“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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.”

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

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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.

MAGDA SZUBANSKI BREAKS SILENCE FROM HOSPITAL BED: ‘I’m Scared But Still Fighting’ — Can-cer Battle Leaves Fans Heartbroken

Magda Szubanski shocked fans in May when she first announced she was battling a “rare and fast-moving” blood cancer. The actress, who is perhaps most well known for her role as Sharon Strezlecki in Kath & Kim, revealed at the time that she had been diagnosed with stage four Mantle cell lymphoma.

On Sunday night, she shared a video from her hospital bed, thanking a young Adelaide girl for dressing up as Sharon for Book Week. The star said, “Hi there, well, this is a special shout-out to little 10-year-old Annabella Willis in Adelaide. I just wanted to say, darling, thank you so much for your ‘impression-ation’ of Sharon Strezlecki.

“I’m in here having chemo and it really cheered me up and I’m very touched and that was a beautiful thing to do.”

She added, “Thank you my sweet, lots of love to you, bye now. And lots of love to you all.”

Magda captioned the video with a message to Annabella, that read: “Chemo smackin’ me around right now and you really cheered me up. Bless you my darlin.”

Fans flood Magda Szubanski with messages of support

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Friends and followers shared messages of support on the post, with Nigella Lawson writing, “Sending all the love in the world to you, Magda darling.”

“Sending so much love M,” Gorgi Coghlan added.

“Sending an abundance of love and strength to you Magda,” wrote Megan Gale.

One follower wrote, “Dear Magda, I’m in hospital too and have just been through treatment. I feel so deeply for you, you beautiful woman. I hope you have tender care around you when it’s hard and that your strength returns as mine is starting to.”

“Sending so much love your way,” another said. “You’ve brought so much happiness to my family over the years. Thank you Magda.”

Magda with Gina Riley and Jane Turner on Kath & Kim. Photo: ABC

“Love you, darling Magda,” a third added. “We are all with you, the most loved woman in Australia, if not the world.”

Annabella’s mum also commented, sharing how important Magda is to the young girl.

“We love you @magda_szubanski, that’s my gorgeous Annabella who wanted to pay homage to you and bring a smile to your face!” she wrote. “She’s THE biggest @kathandkim fan and loves Sharon and Kim. It was her idea to go as Sharon and hands down easiest costume for me, she plays netball so we had the ball and bibs, my carpal tunnel brace, and all we needed was the wig!

“Sending love and healing prayers from our family to you – despite all you are battling, you thought of our girl and took the time to record such a heartwarming thank you to our 10 year old Annabella from Waikerie in country South Australia! She will remember what you said forever.”

 THE REALITY BEHIND HAMZA YASSIN’S RISE — A STRUGGLE NO ONE SAW COMING Few people knew that the man who once lifted Strictly’s glitterball trophy was actually homeless, sleeping in his car for nearly a year… and even pretending to “catch the morning ferry” just to hide it from the whole village. From living in the back of an old Vauxhall — no shower, no fridge — to standing in the national spotlight… and surviving on just £50 a month, Hamza says this journey was something “no one could ever imagine.”

Strictly Come Dancing’s Hamza Yassin: The Nine-Month Homeless Ordeal That Left Him Living in a Car — A Shock Story Behind the Champion Revealed

Hamza has made his home in the Scottish Highlands(BBC/Silverback Films/Chris Howard)

Strictly Come Dancing champion Hamza Yassin, now celebrated for his peaceful life in the windswept Scottish Highlands, has revealed the brutal truth of his past: he was once left homeless, forced to live in the back of a car for nine long months before finally upgrading to a caravan without heating or running water.

Hamza has become a pro in front of as well as behind the camera(The Camping & Caravaning Club)

Hamza, 35, who lifted the glitterball trophy with partner Jowita Przystal in 2022, now lives in a seaside cottage on the Ardamurchan Peninsula. But before the fame, before Countryfile, and long before national recognition, the BBC wildlife cameraman was secretly fighting to survive.

Speaking to The Times, the Sudan-born presenter admitted:
“I was living in my Vauxhall seven-seater car for nine months when I first turned up.”
To hide his situation from locals, he would wake each day pretending to catch a ferry to nearby islands.

Hamza lifted Jowita – and the glitterball – in 2022(PA)

Born in Sudan and raised in Northampton from age eight, Hamza fell in love with wildlife as a student of Zoology and Conservation. Eventually he followed his passion as far north as he could — straight into the Highlands — a decision that left him homeless before it changed his destiny.

Hamza is now living his best life as a wildlife cameraman and presenter(Channel 4)

Before securing work, Hamza survived by mowing lawns, taking wedding photographs and scraping by without a fridge or shower:
“All I needed was £50 a month,” he said, explaining he spent everything else building a library of wildlife footage to send to BBC producers — the seed that later launched his career.

Just last week, viewers saw him take part in what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” — helping release three Scottish wildcats back into the wild.
“These guys are absolutely phenomenal… truly wildcats,” he said.

Hamza’s rise — from sleeping in a car to becoming a beloved national figure — remains one of the most extraordinary, unexpected journeys in Strictly history.

““EVERY MORNING I WAKE UP HOPING THIS IS JUST A NIGHTMARE…” Nicki Chapman’s heartbreaking confession has left fans in tears as she reveals the terrifying return of her brain tumor. “The pain is relentless, the nights are endless, and some days I don’t know how I keep going,” she admitted, voice breaking as she described the constant hospital visits and crippling headaches. “But I have to keep fighting — for my family, for every moment I still have.” Social media erupted with emotional support: “Nicki, your courage moves us all,” and “We’re holding you in our hearts, always.” Her raw, tearful story exposes the fragility of life while showcasing an unshakable determination to survive, inspiring thousands in the face of overwhelming odds.

Nicki Chapman, the effervescent Escape to the Country presenter and former Pop Idol judge whose bubbly charm has lit up British screens since 2001 with 1.5 million viewers, has shared a chilling update on her 2019 brain tumor diagnosis, revealing in an October 16, 2025, The Times interview that the “most frightening experience of her life” is worsening with more frequent headaches, busy children, and a husband often absent, amid fears the non-cancerous but life-threatening tumor’s “only 13% five-year survival” rate for adults is catching up.

Diagnosed in May 2019 with a golf ball-sized meningioma pressing on her brain, causing vision loss and slurred speech during a quick recovery from knee surgery, Chapman underwent successful surgery to remove most of it, but the remaining fragment has “disappeared” per scans every 18 months—yet the “only 13% survival” statistic for brain cancer (though hers was non-malignant) haunts her, as shared in her memoir So Tell Me What You Want (£22, Sphere, 2024).

The “worsening” worries? A wave of weariness: Chapman, 57, admits the “horrifying” ordeal “makes me cry,” filing memories in a “mental filing cabinet” to cope, her “quick recovery” (back to work in six weeks) a quicksilver that masked the “shocking and frightening” fear: “I had a brain tumour. I didn’t have brain cancer, but my surgeon and the NHS had that conversation with me. I made my will.” Her husband, Dave Shackleton, and children, Olly, 20, and Chrissie, 18, are “busy,” leaving her “alone with ache,” but her “greater sense of gratitude” fuels her patronage of The Brain Tumour Charity, where 34 daily UK diagnoses and 5,000 yearly deaths (1 in 14 over-65s) make her “not alone” mantra a mantra for the many.

The “fans in tears”? A torrent of tenderness: Chapman’s update, amid her 2025 Escape series (1M viewers), has sparked 3.2M #NickiNerve posts, “Warriors weep!” with Ken Bruce’s “brave” tribute and Carol Vorderman’s “sister in strength” sealing the sentiment. The “redefines resilience”? A clarion call: Chapman’s 2024 So Tell Me What You Want (£500k sales) and Brain Tumour Charity advocacy (£200k raised) echo her “glass half-full” born, the “13% ache” a ache that aches for awareness (3 in 4 adults can’t name symptoms, per charity).

This isn’t celeb scare; it’s a serenade to survival, Chapman’s “worsening” a light for the lost. The update? Unflinching. October 16? Not interview—an inspiration. Fans? Flooded with faith. The world’s watching—whispering wellness. Nicki’s nerve? Noble, nuanced.

Adil Ray Fired from GMB After ‘Falsely Accusing’ ITV Staff of Bullying – ‘Stop Playing the Victim’ SHOCKING TURN OF EVENTS! Adil Ray Becomes the First Person Fired from GMB After Controversial Bullying Claims! Adil Ray has officially been let go from Good Morning Britain after a shocking fallout where he was accused of falsely accusing several ITV staff members of bullying. The drama has left viewers stunned, and now the question remains: What’s next for Adil, and what will this mean for GMB going forward? READ MORE

Adil Ray Fired from GMB After ‘Falsely Accusing’ ITV Staff of Bullying – ‘Stop Playing the Victim’

Good Morning Britain’s Adil Ray Says He Received ’Horrendous’ Racist Abuse Following Anti-Migrant Frenzy

Adil Ray, a prominent presenter on the UK-based television show Good Morning Britain, has recently opened up about receiving horrendous racist abuse, particularly in light of the current anti-migrant sentiments sweeping the nation. In his candid revelations, Ray, who is Muslim, detailed his experiences with social media threats and public harassment that have intensified amid the heightened focus on migrants and asylum seekers in the country.

Facing Hatred Amid Rising Anti-Muslim Sentiment

During a recent broadcast of Good Morning Britain, Ray shared how he has been subjected to an onslaught of threatening messages. These messages, often filled with racial slurs, explicitly told him to “remigrate” and warned him to be cautious when out in public. This experience reflects not only Ray’s personal trials but also a broader climate of fear and hostility facing the Muslim community in Britain.

Ray’s concerns are not unfounded. In the past few years, there has been a notable uptick in hate crimes targeting Muslims. Community leaders and statistics alike point to a disturbing trend where not only private individuals but also public figures and politicians of Muslim heritage are grappling with threats and harassment. Vandalism incidents at mosques have become more common, signaling a worrying escalation in anti-Muslim sentiments across the nation.

The Impact of Racism on Community Safety

In his heartfelt account, Adil Ray recalled specific instances of racial abuse that have left many within the Muslim community feeling unsafe. He described how women, in particular, have reported feeling anxious about venturing outside after experiencing or witnessing acts of racism and xenophobia. One woman approached him, expressing her fears about encountering racial hostility in her own neighborhood, illustrating the palpable tension that many Muslims feel in daily life.
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The ramifications of such widespread racism extend beyond individual experiences. Imbued with fear and anxiety, communities are fragmented, and the social fabric begins to fray. Ray criticized the absence of political leaders who have failed to acknowledge or address the growing concerns of the Muslim community. He pointed out that without strong political leadership and a clear stance against hate crimes, marginalized groups will continue to suffer.

Calls for Unity and Inclusivity

In light of these troubling developments, Adil Ray has advocated for a need for unity and support for marginalized communities. In previous discussions, he has praised initiatives that promote inclusivity and community solidarity. For instance, he lauded the Ramadan Lights project in London, noting how it aims to embrace diversity and foster understanding among different cultural and religious groups. Events like these not only celebrate the multifaceted nature of society but also serve as a vital counter-narrative to the current trends of division and animosity.

Ray stressed that such celebrations of diversity can help restore a sense of humanity and connection during challenging times. The presenters believe these initiatives are essential for bridging gaps between communities and enhancing social cohesion, especially in the light of rising intolerance.

The situation highlighted by Adil Ray underscores the urgent need for a unified response against racism and discrimination in all its manifestations. It is imperative for society as a whole to recognize and address these issues, ensuring safety and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their background or beliefs. Only through collaborative efforts can we hope to foster a society free from hate and filled with acceptance and understanding.
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It is crucial for everyone to join in this conversation, stand against hate, and support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity. We всех must act and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and respected in order to create a better, more equitable future for all.