Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan has opened up about joining Celebs Go Dating and her love life at 61

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Coleen Nolan is on the lookout for love once more but has confessed that it can be “really hard” and despite wanting a companion by her side she insisted “I’m not desperate”. The Loose Women panellist, 61, has walked down the aisle twice before, first with EastEnders actor Shane Richie and subsequently with musician Ray Fensome.

She was in a long-term relationship with supermarket logistics manager Michael Jones, however the couple decided to part ways in 2024. Despite Coleen’s previous relationship setbacks, she hasn’t abandoned the idea of finding her perfect match, having now signed up to E4’s popular programme Celebs Go Dating, reports the Express.

Ahead of her appearance on the show, Coleen spoke candidly about her romantic life, explaining: “Well, probably for the last couple of years have been non-existent really. I mean, I’ve been out on a few dates as far as dating apps, and they’ve been lovely.

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“And actually, I’ve stayed friends with them. That’s my issue. I stay friends with everyone. I’m definitely not looking for another friend. So yeah, it’s not been bad. The thing is, I’m not desperate.”

She continued: “I’m not, ‘oh my God. I’ve got to meet someone.’ Would I like to meet someone? Absolutely. That would be lovely. But if I don’t, I’m in a really self-sufficient, happy place anyway.

“You know? With kids and grandkids and animals everywhere. So it’s not like an absolute need, but is it a want? Yeah, I guess it is.”

The TV personality confessed that “it’s not too late” to find love, following the news that her Loose Women co-star Janet Street-Porter, 79, recently tied the knot for the fifth time.

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Coleen said: “It would be nice to have my person. Janet Street Porter just got married for the fifth time, and she’s what? 78 or something. You know? That’s just what I mean. It’s not too late for anyone really.”

When discussing the type of man she has her eye on, the star explained: “To be honest, I just said tall with a pulse would be nice. It doesn’t have to be a strong one. I’m not even worried about that at this point.”

She went on: “It’s really hard, because not only did they have to find someone, but they have to find someone who wants to be on film, and that’s hard.”

Speaking about why she thinks she’s still single, Coleen added: “It might be you have your own ideas in your head of what you’re looking for. I want someone dark hair, quite tall, this, that, and the other.

“But it can also be someone that you meet, and you just get on. And they don’t actually tick any box, but there’s just something there. So I don’t know is the answer.”

Celebs Go Dating returns on Monday (May 4) to E4 and Channel 4’s streaming service.

Officers also discovered the man had exposed himself to other women on Christmas Day

A predator who sexually assaulted a woman in her own home has been jailed. Christopher Boulton, 78, assaulted the woman at her home in South Cambridgeshire on December 29, 2025.

Boulton entered the woman’s house, forced her into her bedroom, and touched her in a sexual way. He also threatened to kill her if she called the police and exposed himself while attacking her.

The victim, who is in her 70s, managed to fight him off and escape. Cambridgeshire Police found Boulton later that night at his home in Wilford Furlong, Willingham, where he assaulted the arresting officer.

During the police investigation, officers discovered Boulton had been exposing himself to passers-by, including on Christmas Day when he twice stepped outside his home naked and stared at women.

Boulton pleaded guilty to trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault, three counts of exposure, and assaulting an emergency worker. He was sentenced to six years in prison after appearing at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday, April 24. He was also handed an indefinite restraining order and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC William Kerslake said: “The victim was in the one place she should feel absolutely safe, her own home. I am pleased Boulton was identified quickly because he is a danger to women.

“It’s another example of where ‘lower level’ sexual offending, such as exposure, can quickly escalate. I would urge people to continue to report all offences to us and help bring offenders to justice.”

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The former firearms officer faced a misconduct panel after showing up for work unfit for duty after drinking

A former Cambridgeshire police officer faced a misconduct hearing accused of driving to work while over the legal limit for alcohol and attempting to sign out a firearm. PC Daniel Colbert was found to have breached the standard of discreditable conduct and fitness for duty to the level of gross misconduct.

The former officer, who joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary in March 2018, faced two allegations. These were that on July 20, 2024, between 6am and 7am, he allegedly drove to work while over the legal limit.

It was alleged that Colbert, a firearms officer at the time, reported for duty at 7am, at which point PS Trippett smelt alcohol on him. Aware that the former officer had just driven into work, PS Trippett suspected that he may have driven while over the legal limit and requested a specimen of breath.

According to the public notice for the hearing, former PC Colbert, who resigned while under investigation, provided an initial reading of 40ugs per 100 ml of breath (which is over the drink drive limit). He was subsequently arrested and taken to Kempston custody to provide an evidential sample.

There he was tested and provided evidential readings of 21ugs and 20ugs per 100 ml. As those readings were under the legal limit for drink-driving, no further action was taken on the criminal offence and former PC Colbert was released from custody.

Having considered all of the submissions regarding the case, the panel found that each of the factual allegations against the officer had been proved. It found that the former officer breached the standard of discreditable conduct and the standards of fitness for duty.

The outcome of the officer’s misconduct hearing concluded that had the former PC Colbert not resigned from the police force, he would have been dismissed without notice.

Chief Constable Simon Megicks said: “It is concerning that an officer chose to drive to work over the legal limit and then present himself for duty.

“This behaviour fell below the standards expected and had the potential to place others at risk. Such actions risk undermining public confidence in the police service.”

The skeletal remains of a missing man have been discovered on a beach in Wales.

DNA testing confirmed the limb belonged to William Shine, a 41-year-old retail manager from Birmingham who had vanished in the area in May 2025.

A member of the public stumbled upon the skeletal lower left leg near the slipway at Caerddaniel Caravan Park in Llanbedr last summer, prompting an inquest into Mr Shine’s death.

Mr Shine had last been seen travelling by train to Machynlleth before heading in the direction of Pwllheli, leading police to issue an appeal to locate him, reports North Wales Live.

Senior Coroner for North Wales West, Kate Robertson, conducted the inquest in writing, stating: “William James Shine was reported as missing from his home 12 May 2025 having last been seen on 9 May 2025 on a train up to North West Wales. He was not located.”

She added: “On 13 August 2025 a skeletal lower left leg was found by a member of the public washed up onto the beach at Llanbedr by the slipway to Caerddaniel Caravan Park. DNA testing identified the leg to be William’s.

“On the balance of probabilities from the evidence available William died on or around 9th May 2025 though in the absence of his body (except for the skeletal remains of part of his left leg) it cannot be determined how he came by his death although it is more likely than not that he died in the area of North West Wales.”

Criminal Record has brought together a round-up of today’s biggest crime stories.

Every day on Criminal Record we will be bringing you a round-up of the biggest crime stories of the day.

Whether it’s a child killer making a bid for freedom or another attack in Scotland’s gangland war – this is the place where you’ll get the low-down.

If you love to read about crime – this is the place to be every day.

Here’s what has been making the news across the country on Tuesday.

Footsoldier jailed after home of Kevin ‘Gerbil’ Carroll’s widow firebombed

A gangland foot soldier who set fire to the family home of the partner of slain gangster Kevin ‘Gerbil’ Carroll was jailed today for three years.

Owen Martin, 21, fled after sparking the blaze at Kelly ‘Bo’ Green’s property in Glasgow’s Drumchapel on May 13 2025. Green, her 21-year-old son Konnor, his friend and three children were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night.

Martin was later snared following Operation Portaledge – a police investigation into a recent serious organised crime feud in Scotland.

Green is one of the daughter of late crime boss Jamie Daniel who died of cancer in 2016. She is also the widow of Daniel crime enforcer ‘Gerbil’ who was gunned down in an Asda car park in Glasgow’s Robroyston in 2010.

Martin pleaded guilty to wilful fire raising to the danger of the lives of Kelly Green, Konnor Green, Stephen Jackson and three children. Martin will also be put under supervision for one year upon his release from prison.

Glasgow Sheriff Court was told that the victims in this case were “well documented as having links to organised crime groups.”

Pensioner ‘stabbed’ in car

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Armed police have swarmed a Glasgow housing estate after a pensioner was “stabbed” inside a vehicle.

Cops and a dog unit swooped on Auckland Wynd in Dalmarnock at around 12.10pm on Tuesday. A 77-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. His condition is unknown.

Dog units were pictured scouring the scene near Riverbank Primary School in the east end of the city.

A local mum said: “I came running to the school thinking the worst. The teachers told me they took all the kids in and have shut all the blinds.

“The place was swimming with armed police earlier and they now have the dogs out. Thankfully no kids were hurt. I was so worried.”

Photographs taken at the scene show police vehicles parked along the residential street as enquiries continue. Police Scotland has yet to release any further details of the vehicle or anyone else involved.

‘My mum was killed by Bible John, not my dad’

A TV true crime show has sparked a backlash after claiming Bible John victim Helen Puttock could have been killed by her own husband – despite him being ruled out decades ago.

The programme, Britain’s Murder Map, fronted by Line of Duty star Vicky McClure, advances a theory that George Puttock, who died in 2022, may have been responsible for his wife’s death.

Helen’s son David Puttock has hit out at the claims and confirmed he is seeking legal advice over the “slur”.

David, who lives in Canada, said: “My dad was investigated and ruled out. That’s not opinion, that’s fact.

“They’ve taken a man who can’t defend himself and turned him into a suspect for the sake of a TV programme. It’s not just wrong, it’s cruel.”

Helen Puttock, 29, was the final known victim of the Bible John murders after a night at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom in October 1969. She had been out with her sister, Jean Langford, when they met a well-dressed man who called himself “John”.

Witnesses said he spoke about religion, quoted from the Bible and did not drink alcohol. The three shared a taxi part of the journey home. Jean was dropped off first. Helen remained in the cab with the man.

She was found dead hours later near her home in Scotstoun. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled.

Her murder followed the killings of Patricia Docker in 1968 and Jemima McDonald in 1969. Both women had also been to the Barrowland Ballroom in the hours before their deaths.

Detectives linked all three murders and launched one of the biggest investigations Scotland had ever seen. Hundreds of men were interviewed and thousands of statements taken.

Despite that, the man known as Bible John was never identified. George, Helen’s husband, was among those spoken to during the inquiry. He did not match witness descriptions of the man seen with Helen that night. He was later eliminated through forensic examination.

Teen arrested after cop hit by car

Two police officers have been taken to hospital after a car crash in Hamilton on Tuesday morning. Emergency services were called to Fleming Way in Hillhouse after the incident at around 9.30am on Tuesday, April 28.

The officers had attempted to speak with the driver of a car which subsequently made off and crashed a short distance away. Pictures from the scene show a number of police vehicles in the aftermath of the incident.

A black car is also seen smashed beside some nearby homes, with the back of a white car also smashed. An eyewitness said a police helicopter had been dispatched to the scene.

An 18-year-old man was later arrested in connection.

CCTV revealed as dad faces five years in jail

CCTV captured the moment a Scots dad accidentally took a tourist’s phone in Thailand “by accident” – leaving him facing up to five years in prison.

Rory McColl, from Edinburgh, landed in Bangkok on March 9 for a holiday but was arrested hours into his first night out. The 37-year-old was dancing alongside a young German backpacker in Golf Bar, on Khao San Road, when he lifted a mobile phone from the table.

Footage shows him reaching forward and taking the phone from the table before putting it in his back pocket. German tourist Melina Muchow, 22, soon realised that her device was missing.

Looking through surveillance footage with the help of staff, she identified Rory believing he had deliberately stolen the phone.

In CCTV taken from the bar, a security guard can be seen searching Rory, who was drunk, before pulling the mobile phone out of his pocket. It’s alleged that police gave Rory the chance to apologise and leave without further consequences, but he “began hurling abuse at the woman”.

Growing impatient, officers threw him in a cell “to sober up”. Melina then insisted on him being prosecuted, even though they tried to dissuade her. By the time the dad-of-one was coherent, the case had already been sent to prosecutors for a court hearing.

He faces up to five years in prison for “theft at night,” and will appear in court today (April 28).

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Rachel Kerr, from Dunblane, has not been heard from since checking out of her hotel in Agadir, Morocco, on April 25

A Scots family say they are “extremely concerned” after a 31-year-old woman vanished while on a trip to a popular tourist hotspot.

Rachel Kerr, from Dunblane, has not been heard from since checking out of her hotel in Agadir, Morocco, on April 25.

The keen traveller had been in the seaside resort on a work trip before her sudden disappearance. Her last known location was the Caribbean Village Agadir, where she had been staying prior to losing contact with loved ones.

Rachel’s phone has been switched off since she checked out, sparking growing fears for her welfare.

Her cousin, Claire Hill, has issued a desperate appeal for information as the search to trace her continues.

She said: “Appealing to anyone who may have had contact with Rachel Kerr in the last few days, and any of her contacts in Morocco.

“Please get in touch if you have any information.

“Her family are extremely concerned for her welfare.

“Last known to be staying in the Caribbean Village Agadir, checked out on Saturday and we’ve not been able to contact her since then.

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“Please, any information, no matter how small, is helpful.”

Rachel, an entrepreneur who built a following sharing travel content online, has worked with brands promoting trips abroad and had been planning a return visit to Agadir later this year.

She is also known for her modelling work, public speaking and as a published author.

During her time in Morocco, she had been posting updates from the area on social media, but her last Instagram post was shared on April 13.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Afghan families approved for sanctuary in Britain will have to flee the Taliban-run country on their own, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

Defence minister Luke Pollard told the Commons in a written statement on Tuesday that the nearly 9,000 Afghans eligible to come to the UK but still awaiting relocation would get no help from the UK to leave Afghanistan.

They will “need to make their own way to a third country when they are able to do so”, he said, with housing and visa support available there until 2028.

Mr Pollard said that some of those eligible to come to the UK had already moved to third countries, such as Pakistan, this year. He explained: “Having seen increased evidence of successful self-moves and after assessing carefully again the risks to this cohort and other factors, including value for money for the taxpayer, we have decided to end in-country assistance for movements out of Afghanistan.”

The National Audit Office revealed in March that it would take the government nearly three more years to bring all those promised sanctuary to Britain if evacuations were not sped up.

The Afghan resettlement schemes closed to new applicants in July last year, just before it was revealed that the MoD had been responsible for a vast data leak of applicants’ details that the department said had put thousands of lives at risk.

Families are eligible to come to Britain due to their previous support of the UK forces in Afghanistan, or because their data was breached. Ministers had previously committed to bringing all eligible Afghans to the UK by March 2029 under the new combined scheme, the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP). However, Mr Pollard said on Tuesday that a cut-off of December 2028 would be introduced, when all help and relocations would end.

The MoD has also ended the use of short-term housing on the defence estate for Afghan families, with Mr Pollard telling MPs “we cannot sustain ARP support indefinitely”.

Six hotels are in use to house Afghan families, Mr Pollard said, and two of these will be closed within days. The Independent reported last week that two Afghans, approved for UK relocation, are challenging the MoD at the High Court over the failure to help them flee Afghanistan.

Dr Sara de Jong, a founding member of the Sulha alliance, which helps former Afghan military interpreters, said: “The MoD’s announcement to stop in-country support for moving safely out of Afghanistan will come as a complete shock to Afghans with a relocation offer. The fact that some have been able to escape doesn’t mean that that option is open to everyone.

“Those who can’t take the risk to go out of hiding to get the paperwork and don’t have the financial means to pay hugely inflated visa prices are now abandoned. The statement also ignores the ongoing security issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which makes independent moving even more challenging.”

Prince William served as an RAF search and rescue pilot at RAF Valley in Anglesey from 2010 to 2013 and returned to the base this week to mark its 85th anniversary

The Prince of Wales has spoken warmly of “fond memories” at his former air base, on his return to mark its 85th anniversary. William, dressed in RAF military pattern camouflage uniform, told trainees at RAF Valley in Anglesey, north Wales, that he “loved” his time there during a visit on Tuesday, April 28.

He served as an RAF search and rescue pilot at the Holyhead base between 2010 and 2013, during which time he and the Princess of Wales — who celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on Wednesday — lived in Anglesey as newlyweds.

During the visit, he was reunited with former colleagues, including pilot instructor Brian Wills and chief maritime instructor Andy Batchelor, with whom he discussed keeping up his flying currency.

Mr Wills said: “In a heartbeat, he said he’d come back and do it again.” Mr Batchelor, who served alongside William on search and rescue crews, said: “He’s a great guy, friendly, easy to get on with, a very competent pilot.

“He was very easy to work with. He just wanted to be Will, he was just one of the team. It’s great to have him back here for the 85th anniversary. He’s the Prince of Wales so it makes sense, but I think he’s got credibility because he’s lived and worked here in north Wales.” Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter

Addressing trainees at the station, which first opened in February, 1941, William said: “I loved my time up here. It was great fun. Your time up here will go quickly, that’s the thing. You’ll look back with fond memories.”

He added: “I do miss it. I miss the job, I miss the camaraderie.” Lieutenant Commander Rob Andrews, who trained at RAF Valley while William was based there, said: “I know he’s got an affinity with this place.”

Beyond discussing aviation matters, William also touched upon his beloved football club Aston Villa during a conversation with Isaac Reed, a trainee working within air traffic.

Mr Reed, a Sunderland supporter, said: “He misspoke and said Villa when he meant to say Valley, so that was my opportunity to jump in and ask about football. It got the prince talking, He seemed more keen than I was at one point.”

William, who holds the position of Royal Honorary Air Commodore, observed a ceremonial parade commemorating the RAF station’s 85th anniversary.

He subsequently presented The Prince of Wales Award, an annual accolade recognising the most accomplished qualified flying instructor within No. 4 Flying Training School.

He also met female personnel from the base and informed them he was attempting to take “barometer readings” of women’s experiences within the military.

He said: “Some things have come to my attention that I’m not particularly happy about. Are we adopting and evolving the armed forces in a way that is suiting women joining the forces and is it a nice place to join?”

The officers discussed their experiences with William, including returning to work in the RAF after having children.

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A new dating show, Hold My Hand, is believed to be the first series conducted entirely in British Sign Language (BSL), to challenge misconceptions about deaf relationships while celebrating BSL as a language and culture, producers say.

The show is broadcast on Lumo TV, a deaf-led streaming platform for sign language users and sign-presented content. “For too long, the use of British Sign Language has been treated as an afterthought in mainstream entertainment and reality TV,” said Lumo TV CEO Camilla Arnold. “With this series, we’re flipping that on its head,” she told the Guardian.

Hosted by deaf identical twin presenting duo, Hermon and Heroda Berhane, it features contestants who are either deaf or children of deaf adults (Codas) who would have used BSL to communicate with their parents.“People have never seen our culture, our identity, the way we discuss things. So it’s a dating show, yes, but it’s not just about dating; it’s also revealing our identity and our culture, and that has never been seen before,” said Heroda Berhane.

The twins also hope the show will help challenge misconceptions around BSL, with research suggesting 71% of 18- to 24-year-olds would not feel confident dating someone who uses BSL as their main method of communication. Berhane describes BSL as “just another language”, and encourages greater openness and curiosity from hearing audiences.

Across its first three episodes, which includes an instalment featuring LGBT+ singletons, contestants take part in light-hearted games that foster open conversations about relationships and intimacy.

We have to learn from one other. You speak the language that I cannot hear, and I speak a language that you don’t understand

“I really hope that hearing people realise, ‘Gosh, deaf people, we’re the same. There’s no difference. We’re all the same. We’re human.’” said Heroda. “There is love, there is sex, there is joy, there is flirtation, and there’s vulnerability as well. We’re exactly the same.”

Hermon adds that we have to learn from one another. “You speak the language that I cannot hear, and I speak a language that you don’t understand,” she tells the Guardian.

Representation is also expanding in children’s television. In a forthcoming storyline in Peppa Pig, Peppa’s younger brother George will be diagnosed as moderately deaf and fitted with a hearing aid, following consultation with the National Deaf Children’s Society to ensure an authentic portrayal.

Advocates say such visibility matters for the more than 50,000 deaf children in the UK.