OLIVIA DEAN proved she’s unstoppable after sweeping the MOBO Awards – just weeks after dominating the Brits.
The singer scooped Best Female Act, Album Of The Year for The Art Of Loving and Song Of The Year for Man I Need, cementing her reign at the top.
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Singer Olivia Dean swept the MOBO AwardsCredit: GettyOlivia with her Best Female Act, Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year gongsCredit: PA
It means Olivia has now cleaned up at two of the biggest nights in British music in a matter of weeks – a seriously impressive streak.
Fresh from her chart-topping success, she also wowed with a stunning performance of A Couple Minutes, marking the song’s first televised outing.
There was another huge moment when Alesha Dixon made a surprise appearance to present Album of the Year to Olivia.
Elsewhere, Jim Legxacy took Best Male Act, Central Cee won Best Hip Hop Act and Raye picked up Video Of The Year, while Flo continued their rise with Best R&B/Soul Act.
Special honours went to Pharrell Williams and Slick Rick, with the latter also taking to the stage.
Performances were just as big, with Flo debuting new music, Aitch bringing out schoolkids to join him on stage, and a huge Grime 25 medley featuring Chip and Wiley.
Earlier in the day, I caught up with some of them on the VIP train from London, where DJ Davda had kicked the party off.
In an exclusive chat, Keisha Buchanan – who later presented an award alongside Little Mix‘s Leigh Anne – told me: “It’s always a vibe – they have the best parties.”
Teasing new Sugababes music, she added: “We have new music coming this year, sooner than people think.”
Indiyah and Ella were dancing through the aisles, with Ella even bringing her dog along for the ride as the carriage turned into a rave.
Meanwhile, Tobi Brown kept it real, saying: “I don’t function this early.”
The bash airs on BBC One at 11.25pm tomorrow night
Alesha Dixon and Bashy present the Song of the Year award onstageCredit: Getty
Jane Fallon has revealed she has undergone surgery following her breast cancer diagnosisCredit: X/JaneFallonThe presenter and author is recovering back home after her opCredit: X/JaneFallonJane has been with Ricky Gervais for over 40 yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Now, Jane has confirmed that her operation is over and assured fans she is feeling in high spirits after the procedure.
Sharing some snaps of herself from hospital, Jane wrote to X: “So… I had my op today.
“I’m feeling remarkably fine, which is possibly the drugs & that might also explain why I’m cross eyed in pic 4).
“I had quite a lovely couple of hours drinking tea & reading the brilliant @CatSteadman ‘s new one (more on that later).”
Revealing her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this month, Jane assured fans not to “panic” and said her prognosis was “excellent”.
She said on Instagram: “About a month ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer – very early stage thankfully & the prognosis is excellent.
“I had a routine mammogram a week before Christmas. I had no symptoms but the brilliant radiographer spotted something iffy & sent me for further tests & eventually a biopsy.
“Since then I’ve had more mammograms, more biopsies and an MRI so they can pinpoint the problem area precisely. It’s been a lot, I’m not going to lie.”
The star added that she has been under “incredible” care.
Jane said that she will know the outcome of the surgery in 8-10 daysCredit: X/JaneFallonJane shared her diagnosis news earlier this month, revealing that she had no symptoms priorCredit: Getty
From factories to supermarket shelves, the Iran war is disrupting global supply chains.
First came the energy shock. Now, the Iran war is hitting something even more basic: Food.
With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, vessels are being rerouted and supply chains are under strain.
The disruption is pushing up the costs of almost everything from factories to supermarket shelves thousands of miles away.
The longer the Iran conflict continues, the greater the pressure on businesses and consumers worldwide.
The United Nations warns that rising food, oil and shipping costs could push an additional 45 million people into acute hunger – taking the global total above its record of 319 million.
ALFIE Boe – one of the nation’s favourite tenors – will be unleashing his inner rock god on new album Face Myself.
The record, out on April 10, is inspired by his love of the Madchester era and was produced by Myriot, who previously worked with Primal Scream.
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Alfie Boe is about to unleash his inner rock god on new album Face MyselfCredit: GettyAlfie Boe revealed his new album’s title track pays tribute to late Stone Roses bassist Gary ‘Mani’ MounfieldCredit: Getty
The classical singer said he spent his weekends travelling up to Manchester as a teenager to immerse himself in the music scene, where the Stone Roses launched hits such as I Wanna Be Adored. Alfie said: “At the time I was writing that song, Mani passed away.
“So I had to put a tribute in the song. I changed the lyrics to say, ‘For good old Mani, he played it right’.”
The high-energy track, which is released today, also name checks Liam and Noel Gallagher’s childhood home on Cranwell Drive and celebrates the Madchester spirit.
On the track he sings: “Dreams are grown in Burnage sky, a golden past that made us cry.
“The prom is glorified with lights, for good old Mani, he played it right. Those Cranwell boys, they sang along.”
As a teen, Alfie, who has clocked up 12 Top Ten albums including four No1s, joined an indie band and later found himself exploring classical music.
“I was in an indie band called The English Roses,” Alfie said with a laugh. We were going to go on tour and I was going to be the drummer. But there was school to attend, which was fine, but then I joined lots of other little bands.”
Alfie’s new album is made up of mostly original material and he was inspired to start writing by his pal, The Who’s Pete Townshend.
And the Les Miserables stage fave says the record is all about facing his past, adding: “I thought, what is it about me I have to face?
“It was my childhood, my teenage years, and what got me to where I am today. It’s been a wonderful journey.”
Dua’s full of beans
Dua Lipa has landed a Nespresso ambassador dealDua also had a snap with George Clooney, long-time face of the brand
Dua Lipa has a hefty cheque coming her way, plus a lifetime’s supply of coffee I imagine.
She’s signed up to be global ambassador for Nespresso and posed in blue co-ords to promote the new tie-in. Dua also had a snap with George Clooney, long-time face of the brand.
Greg heading to £2m…but pleads for Wills’ help again
Greg James got a royal boost on his 1,000km Comic Relief ride after Prince William hopped on his tandemCredit: Getty Images
As I caught up with Greg yesterday from the Yorkshire Moors, he said he wished William had stuck around.
Greg, resting up on a wall, below, said with a laugh: “I could’ve done with his legs today. Wills, if you’re reading this, help.”
He has remained incredibly upbeat despite the physical and mental toll the challenge is taking.
And he has been buoyed by the incredible donations from the public, which last night was creeping towards the £2million mark. Greg, who set off from Dorset last Friday and is pedalling all the way to Edinburgh, said: “The hills are very, very difficult today.
“But there was a really nice crowd of people shouting at me at the top.
“The good news is we’ve raised over £1.5million, which is an absurd amount. I’d be happy with that if it was the final total but we’ve got three days left.”
He starts his ride from Sunderlandthis morning with two full days to go.
Tomorrow he will begin his final push, cycling from Galashiels in the Borders to Edinburgh, where he is set to arrive in time for Comic Relief to start on BBC One at 7pm. You can do this, Greg!
Placebo are making a comeback for the 30th anniversary of their debut album, which they have reworked into a new version.
Placebo re:created will be out on June 19.
They will then kick off a European tour this September playing songs from their first two albums, with dates in Nottingham, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, London and Cardiff in November and December.
Big cat in Africa
Doja Cat shows her wild side in clashing animal prints during her Move Afrika performance in RwandaCredit: Getty
Doja Cat showed her wild side in clashing animal prints while on stage in Rwanda.
The Say So rapper, who wore a blue wig with a tiger-striped bodysuit, was performing at Global Citizen’s Move Afrika concert.
She sounded great, despite her carefree lifestyle.
In a new interview with Vogue yesterday, Doja admitted she’s had to curb bad habits for the sake of her live shows.
She said: “I love trash – I’m Oscar the Grouch. I love to eat garbage, and I love to drink, and I love to party.
Doja, who had a romance with actor Joseph Quinn in 2024, went on to reveal she is a serial dater, adding: “I’m 30, so I’m ovulating and horny.”
At least she tells it how it is.
Mosh-pit memories with trust
Yungblud is among the stars featured in Teenage Cancer Trust’s Good Energy mosh pit exhibition at the Royal Albert HallCredit: Getty
The Teenage Cancer Trust is staging a photo exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall to mark the joys of mosh pits.
Musicians including Yungblud, Wolf Alice, Fontaines DC and The Sex Pistols ft Frank Carter are featured in the show, called Good Energy.
It highlights “good energy”, which is the code used by fans to look after each other in the crowd. Frank said of his pic: “It was taken in the Royal Albert Hall.
“To play there with the Sex Pistols was a dream come true. Seeing a mosh pit inside such a venue felt like the definition of Good Punk Energy.
The exhibition runs until April 9. Buy signed copies of the prints at teenagecancer trust.org/good.
One direction’s Louis Tomlinson confessed the band’s debut No1 single, What Makes You Beautiful, was his least favourite track. He told Scott Mills’s Radio 2 show: “Performing it was always really eggy.”
Louis also took aim at the handling of 1D’s split, adding: “Hiatus, what a horrible word. It’s cringey, screams management.”
The Sun told last week that Harper had taken part in a photoshoot for beauty brand Hiku by Harper, which is expected to launch in the coming months. Now Princess is following suit.
She said on the Not My Bagg podcast: “I’ve been working on it for ages. I was in Liverpool three days ago.
“I went up for a photoshoot for my beauty brand, which is so good. It’s being released this year.
I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to be involved in some sort of business. Make-up, I love, so it had to be that.”
OSCARS host Conan O’Brien has taken a dig at Timothee Chalamet in his opening speech after the actor’s controversial comments about the arts.
The Marty Supreme star found himself facing serious backlash after claiming “no one cares” about opera or ballet.
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Timothee Chalamet giggled as Oscars host Conan O’Brien roasted him, leaving Kylie Jenner slightly uncomfortableCredit: ABCConan held nothing back as he hosted the 2026 Oscars, joking about Timothee’s recent controversies
Conan, 62, kicked off the Oscars with a dig at Timothee, 30, as he smiled and laughed next to girlfriend Kylie Jenner, who arrived at the show dressed to the nines in a slinky red gown.
He joked about heightened security amid ongoing uncertainty in the world, pointing to an unexpected source of tension.
The former late night TV host quipped: “Security is extremely tight tonight…I’m told theres concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.”
He looked down at Timothee, who was giggling slightly.
Kylie, 28, shifted slightly in her seat, smiling although she looked slightly uncomfortable.
Conan then added: “They are just mad you left out jazz!”
Later in the show, the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend host circled back with Timothee, seemingly trying to smooth things over.
“I’m vibing with Timothee right now, we’re vibing, right?!” he asked, looking down at the Willy Wonka actor.
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The camera did not pan to the star, but it doesn’t seem like he was feeling the same vibe.
Conan added: “He doesn’t think so, alright!”
At this point, Timothee must be somewhat used to the blowback.
He’s been taking heat for his comment for days now.
The Oscar-nominee was chatting with Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas about efforts to preserve cinema back in February.
“I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore’,” he said.
“All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there,” he added.
Since then, he’s taken heat from ballet and opera stars, as well as other big figures in Hollywood.
Steven Spielberg, for example, disagreed vehemently.
According to Page Six, he said of the arts during a 2026 SXSW panel: “At the end of a really good movie experience, we are all united with a whole bunch of feelings that we walks into the daylight with, or into the nighttime with.
Biggest Oscar Nominees of 2026 Academy Awards
Everyone in Hollywood hopes to snag a nod on the industry’s biggest night but only few get that honor. Here are the nominees from the major categories of the 2026 Academy Awards:
Best Picture
Bugonia
F1
Frankenstein
Hamnet
Marty Supreme
One Battle After Another
The Secret Agent
Sentimental Value
Sinners
Train Dreams
Best Director
Chloé Zhao — Hamnet
Josh Safdie — Marty Supreme
Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
Joachim Trier — Sentimental Value
Ryan Coogler — Sinners
Best Actor (Leading Role)
Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
Leonardo DiCaprio — One Battle After Another
Ethan Hawke — Blue Moon
Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
Wagner Moura — The Secret Agent
Best Actress (Leading Role)
Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
Rose Byrne — If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Renate Reinsve — Sentimental Value
Emma Stone — Bugonia
Kate Hudson — Song Sung Blue
Best Supporting Actor
Benicio Del Toro — One Battle After Another
Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
Delroy Lindo — Sinners
Sean Penn — One Battle After Another
Stellan Skarsgård — Sentimental Value
Best Supporting Actress
Teyana Taylor — One Battle After Another
Wunmi Mosaku — Sinners
Amy Madigan — Weapons
Elle Fanning — Sentimental Value
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas — Sentimental Value
Best Original Screenplay
Bugonia — Yorgos Lanthimos & Will Tracy
Marty Supreme — Josh Safdie & Ronald Bronstein
One Battle After Another — Paul Thomas Anderson
Sentimental Value — Joachim Trier & Eskil Vogt
Sinners — Ryan Coogler
Best Adapted Screenplay
Blue Moon — Richard Linklater & Glen Powell
Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro
Hamnet — Chloé Zhao
The Secret Agent — Kleber Mendonça Filho
Train Dreams — Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar
Best Animated Feature
Arco
KPop Demon Hunters
The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol
Zootopia 2
The Night Gardener
Best International Feature Film
The Secret Agent — Brazil
Sentimental Value — Norway
It Was Just an Accident — Iran
Universal Language — Canada
Sujo — Mexico
Best Documentary Feature
The Alabama Solution
Come See Me in the Good Light
Four Daughters
No Other Land
The Perfect Neighbor
“And there’s nothing like that. It happens in movies, and in concerts. And it happens in ballet and opera, by the way.”
Timothee is nominated for two Oscars during the 2026 awards show.
He’s up for Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme and Best Picture.
He will be up against Michael B. Jordan in Sinners; Leonardo DeCaprio in One Battle After Another; Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent; and Ethan Hawke in Blue Moon in the Best Actor category.
In Best Picture, Timothee is up against The Secret Agent, Bugonia, Train Dreams, F1, and Sinners.
Kylie Jenner, who attended the awards show with the Marty Supreme star, shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she giggled about about Conan’s commentsCredit: Reuters
The surge in oil prices triggered by the war in Iran is increasingly becoming a major concern for global central banks, which are closely monitoring the potential economic and financial consequences of the shock.
More than a week of conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy supply routes and pushed crude prices sharply higher, raising fresh fears about inflation. For policymakers already grappling with fragile economic conditions, the oil spike presents a complex policy dilemma.
Historically, oil shocks have posed a difficult challenge for central banks. Rising energy prices can drive inflation higher while simultaneously weakening consumer spending and business activity by raising costs. In such circumstances, policymakers face an uncomfortable choice: tighten policy to control inflation or ease financial conditions to support economic growth and employment.
The current situation could potentially produce both outcomes at once, creating a scenario where inflation rises even as economic demand weakens a combination that complicates monetary policy decisions.
Inflation Versus Economic Growth
Central banks traditionally respond to inflationary pressures by raising interest rates or maintaining tighter monetary policy. Some policymakers argue that responding quickly to inflation triggered by an oil shock can prevent inflation expectations from becoming entrenched and reduce longer-term economic damage.
Others, however, advocate “looking through” temporary energy-driven price spikes, arguing that aggressive tightening could unnecessarily damage economic growth. This approach gained prominence after the pandemic, when many central banks initially viewed inflation as temporary a judgment widely criticised in hindsight.
The decision facing policymakers now depends on several uncertainties, including how long the conflict lasts, how severely energy supplies are disrupted, and whether governments intervene with subsidies or price caps to protect consumers.
Given these unknowns, many central banks may prefer to adopt a cautious approach, waiting to see how markets and economic conditions evolve before making significant policy adjustments.
Financial Stability Risks Enter the Picture
Beyond inflation and growth concerns, central banks must also consider a third responsibility that has gained prominence since the global financial crisis: financial stability.
Senior policymakers worry that the oil shock could expose vulnerabilities that have been building in global financial markets for years. A large macroeconomic disturbance involving energy prices, inflation, interest rates and currency volatility could trigger a broader financial stress event.
Much of the concern centres on the growing role of “shadow banking” institutions, financial intermediaries operating outside traditional banking regulation. These entities have become increasingly important providers of credit to companies and governments.
One major area of focus is the rapid expansion of private credit funds, which now manage more than $3 trillion globally. These funds allow asset managers to lend directly to businesses, often outside the scrutiny of public markets or traditional banking standards.
Regulators worry that during a major shock, investors could rapidly withdraw funds from these vehicles, potentially creating liquidity problems for borrowers and spillover risks for banks that help finance or manage the funds.
Pressure in Bond and Repo Markets
Another major source of concern lies in government bond markets, where highly leveraged hedge funds have become increasingly active. Many of these funds use repurchase agreements, or “repo” markets, to borrow money and finance large trades involving government bonds.
These strategies often rely on exploiting small price differences between cash bonds and futures contracts, but they involve substantial leverage. While such activity can help smooth government financing, it can also create systemic vulnerabilities during periods of market stress.
The Financial Stability Board, which monitors risks to the global financial system for the G20, warned earlier this year that sudden deleveraging in repo markets could disrupt sovereign bond markets.
More than $16 trillion in repo transactions backed by government bonds were outstanding last year, with about 60% concentrated in the United States. A sudden withdrawal of leveraged investors could therefore have significant ripple effects across global financial markets.
New Fragilities: Stablecoins and Technology Stocks
Regulators are also monitoring emerging risks linked to digital finance. Stablecoins cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional currencies such as the U.S. dollar have grown rapidly and are increasingly investing reserves in government bonds.
With the stablecoin market now worth roughly $300 billion and expanding, any loss of confidence in these assets could trigger large-scale sales of the bonds that back them. Such an event could add stress to already volatile financial markets.
At the same time, some investors remain concerned about high valuations and heavy market concentration in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence sector, which could amplify market volatility during periods of economic uncertainty.
Analysis: Oil Shock Could Trigger Wider Financial Stress
The Iran war oil shock illustrates how geopolitical crises can interact with financial vulnerabilities to create broader economic risks.
Higher energy prices directly increase inflation and strain household finances. At the same time, they can force central banks to reconsider interest-rate policies, potentially leading to higher borrowing costs and greater volatility in financial markets.
Such conditions could expose weaknesses in highly leveraged sectors of the financial system, particularly in shadow banking, hedge funds and digital financial markets.
Although previous shocks including the economic turmoil following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did not ultimately trigger a major financial crisis, policymakers remain cautious. The brief turmoil in the U.S. regional banking sector in 2023 demonstrated how quickly financial stress can emerge when economic conditions shift.
If oil prices remain elevated and central banks are forced to respond aggressively, the resulting tightening of financial conditions could amplify existing vulnerabilities across markets.
For now, the disturbances appear manageable. But the combination of geopolitical conflict, energy market disruption and financial fragility ensures that central banks will continue to watch the situation with increasing concern.
The show tracks singletons from around Australia as they entrust their romantic futures to experts Mel Schilling, John Aiken, and Alessandra Rampolla. Each couple meets for the very first time at the altar, and following their “I do” moment, they’ll find out whether they’re genuinely compatible as they navigate their new relationship.
Over multiple weeks, the newly married couples will go on their honeymoon, before setting up home together and participating in numerous challenges.
Four ceremonies have taken place already, with lots of explosive moments unfolding in the opening two episodes. The most recent episode aired on Wednesday (March 11), with two more couples getting matched by the experts, reports OK!.
The first pair consisted of 35-year-old account manager Bec, who characterised herself as a social butterfly who’s never afraid of commanding attention.
She had previously been engaged, but called it off four months ahead of the ceremony, describing it as the most difficult decision she’d ever made, though she felt proud for leaving a situation that wasn’t suitable.
Bec was paired with 34-year-old businessman Danny, who has called Australia home for 12 years since relocating from the UK. Danny was searching for his “ride or die” partner, a strong woman who ignites passion within him and never fails to make him laugh.
Upon meeting at the altar, Bec and Danny appeared pleased with their pairing, with Bec even sharing a joke with Danny’s stripper best man, Will. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted as Danny began his vows.
Danny started by expressing his devotion to his family and promised Bec he would care for her. He then quipped: “I’m looking for a Bonnie and Clyde type of love. With that being said, if I ever get locked up in prison, I’d like you to bail me out.”
Bec immediately pulled back after hearing Danny’s remark, telling cameras: “He seems like a really lovely guy, but I’m a just bit nervous to be honest with you. I think he may have mentioned in his vows if he gets arrested and what not. I know I can be quite wild and fun, but I really want to settle down and it makes me worried.
“I want to be matched with someone that’s serious about being with their forever person, not someone that’s out getting hammered, acting a fool to the point of getting arrested. I’ve given up everything and you’re mentioning getting arrested in your vows. I wanted to come on here to find love and I don’t know whether or not he wants that.”
Bec then broke down in tears, adding: “I just want something serious. I don’t want to be with anyone that gets arrested.”
She later confided in a producer: “I can just feel it, it’s not going to work. He’s not my husband, no way.” After seeing a different side to Danny during the reception, Bec later apologised to her new husband, with the couple sharing a passionate kiss.
Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 7.30pm
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website
Coronation Street’s Megan Walsh will finally be exposed in upcoming scenes on the ITV soap, leaving Eva Price and her entire family shaken when they discover what she has been doing
Eva Price will make a shock discovery about her stepson on Coronation Street
Coronation Street‘s Megan Walsh will finally be exposed in upcoming scenes on the ITV soap. The teacher, played by Beth Nixon, has been carrying out an illicit affair with her student Will Driscoll as part of a controversial storyline on the ITV soap.
Will arrived with his family last October to move into the Rovers Return, and it was quickly established that Megan was his athletics coach but there was a lot more to it than just that. Megan eventually moved to Weatherfield, got a job at the local secondary school and has even started up a relationship with Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) as a cover-up.
Megan’s flatmate Leanne also looks set to weigh in on the harrowing situation, as her own stespon Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) has worked out what his going on between Will and Megan, and has received multiple threats from the villainous teacher. After the bombshell scenes, this will also leave Daniel wondering where he stands as he potentially comes to realise that his entire relationship was a lie.
Just weeks ago, Corrie aired a flashforward episode that revealed that Megan is one of five potential murder victims, along with fellow villains Jodie Ramsey, Carl Webster, Maggie Driscoll, and Theo Silverton. So will this all lead to the ultimate downfall for Megan or will the teacher actually face prison time for her crimes?
Coronation Street boss Kate Brookes recently explained that she the story was a “very important” one to tell. She said: “It’s a very important story to tell and we want to be as truthful as possible. As part of that story Sam will end up getting embroiled in it all.
“Sam is semi-related to the pub family and he potentially gets wind that something’s amiss. We will see the lengths that Megan will go to manipulate Sam into keeping quiet. It’ll be massively detrimental to Sam’s wellbeing.”
Meanwhile, for actress Beth Nixon, Coronation Street marks her television debut but she had actually auditioned for other parts on the soap before landing the role of Megan. Speaking to York College, Beth shared that the casting team had seen Beth in several shows at her drama school: the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, so she was “kind of on their radar.”
Revealing her past audition history, Beth explained: “But I’d auditioned for Corrie twice before – as a baddie both times of course – including for the role of Lauren.” Actress Cait Fitton ended up being cast as Lauren, making her debut in 2022, and has remained on the show since.
Beth added: “Then, earlier this year, my agent sent me a casting brief and explained it was for a paedophile, which is a bit crazy to play because they’re obviously not a redeemable character, so they can push it pretty far.” After sending a self-tape Beth attended a chemistry test with other actors who were being considered to play Will. She then performed a scene on the set at The Bistro – and it turned out the bosses were rather impressed with her.
Beth – who was working as a skin clinic manager before joining Corrie – said: “I was at work when my agent called me. I was upstairs as my colleague watched the desk and, when he told me I’d got it, everybody in the clinic could hear me screaming my head off and then I cried, because it’s been four years since I graduated and this is my first TV role.
“It’s been a hard time and I was really close to quitting, having a normal job and pursuing a different career, so this just came at exactly the right time and when I needed it.”
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, 10 February 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
March 10 (Asia Today) — President Lee Jae-myung said Tuesday the government may prepare an early supplementary budget to cushion the economic impact of rising energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee said additional fiscal measures could be necessary to support small businesses, struggling companies and vulnerable households if global energy shocks continue.
“To provide fiscal assistance and support for small business owners and vulnerable firms, we may inevitably need an early supplementary budget,” Lee said.
Lee also called for targeted support for lower-income households rather than a blanket reduction in fuel taxes as oil prices surge.
The president instructed officials to accelerate additional financial and fiscal measures, including a petroleum price cap system, adjustments to energy taxes and direct assistance to consumers.
“We must mobilize all national capabilities to minimize the impact of external shocks on people’s livelihoods, the economy and industry,” Lee said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Koo Yoon-cheol said the government could potentially finance the supplementary budget without issuing new government bonds.
He cited improving conditions in the semiconductor industry and increased fiscal resources linked to stronger activity in the stock market.
Lee also addressed concerns over reports that United States Forces Korea may remove some air defense assets from the country amid the regional conflict.
“If you ask whether this seriously undermines our deterrence strategy against North Korea, the answer is no,” Lee said.
He acknowledged that South Korea had expressed opposition to the partial withdrawal of air defense systems but noted that the United States may reposition some assets based on its broader military needs.
Foreign media have reported that systems such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and Patriot missile batteries could be redeployed.
Lee emphasized that South Korea’s defense spending remains among the highest in the world and said the country’s military readiness remains strong.
Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan gave exact time people should have cough for before getting it checked
BBC Morning Live’s, Dr Punam Krishan said people often put COPD symptoms down to just ageing(Image: BBC)
A BBC doctor has said that this week, two patients came to her with a cough, and it turned out to be a disease with no cure. Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan was speaking out about a chronic condition which 1.7 million suffer from – but hundreds of thousands more have without knowing.
And she explained exactly how long people should have a cough for before they get it checked out properly. Host Nick Knowles raised how a viewer had asked about COPD and cures he’d seen online, which claim it can be sorted out in 7-14 days. Because the weather has changed, people are also experiencing hayfever, and symptoms like a lingering cough or wheezing can be easy to dismiss.
Dr Punam said: “Over the last few years, I’ve been seeing more and more patients coming through to me and saying, ‘Look, I’ve seen this on social media or I’ve tried this’ and it has the potential to cause harm as well and there is a lot of misinformation and it can be really hard and you can see why adverts like this can be so appealing if you are somebody who’s living with COPD.
“So, for anyone who doesn’t know what that stands for, it stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s a term that we use to describe lung conditions that really make your breathing difficult. Now, the thing is if you do come across anything online, you’re not sure about it, always go to a trusted medical source.
“So, the NHS website’s a great place to start. Medical experts, speak to your doctor or your pharmacist before trying anything. Unfortunately, when it comes to COPD, it is a progressive lung condition, which means it can worsen over time. So, sadly, there isn’t a cure. Certainly, nothing over 7 to 14 days that’s going to make a difference.”
Dr Punam said the illness is often missed or just put down to ageing. She said: “Around 1.7 million people in the UK are currently living with COPD, but we believe that number is actually a lot higher. And that’s because the symptoms can develop over a long period of time and they tend to develop slowly . So, people tend to dismiss them or put it off to maybe it’s because I’m getting older. Maybe it’s because I’m unfit. COPD tends to be diagnosed when you’re like middle-aged or older adults, but it can affect anybody earlier as well.”
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She said smoking is one of the most common causes. The two main problems within COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. She added: “And what’s really happening in the lungs during that is that it causes inflammation. It causes narrowing of the airways. It causes scarring. It affects the tiny air sacs in our lungs whose job it is to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream so that we can breathe properly. So of course, if those are damaged, it really does impact you long term.”
She said people should not ignore coughs – and gave an exact time people should get it checked out. Dr Punam said: “A lot of people do just sit on it and dismiss it. The earlier you get it diagnosed, the better it is because there are lots of things that we can do to support the symptoms.
“So, if you have a new cough that is persisting, I would say the rule of thumb is four to six weeks. If something is persisting beyond that time, it’s not going away. You don’t know why you’ve got it, so have a chat with your doctor because we can investigate that to look at the root cause, but don’t just dismiss it. Anything more than four weeks, a cough that you just don’t know why it’s there, get it looked at.”
Nick asked: “We’ve had hay fever as we’ve been hearing this week already this year. Is that a complication?” Dr Punam said: “Well, it is. Just this week, actually, I had two patients who have COPD who came in because they felt that their hay fever had started affecting them.
“The thing is a quarter of people that have got COPD will be sensitive to pollen. We’re loving spring – it’s around the corner. But with that, of course, pollen counts rise and if you’re sensitive to that, it can affect your breathing. So often I find people with COPD can get misdiagnosed, or maybe it’s just a flare-up of the condition or a chest infection, but actually, if you’re coughing a lot more, if you’re producing a lot more phlegm, you’re congested, now is the time.”
EVIL Dead actor Bruce Campbell has revealed he has cancer in an emotional Instagram statement.
The 67-year-old screen star told fans in the message “sorry if it’s a shock – it was to me too”.
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American actor Bruce Campbell has revealed he has cancer in an emotional Instagram statementCredit: AlamyThe Evil Dead star reassured them he is a ‘tough old son of a b***h’Credit: AlamyThe 67-year-old has told how his cancer is ‘treatable not curable’Credit: Alamy
Yet the Michigan-born horror actor was then quick to reassure them “fear not, I am a tough old son of a b***h”.
Bruce has revealed he has a “treatable but not curable” form of the disease and will need to take time away from work to recover.
The Hysteria! star wrote in a text post uploaded to his Instagram grid: “Hi folks these days when someone is having a health issue its referred to as an ‘opportunity’ so let’s go with that – I’m having one of those.
“It’s also called a type of cancer that’s ‘treatable not curable’.
“I apologize if that’s a shock, it was to me too.”
Bruce who was in cult flicks Crimewave and Maniac Cop added: “The good news is, I’m not going to go into any more detail.
“I’m posting this, because professionally, a few things will have to change – appearances and cons and work in general need to take [a] back seat to treatment.
“There are several cons this year summer [sic] that I have to cancel. Big regrets on my part.
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“Treatment needs and professional obligations don’t always go hand-in-hand.
“That’s about it. I’m not trying to enlist sympathy – or advice – I just want to get ahead of this information in case false information gets out (which it will).
“Fear not, I am a tough old son-of-a-b***h and I have great support, so I expect to be around a while.
“As always, you’re the greatest fans in the world and I hope to see you soon!”
Fans were also quick to offer words of support for the science fiction TV star.
One insisted: “Cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Hail to the king, baby. We love you Bruce.”
A second put: “Sending you all the best, Bruce!”
A third posted: “You are loved and must feel the terrific support flooding your direction! You definitely have this!”
One then added: “Hail to the King, baby.”
Bruce is best-known for his role in the Evil Dead franchise, playing Ash Williams.
He is the only character to appear in each instalment of the series and battles a series of possessed creatures called Deadites, who have been taken over by the Kandarian Demon.
His stints in the Evil Dead movies saw him voted as the greatest horror movie character ever back in 2013.
His personal profile has rocketed thanks to his movie status, with many hailing Bruce a cultural icon.
In 2007, he featured in a parody of his movie career in My Name Is Bruce.
He previously told dvdtalk.com of filming the gory Evil Dead instalment and said: “In retrospect, it’s funny as hell.
“The last three days of shooting Evil Dead we never fell asleep. At the time we were just zombies.
“Various people would fall asleep in the middle of the woods and we’d find each other randomly.”
He added: “We didn’t even think we’d finish the movie, so there was none of this, ‘Wow, I hope we make a hit!’
“We were just hoping we’d get the hell out of Tennessee in one piece. We were wrecking rental cars, rental trucks, cameras, wrecking actresses and ourselves. Everything.
“We were getting poked, bitten, scrapped, and my brother fell off a cliff.
“It was a comedy of terror. That was the most terrifying part: making the movie.”
Bruce has been hailed a horror movie icon by fans – who have been quick to issue messages of support in his health battleCredit: AlamyHe told how his plan is ‘to get as well as I possibly can’Credit: AlamyHe has opened on the real-life horrors while filming Evil DeadCredit: AlamyHe has also had a cameo in SpidermanCredit: YouTube
