update

BILLY Joel has shared a new health update just weeks after undergoing surgery for a rare brain condition.

The singer, 77, who was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in May 2025, underwent a procedure to help improve his symptoms last month.

According to the NHS website, a hydrocephalus is a “build-up of fluid in the brain. The excess fluid puts pressure on the brain, which can damage it”, and NPH “usually develops in older people”.

He had a shunt implanted in his brain to drain excess fluid.

Earlier this week he shared how he has been feeling while on his SiriusXM show The Billy Joel Channel.

Billy said: “I know people are worried about me because they read that I have a brain disorder, which sounds a lot worse than it actually is.”

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BRAVE BILLY

Billy Joel, 77, reveals he’s undergone brain surgery as he shares health update

He added: “I’m okay” but went on to confess that his “balance isn’t that good”.

The performer also explained that he’s “lost a little bit of my hearing” – which he actually thinks is due to the performing on stage for years.

The star also confessed that he “appreciates” everyone but doesn’t want people to “worry” about him.

Talking about the surgery, Billy said last month: “I didn’t want to do that, but then I read up on it and I realised it can help improve your balance and can help your memory.”

He added: “You know, I don’t want to lose my marbles.

“It’s hard to tell what’s age and what’s a condition, so I agreed to do the shunt and I had a surgery, and they implanted a shunt in my brain and it actually improved things.”

After having the surgery, Billy explained: “My memory got better, my balance got a little better, my ability to function was better.” 

After being diagnosed with NPH, Billy cancelled all tour dates due to the condition.

Billy is best known for songs such as Piano Man, Uptown Girl and We Didn’t Start the Fire.

TOWIE’S Jordan Brook has revealed his brain will be damaged forever as he gave fans an emotional health update following his meningitis battle.

Earlier this year, the 31-year-old told how he had been diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis and spent weeks in hospital after falling ill.

Jordan faced a terrifying battle to survive for his unborn child – as the virus attacked his brain, leaving him unable to speak or walk.

Now Jordan has given fans a new health update after looking over his MRI scans at a follow-up appointment.

He said: “It’s a real and bittersweet feeling when you see a picture of your brain and you see that there is damage there that will be there forever.

“I’m so proud of myself and how far I’ve come and really feel that I’m making that recovery. I’m almost at the six months mark now, which is a huge milestone in brain recovery.”

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Speaking about the scan pictures, Jordan continued: “Imagine breaking your leg or your arm… you will always see that scar on your body and this is one unfortunately you can’t see it, it’s in the head.

“It’s just a reminder about how bad these infections can be on the brain and that they can affect anyone.

“I’m doing everything I can do in my power to help people and raise awareness. I’ve got a lovely charity that I’m working closely with, we’re gonna do some amazing things.”

“I’m so determined to be me, I’m feeling like Jordan again. The energy is high, just got to keep going and fighting through this,” he added.

Jordan captioned the post: “I’ve just come out of another follow-up appointment and today I got to see my MRI and the scarring that’s been left on my brain.

“I won’t lie, seeing it was hard to take. But if this journey has taught me anything, it’s how resilient we really are.

“There are good days and difficult ones, but I’m still here, still recovering and still moving forward.”

One fan wrote: “You are an amazing human been through so much staying positive always is key keep going Jordan take care of yourself.”

Another fan penned: “You have come a long way and have achieved so much. Seeing how poorly you were to where you are now is testament to you.

“Enjoy your family with Soph and Brody. Onwards and upwards Jord!”

Jordan recently fought back tears as he recalled the scary moment doctors suspected he had brain cancer.

After going through a lumbar puncture – a procedure in which spinal fluid is drained and examined in a lab – doctors told him they were considering the possibility that he might have had brain cancer.

During an episode of By the Brook podcast, which he hosts with his girlfriend Sophie Kasaei, Jordan said: “Obviously, the doctors have to give you the worst case scenario.

“That’s when the doctors said, ‘We can’t rule out brain cancer.

“Now, to hear that when you’ve got your girlfriend sat next to you who’s seven months pregnant with a baby you’ve waited for so long…”

Jordan added: “You never want to hear that about your kids. Sophie’s holding my kid.

“You never want to hear about your partner. It was the worst time of our lives ever.”

Perez Hilton’s website has offered an update on the celebrity gossip blogger’s progress following his apparent August suicide attempt, revealing that he has been allowed to see his children and mother.

“They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Hilton has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,” according to the site. “Seeing his children in person has meant an enormous amount to Perez. There have definitely been a lot of emotions for everyone, but being able to spend that time together has been incredibly meaningful and healing.”

Hilton, born Mario Lavandeira Jr., experienced a mental health crisis on the night of Aug. 4 in his Miami home and livestreamed himself engaging in self-harm with a box cutter and knife as followers pleaded with him to stop and attempted to contact him.

Hilton spent weeks in the hospital receiving treatment for his physical injuries before being transferred to a residential treatment program, where he could “focus fully on his mental health and recovery,” according to a family statement from earlier this month.

In August, Hilton was granted supervised visits with his children.

However, Hilton’s brother-in-law said on a podcast on Aug. 24 that Hilton had not had any contact with his kids, as “they were not allowed in that section of the facility.”

Tuesday’s update also publicized a GoFundMe fundraiser created for Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, and Hilton’s three school-age children. The fundraiser, organized by theater producer Tom D’Angora, who has described himself as a longtime friend of Hilton’s, promised that “none of the money will be used for Perez personally.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised about $14,000 out of its $25,000 goal. D’Angora was not immediately available for comment.

“Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses,” the fundraiser website says. “Perez’s family and friends are helping however we can. We also wanted to give the many people who have asked how they can help a way to do so.”

The site’s Tuesday update said there was still no available timeline for when Perez would exit residential treatment.

“Communication with Perez is still limited, and we’re not able to talk to him daily,” the statement read.

But it assured that he was making progress.

“He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,” according to the site.

Hilton has been a controversial media figure since the mid-2000s, when he launched a celebrity gossip blog called PageSixSixSix. After the New York Post sued him, he rebranded it to Perez Hilton, a play on socialite Paris Hilton’s name.

During its heyday, Hilton’s successful website — on which he would publish mocking posts about Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan and spread conspiracy theories about celebrity deaths — generated about 8 million page views a day, The Times’ columnist Robin Abcarian wrote recently. In 2010, he declined a $20-million offer for his website, according to reporting by the now-defunct outlet Gawker.

Will Best and AJ Odudu have sent fans into meltdown after sharing another Big Brother update live on air

ITV Big Brother fans have all said the same thing as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best share a huge announcement live on air.

The hosts returned for tonight’s live eviction as one housemate was forced to leave immediately and say their goodbyes as their Big Brother journey came to an end.

Earlier this week, Pauline and Chesley received the highest number of nominations from their fellow housemates when they were asked to choose who they wish to face the public vote.

It came after a huge row broke out with Jedward earlier in the week, following this week’s theme of double trouble. Chelsey found herself at the centre of drama and chaos, with other housemates suggesting Pauline had a game plan.

For the last few days, it’s been up to the public to decide who leaves as they were asked to cast their votes. At the start of tonight’s live eviction (September 25), it was confirmed there had already been a staggering amount of votes cast, with over half a million at that point.

More came pouring in until the lines closed towards the end of the show. As Will and AJ returned to the stage for the second live eviction of the series, it was announced that Chelsey was the second housemate to leave the show.

But after her exit interview, viewers were greeted with another huge twist tonight, with hosts Will and AJ sharing an iconic announcement.

It was confirmed that this week’s theme was the “House Of Nothing”, but keeping in line with the theme, the hosts refused to say anything more about what it may involve, leaving it up to viewer imagination.

Viewers were quick to have their say though as one person wrote on X: “Oh the house of nothing is guaranteed to make this lot completely crack, I’m so ready #BBUK,”

Another said: “A house of nothing.. interesting, I wonder if they will take away their food and luxury items”, as a third added: “If the house of NOTHING means it’s really back to basics, I’m here for it.”

A fourth echoed: “House of Nothing. Please take all the furniture and beds away.” A fifth stated: “‘House of Nothing’ means No sofa, No dining room, no beds. Basically an empty house?!”

Viewers will need to wait until Sunday’s instalment to find out more, but if recent episodes are anything to go by, there is sure to be plenty of drama.

Big Brother continues on Sunday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX

At a press conference on Wednesday Michael O’Leary, the CEO of budget airline Ryanair, unveiled new routes from UK airports including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London

Ryanair has unveiled its newly expanded winter schedule, with 22 new routes from UK airports added.

The budget airline will be adding 22 destinations to its schedule this winter, with Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and London airports benefiting the most.

This morning, Ryanair also announced that it was adding nineteenth-based aircraft at Manchester Airport this winter, helping it to run one extra route from the North West hub. Ryanair is increasing its flight frequencies on another 26 routes from Manchester, including holiday hotspots like Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid, as well as city break destinations like Barcelona, Belfast, Venice, Porto, Prague and Krakow.

There are many eye-catching flights among the list, including the new winter sunshine route from Birmingham to Marrakech, which regularly enjoys mild winter temperatures. The bulk of the other routes are to northern and western European destinations where more festive pleasures are on the itinerary.

OPINION

The new routes are:

• Birmingham – Copenhagen
• Birmingham – Rome Fiumicino
• Birmingham – Marrakech
• Birmingham – Tirana
• Birmingham – Warsaw Modlin
• Bristol – Knock
• Bristol – Warsaw Modlin
• East Midlands – Budapest
• Edinburgh – Milan Malpensa
• Edinburgh – Tirana
• Edinburgh – Warsaw Modlin
• London Stansted – Glasgow
• London Stansted – Malmö
• London Stansted – Parma
• London Luton – Venice
• Liverpool – Milan Bergamo
• Liverpool – Copenhagen
• Liverpool – Gdańsk
• Liverpool – Porto
• Liverpool – Tirana
• Liverpool – Warsaw
• Manchester – Warsaw Modlin

The new route announcement came as the boss of Ryanair warned that air fares would “no doubt” rise next year for summer holidaymakers amid the surging price of oil and the Iran war. Earlier this month, oil prices rose above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since July after the latest round of strikes in the conflict.

At a press conference yesterday Michael O’Leary, chief executive of the budget airline, said ticket prices were “only going one way”, which is “significantly upward”. He said: “Fares for Ryanair passengers and every other passenger into the summer of 2027 are going to rise materially, I believe, because of significantly higher oil prices.

“I have no doubt fares are rising next year. “The question is by how much. We’re essentially hedged this year at about 80 dollars a barrel. If we hedge next year at 100 dollars a barrel, our oil bill goes up by 25%. Our oil bill this year is six billion. If it goes up by 25%, that’s seven-and-a-half billion next year.”

The airline has previously warned that it believes some of its competitors will “struggle to maintain capacity or even survive” this winter if oil prices remain high. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average global price of jet fuel rose 7.4% last week compared to the week before to 194.90 dollars per barrel.

Lorraine Kelly sent a sweet message to her mum, Anne Kelly, on Tuesday’s episode of the show

Lorraine Kelly revealed her mum had suffered a ‘bad fall’ on Tuesday’s episode of Lorraine.

During the latest installment, Lorraine, 66, marked her mum Anne Kelly’s 85th birthday with a sweet message live on air before sharing a sad update regarding her mother.

Lorraine said: “Happy birthday to my wee mum. Happy birthday. There we are” to which a photo of Lorraine and Anne appeared on screen before a picture of Lorraine, Anne and her brother Graham was also shown.

In a sad update, Lorraine added: “Sadly, she’s back in hospital. She had a bad fall. She’s in Hairmyres Hospital. So thanks to everybody that’s looking after her, saw her at the weekend, of course. But yeah, God bless her. I hope she has a good day.”

Lorraine continued: “Mum, have a great day. Have a great day as much as you can. Happy birthday!”

Taking to Instagram, Lorraine also shared a post for her mother, writing: “Happy 85th birthday to my mum. Sadly celebrating in hospital today after a bad fall resulted in broken arm.

“Saw her at weekend and she’s getting well looked after. Hopefully back home with us soon #birthday #mum.”

Responding in the comments, one person said: “Happy birthday to your mum, hope she gets well soon” with a heart emoji.

Another account wrote: “Happy birthday hope you’re better soon xx” while another follower added: “Happy Birthday wishes to your lovely mum. Hope she has a good recovery.”

A different show watcher put: “Happy birthday/speedy recovery” while another fan added: “Happy birthday to your gorgeous mum. It’s my birthday tomorrow xx.”

Earlier this year, Lorraine announced the death of her dad. The Scottish broadcaster took to Instagram at the time to share the devastating news with her online followers.

Lorraine’s father, John, worked as a TV service engineer and was known for his passion for science and astronomy, which the TV presenter had inherited from him.

Sharing a snap of herself and her late dad, the ITV star said: “Very sad news. My dad has died. I am mourning the man who bought me a telescope when I was five years old, who watched the moon landings with me and taught me to always be curious and interested in everything. He was in poor health but it has still been a shock.

“Any of you who have experienced a similar loss will know how my brother Graham and I are feeling. Our priority is taking care of my mum and the family would very much appreciate privacy at this distressing time. We will miss you dad.”

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

BBC Radio 2 star Bob Harris has shared a health update – after revealing his cancer is ‘taking more of a hold’.

The 80-year-old was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and managed the disease with treatment before recent setbacks.

Bob officially announced he was stepping down from The Country Show on June 4 and later told how his cancer treatment was “going well.”

Taking to Instagram, Bob gave his followers a fresh update via a new video.

He said in the clip: “Hey folks, it’s Bob here and you know I said I’ve got some news.

“I’m so thrilled to be able to bring you this news.

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BBC Radio 2’s Bob says cancer is ‘taking more of a hold’ in health update

“I was speaking this morning with my oncologist, the amazing Costi and we are going to continue with my cancer treatment.

“We’re getting back under control, I was a little bit worried a short time ago, but everything is getting back under control now.

“I can see the pathway of my life ahead of me opening up again.”

At this point, Bob revealed he also had a second piece of news to share, but would reveal it on Tuesday at 10am.

One person commented: “Excellent news Bob!!!!”

Another added: “Excellent news Bob, everyone is 100% backing you for your recovery.”

It comes after Bob shared a devastating health update on his cancer battle last month, as he revealed the disease is “taking more of a hold.”

Bob shared two selfies from his hospital bed as he assured fans he’s trying to keep positive.

He said: “It has been a while since I last posted a health update and I want to let you know how I’m getting on, because there have been some changes with my cancer diagnosis.

“As regular followers will know, earlier this year I was forced to step back from BBC Radio 2 to concentrate on treatment and rest.

“I have been missing my programmes so much, but this space has given me a most beautiful summer here at home, enjoying a most precious commodity… TIME.“

Bob continued: “I feel very blessed to have been able to spend lovely moments with family and friends (some of which I’ve posted here on Instagram) in the glorious summer sunshine, but during this time my cancer has been getting more of a hold.

“I still feel well but I am now at the start of an intensive course of intravenous radiotherapy which we are confident will keep things at bay. I should know the outcome quite soon.”

It is stunning to see the impact the USAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program has made on discourse surrounding the future of the Air Force since it was officially announced. There is still much to prove regarding the concept, but testing is accelerating and the USAF now plans on buying 500 CCAs by 2032. At the same time, the USAF is now hunting for a successor to the MQ-9 Reaper, with plans on procuring hundreds of those drones, as well, by early in the next decade.

With all this in mind, TWZ’s Jamie Hunter talked to Mike Shortsleeve from General Atomics on the show floor at Air, Space & Cyber 2026. The two discussed the latest progress for the company’s newly-named FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft, as well as General Atomics’ new Wildfire platform designed to address the lower-cost Massed Modular Aircraft program that could replace the company’s iconic MQ-9 Reaper.

Check out the interview below or at the top of this post.

FQ-42 Vengeance fighter drone update from General Atomics

Contact the editor: Tyler@twz.com

The European Union entry-exit system (EES) has caused repeated delays for Brits at major EU airports this year

British holidaymakers heading abroad may finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief over the widely-criticised EES system. The scheme forces non-EU residents to queue at special machines in airports before gaining entry to 29 nations within the so-called Schengen area – essentially the majority of the European Union.

However, there have been persistent reports of lengthy delays – some stretching to as long as four hours. A new report in the Sunday Times now reveals that the European Union has shelved the controversial entry-exit system (EES) across at least nine countries.

Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Malta, Greece and Switzerland are all understood to have been granted permission to postpone full implementation of EES. The newspaper reports that there appears to be no deadline by which these countries must adopt the scheme, which has already sparked widespread reports of enormous queues at European airports this summer in destinations such as Mallorca, Faro, the Canary Islands and Milan.

The scheme has faced fierce criticism from Ryanair and others. The European Union describes the Entry/Exit System (EES) as an automated IT system designed to register non-EU nationals travelling on short stays each time they cross the external borders of participating European countries.

Following years of postponements, the system was rolled out from October 2025, with full implementation originally anticipated by the following April. However, faced with the prospect of significant border queues due to software failures, officials granted countries a 150-day grace period during which they could drop the checks to avoid travel chaos.

That rule ended on September 6. The EU previously insisted there would be no extension.

Yet the Sunday Times reports that at least nine Schengen countries are understood to have told the European Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the EES, that they would not enforce the new controls in full until the technology and systems were working correctly.

They have informally been allowed to do so with no time limits apparently in place to adopt the system, it is being reported. One of the main purposes of the system is to track whether non-EU citizens have spent more than their permitted 90 days in the bloc in a rolling 180-day period.

Social media has been awash with debate about the scheme. One post on Reddit saw a traveller say: “They made a mess of it. Seems many basic things like it is hit and miss on the document scanning but also things like people walk up with hats and headphones and the machine doesn’t tell them to remove them, and organisational things like if the machine errors the traveller has to back out and has no where to go.

“The right way to do this would have been progressive: start by getting some people eg 5% going through the machine lane, everyone else through normal.

“The vendor observes problems, fixes them, once machine working well, increase to 10%, then 20% and so on.” Another person said: “The general lack of functionality of so many IT systems across the EU is kind of astonishing.”

A third added: “It’s worse than that. There isn’t even consistent protocol/IT support within a single EU airport.”

Another put it more simply, saying: “I just miss having stamps.”

‘People are missing their flights’

Nadia, from Greater Manchester, told the Guardian in August she had made two trips to Schengen areas this summer. A trip to Tenerife in June was “quite straightforward”, but her experience in July at Frankfurt airport where she was picking up a connecting flight home, was much less so.

“The queue there was ridiculously long, and there was very limited information,” she says. “People were wandering around trying to work out where they needed to go.

“I’m very well travelled and pretty confident, but even I was slightly unsure and was thinking, is there some other queue I should be joining? There was no one nearby to check with without losing your place.”

Eventually, her passport was checked. “He didn’t actually take fingerprints then,” says Nadia, who is a solicitor. “I think the queue was so long they decided to dispense with that.

“It’s the efficiency of the system I question and the fact that individual member states’ systems do not talk to one another. They shouldn’t need to get information again if you have already gone through. It’s pretty shambolic, and I think people missing their flights because of it is just not acceptable, especially when there’s no recourse; it’s not your fault.”

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has repeatedly complained about EES. Speaking earlier this year, he said: “There’s a bit of Brexit in this too. Here, you voted for Brexit – f***ing join the queue.”

FORMER glamour model Katie Price has shared a worrying health update about her mum, Amy, amid her terminal illness battle.

Amy Price was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) back in 2017 with the irreversible scarring of the lungs making it difficult for her to breathe.

During a Good Morning Britain interview in May, Katie, 48, told how her mum was “really not well.”

The admission came two months after Amy was hospitalised in March after being diagnosed with an infection.

Amy has been in and out of hospital, battling the cruel disease for years.

Now, Katie has shared a health update on her mum and it doesn’t sound positive as she’s made a return to the hospital.

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Speaking on her podcast The Katie Price Show, she said: “Mum is still in hospital. She’s very poorly.

“She’s very poorly at the minute, but she loves watching what we’re doing. She loves us at the NTAs, she loved it, seeing us all there.”

Amy appeared fit and fighting at the launch of her new documentary Katie Price: Nothing To Hide.

The glamorous 74-year-old made sure she was right by her daughter’s side for her big night.

She wore a beautiful white and blue floral dress and was seen posing up for snaps with a beaming Katie.

During a podcast episode with her sister, Sophie, back in July Katie revealed she was terrified her mum was going to die while they were filming her Sky show.

“There were so many times we thought we were gonna lose mum through the filming,” admitted Katie.

Sophie agreed saying at one point, she didn’t think Amy was “going to make it.”

Katie went on: “She just keeps battling through and I never thought she’d make the BAFTAs [in February], none of us did.”

In 2023, Amy underwent a major lifesaving lung transplant after being in critical condition in a coma.

Despite the transplant, Amy’s health has remained touch-and-go with Katie noting her struggles with mobility and breathlessness.

A man from London was determined to find his sister, following the death of their mother

A brother and sister have finally been reunited after they both applied to appear on the ITV show.

The latest episode of Long Lost Family, which aired on Thursday (September 10), followed Michael, 56, who was trying to find his older sister, whom he had never met. The retail worker from South East London was determined to fulfill his mother’s dying wish to track down his sister, who had been given up for adoption as a baby.

Mary had been in a Catholic mother and baby home when she took care of her daughter, Angela, for three months before she was placed for adoption. But Michael explained that his mother didn’t think she had a choice.

Their mother, Mary, died of cancer eight years ago at the age of 74, and she had asked Michael to find his sister, Angela, for her. “She said, could you please try and find Angela for me please?” Michael shared. Ever since then, he has been desperate to find her.

Two years ago, in an attempt to find his sister, Michael took a DNA test and got a match with a woman named Gemma. The DNA report suggested that she was his half-sister. He assumed that Gemma was Angela’s new adoptive name and messaged her, however, he never received a reply.

“It’s made me happy, but in another way, it’s made me sad because obviously she’s been looking. It makes me think, why is she not on here, she’s given up. I’m so close now,” he said.

Michael went on: “I’m so close. And it’s like just a brick wall is just there. But I want to knock this brick wall down, but it’s very difficult.” In a twist, the Long Lost Family team discovered that Gemma, who had been named Angela at birth, had also contacted the show in the past to find her biological family.

Gemma was told about her mother’s death off-screen before host Nicky Campbell informed her that she had a brother, and passed on an emotional message. “Your brother, Michael, wanted to tell you that she didn’t want to give you up for adoption. She thought about you every day. She always, always loved you, and she wanted to tell you that. She wanted to see you and tell you that”, Nicky told Gemma.

Later in the episode, Davina McCall informed Michael of the wonderful news that Gemma had been found. This left him feeling incredibly emotional to hear that his sister wanted to have contact with him.

Davina explained: “She has been looking for 30 years. She was really sad to hear that your mum had died, but she was so grateful that someone was looking for her. She applied for Long Lost Family, so it’s incredible.”

Michael couldn’t wait to meet her but wistfully said, “I just wish my mum was here. 30 years? Oh god, if only I had knew.” Gemma traveled from Manchester to London to meet her brother, and when they came face-to-face, they could not stop crying. “This has been the best day of my life. It’s like a dream come true, I finally met my sister,” Michael added.

Long Lost Family is available to stream on ITVX

BBC fans saw a new face join The Great British Sewing Bee as Sophie Willan became the host of the competition alongside judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young.

Great British Sewing Bee fans have been thrilled with the latest addition to the BBC show.

The competition is nearing its end, as BBC viewers will see one contestant crowned Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer, along with a golden mannequin trophy. After weeks of challenges, tasks, and plenty of tears, Anna, Emma, or Beth will win this year’s Great British Sewing Bee.

Ahead of the highly anticipated final, judge Patrick Young appeared on Morning Live to speak about what viewers can expect to see. However, the conversation soon turned to the latest host to front the show, comedian and actress Sophie Willan.

Highlighting that the show is kept ‘fresh’ by bringing in new presenters, the Morning Live star asked what it’s been like with Sophie as part of the cast. Patrick replied: “We’ve had some alright presenters over the years.

“Sophie is amazing. I was a massive Alma’s Not Normal fan. Quite often, we get told who is going to be coming on, and I had to pinch myself. I was like, ‘Oh my god, I loved Alma’s Not Normal’. She’s brilliant, she’s so fun.

“Esme loves her. She just helps create the most amazing atmosphere on set. We’ve been making the show for a long time. A lot of the crew and everybody behind the scenes are the same, but it’s lovely having somebody come in and give it a little zhuzh.”

Despite the show often shaking up who fronts the programme, Patrick confirmed Sophie’s future, and it’s good news for fans. He continued: “She’s amazing, we’re filming next year already, and I love going into work with her every day.”

Elsewhere in their conversation, he spoke about the upcoming final and the pressure he feels comes with it as a judge. He told the BBC presenters it’s mainly because he wants the contestants to excel.

Patrick commented: “We’ve seen it so many times when brilliant people have got to the final, and things just haven’t quite clicked for them. You do feel a certain amount of disappointment, but luckily, this year we didn’t have that.

“We got three brilliant people, and they all brought something really special to it. So actually there is a relief when it’s done, and you’re like, ‘They really have nailed this’.”

Sadly, BBC viewers bid farewell to Heather this week as the contestant narrowly missed out on a place in the final. Although she was teary-eyed over the exit, she was proud of all she achieved.

She commented, “All the stress and sleepless nights have been beyond worth it.” Meanwhile, Beth was awarded garment of the week for her little black dress.

During the show, Patrick told her, “We absolutely loved it. It was so elevated, such beautiful use of the fabrics, and such a lovely story of you know, personalising the LBD. Well done.”

Morning Live is available to watch weekdays on BBC One from 9:30am. The Great British Sewing Bee final airs Tuesday, September 15, on BBC One at 8pm .

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie has spoken out about his mum amid her dementia battle, revealing “every day is different”.

The actress went public with her condition last year after first being diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Since then, the Birds of a Feather star has stepped out of the spotlight.

And on Wednesday (September 9), her son Charlie appeared on ITV’s Lorraine, where he spoke about a new campaign he is a part of for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

He said: “Alzheimer’s Research UK has made this brand campaign, and it’s putting a positive light on something that doesn’t have a lot of positivity around it. We believe someone alive today could be the first person to be cured of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Charlie then issued a fresh update on his beloved mum. Lorraine asked him: “When I was telling everyone you were in this morning, and you know the affection for your mum is huge, they just all want to know how she is?”

Charlie replied: “Mum, she’s great. Every day is different, it’s part of our journey. We still do as much as we can, we still go out for lunch, I made her sit through the West Ham win last night.”

Charlie added, “We’ve got such a close family unit that it makes it easier on our journey. But touch wood, she’s happy.”

Lorraine said: “That’s the main thing, that she’s happy and she’s safe and she feels surrounded by people that love her.”

Former Emmerdale actress Pauline’s dementia diagnosis became public knowledge last year, though her son Charlie Quirke disclosed in November that Pauline could still identify her relatives.

He revealed to BBC Breakfast at the time: “My mum knows exactly who we are. Every time she sees all of us, she smiles, laughs, says ‘I love you’, says ‘hello’.”

Pauline’s spouse, Steve, admitted they remain uncertain about precisely where the actress stands regarding the dementia, a condition that leads to deteriorating cognitive and memory abilities.

He explained: “Unfortunately, we are not in the state where we can do much about it. Just take every day, and try to take the best moment out of that day you can.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.

An adaptation for Graham Norton’s best-selling novel has just been given a major update

Channel 5 viewers have said they “can’t wait” as the release date for an exciting new series has been announced.

Graham Norton’s best-selling novel, Forever Home, is set to be released as a six-part drama, and is due to air in just days. It was earlier revealed that the cast includes Amy Nuttall, Douglas Henshall, Denise Welch, Kevin Whately, Samantha Bond, Lewis Cope, Jenny Walser, Shane Zaza and James Baxter.

Channel 5 has now teased: “Would you still want the house if you knew what it was hiding?” The broadcaster also confirmed that the series would begin airing from Monday, September 14.

“I’m really excited to watch! Looks so good! Proud of you always Lewis,” one fan said. Another commented: “Not long to go!! I can’t wait to watch.”

A third echoed: “Looking forward to this,” as another said: “Can’t wait.” Yet another wrote: “Ohh this looks good.”

Someone else said: “Cannot wait to see this, I’ve almost finished the book, what a fab writer Graham Norton is….” Another fan echoed: “Read the book hopefully it be as good.”

The synopsis had previously revealed: “The six-part series follows the story of a second wife dealing with the memories of the woman who went before her. When Carol discovers a long-dead body hidden in the basement of her home, the horrific realisation is undeniable – she’s living with a killer.

“The story that her husband’s first wife ran away never to be seen again now looks like a lie, and the fact he’s insisted on never selling the house suddenly makes sense. But one dark family secret is soon to be replaced by another…”

After the series was commissioned, chatshow host and author Graham shared: “In writing Forever Home, I was initially inspired by the simple idea of packing up a home later in life, and the ‘what if’ scenarios and complexities that come with later-life relationships. The novel soon evolved into a funny, twisted, ‘dark-romp’ full of farcical scenes and it’s wonderful to see the depth and richness of Carol’s story realised as a screenplay.”

Commissioning editor Paul Testar also commented: “We’re delighted to partner with FilmNation and The Mediapro Studio to bring Graham Norton’s compelling novel to UK screens, supported by an outstanding cast. Working with North East Screen again to champion local filming has been a pleasure, and we can’t wait for viewers to immerse themselves in Forever Home.”

Creative director of FilmNation TV UK, Kirstie Macdonald, added: “From the moment I read the always-hilarious Graham Norton’s brilliant novel, I knew I wanted to bring Forever Home to the screen. It’s a story full of twists and turns, secrets, and emotional depth that we can’t wait to bring to life for 5 audiences. We’re proud to collaborate with Clara Salaman, 5, and our partners at The Mediapro Studio on this thrilling adaptation and are grateful for the support of North East Screen.”

Forever Home airs premieres 5 on Monday, September 14 from 9pm.

The hit Channel 4 true crime documentary series recently returned with a brand new special, but fans are still waiting for the second half to air.

Channel 4 has issued a fresh update on its beloved true crime series 24 Hours in Police Custody.

The long-running documentary series has amassed a devoted fanbase since its premiere back in 2014. It offers an unflinching look at police work in the UK and the lengths teams go to in order to bring criminals to justice.

After a months-long wait for new episodes, fans were finally informed they had a new two-part special to look forward to. That was The Ambush, which aired its first half just last week on Sunday night (August 30).

Many fans were left confused when the second part didn’t air the following evening on the Bank Holiday Monday, as a number of fans had expected the double bill to unfold over two nights. They were sadly mistaken, as the second part had always been scheduled to air exactly one week after part one, meaning it will be shown on Sunday, September 6.

Channel 4 has now directly addressed the legion of baffled fans with a cheeky post on its dedicated documentaries Facebook page. The broadcaster posted a series of screenshots of the flurry of remarks regarding the special episodes, including fans asking “Can’t find part two?” and “When is part two?”

The post was captioned: “POV you’re the Social Media Manager reading the comments on the new 24 Hours in Police Custody,” before clarifying exactly when fans can see the new episode. It added: “Watch part two of ‘The Ambush’ this Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4.”

Reacting to the post, many fans admitted they had been left confused and preferred watching both back-to-back. “I wish you’d air the episodes over two nights rather than have to wait a week,” one fan said accompanied by a crying emoji.

Another fumed: “Next time I’ll binge both on the day the second is released. I hate that wait!” Meanwhile a third series fan added: “I’d prefer not to wait a whole week. Had I known in advance I would have waited and watched them both at the same time. Still looking forward to it though.”

Yet another posted: “I’m waiting till Sunday to watch both and ignoring the spoilers,” as one vented: “Please listen to the feedback and NEVER again make us wait a week for part two!!! Consecutive days is long enough.”

24 Hours in Police Custody: The Ambush returns to Channel 4 on Sunday, September 6 at 9pm.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for British passport holders entering Ireland and the ID that is required

The Foreign Office has issued an important travel update for Brits planning to visit Ireland.

On Friday, 4 September, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its information on the ID requirements for British passport holders when travelling from the UK to Ireland. On the Foreign Office’s entry requirements page for Ireland, it advised Brits that while they don’t need a passport to enter Ireland, it might be best to carry one.

Outlining the requirement for passports and ID, the FCDO said: “British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland, but it may be useful to carry in case you need to prove your identity. British and Irish citizens can continue to travel freely between the UK and Ireland under the Common Travel Area.

“Some airlines and ferry operators have introduced, or will be introducing, a passport-only identification requirement. Check your carrier’s requirements before departure and, where necessary, travel with a valid passport. Check the Ireland Citizens Information Board for guidance on acceptable ID. Irish immigration officers are entitled to ask for proof of British nationality in the course of their work.”

The FCDO also confirmed that British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Ireland. They stated: “You can visit and remain indefinitely in Ireland under the Common Travel Area rules. British nationals do not need a visa or residency permit to live, work or study in Ireland. Although Ireland is in the EU, it is not part of the Schengen area, and Schengen rules do not apply.

“As Ireland is not in the Schengen area it is therefore not affected by the new Entry/Exit System (EES) that will be introduced in Schengen countries from 12 October 2025. You will not need to register for EES when entering Ireland. Read more information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area.”

It comes after it was confirmed that anyone travelling by ferry between the UK and Ireland will be required to show a passport before boarding. As it stands, those catching a ferry to and from the Irish ports of Dublin and Rosslare can use photo IDs rather than passports, but from September 28, passports will be required.

In the update, Irish Ferries confirmed: “From 28 September 2026, all passengers travelling on Irish Ferries services between the Republic of Ireland and Britain must present a valid passport or Irish passport card before boarding. The new passport requirement applies to Irish Ferries’ Dublin–Holyhead and Rosslare–Pembroke routes, in both directions.

“This requirement applies to all passengers, including Irish and UK citizens. From 28 September 2026, driving licences, national identity cards and other forms of photographic identification will no longer be accepted for travel on these routes.

“Irish Ferries is introducing this requirement to comply with UK Border Force requirements on the accuracy and integrity of passenger data before boarding.”

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