Sam runs for his life in Coronation Street as terrifying ordeal overwhelms him

Things get worse for Sam Blakeman (Picture: ITV)

Sam Blakeman’s (Jude Riordan) mental health continues to spiral in Coronation Street next week, as the teen struggles to differentiate between what is real and what isn’t.

Sam’s confidence took a serious knock when he started getting manipulated by Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon). The character became the first person to discover Megan’s relationship with Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale), and was threatened into keeping quiet.

While Megan piled on the pressure, Sam also started taking ADHD medication, despite not being prescribed it. He believed it would help him focus at school more, but it just made his situation a whole lot worse.

His stress levels led to Sam collapsing in the street and being rushed to hospital. Afterwards, Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) discovered what he had been going through, and what Megan has been doing to him and Will.

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Even though the Driscoll family know about Megan now, things aren’t any easier for Sam. He’s finding it incredibly difficult to know just who he can trust, and is also regularly faced with an angry Will, who hates him for exposing his and Megan’s relationship.

With his paranoia at an all-time high, Sam has now started experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations. A few days ago, he ran through Weatherfield believing he was being chased by Will. Sam fell over and when he glanced behind him, he was troubled to realise no one was actually there.

The trouble continues for him in upcoming episodes. While at school, Sam’s left rattled when Will shoots him an evil look as he leaves a classroom.

A while later, as Sam sets off for the Red Rec, Will threatens him. Sam is so on edge, he drops his telescope and it smashes. Terrified, he then runs for his life.

Sam is left terrified by Will (Picture: ITV)

Towards the end of the week, Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) and Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) voice their concerns about Sam and wonder if counselling might help his anxiety. Sam listens in, but overhears a very different conversation.

Horrified, Sam starts to believe that his family don’t believe his comments, and that he’s entirely on his own.

Sam’s ordeal will progress over the next few weeks, as producer of the show Kate Brooks has confirmed the ITV soap will continue to explore just how badly the youngster has been impacted by Megan’s manipulation, and people refusing to believe his claims about her.

‘Getting him across the Megan story and having him be another victim of her manipulation felt like a really interesting way of telling the story’, she explained.

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Things continue to get worse for Sam (Picture: ITV)

‘But as a result of that, his mental health has been really, really damaged by everything that’s happened – by the manipulation, by the fact that he wasn’t believed, by the fear that he felt every time he was with Megan.’

Kate added: ‘We’re going to tell a big mental health story with Sam, and he’s going to really, really struggle over the course of spring and early summer. It’s about his family realising, hopefully before it’s too late, that he’s in desperate need of help – and he’s really vulnerable.

‘It’s showcasing that Megan’s actions have not just directly impacted Will and the Driscolls, Sam’s also collateral damage.

‘People’s trust has been absolutely dismantled because of this woman’s perpetual lie.’

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Labour MP issues ultimatum with a threat to challenge Keir Starmer

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A Labour MP has said she will trigger a leadership contest if the cabinet fails to move against Sir Keir Starmer by Monday.

Catherine West called on cabinet ministers to select a new leader in the wake of disastrous local election results for Labour.

West, who represents the north London seat of Hornsey and Friern Barnet, said it was impossible for Labour to recover with Starmer at the helm.

She told BBC Radio 4 Today: ‘This afternoon I would like the cabinet to come round the table and elect a leader among themselves, without humiliating the current leader Keir Starmer.’

Sir Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure from Labour MPs to step aside or face a leadership challenge (Picture: Getty Images)

The former parliamentary undersecretary of state for Indo-Pacific said if no candidate came forward to replace the prime minister, she would stand herself.

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She hinted that Starmer could continue to have a role in government ‘doing international affairs’.

The Labour MP, who has represented her area since 2015, said she would seek 81 names needed to take to the party chairman to trigger a contest.

Catherine West has said she will trigger a leadership contest against Starmer by Monday if none of the Cabinet move against him (Picture: Johnny Armstead/Shutterstock)

Starmer has vowed he will not resign and ‘plunge the country into chaos,’ although he admitted that the results were a tough pill to swallow.

He said today: ‘I’m not going to walk away from this, that would plunge the country into chaos.

‘But that doesn’t mean we don’t need to respond. It doesn’t mean we don’t need to rebuild. It doesn’t mean that we don’t need to set out the path ahead.

‘That’s what I’m going to do in the coming days’

Speculation over Starmer’s future as leader has mounted following Thursday’s election results, which have seen Labour swept from power in Wales and lose more than 1,000 English councillors.

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The party also performed poorly in Scotland, where the SNP achieved a fourth successive victory in the Holyrood elections.

Several prominent backbenchers, mainly from the left of the party, have called on Starmer to go, including Clive Betts, John McDonnell and Jon Trickett, the latter who said the election results meant it was ‘curtains for Keir’.

Some, like West, however have suggested the party should elect a new leader without the drama of a leadership election over the summer.

However Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell said the PM should stay in position.

She said: ‘Thinking that setting out some kind of timetable would put to bed the issues of leadership, I think is actually the wrong conclusion here.

‘Because all that would do is fire the starting gun of a, quite honestly, very distracting and ongoing debate about leadership.’

‘I don’t want to see a leadership challenge, that’s not how we operate in the Labour Party’, she added.

Several potential leadership contenders have yet to publicly comment on the results, including Angela Rayner and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

Friday saw Reform surge in most areas of the country, taking control of several councils including Barnsley, Walsall and Havering, while the Green Party made significant inroads in London and other cities.

Starmer is set to use both a major speech on Monday and the King’s speech on Wednesday to attempt to reset the agenda.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said the PM would ‘have my support’ when he sets out his government would move forward.

In the aftermath of the poll, Starmer has given new roles to party grandees Baroness Harman and former PM Gordon Brown.

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Ian stunned by Bea’s explosive reaction as he dumps her on EastEnders

Bea strikes again (Picture: BBC / Metro)

One person in EastEnders that surely does not take rejection well is the unsettlingly unhinged Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona)… as Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) is about to learn.

The bizarre bunny-boiler has developed an unhealthy fixation on Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton), worming her way into her and her husband  Billy’s (Perry Fenwick) home and manipulating them so she can stay under their roof. Worse still, she’s been funding her time on the Square by using a fraudulent credit card in Honey’s name.

During her time in Walford, Bea has also sparked up an unexpected romance with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), getting in the way of his spiky will-they won’t-they relationship with frenemy Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe).

She’s usethe money she defrauded from Honey to buy Ian drinks and charm him with dates, and has even helped him in his campaign battle against Harriet in the local council elections. 

Unfortunately, Bea doesn’t play nice.

The deranged newcomer hatched an underhanded plan to launch a smear campaign video about Elaine to bolster Ian’s chances. 

Honey has no idea of the danger that Bea poses. (Picture: BBC)

Elaine’s got a dangerous rival for Ian’s affections. (Picture BBC)

Although reluctantly allowing Bea to the post the video online, apparently there are some things even Ian Beale finds morally reprehensible and as soon as Elaine wished him luck, he suddenly had a change of heart.

Despite Ian’s best attempts to to delete that video, Elaine soon learns of the video’s existence from Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). 

Cue a confrontation between a raging Elaine and a guilt-ridden Ian, who tried to reverse his smear campaign. 

Ian learned that romance and politics don’t mix… especially with Bea. (Picture: BBC)

After Bea’s dirty tactics damaged his reputation, upcoming scenes of Eastenders will see Ian decide to call time on his relationship with his girlfriend… with explosive consequences.

Bea fusses around Ian , he’s Ian distracted to pay attention.

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Later, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) lectures Ian for his underhanded actions as he tries to smooth things over with Elaine.

Meanwhile, Honey continues to worry that her identity has been stolen and later, after encouragement from Billy, asks Bea to confirm when she’s moving out. Bea reassures Honey she’s hoping to move in with Ian,

However, her plans are scuppered when Cindy shows Ian Bea’s article in the gazette… which names them as husband and wife. Spooked by his beau’s intensity, Ian decides to call time on their relationship.

When he tries to let Bea down gently, it goes even worse than any EastEnders viewer migh exepect and Ian is left well and truly shaken by Bea’s reaction.

But that’s just the tip of the crazy iceberg. When Bea gets home, Billy’s furious to learn about her latest antics and kicks her out on the spot…

… which leads a vengeful Bea to tamper with his ladder.

Don’t mess with Bea. You’ll get stunng.

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Tess Daly and Vernon Kay announce shock split after 23 years of marriage

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have decided to end their marriage after over 20 years (Picture: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images for the NTAs)

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have stunned fans by announcing that, after 23 years of marriage, they are divorcing.

The TV golden couple met in 2001 when they were working on rival channels; Vernon was hosting Channel 4’s T4 while Tess presented SMTV on ITV.

Vernon proposed on Christmas Day in 2002 at Tess’ parents’ home, and they tied the knot the following year at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton.

In 2004, they welcomed their first daughter, Phoebe, and a second, Amber, in 2009.

This evening, the stars took to social media with a joint statement, writing: ‘After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.

‘This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us.

They released a joint statement via social media (Picture: Instagram)

‘We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.’

They concluded: ‘There are no other parties involved in this decision.

‘We kindly ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this transition together.

‘We will not be making any further public comments.’

Tess, 57, and Vernon, 52, have been one of British television’s most popular couples for years, frequently appearing on red carpets together and supporting one another’s career endeavours.

This included Vernon sitting proudly in the audience of Tess’ final Strictly Come Dancing show. In December, she and co-host Claudia Winkleman announced that they would be stepping down, having fronted the glitzy BBC competition as a duo since 2014.

They have confirmed that the separation is ‘amicable’ (Picture: Instagram)

‘We kindly ask for privacy during this time as we navigate this transition together’ (Picture: Instagram)

The nation has followed the ups and downs of their relationship over the last two decades, with Tess previously saying their connection was ‘immediate’.

She added to Digital Spy that they ‘instantly had such a blast together’ and she ‘couldn’t imagine having more fun with anyone else’.

‘It was pretty explosive, I tell you.’

Following their first wedding in Vernon’s hometown, they renewed their vows in 2013 with their daughters present.

In somewhat of a Don’t Tell the Bride affair, Vernon organised the entire ceremony in the South of France, with Tess kept in the dark until the day of the second wedding itself.

Recalling the grand romantic gesture to his I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! campmates in 2020, Vernon revealed that he told Tess’ stylist to get him ‘four dresses’ for her.

Pictured here in 2005, the presenters first met while working for rival channels (Picture: David Lodge/FilmMagic)

Tess and Vernon have long supported one another’s careers publicly (Picture: Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)

‘[Tess] didn’t know anything. I said I needed four dresses, and I gave her a card, and it said, “Congratulations on your second wedding day,” and I said, “We’re going to renew our vows.”

‘She said, “I’ve got nothing to wear,” and I said, “You say that… pick one”.’

Vernon added: ‘We went to reception, and her mum, my parents, the kids, and my brother were waiting, and she was like, “Oh my god!”

‘We had such a lovely day.’

But it’s fair to say that their marriage has also been put to the test.

In 2010, they hit a rocky patch when Vernon confessed to sexting Page 3 model Rhian Sugden daily for four months after meeting her at a nightclub.

The ex-Strictly host previously said their connection was ‘immediate’ (Picture: Instagram)

Tess said she ‘couldn’t imagine having more fun with anyone else’ (Picture: JMEnternational/Getty Images)

He later admitted to sending flirty messages to ‘four or five girls’ during that period. However, his representatives insisted that any interaction with Rhian was non-physical.

‘They never at any point had a physical sexual relationship,’ his spokesperson told the public.

Vernon also reflected on his actions while speaking to his hundreds of thousands of listeners on the Radio 1 show he hosted at the time, revealing that his wife was ‘extremely upset’.

‘I’ve let down my wife, Tess. I’m an idiot,’ he said live on-air. ‘I’ve been stupid and daft, but I’m not a sex pest.’

He added: ‘In some ways, I’m glad this story has come out. It feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.’

Vowing to make amends, he stated: ‘I’m never going to do it again, and hopefully I can clear the slate clean and start again.

In 2010, Vernon admitted to sexting glamour model Rhian Sugden for several months (Picture: Ray Tang/Shutterstock)

‘I’m so sorry. I’ve been an idiot, and I’ve let my family down.’

Indeed, he and Tess remained together, as she believed what they had was ‘worth fighting’ to save.

Appearing on The One Show a month later, Tess said they’d already had ’10 great years together’ and shared ‘two beautiful kids’.

‘Dealing with it in private is difficult enough, but dealing with it in public is even harder,’ she stated, adding that she was touched by the amount of support she had received.

In 2017, Tess referenced the scandal again and said their marriage was always ‘a work in progress’.

She shared: ‘All marriages have their moments. Vernon and I are just people at the end of the day.’

Vernon himself added: ‘All that stuff is in the past; we’ve forgotten about that; we’ve moved on. It’s all gone. It’s disappeared.’

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10 unmissable Time Out London deals: 43% off weekend brunch and champagne

Don’t miss these London deals (Picture: Getty Images)

Looking for 10 things to do in London? Luckily, there’s lots to do in this city for cheap in 2026! At least… there is now.

Metro has teamed up with Time Out to bring you the best deals across the capital.

Every Friday, 10 new deals will drop, available in the Metro newspaper, on Metro, and on our socials. You’ll also find them in our weekly London newsletter, The Slice, in your inbox every Wednesday.

Treat yourself to some good, old fashioned luxury by indulgimg in brunch with champagne at Sette, Knightsbridge. Manhattan glamour, but minus thehelft price tag, with a generous 43% off.

Or, enjoy 25% off at the world’s best bowling alley, and while you’re there tuck into pizza and drinks. An evening of fun guaranteeed.

If you fancing honing a different skill, indulge in a trendy BYOB pasta making class. Tune into your inner chef and make a delcious dish, without breaking the bank.

Welcome to the Slice

The Slice is your weekly guide to what’s happening in London, so if you’re looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll be in your inbox every week, bringing you expert reviews, exclusive deals and the latest events. Sign up here.

It’s all here and more in these 10 incredible offers, discounts and deals.

Things to do in London this week

Enjoy three courses at Skylon on the South Bank for £28

Dinner on the South Bank can feel like a splurge, but Skylon’s set menu serves up style without the hefty price tag. Now £28 (down from £35), the three-course line-up features starters like smoked salmon or courgette with cashew mousse, comforting mains and desserts such as sticky toffee pudding – all enjoyed with sweeping Thames views from the Royal Festival Hall. Perfect for pre-theatre, date night or a chic riverside stop-off.

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43% off weekend brunch and Champagne at Sette Restaurant Knightsbridge

Sette brings a slice of Manhattan glamour to Knightsbridge, serving polished Italian dishes with a confident New York edge. Tucked inside the Bvlgari Hotel but operating entirely on its own terms, the dining room feels discreet, stylish and quietly indulgent. This offer makes it the perfect excuse to linger over two or three courses, raise a glass of Ruinart and enjoy Italian comfort cooking in one of London’s most elegant settings, all at a generous discount.

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Get three courses and glass of Champagne at Dear Jackie, Broadwick Soho for £38

Broadwick Soho arrived with serious flair in 2023 and has been serving up a hit of West End glamour, that feels both indulgent and effortlessly cool ever since. Tucked inside the hotel, Dear Jackie is its seductive Italian dining room, all Murano glow, red silk walls and plush booths that could tell a few stories. The menu leans into refined Italian comfort with superior pasta and reimagined classics, making it an ideal spot to settle in for dinner. With this exclusive Time Out offer, you can sink into Soho’s newest slice of dolce vita decadence for less with a three courses set meun and a glass of Champagne (worth £22). The perfect pre-theatre treat or the start of a night that might run on far longer than planned.

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Three sharing courses and a cocktail at Gouqi by Tong Chee Hwee for £35

Chef Tong returns to London’s dining scene at Gouqi, bringing his acclaimed expertise from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hakkasan. Enjoy top-tier dining for just £35 per person (down from £45) , featuring a Supreme royal dim sum platter, Taiwanese three-cup chicken pot, or Claypot silken egg tofu with seasonal vegetables and steamed jasmine rice. Experience elevated Chinese cuisine that delights!

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Get 25% off bowling, pizza and drink at the world’s best bowling alley*

Experience bowling like never before at Vintners Lanes, Greenwich’s newest boutique hotspot, where industrial-chic design meets vintage charm. Recently crowned Best in the World at the 40th Annual Bowling Centre Architecture and Design Awards, this six-lane stunner serves up more than just strikes. With this exclusive offer, score 25% off a game of bowling, a fresh pizza, and your choice of pint, glass of wine, spirit and mixer or soft drink. Just fancy the lanes? You can grab a bowling session on its own from just £8.95 — the perfect reason to gather your mates and bowl the night away.

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60% off the ultimate BYOB pasta making class at Ann's Smart School of Cookery

If your idea of pasta-making is tearing open a packet, it might be time to level up. Ann’s Smart School of Cookery has been running for nearly two decades, teaching thousands of Londoners (and beyond) how to turn out restaurant-worthy dishes in a laid-back, hands-on setting. For this class, you’ll be guided by professional chefs through an Italian-inspired menu: fluffy focaccia with balsamic dip, fresh spinach and ricotta cannelloni in a proper tomato sauce, and a creamy asparagus risotto with rocket. You’ll cook, taste and pick up kitchen tips you’ll actually use back home. Whether you fancy showing off to mates at your next dinner party or just want to sharpen your skills, this is a delicious way to spend an autumn afternoon.

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Enjoy a Tapas Fiesta menu to share at Salt Yard Goodge Street for £30

Savour Spanish-Italian fusion with a mouthwatering small-plate feast at Salt Yard for just £30 per person. Enjoy dishes like padron peppers, poached chorizo picante, and truffle arancino, all crafted by Head Chef Panajot Prifti, plus cinnamon-dipped churros to finish. Don’t miss this unbeatable dining experience!

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Enjoy over 50% off a spring clean with Housekeep

A sparkling home without the effort. Housekeep connects you with highly rated cleaners trusted for millions of cleans and a near-perfect 4.9-star average. Book a one, two or three-hour clean and tailor it to suit your space. Add extras like indoor windows, laundry or ironing, and leave notes so your cleaner knows exactly what you need. Everything is arranged in minutes through the app or website. Right now you can take 50% off house cleans from £22.45, making it an easy way to reset your space and enjoy that just-cleaned feeling at home.

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Unwind with a five-star luxury experience for two at The Spa at Athenaeum Hotel

Do you feel that? It’s the feeling of a long-awaited self-care day on the horizon! Invite a friend or partner to escape the hustle and bustle of central London and share a five-star luxury experience at Mayfair’s Athenaeum Hotel Spa. Spend a relaxing hour in the wet area, sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, then take your pick from a facial and body wrap treatment or massage. All this with a glass of bubbly for 40% off – you’ll find it hard to say no.

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Get the ultimate BYOB pottery experience from just £23 at Token Studio

Unleash your creativity at Token Studio with a fun 90-minute session! Try your hand at the potter’s wheel, create miniature pottery, or learn hand-building techniques. Prefer design? Opt for pottery painting and customize a mug, plate, or bowl. Plus, bring your favourite drinks to enjoy while you craft!

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