Readers weigh in on Burnham’s proposals to change the triple lock

Readers discuss the Labour Party Conference, tube etiquette and whether it’s acceptable to ask to swap seats on the train (Picture: Getty Images)

Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments

'This is a scandal'

I did not vote Labour at the last election simply to see pensioners disadvantaged by the removal of the triple lock.

In case you hadn’t realised, pensioners in the UK are bumping along the bottom of the pay charts, alongside the likes of Poland and Estonia. If the triple lock is abolished, we will fast become the poorest pensioners in Europe.

This is a scandal. A true Labour government would not treat pensioners this way. Don’t take this on the chin, don’t vote Labour at the next general election –I can tell you I won’t be voting for them. Henry Page, Greenwich

Is Burnham ‘clobbering pensioners’?

In scrapping the triple lock (Metro, Wed), prime minister Andy Burnham is clobbering pensioners – and this from a political party that purports to support the working man and the vulnerable.

Labour started their term in government two years ago by taking away pensioners’ heating allowance and now, in order to fund a national social care service, they once again hit pensioners – it’s discriminatory and just plain wrong.

Are there no other groups who could be funding this scheme, such as the super-rich? Alternatively, a penny in the pound on income tax would hurt no one.

Successive governments have been scared to raise taxes because it might hurt their chances of holding onto power, but Burnham and his cronies have done themselves already – I’ll never vote Labour again. Kerry Rose, London

If the super wealthy relocate, they will still pay tax on UK companies, says reader

John (MetroTalk, Tue) says the UK should cut spending and that the alternative of taxing wealth won’t work. His example of someone fleeing a wealth tax – the third largest taxpayer in the country last year, Chris Rokos, relocating to Greece – is not a good one.

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He will continue to pay taxes on his UK companies. He is of Greek heritage and probably wants to head there! Don’t assume he is necessarily ‘fleeing the tax on wealth’. Laura Jones, Cheshire

Tube etiquette seems rare

Mike shares a story about a Tube passenger ‘repeatedly jabbing his elbow into my ribs’ while playing a mobile game next to him (MetroTalk, Wed). I would have jabbed the guy with my own elbows and told him to stop being so rude. If we don’t stand up to people like that, be it on Tube or elsewhere, they will think they can get away with such behaviour all of the time. Timothy Wigglesworth, Newcastle

Further news on transport etiquette

Further to discussion on ‘seat-sliders’ (MetroTalk, Wed), when your train, Tube or bus empties at a stop and the person next to you doesn’t move, I think it should be considered serial killer behaviour. That or they are too busy doomscrolling. Tony Fab, Glasgow

‘Just sit by the window and stop being selfish’

Emma (MetroTalk, Wed) won’t give up her aisle seat as she doesn’t want to feel ‘trapped’. While that’s not ‘weird’ it is inconsiderate. Maybe someone else doesn’t want to be trapped either.

Just sit by the window and stop being selfish. You could always ask your fellow passenger if they are going beyond your destination. Daniel, Middlesex

A noisy world

Re noise-related stress in the office (MetroTalk, Mon). A noisy office is actually part of what pushes me to work from home – except that home isn’t that quiet either. It feels like every five seconds I’m distracted by a neighbour mowing their lawn, military jets flying overhead or the sound of building work.

We live in an increasingly noisy world. Perhaps, if employers can make offices quiet that may motivate us to go in more often. Ellie Jaeger, Leighton Buzzard

Nob End in Bolton should be added to rudest place names list, says reader

Further to Britain’s rudest place names (MetroTalk, Tue), I grew up near Nob End in Bolton. There’s also Twatt in the Shetlands. Stephen Dugdale, Sheffield

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Emma Willis hits back at Strictly host criticism as stars rally around Josh Widdicombe

While Emma Willis has been praised for her Strictly hosting skills, her co-stars have not (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)

Emma Willis has shared a thinly veiled response to the backlash following her Strictly Come Dancing live debut alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.

The seasoned broadcaster, 50, was flooded with praise at the weekend as the cast of 2026 performed for the first time, and Emma effortlessly slotted into the role previously helmed by Tess Daly.

However, social media was rife with criticism of her co-hosts, comedian Josh, 43, and pro dancer Johannes, 39, with cruel comments branding the former a ‘spare part’.

As fans of the Last Leg star come to his defence, his Strictly family is, too, with Emma taking to Instagram to hit back at the trolls.

Sharing an assortment of backstage pics from last weekend, the Voice UK host posed ahead of the show with her supportive husband, Matt Willis, and snapped contestants Will Best and Shaun Wright-Phillips enjoying some calm before the chaos.

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Emma ended her photo dump with a cryptic quote. It read: ‘You will get judged either way, so may as well pick the fun option’.

Husband Matt Willis was there to support her backstage (Picture: Instagram/Emma Willis)

She also shared a snap of Will Best and Shaun Wright-Phillips ahead of their big moments (Picture: Instagram/Emma Willis)

Emma appeared to address the backlash with a cryptic quote (Picture: Instagram/Emma Willis)

Johannes left a red love heart in the comments, while Strictly fans complimented her debut, hailing her as ‘amazing’ and a ‘natural’.

Others offered reassurance for the trio, with @suzanne_george1965 writing: ‘I think you all did brilliantly’.

‘Loving you, Josh and Johannes ❤️❤️’, added @hugsy113.

Emma isn’t the only person coyly addressing the negative reaction, as professional dancer Lauren Oakley penned alongside a snap of the new hosts: ‘We couldn’t be in safer hands than with these beautiful people.

‘Strictly is about family, uplifting others, and creating a safe space for celebrity contestants to be vulnerable and do something so outside of their comfort zone.

‘This trio have been so warm and welcoming, and they felt like family from the minute they stepped into the studio, and we LOVE having them with us.’

Comedian Josh Widdicombe has been cruelly trolled online (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

Judge Motsi Mabuse defended the shake-up (Picture: Threads/Motsi Mabuse)

She described them as ‘professional, funny, kind and fantastic at what they do’.

‘I couldn’t feel more lucky to be sharing the screen and our Saturday nights with them!’

While he has yet to comment on the reviews of his live television presenting, Josh reposted Lauren’s Insta Story and added three love hearts, showing he’s appreciating the support.

Additionally, last week, after the launch show aired and viewers saw Emma, Josh, and Johannes in action for the first time, judge Motsi Mabuse had words to say.

On Threads, she said: ‘While people type away, tearing apart real human beings on television,real emotions !!!!!!!

‘AI is getting better at replacing them. One day we might not even know the difference.

Emma’s debut alongside Josh and pro dancer Johannes Radebe marks the first time Strictly has had three hosts (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

‘And maybe then we’ll miss the days when television was still beautifully, imperfectly human.’

Predecessors Tess and Traitors host Claudia Winkleman have given their approval as well, having congratulated the trio when their new roles were announced publicly.

‘Can’t wait to tune in 😍 the ultimate trio 🔥💕’, Tess commented.

‘MAGNIFICENT. What a trio ❤️❤️❤️❤️’, wrote Claudia.

Among the celebs congratulating them were Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, and Clara Amfo, who all missed out on the job that the likes of Sara Cox, Fleur East, and Sian Welby also went for.

The new hosts aren’t the only big change Strictly has implemented this season, as there have been plenty of revamped elements for long-time fans to adjust to.

There have been many changes for viewers to get used to (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

The first live show peaked at five million viewers (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

First came five new professional dancers – Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, and Lethabo Monametsi – who replaced axed pros Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas as part of the major shake-up.

Then came the introduction of Ellie Taylor, who took over from Fleur and former co-host Janette Manrara on spin-off show It Takes Two, which also has a new studio and format.

And when the series kicked off in typically dazzling style, audiences also noticed minor tweaks, such as the way the couples’ routines were announced, the opening titles, and a new version of the theme tune and logo.

Finally, when the celebs were assigned pro partners, the reveal was done in a musical chairs-esque number from the studio, with each star repeatedly swapping partners until their own was confirmed.

Ultimately, the first live show drew in 4.8 million viewers on average across the two-and-a-half-hour broadcast, with a peak of five million.

This was down from last year’s opening live show, which attracted 6.2 million.

Strictly Come Dancing airs at weekends on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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Car crash horror for Summer confirmed on Coronation Street with big shock to follow

Just when things were brightening up for Summer… (Picture: ITV/Metro)

Think Summer Spellman’s (Harriet Bibby) was about to be happy on Coronation Street? Think again. Her love life is a car crash – literally.

Life on the Cobbles has not been very sunny for Summer.

Not only was her adoptive father killed by the villainous Theo Silverton (James Cartwright), but she was powerless to stop her best friend Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) from being domestically abused by the monster.

Worse still, poor Summer-time found herself a prime suspect in Theo’s murder.

The police had plenty of evidence against Summer. She was the last person to see Theo alive. Her diary was full of fantasies about holding the monster at gunpoint – and she was about to conveniently run off to America to study.

Summer found herself under suspicion for Theo’s murder (Picture: ITV)

However, the police caught up with her and hauled her in for questioning.

With the outcome looking bleak, Summer took drastic action to escape prison and gave up on treatment for her diabetes by turning off her insulin pump. This was a clear indicator to her loved ones that Summer had lost the will to live, fearing that she wouldn’t survive prison. The ordeal even caused Summer to lose her belief in God.

Things looked very dark for Summer (Picture: ITV)

Salvation came in the form of Tyrone Dobbs’ (Alan Halsall), who came forward and confirmed Summer’s alibi for the night of the murder, thus exonerating her completely.

Since then, Summer’s got her groove back and even has romance on the cards.

She’s had her head turned by newcome Marco, an aspiring tattoo artist. The pair even have their own adorable meet-cute – Marco stole Summer’s drawing and displayed it in the window of his tattoo shop just so she’d come by and see him again. That is adorable right? Not creepy at all. Who hasn’t nicked stuff from a crush to get their attention? Maybe Marco should get a tattoo of a red flag…

Summer was unsure of what to make of newcomer Marco (Picture: ITV)

Despite some reservations, Summer informed her besties Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey) and Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney), that she has agreed to go on a second date with Marco. This left viewers wondering if Marco’s the man Summer has been waiting for, or if there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Spoiler – it’s the second one. It’s always the second one.

In next week’s trip to the Cobbles, the forecast for this Summer romance looks very bleak when Marco gets into a car crash… and a shock revelation comes to light.

When Summer takes a call informing her that Marco’s been involved in a car accident, she’s devastated and rushes off to hospital.

But as she hurries into A&E, PC Jess Heywood (Donnaleigh Bailey) is there waiting for her. Jess explains that approaches and explains that Marco was involved in a car crash… in which he was the getaway driver.

Seems like Summer’s love story has gone a bit Grand Theft Auto. How will she react?

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Date Oxford Street will be pedestrianised revealed by Sadiq Khan

A 1km section of Britain’s busiest high street is being made vehicle-free from next month (Picture: Mayor of London/PA Wire)

Sadiq Khan has revealed how soon you’ll be able to take a casual stroll down Europe’s busiest shopping street.

Cars, buses, taxis and bicycles will all disappear from Oxford Street by October 26, as the London Mayor pushes through his flagship project to transform the thoroughfare.

A one-kilometre stretch of the street will go vehicle-free in the initial step, known as the ‘transition phase’, after being green-lit in February.

While the road has previously been pedestrianised temporarily as part of trials, this will be the first time such a change will be permanent.

Lord Khan said: ‘Following strong support from Londoners and businesses, I’m excited to see my bold vision for Oxford Street really coming to life next month as we start going traffic-free, just in time for the busy Christmas shopping period.’

But how will it be done?

Cars, buses and cycles will all be set to be banished from Oxford Street by the second half of October (Picture: EPA)

How much of Oxford Street will be pedestrianised?

In the initial phase, vehicles will be banished from the entire section between Selfridges near the Marble Arch end and Great Portland Street, just east of Oxford Circus.

This includes Oxford Circus itself, where Oxford Street intersects with the also busy but wider Regent Street.

Not only will cars be banned from traversing the shopping thoroughfare, but the street’s ten bus lines will also be re-routed to avoid the section.

There will be some exceptions – emergency services will continue to have access to all areas of the street.

Servicing vehicles such as delivery trucks will be allowed entry between midnight and 7am.

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Push bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters will not be allowed through the new pedestrianised section, TfL has confirmed, with new cycleways under development.

Cars will still be able to cross Oxford Street at certain points, including on Duke Street, Davies Street and New Bond Street, although some junctions will be one-way.

Pedestrianised sections of Oxford Street will also be revamped with new planters and seating areas to replace the traffic lanes.

The Greater London Authority says the scheme could generate up to £40million in VAT receipts, as well as £20million extra in business rates.

Pedestrians were previously given a taste of a transformed Oxford Street during a trial day last year (Picture: Jeff Moore/PA Wire)

When will Oxford Street be pedestrianised?

Lord Khan said: ‘I’m delighted that on 26 October the transformation of the nation’s high street into a pedestrian plaza will begin in earnest – a world-class space where flagship retail will sit alongside next-generation workplaces, designed to host exciting retail and leisure experiences from sport to fashion and cultural events in the future’

The Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC), led by a board of both political figures and business leaders, wants the road to be vehicle-free by the end of October.

Before that can happen, TfL needs to carry out street improvements and realignments, including changing the direction of traffic on some roads and relocating bus stops.

However, this first step will be the ‘transition phase’ to iron out any potential problems, as the long-term future of Britain’s busiest high street is considered.

Following resistance from residents and Westminster City Council, the Mayor of London placed control of the new programme in the hands of the OSDC.

Last month, the OSDC took control of planning. All applications, from redevelopments to store frontage changes, will now be considered by the authority instead of the council.

On its website, the OSDC promises a ‘leaner, greener Oxford Street with spaces for events, rest and relaxation and activations as well as retail’.

As well as the new public realm created by the pedestrianisation, the project is slated to establish two new public squares, although their exact locations have yet to be revealed.

During the initial testing phase, visitors and businesses will be asked to give feedback until the changes are made permanent in 2027.

How are buses affected?

Buses are to be re-routed (Picture: Getty Images)

Ten different bus routes currently run through Oxford Street day and night; however, all will be re-routed to avoid the pedestrianised area.

According to plans published by TfL, numbers 7, 94, 98, 139 and 390, as well as N7, N98, N113, N137, N207 will all be redirected down Wigmore Street and Henrietta Place at the rear of John Lewis.

Buses will rejoin Oxford Street at Great Titchfield Street on the other side of Oxford Circus, with the exception of no 139, which will continue its route on Regent Street.

Passengers will need to walk an additional distance of around 100 to 200 metres to the new bus stops.

The pedestrianisation has its opponents, namely the now Conservative-led council, which believes the plans will increase pollution in the surrounding areas and create traffic bottlenecks elsewhere.

Councillor Tim Barnes, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, has criticised the plans. He said: ‘While we finally now have a timetable for the proposed pedestrianisation, Westminster City Council, residents and businesses on Oxford Street still have a long list of unanswered questions about how it will work.

‘If this is going to be the “greener, better and more prosperous” success that the Mayor has promised, then issues around access, air pollution, street cleaning and public safety, need answers urgently.’

‘Right now there’s a danger that we will have all of the downsides and too little upside. Traffic will be pushed to the small streets nearby causing economic and environmental harm.

‘We are writing to the Oxford Street Development Corporation with our serious concerns now it is obvious the Mayor is rushing preparations with little time left.’

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Oasis issue warning to fans after 2027 tour sells out in ‘shambles’ sale

The Gallagher brothers will play 42 shows in stadiums across the world in 2027 (Picture: Laura Antonelli/AGF/Shutterstock)

Oasis has issued a reminder for fans to be ‘vigilant’ following ticket sales for their 2027 tour, with all shows officially sold out.

Over the weekend, fans who registered ahead of the sales and received a unique, non-transferable code were assigned one of nine on-sale windows to manage traffic and reduce waiting times.

It’s fair to say the process was anything but stress-free, though, as many raged over ticket prices, which started at £170.50, and after encountering technical difficulties on Ticketmaster.

Nevertheless, the 42 shows sold out in their entirety, so all Liam Gallagher, 54, and brother Noel Gallagher, 59, have to do now is remain civil enough to ensure the tour goes ahead.

Kicking off in May in Glasgow, the Oasis Live ’27 dates will then cover Manchester, Munich, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Boston, Las Vegas, Slane Castle, and finally Knebworth, wrapping up on September 26.

It’s been confirmed that ‘no further shows will be added to this tour’ by Oasis and their team.

Tickets for Oasis Live ‘27 have now sold out.
See you in 2027! pic.twitter.com/Gv2p9fKbcI

— Oasis (@oasis) September 27, 2026

Following confirmation that the band’s gigs are sold out, they issued a warning to those unsuccessful in securing tickets.

‘All tickets for Oasis’ eagerly anticipated Oasis Live ‘27 tour sold out over the weekend during three days of on-sale windows,’ a press release announced on Sunday evening after three days of buying.

‘Fans are now reminded to remain vigilant and avoid scams selling tickets on social media. These tickets will be fake and invalid.

‘Tickets currently seen on secondary websites are also liable to be cancelled.’

They stated that ‘resale tickets will only be available via Ticketmaster and Twickets, at the price originally paid, nearer to the tour dates’.

Famously feuding siblings Liam and Noel also took to X with their own post, writing on the Oasis page: ‘Tickets for Oasis Live ‘27 have now sold out. See you in 2027!’

And Liam himself wrote in his usual humorous style: ‘That’s all folks we have officially sold out no more tickets left congratulations to everyone who got a ticket and to the people who didn’t sneak in f**K it yolo LG x’

Liam and Noel have confirmed that all their upcoming concerts have sold out (Picture: Canadian Press/Shutterstock)

As expected, countless fans were disappointed not to have been successful in the sales, with @leonlfc calling the system – which did not have a general sale or any other public presales outside of the process – a ‘shambles’.

@DianaUpton20633 argued that the ‘cost of tickets ruined it for proper fans’, while @anoyingdevils raged that it was ‘shocking’ how they ‘never even got a code’.

Meanwhile, @laurathomas141 demanded to know what the band is ‘going to do’ about the extortionate cost of resale tickets already being advertised on various platforms, with some exceeding £1,400, but still with the danger of enticing the right person who wants them badly enough.

‘These should be cancelled simple as’, @liamjdbutler said of the resold tickets.

Did you manage to get Oasis tickets?Comment Now

@Madferit31_ has already predicted a ‘stressful fight for resale’ after failing to bag tickets this weekend, with @jordanc5991 calling the sales ‘brutal’.

Throughout the weekend, Liam, who is no stranger at all to an online clap-back, has been bantering with fans trying to secure a spot in the stadiums while also hitting out at critics of the pricing system.

On Friday, he instructed people to ‘stop moaning’ about the pricing, stating simply, ‘Don’t buy them’ if they had complaints.

Still, he was all for fans grabbing tickets to attend multiple shows where possible, with one user joking: ‘so you want all our money huh’.

Oasis will wrap up their Live ’27 tour at Knebworth in September (Picture: ZumaPress.com/MEGA)

Full list of Oasis 2027 tour dates

• May 21 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• May 23 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• May 25 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• May 28 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• May 29 Glasgow, Celtic Park
• June 4 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 6 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 8 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 11 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 12 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 15 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 18 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 19 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 22 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 25 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• June 26 Manchester, Etihad Stadium
• July 2 Munich, Allianz Arena
• July 3 Munich, Allianz Arena
• July 6 Munich, Allianz Arena 
• July 10 Barcelona, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
• July 11 Barcelona, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
• July 16 Amsterdam, Johan Cruijff ArenA
• July 17 Amsterdam, Johan Cruijff ArenA
• July 20 Paris, Stade de France
• July 23 Paris, Stade de France
• July 26 Rome, Stadio Olimpico
• July 29 Rome, Stadio Olimpico
• July 30 Rome, Stadio Olimpico
• August 10 Boston, Gillette Stadium
• August 13 Boston, Gillette Stadium
• August 14 Boston, Gillette Stadium
• August 20 Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium
• August 21 Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium
• August 24 Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium
• September 4 Slane Castle, Ireland
• September 5 Slane Castle, Ireland
• September 11 Knebworth, UK
• September 12 Knebworth, UK
• September 18 Knebworth, UK
• September 19 Knebworth, UK
• September 25 Knebworth, UK
• September 26 Knebworth, UK

He wrote back cheekily: ‘What else you gonna spend it on’.

In 2025, having announced that the ‘guns had fallen silent’ and they were reuniting after splitting in 2009, Liam and Noel hit the road.

Their Oasis Live ‘25 tour became an instant phenomenon from the moment they walked out in Cardiff holding hands, and what followed were months of unprecedented levels of euphoria and – for the first time in over a decade – unity and togetherness.

More than 10 million fans attempted to buy tickets from 158 countries, with an estimated £1billion generated for the UK economy alone as a result.

Speaking recently about the decision to tour again, Noel explained on Talksport: ‘It was after about the second Wembley show.

‘Nobody really knew what was going to happen at the (time). Well, you can see it on the documentary, but nobody really knew how it was going to go.

‘We did Cardiff and Manchester, and then by the time we got to Wembley, somebody said, “Well, you know,” and it was decided we were going to do it, and it was all set in motion then.’

Alas, both brothers have denied that they’ll be adding new music to the set list, and while Liam has hinted that 2027 ‘could be the last time’ they play live together, Noel gave a marginally more hopeful answer of, ‘I don’t know’ when probed on whether the band will continue into the future.

Besides, while festival bosses shut down the rumours this time, there’s still every chance they’ll headline Glastonbury again…

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Debbie’s decline intensifies in Coronation Street and hearts will shatter

We’re not crying, you’re crying (Picture: ITV)

Please don’t say it’s the end of Debbie Webster’s (Sue Devaney) story in Coronation Street. We’re not ready.

The beautifully tragic genius of Debbie’s vascular dementia storyline is that it could run for a long time.

Debbie was diagnosed with the life-changing illness last year. On average, a person lives about 3 to 5 years after a vascular dementia diagnosis, though some people can live up to ten years with the disease.

The no-nonsense mistress of the Chariot Square Hotel lives her life as a series of ups and downs right now. The downs have gotten a lot worse and more frequent since suffered a stint in prison thanks to her sleazy son Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard).

He caused the Corriedale crash that Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) died in, and gaslit his poor mum into taking the blame. Not to mention all the other countless headaches Carl’s selfish behaviour has caused his mum.

There’s been ups too. Like her fairytale, very Debbie wedding to Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan), and the constant support of her badass menopausal girl squad, Debbie’s angels.

Sadly, Debbie’s decline is getting very noticeable now with her memory lapses and bouts of confusion becoming more and more regular. The slightest shock or disruption to her routine can trigger an episode or push her over the edge.

Unfortunately for Debs, she lives on Coronation Street, where shocks and disruptions happen at least three times on average before the ad break.

This week’s Corrie has seen Debbie tangled up in the mysterious attack on Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley).

Eva suffered a nasty fall (Picture: ITV)

The Rovers’ Return diva was alone in the pub after closing up for the night when suddenly she heard a noise and came downstairs to investigate.

The last person she expected to find was a spiralling Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan), who had misplaced his phone and was desperate to find it. In a panic, the troubled teen pushed past Eva, sending her flying down the cellar steps.

In the aftermath, it was a disorientated Debbie who found Eva in the pub while searching for Carl. She’s horrified to discover the landlady unconscious, tries to get help but quicky becomes confused.

Upon discovering Eva after the attack, Debbie became confused (Picture: ITV)

It wasn’t until Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger) found Eva that 999 was finally called. As Ronnie tells Debbie there’s an ambulance outside the pub, she suddenly remembers in horror that she saw Eva. Another troubling sign of Debbie’s decline.

Sadly, the attack isn’t the only thing set to push Debbie further over the edge, in next week’s trip to Coronation Street.

As Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker) sits at Eva’s hospital bedside, after she was attacked and left for dead, Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) has questions Debbie and Carl about Eva’s injuries. Carl describes how he helped Eva to clear up because she wasn’t feeling well and then returned home.

However, later, when Debbie asserts that she’s going to buy Eva some flowers, Carl pulls out his wallet stuffed full of cash. Ronnie and Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) suspect he might have robbed the pub and accidentally pushed Eva down the stairs. Will Debbie have faith in her son?

Here’s hoping for Carl’s sake, as the police soon arrive on his door step and take in the Worst Webster for questioning over the attack on Eva.

The police suspect Carl of attacking Eva (Picture: ITV)

Still protesting his innocence, Carl tries to talk to Debbie about what’s happening, but it soon becomes obvious she has no idea what he’s talking about.

While Carl tries to hide his concern, it’s clear that his mother’s illness just got a whole lot worse. How much more time does Debbie have left?

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Westlife star sues surgeon after weight loss operation ‘nearly killed him’

Mark Feehily needed a life-saving procedure after a gastric sleeve op led to a ‘dangerous’ internal leak (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Westlife icon Mark Feehily is taking legal action after a weight loss operation nearly had catastrophic consequences.

The Irish vocalist, 46, announced a hiatus from the group in 2024, which stemmed from his health issues.

Details have now been revealed of Feehily’s claims that his problems began in August 2020 after he underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a type of weight-loss surgery, at Spire Portsmouth Hospital in Hampshire.

The Flying Without Wings singer has launched a medical negligence lawsuit against the surgeon who performed the op, which he claimed caused him to develop recurring sepsis.

According to The Times, Feehily claims in court documents that bariatric surgeon Nick Carter failed to remove enough of his stomach during the procedure.

Consequently, tissue left behind allegedly caused a dangerous leak, leading to severe abdominal infections, recurrent sepsis, and a hospital admission, the documents claim.

The Westlife star – who features in the band alongside Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Shane Filan – went on hiatus due to his health issues (Picture: Stuart Westwood/Shutterstock)

In 2023, the star had to undergo another operation, known as a gastrectomy, to have his entire stomach removed.

Feehily’s legal team at Leigh Day Solicitors filed the medical negligence claim against Carter at the High Court, with partner Suzanne White saying: ‘We are representing Westlife lead singer Mark Feehily in a medical negligence claim at the High Court against laparoscopic, upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon Mr Nick Carter.

‘Mark has been dedicated to keeping his fans updated on his health during a period that has been extremely challenging for him, but he has faced it all with his characteristic strength and resilience.’

White added that her client ‘very much appreciates the continued support’.

‘In order to respect the ongoing court process, he will not be commenting at this time.’

The claim is valued at more than £200,000, but a larger sum could be demanded if successful.

The Flying Without Wings singer has launched a medical negligence lawsuit (Picture: Instagram/Mark Feehily)

Carter denies negligence, with court records showing he filed a defence in January, denying liability. He does accept that some tissue remained after Feehily’s stomach operation and that there was a leak at the staple line.

However, the surgeon claimed ‘leakage was a recognised complication’ in approximately 1% of cases.

Carter’s legal team at Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland declined to comment on the matters due to the ongoing court battle, but he has denied having direct contact with Feehily, as his procedure was arranged through a private weight loss medical group.

Feehily kept the specifics about his illness under wraps for a long time, pulling out of concerts because of pneumonia in 2022 before releasing a further statement in February 2024.

While he didn’t reveal that he had a gastric sleeve op, he explained that he would be stepping back from Westlife temporarily as he recovered from life-threatening sepsis in the aftermath of another surgery.

He admitted he was departing Westlife’s US tour with ‘the utmost level of regret’ but insisted his recovery was the ‘absolute priority’.

He said his recovery is his ‘absolute priority’ after his years-long ordeal (Picture: Tom Dymond/Shutterstock for NTA)

Feehily informed fans that, three-and-a-half years prior, he was rushed to A&E in extreme pain and admitted to intensive care.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, he was not permitted to have visitors; he remained hospitalised until December that year following emergency surgery to save his life ahead of his stomach removal in May 2023.

Feehily had a fourth operation in Dublin in late 2023 to repair a large incisional hernia, ultimately leading to him taking time away from the spotlight.

His bandmates, Shane Filan, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne, released their own joint statement to wish him well.

Westlife was formed in 1998 and originally also included Brian McFadden. McFadden left in 2004 and did not return for the 2018 reunion.

The trio are now touring to celebrate their 25th anniversary, with the shows including a 13-night record-breaking residency at 3Arena in Dublin, with shows in Glasgow, Manchester, London, and Cardiff to follow.

As for Feehily, he’s taking things at a lighter pace, hosting Mark Feehily’s Musical Icons on RTÉ Radio 1 while continuing his recovery, having not wanted to sit around and do nothing.

Filan, Egan, and Byrne have left the door open for his return when he’s ready.

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Steven Bartlett throws out the rulebook with game-changing offer for ‘perfect’ Dragons’ Den contestant

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Tonight’s Dragons’ Den saw one of the most monumental deals ever as Steven Bartlett offered one entrepreneur an opportunity that was so much bigger than an investment. 

The episode, which marked Touker Suleyman’s final show, welcomed Caleb Slater, who founded the website Cards for Cash when he was just 16-years-old after buying and selling items on eBay to raise enough cash to set up his own business. 

The premise is simple: sellers get an instant quote for their unwanted gift card. If they’re happy with the offer they send over the details, the card is verified and listed on the website at a discounted rate. Once a customer has used that gift card the initial owner gets their payment. 

‘Going into the den I’m really really excited but I’m also really nervous as well,’ said Caleb, now 18-years-old. 

According to the teen businessman, an estimated £480million worth of used gift cards expire unused every year so he asked the dragons for £50,000 in return for a 10% stake in his company which is tapping into that wasted cash. 

But the dragons were concerned when Caleb revealed the small margins. Last year Caleb turned over around £500,000 but only took home £6,000.

Caleb Slater left Dragons’ Den with a game-changing offer (Picture: BBC)

The teenage entrepreneur raised enough cash to start his business by selling items on eBay (Picture: BBC)

‘This sound like a really great service so why isn’t it bigger?’ asked Deborah Meaden, who in last night’s episode invested £100,000 into a revolutionary solution to women’s toilet queues.  

Caleb, who was still working full time in IT support, explained: ‘I think it’s knowledge that a service like this exists because I’ve spoken to many people who have said they want to sell a gift card and I’m like, “You can sell it online and use my website”, but people are like, “I never knew that existed.”’

‘I hate gift cards,’ said guest dragon, Gary Neville. ‘The people who received them, I always think don’t always get a gift they’d appreciate. I can see why people have gift cards for a retailer that have no thought going into it and if they can turn it into cash that would be a no-brainer. I think it’s really clever.’ 

The margin issues proved too much for Deborah, but Steven Bartlett completely changed the game. 

‘It’s a lot work but it’s just perfect for me,’ he began. 

The dragons were instantly impressed (Picture: BBC)

No other dragon could possibly match Steven Bartlett’s offer (Picture: BBC)

After a pause, he continued: This is an offer. I would like you to come and work at our office in central London. We have an incubator floor where have founders like yourself who are working on their own businesses. 

‘The offer is to leave your job, I’ll pay you the London equivalent – so it will be slightly more than what you’re being paid now – and I’ll give you the £50K investment for 33% of the business.’ 

Touker came in with his own offer to team up with another dragon to split a 30% share in Cards for Cash. Luckily, he found that dragon in Gary who called Caleb ‘beyond good’. 

But even the possibility of two dragons isn’t enough to lure Caleb away from Steven whose life-caging offer just couldn’t be rivalled. 

Shaking and leaving the deb, Caleb said: ‘It felt a bit surreal, to be honest. I can’t quite believe it at the moment, I’m honestly thrilled and chuffed to bits.’

Dragons’ Den is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. 

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Erling Haaland U-turn made after Manchester City found guilty of Premier League charges

Erling Haaland has been withdrawn from Norway’s press conference on Saturday (Nordnes Foto/Getty)

Erling Haaland has been withdrawn from Norway’s press conference this weekend following the news that Manchester City have been found guilty of breaking the Premier League’s financial rules.

On Friday, it emerged that City have been found guilty on all but one of the Premier League’s 115 charges following a decision by an independent panel.

City, who deny any wrongdoing, were initially charged in February 2023 with breaking financial regulations over a nine-year period, dating from 2009 to 2018.

The Premier League has not yet decided on the sanctions, while City are expected to appeal the verdict as they could face a significant points deduction, a financial penalty or even relegation from the top flight.

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Haaland, who was signed by City in a £51.2 million deal from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, is away with Norway’s national team for the international break.

The 26-year-old scored twice in Norway’s 3-2 win over Denmark this week and was due to appear at a press conference with the national team in Oslo on Saturday morning.

Man City's 115 charges in full

Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak with Pep Guardiola in 2024 (Reuters)

Failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information (2009-2018) – 54 charges

Failure to provide accurate financial reports for player and manager compensation (2009-2018) – 14 charges

Failure to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including Financial Fair Play Regulations – 5 charges

Breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability regulations (2015-2018) – 7 charges

Failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations (2018-2023) – 35 charges

But in light of City’s guilty verdict, Norway announced on Friday that Haaland will not be speaking to the media and the striker has been replaced by Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup for the press conference alongside head coach Stale Solbakken.

Norway play Portugal in their next Nations League game on Sunday evening.

Haaland, meanwhile, signed a long-term contract extension with City 20 months ago which keeps him tied to the Etihad Stadium until 2034.

What punishment could Man City face?

Enzo Fernandez with Enzo Maresca (PA Wire)

The Premier League does not have set sanctions for financial rule breaches which means City could face a points deduction, a fine, or even expulsion from the top flight.

In 2024, Everton were deducted six and then two points for breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

In that same year, Nottingham Forest were deducted four points.

In 2020, UEFA banned City from competing in Europe for two seasons for ‘overstating its sponsorship revenue in its accounts’.

City immediately submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and their two-year ban was overturned.

CAS also reduced City’s €30 million (£25m) fine to €10m (£8.9m) after finding that ‘most of the alleged breaches reported were either not established or time-barred’.

Speaking a year ago, Haaland said that he had been assured by City that the club were not guilty of the Premier League’s charges.

‘I spoke with the bosses, and in the end, I believe them,’ Haaland told TIME Magazine.

‘It’s such a tricky situation for me to even sit there and speak about, because I wasn’t really involved in it.

‘So I think the club knows what they’re doing. They will sort it out.’

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