John Davidson’s life was changed for the better when, at 16-years-old, the BBC first pointed a camera at him for the half-hour documentary John’s Not Mad, which explored his life living with severe Tourette’s syndrome in a small Scottish town. 

More than three decades of relentless advocacy work later, at this year’s Baftas, the country looked again — and this time, the spotlight offered a harsh glare. 

Davidson was attending the ceremony where biographical drama, I Swear, about his life and diagnosis had been nominated for six awards, including Best Actor, which Robert Aramayo won for his portrayal of Davidson.

During the evening, John experienced a series of tics, including coprolalia, echolalia and sudden physical movements. Among them was the N-word, shouted while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting.

The BBC did not cut the language from the broadcast, despite the show being pre-recorded. 

The fallout was immediate, with many arguing that the outburst reflects John’s beliefs, while others blamed the broadcaster for failing in their duty of care.

Davidson apologised the next day, saying he was ‘deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.’ 

He described a ‘wave of shame’ and stressed that the most offensive word he uttered was one he would ‘never use’ and would ‘completely condemn’ if he did not have Tourette’s. ‘It’s the last thing in the world I believe,’ he said, emphasising that his tics are ‘not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values’.

Lindo later said he and Jordan ‘did what we had to do’ on stage, but added that he wished ‘someone from Bafta spoke to us afterward’. 

Bafta has since issued an ‘unreserved apology’ for the ‘very offensive language’ broadcast, acknowledging the trauma such words carry and accepting responsibility for putting guests in a difficult position.

There are no easy answers to an incident like this, and it goes without saying that no presenter should have to hear a racial slur directed from the auditorium and no viewer should be blindsided by it at home. 

But there is also the question Davidson has posed himself: why, given his well-documented symptoms, was he seated near an active microphone, and why, in a pre-recorded ceremony, was the footage not edited? Could the ceremony have done more to ensure the comfort and safety of all involved? 

These are all meaningful questions, but regardless of the conclusions, watching the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad makes it clear that the Bafta’s moment is painfully cyclical.

When it aired in 1989 as part of the BBC’s Q.E.D. strand, it introduced viewers to a teenager from Galashiels whose Tourette’s syndrome was so severe he was often too frightened to leave the house.

The programme opened by noting that the condition had once been mistaken for a kind of madness. Spend time with John, it promised, and you would see that John was not mad.

What they saw was a boy in visible torment. ‘Sometimes it’s so bad I just want to kill myself,’ he says early in the film. ‘It’s like someone’s forcing it out of me.’

In one of the most distressing sequences, he presses his hands tightly over his mouth in an attempt to stop the obscenities escaping. The narrator explains that he ‘buttons his lip, almost literally, in an attempt to keep the offending words private instead of public’. The effort is exhausting to watch.

The film makes clear that while the jerks and shouts are clearly involuntary to passerby, the content of his vocal outbursts often appears linked to whatever is happening around him, in a way that makes people question if its truly out of John’s control. 

As an adolescent, much of it is sexual; in one scene he struggles not to call his mother a slut. Later, he reacts to a teacher’s mistake with an insult he cannot hold back, and he is essentially unable to be around young girls without using distressing language. 

But as the documentary makes clear, the taboo nature of the outbursts is symptomatic of the disorder, and is by no means a reflection on John’s character.

An eminent neurologist, Oliver Sacks, observes that Davidson’s manifestation of Tourette’s is particularly socially disruptive, which distresses John, thereby making the tics worse because the disorder feeds on sufferers’ agitation. 

The film also documents the collateral damage of living around so much ignorance about the disorder. He is teased at school, locked in a cupboard by a teacher for disrupting class, and sometimes left to eat lunch alone. 

‘Sometimes it feels like everyone hates you because you got this,’ he says quietly in one moment. ‘You feel like everyone hates you.’ 

The documentary reveals that John’s father refuses to sit at a dinner table with his son. His mother absorbs the strain as relatives suggest that maybe demonic possession is to blame. 

In one truly haunting sequence, John’s mother, a stoic, soft-spoken woman who is a professional nurse, says of John’s disorder’s effect on her marriage: ‘It put a great strain on us to the point where we were ready to break up because of my husband’s attitude to it. 

‘He tended to go and drink instead of deal with this. And I don’t blame him if I could have done something like that, you know, to escape it.’

In 1989, that hour of television transformed John’s life. According to a BBC News article from 2009, neighbours who had shunned him began congratulating him on his bravery, and he later said it felt as if he had proved he ‘wasn’t mad’ and ‘wasn’t a freak’, but someone with a medical condition. Overnight, he became a spokesman for Tourette’s – effectively its public face in the UK. 

In recent years, however, he has expressed concern that the documentary also helped entrench a misconception: that Tourette’s is primarily about swearing, when coprolalia affects only a minority. 

The Baftas controversy cruelly reinforces that anxiety. After decades spent widening understanding of a complex neurological disorder, he is again reduced to the most taboo word his brain could produce.

None of this erases the harm of racist or homophobic language, nor the right of presenters and guests to feel protected from hearing it. Bafta has issued an unreserved apology for the ‘very offensive language’ broadcast, but the damage is already done. 

Indeed, it’s impossible not to wonder why the broadcaster felt it was necessary to edit the director of My Father’s Shadow, Akinola Davies Jr, acceptance speech, in which he said ‘Free Palestine,’ but not necessary to edit out the shouted slur. 

But regardless of which failures led to this controversy, the Baftas incident is particularly tragic because it lands on old fault lines outlined in John’s Not Mad. 

Davidson has explained that his tics are often triggered by what he sees or hears, meaning they can latch onto whatever is most charged in the environment, and explained to Variety that at the ceremony, he uttered ‘perhaps 10 different offensive words’. 

The most taboo word in the room – the one carrying the greatest historical weight  – is, neurologically, precisely the kind of word Tourette’s may seize upon.

For decades, Davidson has tried to separate himself from the content of his tics. ‘It’s like someone’s forcing it out of me,’ he said as a teenager. This week, he said his tics have ‘absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe’. The throughline is consistent.

What has changed is the scale of amplification. In 1989, the BBC used a camera to help Britain see that Tourette’s was a neurological disorder, not a moral failing. In 2026, the BBC broadcast his most offensive tic, unedited, to millions – effectively reigniting the very conflation he has spent his life resisting: that the word equals the man.

The tragedy is not only that presenters were placed in an unacceptable position, nor only that viewers heard language that should have been caught. 

It is that a man who once held his own mouth shut in desperation is, once again, defined by words he has spent a lifetime insisting are not who he is. 

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: BBC bosses sign Princess and Junior Andre up for ‘fiendishly addictive’ reality show

MORE: Thousands of Brits snitching on their neighbours for watching TV without a licence

MORE: BBC Breakfast’s Naga Munchetty ‘makes targeted dig at co-star Sally Nugent’

All that stomping around made a trip to the hotel’s luxurious spa, with its 13-metre swimming pool, steam room and sauna (and a well-equipped gym saved for another time), all the more rewarding. Designed to offer opulence, it has a gold ceiling, beautiful lighting and an hour down there made me feel refreshed and ready to socialise. After drinks at the hotel’s incredibly chic bar – which locals evidently come to, dressed up to the nines, dinner was served beneath a striking glass ceiling in the hotel’s all day dining Atelier 7 Brasserie. The menu focuses on seafood, but weaves in Asian and Austrian influences — I had oysters, followed by steak and chips – before a waiter wheels over a dessert trolley with the most incredible-looking (and tasting) delicately handmade puddings. Afterwards, I fell into a crisply made king-size bed and, for the first time in weeks, slept nine silent hours.

It might have been more than a decade since the last episode of Scrubs aired, but fans are as excited to watch the new reboot which got announced last year.

To make matters even better, UK viewers can binge every single episode ahead of its release on Disney Plus tomorrow..

The cult classic that ran for nine seasons is coming back to our screens for an official reunion of the employees at Sacred Heart Hospital.

Sadly, it seems not all of the old crew will be there, as viewers spotted the omission of the Janitor (Neil Flynn) from the newly released trailer.

Given it’s been 25 years since the first series aired, you’d be forgiven for forgetting how the series started and then developed.

Thankfully, viewers in the UK can watch the show that premiered on NBC in 2001 for free, after all nine series were added to the streamer ITVX.

Together, they start as medical interns at the hospital. Through the years we see them develop personally and professionally against a backdrop of hilarious plotlines and emotionally charged moments.

The ninth season still features the iconic cast, but the focus shifts to med school and its students in a move which wasn’t popular with the show’s following.

In a Reddit discussion titled ‘Why is season nine so hated?’, users posted their grievances.

Sal101 said: ‘Scrubs had a fantastic ending, better by far than every sitcom I’ve ever watched.

‘But they reversed so much character development and progression with the majority of the OG cast.’

Viewers like Kakashi168 admitted it would’ve been better if it was a spin-off. He said: ‘There’s not that big of a connection to the original show.’

Metfan722 defended it in part: ‘It’s definitely not as bad as people say but it’s not the Scrubs we had all known and loved for 8 seasons up to that point.’

Although the revival series will feature new talent, Scrubs veterans Aseem Batra and Tim Hobert will serve as showrunners and executive producers.

When is the new season of Scrubs out in the UK?

The highly anticipated new season of Scrubs will be available to watch for viewers in the UK with a Disney+ subscription from February 26.

It will air via ABC on February 25 in the US, before being added to the streamer the following day.

Chalke, who plays Dr Elliot Reid, told the Independent before the show’s release: ‘We were new and we were scared as interns and scared in this new element of medicine and insecure and unsure of what we were doing.

‘So to get to come back, we really have grown and really become great leaders and great teachers.’

Meanwhile, Braff, noted that the aim of the new reboot was ‘to ground it again and start back with the based-in-reality thing that we had in the first couple years of the show’.

Discussing the cast, Ted Lasso creator Lawrence also added: ‘They’re still 12 years old every time they’re together, but they’re also still both leading very big, responsible adult lives. It just felt like it was time to revisit the old gang.’

This article was originally published on February 13, 2026.

The revival of Scrubs will be available to watch from February 26 on Disney+.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: Robin Windsor’s ex shares his dog’s sad reaction to death in emotional TV interview

MORE: ITVX adds ‘compelling’ thriller inspired by real-life plane crash disaster

MORE: Two Britain’s Got Talent judges given ‘big talking to’ by ITV bosses

Regardless of the result in the Gorton and Denton by-election, the currents of UK politics spell trouble for Labour.

By-elections come and go, but the vote in Gorton and Denton is shaping up to be the most important in a generation.

Labour won the seat comfortably at the general election with a majority of 13,413 and should be a shoo-in.

Some Labour MPs predict they will defy the odds and hold on in a constituency that has swung against their party.

But the Greens and Reform are in the ascendancy and both feel victory is within their grasp.

A loss to either party would be a nightmare for Labour and an ominous portent of an uncertain future.

The campaign in Gorton and Denton shows Labour, regardless of the final result, are losing votes to the Greens on the Left and to Reform on the Right.

Keir Starmer swept to power after putting together a broad base of support, but that coalition is crumbling.

READ MORE: Grooming gangs public inquiry to finally examine how predators operate in Scotland

OPINION

Paul Hutcheon

At a glance, the parties of Nigel Farage and Zack Polanski seem polar opposites and have little in common.

The Greens are anti-capitalist, anti-war and would ramp up the drive to net zero if they had the chance.

Reform are pro-capitalist, pro-Trump and hostile to action to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint.

But the Greens and Reform have more in common than their supporters would ever dare admit, with both proposing simple solutions to complex problems.

Farage ultimately blames immigration for society’s problems, scapegoating minorities for everything from the housing crisis to pressures on public services.

Polanski turns his guns on “billionaires” – a tiny group of powerful people apparently causing havoc around the globe.

The real problems facing democracies – ageing populations, low productivity – barely get a look in.

Their divisive rhetoric – uploaded and shared on social media – fuels the dissatisfaction many feel with twenty first century politics.

It is a recipe for Labour getting hammered in 2029 and falling to below 20pc of the vote.

The shift to the Greens and Reform also has huge implications for the Holyrood election.

An opinion poll on Tuesday showed the SNP – after nineteen years in power – on the cusp of securing an outright majority.

This is in spite of the Nationalist vote share falling markedly compared to the 2021 election.

Reform would be in second place on twenty five seats, with Labour a distant third and returning only fifteen MSPs.

For Labour to stand any chance in May, they need to make inroads into the dozens of first-past-the-post constituencies held by the SNP.

With Reform running rampant, Farage’s party is fracturing the pro-UK vote and handing these seats to the SNP by default.

Reform and Green support on the regional lists – where Labour are strongest – is another blow for Anas Sarwar, a double whammy that guarantees electoral failure.

Labour has to take a large amount of responsibility for the rise of Reform and the Greens.

Despite winning by a landslide in 2024, their vote was soft and voters gave them a conditional mandate.

It was incumbent on Starmer to start well, reflect the public’s desire for change and produce a positive vision of the future.

He instead backed a series of politically disastrous cuts and warned the public of tougher times ahead – the last thing voters wanted to hear.

Gorton and Denton is a glimpse of a bleak future and parties on the centre-left need to wake up.

Mark Williams was the last Welshman to win the Welsh Open and he is hoping to be the next, 27 years on.

All the way back in 1999, Williams beat Stephen Hendry in the final in Cardiff to win the Welsh Open for a second time.

It was an incredible run to the title from Williams, which also dates the triumph, as he beat Neal Foulds, Chris Small, Alan McManus, Steve Davis and Ronnie O’Sullivan before downing Hendry 9-8 in the final.

Hendry won a rematch in the 2003 final, but that was the last time a Welshman made it to the final of the Welsh Open.

Now 50 years old, Williams is still going strong and is into the last 16 of the tournament after a 4-1 win over Martin O’Donnell on Wednesday afternoon.

He would love to see a Welsh triumph again, whether it is him or either of the other remaining local heroes: Jackson Page, Jak Jones.

‘I’m still in, last 32 is it? Oh last 16! First I’ve done for a while,’ a briefly confused Williams told BBC Wales. ‘I’m potting a couple.

‘It’s a great place to play and hopefully, if it’s not me, then one of the Welsh boys can get to the final because that’s all we’re missing in this tournament. A Welshman picking the trophy up.’

Ranked number four in the world and with the Xi’an Grand Prix to his name this season, Williams is in contention for the title in Llandudno this week.

‘Possibly,’ he said of his chances. ‘I never would have thought I would have won in Xi’an, in China, that was a tough one to win.

‘If I can get on a run, I can start playing some good stuff. I either seem to go on a little bit of a run or lose first round and go back on the golf course.’

On his near three decade wait for another Welsh Open title, he said: ‘I can’t believe it, it’s so long ago. I had a bit of hair then, now I’m old and going blind.’

Williams was close to getting lens replacement surgery in the summer as his eyesight has been deteriorating in recent years, but after a run to the World Championship final he put the operation off.

With results and performances still good, he continues to kick the can down the road on the eye op.

‘They’re the same. They’re getting worse,’ he said at the recent Players Championship. ‘They’re getting more blurry every year, but I’m still in the same position. While I’m still in the top of the rankings, what do I do? Do I take the chance and have them done or not? I don’t know.

‘They keep phoning me every other week to say, you know, I’m top of the priority list to get it done. If I phone them and say, can I get in? I probably can get it done within a week.’

The eyes will be tested against Barry Hawkins in the last 16 on Thursday atVenue Cymru, which Williams has hailed as one of the best places to play on tour.

‘The crowd is fantastic, great arena,’ he said. ‘It’s one of the best venues we play in and it’s always supported. Even 10 o’clock in the morning there’s 400-500 people in here, you don’t get that in many comps.’

MORE: Chang Bingyu produces ‘best performance ever’ in perfect Shaun Murphy whitewash

MORE: Ronnie O’Sullivan’s rivals speak out on his absence from tournaments

MORE: Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy raise same snooker concern: ‘It’s disappointing’

Poppins’ advice is never to buy a pram or pushchair without trying it out first in-store: “Mamas and Papas or John Lewis have an incredible selection of all the leading brands and styles,” she says.

So, what should new parents look for when hands-on testing a new pram or stroller?

“Consider how easy it is to fold down, for putting in the back of the car or storing at home,” she says. “Compact options are great for lifting in and out of a vehicle, but they can feel harder to push, especially on your wrists and when navigating rough terrain. There is also the risk of the system tipping if you hang a bag or some shopping onto the handlebars. If you know you will be carrying more gear, I would opt for something much sturdier with bigger wheels and a larger base to attachment ratio.”

Taking all these factors into account, my fellow Telegraph Recommended testers and I, all new parents, trialled the latest models. This involved assessing how easy the units were to assemble and switch between formats, how well they folded away for storage and how they performed in different settings: on pavement, grass, gravel and up and down stairs.

Linlithgow Lib Dem Sally Pattle refused to back either the Labour budget or SNP’s alternative proposals.

West Lothian’s minority Labour-led coalition lost one supporter for its budget this week.

Linlithgow Lib Dem Sally Pattle abstained, refusing to back either the Labour budget or SNP’s alternative proposals.

Councillor Pattle told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the budget didn’t represent “ the best we can do for residents or businesses.”

She called the proposals: “short-term sticking plaster politics.”

READ MORE: West Lothian staff ‘leave no stone unturned’ in bid to make venue profitable

The administration scraped home its budget with support from Independent Andrew McGuire and newly elected Reform councillor David McLennan.

Speaking to the LDRS after the budget meeting Councillor Pattle highlighted two key areas- the removal of cross border funding for private nursery places and the effects of potential enforcement fines on businesses.

She said: “I think it’s clear we all understand the perilous state our finances are in. We heard today first-hand from parents who will be affected by the loss of cross-border funding for private nursery places who gave us incredibly powerful testimony about the real-world impact that decisions we are being forced into making are having on families and our young people.

“That’s why I believe the budget passed today does not represent the best that we can do for our residents, or for business.”

Councillor Pattle added: “There is a lot I agree with: the Liberal Democrats welcome the much-needed investment in repairing the dreadful state of our roads; the priority given to protecting and enhancing adult social care provision by investing in the Integrated Joint Board; and the commitment to looking at further increasing council tax on second homes to 200%.”

READ MORE: Roald Dahl’s beloved stories return to the big screen at Vue Livingston

But the sole Lib Dem on the council said there was much more that could have been done.

She echoed criticism made during the meeting by the Opposition SNP group which slated Labour for stalling the introduction of decriminalised parking enforcement (DPE) first called for by the SNP in 2019.

Councillor Pattle added: “There is a lack of urgency in getting decriminalised parking enforcement DPE over the line so we can tackle the illegal parking plaguing our town centres.

“There is no vision for developing a long-term tourism strategy so we can capitalise on West Lothian’s world-class heritage and assets.

“And I – like others – will be keenly monitoring the impact of the community centre review once it comes into effect in April 2026.”

READ MORE: West Lothian council tax increase confirmed: Find out how much more you will pay?

Core to her objections were the potential threat of enforcement.

“I remain deeply concerned about the implications of the planned enforcement action on the business community.

“As I said last week during the Council Executive meeting, I welcome the introduction of the Litter Prevention Action Plan, but I feel the policy regarding trade waste has not been sufficiently developed.

“The West Lothian Liberal Democrats are calling for a working group formed of officers, elected members, and representatives from trade waste operators and the business community with a remit to develop locality based policies for town centres, retail parks and industrial estates, as well as understanding the challenges faced by both operators and businesses with regards to collections, and any potential procurement improvements.”

READ MORE: Five Sisters Zoo achieves mark of excellence in the zoo and aquarium sector

The Liberal Democrats suggested that in addition to marketing country parks as event venues, the council should look at introducing car parking charges at a rate of 50p per vehicle per day.

“In 2025, approximately 399,000 vehicles visited our 3 country parks, that’s potential income generation of £194,000,” she told the LDRS.

Fellow Linlithgow councillor, Pauline Orr, of the SNP, asked how much of a projected £80,000 income “will be enforcement collection and how much will be country parks?”

David Maule, the head of Operational Services, told councillors: “The saving of £80,000 is an estimate of the additional income we feel is achievable in NETs [Neighbourhood Environment Teams] over and above the inflationary uplift in fees and charges.

“ It takes into account the following income performance in particular from our caravanning and camping facilities, potential new income streams across our three country parks, and as members are aware we are undertaking a marketing exercise; and the potential for income from enforcement activity with the emphasis on income from fly-tipping and Fixed Penalty Notices as we expand our CCTV. There is not an individual breakdown of those three components but we feel that £80,000 collectively is an achievable figure.”

READ MORE: West Lothian shopkeeper attacked in violent robbery as police investigate

Don’t miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here.

Giovanna Fletcher has revealed she suffered a miscarriage last year following a ‘surprise’ pregnancy at the age of 40.

The author and podcaster, now 41, shared the news on the 300th episode of her hit show Happy Mum Happy Baby, as she swapped seats with her best friend Emma Willis and became the one being interviewed.

Fletcher, who has been married to Tom Fletcher since 2012, shares three sons (Buzz, Buddy and Max) with the McFly singer.

But during Tuesday’s episode, she disclosed that she experienced what she described as a ‘chemical pregnancy.’

‘I had another miscarriage last year, a chemical pregnancy, well it was a surprise pregnancy,’ she told Willis, becoming emotional. ‘I haven’t talked about it publicly, but also my response to it was very different this time. Don’t get me wrong, it was f**** ing hard.’

Holding back tears, Fletcher explained that the loss had prompted her to reflect on how miscarriage is discussed — and when.

‘I don’t agree with the 12-week rule, you need the support of the people around you,’ she said, challenging the long-held convention that couples wait until the end of the first trimester to share pregnancy news. ‘So allow yourself to feel other people’s joy, but also their sadness if there is a loss.’

The pregnancy, she revealed, had already begun to reshape her plans. She had reorganised the year ahead in anticipation of welcoming another baby and had even felt relief at the prospect of slowing down.

‘When the pregnancy ended, I suddenly thought well, I need to maybe change how I do things in 2026, because I need to be able to enjoy the things I am doing, rather than constantly feeling like I am just getting through the things, because they’re all things I love doing,’ she said. ‘Let’s not get through, let’s enjoy life.’

Fletcher reflected that discovering she was expecting at 40 felt markedly different from her previous pregnancies.

‘It did feel so different and it’s a very individual thing and for me I’ve got three incredible kids and four is a lot of kids,’ she said.

‘It’s one of those things where if the pregnancy had worked out, then it would have been a blessing. What a blessing to have another baby, like that is such an incredible thing.

‘However, I am so comfortable with this chapter that we’re in now and it felt very different to be going through a loss that isn’t surrounded by desperation and that fear that it might never happen.

‘I am not pining, but it’s been a different thing to get my head around.’

The honesty will not surprise listeners. Since launching Happy Mum Happy Baby eight years ago, Fletcher has helped reshape the public conversation around motherhood.

The podcast — which grew out of her 2017 Sunday Times bestselling debut, Happy Mum, Happy Baby: My Adventures in Motherhood — has run for nearly 300 episodes and amassed more than 30 million downloads, featuring guests including Davina McCall, Keira Knightley and the Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Topics ranging from birth trauma to maternal mental health and ‘mum guilt’ have become central to its appeal, and miscarriage has long been part of that conversation.

In a 2020 interview with The Sun, Fletcher said: ‘I think it’s so important that people are open about miscarriages, every time someone brings this topic of conversation up it helps so many people, because it’s such a lonely thing to go through and hearing other people express themselves when you can’t find the words to help people understand what you’re going through is so important.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: Two TV stars in battle for next Strictly host – and only one will get the job

Several criticised the decision to freeze thresholds as “moving the goal posts” and changing the terms of loans retrospectively, and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, compared the terms of student loans “to something that a loan shark would offer”.

“We are delighted that permission has been granted to improve access to Tyrella beach”

A Co Down Blue Flag beach is to be opened up for disabled access as the latest all inclusive beach in Northern Ireland.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has approved designs for an accessible pathway to its award winning beach in Downpatrick.

The path at Tyrella beach will connect to the nearby amenity building allowing people with a physical disability to enjoy the world class sandy shores in comfort for the first time.

READ MORE: NI council looks to use CCTV to tackle ‘appalling’ litter problem

READ MORE: Newry hospital group urges council not to make ‘mistake’

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service Mae Murray Foundation spokesperson said: “We are delighted that permission has been granted to improve access to Tyrella beach.

“From summer 2026, Tyrella Beach, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, will become our sixth inclusive beach in Northern Ireland.

“This will ensure that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to enjoy a day at the beach, something many of us take for granted.”

Advertisement

The Mae Murray foundation facilitates the use of beach equipment such as specially designed buggies or wheelchairs to allow people with disabilities easier access to the beaches, which will also be stored at the amenity centre

There are currently five inclusive beaches in Northern Ireland including, Benone, Cranfield, Groomsport, Portrush and Portstewart managed by the Mae Murray Foundation.

Tyrella, one of only 16 award winning beaches in Northern Ireland with an iconic Blue Flag, is now set to become the sixth after a previous 2022 plan to develop Newcastle beach fell through due to access issues.

The foundation spokesperson added: “An inclusive beach provides enhanced access, dedicated parking, fully accessible toilets, including a changing places facility, and an equipment loan scheme enabling families and organisations to borrow beach wheelchairs and other mobility aids so they can make the most of their time by the sea.”

NMDDC chairperson, Philip Campbell said: “The new boardwalk development at Tyrella beach will allow more people to access this fantastic facility.

“The council has invested heavily at Tyrella, which is one of the district’s award-winning beaches and one of our most prized tourism assets. The Blue Flag award recognises the beach’s excellent cleanliness, safety, water quality and environmental management.”

He added: “The continued investment at Tyrella copper fastens the council’s commitment to ensure the beach is all inclusive.

“I am delighted planning approval has been secured for this latest development at one of our most popular visitor facilities.”

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.