BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine told how workmen ripped apart Steve Wright’s old studio and showed lack of compassion to older staff members

Steve’s studio did not last long after his death but he is fondly remembered by listeners(Image: Sunday Mirror)

BBC workmen ripped apart Steve Wright’s old studio in the very week that he died. The Radio Two presenter passed away in February last year aged 69 from a ruptured stomach ulcer.

Two years before he had been axed from his very popular weekday show by the station – a move which had angered his army of listeners. Instead he had continued hosting his Sunday Love Songs programme.

Now details have emerged that when the BBC moved out of Wogan House in London in the spring last year, their timing for tearing out rooms and removing equipment could not have been worse.

Radio 2 host Jeremy Vine has revealed: “Steve Wright – what an amazing man. “His studio was torn out in the week he died very sadly because they were changing offices and of course the way they tear these things out is not particularly respectful of the history of all the machines that were in there because Steve had asked for them.. that microphone was Steve’s microphone!”

Jeremy Vine found the quick refit insensitive (Image: Getty Images)

Vine, who also has a Channel 5 daytime show, said staff were in tears when word reached them that ‘Wrightie’ – who had been at the station since the 1980s – had died.

And he had to console one newsreader who was especially close to him – but even that moment was ruined by a workman who showed a lack of compassion.

He added: “When he died, there was a particular news reader who was very very close friends with him and she was very upset because she was in the newsroom and she found out he had died because she saw the script for it. Terrible.

“ I said ‘Let’s go and talk about it’ and we went off. Now this was all part of this big office move and there was a sign outside (his old studio) saying ‘Do Not Enter’… so we of course ignored that.

“So we go into the studio and we start talking, hugging, crying and talking about Steve and then we must have appeared on some camera because a guy comes up with a clipboard and opens the door and says ‘Excuse me.. can you not read this sign?’

“I said ‘Sorry’ but I can see my friend the news reader is about to go ballistic. And she said ‘This is our church!’ which is such a great line. It made me think how deep all this runs.”

Former Strictly contestant Vine also admitted that it was a sad sign of the times that the BBC is staffed with many younger employees who do not know the history of the station nor the legendary radio presenters who helped make the channel what it is today. And a recent experience made him realise how easily famous DJs can be forgotten.

The star, who has recently released a murder mystery novel Murder On Line One, explained at the Bath Literary Festival: “Obviously all my producers now are 22 or 23 years old and as we cleared out the desks in the old building which is called Wogan House, one of them pulled this massive lump of metal out.

“And it was a bust in bronze and they said ‘Who the hell is this?’ It was a guy with a collar and tie on. And I said ‘Look at the name!’ And they looked at it and turned it around and said ‘Jimmy Young. Who’s that?’

I said ‘Guys he presented the show for 29 years’. But it was a bit of a reminder of the generational gap – and once you are gone, you are gone! And I suppose a lot of broadcasters do worry about that.”

A BBC spokesman said: “Radio 2 moved out of Wogan House and all the studios were decommissioned on the same weekend that Steve tragically passed away. Steve’s microphone was saved, mounted on a stand and featured prominently in the celebration of his career that took place at the BBC recently. The event was recorded and will be broadcast later this year.”

Coronation Street star Colson Smith has announced his first job since being axed from the ITV soap just days after his onscreen death was aired

Colson Smith lands first job since Corrie axe (Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

It was sad week in Coronation Street this week, as Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) was killed off after a brutal assault in a tear jerking episode. It was announced earlier this year that the star would be leaving the soap – and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight when he left the cobbles for good on Wednesday night.

Colson was axed from the show last year, and just days after his tragic onscreen death, he’s taken to Instagram to announce his new job with BBC Radio Leeds.

Taking to his Instagram to thank followers for all the love this week, Colson, 26, wrote: “Thank you so much for all the love this week! I really appreciate it!”

Colson has landed a role at BBC Radio Leeds(Image: colsonjsmith/instagram)

He then had big news to share with his followers. Alongside a picture of him outside a BBC building, he wrote: “There’s a few exciting things going off!! BUT one thing I can tell you for now, is that I’m joining the team at BBC Radio Leeds this summer!!! Catch ya on the wireless in Yorkshire!!”

Colson is no stranger to speaking to a mic, as he fronts the On The Sofa with Colson, Jack and Ben podcast alongside cast mates and besties, Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price who play David Platt and Nick Tilsley in the long running ITV soap.

Fans were overjoyed at the news, as they took to the comments to congratulate the star. “Go Colson!” exclaimed one fan, while another excited follower penned: “That’s exciting ekkk!”

The star took to Instagram to share the exciting news (Image: colsonjsmith/instagram)

A third devastated Corrie fan penned: “The last few episodes have been amazing. So sad you’re gone!! Wishing you all the best and look forward to watching your next journey.”

Earlier this week, Colson joined Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on the This Morning sofa to chat about his exit, where he spoke about the “hard” moment he learnt he’d been given the axe.

Recalling his meeting with producer Kate Brooks, the star said: “Getting told is hard, hearing the words – I tried really hard not to put the words into her mouth. As soon as I knew, I was at peace with what was going on.” Despite asking to be killed off from the soap, Colson has also revealed he had no idea how brutal it would be.”

Although some actors would be gutted to hear their character was going to be killed off, Colson said if there was a way he wanted to go, that would be it.

“For me to go, I would want to leave. I would want to die, I would want the door to be shut, so then I can kind of know in my head that Corrie has been this, Corrie has done that, and it is now done, and Craig’s journey is over,” he told Ben and Cat.

 

The BBC has shared a statement with The Mirror in response to recent rumours that Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa had been ‘axed’ from the long-running hit sci-fi series

Ncuti Gatwa was rumoured to have left Doctor Who – but the BBC has denied these reports (
Image: BBC Studios/Lara Cornell)

The BBC has addressed rumours that Ncuti Gatwa has been ‘axed’ from Doctor Who, with the broadcaster sharing a statement regarding the star’s future on the show. It comes after recent reports that Ncuti Gatwa would be leaving the show after two series after the star pulled out of announcing the UK’s jury scores at last weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest.

A BBC spokesperson told The Mirror that Ncuti had not been ‘axed’ from the show. They said: “Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been ‘axed’ is pure fiction.” As for whether the series will continue, the BBC explained: “As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs and any other claims are just pure speculation. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes – and we still have an entire spin off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, to air. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”

Ncuti is into his second series as The Doctor on the hit BBC show ( 
Image:
CREDIT LINE:BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Dan Fearon)

Earlier this week, a TV insider told The Sun that Doctor Who bosses were “incredibly disappointed” after Ncuti backed out of his Eurovision role. “His withdrawal was incredibly embarrassing. It caps what has been a largely depressing tenure in the Tardis for Ncuti,” they said.

Last weekend, the BBC announced that Ncuti Gatwa would be stepping down from his role as the UK’s Eurovision 2025 spokesperson due to “unforeseen circumstances”. Instead, pop star and BBC presenter Sophie Ellis-Bextor was brought in to take his place for the Grand Final on Saturday.

She gushed: “I love Eurovision and it’s a privilege to be part of 2025’s Grand Final. What an honour it is to announce the UK’s jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre. I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom!”

Fans quickly took to social media to speculate over why Ncuti stepped down from the gig, with some suggesting that it could be over Israel’s participation in the final. The Doctor Who star has been vocal in his support for Palestine on Instagram.

One person wrote on social media: “THAT’s backing up your morals. #FreePalestine.” While a pro-Palestine account said: “Israel qualified to the Eurovision final at 22:16 last night. Then at 22:18, just two minutes later, the BBC announced Ncuti Gatwa cancelling his appearance on Eurovision for ‘unforseen circumstances’. We see you Ncuti; we see you and we like you a lot.”

 

Staff at ITV are said to be growing angrier as the row over cuts on key shows such as Loose Women and Lorraine continues, with insiders fearing a drop in standards

ITV staff fury grows over 220 job cuts and ‘death of daytime’ as CEO pockets £4million salary(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

ITV staff fury is growing as the row over sweeping cuts to Loose Women and Lorraine continues to rage. Recriminations are becoming increasingly bitter over the channel’s axing of 220 jobs, with insiders insisting viewers will notice a drop in standards.

Many are blaming chief executive Carolyn McCall for the “death of daytime” and have criticised her for pocketing a massive £4million salary, including bonus, last year. There is also widespread anger that the cost-savings, which will radically change ITV ’s daytime schedule from January, were not delivered by Ms McCall to staff gathered in London’s Television Centre, on Tuesday.

A Good Morning Britain source said: “She could have walked the 400 yards to the studio to explain to folk in person.” But a channel spokeswoman said ITV Studios MD Julian Bellamy personally wanted to deliver the news: “It was really important to him that he shared this news directly in the way he felt appropriate. This is also very much in line with best practice HR given the sensitivity of the situation.”

Loose Women will feel the effect of the changes(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

They said ITV boss Kevin Lygo made the decision to shake-up the schedules. It comes as the channel was rocked by a series of other developments including:

Claims that standards across Lorraine and Loose Women in particular will go into a “death spiral” leaving viewers short-changed.
Outrage over stars on shows such as This Morning keeping their well-paid jobs while hundreds are sacked.
Fears of strikes among heavily unionised GMB studio crew and technicians.

On screen, viewers will see huge changes to the daytime schedule. Lorraine is the worst hit. It will run for 30 weeks, not 50 weeks a year, and will be slashed from an hour to 30 minutes each day.

Loose Women will stay at the same running time but will also be cut to 30 weeks. This Morning will remain the same length and frequency. Meanwhile Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes, to run from 6am to 9.30am. For the 22 weeks of the year Lorraine is not airing, it will go on until 10am.

A source said: “It’s not a case of viewers seeing less of their shows… it’s impossible to see how the high standards will remain the same. Some staff believe Loose Women and Lorraine in particular will enter a death spiral… it’s just so sad. Just a handful of people will be working on each of those two programmes which has huge ramifications for how they are going forward.”

All the shows are now going to be made under one roof. An insider asked: “If that’s the case, will Loose Women really still have a live audience…will there be the capacity for that? Everyone doubts it, not least because of the manpower needed to oversee it. Also, there is a huge amount of background work which goes into securing guests… in the new climate how does that continue with barely any staff?”

ITV sources insist that they want “minimal change” for viewers. The source said: “It’s early days and we are currently consulting but we don’t want to alienate our viewers and it’s hoped there will be minimal change on screen. Daytime is hugely important to our viewers.”

The Loose Women panel, including Coleen Nolan, GK Barry and Frankie Bridge, are also expected to see shifts dwindle, especially those who live outside London and charge for travel and hotels. Glam squads are also expected to be axed with stars expected to use in-house make-up.

An insider said: “To be honest there is very little sympathy for stars having their glam squads cut among the rank and file staff, in fact there is a lot of anger that on the whole the channel’s biggest stars are all keeping their jobs – and their exorbitant salaries – while others suffer.”

They added: “It’s no secret that stars on This Morning such as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley are on huge salaries. Many believe they should offer to take cuts, or at least when their contracts are next negotiated.”

On the whole, This Morning is unaffected by the sweeping cuts. It will remain in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays although questions remain over whether standards will be maintained.

The current Good Morning Britain team was particularly hard hit – of the 133 staff who currently make the early-bird magazine show, hosted by Susanna Reid, Richard Madeley and Ed Balls, just 38 will make the move to ITN which will now produce the show. The remaining 95 can apply for roles in the proposed new GMB structure.

One source on the show said: “Lots of the studio crew and technicians will be the hardest hit with ITN taking over their roles. A lot of them are unionised and there is a fear among ITV that industrial action could be an option.”

GMB will be re-homed within ITN’s Gray’s Inn Road headquarters in Central London. Staff working on all shows are expected to “carry on as normal” until the plans are formalised.

A source said: “It’s a mutinous atmosphere to say the least and far removed from the happy, cheery image that ITV Daytime usually evokes.” The Mirror revealed this week staff on Lorraine were particularly worried their main host could quit.

Contrary to reports she was happy to see her hours cut “to spend more time with her family”, insiders say she is devastated for the team on the show being decimated. “They are a tight bunch on Lorraine and the agony is palpable,” said one.

This Morning may have dodged a schedule chop, but brutal behind-the-scenes cuts are gutting the show – from axing Alison’s LA trips to ditching outdoor filming and big-budget stunts

Brutal changes are coming for ITV’s daytime telly (Image: RAY BURMISTON)

This Morning may have dodged the headline-grabbing schedule changes handed to Lorraine and Loose Women, but an insider has claimed the show is facing a major overhaul that will leave it barely recognisable come 2026.

While presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley keep smiling on screen, ITV bosses are making sweeping cuts behind the scenes. From January 2026, This Morning will no longer feature its famous musical theatre performances, glossy outside broadcasts, or Alison Hammond’s Hollywood red carpet interviews

Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have been fronting This Morning together for a few years now(Image: ITV)

Several unnamed sources spoke to the MailOnline about the shake-up, with one revealing: “The cost of production is on the rise and budgets are going to be significantly reduced when the shows launch in their new schedule slots. Big production items like musical performances or outside broadcasts, which is what the show is famous for, will be cut. Gone are the days of flying talent like Alison Hammond to Los Angeles to interview Hollywood stars.”

The cuts come amid a broader crisis at ITV Daytime, with restructuring and budget reductions hitting all four of its flagship shows: This Morning, Lorraine, Loose Women, and Good Morning Britain.

More than 220 of 440 staff at ITV Studios, which produces all four shows, are expected to lose their jobs. The company plans to merge production teams and reduce costs across the board, with only This Morning keeping its full five-day schedule.

Even so, the show is far from untouched. With Alison’s American trips scrapped and large-scale segments binned, producers are reportedly under pressure to deliver the same energy and polish with far less money.

“The general consensus among staff is that the shows are being put on life support,” one insider claimed. “And within time, Lorraine and Loose Women will be the first to be cancelled.”

It’s a brutal picture across the board. ITV has already confirmed that Lorraine and Loose Women will each be cut to 30 weeks of broadcasts a year – down from the usual 52. Lorraine will also be shortened to 30 minutes per episode

Lorraine returns to show after ITV daytime cuts(Image: ITV)

Stand-in presenters Christine Lampard and Ranvir Singh have reportedly been dropped from Lorraine, while Loose Women is allegedly bracing for a potential cull of up to a third of its on-air talent.

Meanwhile, Good Morning Britain is being reshaped under ITN’s control, with its production merging with the ITV News team. The morning news show will be extended to cover the airtime lost when Lorraine is off-air but it too will be working with a reduced budget.

The Guardian reported that in a note to staff, ITV News editor Laura Wilshaw confirmed: “GMB will need to be produced on a reduced overall budget,” adding that the aim is to “faithfully recreate the Good Morning Britain programme viewers love as much as we can.”

Also reported by the Guardian, Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, defended the sweeping changes, claiming they would free up funds for other areas of programming and added: “Daytime is a really important part of what we do.”

Despite the upheaval, This Morning’s core presenting team, Ben Shephard, Cat Deeley, Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, are understood to be safe from job cuts. But the future of the show’s format is less secure, as ITV continues to look for ways to save money behind the scenes.

The Mirror did reach out to ITV but they declined to comment.

One of Loose Women’s most beloved presenters, Coleen Nolan, is said to be ‘blindsided’ by the revelation of huge changes to the show which she has been a part of for 25 years

Coleen is said to be ‘upset’ about the changes set to come in(Image: ITV)

Amid reported slumps in viewing figures, it was revealed last week that ITV is set to cut jobs and slash budgets of Britain’s biggest daytime shows – including Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning. And, according to one PR expert, as OK! reports, the shock move could signal “the end of daytime TV”.

The unexpected cuts at ITV Studios, which produces all four shows, mean that over 220 of 440 staff involved will lose their jobs. Morning chat show Lorraine, fronted by Lorraine Kelly, will see the most drastic changes – as it’s to be reduced from an hour-long show to just 30 minutes and will go on-air for 30 weeks a year, rather than 52. But Loose Women, featuring some of our favourite daytime presenters, will also take quite the hit.

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Coleen has been a mainstay of the ITV chatshow since its inception(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Remaining at the same running time it will, however, only be shown for 30 weeks a year when the changes come in next January. One of the show’s standout stars, who has been a part of the famous panel since its inception, is Coleen Nolan – and according to a source, the 60-year-old, who split from her boyfriend of three years, Michael Jones last year, is reeling from the news.

A source claims!, “Coleen is particularly upset about the whole thing and feels shocked and blindsided. She’s lost her sister recently and it’s been a very tough year – so this is even more devastating news. “She’s worried about her work going forward as someone who has always really relied on Loose Women, it’s her main income so it’s a big blow. She was one of the first Loose Women and she’s always thought it would go on forever. The Loose Women ladies are all gutted. They love the show and are really dedicated to it.”

Blackpool-born Coleen has been on the Loose Women panel since the show started 25 years ago – and has been making audiences laugh and cry ever since, with frank discussions on relationship woes and cheeky sex revelations. But she’s also brought fans with her as she opened up about everything from her divorces to parenting struggles, and losing sister Bernie in 2013 aged just 52, then in January this year, big sister Linda at 65, following their battles with cancer.

The presenter admitted last year that the show had been the ‘one constant in her life’(Image: ITV)

The mum-of-three revealed last year, “I’ll be with Loose Women as long as they want me, or as long as it is on air, because I love it and I’d really miss it. It’s been the constant in my life for 24 years – why would I want to give that up?”.

PR expert Lynn Carratt says, “What’s happening is brutal – it could spell the beginning of the end for daytime TV as we know it. And we could see more on-screen talent resign because of this.” She adds, “Obviously, it’s devastating for the staff losing their jobs – but what does it mean for the presenters? Each of the LW presenters will, naturally, be competing now for more airtime.” Lynn also believes there could well be a change in which panellists we see more or less of, come next year.

“Will it mean we see less of our favourites, such as Coleen, on the screen? Will TV bosses go for the newer, younger panellists more to attract a younger audience – such as GK Barry, Frankie Bridge, Olivia Attwood – a trend towards revamping the show? Ultimately the daytime presenters will not be happy with these changes. And they’ll be sad for the behind-the-scenes production staff who are leaving.”

The 60-year-old has had a difficult year so far, including the death of big sister Linda in January(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

“Loose Women has been running for many years and these shows do eventually need a new lease of life. Audiences get bored. But no doubt, these changes will cause tension between the women, over who gets picked to join the panel.” Last year there was already talk that ITV was tightening its belt and flagship daytime shows were reportedly in “crisis talks”.

Denise Welch recently told the Mirror before the latest changes were announced, “When Loose Women first started, it was never a staple of the daytime schedules like it is now. It was on for three months, off for three months. Then another programme came along and notched it down to half an hour, which the racing still does – but we’ve got our place.”

The Waterloo Road actress added, “There’s life in these old girls yet. Older women’s voices are so important, and I’m very proud to be a part of a show that continues to celebrate that.”

A spokesperson for ITV said of the latest move that it was not related to the performance of any of its shows, but about centralising its national news-gathering production in one place and investing resources into high-profile shows such as Mr Bates vs The Post Office and big sporting events like the football World Cup.

Christine Lampard’s makeup artist has shared the setting spray she uses to keep the TV presenter’s makeup in place all day – and it’s perfect for the heatwave

Christine Lampard wears this £15 setting spray during filming(Image: Helen Hand/Instagram)

Whether she’s joining the Loose Women panel or stepping in as the host of Lorraine, Christine Lampard is no stranger to the camera’s glare. This means her makeup game has to be spot-on, capable of withstanding the hot studio lights and long hours on set.

Luckily, her makeup artist Helen Hand, who does Christine’s makeup on Lorraine, has shared the details via Instagram. She revealed that the finishing touch to Christine’s look is a spritz of ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, promising up to 16 hours of makeup staying power.

One satisfied shopper even claimed their makeup “lasted through 30 degree Island heat and an all day affair” thanks to the setting spray. This certainly caught our attention, suggesting it’s not only perfect for a full workday or a day out, but also an ideal travel buddy to prevent makeup meltdown in hot climates.

While you can grab the full-sized 143ml bottle for £30, there’s also a handy travel-sized mini version available. The 46ml bottle costs just £15 and is perfect for popping into your hand luggage, saving space in your beauty bag, or simply giving it a whirl before committing to the larger size.

The ONE/SIZE setting spray comes in two sizes(Image: Sephora)

You can also currently bag the 30ml travel-sized Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray at a steal. Normally priced at £16.50, it’s now only £13.20 on LookFantastic – so popular that over 100 units have been snapped up in just the last 48 hours. Or, if you fancy something different, Huda Beauty’s Easy Bake Setting Spray is also getting a price chop, from £28 down to a tempting £22.40.

The ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray offers an all-day flawless matte finish (claiming to last a minimum of 16 hours) and comes with a classic aerosol delivery system for a light and non-greasy feel. It’s more than just a setting spray – it also contains green tea extract and witch hazel to tighten pores and absorb oil for that elusive matte and blurred skin effect, reports OK!.

Sephora customers are also raving about its effectiveness. One review says: “The only thing that will keep my makeup on my skin! Even after 10 hours my makeup still looked pretty much perfect without any fading / smudging / creasing. And I have extremely oily skin so this is unheard of for me. It can be a little drying so I always use a hydrating mist before. I really recommend if you’re looking for something to help your makeup stay all day!”

The setting spray has been praised by shoppers(Image: Sephora)

While another reviewer raved: “I love this setting spray, I tried one for myself and then purchased one for friend’s wedding day right after. It’s got the most amazing mist applicator too.”

However, one customer was less enthused, stating: “Hate the strong scent and it irritates my skin. If you’re looking for a setting spray that smells like and work like hairspray, this may be the product for you. The only good thing about it is that your makeup will stay on.”

Someone else concurred, saying: “While I will say that this is a great product for making sure your makeup really lasts, I think it’s just too heavy and feels like hairspray. Something that I would only reach for if I’m going to an event, not for everyday!”

On the other hand, some reviewers adored it, with one commenting: “I bought this for holiday and didn’t have much expectation as I knew it was going to be very hot but this lasted all day, my makeup was in place, at times it felt like I was sweating but there was nothing completely flawless.”

Hits Radio recently announced the end of its regional breakfast shows in England and Wales, with Fleur East, Will Best and James Barr to front a nationwide version instead soon

A radio host was seen fighting back tears as he announced the end of a long-running show on Hits Radio. It comes following the news that regional breakfast shows will come to an end on the radio station in just a few weeks time.

Bauer Media Group announced recently that Hit Radio’s regional breakfast shows in England and Wales will be replaced by a national version from June 9. The new show will be hosted by Fleur East, Will Best and James Barr.

Among those affected by the news are John Dalziel – known as JD – and Roisin McCourt, whose breakfast show covers the West Midlands. They shared the news with listeners just days ago ahead of the final broadcast on June 6.

JD said: “This is one of those moments that’s honestly really tough to kind of say out loud but we’ve got some news for you. After almost 20 years of broadcasting around here, our show is coming to an end and we just wanna thank you because we’ve loved being part of your morning routine and can’t thank you enough for letting us into your lives.”

Roisin said: “We have and from my point of view, I think I’ve had three children – they’re 13, they’re nine, they’re five – and I’ve been here waking you up every morning but now I’m gonna be at home waking them up, which they’re either gonna love or hate. You’re also gonna see a crazy woman driving around Coundon in a Citreon so watch out for me, but honestly, it’s been absolutely incredible but 21 years is a very long time on a breakfast show and we really wanna thank you!”

John Dalziel (left) and Roisin McCourt (right) have announced the end of their Hits Radio breakfast show(Image: Instagram)

Visibly emotional, JD said: “We’ve had an incredible journey. Y’know we’ve grown up on this show, we’ve lived our lives out loud. We’ve had kids, we’ve been through different partners, we’ve had breakups, we’ve had the lot. But y’know what? There’s nothing more than the priviledge of broadcasting to the area that you call home. The place that you’re born and brought up with and that’s always gonna be incredibly special to me.”

He added: “You shared your lives daily with us, y’know your weddings, your breakups. I think we’ve even got a couple of kids named after us somewhere round here.”

He continued: “From June 9th the all new breakfast show will be here. I know the guys well and they’re gonna give you a great wake up in the morning. […] They’ve got loads planned over the summer.

“But I just wanted to say, the biggest thank you to firstly you [Roisin], you’ve been my partner in crime. You’ve been my daily giggle. You’ve been the beating heart of this show. You’ve shared everything with not just me and Paul, but the whole of the West Midlands, and Paul I’m gonna miss the daily belly laugh everyday. You make everything funny even when it shouldn’t be.”

Hits Radio announced the end of the current regional breakfast shows in March ahead of their final broadcasts. The brand confirmed that it will introduce one single national Breakfast show across England and Wales from June 9.

It was also shared at the time that Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio will continue to broadcast local news, including traffic and travel information. Additionally, parent company Bauer Media said it would “streamline its operations by consolidating its production capabilities into seven key centres

Simon Myciunka, CEO of Bauer Media Audio UK, said: “We continually evolve to meet audience behaviours and advertiser needs and by launching one single national Breakfast show across Hits Radio, we are supercharging our efforts to provide a more unified, engaging experience across the entire schedule while also retaining local news and information.” They added: “I’d like to extend my thanks to our Hits Radio Breakfast teams in England and Wales as they embark on their final run of shows. Their significant contribution has played a hugely important part of the Hits Radio story so far and we wish them well for the future.”

Coronation Street and Dr Who star, Michael McStay, has died at the age of 92 it has been confirmed by those closest to him in an emotional statement

TV star Michael McStay has died aged 92, his family has confirmed. The actor, who was best known for his roles on Coronation Street and Doctor Who, died of heart failure those closest to him revealed in a sad statement.

The actor’s representative wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael McStay, an actor of the highest standing and talented writer, whose career across stage, screen and radio spanned over six decades.”

The actor is said to have ‘went at peace’ as he died in his sleep following lunch with his sons.

Michael’s successful career saw him take on the role of Alan Hoyle on the Corrie cobbles in his last on-screen performance. He replaced John Woodvine in the role in 2011.

Michael McStay has died ( 
Image:
Facebook)

The appearance saw Michael reunite with his pal and co-star Johnny Briggs. As well as his time on the ITV soap, Michael featured on popular series such as No Hiding Place, Doctor Who, Blunt, and Thatcher: The Final Days. He also compiled an impressive film CV too, featuring on the likes of Peter Yates’ Robbery.

Twitter/X users were quick to pay tribute to the veteran star on the social media platform. One user said: “Sad to see that Michael McStay has passed away.

Michael in the role of Derek Moberley in Doctor Who and the Seeds of Doom ( 
Image:
BBC)
“Absolutely adored him in Corrie as Alan Hoyle in the John Stape storyline. Both him and the late Jean Fergusson were brilliant in the basement episodes.”

Another added alongside two sad emoji faces: “Michael McStay took over as Alan Hoyle from John Woodvine on Coronation Street. Stuart, I am sorry to hear of his death.”

“For me, Michael McStay will always be scientist Derek Moberley in the Doctor Who story “The Seeds of Doom” (1975) opposite Tom Baker,” wrote another.

As well as his on-screen credits, of which he had over 60, Michael also wrote a number of plays for BBC Radio 4. He also penned the popular 1984 ITV comedy Pull the Other One. He also recorded a number of audiobooks and appeared in many radio dramas.

Speaking on Toby Hadoke’s Happy Times and Places Podcast, Michael opened up on the end of his career. In the conversation, he revealed he “wouldn’t swap for all the success in the world”.

He paid tribute to his family in the interview, too. Michael survived by his wife – actress Jennifer Clulow – and their two sons Darius and Paul.

He married actress Jennifer in 1967. She is best known for her roles in The Avengers, Keeping Up Appearances, and No Hiding Place.

Rebekah Vardy’s husband, Jamie Vardy, partied up a storm as the striker bid farewell to Leicester City after calling it a day in front of the home fans at the King Power Stadium on Sunday

Rebekah Vardy joked that her husband and his teammates were “absolute animals” after his wild Leicester City send-off on Sunday. The former England star called it a day in front of the home fans at the King Power Stadium on Sunday after announcing he was leaving the club earlier this year.

To thank the striker, 38, for his impressive tenure at Leicester City after scoring 200 goals in 500 games, a huge surprise party was laid on in his honour. Sharing the bar tab from Jamie’s bash, Rebekah, 43, who has recently been ordered to pay nemesis Coleen Rooney almost £1.2 million for the Wagatha Christie trial costs, reckoned the revellers were “absolute animals” as she captioned the bill with three laughing emojis.

Rebekah Vardy shared the jaw-dropping bar tab from her husband’s farewell bash(Image: Instagram)

Included in the lengthy drinks list are 38 Tequillas, 66 Baby Guinnesses, 41 Jagermeisters, 52 Grey Goose vodkas, multiple glasses of Sancere wine, and numerous ‘S*** house Specials’, which are a heady mix of vodka and Red Bull.

Sharing a snap of the bespoke cocktail list, Rebekah also revealed a selection of Vardy-themed tipples, including an Electric Vardy, which is described as a spicy margarita.

Posting other photos from the party, Rebekah, wearing a slinky red dress and matching heels, hugs her husband as his pals cheer before they all become merry, bidding farewell to the footballer in a room strewn with blue and gold balloons and huge pictures of the Foxes hero.

There were a whole host of Vardy-themed cocktails on offer (Image: Instagram)

Jamie is set to leave relegated Leicester City this summer after being linked to a surprise move with Crystal Palace. However, despite being 38, he isn’t hanging up his boots just yet. The Premier League and FA Cup winner has made it clear he’s keen to keep playing, and Crystal Palace have emerged as a potential new home for him.

Rebekah was spotted drinking beer with the Leicester City fans last week after finally agreeing to pay Coleen £1.19 million of her legal costs after the bitter battle at the High Court.

The venue was strewn with blue and gold balloons and huge pictures of Jamie(Image: Instagram)

The mum-of-five is yet to comment on having to shelling out the cash to her arch nemesis, 39. However, she looked like her legal woes were the furthest thing from her mind when she rocked up to see Nottingham Forest take on Leicester City in a game, which ended 2-2.

Spotted in the away end, sporting a Leicester shirt with a pair of designer sunglasses perched on her head, beer in hand, Rebekah looked happy and relaxed as she smiled for a selfie next to a fan.

The end of an era!(Image: Instagram)

She was also pictured in the crowd watching the match as Jamie tried to score his 200th goal the Foxes in a game, which had both sets of fans up on their feet.

After the match, Rebekah posed with her husband and the couple’s kids, who were proudly sporting Leicester City shirts as they supported the footballer, who confirmed that he will leave the club at the end of the season.