Liam Mcinerney

Gloria Hunniford has spoken about how work, friends and family have helped her cope since the death of her husband, businessman Stephen Way, in August 2024. The 86-year-old broadcaster said these relationships give her purpose and keep her engaged with life, adding that she sees no reason to retire while she is still enjoying her work, learning and contributing. Hunniford continues to appear on Loose Women and is featured in Celebrity Hunted. She was also recently granted the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her broadcasting career and breast cancer campaigning, including her work with the Caron Keating Foundation, founded after her daughter died from breast cancer.

Elaine and Derek Thompson won £2.7 million in December 1995, but Elaine continued working night shifts stacking shelves at Marks & Spencer until her recent retirement because she enjoyed having a job and disliked being at home all day. She says the money did not change her, while it enabled their children to attend university and buy homes, supported business ventures including a B&B and restaurant, and allowed the family to enjoy an extraordinary life. Elaine advises lottery winners to wait at least a month before making major decisions.

Rory Clifford and Stephanie Harper’s home in the Peloponnese was destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire just days before they planned to move from Hastings, England, to Greece with their children. The couple had invested more than €300,000 in the property and relocated belongings and school arrangements in preparation for the move. Now living in a one-bedroom flat, the family says it may need about €100,000 to rebuild and is receiving support through a fundraiser organized by Stephanie’s sister, Gabby. Despite the loss, the couple remains determined to rebuild their life in Greece.

Jacob Dunne describes how, at 19, he threw an unprovoked punch in Nottingham in 2011 that caused the death of 28-year-old paramedic James Hodgkinson. Initially focused on avoiding punishment rather than the harm caused, Dunne said a phone call from his mother asking him to consider the victim and his family changed his perspective. After serving 14 months for manslaughter, he met James's parents through restorative justice, studied criminology and became a youth-justice campaigner. He founded the Common Ground Justice Project, while his redemption story has been adapted into the play Punch and an autobiography.

Michelle Baker, a British resident of Benidorm for more than 42 years, warns tourists about scams targeting visitors during the summer. She highlights a new “selfie steal” in which couples invite women into photos before stealing valuables, as well as phone theft using fake requests for Google Maps, the long-running pea-under-the-cup gambling scam, and “mugger huggers” who distract men before stealing from them or, in some cases, drugging them. Baker says Benidorm remains generally safe but urges tourists to stay alert and keep valuables secure.

David Bryant, a respected former fire chief from Christchurch, Dorset, saw his life shattered after a hand-delivered letter in 2012 accused him of sexually assaulting a boy in the 1970s. Despite maintaining innocence, he was convicted in 2014 and imprisoned, with his sentence later extended. Fresh evidence revealing the accuser’s long history of dishonesty led the Court of Appeal to overturn the conviction in 2016. Bryant struggled to rebuild his life as his wife Lynn died months after his release, and he later developed dementia. Friends and relatives reflect on the devastation caused, highlighted through a Channel 4 documentary exploring the wrongful conviction.

A woman seeking a £12 million lottery payout after her ticket was mistakenly discarded faces a 30‑day investigation by operator Allwyn, echoing the experience of Martyn and Kay Tott, who in 2001 lost out on more than £3 million after misplacing their winning ticket and missing the 30‑day reporting rule. Despite public support from figures such as Richard Branson and Tony Blair, the Totts were denied the prize and later separated under the stress. Martyn pursued legal action unsuccessfully, eventually publishing a novel based on the ordeal.

An Irish mother described meeting the man who killed her son in a one‑punch attack as part of a restorative justice programme, showing him a photograph of her son in hospital to convey the consequences of his actions. She recounted his remorse and her intention to prevent further violence. The article details the 2017 assault, her son’s medical struggle, the sentencing, and her decision to pursue restorative justice to encourage rehabilitation rather than retaliation.

A hospice nurse outlines six early signs of dementia, stressing that the condition impacts more than memory and that early detection can slow progression. The signs include disruptive short-term memory loss, difficulty performing familiar tasks, confusion over time and place, language issues, lapses in judgement, and personality changes. Families are urged to seek medical evaluation if they notice these changes, with attention drawn to NHS resources for additional guidance.

Louis Theroux says The Most Hated Family in America is the documentary he is most proud of, highlighting the unprecedented access he gained to the Westboro Baptist Church and the impact of the original 2007 film. Speaking on Tom Aspinall’s podcast, he contrasted the group’s hostile ideology with their unexpectedly welcoming behaviour behind the scenes and encouraged viewers to revisit the now-streaming series.

A Manchester mother describes years of sexual and emotional abuse by her fiancé, who repeatedly raped her while she was unconscious after taking prescribed sleeping tablets. His behaviour caused memory loss and bruising that led doctors to diagnose pseudodementia. She eventually reported him to Greater Manchester Police, who brought charges after more than two years, though he died by suicide before trial. The force later apologised for its handling of the case. Inspired by other survivors, she now campaigns through #EndEyeCheck to challenge systems that allow partners to drug and rape women without accountability.

A long-abandoned TWA terminal at New York’s JFK Airport has been restored into the £200m TWA Hotel, featuring 512 rooms, a rooftop pool overlooking active runways, and a large 24-hour gym. Designers recreated its 1962 aesthetic, earning accolades including a top-five ranking from the Skytrax World Airport Awards. Travel YouTuber Hannah Ricketts praised the immersive retro design, standout lobby and room views, while noting the pool fee and mediocre food. Overall, the hotel is portrayed as a distinctive and highly impressive aviation-themed destination.

Former bus driver Peter Lavery recounts the upheaval following his £10.2 million National Lottery win in 1996, describing lavish early spending, a high-profile celebratory holiday, and a stressful return to Belfast marked by overwhelming public attention and appeals for money. After years of heavy drinking and lifestyle excess that damaged his health, he made major changes and eventually became a successful businessman and philanthropist, donating millions and supporting children affected by the Troubles.

The article lists the five longest‑serving prisoners in the UK, highlighting their crimes, sentences and current status. Robert Maudsley and Charles Bronson top the list with 52 years each, followed by John ‘Bruce’ Childs, Jeremy Bamber and Maria Pearson. Pearson, the longest‑serving female prisoner, has been approved for release after nearly 39 years in prison, despite objections from the victim’s family. Several cases involve ongoing debates about justice, rehabilitation and potential miscarriages of justice.

Royal commentators say King Charles and Queen Camilla plan to continue living at Clarence House after Buckingham Palace’s refurbishment because it feels like a true home rather than an office-like environment. Hugo Vickers describes Clarence House as warm and personal, retaining many touches from the Queen Mother, while characterizing Buckingham Palace as impersonal and overly formal. Former royal butler Grant Harrold confirms Charles expressed this preference years earlier. The decision aligns with the royals’ view that Buckingham Palace can remain a venue for state functions while Clarence House serves as their main residence.

Marcus Redwood recounts a violent nightclub confrontation in 1990 that led to retaliation from a criminal family and an attempted shooting outside his home months later. Police skepticism left him feeling unprotected, prompting him to arm himself and increase security. The conflict ended after Dave Courtney intervened with the family involved, easing Redwood's fears during a prolonged period of heightened danger.

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, former private secretary to Princes William and Harry, recalls feeling intimidated when William told him he would run the 2011 royal wedding. He praises William’s leadership, describes Kate Middleton warmly, and reflects positively on both brothers while avoiding comment on their rift. Now a novelist, he continues to maintain friendly ties with the family.

A biographer recounts an anecdote in which a former girlfriend accidentally headbutted King Charles while following strict royal protocols, illustrating how seriously royal etiquette is observed even in private settings. Catherine Mayer, author of books on the Royal Family, describes her behind‑the‑scenes observations of protocol and discusses themes from her latest work exploring the lives of prominent royal women. She also reflects on the pressures within the royal institution and notes William and Kate’s efforts to provide their children with greater normality.

Timothy Cho recounts his traumatic childhood in North Korea, where he lived homeless after his parents fled and witnessed public executions as a child. He describes extreme hunger, violence against children stealing food, and executions carried out by firing squad. After multiple failed escapes to China, he eventually reached the UK in 2008, later earning university degrees and entering local politics. His account coincides with new findings from the Transitional Justice Working Group documenting increased executions in North Korea during the pandemic, including public shootings and killings for activities such as consuming South Korean media.

A dietician recommends improving gut health by prioritising fibre, fluids and fitness before turning to supplements. She advises drinking a pint of water first thing in the morning, increasing fibre intake through foods such as berries and pears, and taking a short walk and staying upright after meals to support digestion. Most people in Ireland and the UK consume too little fibre, and the guidance emphasises basic lifestyle changes as the most effective starting point.

A reviewer praises the thriller series Special Ops: Lioness for its fast‑paced action, strong performances and bingeable nature, noting its blend of family dynamics and military drama and its inspiration from a real CIA program. The show is highlighted as one of the reviewer’s favorite watches of the previous year, with a subtle ending and high anticipation for season three following strong audience interest.

A former prisoner warns that Jamie Varley, convicted of murdering and sexually abusing 13‑month‑old Preston Davey, will be targeted in prison due to the severity of his crimes. Varley and his partner John McGowan‑Fazakerley were found guilty of multiple offences related to prolonged abuse. The ex‑inmate says Varley will likely be held in a Category A prison but will still face significant danger even under protection. Prosecutors describe the case as one of the most shocking they have encountered, highlighting the extensive harm inflicted on the child.

Jeremy Clarkson discloses an early and aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis during recent Clarkson's Farm episodes, receiving support from partner Lisa Hogan and colleagues. The pair’s life together in the Cotswolds is detailed, including their £12.5 million Chipping Norton mansion, its extensive design features, and its development history. Their relationship, property plans, and Clarkson’s adjustments to rural life are highlighted alongside his reflections on recent challenges and positive moments.

A Swedish firefighter, Lasse Gustavson, recounts a near-death experience following a gas explosion that left him with severe burns and in a two-month coma. He describes vivid visions he perceived as an afterlife, believing he encountered his deceased colleague Leif. After returning to the fire service and later becoming a motivational speaker, he shares lessons he believes define the meaning of life, emphasising kindness, personal growth and love. Viewers of the podcast praised his resilience and positive outlook after decades of living with traumatic injuries.

Qamdo Bamda Airport in Tibet is described as one of the world’s most isolated and inconvenient airports despite having the world’s longest runway at 5,500 metres. Its remoteness, high altitude and mountainous terrain require an unusually long runway to ensure safe aircraft operations. The airport faces extreme weather conditions and is located far from the nearest town, though shuttle buses operate regularly. Originally opened in 1995 and refurbished in 2007, it later received a new runway and continues to serve only domestic destinations while remaining a regular entry in world‑record listings.

A food reviewer from Huddersfield, known as Just Deano, tested Iceland’s chip shop curry fish fillet strips and called them a game changer, praising their crispy batter and flaky fish despite noting the quality wasn’t premium. After cooking them in an air fryer, he rated them 8.9 out of 10 and compared them favourably to a meal he had at Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips in Las Vegas, claiming the frozen product was better. Iceland has since reduced the product’s price, and customer reactions have been largely positive.

Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, recounts being shocked by Meghan Markle’s claims of racism within the Royal Family during the Sussexes’ interview with Oprah Winfrey. Anderson disputes the allegations, saying she never witnessed any racist behavior from the Queen. She also challenges Meghan’s claims about restrictions on her clothing choices, suggesting such statements damage public credibility. Despite tensions surrounding the couple, Anderson believes Harry and Meghan can still rebuild their reputation in the United States. The article also revisits Anderson’s past remarks on Prince Harry, emphasizing her generally positive personal experiences with him while noting his need to move beyond a victim narrative.

A neuroscientist highlights berries, particularly blueberries and strawberries, as daily foods that may help slow ageing due to compounds that aid the removal of damaged cells. He stresses that dietary changes can benefit health at any age and points to fibre deficits, processed food consumption, and constant eating as contributors to accelerated ageing and rising health issues. Insights are drawn from his research and recent media appearances, including a book on how diet influences ageing at a cellular level.

Anton Du Beke describes the challenges of parenting during half‑term on the debut episode of his new podcast with Craig Revel Horwood, prompting light‑hearted teasing from his co‑host. He reflects on life with his nine‑year‑old twins and his wife Hannah’s past struggle with endometriosis, while both judges promote their weekly podcast, which will cover everyday dilemmas and pop‑culture topics.

Gardeners are advised not to worry if they see white foam, known as cuckoo spit, on plants such as lavender or rosemary. Horticulturist Peter Dowdall explains the foam is produced by young froghoppers and is harmless to plants, serving as a protective environment for the insects as they develop. He urges people not to use sprays or chemicals, emphasising that the presence of these insects is a natural part of a healthy garden ecosystem.