldn’t believe their eyes and quickly pulled out their phones to capture the surreal moment as the Rollin’ singer rocked out to their set.

Musician Jenny Teator, who was singing on stage shared the clip on TikTok, writing: “This was unexpected. Get it, Fredddd!! We had so much fun at @GRAYSonMAIN.”

The unlikely scene unfolded at Grays on Main, a bustling music venue and dining room in downtown Franklin, Tennessee – the town Fred now calls home.

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The star looked almost unrecognisable with a full white beard, although he still sported the signature baseball cap fans will remember from the band’s heyday.

Other diners appeared oblivious to the famous face in their midst, continuing with their meals unaware they were in the company of rock royalty.

One viewer commented: “The people sitting there eating, completely unbothered that Fred Durst is getting down right beside them, is killllling me!”

Fred and Limp Bizkit were one of the biggest bands of the late Nineties and early Noughties, with hits including Break Stuff, My Way and Rollin’.

Their album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavoured Water debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold over one million copies in its first week.

The singer was also linked to a string of high-profile romances, including rumoured relationships with pop stars Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne. He has been married four times and has two children.

Despite stepping out of the spotlight in recent years, Fred, now 55, continues to record and perform with Limp Bizkit.

Limp Bizkit’s last official UK tour was last year, with the band appearing at the Reading and Leeds festivals.

Besides continuing to tour and perform with the band, Fred has made his mark as a film director with movies like The Education of Charlie Banks and The Longshots.

He also directed the film The Franatic in 2019 which starred John Travolta.

Coronation Street legend Kevin Webster got into a huge showdown with nephew Carl on Tuesday night’s episode of the world’s longest-running TV soap and a shot was fired

Kevin Webster got involved in a shocking gun showdown on Tuesday night’s episode of Coronation Street. The mechanic has been played by Michael Le Vell since 1983 and has been central to many of the soap’s biggest storylines, many of them involving his ex-wife Sally (Sally Dynevor), and their daughters, Rosie (Helen Flanagan) and Sophie (Brooke Vincent).

Over the last year, it’s been a typically dramatic time for Kevin and, not only has he had to deal with a testicular cancer diagnosis, he found out that his now-estranged wife Abi ( Sally Carman ) had been having an affair with Carl Webster, the man he thought was his brother. It was just this year that a major retcon took place and Kevin’s sister Debbie (Sue Devaney) revealed that she was, in fact, Carl’s birth mum.

On top of all that, Carl was recently injured when working on a car on the garage when Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) let the vehicle collapse down on him, and, to keep himself in the clear, lied to the police about his whereabouts that night, thereby landing innocent Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) in prison over the murder of Theo Silverton.

Things came to a head in the latest episode of the world’s longest-running TV soap when Kevin and Carl came face-to-face in the garage as Ronnie Bailey, along with Tyrone, watched on in horror. Having obtained a gun from dodgy car dealer Fiona Morley (Sara Poyzer), it was lying on the floor between them – just after Kevin had tried to hit him with a wrench.

Carl told Kevin: ” Either we fix this… ..or you pick up that gun,” to which his brother-turned-nephew did, believing that it was fake and a violent tussle followed when Carl told him to pull the trigger. A gunshot was heard and it transpired that Kevin had pulled the trigger.

Tyrone got a hold of Kevin to make him see sense and, when he realised Carl had dodged the bullet, he said: “I’m sorry, Carl.” Later on, Carl called round to number 13 where he told Kevin: “Been a bit of a day, eh? Should never have agreed to do that job for Fiona. I don’t know what I was thinking, pulling that out on you. We’re a right pair, aren’t we, eh?

“So, is this us now? Putting everything behind us?” Kevin sighed as he said: “We’re never gonna be best mates, but yeah. We both love Debbie and if you’re serious about doing the right thing by her then we’ll move forward.

“Just one thing. Why did you do it? Abi, I mean. Like, I know I’ve gotta get past it, and it’s doing me no good dwelling on the past but I need to know. Please.” Carl said: “Because she was there, I was selfish, self-destructive. Jealous. Kev, whatever the reason, doing that to you, to both of you, it was wrong and I regret it. I regret it all. I don’t wanna be that person again and I don’t think I’m gonna be.” It was then that the warring relatives seemingly called a truce as they shook hands.

By the end of the episode, Ronnie and Debbie had found out about the whole thing and he claimed he had returned the gun, but now it was nowhere to be seen as Fiona hadn’t received it. Lamenting in the living room, Debbie said to Ronnie and Carl: “So, not only have we got God knows who coming after us, but there’s someone out there with a loaded gun!

“Right, first thing tomorrow, I want you both out there, and I want you to find it, because if you don’t, it won’t be Fiona you’ll have to worry about, it’ll be me! Now, get out of my sight… the pair of you,” and showed them the door. What none of them know, though, is Jodie Ramsey, the mysterious long-lost sister of Shona, had found the gun and taken it for herself.

Reacting to the tense episode, one fan wrote on X: “Carl bringing a gun to an argument.. yes only soft b******* do that!! #Corrie,” whilst another said: “So what’s Jodie planning on doing with the gun then?” Is she gonna use it on David if he doesn’t sleep with her?”

A third wrote: “Aw Carl and Kevin making up. Hope Carl sorts himself out for Debbie,” and a fourth said: “A near miss for Carl and Kevin. Oh s*** the gun has gone off!”

Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream from 7am on ITV X.

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The EastEnders actress leads the cast in the six-part psychological thriller

A gripping mystery drama featuring an EastEnders icon is now available to watch for free.

Little Disasters, previously described as a “complex psychological thriller with a mystery at its heart”, lands on Channel 5 tomorrow (June 14), after initially premiering on Paramount+ last May.

EastEnders favourite Jo Joyner, widely recognised for her iconic portrayal of Tanya Branning, heads up the cast alongside Hollywood star Diane Kruger.

Based on Sarah Vaughan’s bestselling novel of the same title, the series charts the decade-long bond between Jess (Diane Kruger), Liz (Jo Joyner), Charlotte (Shelley Conn) and Mel (Emily Taaffe).

The story follows four expectant mothers who were brought together with little in common beyond their due dates, yet have supported each other throughout the journey of motherhood, reports Wales Online.

As the synopsis reveals: “The world of seemingly perfect stay-at-home mother Jess begins to unravel when she brings her baby daughter Betsy to the hospital with a head injury she can’t explain.

“Her close friend and on-duty AandE doctor, Liz, must make the excruciating decision of whether to call social services.”

This pivotal moment sets off a chain of events that threatens to tear apart both their friendship circle and their individual families.

The Little Disasters cast also features Ben Bailey Smith from The Split, alongside Patrick Baladi (Line of Duty), Stephen Campbell Moore (The Gold), and JJ Feild (The Peripheral).

Discussing the programme, Jo previously revealed that this style of storytelling not only inspired her to accept the role, but is unlike anything she had previously encountered on television.

She said: “I know somebody who suffered with postnatal OCD and I had only recently found out about it myself. So, I thought it was a really great topic to explore actually.

“Any kind of postnatal depression must be horrendous, I was lucky I didn’t suffer from it myself. I can’t imagine having such intrusive thoughts about your own child and I think that was another brilliant thing to bring up but also serves well for a thriller, doesn’t it?”.

The six-part series remains available for streaming on Paramount+, but will also broadcast on Channel 5 from this weekend, with the opening episode debuting in the 9pm slot on Sunday, 14 June.

Predictably, viewers have wasted little time making their feelings known, with one writing: “Worth the binge! #littledisasters.”

Another commented: “#littledisasters is everything I needed…” Meanwhile a third added: “Good show, oh my days, the suspense got me.”

Little Disasters premiered on Paramount+, and will air on Channel 5 on Sunday, 14 June.

‘If you take all these springs together in terms of flow, it’s by far the largest in Ireland, and one of the biggest systems in the world,” said Dr Benjamin Thébaudeau, geologist for the newly designated Unesco Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark in western Ireland.

Over a few days, I discovered that this massive system of limestone springs and caves is the engine that drives this landscape, in the same way as an underground train network powers a city. It’s a place where rivers disappear into limestone fissures and subterranean lakes, and where roads twist through drowned valleys beneath mountains shaped by fire and ice.

It’s also the dreamy, lush landscape of western Ireland that famously drew Hollywood to the village of Cong for The Quiet Man in 1952. Travelling through the geopark from the heart of County Galway into southern County Mayo, I based myself in Cong, which is effectively an inland island between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib. The village takes its name from the Irish for “narrows”, a reference to its tight, water-bound geography and the concentration of springs that rise and fall invisibly beneath the surface.

Water is everywhere and rarely still. It drains from Lough Mask through swallow holes before travelling unseen for miles through limestone fissures beneath Cong, eventually forcing its way back to the surface as cold springs around the village.

“If you look in the centre, you can see the current flowing in opposite directions,” Benjamin says, pointing beyond the interpretive boards towards the channels where he first noticed the phenomenon. “We call it the Hatchery because of its connection to wild fish, and the springs bubble up there, right in the middle.”

Yet I quickly realised that it is not only the geopark’s karst terrain and glacial valleys that give it such distinct character. At its core sits a living Gaeltacht where Irish is still spoken in daily life, embedded in place names, local conversation and nightly sessions at the third-generation Burke’s Bar (Tí Bhúrca) in nearby Clonbur. The language runs through the landscape as another ingrained system alongside rock, water and soil.

The Augustinian abbey at Cong was founded under Gaelic royal patronage, yet its surviving stone arches reflect the deep architectural imprint left by later Norman reconstruction. In the 12th century, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair (anglicised to Rory O’Connor), the last high king of Ireland, spent his final 15 years within these walls following political collapse in Connacht, seeking a quiet sanctuary where the river meets the woods. Centuries later, the tides of power shifted brutally under Tudor administration. The abbey was suppressed, and Sir Richard Bingham, the notorious lord president of Connacht, turned Ashford Castle into a menacing administrative hub, temporarily pulling the region’s political gravity to Cong before authority drifted westward once more. The castle was bought in 1852 by the Guinness family with proceeds from the global flow of the black stuff. They transformed the medieval ruins into a grand Victorian hunting lodge, the luxury retreat we see today.

Like the landscape of the geopark itself, these stone landmarks remain, but they constantly change their form, mirroring the fluid cultural afterlife of Cong village. At The Quiet Man Museum, curator Lisa Collins spoke of the enduring pull of John Ford’s film. Honeymooning visitors still arrive dressed as Sean Thornton (played by John Wayne) and Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara), she said, stepping into a version of Ireland that has long outlived the production and indeed the country itself. The museum has been designated a Treasure of European Film Culture by the European Film Academy, with plans to mark the 75th anniversary of the film in Cong next year.

Among the exhibits is the fishing rod used by the village priest during filming on the River Cong. Held for decades by the family of sound man Thomas A Carman before its donation to the museum, the prop brings one of the movie’s most famous comedic exchanges into the room. In that celebrated scene, Mary Kate speaks in the Irish language to Father Peter Lonergan as he casts for a legendary, elusive salmon. Standing by the water, she desperately explains that she has refused to consummate the marriage while her husband sleeps in a “mála codlata”, which translates as sleeping bag.

The language allows the exchange to move into a different register, beneath the radar of 1952 censorship, yet fully understood within the Gaeltacht where the film was shot. It functions as a form of cover, allowing meaning to sit just beneath the surface.

That subterranean world becomes tangible at the Pigeon Hole cave system just outside the village. The entrance drops steeply into the limestone through shiny, time-worn steps, leading into a narrow chasm. Below, a shallow underground river moves through darkness, untouched by sunlight.

It is here that the legend of the White Trout of Cong gathers around the water. The story tells of a young woman who vanished following the murder of her lover, only for a pure white trout to appear in the cave soon afterwards. It’s reminiscent of Father Lonergan’s mythical fish in The Quiet Man, and like everything here in Joyce Country and the Western Lakes, it’s part myth and part truth.

Benjamin notes that elements of the legend may not be entirely detached from observation. Fish living for generations in complete darkness can lose pigmentation over time, becoming pale or entirely white as a result of their environment. In that sense, the story does not sit apart from geology. Another truth is that fishing remains central here, both as practice and inheritance.

Near Ashford Castle, a salmon hatchery attempts to support declining wild populations. The cold water that springs from the lakes should sustain fish stocks, but there are increasing environmental pressures.

“Maybe we are fighting a losing battle,” Benjamin said.

Climate change, warming seas and mounting pressure on river systems are all affecting wild Atlantic salmon. Trout remain more resilient, spending their lives within local waters such as Loughs Mask and Corrib rather than migrating out to sea.

Yet as the modern environment shifts, the landscape continues to hold older histories at different depths. Further inland at Carnacon, the ruins of the grand Moore Hall estate rise above Lough Carra from within encroaching woodland. One of the few Catholic-owned landed estates of its period, the house became associated with the great famine-era MP George Henry Moore and his colourful descendants, including the writer George Augustus Moore. Today, it sits partially collapsed since its destruction during the civil war, though the surrounding woods have absorbed rather than erased it. Paths thread through what was once a carefully controlled demesne, slipping into places where the estate’s geometry still survives beneath moss and root.

Not far away in Ballinrobe, another form of historical memory settles into language itself. It was here that Captain Charles Boycott, land agent for Lord Erne, became the focus of organised worker resistance during the land war in 1879. His name entered the global vocabulary as a verb, detached from its local origins yet still rooted in this terrain of contested land and memory. Moore Hall and Ballinrobe sit only a short distance apart, but together they reveal different expressions of the same pressures: ownership, resistance, inheritance, and the slow reshaping of meaning through time.

Further west, in Connemara, the landscape shifts dramatically once more as it reaches towards the Atlantic. At Killary Fjord, the land suddenly opens into deep water, a glacial incision dividing Connemara from Mayo. Here, the landscape’s buried secrets become visible. The fjord exposes geology directly, revealing the force with which ice once carved through the earth.

To the south, Kylemore Abbey appears against the hillside above Pollacappul Lough. Built first as a private residence before later becoming a Benedictine monastery, it carries another layered story of adaptation and loss. Like Moore Hall, it reflects changing ownership and identity, though here the landscape mirrors it back perfectly in the still water.

Across these places, from Cong to Moore Hall, from Ballinrobe to Killary, patterns continue to repeat in altered forms. Water disappears underground before resurfacing elsewhere. Estates become ruins. Ruins become woodland. Language carries meanings beneath meanings. Stories survive by changing shape.

Returning again to Cong, I have a better understanding of how it forms part of a much larger system of geological flow, historical pressure and cultural inheritance. What holds this region together is not stillness, but movement beneath the surface.

And above Lough Nafooey (also called Lough Finny), not far from the hairpin bends etched into the volcanic ash surface of Aill Dubh (Black Cliff), long after the road narrows into silence once again, a cuckoo’s call crosses the hills, marking time in a landscape that never quite repeats itself in the same way twice.

Accommodation was provided by Michaeleen’s Manor B&B in Cong, County Mayo (twins and doubles €115 B&B, singles €70), and the Leenane Hotel in County Galway (doubles from €120 B&B)

Call the Midwife favourite Judy Parfitt appeared on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh

A Call the Midwife legend has opened up about their emotional exit from the BBC drama.

Judy Parfitt is best known for playing Sister Monica Joan in the long-running series. Viewers were therefore left heartbroken when the cherished nun passed away peacefully in her bed at Nonnatus House in the season 15 finale.

During her final moments, Sister Monica Joan was emotionally reunited with Sister Evangelina (played by Pam Ferris), who unexpectedly died during the season five finale from a suspected stroke.

Actress Judy Parfitt appeared on ITV’s Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on Sunday (June 7), where she was joined by Brian Conley, Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden and Honeysuckle Weeks.

After being shown an “enormously sad” clip of Sister Monica Joan being reunited with Sister Evangelina, Alan said: “I can’t watch that,” with Judy admitting: “Neither can I!”

She added: “Showing me at my best, I see. Also, [I] had a cap and it had the thing [go] round, so all the wrinkles were pushed up. So, [you think], ‘God, do I look as bad as that?’ And the top lighting, it looked like the Grand Canyon!”

On being reunited with Pam Ferris, Judy went on: “It was absolutely wonderful, because, I think, Pam left after four years, and we used to sit together quite a lot during the time she was there, swapping recipes and everything – it was wonderful.

“I hadn’t seen her, we only phoned a couple of times after she left, and it was so wonderful to do that scene with her, because it’s like you’ve found your teammate, sort of [like] tennis or something, and she was throwing the ball back.

“It was just a lovely atmosphere, and we’ve kept in touch ever since then – it was lovely.”

Judy then looked back on being part of the drama for so many years, sharing: “It was like a family, and that’s what I miss terribly. We’d seen each other through marriages, births, deaths, divorce – everything. And we helped each other.

“It was lovely because it was mostly women. Sorry guys, but it was wonderful to be in a show where instead [of there being] 13 men and two women – one young one and one old one – you have a show with all these women. There was no jealousy, no rivalry or anything. It was wonderful.”

BBC viewers will be pleased to learn that they haven’t seen the last of Sister Monica Joan.

Following the latest season of Call the Midwife, the show will rewind the clock to World War II with a prequel series, titled Sisters in Arms, which will be set in Poplar during the London Blitz.

Creator and writer Heidi Thomas revealed that it will include younger incarnations of Sister Monica Joan, as well as Sister Evangelina and Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter).

The returning Sisters will also be joined by three new young midwifes, who are new to the East End.

Call the Midwife is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, while Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh is streaming on ITVX

Serena Williams is returning to competitive tennis after all.

Months after insisting on social media, “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back,” the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion announced Monday that she’ll play professionally for the first time in almost four years at the HSBC Championships at the Queen’s Club in London.

Williams, 44, has been given a wild-card entry into the doubles draw of the WTA 500 event, which begins June 8.

“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,” Williams said in a statement released by the tournament. “Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.”

Williams teased the announcement earlier Monday by posting a video on social media that featured her phone‘s notifications going off constantly while she seemingly was practicing on the court.

“Good news travels fast,” Williams wrote on the post.

Tournament director Laura Robson said during TNT Sports UK’s coverage of the French Open on Monday that Williams’ playing partner will be Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, who is ranked No. 9 in WTA singles. Williams has won 14 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals in doubles with her sister Venus Williams as her partner.

It is not clear whether Williams will participate in any other events. Wimbledon, a Grand Slam event Williams won seven times in singles, begins June 29 in London.

Williams’ last professional match was a loss to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the U.S. Open on Sept. 2, 2002. She registered as retired with the International Tennis Integrity Agency the next day.

Last December, however, Williams reentered the agency’s drug-testing pool. According to the ITIA website, retired players “may not return to sanctioned events unless they have made themselves available for out-of-competition testing for at least six months prior to the event in question.”

The move led to much speculation about a possible Williams return, leading to her social media post denying any such intentions.

Martina Navratilova, the 18-time Grand Slam champion who is the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match — she was 47 when she won a Wimbledon match in 2004 — expressed excitement for Williams’ return.

“Serena brought the game to another level and it is incredible for the sport that she’s pushing the boundaries and coming back,” Navratilova said in a statement released by the WTA. “To many of the younger players, they never had the opportunity to play her; some may have never watched her on television, so this will be a new and exciting experience.”

A DISNEY legend has been rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke, leaving his nearest and dearest concerned.

The musician, known for films such as Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast, is currently under medical care following the scary incident.

Paebo Bryson is best known for songs such as Aladdin’s A Whole New World and the titular track for Beauty And The Beast, a duet with Celine Dion.

The family of Peabo, who is now 75, have shared that he suffered a stroke this week in a worrying ordeal.

In a statement shared with Variety, they said: “Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson — the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney songs ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘A Whole New World’ — has suffered a stroke and is currently under medical care.

“At this time, the family requests privacy as they navigate this deeply personal moment together.

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“The thoughts, prayers and love of friends and fans are welcomed and deeply appreciated.”

Hailing from South Carolina, Peabo is married to singer Tanya Bryson (née Boniface) and a dad to eight-year-old son Kitt and older daughter Linda.

Peabo has had a lengthy music career with numerous accolades under his belt.

In 1992, his performance of Beauty and the Beast with Céline Dion won him a Grammy award in 1992.

A Whole New World, which he performed with Regina Belle, also bagged him the gong the following year.

Alongside his Disney hits, R&B star Peabo has a string of solo hits across the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

Songs If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Can You Stop the Rain and Feel The Fire all hit the top end of the charts.

Back in 2019, he suffered a mild heart attack and was hospitalised.

At the time, his family assured doctors expecting Peabo to make a full recovery, with his health appearing in check up until this new scare.

Nigel Wood, chair of the RFL, said that after his 10-year playing career at Cas, Kear had “found his passion for coaching”.

“John was also an excellent broadcast summariser with a great turn of phrase and an undiluted love and positivity for the sport,” he said.

“On behalf of the whole sport, our thoughts and condolences are with John’s wife Dawn, his family, and with those who played or worked alongside him over the last 50 years.”

Commentator Dave Woods, who worked with Kear at the BBC and became a close friend added: “He was a great rugby league man, the most passionate and eloquent of evangelists for the sport, who relished the opportunity to do that on radio and television for the BBC.

“But I’ll remember him as simply the best of blokes, humble, friendly, cheerful, always smiling, always happy to talk to anyone, especially about rugby league.”

MUSIC star Frankie Valli has sadly cancelled his upcoming 2026 tour dates amid ongoing health issues. 

The Four Seasons frontman, 92, made the decision to end his highly anticipated farewell tour early, leaving fans devastated. 

The singer, who had been embarking on his tour The Last Encores, took to his Instagram to reveal that he would now be ‘focusing on health’ before performing again.

In a touching statement alongside a photo of him onstage, he penned: “I’m so sorry to disappoint the folks who have purchased tickets to my shows.

“But I have decided to take the rest of the year off from touring to focus on my health.”

He went on to reveal that he would hopefully will be back once his health returns. 

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“I’m looking forward to getting healthy and seeing you all again soon. Thank you for all your good wishes,” he added.

The music legend was met with floods of comments from fans sending him well wishes. 

One user said: “Stay healthy! We will work around whatever schedule keeps you going! You are a treasure.”

Another added: “Thank you for all these years of fabulous music. It’s been wonderful. Sending prayers that we will once again see you in concert next year!”

“No need to apologize. You’ve given us some of the greatest songs ever written. Take care of yourself,” wrote a third.

With a fourth commenting: “We love you, Frankie! (heart emoji)”

Valli is known as one of the founding members of the 60’s group The Four Seasons. 

The group dominated the music industry and delivered classics such as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) and Sherry.

Valli’s rep Victoria Varela in a statement to Variety revealed the decision was made to keep fans out of ‘limbo’, as the star continues to regain his health.

She said: “Promoters want to prolong things and not give people their money back, but he needs to not keep rescheduling these shows. 

“He realized he needed to take a break and get his health in order, and that is the true issue – he wants to get better without prolonging, through the rescheduling process, the pain of people who’ve bought these tickets.” 

She also confirmed that throughout the next six months Valli will be spending time getting well and may well consider touring again in 2027.

Penny Smith was one of the familiar faces of ITV’s GMTV alongside Lorraine Kelly and Eamonn Holmes, but left the show in 2010

TV icon Penny Smith made a triumphant return to daytime telly.

The popular presenter was famous for her role on GMTV and joined as the main newsreader in April 1993 and remained on the show until June 2010.

The star – who worked alongside Eamonn Holmes, Lorraine Kelly and John Stapleton among others – was treated to clips of her best bits on her final day in the studio.

She was also reunited with Curtis Stigers, her former partner from BBC’s singing show Just The Two of Us, who serenaded her with his hit You’re All That Matters To Me.

Now, 67-year-old Penny has made a comeback on another daytime show when she landed a slot as a roving reporter on BBC’s Morning Live on Friday, May 29 – and fans were delighted to see her return.

Penny presented a special segment investigating the chaos faced by tourists caught up in the EU’s new fingerprint scanner during the show which was hosted by Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley, reports the Daily Mail.

Penny was out on the ground at Manchester chatting to people travelling through the airport while also meeting up with a young woman who missed her flight due to the chaos.

She then tried a number of different substances on her hands, from water to moisturiser and an alcohol wipe, to see how it impacted the results on the fingerprint scanner. All produced different results.

Penny’s return to daytime television was welcomed by viewers who took to social media to express their delight.

One said: ‘Can we please see more of Penny Smith on Morning Live?’ while another said: ‘Great to see Penny Smith back on TV’.

Penny began her career as a reporter and feature writer on the Peterborough Evening Telegraph in 1977.

Penny later helped launch Sky News in February 1989, and four years later she joined GMTV, where she stayed until 4 June 2010.

She has since hosted several radio shows, including the weekday breakfast show on BBC London, Talk Radio, and Magic Classical.

Elsewhere, she has appeared on Have I Got News for You, Just the Two of Us, and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

Last year, she reunited with former GMTV co-star Eamonn during a short stint on GB News. At the time, Eamonn said: “I’m delighted to be working with Penny again after all these years.”

Morning Live is on BBC One weekdays at 9.30am and BBC iPlayer

“A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation,” the statement reads. “He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. … Nascar lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.”

EastEnders fans have been left gutted after Karen Henthorn, who plays Julie Bates, appeared in her final sceens of the BBC soap last night – 29 years after her debut

An EastEnders legend has bid a sad farewell to the BBC soap – 29 years after her debut.

Last night’s episode marked the end of actress Karen Henthorn’s time on EastEnders, almost 30 years after she made her debut in Walford. She had returned as part of Nigel’s dementia storyline in July last year, having previously appeared on the soap between September 1997 and April 1998.

Thursday’s episode saw Karen Henthorn, who plays Julie Bates, leave Walford for India, just weeks after the death of her husband Nigel. Julie finally read Nigel’s letter, which revealed he had left her his pension, meaning she could take the trip of a lifetime.

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Following her final scene Karen appeared in a farewell video on EastEnders’ official social pages. Stood on the BBC set she said: “It’s my last day and I’ve had the best time. The best 10 and a half months.” She went on to pay tribute to the cast and crew and said: “Whatever you do in life, it’s always about people and kindness.”

Karen then thanked the EastEnders fans, saying: “thanks for your love, your support and your commitment and dedication to the programme, which you love as much as I love. And I’m going to really miss you. So thanks everyone, take care of each other, loads and loads of love.”

The video then showed a snippet from Karen’s final scene before she was presented with flowers and applauded by the crew and co-star Steve McFadden.

Executive Producer Ben Wadey gave a speech, he said: “Your constant waterworks, your endless tears, but your performance has really been amazing. Thank you for everything, you’ve been amazing.”

The video posted on Facebook was captioned: “Tonight we say goodbye to the outstanding Karen Henthorn and Julie Bates. You’ve been an absolute delight and we will miss you dearly!”

Loyal viewers took to the comments to share their thoughts on Karen’s departure. One wrote: “Great actress and amazing portrayal of such an awful disease. I hoped you might end up with Phil, it’s the most he’s smiled since you arrived.”

Another commented: “Have absolutely loved her. Please get her back, it won’t be the same without her. Maybe Karen (Julie) could come back after a period of time and slowly become Phil’s love interest? They could be the equivalent of Corrie’s Vera and Jack!”

A third wrote: “So gutted she’s left. Her performance has been absolutely phenomenal throughout Nigel’s dementia storyline. Best wishes for the future Karen.”

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.

A Death in Paradise star has given fans a major career update.

A Death in Paradise favourite is teaming up with a Strictly star for a sinister mystery drama.

Ralf Little joined BBC‘s Death in Paradise in January 2020 as the anxious DI Neville Parker, whose romantic life was rather unlucky.

However, when he bid farewell in 2024, Neville departed hand-in-hand with DS Florence Cassell (Josephine Jobert), sailing towards a happy ending.

Two years following his exit, Little is preparing to feature in Channel 4‘s forthcoming psychological thriller, Hunting Alice Bell, described as a “whodunnit with shades of family drama and social satire”.

Based on its official synopsis, the six-episode drama promises to be considerably darker than what Death in Paradise viewers have come to expect from Little.

Hunting Alice Bell centres on the eponymous character, a former nurse and the romantic partner and accomplice of a “notorious anesthetist serial killer”.

She now resides in the UK under a fresh identity, but when Fran Da Silva is accused online of being Alice Bell, “her happy family life implodes into a wave of mob hate”.

The synopsis adds: “Then she discovers she’s not the only woman to suffer this fate. Fran and the other accused women band together to fight back and clear their names.

“But as they battle to prove their innocence, what if one of the group is lying – and is the real Alice Bell?”

Few details are known about Graham Hunter, the character Little will play, with additional information about his involvement in the Channel 4 series remaining under wraps.

He’ll be accompanied by Nightsleeper’s Alexandra Roach as Fran, Sherlock and Strictly Come Dancing favourite Amanda Abbington as Julie, Mobland’s Emily Barber as Vanessa, and Shaun of the Dead legend Simon Pegg as Dr Jason Nash.

Hunting Alice Bell, which will explore the “devastating effects” of rumours, is scheduled to broadcast later this year, though no specific release date has been announced.

Co-creator David Baddiel remarked, “Technology has created a whole new spin on the idea of mistaken identity.

“We are told that in the present culture, anyone can be who they want to be. But that also means that anyone can have who they are taken away from them: the hive mind can decide who you are.

“This happens to the five women in Hunting Alice Bell: in a world where identity is very fluid, they have lost control of theirs.”

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

STAR Wars legend Michael Pennington has died aged 82.

The veteran stage and screen actor, who is best known for his role as Moff Jerjerrod in Return of the Jedi, is thought to have passed away, according to The Telegraph.

The cause of death is currently unknown.

Pennington’s other film credits include as Laertes in Hamlet (1969), alongside Anthony Hopkins, and as former Labour Party leader Michael Foot in The Iron Lady (2011), alongside Meryl Streep.

He also appeared in TV shows The Bill, The Tudors and Father Brown, as well as TV movie The Return of Sherlock Holmes.

His agent Lesley Duff told The Sun he had been living at Denville Hall, a care home for retired actors, in his later years.

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His good friend and fellow screen veteran Miriam Margolyes confirmed news of his passing in a post uploaded to her social media.

The Harry Potter actress emotionally penned: “Michael Pennington has died.

“An old friend, from Cambridge days, a very fine actor, brilliant, wise, clear. I am sad beyond measure.

“Bless your dear memory. Old chum.”

Replying to a comment underneath her post, the actress said: “It happened v recently at Denville Hall. I am sad to confirm.”

Tributes soon poured in following the sad news.

One devastated fan wrote: “May the force be with you brother.”

Another called the actor a “legend”, writing: “May he rest in peace.”

Pennington’s death comes just a year after his partner Author Prue Skene passed away aged 81.

As well as his screen work, Michael was an acclaimed figure in the theatre world, having appeared in scores of Shakespeare productions.

In 1986, Michael co-founded the English Shakespeare Company and was the joint artistic director until 1992.

He was also an associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Pennington married actress Katharine Barker in 1964, and they welcomed a son, Mark, before they divorced in 1967.

A noughties TV legend and star of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! has explained just why so many people refused to appear with him on television at the height of his career

Dom Joly has revealed that several people refused to appear alongside him on TV – all for the same reason. The comedian, 58, shot to fame when he began fronting Trigger Happy TV in 2000, and the format saw him going out in public to intentionally put himself in embarrassing situation, all to get a reaction.

When the programme first started, viewers and participants alike assumed the chaos, which was being caught on hidden cameras, was genuine and it became an overnight success. But as the series progressed and became more popular, members of the public became wise to when Dom was out and about filming.

The show came to an end in 2003, and now Dom, who went on to appear on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! alongside This Morning star Alison Hammond and eventual winner Stacey Solomon, has revealed that a considerable amount of people refused to be seen on camera because they were being unfaithful to their partners at the time, and couldn’t risk having that broadcast to the nation.

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Speaking on the Remember Me? podcast, he told host Maisie Adam: “We got away with quite a lot but the main reason people didn’t sign consent forms – it’s not that they didn’t want to be on telly, it’s because they were having affairs.

“I can not tell you the amount of people we did, and when the second series went out, the guy would go ‘Oh my god, it’s Dom Joly! Am I being filmed? Oh! That’s not my wife.’ That was just the people we talked to!”

Dom’s most famous bit is, ironically, his least favourite – that enormous phone. Just days after the first episode aired in January 2000, he was on a train when he heard that now-familiar Nokia ring tone.

He said: “Three people stood up and shouted, ‘HELLO?! YEAH I’M ON THE TRAIN – IT’S RUBBISH!’ I was like, ‘f***. What is happening?’” It’s a catchphrase that has haunted him for 25 years.

“I swear there’s not a day where it doesn’t happen. Even on the way here, a bloke spotted me and shouted, ‘HELLO?!’ And 25 years later I still don’t have a good response to it! Like, ‘Yes, hello!’”

“So many scenes went wrong, but the worst we did was with Sarah Ferguson,. We were walking past the Duke of York barracks on King’s Road and there’s a party going on, so we go in and blag some free drinks. Suddenly we spot Fergie sitting in the corner on her own, so we say, ‘let’s do it’.

“We go right up to her, she looks panicky and I stick my microphone in her face and say, ‘Good morning Your Majesty, you are live on Good Morning Mexico – do you have anything to say to the people of Mexico?’

“She starts blabbering on into this tiny camera, and after a while I ask her to pause because we’ve gone to a commercial break, and could she absolutely freeze?

“And for three minutes, me, Sam and the Duchess of York are frozen in the middle of this drinks party. And then we leg it. By the time we get back to our office there’s a fax from her lawyers and sadly we could never show the footage.”

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BBC RADIO 2 legend Bob Harris has shared a new health update with fans, after revealing that his cancer has spread. 

The radio star, who previously revealed he was forced to take a break from broadcasting as a result of his health issues, posted a new image of himself with a big grin and a thumbs up. 

Bob, 80, could be seen sitting at home in a gown and appeared in good spirits, while writing to fans: “Hiya Folks! I hope you’re all ok. Sending you all my love.” 

The star, who is resting up at home and out of hospital, was flooded with sweet messages from fans. 

One person wrote: “Sending all the love your way,” while another added: “Fab photo Looking great. Keep up the good work.” 

Bob, 80, was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and managed the disease with treatment before recent setbacks.

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Last month, he shared how his cancer has spread from his prostate to his upper spine.

Taking to Instagram to update his fans at the time, Bob shared a photo of himself walking with a stick.

“I’m sorry it’s been so long since I last posted but the past few weeks have proved to be an extremely testing time,” he penned in the caption.

Bob went on: “When I posted last time from hospital, we were trying to find the reason for the excruciating pain I was feeling in my back.

“Several scans later, we discovered that my prostate cancer has got into my upper spine…really frightening news.

“So, I immediately began a course of radiotherapy – two weeks in hospital in total – to bring things back under control. Thankfully I’m back at home now, on the pathway to recovery and feeling stronger every day.”

He added: “I have started a programme of rehab and today I got out into this glorious weather for the first time with my son @expiredfilmclub who took the photograph.

“Just want to send so much love to Zoe and to everyone who have been in touch.

“See you soon folks! xxx.”

Bob previously suffered a heart scare that forced him off the air in 2019. 

He suffered a tear to his aorta which he described as “extremely serious” at the time.

Bob has hosted The Country Show on BBC Radio 2 for a number of years and famously hosted BBC Two music show, The Old Grey Whistle Test, in the 1970s.

Halfpenny was originally a member of the Ospreys academy who let him go because of concerns about his size.

He signed for Cardiff Blues ahead of the 2007-08 season and played for Cardiff RFC and the then Cardiff Blues between 2007 and 2014.

“I’ll be forever grateful to Cardiff for giving me the opportunity to join the academy and start my professional career,” said Halfpenny.

“I instantly felt at home and will always look back at my time at Cardiff as some of the most memorable years of my life.”

During that seven-year stint, Halfpenny made 87 appearances and scored 568 points, winning the Amlin [now European] Challenge Cup and [now defunct] Anglo-Welsh Cup.

He signed for Toulon in 2014, winning the 2015 European Champions Cup with the French side before returning to Wales with Scarlets in 2017, spending six seasons in Llanelli.

Halfpenny travelled to New Zealand to join Crusaders in 2024 before linking up with Harlequins the following year.

After being involved as a kicking coach for Wales’ summer tour of Japan in 2025, Halfpenny returned to Cardiff with a short-term contract in September 2025 as a kicking coach and player and that deal was extended until the end of the season.

He played his first game for the Blue and Blacks in 4,347 days when he faced Ulster in the win in December 2025 and also featured against the same opposition the following month.

That appearance off the bench in Belfast during the 21-14 defeat could be his final professional match, if Halfpenny is not involved in Cardiff’s two remaining United Rugby Championship (URC) matches against Glasgow and Stormers or any further play-off games.

“It’s a special club and to be able to finish my playing career where I started means so much,” said Halfpenny.

“I have given everything to rugby, and in return, it’s given me more than I could ever have dreamed of.

“It’s never going to be easy to say goodbye but I’m finishing with an immense sense of pride and gratitude.”