Ryan Paton

Former Coronation Street actor Daniel Brocklebank announced that his dog Jean had died, saying he was heartbroken and thanking Animal Trust Vets for trying to save her. Supporters, including actor Angela Lonsdale, offered condolences. Brocklebank recently left his role as vicar Billy Mayhew after 11 years on Coronation Street and subsequently appeared in the Liverpool Playhouse production of Young Frankenstein, describing his time on the soap with affection.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson finished 21st in the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham and described the experience of competing while below her best as difficult. Despite the result, she said she was proud to complete the heptathlon and thanked her team and supporters. Jodie Comer and fellow athletes including Sophie Weissenberg, Molly Caudery, Keely Hodgkinson and Imani-Lara Lansiquot responded with messages of support. The article also highlights Johnson-Thompson's appearance on BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, which followed her journey to the Bahamas to explore her father's family history.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is warning holidaymakers in Greece about a high risk of wildfires from April to October and advising them to monitor emergency alerts, follow official instructions and call 112 if in danger. Two people died in fires on Salamina, west of Athens, while a separate blaze prompted the evacuation of around 500 beachgoers. The report also describes a major wildfire in Belgium’s High Fens, which burned about 30 square kilometres and led to the evacuation of roughly 600 residents, with Belgian, German and Dutch emergency services assisting.

Jet2 has confirmed that its twilight check-in service is available at 12 UK airports, including Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester. Passengers with flights departing before midday can check in online and drop off luggage between 16:30 and 21:00 on the evening before travel, allowing them to go directly to airport security on departure day. One person can drop off bags for up to six passengers, provided they bring the relevant boarding passes and passports.

Nile Rodgers is set to headline two nights at Bootle’s Salt and Tar festival and reflected on his longstanding connection with Liverpool and Merseyside. He praised the city’s music culture, canals, docks and exceptionally friendly residents, recalling how a local driver helped him transport his guitar equipment when his Uber connection stalled. The article also highlights the festival’s recent performers and The Waterboys’ special relationship with Liverpool, including the city’s embrace of “Whole of the Moon.”

Free bus passes are available in England and Wales for older people and people with eligible disabilities. In England, people can generally apply at State Pension age, currently 66, while eligibility begins at 60 in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; London residents can also access free travel from age 60. Disabled applicants must apply through their local council and meet one of seven statutory disability categories, including visual or hearing impairments, mobility difficulties, learning disabilities and medical conditions affecting driving. The government has also announced that single bus fares will be capped at £2 from January 1, 2027.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk shared a personal summer photo and video roundup featuring time with his wife and children, a photoshoot and cycling on a Lime bike in London. After a demanding season and the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, he took an extended break and skipped Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States to recover physically and mentally. Van Dijk says he is ready for the new Premier League season, has adapted positively to working with manager Andoni Iraola, and remains determined to help Liverpool succeed while acknowledging former coach Arne Slot.

Andy Burnham said the emergency alert sent across England and Wales was requested directly by fire and rescue services because of the very high national wildfire risk. The alert urged people not to use disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks after major fires, including one in Stourbridge that destroyed 19 homes. Authorities reported 37 fires, including four major incidents, withdrew disposable barbecues from sale, and deployed 100 additional military personnel to support affected areas.

Ryan Paton reviews the opening night of the Salt and Tar festival in Bootle, where a 53-minute bar queue caused frustration but did not spoil the evening. Sefton Council attributed the delays to the festival’s first use of the Lock & Quay site and promised improvements. Billy Ocean’s energetic 12-song set, featuring several major hits and a rendition of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry,” transformed the atmosphere and left the sold-out crowd celebrating.

Salt and Tar Music Weekender returned to Bootle on August 13, 2026, for four nights of live music featuring performers including Billy Ocean, The Waterboys, Saw Doctors, and Nile Rodgers and CHIC. The event is temporarily taking place at the Lock and Quay evening site while expansion works continue at its usual home. Drinks prices range from £2 for tea or coffee and £2.50 for bottled water to £32 for bottles of wine, with spirits generally priced at £9 and beers and ciders ranging from £4 to £7.50.

A-level results day in 2026 will take place on Thursday, August 13, with students generally able to collect results from their school or college from 8am. Results are graded from A* to E and are usually sent automatically to UCAS and universities. Students are advised to have their UCAS login details ready, check their offer status, and prepare alternative courses in case they need to use Clearing, which is available from July 2 to October 19, 2026.

Taron Egerton said he has not spoken to his father for several years after their relationship became increasingly difficult, while emphasizing that he still loves him and believes his father wanted to be a good dad. The actor reflected positively on being raised by his single mother and identified Kingsman co-star Colin Firth as a supportive, fatherly figure during a difficult period. Egerton also said he would welcome another Kingsman film with Firth.

Gary Dwyer, founding drummer of Liverpool post-punk band The Teardrop Explodes, has died after battling leukaemia for nearly two years. Bandmate David Balfe announced his death and described him as a wonderful friend and extraordinary personality, while Ian McNabb and the British Music Experience also paid tribute. Dwyer helped shape Liverpool’s alternative music scene, performing on the band’s songs “Reward” and “Treason” and later working with Julian Cope and The Colour Field.

Mohamed Salah’s move from Liverpool to Trabzonspor surprised many who expected him to join a Saudi or American club, but Trabzonspor supporter Ömer says the transfer fits Salah’s attraction to ambitious underdogs. He highlights similarities between Trabzon and Liverpool, including their port-city settings, working-class roots, fierce supporter loyalty and rebellious opposition to more powerful rivals. Salah’s arrival has generated intense excitement in Trabzon, where he has already embraced local identity by wearing the number 61, the city’s license-plate number.

Nineteen-year-old Liverpool pianist Jamie Vowles-Wang is appearing in the fourth season of Channel 4's The Piano after his grandmother encouraged him to audition. Raised in Anfield and now living in West Derby, he developed his skills through classical lessons and improvisation, building a social-media following of more than 300,000. Jamie describes meeting host Claudia Winkleman as a dream experience and credits fellow Liverpool pianist and season-two winner Brad Kella as an inspiration. He is proud to represent Liverpool, whose pervasive musical culture he says fuels musicians' creativity, while acknowledging that he still has much to learn.

A new six-part BBC series, Hercule, will film in Liverpool and explore the early life of Agatha Christie's detective Hercule Poirot. Edward Bluemel will lead a cast including Tamsin Greig, James Nesbitt and Mawaan Rizwan. Written by Benji Walters and directed by Jonny Campbell, Chanya Button and Alrick Riley, the production will be made by Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Ltd for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with a 2027 release planned in the UK and North America.

Stephen Graham is celebrated on his 53rd birthday after a career-defining year in which he won an Emmy, Golden Globe and BAFTA for his performance as Eddie Miller in Adolescence. The Kirkby-born actor has repeatedly credited his Liverpool roots, family and early exposure to classic films with shaping his career, while speaking openly about mental-health struggles and the support of his wife Hannah Walters and children. He is also praised for mentoring younger actors including James Nelson-Joyce and Ellis Howard. Graham's forthcoming projects include the Apple TV series Nocturne and film Bunker, and he is collaborating with Orla Klein on Letters To Our Sons, a collection of fathers' letters about raising boys and masculinity.

Comedian and actor John May discusses how the COVID-19 lockdown prompted him to create viral social-media characters including Kenny Corona and Turkey Teeth, transforming his career after working as a barber and struggling to secure acting opportunities. He says his videos gave many viewers vital relief during lockdown and describes the emotional impact of people telling him they were helped by his comedy. May also recounts his friendship with Tim Edwards, whose daughter Elle was murdered, and their joint Land’s End to John o’Groats fundraising walk against gun and knife crime. Their experience became the documentary The Two Of Us, which won Best Documentary at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. May is now developing new projects through his production company and presenting a radio show on In Demand.

Liverpool singer Alexa Joyce discusses her rapid progress from performing in Merseyside bars to releasing her debut single, “I Want Ya.” After meeting manager Josue Sejour in New York, she received mentorship from Mark Ronson and attended the 2025 Grammys, where she became humorously stuck to Beyoncé’s dress. Joyce also recounts meeting Stevie Wonder, performing at venues including Abbey Road Studios and New York’s Stonewall Inn, and leaving her job at Charlotte Tilbury to pursue music full time. She has upcoming London and Cavern performances, another single due in September, and hopes eventually to sell out Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.

UK travellers to Turkey are advised to carry a passport or residence permit because photographic identification is legally required and police checks are common. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office also warns of frequent summer wildfires, penalties for lighting fires or discarding cigarettes, demonstrations that may turn violent, and heightened regional tensions. It advises against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border because of fighting and terrorism risks.

Bitcoin Repair owner Charlie Murtagh explained that his Rice Lane shop repairs and configures specialist machines used to mine Bitcoin rather than repairing the cryptocurrency itself. The business operates mainly through existing contacts and online payments, so the premises is often shuttered and does not depend on passing trade. Repair costs range from about £100 for air-cooled machines to more than £1,000 for hydro systems, while local residents had been puzzled by the shop’s appearance after it replaced a William Hill bookmaker.

Fans will be able to enter the real Rovers Return studio set for the first time through a limited Studio 1 add-on to the Coronation Street tour. The experience is available on selected Saturdays in August and September, with groups of up to 20 visitors able to enter the bar and take an official photograph. Tours in Trafford, Manchester, last around three hours and adult tickets cost £60.

Julian Clary’s humorous account of meeting Claire Sweeney on BBC Radio 4’s Just A Minute has gone viral, prompting Sweeney to say that the love is mutual. The article also highlights Sweeney’s upcoming performance as Miss Hannigan in Annie at Liverpool Empire from September 22 to 26, and her pride in returning to perform for a home Liverpool audience.

Hollyoaks actor Jimmy McKenna discusses his 30 years playing Jack Osborne, his early work in Liverpool and his enduring affection for the city. He credits Sir Phil Redmond and the show's writers for his long-running role, while recalling his late wife Beverly, his former football ambitions and a memorable conversation with Tony Bennett about Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter. McKenna remains focused on continuing to work rather than anticipating his character's future.

Merseyside celebrities and sports figures will take part in a charity football match at Southport FC to raise money for families affected by the Southport attack of July 29, 2024. James Nelson-Joyce, Liam Smith, Molly McCann, John Aldridge, Tony Bellew and others are expected to participate. The event follows last year’s match, which included a minute’s silence for Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, and aims to provide community support, remembrance and fundraising.

Claire Sweeney has left Coronation Street after playing Cassandra “Cassie” Plummer since 2023. She said she became emotional when the cast and crew surprised her with flowers and a presentation on her final day, and that she remains grateful for the friendships and storylines she experienced on the ITV soap. Cassie’s departure will follow a storyline involving Tyrone’s biological father Ross and the breakdown of her relationship with Steve McDonald. Sweeney is now touring as Miss Hannigan in Annie, including a Liverpool Empire run from September 22 to 26, a role she describes as a long-held dream.

Claire Sweeney discusses leaving Coronation Street, where she played Cassandra Plummer from 2023, and says the departure was emotional after a surprise presentation from the crew. She remains close to former castmates and expects watching her character’s final scenes to bring the emotions back. Sweeney is now touring as Miss Hannigan in Annie, a role she has long wanted, and is particularly excited to bring the production to Liverpool Empire from September 22–26. The Liverpool-born actor also reflects on her enduring ties to Walton and County Road, her affection for Liverpool’s humour and resilience, her support for a possible Brookside reboot, and her admiration for Everton figure Peter Reid.

Matthew Wolfenden says he is enjoying his return to soap television after leaving Emmerdale, having joined Hollyoaks as Jonah Keane earlier in 2026. He describes the rapid casting process, the smaller and more intimate Hollyoaks cast, and his enthusiasm for working at Lime Pictures in Childwall. Filming is occasionally interrupted by planes or ducks on the set, while Jonah's apparently ideal family-man persona is expected to deteriorate as the character's darker side emerges. Wolfenden also discusses working alongside Rebecca Ryan, Brooke Vincent and the surprise return of Stephanie Waring.

Jodie Comer stars as Araminta, a brooding taxidermist, in Stuffed, a horror musical romance directed by Theo Rhys and co-starring Harry Melling. The film, expanded from Rhys's BAFTA-nominated short, will have its world premiere as the opening-night film of the Toronto International Film Festival's 2026 Discovery programme, but has no UK release date yet. The report also highlights Comer's other projects, including The Death of Robin Hood, and her acclaimed return to Liverpool's Playhouse in Prima Facie.

Ringo Starr shared an Instagram message after being seen on a FaceTime call with Paul McCartney during McCartney’s visit to Liverpool for the LIPA graduation ceremony, where several figures including Stephen Graham were honoured. McCartney promoted a Spotify playlist tied to his Liverpool‑inspired songs from his recent album The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which reflects on his childhood and personal memories of the city. Various Liverpool cultural institutions and Beatles‑related groups responded positively to his visit and online posts.

Anthony Barry returned to Liverpool after England’s World Cup campaign and visited the Bus Yard bar in Crosby. Praised for his candid halftime interviews and tactical insight during the tournament, he received positive reactions from fans and pundits including Roy Keane. The bar welcomed him publicly as supporters commended his honesty, emotional reflections, and contributions to England’s run.

Merseyside continues to attract major global events, highlighted by the 154th Open Golf Championship and a series of large summer concerts at Anfield. Visitors praise Liverpool’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant energy, reinforcing its appeal as a premier destination for major events. However, the article argues that the region lacks sufficient large indoor venues to sustain this momentum year‑round, noting that the M&S Bank Arena cannot match the scale of arenas like Co‑op Live. Expanding indoor capacity is presented as key to maintaining Liverpool’s ability to host major events through all seasons.

Fans and locals gathered at Royal Birkdale as the 154th Open entered its final stages, with strong support for hometown contender Tommy Fleetwood. Visitors and business owners praised his humility and popularity, while Fleetwood remained in contention despite late-round setbacks. Rory McIlroy publicly criticised Bryson DeChambeau over a rules dispute that delayed confirmation of his participation. Ryan Fox tied the course record with a 62, adding to the tournament’s notable performances.

Fans from Merseyside and North America express widespread support for Tommy Fleetwood as he contends at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Visitors from Canada and the United States highlight his underdog story, perseverance, and personable character as reasons for his popularity. Many celebrate his past near‑wins and eventual breakthrough victory, noting strong crowd backing during the tournament. Travelling supporters also praise their experience visiting Merseyside.

Louis Emerick reflects on the lasting impact of his Brookside role and discusses the crossover that reintroduced his character in Hollyoaks. He describes the emotional return to Brookside Close and praises the resurgence of Liverpool’s film and television scene. Emerick supports the idea of a Brookside reboot in a limited‑series format and looks ahead to new storylines in Hollyoaks, expressing hopes for a future on‑screen marriage between his character Donny and Misbah.

A visit by world No.1 golfer Scottie Scheffler to the Sandon Crown chippy in Southport during The Open Championship drew significant attention after a photo of his order circulated online, prompting customers to request the same meal. Staff described the encounter as exciting and overwhelming, noting Scheffler’s friendly interactions with fans. The increased footfall reflects the wider boost the tournament brings to the local area.

Large crowds attending The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale are driving unusually high business at pubs in Merseyside, with venues such as The Grasshopper and The Pines reporting record sales and heavy footfall. Owners describe a lively atmosphere boosted by international visitors and warm weather, providing valuable support to local hospitality during a challenging period. Several golfers and caddies have also been spotted visiting local establishments, adding to the excitement as residents back local favourite Tommy Fleetwood.

Fans gathered at Aintree Racecourse to watch England lose their World Cup semi‑final to Argentina after leading through an Anthony Gordon goal. Argentina equalised through Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez scored a late winner. Supporters expressed pride but frustration over defensive tactics, reflecting on England’s strong recent tournament performances despite the disappointing exit.

Members of Liverpool’s Mexican community explain that adding lime to Mexican beer originates from marketing rather than tradition, noting that locals in Mexico rarely use lime except in tourist areas. They describe personal preferences such as adding salt and enjoying Micheladas as hangover cures. Interviewees also discuss their experiences settling in Liverpool, highlighting cultural similarities, the city’s friendliness, and the strong music scene as reasons they feel at home.

Liverpool city centre filled with fans as England faced Norway in the World Cup quarter-final, with local bars and venues drawing large crowds. Reporters shared live updates including fan reactions, venue atmosphere, and key match moments such as goals, VAR decisions, and early excitement. Community members and visiting supporters expressed strong anticipation as the city embraced the event.

A Norwegian pub owner and Hotel Tia operator describes her deep connection to Liverpool, crediting the city and its football culture with transforming her life. Returning to Oslo with her family to watch Norway’s World Cup match against England, she reflects on shared cultural ties between Norway and Liverpool and the strong local support she has felt in the city despite the international rivalry. She highlights Norway’s unifying World Cup run, the excitement surrounding the national team, and her family’s blended Scouse‑Norwegian identity.

A Norwegian custodian of Liverpool’s Scandinavian Seamen’s Church reflects on moving to the city 15 years earlier and building a life rooted in community, family ties and shared heritage between Norway and Merseyside. He describes Liverpool’s welcoming atmosphere, the deep historical links forged through seafaring and wartime cooperation, and the strong Norwegian support for Liverpool FC. Despite cultural differences and challenges with the local dialect, he embraces life at the church, enjoys hosting visitors and follows Norway’s World Cup journey with optimism.

Rafael Benitez visited Liverpool’s Cavern Club, where he was warmly praised by fans. The former Liverpool manager, who retains strong ties to the region, was photographed touring the city as supporters hailed him as a legend. The article recounts his managerial history, including major successes at Liverpool, a brief and difficult spell at Everton, and recent departures from several clubs. A recent Netflix documentary highlighted his analytical coaching style during his early Liverpool years, including key interactions with senior players before the club’s 2005 Champions League triumph.

Elektric Apple, a theatre group based at Liverpool Lighthouse in Anfield, provides an inclusive platform for disabled performers, challenging stigma and limited opportunities within the arts. Founded by Carol Oakley to support her daughter Leanne, the group has grown into a professional-style ensemble led by Nicola Broadley, whose original production You Are My Sunshine showcases the cast’s abilities. Members, including blind performer Jayne Massey and autistic actor Liam Claeys, highlight how the group enables them to pursue their passion and demonstrate their talent. The organisation’s work underscores the need for broader societal change to improve representation and acceptance of disabled artists.

Jennifer Ellison reunited with former Brookside co-stars while attending Philip Olivier’s wedding in Liverpool, joking that her character Emily Shadwick would be unhappy to see her on-screen partner marry someone else. The wedding hosted notable soap actors and followed a recent Brookside reunion event. Ellison has been active promoting the ITV comedy G'wed, in which she debuted during its third series, and expressed appreciation for the positive response to her new role.

Joseph Roberts, a young Liverpool poet, reflects on his journey from being mocked for writing poetry to organising the All Ears Poetry Expo, a major event aimed at inspiring children and promoting poetry as accessible and culturally meaningful. He emphasises the power of the Scouse accent in spoken word, highlights the influence of Benjamin Zephaniah on his work, and celebrates the cultural heritage of Liverpool. Roberts plans to release a poetry book on Liverpool FC and is determined to broaden poetry’s appeal to everyday people while motivating the next generation of poets.

Members of Liverpool’s Mexican community describe how they have embraced life in the city, highlighting cultural similarities, friendliness and the music scene as major draws. Ernesto Sandoval Cuevas and Tommy Martz recount their moves from Guadalajara and the sense of belonging they found, while newcomer Elí Sánchez Peralta shares his excitement as a Liverpool FC fan visiting for the first time. Ahead of the England–Mexico World Cup match, they discuss identity, local attitudes toward the England team and how the tournament has strengthened community ties. Despite some homesickness, they express deep affection for Liverpool and pride in representing Mexico during the competition.

Filming for a new Channel 4 adaptation of Joseph Kessel’s Army of Shadows took place on Liverpool’s Lark Lane, with the series reimagining the story in an authoritarian near‑future UK. Adapted by Ronan Bennett and supported by the Jean-Pierre Melville estate, the production highlights Liverpool’s growing role as a filmmaking hub. The original 1969 film by Jean‑Pierre Melville is widely celebrated, holding a 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating and receiving extensive critical acclaim, prompting renewed interest as work on the new series begins.

A fire near Rotterdam Central station has severely disrupted Eurostar services between the UK and the Netherlands, prompting the UK Foreign Office to advise travellers to avoid using the route until July 3. Eurostar recommends postponing or cancelling travel, offering free exchanges and full refunds. Limited trains are operating via alternative routes with longer journey times and reduced seat availability, while the London–Paris line remains unaffected though subject to possible delays.

Jamie Carragher marked his 21st wedding anniversary with a celebratory message to his wife Nicola, prompting supportive responses from friends and followers. The couple recently enjoyed a visit to Ascot, and Carragher also discussed England’s World Cup campaign and Liverpool’s new manager while at the racecourse. The family has celebrated recent achievements by their children, including Mia’s lead role in a stage production of The Hunger Games and James’s return to football after injury.

Stephen Graham will host a special event at the Liverpool Playhouse on September 23 to launch his upcoming book Letters To Our Sons, created with Orly Klein and featuring contributions from a wide range of public figures. The book, inspired by Graham’s work on the Netflix drama Adolescence, aims to encourage open conversations between fathers and sons and includes letters from contributors across different backgrounds. The event precedes the book’s September 24 release and will support the organisations MANUP? and Dad La Soul. Bloomsbury’s Katy Follain noted the overwhelming response to the callout for letters, highlighting the project’s emotional and unifying themes.

Fans gathered at Anfield for My Chemical Romance’s Liverpool concert, highlighting the band’s enduring impact 20 years after The Black Parade. Attendees described the group’s music as a source of belonging, emotional support and community, with some crediting it for helping them through personal struggles. A couple who met through their shared love of the band shared how that connection led to marriage and a move from the US to Liverpool. Young fans who travelled early to queue described the excitement of seeing their favourite band and the accepting atmosphere within the fan community.

UK temperatures are expected to rise again as high pressure builds, bringing warm and settled conditions, especially in England and Wales. Forecasters indicate the possibility of a return to heatwave conditions, though extreme heat levels seen previously are unlikely. Recent records include a potential new June high of 37.7C in Norfolk. Merseyside will remain cooler, with temperatures in the low 20s and mixed cloud and showers before clearer, warmer weather later in the week.

Andy Day reflects on his long-running CBeebies career, expressing excitement about filming the upcoming Treasure Island pantomime in Liverpool and praising the city’s energetic audiences. He shares a touching story about a fan who pursued palaeontology because of his show and highlights the importance of pantomime in shaping children’s early experiences with theatre. The production will be recorded at the Liverpool Empire and broadcast by the BBC during the festive season.

Actor Jack P. Shepherd and his wife Hanni Treweek welcomed a baby daughter named Constance Ita Shepherd, prompting congratulatory messages from Coronation Street colleagues and fellow actors. The couple’s relationship history and past interviews, including the unveiling of Shepherd’s wax figure at Madame Tussaud’s Blackpool, are recapped alongside comments highlighting the accuracy of the sculpture.