The popular series, which started in 2024, has been called ‘comedy gold’ by viewers

A BBC series hailed as “cracking” and “comedy gold” is reportedly set to return for a third run.

Mammoth, following a 1970s PE teacher given a fresh shot at life, launched in 2024 and proved an instant hit with viewers. According to The Sun, production on the third series is scheduled to commence in June.

Starring Mike Bubbins as Tony Mammoth and Car Share actor Sian Gibson as his daughter, the programme – which was produced and shot in Cardiff – followed the teacher when his body was found preserved in ice. He had previously been presumed dead in an avalanche during a school trip in 1979.

Following his revival, he has to navigate a world that has totally changed, reports the Mirror.

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READ MORE: Mammoth star Mike Bubbins admits ‘I don’t want to sound like an idiot’ as he takes on biggest challengeREAD MORE: Popular Welsh comedy returning to BBC this winter

A BBC synopsis previously explained: “In the Seventies he was a carefree Cardiff bachelor, teaching PE and generally living la vida loca. In 2024, he thought the world would still be his oyster, but Mammoth never really liked oysters, he was more of a pint and a packet of crisps sort of bloke. All he wanted was his old life back; the same job, the same clothes, the same car and the same soundtrack.”

Mammoth debuted in 2024, with its second series airing last year.

Audiences embraced the show, with one viewer posting on Imdb.com that it was “a cracking comedy” that “feels remarkably relevant”, stating: “It is inoffensive yet sharp, poking fun at 1970s attitudes whilst highlighting the absurdities of modern life.”

“There were many genuine laugh out loud moments and some wonderful hilarious situations created by the writers,” one person commented.

Another viewer observed: “Bubbins is wonderfully understated as the titular star and delivers the punch lines with little fanfare but lots of laughs. The supporting cast is brilliant, but this is very much Bubbins show and plays it to perfection.”

“Love it, a much needed slice of comedy gold and well done to the BBC for backing it,” remarked another viewer.

“The writing is so strong, when you sit down you just know you’re in for some happy, silly, uncomplicated good fun and it’s been great to watch the series develop.”

The BBC has been approached for comment.

Mammoth aired on the BBC.

The £60 ticket offers seven consecutive days of unlimited travel for up to two adults and four children, helping families make the most of the holidays while keeping costs down.

ScotRail is giving Lanarkshire families the chance to enjoy unlimited rail travel across Scotland this Easter with the return of its popular Family Pass.

The £60 ticket offers seven consecutive days of unlimited travel for up to two adults and four children, helping families make the most of the holidays while keeping costs down.

For the first time, the Family Pass is available to purchase online, making planning and booking even easier.

Seven days of consecutive travel can start on any day between Thursday, April 3, and Sunday, April 13, giving families the flexibility to make the most of the Easter holidays.

The Family Pass provides excellent value-for-money and convenience compared to travelling by car, helping families avoid fuel costs, parking charges, and busy roads.

Customers can relax together on the journey, enjoy Scotland’s stunning scenery, and arrive directly in the heart of cities, towns, and popular tourist destinations.

Whether it’s exploring country parks, visiting free attractions or heading for a seaside day out, ScotRail’s Family Pass is designed to help families enjoy a memorable Easter without stretching their budgets.

Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “We’re pleased to bring back our popular Family Pass to help families make the most of the Easter holidays.

READ MORE: North Lanarkshire Council confirms re-opening of Aquatec in Motherwell

“With this limited time offer, families can enjoy unlimited travel for seven consecutive days, making it easier to explore Scotland together without worrying about the cost.

“With the option to buy online, it’s now even more convenient for customers to plan their Easter adventures by rail.”

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And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: Police called to disturbance at Motherwell flat find bullets in a safe

Newsboy fancies his nap, Peckforton Hills, to score a first hurdle win at Southwell (3.30) and he also rates Dr Ali at Wolverhampton in the 7.00

PECKFORTON HILLS can step up to the task to score his first win over hurdles in the Free Bets On attheraces.com Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (3.30) at Southwell.

A Carlisle bumper winner last February the six-year-old ran well on his second run over the smaller obstacles, when he finished third on his handicap debut at Sedgefield last month.

He improved further on his most recent run 27 days go at Doncaster over an extended 2m3f, when he ran on to finished second having been hampered two out.

Co-trainers Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero now move my selection up to three miles for the first time, which would appear the correct course to take.

In the Midnite, Building The Future Of Betting Classified Stakes (Div II) over six furlongs at Wolverhampton, DR ALI (7.00) who took 18 attempts to score a first win gets the vote.

The son of Invisible Army got up in the final strides to beat Magna a neck at Kempton in January and following a lack-lustre effort at Southwell last month, the four-year-old bounced back to form with a battling silver medal over course and distance two weeks ago.

A similar performance from a favourable draw would give John Jenkins’ charge every chance.

Newsboy’s Tuesday selections TAUNTON 2.15 FALLS OF ACHARN 2.45 LADY CARO 3.15 ST LUKES CHELSEA 3.45 WICKED THOUGHTS 4.15 KHAFRE 4.45 BOBBI’S BEAUTY 5.15 CREST OF ARMS

SOUTHWELL 2.00 ICAQUE DE L’ISLE 2.30 SHADOWFAX OF ROHAN 3.00 TANDY’S BRIDGE 3.30 PECKFORTON HILLS (NAP) 4.00 HILLBERRY HILL 4.30 MOAB 5.00 CHER MONSIEUR

WOLVERHAMPTON 4.23 LAPIDARIST 4.55 SORTED 5.30 COLORS OF FREEDOM 6.00 MONTEVETRO 6.30 FLICKA’S GIRL 7.00 DR ALI (NB) 7.30 MR LIGHTSIDE 8.00 TIME TO TAKE OFF 8.30 HELM ROCK

DOUBLE: PECKFORTON HILLS and DR ALI

In the year up to March 2025, “there were 106 religious hate crimes per 10,000 population targeted at Jewish people, the highest rate for any religious group”, the Home Office report, released in October, said. “The next highest rate was for hate crimes targeted at Muslims, with 12 per 10,000 population,” it added.

If you have just booked a summer holiday, you may be on the hunt for a new suitcase. While some travellers congratulate themselves for only taking a backpack, the rest of us need a sturdy suitcase (or two).

For this year’s guide to the best suitcases, we’ve tried everything from the July and Antler cases you’ve seen all over your Instagram feed to classics like Samsonite, Rimowa and Trunki for the kids. We’ve tested soft shell and hard shell options, including lightweight and expandable suitcases. This article focuses on large, checked luggage, but we also have a guide to the best carry-on luggage, if that’s what you’re after.

You can read our full reviews below, where we’ve concentrated on medium-sized suitcases so that you can better compare prices and weights. Below that, you can find answers to frequently asked questions like how to find the most durable model and what is a regular cabin size.

The best suitcases: At a glance

How to choose the best suitcase

First, decide between hard shell and soft shell. Hard shells (like polycarbonate) are brilliant for keeping your belongings safe and avoiding getting squashed, while soft ones are lighter and let you stuff a bit more in (plus they often have handy front pockets).

Next, consider weight and wheels. Four smooth, 360-degree spinner wheels will change your life at the airport. And every ounce counts, so look for “lightweight” construction so you don’t waste precious baggage allowance. Finally, don’t forget security and size. Make sure it has a proper TSA-friendly lock if you fly often. And always double-check the airline’s rules, especially if you’re buying a carry-on, to avoid gate surprises.

Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato, says the key to choosing the best suitcase is finding one that is ​​durable and comfortable to use. “To make sure it withstands all elements, I look for a suitcase that’s completely waterproof. Reliable 360-degree spinner wheels and hard-wearing locks are also essential,” he says.

How we test suitcases

Five caravans have camped off Pavilion Square, near Cricketers Way.

The car park at 1 Pavilion Square, where the caravans are currently located, serves as a based for multiple companies.

Vehicles not believed to be associated with the encampment were parked on the opposite side of the car park, where spaces remained available.

It is understood that the travellers arrived on Sunday, March 22, although it has not been confirmed how long they intend to stay.

The Bolton News approached individuals at the site, where two women and a toddler were present.

The women politely declined to comment on their presence on the privately owned land.

The camp comes after Travellers moved their caravans onto Tesco car park in Horwich late last week.

The Gypsy and Traveller way of life may involve travelling across the country and staying in different locations for varying periods in order to earn a living.

Gypsies and Travellers have rights, as do the owners of land where unauthorised encampments take place.

They are protected from discrimination under the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Human Rights Act 1998, alongside all ethnic groups with distinct cultures, languages or values.

If an encampment is on private land, it is typically the responsibility of the landowner to take steps to seek eviction.

Sir Keir Starmer lost his temper at Bernard Jenkin after the Conservative MP accused the prime minister of “lacking a war-fighting mentality” whilst discussing the UK’s involvement in the Iran conflict.

On Monday (23 March), the PM was taking questions from the Liaison Committee when Mr Jenkin said that the Labour government was not acting with urgency and needed to get the country “ready for war”.

When Sir Keir said he was finalising the investment plan, Jenkin quipped it “smacks of enormous complacency”.

Raising his voice slightly, the PM fired back that it “smacks of the fact that for years there was underinvestment by the last [Conservative] government and the stripping out and hollowing out of our armed forces”.

An initiative that empowered girls in rural Bangladesh to tackle child marriage has shown encouraging results in a country where the practice is stubbornly persistent. 

Child marriage is illegal in the south Asian nation, but it is still widely accepted as a cultural norm and the law is poorly enforced. Consequently, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 51% of young Bangladeshi women aged 20–24 were married before the age of 18. Bangladesh, it adds, has around 38 million child brides, with 13 million wed before turning 13.

The systemic problem is more prevalent in deprived and climate-vulnerable communities, where girls are seen as a burden and are ‘married off’ by their families to save money. Experts say that poverty remains the primary driver, compounded by climate shocks in vulnerable regions, where some areas have reported sharp increases in child marriage following environmental disasters.

Action Aid, an international charity working with women and girls in poverty, met the problem head-on in the remote Kurigram district. Through a 12-month pilot, it provided financial support to families, including scholarships to keep girls in education, assistance with school fees and lump sums to help them develop new income streams, including money to purchase livestock.

The charity also helped to establish a network of youth clubs totalling 120 members, creating a safe space for girls to discuss challenges, share experiences and actively stop child marriages from going ahead. 

According to Action Aid, the initiate prevented at least 18 child marriages, provided scholarships for 40 at-risk students, and generated new incomes for 30 vulnerable families.

Some areas have reported sharp increases in child marriage following environmental disasters

Romana, vice president of one of the clubs, managed to avert her own early marriage and that of a close friend. 

“We all came together and intervened,” she said. “We explained the harmful consequences of child marriage, emphasised the importance of education and informed her father about the legal implications. We also involved her school teachers to help reinforce the message and successfully stopped the marriage.”

Abdullah Al Mamun, who heads up Action Aid Bangladesh’s child sponsorship and child rights programme, said the charity hoped to roll out the initiative elsewhere, and said that it’s success should act as a clarion call to local authorities to improve enforcement.

Main image: Action Aid 

Richard Madeley has lifted the lid on a bizarre trick he used when he and his wife, telly icon Judy Finnigan, were trying for a family together

Richard Madeley has made a surprise appearance on Series Two of Last One Laughing – and revealed bedroom secrets about his relationship with wife Judy Finnigan.

The TV host, 69, is not a contestant on the Prime Video but appears as a guest star to try to make the comedians on the show smile and laugh. And he wastes no time on stage inviting them up one by one to be interviewed about a variety of topics.

But the most surprising moment comes in his chat with Romesh Ranganathan and talk turns to sex and having children. Richard asks Romesh: “You’ve got three children, haven’t you? Yeah, any tips for conceiving?”

When Romesh makes a joke in response, Richard adds: “The reason I ask is that when Judy and I were trying to conceive a few years ago, I used to douse my balls in icy water beforehand, right? Apparently it ups the sperm count. Yeah, it’s agonizing.”

Romesh didn’t laugh at the comment but did look shocked and as others looked on he clarified what Richard actually meant. Father-of-two Richard explained: “In a bucket, put several trays of ice, then in, count to 50 and out. You’re dropping in.”

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Romesh couldn’t help inquiring if this move by Richard put Judy off sex a bit afterwards and wondered if it gave her “the ice”.

Richard replied: “Well, I did that in the bathroom, and then I came out nicely, chilled with fast swimming sperm. So I just thought I would pass it on.”

With that admission the interview ended and Romesh left the stage without having laughed. In a piece to camera afterwards he said: “I mean, Richard Madeley, you know, broadcasting legend. The thing that I didn’t want was the image of him squatting to lower his testicles into a bucket of ice water.”

Romesh is one of ten comedians taking part in the second series of Last One Laughing. In 2025, Bob Mortimer, 66, won the first series of Last One Laughing.

Bob is back and up against Romesh as well as Mel Giedroyc, 57, David Mitchell, 51, Diane Morgan, 50, Amy Gledhill, 38, Maisie Adam, 32, Alan Carr, 49, Gbemisola Ikumelo, 39, and 34-year-old Sam Campbell.

The show has been a huge success and reports suggest that a third series has already been commissioned. The first series featured Danny Dyer amongst the special guests.

Richard and Judy have two children together: son Jack born in 1986 and daughter Chloe Susannah born in 1987.

The first three episodes Series Two of Last One Laughing is on Prime Video now with more episodes dropping on Thursday.

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