“I Lost Peggy”: Pete Wicks Breaks Down as He Announces the Heartbreaking Death of His Beloved French Bulldog, Just Weeks After Hoping Months of Treatment Could Save Her

Pete Wicks has opened up about a deeply personal loss, revealing that his much-loved Peggy has died, just weeks after he told fans she was facing months of treatment.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 37, shared the heartbreaking news during a recent episode of his podcast Staying Relevant, explaining that Peggy actually passed away around a month ago. Pete said he hadn’t spoken publicly about it before, but decided to address it after listeners began wondering why only his other dog, Eric, was with him in the studio.

On the podcast, Pete told listeners that on a sad note, and knowing people would ask, the reason Peggy wasn’t there was because he had lost her recently. He explained that Eric had come into the office because he’d been lonely, adding quietly that Peggy died about a month ago.

Pete had first alarmed fans back in July when he revealed he had “nearly lost” Peggy, sharing that she was about to begin months of treatment. At the time, he posted a photo of the pair cuddling and admitted it had been a tough week, saying Peggy had been through the wars but never gave up. He told followers he was simply happy to have her back home and remained hopeful despite the long road ahead.

Earlier this month, while promoting his U series For Dogs’ Sake, Pete admitted 2025 had been a heavy year emotionally. He revealed he was planning to spend Christmas Day alone with Eric, joking that he’d likely sit at home with a Pot Noodle. Pete said he usually spends Christmas on his own with his dogs, and this year felt no different.

After spending weeks filming at Dogs Trust’s rehoming centre in Basildon, Pete also spoke about the possibility of adopting another dog one day, but stressed he wouldn’t rush the decision. He explained that while he wants every dog, he has to practise what he preaches, given his unusual lifestyle. He added that Eric, now 12, also gets a say, saying it’s important to find the right companion for him and to get it right, as he always has.

Peggy had been part of Pete’s life since 2018, when he rescued her through Saviours. He has often spoken about his bond with dogs, previously admitting he prefers them to people and that he couldn’t stop crying while filming his emotional animal-focused series.

Pete’s love for dogs began in childhood, when he and his mum adopted their first, Arnie, when he was just 10 years old. In 2016, he went on to rescue Eric from Dogs Trust Basildon — the loyal companion who is now helping him through the loss of Peggy.

THE NEW KING HAS ARRIVED! ATTENBOROUGH PASSES THE BATON AS HAMZA YASSIN “BREAKS THE INTERNET”!

Move over, every polished presenter who ever read a script about badgers: Britain has chosen its new natural-history heartbeat, and he’s a 6-foot-6 Sudanese-Scottish giant who learned to track lynx before he could drive, cries when otters hold hands, and once spent 42 straight nights sleeping in a hide just to film pine martens falling in love.

Online movie streaming services

Last night, BBC One dropped the first trailer for Hamza’s Wild Britain (a six-part landmark series launching spring 2026), and within four hours it became the most-watched BBC trailer in a decade. The final 15 seconds alone have been viewed 28 million times: Hamza, knee-deep in a Highland river at dawn, whispering so gently the microphone barely catches it as a mother otter teaches her pup to swim literally inches from his face. No music. Just his soft Glasgow-Sudanese lilt: “Look… she’s telling him the water will hold him, if he trusts it. Same thing my mum told me when we arrived in Scotland and I couldn’t speak a word of English.”

Hamza arrived in rural Northamptonshire from Sudan at age eight, speaking no English, clutching a bird book his father gave him “because birds don’t care what language you speak.” By twelve he was the weird kid cycling ten miles before school to photograph kingfishers. At sixteen he won Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year with a shot of a fox cub yawning that looked like it was laughing at the universe. University (Bangor, zoology) was just an excuse to live closer to puffins.

Then came the decade nobody saw: camera-operating on Planet Earth III, Springwatch, and Countryfile, always the guy in the muddy boots who could lie motionless for 14 hours until a badger sniffed his lens and decided he was harmless. Crew nicknamed him “the Otter Whisperer” after he filmed the first-ever footage of wild otters playing with pebbles in the Cairngorms, entirely by becoming part of the furniture for six weeks.

Gift baskets

His big break was accidental. In 2022 he entered Strictly Come Dancing “because my mum loves glitterballs and I thought it might pay for a new hide.” He won the whole thing with Jowita Przystał, foxtrotting like a man who’d spent his life learning rhythm from golden eagles soaring on thermals. Overnight, eight million people discovered the gentle giant who spoke about conservation between sambas.

The BBC pounced. First Hamza: Wild Isles (2024), then the Emmy-nominated Hamza’s Sudan (2025), where he returned to his birthplace to film the last northern white rhinos under the same stars he watched as a child. Critics called it “the most emotional hour of television this decade.” Viewers just called it “life-changing.”

Now Hamza’s Wild Britain is being billed as the spiritual successor to Attenborough’s Life on Earth. Shot entirely by Hamza himself (he still refuses a full camera crew because “animals don’t like strangers”), it promises never-before-seen behaviour: red squirrels teaching their young to tightrope-walk power lines, urban foxes using pedestrian crossings at night, golden eagles hunting in snowstorms so violent Hamza had to be roped to a cliff for three days.

The trailer’s money shot? Hamza lying flat on his stomach in a peat bog at 4 a.m., face inches from a wild mountain hare in its white winter coat. The hare slowly reaches out and touches his beard with its paw. Hamza doesn’t move, doesn’t breathe. When the hare eventually hops away, he whispers to camera, voice cracking: “Sometimes the wild decides you’re worth trusting. That’s the best feeling in the world.”

Online TV streaming services

Sir David himself has already given the ultimate blessing. In a rare statement, the 99-year-old legend said: “Hamza sees the natural world the way poets see love: with wonder that never ages. The baton isn’t being passed; it’s being shared.”

Social media is flooded with kids posting drawings of otters wearing glittery bow ties “for Uncle Hamza.” Primary schools are reporting record numbers of children wanting to become “rangers instead of YouTubers.” The RSPB’s junior membership has tripled in six months.

Hamza, being Hamza, responded to the “new Attenborough” hype with typical humility on Instagram last night: a simple photo of his muddy wellies next to a child’s drawing of an otter holding a glitterball, captioned, “I’m just the tall idiot who talks to animals. Thank you for letting me into your living rooms. I’ll try to make the planet prouder than I am right now.”

Britain has a new voice for its wild places, and it sounds like hope wrapped in a Highland breeze. Spring 2026 can’t come soon enough.

DIVORCE DEAL REVEALED Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have reportedly reached a private settlement — with their children at the centre of the agreement

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have officially finalized their divorce and have entered a settlement agreement, just three months after the actress moved to end the couple’s 19-year marriage.

Kidman, 58, cited irreconcilable differences in her September 30 divorce petition.

Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, which were filed on Tuesday, reveal the couple have agreed to waive all rights to child support and spousal support, with each parent responsible for their own legal fees and expenses.

A hearing was scheduled for this morning, though Nicole waived her right to appear in court, having been spotted flying back from Australia just yesterday.

The divorce decree – which the actress noted that details were hashed out on September 6, before filing the petition – ensures that all property, from household furniture and appliances to vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal items, is divided to the mutual satisfaction of both parties, with each keeping what is already in their possession.

Under the parenting plan, Kidman will spend 306 days a year with the children, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith, 14, while Urban, 58, will have 59 days – ‘every other weekend’ – giving her the lion’s share of custody.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have finalized their divorce and entered a settlement agreement, just three months after the actress moved to end the couple’s 19-year marriage; (pictured 2023)

Under the parenting plan, Kidman will spend 306 days a year with the children, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith, 14, while Urban, 58, will have 59 days, giving her the lion’s share of custody; (pictured October)

Despite both parents having reported monthly incomes ‘in excess of $100,000,’ the court has ordered zero dollars in child support, as agreed by both parties.

The final decree also confirms that all alimony and spousal support claims are permanently waived, and any remaining court costs will be split equally between the former couple.

Read More

Country star weighs in on romance rumors between Keith Urban and close pal Maggie Baugh

The Daily Mail has not received a response to its request for comment from reps for both Kidman and Urban.

It’s not confirmed whether the pair had a prenup – though there has been speculation.

Still, the documents suggest that Kidman and Urban hashed out all the details with their attorneys amicably, avoiding any formal discovery or interrogation.

The decree explicitly states: ‘Each party indicates that he or she does not want to proceed with formal discovery, including completing interrogatories and requests for production of documents, or discovery depositions, that are designed to discover assets and debts.’

The settlement follows reports that reality had started to sink in for Keith following his divorce from Nicole.

The country star was allegedly ‘wondering if he’s made a huge mistake’ following their split.

Join the debate

Do YOU think the stars regret the breakup?

Comment now

Despite both parents having reported monthly incomes in excess of $100,000, the court has ordered zero dollars in child support, as agreed by both parties; (pictured May)

The final decree also confirms that all alimony and spousal support claims are permanently waived, and any remaining court costs will be split equally between the former couple; Urban (left) – who is also Sunday (second left) and Faith’s (third left) father – as well as Nicole’s sister Antonia (right) and Nicole’s niece Sybella Hawley (third right)

After recently performing private shows for members of Donald Trump’s inner circle, the star was reportedly feeling more isolated than ever.

‘He’s got to pay the bills – and divorce lawyers don’t come cheap,’ a source told Woman’s Day magazine of the couple’s settlement.

Read More

Keith Urban’s guitarist Maggie Baugh releases shock new song – fuelling romance rumours

Keith has forked out for the couple’s daughter Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret’s private school tuition and, according to the publication, needs to make a living in any way he can.

‘It’s a lonely existence for Keith right now – he’s exhausted, isolated and looking at a future he never imagined,’ the source added.

‘He’s also lost his best friend, Nicole, who was also his greatest supporter in life. He’s wondering if he’s made a huge mistake.’

The reports come amid speculation linking Urban to his 25-year-old guitarist, Maggie Baugh.

At the time of Kidman’s divorce filing, insiders said her camp believed Urban had already moved on with a ‘younger woman in the music industry‘.

Rumors intensified when an unearthed concert video surfaced showing Urban performing The Fighter at Las Vegas’s Mandalay Bay on April 1.

The reports come amid speculation linking Urban to his 25-year-old guitarist Maggie Baugh; (Baugh and Urban in 2024)

The guitarist, more than three decades his junior, appeared to share a close rapport with the country star, although neither she nor Urban have publicly commented on the alleged romance

During the performance, he pointed to Baugh while singing the lyrics, ‘I was born to love you,’ while she played alongside him on stage.

The guitarist, more than three decades his junior, appeared to share a close rapport with the country star, although neither she nor Urban have publicly commented on the alleged romance.

Fans also noted that Urban had reportedly altered the lyrics of the song, which was originally written about Kidman, during live performances.

He seemed to replace references to his ex with nods to Baugh, adding further fuel to speculation about his personal life.

Kidman and Urban’s breakup shocked fans earlier this year – and the Oscar-winning actress had reportedly been dreading the public’s response for months prior.

The actress and musician’s separation was confirmed by the Daily Mail on September 29, and Nicole filed for divorce on September 30, citing irreconcilable differences.

Their marriage began to fall apart at the beginning of summer 2025.

Before her marriage to Urban, Kidman was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001; (pictured 1997)

Kidman was linked to a handful of high-profile figures in Hollywood, including musician Lenny Kravitz and actor Billy Crudup; (pictured with Kravitz in 2003)

The split was reportedly a long-term development, stemming from months of quiet separation and diverging paths due to work commitments, according to Daily Mail sources.

Before her marriage to Urban, Kidman was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001.

During their decade together, the couple adopted two children: Isabella Jane, born in 1992, and Connor Anthony, born in 1995.

Their marriage ended in divorce after 11 years, with both Kidman and Cruise continuing to co-parent their children.

Kidman was linked to a handful of other high-profile figures in Hollywood as well, including musician Lenny Kravitz and actor Billy Crudup.

She was also rumored to have had brief connections with Michael Hutchence and media heir Lachlan Murdoch, though these were never confirmed.

Despite these early relationships, Kidman’s most publicly significant unions remain her marriages to Cruise and Urban.

Before his marriage to Kidman, Urban was linked to a few women publicly, though none were as high-profile as his relationship with Kidman.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s divorce settlement key takeaways

Kidman and Urban have waived all rights to child support and spousal support.

Kidman will spend 306 days a year with the children, while Urban will have 59 days, roughly every other weekend.

All alimony and spousal support claims are permanently waived by both parties.

Property, including household items, furniture, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and personal belongings, has been divided to the mutual satisfaction of both parties, with each keeping what is already in their possession.

Each party is responsible for their own attorney fees, with no reimbursement required.

Any remaining court costs will be split equally between the former couple.

The Marital Dissolution Agreement was signed by Kidman and Urban prior to the official divorce filing (Kidman notarized September 6, Urban notarized August 29, 2025).

A hearing was held January 6, though Kidman waived her right to appear.

There is no confirmation of a prenup in the court documents.

RESPECT A 24-year-old living with dementia has ʈɾagically diєd over Christmas — leaving behind a grieving family who made an extraordinary decision. In the midst of unimaginable pain, they chose to donate his brain to science, hoping his life — and death — could help unlock a cure for others. A short life. A powerful legacy.

The family of a 24-year-old dementia sufferer who died just after Christmas have donated his brain to science in the hope that it can help researchers.

Andre Yarham had started becoming forgetful or acting inappropriately when he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia a month before his 23rd birthday.

His cognitive abilities declined rapidly and he died on December 27 after catching an infection which was exacerbated by the weakened immune system caused by his condition.

Andre’s mother, Sam Fairbairn, told the Daily Mail: ‘Unfortunately he wasn’t able to make the decision [about donating his brain] because the disease had taken his voice and his mind quite early on.

‘But Andre being the person he was, if he could help he would have said yes.’

She added: ‘Early-onset dementia is something you hear about more and more now. It’s not just something you associate with people who are in their 50s or 60s.

‘What we’re hoping is even if it’s not a cure but that it leads to some sort of treatment that can prolong someone’s life and give them a few more years with a loved one that would be just amazing.’

Ms Fairnbairn’s concerns about her once ‘chatty’ son began when he became forgetful and started giving three-word answers to questions or having a blank look on his face when spoken to.

Andre Yarham, 24, pictured with his mother Sam Fairbairn, 49, died on December 27, around two years after he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia

Andre’s family hope donating his brain to researchers will help towards unlocking a cure or treatment to slow the disease’s progression in victims

An MRI in October 2023 revealed atrophy of the frontal lobe, which causes the part of the brain to shrink. A consultant compared the scan to ‘looking at the brain of a 70-year-old’.

It was later confirmed that Andre, a wrestling and Xbox fan who gave up his job at a car manufacturer as his condition deteriorated, had frontotemporal dementia (FTD) caused by a protein mutation.

The rare form of the disease affects about one in 20 sufferers.

Ms Fairbairn, 49, of Dereham, Norfolk, quit her career as a coach driver to look after her son full-time, dedicating her days to helping him dress, bathe him and eat.

She and her husband Alastair, 62, who she married in 2022, also ticked off items on a bucket list including visiting Shrek’s Adventure! London and live wrestling in Nottingham.

But by September last year Andre had to be moved into a care home as his mobility declined rapidly and he started having falls.

‘He walked in, albeit very slowly, and after a month he was using a wheelchair and being hoisted into it,’ Ms Fairbairn said.

‘Then at the beginning of December he got an infection and he was taken to hospital and was put on end-of-life care. He stopped eating and drinking.’

Ms Fairbairn was with her son in a hospice to help him open his presents on his last Christmas

Read More

Dementia injustice that kills 76,000 every year: See if your area is an undiagnosed case hotspot

Andre died at the Priscilla Bacon Lodge hospice in Norwich but Ms Fairbairn said she took comfort from the fact he retained his jovial personality to the end.

‘The nurses and health care workers would come in to change him and you’d hear a “Whoo”, which was his happy noise, because they’d said something funny to him,’ she explained.

About 50,000 people in England are believed to be living with early-onset dementia, when tell-tale symptoms begin before the age of 65.

Fewer than two-thirds have been diagnosed, however, suggesting tens of thousands are unaware they have the illness.

The Daily Mail has started a Defeating Dementia campaign, in association with the Alzheimer’s Society, with the aim of improving awareness of the disease, increasing early diagnosis, boosting research and improving care.

Ms Fairbairn, whose other son Tyler, 23, has so far pointedly avoided having tests to see if has the same genetic condition as his older brother, backed the campaign, saying: ‘I’m all for any research and better awareness. People need to know how devastating this disease is.

‘It’s the cruellest disease because there’s no treatment. There’s nothing to help with the symptoms and you watch, and you grieve, and you lose that person time and time again.

Pictured aged 17 with his mother, Andre was a ‘chatty’ individual before he was struck down with the debilitating disease

Andre, right, and younger brother Tyler, now 23, at their mother’s wedding to his stepfather Alastair, 62, in November 2022

‘It’s just heartbreaking to see that person – and that person doesn’t even realise what’s happening to them most of the time.

‘With cancer there’s chemotherapy and radiotherapy. People can have treatment and go into remission and can live a very fruitful, long life. With dementia, there’s nothing.’

Andre’s brain was donated to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for research. His funeral will take place at Breckland Crematorium in Norfolk on January 27.

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘To better understand all forms of dementia, not just rarer forms like FTD, we urgently need to see more investment and participation in dementia research.

‘Investment will give us the power to run bigger, more inclusive research trials that will reach more people than ever before.

‘With increased participation we’ll be able to see more clearly the underlying causes of the disease that cause dementia, develop new treatments, and find better diagnostic tools.’

“WE CAN’T GO ON LIKE THIS” A restaurant has shut its doors after 20 years, blaming the arrival of “100 𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔢𝔤𝔞𝔩 𝔦𝔪𝔪𝔦𝔤𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔱𝔰” housed in a hotel next door. Owners say trade collapsed, staff were scared, and the atmosphere changed overnight — leaving them with no choice but to close. Is this the real reason… or is there more behind the sudden shutdown?

A restaurant has claimed it has been forced to close down after 20 years of operation due to ‘ongoing issues’ with an asylum seeker hotel next door.

Managers of Ceno Bar and Restaurant in Southampton, Hampshire, said illegal migrants have damaged the business and made it almost ‘impossible to operate’.

They claim the car park has been locked for months and that the hotel owners have repeatedly ignored their pleas for help.

Ceno restaurant shares a building with Highfield House Hotel, which the Home Office uses to house up to 100 asylum seekers.

The hotel has been the site of weekly anti-immigration protests in recent months – with speeches often given from the wall outside the restaurant.

The demonstrations are regularly met with counter protests from anti-racism groups and there is often a heavy police presence at the scene.

A spokesperson for the eatery, which specialises in British food, said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce that Ceno Restaurant closed its doors on January 1, 2026.

‘Despite every effort to continue trading, it has become frustratingly impossible to operate due to ongoing issues connected with the Highfield Hotel in which we are located, which has now become home to over 100 illegal immigrants.

Managers of Ceno Bar and Restaurant in Southampton said illegal migrants have damaged the business and made it almost ‘impossible to operate’

Local residents hold an anti-immigration protest outside Highfield House Hotel in Portswood, Southampton

Pictured: Highfield House Hotel in Southampton that houses up to 100 asylum seekers

‘The hotel owners have ignored our communication for help to assist with ongoing damage caused by the hotel residents and have locked the car park for many months, meaning our customers have been unable to park and access the restaurant.’

Managers said the challenges began when the hotel stopped serving the public – and claim they have not received any meaningful support from the police or the city council.

The popular restaurant has been successful for over 20 years and was rated 4.6 stars on TripAdvisor.

Locals online have shown their support for Ceno and shared their disappointment at the news of its closure.

Curt Wright said: ‘Thank you for the exceptional service and some of the nights I have spent in the place, without a doubt one of the best atmospheres and nicest places to have a drink and chill out.’

Another frequenter Kayleigh Hilton, said: ‘We are absolutely devastated, so many of our most precious memories have been at this Ceno site.

‘However, we’ll continue to be behind the team & look forward to your next venture!’

Debbie Kennett added: ‘Cenos has leased the restaurant for 20 years. That’s 20 years of memories who celebrated there.

The demonstrations are regularly met with counter protests from anti-racism groups and there is often a heavy police presence at the scene

Pictured: Ceno Restaurant was part of the Highfield House Hotel building in Southampton

Pictured: A legal notice is displayed in the window of the Ceno Restaurant in Southampton

Read More

Rival protesters clash as anti-immigration march comes face to face with counter demonstration

‘The business started to fall away when the immigrants moved in. I saw some of the abuse that the immigrants would shout down from their windows above.

‘The guy who’s restaurant it was, did his best to stay open. Did his best to try and not let the hotel drag down Cenos.

‘The immigrants burnt holes in his awning when it was bought new. They would play awful music and turn it up on full volume just to be annoying.’

Ceno restaurant claims the last five years have been especially challenging, as the hotel stopped serving the public.

‘Despite these obstacles, we are incredibly proud of what we built together with our fantastic customers’, added the Ceno spokesperson.

‘To the local residents of Highfield who continue to live nearby, we wish you the very best and hope that the difficulties we have faced do not impact you and your families in the future.

‘Most of all, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful customers and those members of the Highfield community and beyond who have supported us right up until New Year’s Eve.

‘Your loyalty and kindness have meant more to us than words can say.’

There are plans to relocate the restaurant and reopen in the spring.

Pictured: Anti-immigration protesters and Stand Up To Racism campaigners are seen outside the Highfield House Hotel

A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels.

‘This government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well underway, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.

‘We are working closely with local authorities, property partners and across-government so that we can accelerate delivery.’

Southampton Stand Up To Racism group – which clashes with anti-immigration protests outside the hotel – said far-right activists were to blame.

A spokesperson said: ‘Attempts to blame asylum seekers or the hotel for the bar’s closure are misplaced and unfair.

‘Ceno Bar traded successfully for years alongside the hotel. Its decline followed the start of sustained far-right activity last summer.’

They added: ‘Over recent months, their repeated demonstrations outside the hotel – often two or three times a week and lasting for hours – have caused serious disruption.’

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary added: ‘Our local neighbourhood policing team have regular contact with businesses in the area, and have made near weekly visits to Cenos in recent months to try and engage with them and understand if there are any issues they want to raise or discuss with us.

‘However, no concerns have been raised with our team on these visits.

‘We are also not aware of any incidents of criminal damage.’

“𝑺𝑶𝑵𝑮𝑺, 𝑳𝑨𝑼𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑬𝑹… 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑻𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑺”: Sir Richard Branson has marked an emotional milestone, honouring the life of his late wife Joan Branson alongside their children Sam and Holly. Held on Necker Island, the intimate service came just two months after Joan’s dєath aged 80 — a farewell filled with music, memories and heartbreak. A private goodbye… now touching hearts around the world.

Sir Richard Branson has paid tribute to late wife Joan in a special New Year service filled with ‘songs, laughter and tears’, some six weeks after her death at the age of 80.

The billionaire business magnate announced the death of Joan, his devoted wife of 36 years, in a post shared with Instagram and LinkedIn followers on November 25.

‘Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away,’ he wrote.

‘She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world.’

Branson, 75, has since paid tribute to his late wife in a beachfront gathering on Necker Island, the 74-acre private estate he owns in the British Virgin Islands.

The event included Branson’s two children with Joan, Holly, 44, and Sam, 40, both of whom were born before the couple’s marriage on Necker Island in 1989.

Sir Richard Branson has paid tribute to late wife Joan in a special New Year service filled with ‘songs, laughter and tears’, some weeks after her death at the age of 80

The event included Branson’s two children – Holly and Sam – both of whom were born before his marriage to Joan on Necker Island in 1989

In video footage shared across social media, Branson, who appeared to be nursing an arm injury, his children and an assortment of friends were seen dressed in matching white shirts as they walked single file across the island’s rugged coastline.

The Virgin tycoon later gave a speech in honour of his late wife, whose cause of death has not been disclosed, as guests raised flutes of champagne.

Captioning the posts, he wrote: ‘My family and I have always believed in celebrating people’s lives, while they are with us and after they are gone. That is exactly what we did for Joan.

‘We held a beautiful celebration on Necker Island. There were stories, songs, laughter, and tears, all in honour of the most incredible partner, mum, grandmother, and friend.’

Branson revealed the family had chosen to honour Joan’s ‘otherworldly presence’ beneath the ‘brightest moon of the year’ on the final day of a ‘beautiful month.’

Separate images captured the businessman and his son in deep reflection while sat beneath the rising moon on Necker Island’s sweeping beach.

Sharing his own posts from the service, son Sam wrote: ‘A very special service for a very special woman.’

Speaking in November, Branson told Instagram followers how the devoted couple ‘never missed an opportunity to show love’ and always tried to make ‘incredible’ memories together.

Branson, his children and an assortment of friends were seen dressed in matching white shirts as they walked single file across the island’s rugged coastline

Branson and Joan’s son Sam watched as his father gave an emotional speech during the New Year ceremony

Branson appeared to be nursing an arm injury while conducting the service on behalf of his late wife

He wrote: ‘My sister @VanessaGBranson said we are experiencing uncomplicated grief, because we had such wonderful relationships with Joan, never missing an opportunity to share and show love, saying all we wanted to say and making incredible memories together’.

‘It made me think again how important it is to ensure you are on good terms with everyone in your life, as you never know when it will be too late. Life is short’.

Daughter Holly also shared an emotional tribute to her late mother as she reflected on the ‘initial shock and pain’ of her passing, describing her as ‘one in a billion, brilliant and kind’.

Posting photos with Joan throughout her childhood, Holly said she and her family ‘feel very loved’ following an outpouring of sympathies in the wake of her mother’s passing.

She captioned the post: ‘It’s taken a couple of weeks for me to write this, because how do you put 44 years of unconditional love into words?

Sam, a talented musician, also performed while celebrating his late mother’s life with assorted guests over the weekend

Poignant family snapshots of Joan and her loved ones decorated the site of her service

Sam shared a selfie with guests as they celebrated Joan’s life on Necker Island

Read More

Richard Branson gives heartbreaking update on his grief following wife Joan’s death – as he thanks well-wishers and says his family ‘just want to celebrate her wonderful life’

‘That’s what sums up my amazing mum. She oozed love to everyone in her orbit and made everyone feel special. Especially me and Freddie, Sam and Bellie, Dad, and her precious grandchildren. We were her world and we knew it. I feel so thankful for that.

‘You know that your parents are going to die one day, but somehow your brain never really prepares you for the inevitable. People say time is a healer and in the space of two weeks, I can see that.

‘The initial shock and pain has shifted into a deep gratitude that I had such a brilliant, kind, caring mum who always showered us all with love.

‘Mum, you are one in a billion and I am trying to be more like you every day. The other day I was shopping with [Joan’s granddaughter] Etta and let her get a few more bits than I would have normally.

‘Etta turned to me and said, “You’re channelling your inner Amma.” That is exactly what I want to do. Channel you every day to be the best wife, mum, and, one day, grandparent I can be.

‘Thank you so much for all the lovely messages, cards, flowers and hugs over the last couple of weeks.

The billionaire business magnate announced the death of Joan, his devoted wife of 36 years, in a post shared with Instagram and LinkedIn followers on November 25

The couple on their wedding day on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands

‘I haven’t replied to everyone, but I’ve read every single one and they have meant more than I can say. We feel very loved and very held from all over the world.’

Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group, which includes businesses like Virgin Atlantic airline, space tourism company Virgin Galactic and satellite launcher Virgin Orbit.

In a 2020 blog post, he said he met Joan in 1976 at The Manor, a former recording studio in Oxfordshire, England.

‘Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realised she wouldn’t be impressed by my usual antics,’ Branson wrote.

The couple’s daughter Holly recently shared an emotional tribute to her late mother as she reflected on the ‘initial shock and pain’ of her passing

Holly reflected on her mother’s ‘unconditional love’, and said she wants to ‘channel her to be the best wife, mum and grandparent she can be’

The earliest picture of Richard and Joan. Lady Joan, who shares two children with Sir Richard, has long been credited as the billionaire’s ‘rock’

Branson recalled how his future wife worked at an antique shop that sold old signs and advertisements.

He added: ‘I hovered uncertainly outside the shop, then built up the courage to walk in… over the next few weeks, my visits to Joan amassed me an impressive collection of old hand painted tin signs, which advertised anything from Hovis bread to Woodbine cigarettes.’

The couple had three children, Holly, Sam and Clare Sarah. Clare Sarah died shortly after birth in 1979.

PRONOUNCED ᎠᎬᎪᎠ — BUT HE WAS ALIVE Police told parents their teenage son had diҽd in a crash… They mourned him for THREE WEEKS — before learning he was actually alive in hospital.

A mix-up which saw police wrongly tell one family their son had died in a car crash and another that theirs was badly injured left relatives grieving a teenager for three weeks – when he was alive in hospital the whole time.

The staggering blunder meant the family of one boy, 18-year-old Joshua Johnson, spent Christmas believing he was under sedation in hospital – only to be told he in fact passed away in the tragic smash.

Meanwhile, another family discovered the son they have been grieving for the past three weeks, 17-year-old Trevor Wynn, is in fact still alive.

The unthinkable mistake emerged when the teen regained consciousness on Sunday and told shocked medical staff: ‘I’m Trevor.’

Joshua’s parents were then given the heartbreaking news of the terrible error, saying of Trevor: ‘That’s not our son.’

Sources said the serious injuries the surviving boy sustained meant no one spotted he wasn’t Joshua until he woke up. Additionally, Joshua and Trevor – known as TJ – are said to be similar in appearance.

On Tuesday it was confirmed that, after new forensic tests, the body was wrongly identified after the crash and was in fact Joshua’s.

Trevor’s family have been preparing for his funeral later this week, it is understood, but are now coming to terms with the astonishing news he is still alive.

The police watchdog is investigating the unthinkable mistake made by officers following the collision near Rotherham on December 13.

In a grovelling apology, a police chief said he had offered to meet both sets of parents to try to give them an explanation – and pledged to make sure such an unforgivable error ‘cannot happen again’.

Police originally said Trevor Wynn, 17, pictured, was killed when the Toyota in which he was a passenger left the road and struck a tree on December 13 – but today revealed he survived and is in hospital, and the boy who died was in fact 18-year-old Joshua Johnson

The vehicle left the carriageway between Dinnington and Todwick, near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, pictured

After the crash, South Yorkshire Police announced that Trevor had been pronounced dead at the scene.

A second teenager, a 17-year-old girl, also tragically died when the Toyota in which they were travelling left the road and struck a tree, while a third teen was taken to hospital.

The force today revealed that on Sunday, ‘concerns were raised’ about the identities of the victims of the crash.

A new formal identification process took place, including forensics, which established that Trevor was in fact in hospital receiving treatment.

It meant the family of Joshua – who had been told he was under sedation in hospital being treated for his injuries – had to be informed that he was actually the boy who died.

Meanwhile, Trevor’s family were told he is actually still alive and has been in hospital since the collision.

Today South Yorkshire’s Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane said: ‘This has obviously come as a huge shock to everyone and we recognise the additional trauma this may cause.

‘We are supporting Trevor and all the families through this and have engaged specialist agencies to help provide that support.

‘I have also offered to meet with both sets of parents as I am sure they will have many questions, most of which we are not able to answer yet but we are absolutely committed to understanding how this happened so it cannot happen again.

South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Colin McFarlane said the force had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) since identifying the error

‘We have taken the decision to refer ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to consider our role in the identification processes which were followed following the road traffic collision.

‘We will co-operate fully with any subsequent investigation and will be led by the IOPC on the next steps to determine how this happened, and how we can ensure this never happens again in the future.’

At the time, police said their vehicle left the carriageway between Dinnington and Todwick.

Following the double tragedy, friends of Trevor – known as TJ – launched an online fundraiser to help his grieving family pay for his funeral.

On the page, the organiser wrote: ‘TJ was the most caring lad with a soft soul.

‘He always put others first and loved nothing more than making people smile.

‘Anyone who knew TJ knew how kind and genuine he truly was.’

At the time, Sergeant John Taylor from the force’s serious collisions unit said: ‘This is a tragic collision in which two young people have lost their lives with a further person in a critical condition, and we are committed to finding answers for their families.

‘Our enquiries are continuing, and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have footage of the car prior to the collision.’

The families and surviving victim will be offered support from specialist officers and additional specialist services, the force said today.

An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and a 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Both remain on bail pending further enquiries.

Caught on Camera: British Vigilantes Slash Migrant Boats on French Beaches — A Shocking Escalation Rocking Both Sides of the Channel

In the pre-dawn mist of northern France’s windswept beaches, a new kind of battle is unfolding—one that has ignited outrage, fear, and a firestorm of debate on both sides of the English Channel. British vigilantes, under the banner of groups like Raise the Colours, have been caught on camera slashing inflatable migrant boats, harassing asylum seekers, and even posing as journalists to lure vulnerable people into confrontations. Dubbed “Operation Overlord” and “Operation Stop The Boats,” their brazen actions—filmed for social media clout—have escalated tensions in an already volatile migrant crisis. As France launches criminal investigations and migrant support groups decry government inaction, the UK remains eerily silent, leaving a trail of questions: Who are these vigilantes? What drives their dangerous crusade? And how did a desperate plea to “stop the boats” spiral into a cross-border vigilante movement that threatens lives and international relations? The truth is as shocking as it is complex, revealing a collision of fear, frustration, and unchecked extremism.

The Migrant Crisis: A Ticking Time Bomb

The English Channel, a narrow 21-mile stretch separating Britain from France, has become a flashpoint in one of Europe’s most contentious issues: illegal migration. In 2025 alone, over 41,455 migrants—mostly from conflict-torn regions like Syria, Eritrea, and Afghanistan—crossed from northern France to the UK in small, overcrowded boats, a 16% increase from 2024. These perilous journeys, orchestrated by ruthless smuggling gangs, have claimed lives, with drownings and hypothermia all too common. The UK’s Home Office, under pressure to curb arrivals, has deported nearly 50,000 illegal migrants since July 2024, while Labour’s promise to “smash the gangs” remains unfulfilled.

On the French side, beaches near Calais, Dunkirk, and Gravelines are staging grounds for these crossings. Migrants, often living in squalid camps, board flimsy dinghies or “taxi boats” that pick them up just offshore to evade police. French authorities, partly funded by the UK, have intensified efforts, with videos showing police slashing boats in shallow waters or firing tear gas at crowds attempting launches. Yet, the boats keep coming, fueling public anger in Britain, where asylum costs hit £5.4 billion in 2025.

Enter the Vigilantes: Operation Overlord Unleashed

Against this backdrop, a group of British men, led by figures like Daniel Thomas (aka “Danny Tommo”), Ryan Bridge, and Elliott Stanley of Raise the Colours, have taken matters into their own hands. Since summer 2024, they’ve traveled to northern France, targeting migrant boats hidden in dunes and confronting asylum seekers with chilling aggression. Their campaign, dubbed “Operation Overlord”—a provocative nod to the 1944 D-Day invasion—has seen them slash inflatable dinghies, brandish knives, and shout xenophobic insults like “We don’t want them in our country!” at terrified migrants.

Videos posted on social media platforms like X and Instagram, where Raise the Colours boasts 100,000 followers, capture their actions in stark detail. One clip from December 7 shows a masked vigilante waving a knife at a car’s occupants, captioned: “Illegal migrant armed with a knife attempts to attack Raise the Colours patriots.” Another, filmed on a Gravelines beach, shows a destroyed boat as French police confront the group, questioning their lack of press credentials. The footage, designed for maximum virality, has garnered thousands of views, amplifying their message of “stopping the boats” at any cost.

Their tactics have evolved disturbingly. In a new ploy, vigilantes posed as accredited journalists, offering migrants money to speak on camera—only to use the encounters for harassment. In Paris, they targeted black homeless men, shouting “Africa!” and filming confrontations to stoke anti-migrant sentiment. These performative acts, described by scholar Matthijs Gardenier as “highly performative vigilantism,” rely on dramatic patrols and online provocation, often spilling into real-world intimidation.

The Men Behind the Masks: Who Are Raise the Colours?

Raise the Colours began as a flag-waving movement, raising St George’s Crosses across England to protest immigration policies they deemed too lenient. Linked to far-right figure Tommy Robinson, the group has ties to football hooligan firms and a history of anti-migrant protests. Daniel Thomas, a core member, is a vocal agitator with a YouTube presence; Ryan Bridge has been filmed slashing boats; Elliott Stanley discussed recruiting men for cross-Channel shifts in a pub overheard by a concerned citizen.

Their planning is audacious. On November 17, 2025, the trio was recorded plotting to acquire a £35,000 boat and drones to evade police, intending to “misdirect” authorities with diversions. Their rhetoric—invoking WWII and calling for “self-justice”—frames migrants as an “invasion,” a narrative that resonates with a frustrated segment of the British public but alarms human rights advocates.

France’s Response: Criminal Probes and Tear Gas

French authorities are cracking down. On December 5, videos showed vigilantes livestreaming from Dunkirk, confronting Doctors Without Borders (MSF) workers and accusing them of aiding an “invasion.” Police have clashed with both migrants and vigilantes, using tear gas to disperse crowds attempting boat launches near Calais. A criminal investigation into the vigilantes’ actions is underway, with French police questioning their presence and press credentials.

Nine French migrant support groups, including Utopia 56 and MSF, issued a scathing statement on December 11, condemning the UK and French governments for failing to stop “migrant hunters” encouraging “violent and xenophobic practices.” They argue that slashing boats endangers lives, forcing migrants onto even riskier vessels or into confrontations with smugglers.

France’s new policy, following UK pressure, allows maritime police to intercept boats at sea before passengers board, but charities warn this risks lives. Videos of police slashing boats themselves have drawn criticism for their brutality, with one showing officers deflating a dinghy packed with families.

The UK’s Silence: A Political Powder Keg

The UK government’s response has been muted, drawing ire from both sides. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s asylum reforms, announced in November 2025, include 14-year prison terms for smuggling and expanded surveillance, but critics like Reform UK argue it’s too little, too late. A Home Office spokesperson acknowledged “frustration” but insisted vigilante actions are a French matter, issuing warnings against Brits traveling to interfere.

The Church of England, through Bishops Arun Arora and Christopher Chessun, condemned the vigilantes’ use of Christian imagery, like St George’s flags, to justify hate. Meanwhile, public sentiment is polarized. X posts from Raise the Colours, pleading for donations to “stop the boats,” have sparked both support and outrage, with some calling them “patriots” and others “thugs.”

The Human Cost: Migrants Caught in the Crossfire

For migrants, the vigilantes’ actions are a new layer of terror. In camps like Loon-Plage near Dunkirk, asylum seekers already face freezing conditions, police raids, and smuggler violence. Slashing boats forces them onto overcrowded or damaged vessels, increasing drowning risks. One Eritrean migrant, speaking anonymously to Le Monde, described hiding in dunes to avoid “the British men with knives.”

Charities report heightened fear, with aid workers now facing harassment. “These vigilantes are endangering lives and inflaming tensions,” said an MSF spokesperson. The December 21 clash near Calais, where police fired tear gas at 30 migrants attempting a launch, underscores the volatile atmosphere.

A Broader Crisis: The Rise of Vigilantism

The vigilantes’ actions reflect a growing trend of anti-migrant vigilantism, as outlined in Matthijs Gardenier’s book Towards a Vigilant Society. From Calais to Dover, groups exploit public frustration, staging dramatic acts for social media. Their rhetoric—evoking WWII and football hooliganism—taps into a sense of lost control, amplified by political figures like former UKIP leader Henry Bolton, who warned of security threats after 803 migrants crossed on December 20.

Yet, their impact is deadly. By destroying boats, vigilantes push migrants toward more dangerous routes, while their videos fuel xenophobia. France’s criminal probe may lead to arrests, but the cross-border nature complicates justice. The UK’s reluctance to act decisively risks emboldening further vigilantism.

What’s Next: A Call for Humanity

As Christmas approaches, the Channel remains a battleground. On December 21, 803 migrants crossed in 13 boats, a December record, underscoring the crisis’s scale. Raise the Colours’ videos continue to spread, their donation pleas gaining traction among supporters. France’s new interception tactics, including nets and sea patrols, aim to deter crossings, but charities warn of humanitarian costs.

The real story is not just vigilante bravado but the human toll: migrants risking death for safety, communities torn by fear, and governments failing to bridge divides. The bishops’ words ring true: “Christianity cannot justify hate.” As investigations unfold, the world watches, hearts heavy, for a path beyond this escalating conflict.

‘That Voice Gave Him Away’: Fans claim Conkers is Olly Murs in disguise as Masked Singer theory explodes

The Masked Singer’s Conkers’ identity ‘sealed’ as fans spot clue it’s Olly Murs

Conkers took to the stage for the first time on Sunday’s edition of The Masked Singer and fans rushed to social media to theorise who could be behind the mask

View 4 Images

Conkers made their debut on Sunday night’s edition of The Masked Singer(Image: ITV/Kieron McCarron/Shutterstock)

The Masked Singer viewers have decided that Conkers is a huge X Factor star. The ITV game show, in which major celebrities don elaborate costumes and perform pop songs whilst trying to conceal their true identity, aired its second episode of series seven on Sunday evening.

When the character Conkers made their debut on the programme, they gave three telling clues as to who they might be. Teasing viewers, they discussed “hitting the mark,” being “scared” of things, and hinted at having taken on enemies, presumably in some form of competition.

Conkers then performed Nice To Meet You by Myles Smith for judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama and Mo Gilligan, and the panel was split on who might be hiding behind the mask, with a host of names thrown into the mix. Viewers at home also joined in on the speculation and flooded social media with their opinions.

View 4 Images

Judges and fans at home were guessing who the secret star might be (Image: ITV)

Many seemed to think it was Olly Murs, who placed second on The X Factor in 2009 behind winner Joe McElderry and recently released his eighth studio album Knees Up. One wrote: “Conkers sounds like Olly Murs deliberately singing off key,” whilst another said: “I’m saying Conkers is Olly Murs @ollymurs disguising his singing voice! Lego heart + ‘hit my Mark’ – he presents a Heart radio show with Mark Wright. “Ghosts don’t scare me” – he has a song called Go Ghost.” But others thought it might be football legend Peter Crouch, with one writing: “Think Conker is a sportsman. Getting Peter Crouchy vibes.”

The nation’s favourite guessing game has returned for its seventh series, and in the first episode, The One Show star Alex Jones was unmasked as Disc Jockey following her performance of Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club. Mo guessed that it was radio legend Annie Mac, whilst Davina thought it might be Lioness Jill Scott, guest judge Anne-Marie was not present for the performance but guessed that it was “that bird on the cake show,” meaning Dame Mary Berry. Jonathan guessed it was BBC Radio 2 star Sara Cox, and Maya Jama guessed Total Eclipse of the Heart songstress Bonnie Tyler, but evidently, all were incorrect.

Upon her unmasking, she told host Joel Dommett and the judges: “I have had a lot of fun. We love this programme, as a family, and I just thought it would be a lot of fun and that to do it for my children would be wonderful. And it’s the most bizarre experience of my life! Thank you.” Emotionally dedicating her time on the programme, Alex, who is married to Charlie Thomson, said: “Teddy, Kit and Annie, this was for you. I hope that you’ve loved it.”

View 4 Images

Many fans were convinced it was X Factor star Olly Murs using a fake voice (Image: Getty Images)

View 4 Images

But others seemed to think it was former footballer Peter Crouch

The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 48, then closed out her time on the competition with an unmasked rendition of Pink Pony Club to massive applause from the studio audience. Following her exit from the show, Alex admitted she wanted her performance to serve as an inspiration to her children.

She said: “I want them to know that overcoming fear is a good thing. I am not a singer but I gave it a go, and I think that’s the take home for them. I won’t be able to bear it but they will be so excited, hopefully it will be something special they remember when they grow up. They’ll think ‘God, our mother, do you remember when she dressed as a disc jockey and she sang on national television without any sort of voice?’”

As well as Gargoyle, other stars still in the competition include Red Panda, Can of Worms, Moth, and Sloth. On Sunday night, Monkey Business, Teabag, Toastie, Yak, Arctic Fox, and Conkers will perform for the first time.

It all came after Anne-Marie had been unmasked as Goldfish, having been performing as the lead singer of a group called No Trout in a first for the programme. After performing as Bruno Mars and Rose hit APT, the judges correctly guessed the identity of the singer.

Following her unmasking, the songstress said: “When I was at school, I had a very short attention span! I’m used to the voice just going that way [in front of me], but in the thing, it was like ‘Oh, that’s what I sound like!” She then gave her first unmasked performance for the studio audience of her signature track 2002, which famously references music icons like Britney Spears, Jay-Z and NSYNC.

Emmerdale Next Week: John Sugden’s Terrifying Standoff as Coronation Street Crossover Explodes

Next week marks one of the most ambitious, darkly cinematic chapters in the history of Emmerdale as the long-awaited Corriedale crossover finally erupts on screen. For one unforgettable night, Emmerdale and Coronation Street collide in a storyline packed with obsession, betrayal, criminal conspiracy, and a catastrophic multi-vehicle pile-up that will leave lives shattered on both sides of the M62.

At the centre of the chaos stands John Sugden, facing a terrifying standoff that spirals far beyond personal vendettas and into something far more dangerous. What begins as a calculated attempt to remove a rival quickly mutates into a chain reaction of violence, secrets, and irreversible consequences—setting the stage for storylines that will dominate both soaps well into 2026.

A deadly plan begins

The week opens on an ominous note. A body is being dragged away under cover of darkness by a mystery figure, immediately signalling that Corriedale is not just a crossover, but a full-scale thriller. The question lingers like a storm cloud: who is dead, and who is responsible?

As tension coils through the village, Aaron Dingle sets a dangerous plan in motion—one intended to rid his life of John Sugden once and for all. But Aaron’s desperation blinds him to the wider fallout. John is soon bound and gagged inside the mill, a gun trained on him as Aaron attempts to convince him of loyalty, devotion, and the possibility of a fresh start away from Emmerdale.

In a moment that blurs love and manipulation, Aaron knocks Robert Sugden unconscious and proposes a life beyond the village. A kiss seals the illusion. Yet when they get into the car, the truth explodes. Aaron seizes the gun, ordering his ex-husband to drive straight to the police station and confess. What follows is not redemption—but disaster.

The car that refused to stop

Despite being held at gunpoint, John remains dangerously calm. As rain lashes down and visibility collapses, he presses harder on the accelerator. Aaron grabs the steering wheel. The struggle is brief, violent, and catastrophic. The car veers out of control on a dark, storm-battered road—the spark that ignites the night’s defining tragedy.

Elsewhere, McKenzie Boyd is fighting a different fire. Furious after discovering Charity Dingle’s pregnancy lies, he masks his heartbreak and insists on driving her to the airport, claiming they must stop Cain and Moira before it’s too late. Charity soon realises McKenzie knows the truth when his driving turns reckless, fuelled by betrayal and rage.

As McKenzie’s headlights blind Cain and Moira’s car, everything collapses in seconds. Brakes scream. Metal folds. Vehicles smash through fences and spin into a field. A devastating multi-vehicle pile-up erupts—pulling Emmerdale and Weatherfield residents into the same nightmare.

A battlefield on Hutton Road

The aftermath is apocalyptic. Twisted metal litters the road. Smoke billows into the rain-soaked night. Sirens echo through the valley as emergency services race to the scene. Inside McKenzie’s car, airbags have exploded and petrol fumes hang heavy. Blood streams down his face as he turns toward Charity, who lies motionless, trapped in the wreckage.

Nearby, Cain drags himself from an overturned car, ignoring his own injuries as panic consumes him. Sarah and Jacob are missing. His desperate cries are swallowed by wind and rain.

But the devastation does not end there. Aaron and John’s car has smashed into the median before being struck by a truck travelling from Weatherfield. Among the first to witness the carnage is Kevin Webster, whose delivery run becomes a front-row seat to catastrophe. Trapped in the traffic behind him are Carla Connor and Peter Barlow, staring in horror at what Peter calls “a battlefield.”

In a haunting moment, two women from different worlds—Charity and Abi Webster—lock eyes amid the wreckage. Boundaries dissolve as Charity whispers a plea that cuts through the chaos: save my child.

Criminal secrets spill into the open

As ambulances flood the scene, a small grey van quietly attempts to reverse away before police can seal off the area. Inside is a bound and gagged Abi Webster, kidnapped from Weatherfield hours earlier. The driver is a hired operative working for Ray Walters and Celia Daniels—whose criminal operation is finally beginning to unravel.

Unbeknownst to him, another secret is hidden in the wreckage. Bear Wolf, long missing, lies unconscious beneath sacks in the back of a nearby truck. He overheard Ray and Celia discussing their trafficking and blackmail network and was meant to be silenced—or worse, framed.

Back in the village, Bob Hope exposes the truth at The Woolpack, revealing Ray and Celia’s operation and the pub’s secret role as a transit point for contraband. Panic spreads as families realise just how close the danger has been all along.

Hospital chaos and shattered truths

At Hotten General, corridors overflow with victims. Paddy Kirk stands helpless as loved ones are wheeled past him. Rona breaks devastating news. Ross arrives carrying a traumatised April, who claims she saw a dead body near the woods. The words freeze the room.

Meanwhile, Laurel sits alone, clutching an envelope of photographs linking Ray and Celia to a powerful trafficking figure in Weatherfield. When an anonymous call threatens her son if she goes to the police, the moral weight becomes unbearable.

Back at the crash site, Aaron tries to pull Robert from a burning car—only for John Sugden to emerge from the shadows, gun in hand. Bloodied but alive, John sneers that Aaron and Robert will die together. The standoff ends only when police lights sweep the scene and McKenzie tackles John to the ground. A gunshot rings out. Silence follows.

Birth, betrayal, and a final twist

As chaos reigns, Charity is rushed into emergency labour and gives birth to a baby boy under dire circumstances. But the joy curdles into horror when she recognises a genetic mark on the child—proof the baby belongs to someone she hates from Weatherfield.

Aaron, meanwhile, awakens briefly in hospital—only to be handcuffed and arrested for weapons offences. Robert watches in helpless despair, realising John has engineered everything to remove Aaron from his life forever.

In the final chilling moments, a shadowy figure retrieves Robert’s fallen wallet, burns a photograph of Aaron and Robert, and reveals himself to be a man presumed dead years ago—harbouring a long-festering hatred for both the Sugden and Dingle families.

As rain continues to fall over Hutton Valley, one truth is undeniable: Corriedale was not an ending, but the opening salvo of a far darker war still to come.