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Major motorway bridge will close TONIGHT sparking disruption for 1,000s of drivers – check your route now

THOUSANDS of drivers are set to face disruption as a major motorway bridge closes overnight for essential maintenance.

The M4 Prince of Wales Bridge, a key connection over the River Severn, will shut in one direction starting tonight for structural maintenance works, causing delays for commuters and motorists.

Empty M48 Severn Bridge closed due to high winds.
Alamy
Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time to avoid delays[/caption]

The eastbound carriageway will be closed every night from 9pm to 6am until work is completed on Saturday, March 15.

The M4 eastbound Prince of Wales Bridge will be closed from Junction 23 to Junction 22 between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Additionally, the M48 westbound Severn Bridge will be closed from Junction 1 to Junction 2 between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Drivers affected by the closure will need to take the M48 as an alternative route, rejoining the M4 at junction 21.

This routine maintenance aims to ensure the long-term safety and stability of the bridge by addressing wear and tear on key structural elements.

The closure is scheduled to last for five nights, with the bridge expected to fully reopen by the morning of Saturday, March 15.

National Highways has confirmed that work crews will be carrying out surface repairs, joint maintenance, and drainage improvements to enhance safety and prolong the lifespan of the structure.

Highways officials say these repairs are crucial to avoid larger-scale closures in the future.

Drivers are urged to plan ahead and check live traffic updates as the closure may lead to increased congestion on alternative routes.

The M48 diversion is expected to see heavier traffic than usual, and delays could be worse during peak hours.

Other key road closures this week:

A431 Kelston Road (near Bath)

  • Closed for resurfacing work for two nights.
  • Closure from 7pm to 7am on Thursday and Friday.
  • Diversion via Saltford, Keynsham, Bitton, and Kelston.

Constitution Hill (Hotwells)

  • Closed overnight for resurfacing between Bellevue and the B4466 Jacobs Wells Road.
  • Work scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights, 7pm to 6am.
  • Expected to reopen on Saturday morning.

Portview Road (Avonmouth)

  • Closed from 5pm tonight for filming of new BBC series The Dream Lands.
  • Road will reopen early tomorrow morning
    Empty M48 Severn Bridge closed due to high winds.
    Alamy
    Drivers affected by the closure will need to take the M48 as an alternative route, rejoining the M4 at junction 21[/caption]

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    M&S fans have found the ‘perfect trousers for spring and summer’, they’re £20, come in 2 styles & selling out fast

    NOTHING says the end of winter like switching out your thermals for light and airy spring wear.

    M&S shoppers have found the “perfect trousers” for warm weather, but hurry because they’re going fast.

    Woman wearing brown tank top and geometric wide-leg culottes.
    M&S
    M&S shoppers heaped on the praise for the shop’s £20 Geometric Wide Leg Culottes[/caption]
    Geometric wide-leg culottes.
    M&S
    The wide leg trousers are available in two styles in sizes six through 24[/caption]

    Every office worker knows the struggle of finding a light and airy work fit that can also transition into the perfect look for spontaneous drinks in the summer sun.

    These wide leg trousers are ideal to wear during work hours and after you clock off.

    And they won’t set you back too much at just £20.

    The Geometric Wide Leg Cutlottes are available in two styles, black and white or brown and white.

    They are crafted from “lightweight viscose” to ensure a “comfortable feel”.

    The trousers feature a flattering high waist with a drawstring fastening for a secure fit.

    This makes them a comfy fit whether you’re sitting at your desk or a sunny picnic.

    The wide legs of the trousers “fall to a breezy cropped length” for a summer look.

    These trousers are part of the M&S Collection of “easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles”.

    They are available in short/ petite as well as regular and long, in sizes six through 24.

    They have been described by customers as “true to fit”, receiving a 4.9 star rating from shoppers.

    M&S fans shared their thoughts on the trousers in the site’s review section.

    One person described them as the “perfect spring/summer trousers” with the “perfect length and fit”.

    “Smart but casual trousers, very comfortable and easy to wear,” said another customer.

    “Love these, [they] look like a skirt when on, very comfortable,” wrote a third person.

    Hottest fashion trends of 2025

    Fabulous’ Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street.

    The East/West Bag

    Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s’ shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber. 

    In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder. 

    They’ve been on runway models’ arms at nearly ever designer show – think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta – and are hitting the high street now, too. 

    Powder pink

    Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025. 

    Pantone may say that it’s the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own. 

    If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour. 

    The shell jacket

    The ’80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025. 

    We all know we’re likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket.

    Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in ‘80s windbreakers’. 

    Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion!

    The turn-up jeans

    While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we’re styling them is different. 

    This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups. 

    For this look, size doesn’t matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good – but only as it’s just one single fold.

    Peep-toe shoe

    Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event. 

    After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style. 

    From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street.

    Sheer blouses

    See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life – until now.

    Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S ’25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season. 

    Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks. 

    “I waited for these trousers to come back into stock and so pleased I did! Lovely material, light and comfortable, lovely colour,” said another shopper.

    Another M&S customer shared her recommendation when buying the wide leg trousers.

    “I’m very happy with these culottes. They’re comfortable and look really nice,” she wrote.

    “They’re quite a generous fit, so if you’re ‘between sizes’ I’d recommend buying the smaller size.”

    “Great fit and style. These will be great under a tunic or dress for the summer,” said another person.

    Geometric wide-leg culottes in black and white.
    M&S
    Shoppers labelled the trousers are ‘perfect’ for both spring and summer weather[/caption]

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    Coronation Street fans only just realising Izzy Armstrong is married to a famous soap star

    CORRIE fans are shocked to discover that Izzy Armstrong’s real-life hubby is a famous soap star himself – and he’s even appeared alongside her on the cobbles.

    The long-running Weatherfield favourite Izzy Armstrong (played by Cherylee Houston) has been part of the cobbles since 2010.

    Izzy Armstrong from Coronation Street.
    ITV
    Coronation Street fans have been left stunned after discovering that Izzy Armstrong star Cherylee Houston is married to a soap legend[/caption]
    Toby Hadoke and Cherylee Houston, actors from Coronation Street, in a video interview.
    Toby Hadoke is no stranger to TV screens having appeared in Emmerdale, Shameless, and Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights and more
    Rex

    Izzy’s life on the street has been anything but dull – from high drama at the Underworld factory to some of the most intense storylines on the cobbles.

    In 2016, she faced a difficult battle with chronic pain, leading her down a controversial path that saw her turn to cannabis.

    Her struggles resulted in a two-month stint behind bars, leaving viewers shocked.

    But it wasn’t all hardship for Izzy – her romance with Gary Windass (Mikey North) also captured fans’ hearts, particularly when they became parents to son Jake via surrogacy.

    But viewers are only now putting two and two together about her real-life romance.

    And it turns out her husband is no stranger to the world of soaps himself.

    Cherylee is married to Toby Hadoke, who’s no stranger to TV screens.

    He has appeared in Emmerdale, Shameless, Hollyoaks and Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights.

    In 2021, he made a cameo on Corrie as Fergus, Izzy’s fiercely protective neighbour during the pandemic.

    But Toby’s Corrie connections don’t end there.

    He once starred as a vicar at Curly Watts’ wedding – a role he humorously describes as “about 747 years ago.”

    When he’s not acting, Toby runs his own comedy hub in Manchester, XS Malarkey.

    And he’s full of praise for his wife, calling her “a brilliant actor” and applauding her efforts to raise awareness about disability representation in the industry.

    Fans were gobsmacked when they realised just who Toby was.

    Real-life soap couples

    Soaps are renowned for their sweet and scandalous romances – but it's not just in scripted storylines where love is blossoming. A number of our favourite small-screen actors have fallen for co-stars and soapland rivals when the cameras have stopped rolling.

    Max Parker and Kris Mochrie

    • Despite playing brothers Luke and Lee Posner on Emmerdale, the pair never actually shared any scenes together. But the pair still fell in love after meeting on set. Max and Kris got together in 2020, moving in together later than same year and got engaged in 2022. In a sweet Instagram post, the couple confirmed they’re planning a 2025 wedding.

    Beth Cordingly and Ian Kelsey

    • Beth, who plays Ruby Fox-Miligan, announced her love for her co-star Ian Kelsey, who played Dean Glover, shortly after she joined Emmerdale at the beginning of 2024. “I am very in love with Ian and very happy. I think it really does work him being an actor too. He has been so fantastic,” she gushed.

    Laura Norton and Mark Jordan

    • Kerry Wyatt and Daz Eden actors Laura and Mark met on the set of Emmerdale in 2014. The couple, who got engaged in 2018, told Loose Women they spent a long time deciding whether they should “just stay as friends.” Although it seems they were meant to be and the pair now share two children together.

    Zoe Henry and Jeff Hordley

    • Emmerdale favourites Zoe and Jeff, who play Rhonda Goskirk and Cain Dingle met at drama college in 1994 and have been together ever since. While working together might be too much for some couples, that’s definitely not the case for Zoe and Jeff. Zoe previously told The Sun: “Working on the same show as Jeff also helps because if one of us is having a bad day then the other will completely understand.”

    Lesley Dunlop and Chris Chittell

    • Lesley and Chris are another Dales romantic success story. Unlike some of the other soap stars, the pair who play Brenda Walker and Eric Pollard, are together on and off screen, officially tying the knot in 2016. They also adore working together, but have clear home-work boundaries. “We make a point of not talking about Emmerdale when we’re at home, though – that would be just too sad, wouldn’t it?” Chris revealed.

    Sally Carman and Joe Duttine

    • Abi Franklin and Tim Metcalfe actors Sally and Joe got together after meeting on the set of Coronation Street in 2017 and they tied the knot in July 2022. But unlike some of the Emmerdale stars, Sally and Joe prefer that their characters don’t interact much. Sally previously admitted it “would be horrendous” to work on a storyline with Joe because “he’s too funny.”

    Anthony Cotton and Peter Eccleston

    • Sean Tully may have been unlucky in love on the cobbles, but in real life Antony’s met his Prince Charming. The soap star started dating long-term partner Peter in 2005, after they met when he was working as an assistant props buyer on Corrie.

    Jane Danson and Robert Beck

    • Corrie favourite Jane Danson tied the knot with soap star Robert Beck in 2005. The actress, who plays Leanne Battersby, shares two children, Harry and Sam, with the former Brookside star. During their marriage, Robert has also done a stint in Weatherfield playing criminal Jimmy Dockerson.

    Caroline Harding and Chris Gascoyne

    • Chris, who played pub landlord Peter Barlow, married soap star Caroline in 2002. Although she is best known as an Emmerdale star, Caroline did visit her husband at work when she did a two-episode stint as doctor on the Manchester soap in 2020. The couple share a daughter called Belle, plus two children, Pip and Freddie from Caroline’s previous marriage.

    Nadine Mulkerrin and Rory Douglas Speed

    • Nadine Mulkerrin, and Rory Doulas Speed are known for their Hollyoaks alter egos Cleo McQueen and Joel Dexter. The loved-up pair got engaged on a December 2018 trip to Amsterdam – just over a year after they announced they were dating. They now share two kids, Reggie and Dougie.

    Sophie Austin and Shayne Ward

    Taking to Facebook, one fan wrote: “I remember him from Corrie I think, didn’t know at the time they were together.”

    Another added: “How come I recognise him?!”

    A third penned: “Toby Hafoka! He’s an actor/writer/standup comedian.”

    The Coronation Street star has previously spoken out about the harrowing abuse she has suffered from ignorant people for simply being disabled.

    Cherylee posted about how she felt when she heard a slur shouted by a person in a passing car while out and about in Manchester, where the ITV soap is filmed.

    She called them out on X – formerly Twitter – commenting that attitudes towards disabled people had gone backwards in recent years.

    She wrote: “Just had some delightful ableism shouted at me out of a car window “Coronation Street Cabbage”

    “Have we gone back 20 years, they were young men. This isn’t for sympathy. This is for awareness of how prevalent disability hate is.”

    Viewers supported her, with one saying: “It feels like as a society we make a few steps forward and then take many steps back. How disappointing.”

    Another said: “Everything has gone backwards it seems, racism, ableism, homophobia and transphobia. People have become brazen. Sorry you experienced this. Awful.”

    Another added: “The respect for disabled people feels very thin on the ground right now. I’m sorry they chose to abuse you. Thank you for speaking out and I hope you are ok. But I honestly think Corrie writers could do worse than writing that into a line for you as an epic comeback.”

    Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX.

    a woman in a red dress is sitting in a wheelchair
    The actress faced harrowing abuse for being disabled
    Two women, one in a wheelchair, outside a brick building, holding coffee cups.
    ITV
    Cherylee was overwhelmed at the outpouring of support from fans[/caption]

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    Furious Ter Stegen issues statement after claims he is divorcing wife Daniela after she ‘cheated on Barcelona star’

    MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN has slammed a bombshell report which claimed he was cheated on by his wife with her personal trainer.

    The Barcelona goalkeeper has been married to wife, Daniela Jehle, for eight years, having met in 2012 before tying the knot in 2017 and having two children together.

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen and his wife at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
    AFP
    Marc-Andre ter Stegen slammed a report he has separated from his wife after allegedly finding out she cheated on him[/caption]
    Marc-André ter Stegen and his wife.
    Instagram
    Ter Stegan and wife Daniela, got met in 2012 and have two children together[/caption]
    Woman taking a selfie in a bathroom.
    Instagram
    The pair announced their separation last week but Ter Stegen today denied reports of alleged cheating[/caption]

    However, the pair announced they had split up in a social media post last week.

    A bombshell report on Catalunya Radio from Spanish journalist Juliana Canet claimed the separation came after Ter Stegen found out his wife was cheating on him with her personal trainer.

    The report alleges Ter Stegen and Daniela have been living apart for two months.

    The German goalkeeper has reportedly been staying in the five-star Hyatt Hotel in Barcelona while she remained living in their family home.

    Canet explained the 32-year-old had used the excuse of renovations being carried out on the mansion the couple had bought last summer as the reason for him staying in the hotel.

    El Nacional added Daniela had been working with two personal trainers at Edan Studios in Barcelona, owned by Robert Lewandowski‘s wife Anna.

    But following the bombshell news report, Ter Stegen slammed Catalunya Radio & 3Cat Group for “distributing false news and violating personal rights”.

    In a statement to social media, he said: “Dear all.

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    “I am shocked and disappointed of the poor management and lack of Leadership and Control at Catalunya Radio & 3Cat Group – distributing false news and violating personal rights.

    “Journalists Juliana Canet, Roger Carandell and Marta Montaner are liars that have distributed false news, offending my wife Daniela and her reputation publicly in a very bad manner.

    “There has not been any infidelity of Daniela. No third person involved. Fact.

    “As communicated, Dani and I have decided to go different ways in good circumstances where we maintain trustful communication.

    “It is completely unacceptable that the leading government-owned media is spreading this, where Daniela being falsely accused and personally been attacked.

    “The damage is irreparable. Thank you. Marc.”

    Ter Stegen and Daniela’s statement on social media declared their joint-focus was on what was best for their children; five-year-old Ben and one-year-old Tom.

    The statement said: “After careful consideration, Dani and I have decided to go our separate ways.

    “This decision was not an easy one, as you can imagine, but we both believe it is the best step for us.

    “Our joint focus is on doing what is best for our children, ensuring they continue to have a loving and stable environment.

    “We remain committed to working together as parents and treating each other with respect and appreciation as we always have.

    “During this personal time, we kindly ask for your understanding and for respecting our privacy – especially that of our children.”

    Ter Stegen has been sidelined from football since September after suffering a complete rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee.

    He recently shared photos showing he is back in training and could be close to a return.

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen, goalkeeper for Barcelona and Germany.
    Rex
    Ter Stegen has been sidelined through a knee injury since September[/caption]

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    ‘Hamas supporter’ from Gaza arrested after filming himself arriving in Britain on cross-Channel boat

    A HAMAS-supporting extremist who arrived on a small boat was arrested by immigration cops last night.

    Channel migrant Abu Wadei was last week revealed as a militant who has posed with AK-47s and chanted about killing Jews.

    Close-up selfie of a man wearing a keffiyeh, surrounded by people wearing life vests.
    Abu Wadei was arrested last night

    It is understood the Gaza firebrand was arrested for entry without leave by immigration enforcement and is being held in custody.

    A Home Office spokesman said: “The Government is committed to ending small boat crossings which undermine our border security, and restoring order to the asylum system to ensure that the rules are respected and enforced.

    “The British public can be reassured that we take all steps necessary at all times to protect the nation’s security, including taking action in the Border Security Bill to give the police and immigration officers stronger powers to act where anyone poses a threat.”

    Palestinian influencer Abu Wadei triggered a security scare after he posted video of himself flicking a V for victory sign at the front of a boat packed with migrants in orange lifejackets.

    Jewish community leaders in the UK reacted with horror amid fears Wadei’s arrival could herald a flood of dangerous supporters of the bloodthirsty terror group.

    Wadei has posted violent imagery of himself toting assault rifles, hurling slingshots and flexing his muscles in front of burning debris in the besieged Hamas stronghold.

    The firebrand – whose real name is Mossab Al Qassass aged in his 30s – has 170,000 Tiktok followers.

    He also has a YouTube channel followed by 189,000 subscribers which collects money via PayPal.

    Palestinian Wadei’s social media feeds show him at a rally declaring he is a member of a violent Hamas “tyre burning unit”.

    He rails against Jews in the post, adding that his “loftiest aspiration” is to “die for the sake of Allah”.

    He posted an anti-Jew video on his Facebook page last September, ranting: “Allah, kill them one by one, and don’t leave a single one.

    “Allah, destroy them completely, disperse them completely and make the earth fall from under their feet.”

    The UK-based Campaign Against Anti-Semitism learned of Wadei’s arrival under UK last Thursday among 245 arrivals escorted on the south coast of England on Friday.

    The group said it had carried out exacting computer “body-mapping” checks comparing images of the boat arrival plus with video and images on Wadei’s online profiles.

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    Gianluigi Buffon’s son, 17, handed professional debut by his former team-mate just two years after Italy icon retired

    LOUIS Buffon, the son of Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon, made his professional debut for Serie B side Pisa.

    Buffon, 17, was handed his first senior minutes by Gianluigi’s former team-mate and Pisa boss Filippo Inzaghi.

    Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gabriele Masotti/IPA Sport/ipa-agency.net/REX/Shutterstock (15186526bb) Louis Thomas Buffon (Pisa) During Spezia Calcio Vs AC Pisa, Italian Soccer Serie B Match In La Spezia, Italy, March 09 2025 Calcio - Serie B - Spezia Calcio Vs AC Pisa, La Spezia, Italy - 09 Mar 2025
    Louis Buffon made his professional debut for Serie B side Pisa on Sunday
    A young man in an AC Pisa soccer tracksuit.
    Buffon Jr got the nod after impressing for Pisa’s under-17 and under-19
    COLLECCHIO, ITALY - MAY 24: Gianluigi Buffon looks on during Parma Calcio training session on May 24, 2023 in Collecchio, Italy. (Photo by Andrea Cantini/Parma Calcio 1913 via Getty Images)
    The Pisa winger is the son of Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon
    Mandatory Credit: Photo by Gabriele Masotti/IPA Sport/ipa-agency.net/REX/Shutterstock (15186526bh) Head Coach Of Pisa Filippo Inzaghi During Spezia Calcio Vs AC Pisa, Italian Soccer Serie B Match In La Spezia, Italy, March 09 2025 Calcio - Serie B - Spezia Calcio Vs AC Pisa, La Spezia, Italy - 09 Mar 2025
    Filippo Inzaghi and Buffon spent most of their careers at Juventus

    Unlike his legendary father, who made more than 1000 senior appearances as a goalkeeper, Louis operates as a left winger.

    He was introduced as a late substitute in Pisa’s 3-2 defeat at Spezia, replacing Marius Marin in the 84th minute on Sunday.

    Buffon Jr got the nod after impressing for Pisa’s under-17 and under-19 sides this season, scoring four goals in 19 appearances.

    Pisa, who are second in the table, are looking to return to the top flight for the first time since 1991.

    Dad Buffon retired from football with Serie B side Parma in 2023 at the age of 45.

    Inzaghi and Buffon spent most of their careers at Juventus and also played together on the Italy national team. 

    It comes weeks after the teenager’s first international under-18 call up.

    Turin-born Louis recently elected to represent the Czech Republic, where his mother is from, at under-18 level.

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    Louis would still be available to eventually play for Italy, with only senior competitive caps cementing a national team position for a footballer’s entire career.

    Dad Buffon played 176 times for his country before retiring in 2018, helping them win the World Cup in 2006.

    Gianluigi is the most capped player in the history of the national team and fourth-most capped European international player ever.

    The shot-stopper won 28 honours for club and country, as well as over 70 individual awards in his 28-year-long career. 

    Buffon started at Parma in 1995 and won an Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup and Uefa Cup before joining Juventus in 2001.

    He made 656 appearances for the Bianconeri, winning nine Serie A titles, a Serie B title, five Italian Cups and six Italian Super Cups.

    Buffon then made a surprise move to Paris Saint-Germain for the 2018/19 campaign, playing 25 times and winning the Ligue 1 title before returning to Juventus.

    He made a further 29 appearances in Turin while winning a tenth Serie A title before rejoining Parma in 2021.

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