Annette Belcher

Denise Welch is leaving ITV’s Loose Women after more than two decades on and off the panel, including a permanent role from 2005 and a return in 2018. She said acting has always been her first love and that new dramatic opportunities have prompted her to begin a new chapter focused on acting. Loose Women praised her contribution, while fellow panellists Katie Piper, GK Barry, Judi Love and Nadia Sawalha offered messages of support.

Major wildfires in south-western France have burned more than 42,000 hectares, displaced over 260,000 people and moved within nine miles of Bordeaux. President Emmanuel Macron called the crisis France’s worst fire-related emergency since World War II, while officials warned that a heatwave with temperatures reaching 41C could worsen conditions. The Gironde blaze was reported as stabilised after overnight flare-ups were contained, but firefighter injuries rose to 93 and two firefighters have died. Spain has also ordered evacuations near Madrid as authorities across both countries prepare for further fire spread.

A Ryanair flight from Dublin to Ibiza descended into disorder after groups of allegedly intoxicated passengers caused disturbances involving loud behavior, drinking, harassment, and sexual activity in the aircraft toilet. Passengers reported inadequate intervention from staff until conditions escalated, prompting paramedics and police to meet the aircraft upon landing. Two disruptive individuals were removed, and Ryanair reiterated its zero‑tolerance policy toward unruly behavior.