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‘Britain’s worst neighbour’ is jailed after tearing roof tiles from couple’s home in 7yr war over garden fence

A NEIGHBOUR from hell who tore the roof off an OAP couple’s home in a bitter seven-year war over a garden fence has been jailed.

Mark Coates, 57, smashed a hole through the roof of his semi-detached home before clambering out.

Person on damaged roof holding a weapon.
Mark Coates can be seen hurling roof tiles at his neighbours
A handcuffed man escorted by a security guard.
Brighton Pictures
He has now been jailed for four years[/caption]
Two witnesses walking away from Brighton Crown Court.
Brighton Pictures
He was locked in a bitter dispute with his neighbours[/caption]

He then began tearing off the tiles and chimney pots off the £450,000 home before throwing them to the ground.

When he had largely destroyed his own roof he moved over to his neighbours’ home and began tearing the tiles from their home.

Neighbour Janice Turner, 66, called police but was left crying in the garden as she watched Coates start to demolish her home.

Video of the incident, captured by police, showed Coates armed with a hammer methodically smashing up the roof of both homes.

A two hour police stand-off ensued before Coates was finally arrested and taken into custody.

A jury heard that in just two hours Coates had caused more than £200,000 worth of damage to the homes in Robertsbridge, near Hastings.

Coates was found guilty of two counts of criminal damage on the properties after a trial at Lewes Crown Court but was cleared of harassment.

Residents living close to the victims said the dispute had had a massive effect on the whole community and branded Coates “one of the worst neighbours in Britain.”

Today, Recorder Ben Williams KC branded Coates a “human wrecking ball” as he sentenced Coates to four years and four months.

He said the destruction of the homes was a clear “revenge attack” on his neighbours and had had a “devastating” impact on them.

The court was told Miss Turner, 66, now suffers from an “anxiety response” every time she heard crockery smash.

She said the last seven years had been hugely stressful and she was so upset she could not sit in court for the sentencing.

Miss Turner added: “I was crying. I felt very, very frightened. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I was extremely distressed.”

While Mr Greenwood, a mechanic, said: “He was systematically and vindictively destroying the property.

“He cut a hole through the joists. He took the staircase out of his house. His aim was to destroy and diminish its value. It was calculating and spiteful.

“Tiles were being thrown everywhere, chimney pots were being smashed off. I was quite shocked. I’ve never seen someone destroying a house that way before.

“The whole situation was completely out of hand. It was just total, total destruction.”

The incident happened on June 10 last year and brought to an end the long-running dispute between the neighbours which started when a fence panel fell down.

When a new fence separating their two gardens was erected, the two neighbours disagreed over where the boundary was.

Lewes Crown Court heard that, after years of litigation, the case had eventually gone to the High Court.

The warring neighbours had been warned by High Court judge, Mr Justice Morgan, that persisting in the row could result in financial ruin for one or both of them before a ruling was made against Coates.

Coates, a father-of-five, was jailed, handed a £475,000 court bill and was ordered to sell his home to pay for the huge sum.

As a result his property was to be sold to reimburse the victims’ legal fees as well as to pay for the damage caused to their property.

But just three days before he was due to hand over the house keys, Coates decided to cause massive damage to the properties.

A video, captured from a police body-worn camera, shows officers trying to reason with Coates and coax him down from the roof.

But Coates told officers: “I’ve had this house stolen off me by a judge and corrupt police. I’ll cause as much damage as I can to devalue the house.”

Coates then clambered across the roof and began smashing tiles from neighbours’ adjoining home, throwing tiles down into their garden.

Miss Turner said: “He was smashing a hole from the inside of his attic space and cutting the batons and knocking the tiles off the roof.

“He was picking some of them up and throwing them into the garden and towards me. I was standing by my greenhouse and I felt debris from the roof go past my face.”

She said when the hole was big enough to climb through Coates clambered out onto the roof.

Miss Turner said: “He continued to remove everything from that roof and then breached the party wall area and completely removed the best part of the roof at the rear of my property.”

In the video, shown to the court, Coates told officers his aim was to cause as much damage as possible.

He said he wanted charges to be so serious he would get a trial by jury where he would be able to expose officials who had used “corruption and bias” to strip him of his home.

In mitigation Richard Body, defending, said Coates was a dedicated family man who had a previous good character.,

He said: “However he has an aspect of his character that is stubborn which is how he has got himself into this very unfortunate position.”

Coates. who was cleared of two counts of causing fear of violence or harassment, was handed an indefinite restraining order.

Two-story house viewed through tree branches.
Champion News
The dispute has been ongoing since 2015 over the semi-detached properties of Mark and Louise Coates (left) and Brian Greenwood and Janice Turner (right)[/caption]
Back garden path leading to a house.
Champion News
The neighbours rowed about this fence for seven years[/caption]
Aerial view of a house with significant roof damage.
Drone footage shows the extent of damage to the roof of the semi-detached property

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Brit, 28, arrested in Trump immigration crackdown after visa error as she’s ‘locked up in orange jumpsuit in US prison’

A BRITISH tourist’s dream trip has turned into a nightmare after a “visa mix-up” led to her being detained at the US border.

Becky Burke, 28, was detained ten days ago at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing centre in Washington state, according to her family.

Selfie of a woman wearing glasses, a knit hat, and a dark blue jacket near the ocean.
Instagram
Becky Burke, 28, was on her dream trip to America when she was detained[/caption]
Selfie of a young woman wearing a knit hat and fanny pack.
Instagram
Becky is being detained at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing centre in Washington state[/caption]
Person standing with arms outstretched against a large tree.
Instagram
Becky trekking through a pine forest while travelling[/caption]

Becky’s dad, Paul Burke, said she tried to cross the border into Canada but was denied entry due to an “incorrect visa”.

But when she tried to return to the US she was refused re-entry and treated like an “illegal alien”.

Her dad said he could not understand why she was “locked up and she’s in an orange prison jumpsuit while the paperwork gets sorted out.”

Paul said: “What was meant to be a life-changing four-month backpacking trip across North America has turned into a nightmare.”

Becky now finds herself in “horrendous” conditions.

Her dad said: “She is sharing a cell, surviving on a diet of cold rice, potatoes, and beans (she is vegan), and has limited access to phone calls.

“Visitors are restricted to speaking through a glass screen via telephone. 

“All her possessions have been confiscated, and she feels isolated and desperate to come home.”

Becky’s family is not American which means they cannot add money to her inmate account for her to buy essentials, so they have had to reach out to some American friends to help.

The comic book artist from Wales was on a four-month backpacking trip across North America.

Becky shared photos and comic sketches about her travels to her Instagram account.

She posted reels of herself ice-skating in Manhattan’s Central Park, running across a beach and trekking through a pine forest

While travelling she got free accommodation in exchange for helping host families “around the house”.

Becky had flown from New York to Portland, Oregon, where she spent time with a host family.

At the end of February she travelled to Seattle and had planned to travel to Vancouver in Canada to stay with another family.

But, when she reached the border, Paul said she was denied entry because of fears she may try to work illegally.

He said he thought this may be because authorities suspected her accommodation arrangements broke the terms of her tourist visa.

Becky’s family is desperate for her to come home and has requested voluntary departure but it has been “radio silence”.

The family has been told voluntary departure has to be approved by a judge, but said that they do not know “how to make that happen”.

A spokesperson for the FCDO said: “We are supporting a British national detained in the USA and are in contact with the local authorities.”

But they wouldn’t give any further update as to wider US detentions of UK tourists.

Paul said he wanted to warn other travellers to be “very careful” about visa requirements.

Becky’s detention comes in the wake of Trump’s immigration crack down.

Woman sitting cross-legged with hands pressed together.
Instagram
Becky is a vegan comic book artist from Wales[/caption]
Close-up photo of two women.
Instagram
Becky’s family say she just wants to come home[/caption]

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I swear by a 75p food for long, soft & shiny hair – I do my ‘magic’ treatment once a week

IS this year all about transforming your hair – but you don’t know where to start?

There are what feels like hundreds of different haircare products on the high street – but now one woman has proven there might be no need to fork out a fortune to give your hair TLC.

Woman brushing her long hair with an avocado.
TIKTOK/@amberpot
Blue-eyed stunner Amber shared how a ‘magic’ treatment totally transformed her mane[/caption]
Hair styling results showing blonde wavy hair.
TIKTOK/@amberpot
According to Amber, the answer is avocado, which you can buy for around 75p from most supermarkets[/caption]

According to blonde beauty Amber Pot, the answer to long and thick locks is already sitting in your kitchen – and it’s a firm Gen Z brunch favourite.

Instead of spending heaps of money on special treatments and masks, Amber swears by avocado – which you can snap up for around 75p from most supermarkets.

Turns out, the fatty berry is not just good for our health – and goes perfect on a toast – but avocado is also amazing for hair that needs some love.

Avocado is a great source of biotin, and adding this B-complex vitamin back into the diet may help hair to grow more healthily.

A 2015 study discovered that minerals in avocado oil, including potassium and magnesium, may seal cuticle cells, which can help hair appear smooth and shiny and even prevent it from breaking.

While there haven’t been many clinical studies on the effects of avocado on the mane, vegetable oil has been shown to help protect hair from damage, and fatty acids have been found to reduce oil and improve the overall quality of hair.

Many thrifty beauty buffs note that their hair feels silkier and stronger after using an avocado mask, which typically includes coconut oil or an egg.

But if you don’t want to dash to the shops to snap up other ingredients, fear not, as Amber revealed that just an avocado works wonder.

The blue-eyed beauty demonstrated the hair hack in a recent video on her TikTok page – and it really doesn’t get any easier than this.

All you need to do, she showed, was cut an avocado in half and place a small section of your hair between the halves like a sandwich.

Once done, start pulling the avocado down the hair from your roots and all the way to the bottom of the tresses.

Although Amber didn’t specify how long she kept the natural remedy on, some say you should leave avocado in your hair for at least 30 minutes.

It’s thought that the longer the fatty fruit sits in your hair, the better the results will be – so it may be worthwhile to use it as an overnight treatment.

How often should you be washing your hair?

Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President at Philip Kingsley spoke exclusively to Fabulous.

You take your hair and scalp to the same places you take your face, and it gets just as dirty.

Your scalp is also a living tissue; it sweats, produces oils and sheds skin cells.

You wouldn’t leave two days between washing your face, and you likely wouldn’t wear the same outfit more than a few times before washing it – apply the same thinking to your hair.

It is a myth that washing your hair too often causes your hair to get greasier.

The rest is straightforward – hop into the shower, wash out the avocado using shampoo (you might need to do this twice or more if required) and complete the routine with your favourite moisturising conditioner.

In the clip, which has since been viewed a whopping 2.9million times in just two days, Amber revealed that she does this once a week – and the results speak for themselves.

The once dull hair was not only extra smooth but also full of shine, thanks to the ”magic” mask.

Big divide

Despite Amber swearing by this easy method, not everyone online was totally convinced, as many pointed out that applying avocado on hair was ”wasteful” and ”too expensive”.

One reckoned: ”Waste of a good avocado.”

Another agreed, writing: ”avocados are way too expensive for that.”

Someone else warned: ”I’ve done this before it was a nightmare to washout the chunks.”

”Hold up I’m def doing this,” a viewer was keen to give it a shot.

”It worked,” a web user claimed.

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MAFS Australia fans slam expert Alessandra’s ‘awful’ sex advice, ranting ‘That was so gross!’

MARRIED At First Sight Australia fans have lashed out at one of the show’s experts and accused her of offering up “awful” sex advice.

Alessandra Rampolla came under fire when it emerged one of the grooms had turned down ‘morning sex’ with his new wife.

Alessandra, a relationship expert from Married at First Sight Australia, speaking.
MAFS Australia expert Alessandra Rampolla has come under fire from fans
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Ryan from Married at First Sight Australia.
Nine
The expert has been accused of giving groom Ryan Donelly ‘awful’ sex advice[/caption]
Alessandra, a relationship expert from Married at First Sight Australia, looking pensive.
Nine
It comes after Ryan turned down sex with bride Jacqui to go to the gym[/caption]

In an episode yet to be aired in the UK, Ryan Donelly is called out by Alessandra for refusing to get intimate with Jacqui Burfoot.

It emerges that he passed on some fun in the bedroom so he could “save his testosterone” for the gym.

Later, while chatting to the couple at a commitment ceremony, Alessandra picked Ryan up on his decision and told him he should have ‘still pleasured her’.

Taken aback, Ryan told the sexologist that his and wife Jacqui’s “needs” were not “identical”, but she maintained her stance.

Alessandra said: “There’s no reason for her not to be satisfied just because you haven’t been to the gym.”

But the advice did not go down with some Aussie fans of the show.

Writing on Reddit, one viewer has accused Alessandra of ‘pressuring Ryan into doing something he didn’t want to do’.

In a post titled ‘Alessandra’s awful advice’, the MAFS Australia fan said: “I hope most people will agree with this.

“Whilst Ryan is a selfish p***k, he isn’t obligated to give her sexual pleasure.

“The phrase ‘why weren’t you focusing in pleasuring her?’ was so effing gross. Nobody should ever feel pressured into doing a sexual act when they don’t want to, I thought that was pretty well known.”

Agreeing, another added: “Good call, yeah that was a bit weird.”

A third said: “Honestly imagine if this was the other way round. Jacqui saying she doesn’t feel like having sex and the experts telling her she can still get Ryan off. It’s disgusting.”

And a fourth wrote: “Regardless of the reason, if Ryan doesn’t want to have sex he doesn’t have to. He also doesn’t have to pleasure her, like some f***ing consolation prize. That’s consent.”

Others, however, were quick to jump to Alessandra’s defence.

“She wasn’t saying that,” someone else said. “She was saying maybe he hadn’t realised that he can pleasure his partner in other ways. She wasn’t forcing him to do anything.”

Agreeing, another told the original poster: “I think you’re trying to turn that comment into something it wasn’t.”

The 2025 series of MAFS Australia is well underway Down Under.

Tonight in the UK, Jacqui and Ryan will be seen meeting at the alter for the first time and tying the knot.

Their conversation with Alessandra comes later in the series as the couples and experts meet up for a commitment ceremony.

Alessandra will be seen asking Ryan: “I have a question on this whole morning situation. Why were you not just pleasuring her?”

Mafs couples that have stood the test of time

Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby.

The pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam’s Doncaster home.

Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau.

Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December.

Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: “I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out – and excited for everything to come.”

Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019.

Owen recalled: “I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work.

“While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in.

“The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if I signed up?’

“A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.”

Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson.

Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna’s vegan lifestyle, the show’s first same sex pairing are still going strong.

They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod.

Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: “We’re not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship.”

Looking shocked, he replies: “In what situation, sorry?”

She continues: “In the morning situation that you wanted to maintain your testosterone in your body.

“You can totally do that and still super pleasure her.”

Ryan says “Erm. I’m not sure..

But Alessandra continues: “So what’s up with modern man? Where did he go?”

Taken aback, Ryan asks: “Are you saying at that particular morning you are talking about…”

Alessandra interrupts: “Any morning that you want to maintain your testosterone and not be active yourself, you can still pleasure your partner.”

But Ryan told her: “There has to be balance between our two sets of needs and they’re not identical.”

Alessandra replies: “You can get really frustrated when you have your moment and your partner is isn’t available because of something that he’s choosing. And there are ways that you can come to both of you being satisfied.

“There’s no reason for her not to be satisfied just because you haven’t been to the gym. Never prioritise the gym over my partner’s needs.”

  • MAFS Australia continues tonight, 9pm, E4
Three people sitting on a couch, two women and a man.
Nine
Sexologist Alessandra is one of the three experts on MAFS Australia[/caption]
Ryan and Jacqui sitting on a couch with relationship expert Alessandra.
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Ryan was told he should have ‘still pleasured’ Jacqui before going to the gym[/caption]
Couple posing by a pool with a rainbow in the background.
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The couple will be seen getting married on MAFS Australia in the UK tonight[/caption]

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Now tyrant Putin blames Britain for starting WW2 and excuses Nazis as his officials say UK ‘instigated’ conflict

DESPOT Vladimir Putin has launched a scathing attack on Britain with Russia now blaming the UK for “instigating” World War Two.

Russia’s foreign intelligence service (SVR) shockingly excused Adolf Hitler and the Nazis for their deplorable actions – hours after Moscow expelled two British diplomats for “spying”.

Vladimir Putin at a press conference.
Reuters
Vladimir Putin has launched a scathing attack on Britain with Russia now blaming the UK for ‘instigating’ World War Two.[/caption]
Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin at the Yalta Conference with their foreign ministers.
Getty
World War Two allied leaders Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin in 1945[/caption]
British soldiers returning to base after maneuvers in World War II.
Hulton Archive - Getty
British soldiers bravely fighting in World War Two[/caption]
Red Army soldiers raising the Soviet flag over the Reichstag in Berlin.
Getty - Contributor
Red Army soldiers raising the Soviet flag in Berlin[/caption]

A statement from SVR has claimed that Britain is always the “main instigator” of global conflicts.

They even appeared to say that the British government is “sitting it out” in regards to the ongoing Ukraine war.

It comes despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer being praised in recent weeks for leading the European charge for peace and standing alongside Ukraine.

The twisted Kremlin agency said: “As we can see, London today, just as it did on the eve of both world wars of the last century, acts as the main instigator of the global conflict.

“At the same time, the British themselves, obviously, are again counting on sitting it out on their island.

“It is time to expose them and send a clear signal to the treacherous Albion and its elites: you will not succeed.”

It added that the UK “sees a threat to its interests” over the US and Russia working together to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.

The statement added, per TASS news agency: “Starmer’s Cabinet bends over backwards to strengthen the sustainability of the Kiev regime in the face of growing pressure from Washington.”

The PM’s office issued a furious response blasting the comment as “completely farcical.”

A No10 spokesperson said: “There is just one country that has launched an unjustified invasion on a sovereign country that has abducted around 19,000 children, that continues to target critical national infrastructure, to starve innocent children and the elderly of heat and light.

“There is only one country that is sending thousands of its own sons and daughters to their deaths in pursuit of an imperialist ideology.”

The comments follow on from another dispute between London and Moscow earlier today.

Putin expelled two British diplomats after reportedly accusing them of being spies.

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced a pair of workers connected to Britain’s embassy in Moscow have just two weeks to leave the country over the espionage fears.

Both individuals deliberately declared false information about themselves when entering Russia, the FSB claimed.

They were also accused of “intelligence and subversive activities that threaten Russia’s security”, according to local media.

The Brits are believed to be a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old women.

But the British embassy in Moscow and the UK Foreign Office quickly hit back at the claims and dismissed any spying allegations.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told The Sun: “This is not the first time that Russia has made malicious and baseless accusations against our staff.”

Russia’s foreign ministry later responded by saying they have an “uncompromising line on this issue” of spying.

They said: “It was once again emphasised that Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers on Russian territory and that Russia’s uncompromising line on this issue will be formulated in accordance with the interests of national security.

“British citizens are strongly advised to provide only reliable and complete information about themselves when applying for a Russian visa.

“A warning was also made that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive ‘mirror’ response.”

The Russian allegations follow on from British authorities catching a Russian spy ring who carried out espionage operations for Putin’s regime in Britain while bedding each other.

Two women, known as the “killer sexy brunettes,” were in a love triangle with a leading member of the cell of six Bulgarian spies living and working in the UK.

The group plotted honeypot stings and conducted spying missions on behalf of Russia across Europe from Britain for lavish sums of money.

The spy ring was run by former city tech worker Orlin Roussev, 46, and targeted Putin’s opponents as well as assisting the Russian war effort against Ukraine.

Glamorous lab assistant Katrin Ivanova, 33, and beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, were today convicted at the Old Bailey of espionage offences under the Official Secrets Act.

Gaberova’s painter and decorator ex-boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, of Enfield, North London, was also convicted of spying charges.

Growing trend of Russian spying on British soil

BY Mike Sullivan

A counter-terrorism chief has warned of the growing trend of Russia using criminal proxies to spy on British soil.

Commander Dominic Murphy, the head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command vowed never to take his “eye off the ball” as he hailed his team’s success.

He said: “This is one of the largest and most complex examples of a group working for a foreign state to conduct intelligence surveillance operations here in the UK so it is a very significant case and I am very proud of the investigation team and the success they have had.

“This investigation uncovered spying on behalf of the Russian state on an industrial case, in this case committed by a group of Bulgarians contracted by an individual to conduct that spying on behalf of Russia.

“As the UK becomes a more hostile environment as a result of our work we will see them increasingly use proxies to conduct their activities.”

The ring was smashed in raids on properties in London and ringleader Orlin Roussev’s address in Great Yarmouth in February 2023, where police uncovered a treasure trove of hi-tech spyware.

On the challenges faced by enemy states operating on UK soil, he said: “Within counter-terrorism policing we are seeing more than 20% of our demand now coming from threat posed from foreign states to our national security so this is an ever growing challenge for us.

“We are committed to working closely with intelligence agencies in this country and our international partners to disrupt activity by foreign states.

“We have been working hard to make the UK a hostile working operating environment for these countries and this is an example of that because this group were contracted to operate on behalf of Russian intelligence services because this is a hostile environment for them to operate in directly here.

“So some positives but we will never take our eye off the ball working with our partners to keep the UK safe.”

Woman in black shirt leaning on railing.
East2West
Last week, Russian spy Vanya Gaberova was found guilty of espionage on British soil[/caption]
Mugshot of a woman with long brown hair.
PA
Katrin Ivanova was also convicted[/caption]
Firefighters battling a large building fire at night.
Getty
Fighting across Ukrainian towns and cities has continued with a peace deal yet to be agreed upon[/caption]

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EastEnders and Coronation Street stars sign up to second series of huge ITV drama with filming already underway

EASTENDERS and Coronation Street stars are among the latest additions for a hit ITV drama’s second series.

After The Flood debuted last year, with Sophie Rundle starring as PC Joanna Marshall.

A police officer kneeling in floodwater.
ITV
Filming for After The Flood series two is underway[/caption]
Jill Halfpenny in a red suit.
PA
Jill Halfpenny is among the new names who have signed up[/caption]
Ian Puleston-Davies at the UK premiere of "The Almond And The Seahorse".
Getty
Coronation Street alum Ian Puleston-Davies is also on board[/caption]

Soap legends Jill Halfpenny and Ian Puleston-Davies have come on board for series two.

Filming for the new series is currently underway in Greater Manchester and Derbyshire.

Jill, 49, has starred in both Coronation Street and EastEnders – playing Rebecca Hopkins and Kate Mitchell respectively.

In After The Flood, the actress will portray the role of DS Sam Bradley.

While Ian, 66, had a five-year stint as Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street.

He will now star as After The Flood newcomer Tony Rower in upcoming episodes.

Series two picks up the story of newly promoted detective Jo Marshall (Sophie Rundle).

Immersed in a baffling murder investigation, tensions simmer in Waterside as the rising threat of moorland fires loom.

With a risk of further flooding, a body is found under bizarre circumstances.

Jo is now in a race to stop the killer – and brought into conflict with the town’s dark and influential forces.

She finds herself in a deeply personal investigation while trying to root out decades-old corruption in the police force – and her own family.

In series one, Jo investigated the the death of an unidentified man following a devastating flash flood.

Other new cast members in series two include Alun Armstrong (New Tricks), Matthew McNulty (The Rising) and Tony Marshall (Casualty)

They join previously announced returnees Sophie Rundle, Nicholas Gleaves, Lorraine Ashbourne, Philip Glenister and Matt Stokoe.

Andy Pryor, Casting Director for Quay Street Productions, addressed the new castings.

Crime dramas on ITVX

Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.

  • Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
  • The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother’s grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake’s novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
  • Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place  during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
  • The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
  • Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.

He said: “To attract such talented household names to the series is a testament to the brilliant writing by Mick Ford, once again writing such a thrilling story filled to the brim with interesting and compelling characters.

“We couldn’t be happier with the calibre of talent we have both returning and joining After the Flood for series two.

“Each cast member is perfect for their role and we are looking forward to seeing how they bring their characters to life on screen.”

After The Flood airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

Sophie Rundle as Joanna Marshall on a phone call.
ITV
Peaky Blinders’ Sophie Rundle plays lead character Joanna Marshall[/caption]

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Everyone can see the bears – but you have 20/20 vision & a high IQ if you can spot the coconuts in 12 seconds

TIME to put your vision and brain skills to the test and solve this tricky brainteaser in just 12 seconds or less.

Everyone can see the bears, but only those with a high IQ can spot the three coconuts.

Illustration of many bears with a few wearing accessories.
DUDOLF
Three coconuts are hiding among the bears in this optical illusion[/caption]

The mind-boggling illusion was created by Hungarian artist Gergeley Dudas, aka Dudolf.

The image shows dozens of bears, some of which are wearing colourful accessories.

One of the bears is sporting a stripy scarf, while others are wearing top hats and bow ties.

The coconuts blend into the sea of bears making this puzzle particularly tricky – but can you spot them?

If you’re still struggling here’s a hint.

Try studying each bear in turn, and then move onto the next until you spot those sneaky coconuts.

Did you know picture puzzles test your critical thinking and problem-solving skills?

Challenges like this one can boost your intelligence and improve concentration.

How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me?

Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions.

Some benefits include:

  • Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility.
  • Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
  • Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function.
  • Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes.
  • Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus.
  • Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief.

Did you spot the coconuts?

To check your answer – or if you are just giving up – here is the solution.

And if you enjoyed this brain teaser, have a crack at the others down below.

As always, answers are at the end of the page.

Illustration of a bear-themed Where's Waldo? game.
DUDOLF
Did you manage to find the three coconuts?[/caption]
Illustration of cats playing with yarn and toys.
Cats.com
Can you spot the cat playing with the fish?[/caption]
Illustration of many pandas wearing sunglasses.
Gergely Dudás
Artist Gergely Dudás challenged his followers to find the three odd pandas out[/caption]
Illustration of a frog among autumn leaves.
jagran josh
Can you spot the frog in under 12 seconds?[/caption]
Illustration of a cat playing with a fish among other cats.
Cats.com
The cat blends in well with his feline counterparts[/caption]
Illustration of three pandas hidden among many other pandas wearing sunglasses.
Gergely Dudás
The pandas without eye protection are circled in red[/caption]
Illustration of a frog hidden among autumn leaves.
jagran josh
The frog has been circled above[/caption]

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Crufts introduces major rule change for 3 key breeds that could see them banned from the prestigious dog show

Crufts has introduced a major rule change for three breeds that could have seen them banned from the prestigious dog show.

The major rule change at Crufts, the world’s most prestigious dog show, means that French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Pugs will now need to pass a breathing assessment before they can compete.

Paralympian Ellie Simmonds at the Crufts Dog Show.
PA
This year’s event took place from March 6 to March 9[/caption]
Golden Retrievers at a dog show.
Reuters
Golden Retrievers are shown at the Crufts dog show in Birmingham[/caption]
Pug standing in a garden.
Getty
Under the new rule, all French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Pugs must undergo a vet check before competing at Crufts[/caption]

The Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) system has been introduced to protect the health of brachycephalic breeds, dogs with short skulls that are prone to breathing difficulties.

The test aims to raise awareness about Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a common condition affecting these breeds.

Under the new rule, all French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Pugs must undergo a vet check before competing at Crufts.

Dogs that receive a grade 3 score, meaning they have severe BOAS and show clear signs of breathing distress, will be banned from the competition.

The new rule has been introduced to address the growing popularity of brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Pugs, whose flat faces make them susceptible to serious breathing issues.

The rule aims to ensure that only healthy dogs participate in competitions, promoting responsible breeding practices and health testing.

This significant change comes as Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, continues to evolve in its commitment to dog welfare and responsible breeding.

As the largest and most famous dog show in the world, Crufts has been a prestigious event since it was first held in 1891.

Each year, it attracts thousands of competitors from across the globe, celebrating dog breeding, agility, obedience, and companionship.

The event showcases the best pedigree dogs, with winners often becoming highly sought-after breeding champions.

Held annually at the NEC Birmingham, Crufts is more than just a competition, it features trade stands, dog training demonstrations, and rescue dog showcases.

This year’s event takes place from March 6 to March 9, 2025.

A Basset Griffon Vendeen dog and its handler compete in the Best in Show event at the Crufts Dog Show.
AFP
The rule aims to ensure that only healthy dogs participate in competitions, promoting responsible breeding practices and health testing[/caption]
A Pomeranian dog wearing a Crufts 2025 bandana is held by its owner.
PA
The event showcases the best pedigree dogs, with winners often becoming highly sought-after breeding champions[/caption]
English Bulldog with tongue out.
Getty
The test aims to raise awareness about Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a common condition affecting these breeds[/caption]

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Major supermarket slashes price of tubs of Cadbury Heroes to just £2.40

CHOCAHOLICS are racing to a major supermarket to get their hands on Cadbury Heroes at a bargain price.

The popular chocolates are on sale for just £2.40, down from £6, and shoppers are threatening to take home the whole shelf.

Tesco superstore entrance sign.
Getty
Tesco is offering a whole tub of Cadbury Heroes for just £2.40[/caption]
Tin of Cadbury Heroes chocolates.
Alamy
One shopper spotted the deal on a yellow discount sticker[/caption]
Cadbury Heroes chocolates in a tin.
Alamy
The 550g tubs are usually £6[/caption]

Eagle-eyed shoppers spotted the deal at Tesco on a yellow reduced sticker and quickly shared a picture of the offer online.

Discount website HotUKDeals posted the bargain along with a picture of a trolley holding countless boxes of the variety chocolates.

The deal was spotted in a Tesco store on Cromwell Road, London, and shoppers are hoping the Heroes deal will be crop up in other stores too.

On HotUKDeals, one excited Cadburys fan joked: “I hope you wheeled the whole thing to the self-scan.”

The 550g tubs were originally nearly triple the price, so it’s no wonder sweet treat fanatics were gushing about the price.

On its website, Cadbury describes the tub as: “All your favourite chocolates made mini for special sharing occasions.

“Rummage through a line-up of Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cadbury Dairy Milk Caramel, Twirl, Wispa, Eclair, Dinky Decker, Crunchie, Fudge and Creme Egg Twisted.”

Currently, the Tesco Online website is only selling the 290g Cadbury Heroes Chocolate Box, but these are still £4.50 or £3.50 with a Clubcard.

If you’re not a big fan of Heroes, Tesco is offering other chocolatey deals that might tickle your tastebuds.

The retailer is offering a Cadbury Creme Egg Mixed box, where you get five Creme Eggs, for £3 with a Clubcard.

The initial value of the five-pack was £3.50 but with a loyalty card the price drops down to £3.

The classic is milk chocolate set in an egg-shaped chocolate shell made from Cadburys iconic chocolate.

In the centre, is a smooth sugary fondant in white and yellow to represent the egg ‘whites’ and ‘yolk.’

It’s been a British classic for decades and is stocked on shelves around Easter time.

If this isn’t quite satisfying your Easter Egg craving, there are other stores offering delicious discounts on festive chocolates.

Aldi has slashed its price for the giant 232g Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter egg.

With two Mini Eggs hidden inside the enormous egg, the sweet treat comes with an even sweeter deal as it now costs just £4.95, reduced from £5.99.

Even pizza chain Dominos is getting in on the Easter action, releasing a Cadbury Creme Egg cookie.

The 370-calorie cookies come in boxes of four and each contains a whole Creme Egg coated in dough.

WHAT IS A TESCO CLUBCARD

Tesco’s Clubcard system allows supermarket shoppers a different price to those who aren’t signed up to a Clubcard.

Big discounts are offered regularly to Clubcard holder and the offers apply to a wide range of products.

Usually the reduced prices are shown as a big yellow sticker next to the original price.

When using the Clubcard you’re also able to save up points as you shop which can make you savings in the future.

Each time you spend £1 in a Tesco shop, either in person or online, you are allocated one Clubcard point.

One point is the equivalent to one penny, so eventually these points will tot up and turn into vouchers.

You can spend these vouchers in store or exchange them for discounts with “rewards partner.”

What can I get with Tesco Clubcard?

TESCO'S Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop.

These points can then be turned into vouchers for money off food at the supermarket, or discounts at other places like restaurants and days out.

Each time you spend £1 in-store and online, you get one point when you scan your Clubcard.

Drivers using the loyalty card get one point for every two litres spent on fuel.

One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you a £1.50 money-off voucher, for example.

You can double their worth when you swap them for discounts with “reward partners”.

For example, £12 worth of vouchers can be swapped for a £24 three-month subscription to Disney+.

Or you can swap 50p worth of points for £1 to spend at Hungry Horse pubs.

Where you can spend them changes regularly, and you can check on the Tesco website what’s available now.

Tesco shoppers can also get Clubcard prices when they have the loyalty card.

The discounted items change regularly and without a Clubcard you’ll pay a higher price.

These Clubcard prices are usually labelled on shelves, along with the non-member price.

But it’s worth noting that just because it’s discounted doesn’t necessarily make it the cheapest around, and you should compare prices to find the best deal.

You can sign up to get a Tesco Clubcard in store or online via the Tesco website.

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