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ITV soap Emmerdale has announced yet another fresh face to the village – with actor Joe Absolom set to be joining the cast this summer in a dark upcoming storyline

 Joe Absolom will be joining the cast of Emmerdale(Image: ITV)

There’s another fresh face expected in Emmerdale this year. The ITV soap has just announced that acclaimed actor, Joe Absolom, will be joining the cast this summer, playing Ray, an old contact of Mackenzies.

TV fans will recognise Joe from his wealth of television, theatre and film credits, including Doc Martin, The Bay and most recently playing the role of Braden Moore in Code of Silence.

Soap fans will also recognise the star from his role Matthew Rose in BBC soap EastEnders from 1997 to 2000.

Speaking on his upcoming role in the soap, Joe said: “Well what an honour to join such a talented team at Emmerdale! It’s an iconic show and I’m grateful to be part of it. I can’t wait to see what’s in stock for Ray!”

Joe Absolom will join Emmerdale as Ray(Image: ITV)

As for his upcoming storyline, the soap have revealed that the character, like many others, will have a dark side. Ray will arrive at the farm claiming to be selling farm machinery but it won’t be long before his true drug dealing ways become clear.

Despite Ray’s calm and collected exterior, it’s clear a menacing streak hides just below the surface.

The cast and crew are thrilled to have John on board, as Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw said: “We are thrilled to welcome Joe Absolom to the cast. It’s fantastic to have such a high calibre and immensely talented actor join our wonderful team to play the role of Ray.

The news comes after Ryan Hawley made his shock return to the soap

“Charming, charismatic and effortlessly likeable, Ray is an extremely complex character who very quickly shows his dark and villainous side to some of our most loved villagers, leaving them in no doubt as to what he’s capable of”.

Earlier this year, the soap welcomed Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches as Lewis Barton.

It was announced in March that Bradley, 23, known for his role on Netflix’s Heartstopper, had joined the cast of the long-running soap opera, and has now become Emmerdale’s first openly neurodivergent character.

As well as new faces, the soap has also introduced one very familiar face back to the village. This week, fans were left in shock when Ryan Hawley reprised his role as Robert Sudgden, crashing his ex husband Aaron Dingle’s wedding.

In an interview with Lorraine, the star teased his character was back to “win Aaron back and bring down John Sugden.”

Coronation Street fans may want to get the tissues next week, as the soap are set to air the final goodbye for PC Craig Tinker – but one resident fails to attend

There’s emotional scenes in Coronation Street this week as residents gather for Craig Tinker’s funeral (Image: ITV 

It’s set to be an emotional week in Coronation Street next week as Craig Tinker gets the send off he deserves after being brutally killed. However, things are thrown into chaos when one resident fails to show up.

We’ll also see Betsy sneakily visit someone in prison, and a shock arrest for another unlikely resident.

The funeral day starts off in panic when Sarah’s concerned to discover that Kit’s already left for the day. Lisa is then forced to step in and make a heartfelt speech at the funeral after he’s still no where to be seen. But where is Kit?

Kit finds Brody injured in an alley

It’s also a tough week for Lisa – as Carla confides in Betsy that she’s worried for her partner. However, Betsy only adds to the worry as Lisa soon catches her daughter snooping through some of her old files.

If the emotions of the weeks on goings weren’t enough for Lisa, she’s set for another shock when she learns her daughter has lied about her whereabouts.

Unbeknownst to Lisa, Betsy shows best friend Lauren a picture on her phone of the letter she found containing information on her mum, Becky, and is intent on getting answers.

Lisa finds Betsy snooping through her files

She then seeks support from Lauren, who accompanies her to the prison visiting room where she prepares to meet Logan, the villainous brother of Mason and Matty Radcliffe. Betsy tells him she’s here to find out what really happened to Becky. But will Logan’s return come with the answers she needs?

However, it’s not long before Steve lets slip to Lisa and Carla that Betsy has lied about her whereabouts and in fact ordered a cab to Highfield Prison. How will Lisa and Carla react?

Betsy’s not the only one in trouble – as Maria’s shock altercation leaves her in trouble with the police.

During the Platts barbeque, Maria demands Lou empties her pockets after assuming she’s stolen money from Shona. But are Maria’s accusations correct?

Maria is arrested on suspicion of ABH(Image: ITV )

The drama later escalates when Lou is found on the living room floor with a broken coffee table – with Maria standing over her.

The police quickly arrive and tell Maria they’re arresting her on suspicion of ABH. But did she do it?

Elsewhere, there could be more upset for Todd after saying goodbye to his mother Eileen last week. He’s left gutted when Theo cancels their date – could their relationship be on the rocks?

Brian Wilson in 2015

Bruce Springsteen has paid a heartfelt tribute to late “maestro” Brian Wilson.

On Wednesday, family members announced that the co-founder of the Beach Boys had died at the age of 82.

A cause of death wasn’t announced, though Brian had been diagnosed with dementia in February 2024.

Following the sad news, Bruce took to Instagram on Thursday to issue an emotional statement.

“Brian Wilson was the most musically inventive voice in all of pop, with an otherworldly ear for harmony. He was also the visionary leader of America’s greatest band, The Beach Boys. If there’d been no Beach Boys, there would have been no Racing In The Street,” he wrote, referring to his 1978 track. “Listen to Summer’s Gone from The Beach Boys’ last album That’s Why God Made The Radio and weep.”

To conclude, Bruce declared he had “nothing but love and a lovely lasting debt” to the Good Vibrations hitmaker.

“Farewell, Maestro,” he stated.

In addition, Dolly Parton shared her own message in honour of Brian via Instagram Stories.

“I never was a beach babe, but I loved his music like everybody else. I thought Brian Wilson was a genius, and I still think it,” the country music icon commented.

Meanwhile, Beach Boys co-founder Al Jardine remembered Brian as his “brother in spirit”.

“You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever. Brian, I’ll really miss you… still I have the warmth of the sun,” he praised.

And in a lengthy statement, Beach Boys vocalist Mike Love described his “beloved cousin” as a “genius”.

“From the first time we sang together as kids in my living room, I knew there was something otherworldly in him. His musical gifts were unmatched. The melodies he dreamed up, the emotions he poured into every note – Brian changed the course of music forever,” the singer added.

In a whirlwind statement in Derby yesterday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves launched her much-anticipated Spending Review, pledging to “renew Britain” through colossal investment in the NHS, defense, affordable housing, and green infrastructure. Clocking in at £113 billion in capital investment and an extra £190 billion over day-to-day public services, it is billed as a break from austerity—but critics are already blasting it as a thinly-veiled “spend now, tax later” gamble thetimes.co.uk+15ft.com+15thesun.co.uk+15.

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🏥 NHS: Health on the Frontline

Reeves declared the NHS is getting a massive windfall, with £29 billion annual boost and a 50% increase in digital healthcare funding, enhanced scanners, ambulances, and support systems for doctors, nurses, and emergency services . Dubbed a transformative upgrade, it potentially converts the UK into a quasi-“National Health State,” with NHS and social care eating up nearly half of departmental budgets by 2029 theguardian.com+1ft.com+1.

Yet while the applause rolls in, analysts warn this health-heavy focus leaves education, local government, and social care underfunded. Ruthless cost-cutting may loom in less visible but essential sectors labourhub.org.uk+9ft.com+9theguardian.com+9.

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🛡️ Defence & Security: An Ironclad Promise

Stored under pandemic-era fiscal rules, Reeves dedicated 2.6% of GDP by 2027 to defense, including £280 million annually for border security and a boost for defence procurement and nuclear deterrents reuters.com+4thetimes.co.uk+4thetimes.co.uk+4. The move seeks to reassure allies amid global uncertainty, but it epicenters private sector gains—raising eyebrows among critics who say high-cost contractors, not everyday citizens, will benefit most .

🏠 Housing: Hope or Hype?

The centerpiece is a £39 billion commitment to social and affordable housing over 10 years—the biggest such commitment in half a century, said Reeves ft.com+6apnews.com+6ifamagazine.com+6. But on closer inspection, short-term funding remains modest. Initial annual allocations average around £3 billion—barely above pre-existing levels—and ramp up only after 2029, casting doubt on immediate impact theguardian.com+4ft.com+4theguardian.com+4. Critics argue this is more flash than substance, with supply-side moves unlikely to significantly slash prices .

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🚆 Infrastructure & Green Power

Reeves’s ambitious agenda includes £113 billion in capital investments: covering public transport upgrades, nuclear energy projects (notably Sizewell C), local connectivity schemes, and clean tech theguardian.com+5costar.com+5thesun.co.uk+5. Market analysts give a thumbs-up to the potential lift for property and local economies, though some warn the promised “industrial boom” may be too centre-heavy—ignoring underfunded local services .

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📉 Growth and the Debt Dilemma

Reeves did her best to sidestep alarm over economic malaise: April showed 0.3% GDP contraction, yet Q1 grew by 0.7%, making the UK the fastest-growing among G7 nations—though economists caution this growth may trail off later in 2025 .

Still, any economic slowdown could undercut Reeves’s fiscal plan. Borrowing is projected to hit £140 billion over the review period, prompting critics to predict inevitable tax hikes by autumn to maintain current-budget balancing rules thetimes.co.uk+11ft.com+11thesun.co.uk+11. The IFS warns that a “fiscal edge” leaves little room for error thetimes.co.uk+1thetimes.co.uk+1.

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💬 Voices from the Side

Industry reaction: Real estate firms like Avison Young hail the infrastructure boost as “good news for long-term growth” costar.com.

Polly Toynbee (The Guardian): A welcome “build build build” budget, yet lacking in vision for social justice—tone too repair-focused theguardian.com.

Critics (e.g., Kirsty Major): Call the housing pledge misguided, arguing it misreads the crisis as supply-driven theguardian.com.

Jonathan Portes (former economist): Tax rises are “very likely” by autumn given borrowing forecasts independent.co.uk+1thetimes.co.uk+1.

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🧩 What Comes Next?

Autumn Economic Forecasting: Official economic forecasts will shape whether planned spending holds firm—or demands tax adjustments.

Council Tax Limits: Local authorities are expected to raise COUNCIL TAX by up to 5% annually, shifting burden locally independent.co.uk+2thetimes.co.uk+2thetimes.co.uk+2.

Service Delivery Watch: Real test lies in actual delivery—NHS wait times, housing rollouts, public transport improvements.

Next Budget Moves: The looming Autumn Budget might include unpopular measures to plug fiscal gaps—VAT, inheritance tax, benefits, or fuel duty.

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🧠 Final Verdict: Bold Renewal, But at What Cost?

Reeves’s Spending Review is undeniably sweeping: bold muscled investments in health, housing, and strategic infrastructure paired with a hard fiscal guardrail. It marks a clear departure from austerity, reflecting ambitious political intent theguardian.com+1costar.com+1thetimes.co.uk+12theguardian.com+12theguardian.com+12.

Yet underneath the headlines lies a razor’s edge: high borrowing, fragile growth, deferred housing investment, and under-resourced local services. If forecasted revenues don’t materialize, the Chancellor may have to confront the inevitable—or leave the bill to the public.

This is a make-or-break moment for Reeves—and for the faith in “renewal.” Can promised change reach living rooms, hospitals, and high streets—or collapse under economic realities?

Above: CCTV still captures the moment Genevieve Chenna bravely confronts the thief

In a terrifying yet awe-inspiring moment captured on CCTV, Bridgerton actress Genevieve “Gen” Chenna fought back against a phone thief in a bustling London coffee shop — a bold act that’s now making headlines across the UK and beyond.

The incident, which unfolded in a matter of seconds, highlights the growing epidemic of mobile phone theft in the UK. But it’s Chenna’s instinctive reaction and bravery that have sparked national debate about what to do when faced with street crime — fight back or give in?

Caught on Camera: The Moment of Truth

At exactly 2:02 PM on a quiet Thursday afternoon, CCTV footage shows Chenna sitting casually at a café, scrolling on her phone. Suddenly, a man approaches from behind, snatches the phone, and turns to flee.

But in a split-second response, Chenna leaps from her seat, lunges forward, and grabs hold of the suspect, dragging him down to the ground in a flurry of limbs, adrenaline, and pure instinct.

“I didn’t even think,” Chenna later told This Morning. “It was all muscle memory. I saw him run, and something in me just snapped into action.”

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Five Minutes of Chaos: A Real-Life Action Scene

Though the CCTV clip only shows the initial encounter, the struggle was far from over. Witnesses say the ordeal lasted over five minutes, spilling out of the shop and around a street corner.

“He wasn’t alone,” Chenna revealed. “Another person was with him. At one point, I was told I’d be stabbed. I had to fight like it was life or death.”

As the fight escalated, Chenna used her leg to kick back, creating space in case the suspect drew a weapon. “I just kept thinking, ‘He could have a knife, a syringe… anything.’”

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Trained to React: Actress and Fighter

While most victims freeze in such moments, Chenna’s response can partly be explained by her background. Growing up with three brothers, she developed quick reflexes — and her acting work includes fight choreography and ABA boxing training.

“Still, I wouldn’t recommend others do what I did,” she cautioned. “It was instinct — not strategy.”

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Repeat Offender with a Machete Past

Above: Prior footage of the same suspect brandishing a machete during a 2023 robbery of singer Aled Jones

In a chilling twist, the same suspect had reportedly attacked Welsh singer Aled Jones in 2023 — that time, brandishing a machete. “Seeing that photo after the fact was horrifying,” said Chenna. “He didn’t look dangerous. That was the scariest part.”

The attacker was previously placed in a youth detention center but was back on the streets — raising questions about the justice system’s handling of repeat offenders.

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The Hidden Aftermath: PTSD, Anxiety, and Isolation

Despite her victory, the emotional toll of the experience has been immense. “I couldn’t go outside,” Chenna admitted. “I’d stand in a queue, and my hands would shake. I was constantly looking over my shoulder.”

What’s more, she realized how many people — especially women — live in a constant state of alertness. “We already have to be cautious. This just amplified it.”

Former Chief Superintendent Parm Sandhu, also appearing on This Morning, praised Chenna’s courage but warned against fighting back.

“You’re worth more than your phone,” Sandhu said. “You don’t know what the attacker is carrying. It could be a knife, acid, or worse. And many thieves operate in pairs — if one gets in trouble, the other will step in.”

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Phone Theft Epidemic: A National Crisis

The statistics are staggering:

Over 100,000 phones stolen in the UK last year alone

78,000 thefts in London, making it the UK’s hotspot

A 150% rise in mobile thefts in just the past 12 months

Almost 1 in 3 Brits has had a phone stolen. And this isn’t just about losing a device — it’s about access to personal data, banking apps, and even identities.

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What You Can Do: Expert Advice

Chief Superintendent Sandhu offered several key tips to protect yourself:

Be aware of your surroundings, especially when using your phone in public.

Use phone cases with wrist straps to deter snatchers.

Avoid texting while walking, especially in urban areas.

Activate Find My Phone features and know your IMEI number (found under Settings > General > About).

If stolen, immediately contact your provider, your bank, and the police.

Always report theft, even if you think nothing can be done. This helps police map high-crime areas and allocate resources.

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Life After the Fight

Above: Chenna now taking a break from London, reflecting on her experience

Since the attack, Chenna has stepped back from London’s fast-paced acting life. “It shook my confidence to the core,” she shared. “But I’m healing — taking time to reset.”

Her story has already inspired thousands, and she’s been flooded w

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Fi

Chenna’s story sits at the crossroads of heroi — a symbod.

Still, in a time when people often record rather than react, Ge —

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If you’ve been affected by mobile theft or need advice, contact your local police or visit ww f

🔒 Stay safe. Stay alert. And remember — you are

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Images are for illustrative purposes only. All rights reserved to original sources.
© 2025 UK Times Digital. All content is editorial and based on publicly aired interviews and footage.

The Prince and Princess of Wales had a tough 2024

Prince William and Kate Middleton are “under pressure” to up their workload in 2025, according to reports.

Palace staff are reportedly getting increasingly frustrated at how little William and Kate are allegedly working at the moment.
Do Prince William and Kate Middleton need to work more? (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Prince William and Kate Middleton risk angering staff over ‘aversion to work’

Last year saw the Waleses take a brief step back from royal duties following Kate’s cancer diagnosis.

However, even before the Princess of Wales’ diagnosis, there were reportedly suggestions that she had been labelled as a “part-time royal” by palace staff. Royal commentator Camilla Tominey has made these claims in The Telegraph.

They may be spending too much time with their immediate family instead of supporting the Firm.

Courtiers also reportedly noted that William has found time to indulge in his own personal passions when travelling to Germany for the Euros and South Africa for his Earthshot prize.

Kate has returned to royal duties since her diagnosis. However, she is reportedly “determined” to be a hands-on mother to George, Charlotte, and Louis.
Kate’s number of engagements dropped in 2024 following her diagnosis (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Staff want William and Kate ‘to work more’

According to Tominey, William and Kate are “under growing pressure to increase their workload”.

It comes amid “concerns they may be spending too much time with their immediate family instead of supporting the Firm,” according to Tominey.

Last year reportedly saw Kate make 11 royal engagements over the course of the year. Of course, the small number was down to her cancer diagnosis and treatment. In 2023, which is a much fairer example, she did 128 royal engagements.

Prince William, meanwhile, did 71. This was down from the 172 he did in 2023. But, of course, there were mitigating circumstances last year.

In comparison, Princess Anne, regarded as the hardest-working royal, did 217 engagements last year.

Charles, meanwhile, did 186 despite his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Royal Insider has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
Kate could be in for a quiet month, according to an astrologer (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Princess of Wales prediction for June

Speaking last month, astrology expert Inbaal Honigman, speaking on behalf of Fruity King, predicted that Kate would go “missing from public view” in June.

“The 5 of Pentacles card suggests that Catherine is missing from public view for a few weeks,” she said.

“This doesn’t appear planned and there seems to be no statement made. But the princess is just resting following a busy period that includes travel and excitement. This is a well earned, quiet break,” she added.

William, meanwhile, could be in for a busy month, according to Inbaal.

“The Queen of Wands card predicts an interesting work partnership, seeing William team up with a lady known for her charity endeavours, and also for her glamorous approach to life,” she said.

“They create a conservation effort near the southern part of Africa to benefit both the local population and the natural wildlife.”

It has been a busy month for William so far. Last week, he visited the Army Air Corps (AAC) in Suffolk for the first time in his capacity as the regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief.

He also made an appearance at the Royal Cornwall Show on Friday (June 6), alongside his aunt Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.

 

What do you think of this story? Let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page. We want to hear your thoughts!

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It’s the third time the DIY SOS host has said ‘I do’

Nick Knowles and Katie Dadzie have shared more pictures of their stunning wedding, which took place over the weekend.

DIY SOS host Nick, 62, wed lingerie boss Katie, 34, at the luxurious Braxted Park Estate in Essex on Saturday (June 7).

It’s thought the ceremony – which is the third time Nick has married – cost a six-figure sum. Now, as they settle into life as husband wife, more pictures of their big day have been shared.

The pair said their vows under a flower arch (Credit: Instagram)

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Nick Knowles and Katie Dadzie’s wedding

Nick Knowles wore a dapper pale pink tuxedo with black lapels, as well as matching black trousers and a black bow tie to wed Katie.

The wedding looked to be a black tie event, with Nick’s pals and groomsmen all kitted out in black tuxeudos. Katie’s bridesmaids, meanwhile, also wore black dresses and carried pink bouquets that matched perfectly with Nick’s jacket.

The event appeared to be a black tie affair (Credit: Instagram)
Katie, meanwhile, dazzled in not one but two dresses. She married Nick in a full-length white gown with a sweetheart neckline. The unusual dress was emblazoned with blue flowers. They said their vows inside the country estate underneath an arch of stunning flowers.

Wedding breakfast details

One of Nick and Katie’s guests also shared details of the wedding breakfast part of the day. Guests were welcomed ahead of the meal by a sign that showed who wears the trousers in Nick and Katie’s relationship.

In big lettering, the sign said: “Welcome to Katie’s wedding.” Underneath, in smaller lettering, it added: “Featuring TV’s Nick Knowles.” Their guests were then told: “We’ll eat, drink and dance the night away – enjoy!”

Guests were offered four mains – ox cheek, chicken, lamb kofta or aubergine parmigiana. Sides included rosemary roasted potatoes, green beans, tabbouleh and flatbreads. And, as they welcomed the newlyweds into their wedding breakfast, guests celebrated by waving blue and white napkins – which matched Katie’s dress – in the air.

Later, the also had the chance to tuck into a slice of the couple’s three-tier wedding cake.

The bridesmaids also wore black (Credit: Instagram)

Party time!

In the evening, Katie was clearly in the mood for dancing as she slipped into a white mini dress. She teamed it with trainers and a bejeweled hat with the word bride on the front.

Nick also kicked off his shoes, changing from his smart black ones into trainers – but not before he’d taken Katie for a Strictly-style spin around the dance floor for their first dance.

Nick showed off some of the moves he learnt on Strictly for his first dance (Credit: Instagram)
The pair could be seen dancing to a live band, with Nick tipping Katie backwards before going in for a kiss. He also picked his stunning bride up at the end of the routine.

The party looked raucous, with the bride and groom dancing the night away and downing shots. There was also a photobooth, with Katie jumping in for a series of snaps, the DIY SOS host dressing up in a sombrero.

Katie changed into a mini dress for her evening do (Credit: Instagram)

Celebrity guests

Although it was reported that Nick invited his pals from Strictly Come Dancing, there doesn’t appear to have been any in attendance.

One of his DIY SOS pals was in the pictures, though. Nick’s long-time pal Billy Byrne was seen enjoying the festivities in the gardens of the venue. And was later seen posing with Nick and another celeb guest – Popstars judge Nicki Chapman.

DIY SOS favourite Billy Byrne and TV presenter Nicki Chapman attended the wedding (Credit: Instagram)

Relationship timeline

The happy couple met in 2021, after his youngest son Eddie befriended Katie’s daughters at a play centre. There’s a 27-year age gap between them.

He then popped the question in 2023.

This will be the third time DIY SOS star Nick has been married. He and first wife Gillian, who share children Tuesday and Charlie, divorced in 2000.

He then married Eddie’s mum Jessica Moor in 2012, but they split in 2016. Nick is also dad to son TJ from his relationship with dancer Paula Beckett.

‘As soon as my mum died, he stopped talking to me,’ she said

Former This Morning host Fern Britton has claimed that her ex-husband, Phil Vickery, stopped communicating with her following the tragic death of her beloved mum.

The couple tied the knot in the spring of 2000 and remained married for 20 years. In January 2020, they announced they had split. However, according to Fern, it appears things were going south for a while before the official announcement…

After 20 years of marriage, Fern and Phil split in 2020 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Why did Fern Britton and Phil Vickery split up?

“After more than 20 happy years together, Phil and I have decided to go our separate ways,” Fern shared in a statement.

“We will always share a great friendship and our lovely children. We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected at this time. Thank you for your continued kindness and support.”

Fern has three children from her previous marriage to television executive Clive Jones – twins Harry and Jack and daughter Grace. Phil Vickery acted as a stepfather to them. She also shares daughter Winnie, 23, with Phil.

During a 2020 appearance on Good Morning Britain, Fern said that when both her parents died, her marriage “fell apart”. And, while talking to Woman & Home magazine, Fern insisted they both “needed to follow our own paths”.

However, now she’s revealed more particularly heartbreaking details.

Fern Britton says husband Phil Vickery ‘stopped talking’ to her when her mum died

In a new interview Yours magazine, Fern explained that she and Phil are no longer on speaking terms, and haven’t been for years.

“He hasn’t spoken to me for six years now. As soon as my mum died, he stopped talking to me,” the former Celebrity Big Brother star said. Fern’s mum, Ruth, died in 2018, two years before they announced their divorce.

Fern admitted their daughter, Winnie, “adores” her dad Phil and added: “So I’m not going to bad-mouth him in front of her; at least, I try very hard not to. I was the child of divorced parents and my mum never bad-mouthed my father,” she said.

As Fern continues to promote her new novel, A Cornish Legacy, the TV star insisted she is not looking for sympathy from the public.

“Like many people, I’ve been through divorce so I have an understanding of it. And that made it easier to write about in the new book,” she continued.

ED! has contacted Phil’s reps for comment.

Fern doesn’t want to get married again (Credit: ITV)

‘I don’t want to ever marry again’

While speaking to Woman & Home last year, Fern confessed she’s not interested in exchanging vows again.

“I don’t want to ever marry again. I don’t ever want to live with anyone again. It’s enough to look after myself and I’ve done enough looking after other people,” she declared.

“I haven’t dated anyone properly for 25 years. It’s been a long time!”

 

The queen and Philip had a beautiful love story

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had a quick-witted response to her husband, Prince Philip, after he allegedly branded her a “silly woman”.

Today (June 10) would have seen Philip turn 104 years old. He died in April 2021 at the age of 99, two months shy of his 100th.
The queen and Philip were married for 74 years (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Queen Elizabeth’s ‘clapback’ at husband Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip enjoyed a long romance.

After tying the knot in 1947, they shared a 74-year-long marriage before Philip’s death in 2021.

However, despite their strong bond, they were no strangers to the occasional bicker!

One notable argument reportedly happened during the pandemic, when they were both isolating in Windsor Castle.

Speaking to the Daily Mail once, a member of palace staff claimed he’d overheard the couple arguing, before Elizabeth allegedly shut her husband down.

I couldn’t believe my ears, but I was told this was how they always were with one another.

“They bickered with one another,” the unnamed source claimed.

“It was sweet but so unexpected. On one occasion, I heard the duke say, ‘Oh, do shut up, you silly woman,’ and the queen replied, ‘I am not a silly woman, I am the Queen,’” they added.

“I couldn’t believe my ears, but I was told this was how they always were with one another.”

Royal Insider has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.

The royal couple tied the knot in 1947 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

The queen and Philip’s ‘tiffs’

The queen’s own private secretary, Lord Charteris, once confirmed that the monarch had a tendency to shut her husband down.

“It is not unknown for the queen to tell the duke to shut up,” he once revealed.

In 1997, during their golden wedding anniversary, Philip revealed the secret behind their long and happy marriage.

“I think the main lesson we have learnt is that tolerance is the one essential ingredient in any happy marriage,” he said during a toast.

“It may not be quite so important when things are going well, but it is absolutely vital when the going gets difficult. You can take it from me, the queen has the quality of tolerance in abundance.”
Philip died in 2021, at the age of 99 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Queen’s touching tribute to Philip after his death

In April 2021, Prince Philip’s death was announced. Tributes poured in from around the world; however, none were as heartbreaking as the queen’s.

During her Christmas broadcast that year, the queen paid tribute to her late husband.

“Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year especially, I understand why,” she said at the time.

She then went on to say that she felt the spirit of her “beloved” and “irrepressible” husband over the festive period.

“That mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him,” she said.

“But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings. And as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas,” she added, remembering his “capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation”.

When the queen died in September 2022, she was laid to rest next to her husband at Windsor Castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel in the Royal Vault.

Read more: Prince William’s gushing words over grandfather Prince Philip’s military sacrifice for Queen Elizabeth II

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Trigger Point series 3 is coming in 2025, with another terrifying bomb threat for Lana Washington and her team to diffuse – here’s everything you need to know, including plot, start date, and number of episodes.

Every since the drama first landed in 2022 with the first series, fans have jumped fully onboard the Trigger Point train. In fact, series 2 became the most watched ITV1 drama of 2024 – with Mr Bates vs The Post Office unsurprisingly taking the number one slot.

So it’s no surprise that ITV recommissioned the explosive thriller. So what’s Trigger Point series 3 about, when does it start, and how can you watch it? Here’s your guide to the upcoming episodes…

Vicky McClure as Lana Washington in Trigger Point, which is coming back for a series 3 [Credit: ITV]

Is there a Trigger Point series 3?

Great news for Trigger Point fans, as the ITV thriller will be returning for a series 3 in 2025.

In February 2025, the channel confirmed that filming had commenced on the third series of the drama. This wasn’t much of a surprise, though, considering the popularity of series 1 and 2.

Series two which aired in February 2024 – two years after the first – averaged a whopping 8.1m viewers and was streamed 30m times on ITVX.

Series 3 will once again follow Vicky McClure’s Expo Lana Washington in the series produced by Jed Mercurios’ HTM Television.

What’s the plot?

Like the previous two seasons, Trigger Point series 3 follows a team of bomb disposal officers, known as Expo’s. They dedicate their lives to keeping the capital safe from explosive devices and terrorist threats. Those who are up to date with the drama will know that some have already lost their lives in the call of duty. RIP Joel Nutkins (Adrian Lester), a fellow bomb disposal expert who worked alongside Lana Washington very briefly in series 1.

The third series sees Lana Washington and her team investigate a bomb threat that soon reveals itself to be the start of a sinister vendetta… A synopsis tells us: “Someone is targeting individuals and demanding revenge. Working alongside the Police Counterterrorism Unit, the Bomb Disposal Squad race against time to find the bomber before they claim their next victim.”

Expect very tense scenes as Lana and her team try to diffuse explosive devices with just seconds to spare – and lives hanging in balance. Well, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?!

Eric Shango plays Danny, a key part of the bomb disposal unit [Credit: ITV]

How many episodes is it?

Like series 1 and 2, the upcoming series of Trigger Point will be six episodes of an hour each, including ads (which kind of spoil the tension).

ITV has not yet announced if the series will drop as a boxset, or if viewers will have to wait every week to watch.

Who’s in the cast of Trigger Point series 3?

Actress Vicky McClure will return as bomb disposal expert Lana Washington. Of course, actress Vicky is best known for her roles in This Is England, Line of Duty, and Broadchurch. More recently, she’s played Mrs Jones in the kids’ spy drama Alex Rider.

Vicky McClure said: “Trigger Point is back! We’re all so excited to get going. Having had such a positive response to the previous two series, we want to make this new series even more exciting, keep everyone on the edge of their seats whilst getting to know even more about the brilliant characters in the show. Lana is such a complex character to play, it’s a joy for an actor to play a role with as many layers as Lana.”

Eric Shango will return as Lana’s partner Danny. It’s Eric’s biggest role to date, having previously starred in one episode of Suspicion, and On the Edge respectively.

Blue Light‘s star Nabil Elouahabi will also return. He plays Hassan Rahim in the cast. Meanwhile, Outlander’s Natalie Simpson will reprise her role as DS Helen Morgan, and DI Ray‘s Maanuv Thiara comes back as DI Amar Batra.

Jason Flemyng will guest star in series 3 of Trigger Point, although his character has not yet been revealed. He’s famous for his roles in Pennyworth, A Town Called Malice, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He recently played Stephen Patrick Nield in the thriller Prime Target.

Danny and Lana will be back in Trigger Point series 3 this autumn [Credit: ITV]

Trigger Point series 3 start date – how can I watch it?

Trigger Point series 3 will air on ITV1 and STV, and stream on ITVX and STV Player. Series 1 and 2 available to watch now on ITVX.

ITV has not yet confirmed the start date for the upcoming episodes, but we do know that it will air in the autumn schedule in 2025.

In June 2025, ITV confirmed that filming had concluded on the third series, which had been in production across London since January.