Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd is back, this time for his new hotly anticipated BBC six-part drama Half Man.

Richard Gadd is the creator and executive producer of Half Man, though starring in the BBC drama was not part of his original plan.

After unexpectedly finding themselves living under the same roof, Ruben (Stuart Campbell) and Niall (Mitchell Robertson) develop a brotherly bond — one fierce and fiercely loyal, the other timid and gentle-natured.

Across six episodes, Half Man traces the pair’s lives over three decades, right up to Niall’s (Jamie Bell) wedding day, when the volatile Ruben (Richard Gadd) brings chaos in his wake.

While Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd both created and executive produced the new BBC series, he had no initial intention of playing Ruben — it took some persuasion from Billy Elliot legend Jamie Bell to convince him to take on the uncompromising role.

Speaking at a BBC Q&A, Gadd revealed: “I wasn’t going to do it to begin with.

“I wasn’t going to do Ruben, because acting in something and directing and doing everything else is a lot.

“You have to see a show from the inside and the outside which is actually the main pressure of the role.

“So I wasn’t going to do it, I didn’t want to do it. Baby Reindeer was out and that’d take one thing off my plate.

“But Jamie [Bell] was the first to suggest it. He was like ‘have you ever thought about doing this?’

“And it sort of terrified me in a way. I was like ‘Wow. That’s real far.’

“But I often feel that what scares you in life, you should probably do it.”

While Gadd’s co-star Jamie Bell rose to prominence as Billy Elliot in the legendary 2000 film, he is poised to undertake another memorable role.

Bell will be entering the Peaky Blinders universe in the forthcoming two-season sequel as Duke Shelby, Tommy Shelby’s (Cillian Murphy) son, set in the 1950s.

The character of Duke was initially played by Saltburn star Barry Keoghan in the Netflix film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.

Half Man premieres on Tuesday, April 28, at 10.40pm on BBC One.

Marcus Rashford is keen to join Barcelona on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell this season, but the Manchester United star’s future remains uncertain

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford this summer if the Manchester United loanee doesn’t secure a permanent move to Barcelona. Rashford’s loan deal at Barca runs until the end of the 2025/26 campaign, with his long-term future now uncertain.

Rashford has previously expressed a desire to make his Barcelona move permanent this summer, having thrived during his time there. The England international has registered 13 goals and 13 assists in 45 outings for Hansi Flick’s team and reportedly has no plans to return to United.

Yet despite his strong showings, Barca are yet to enter advanced talks with United. The Spanish giants are reluctant to meet the £26million fee required to convert his loan into a permanent deal and are reported to prefer to negotiate another season-long loan for next season.

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United could explore a permanent sale for their academy starlet, who still has two years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford. They are maintaining their position with Barca – and the ongoing impasse could create opportunities for other clubs, reports the Mirror.

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Spanish publication Sport reports that Tottenham have demonstrated ‘genuine interest’ in signing Rashford and could disrupt proceedings – but only if they avoid Premier League relegation.

Spurs currently occupy 18th place, two points adrift of safety, with four fixtures remaining. Barcelona are reportedly making Julian Alvarez their top target this summer and are aware the Atletico Madrid and Argentina star will cost a substantial fee.

Consequently, they’re cautious about overspending on Rashford, who isn’t seen as a replacement for departing veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone acknowledged on Tuesday that Barcelona are amongst the clubs pursuing Alvarez. “It’s normal that an extraordinary player like Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona,” he said. “It’s normal because he’s very good.”

This complicates matters for Rashford, who is reportedly remaining composed while attempting to secure a move to Barcelona, where he has adapted well and is thriving in La Liga The 28-year-old has built a strong rapport with Flick and is optimistic that the German boss’s backing will prove crucial.

United face a hugely significant summer transfer window, with the club hiring a new long-term manager to succeed Ruben Amorim while overhauling their squad.

The Reds could finance the signing of a new central midfielder through player sales, with Rashford amongst those available for transfer alongside fellow loanees Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho and Andre Onana.

An American woman paid thousands of dollars to have others make sexual torture videos involving adult and baby monkeys.

Known as ‘animal crush videos,’ these depictions show real monkeys being burned alive, having their genitals mutilated, and experiencing other atrocities

Amanda Leigh Fourez, a US citizen from Illinois, pleaded guilty in federal court to the offences.

The videos were made for the pleasure of an ‘animal crushing’ ring and shared in their sick group.

‘Fourez admitted to her role in making these horrific videos and posting them online,’ said ICE Director Todd M. Lyons.

‘What kind of sick person would pay someone make a video of sexualized animal torture?

‘ICE will continue investigating these sadistic online groups and do everything in our power to stop them.’

Fourez was a member of online chat groups dedicated to making, distributing and discussing violent and sexual videos of animals.

She’s not the first US citizen to plead guilty in this ‘animal-crushing’ conspiracy ring.

Another member of these groups, Joseph Garrett Buckland, of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos in early April. 

‘Producing and trafficking in animal crush videos is a serious federal crime,’ said United States Attorney Rivetti.

‘Intentionally inflicting harm and torture on innocent animals not only feeds a broader market of criminal depravity, it also often is linked to, or leads to, additional dangerous and violent conduct that further erodes society and public safety.

‘With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute all crimes involving violations of federal law relating to horrific acts of cruelty to animals.’

ICE and the FBI investigated the case with a release claiming that Americans don’t know the non-immigration-related work the agency do.

It came after Donald Trump backed plans to call ICE agents NICE agents in a rebrand of the controversial agency that has shot dead Americans and split up families.

In a Truth Social post, the US President shared a post on X in which someone had written, ‘I want Trump to change ICE to NICE (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement) so the media has to say NICE agents all day everyday.’

‘GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT. President DJT’ Trump wrote on the Truth Social post.

But Ilhan Omar, hit back: ‘A rebrand won’t distract us from the truth: this reprehensible agency murdered two Minnesotans in broad daylight. Abolish ICE.’

It comes after ICE The original poster MAGA ‘journalist’ Alyssa Marie said: ‘You mean abolish NICE? Who would want to abolish NICE? That doesn’t poll well.’

She even drew up AI plans for the uniforms.

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The milestone event, hosted by radio DJ Des Clarke, saw speakers from across the hospice’s four-decade history take to the stage.

The people of Lanarkshire gathered at Airdrie Town Hall to celebrate 40 years of care at St Andrew’s Hospice.

The milestone event, hosted by radio DJ Des Clarke, saw speakers from across the hospice’s four-decade history take to the stage to reflect, reminisce and give thanks for the community’s incredible support of the local charity.

Sr Barbara Kenny, a Sister of Charity who helped found St Andrew’s Hospice, spoke of the Sisters’ ambition to move from the town’s Assumption House to a purpose-built hospice to care terminally ill patients.

The Sisters’ dream was realised when negotiations with the Regional Council saw them obtain a site next to St Margaret’s Church in Airdrie.

From there, in 1983, a £1.2 million Appeal Fund was set up to raise the capital to build the hospice.

After a few years’ of hard work, determination and fundraising, St Andrew’s Hospice opened its doors to patients on April 26, 1986.

READ MORE: ABBAMANIA tribute show makes its return to Airdrie Town Hall

Attendees of the gathering also heard from; the chair of the board of trustees, Marian Gardiner, the hospice’s CEO Joy Farquharson and Rev. Margaret Currie, as well as staff nurse Frances Kelly, hospice volunteer Norma MacDonald and trustee John Gillespie who shared his touching memories of when his father was cared for in St Andrew’s Hospice two years ago.

The audience was also treated to beautiful music courtesy of local choir The Grace Notes and the North Lanarkshire Council Schools Pipe Band.

Joy Farquharson said: “As we mark the 40th anniversary of St Andrew’s Hospice, we celebrate four decades of compassion, commitment and community impact.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of everyone who has supported the hospice’s mission over the years, and the lasting difference made to people’s lives.

“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the community and businesses of Lanarkshire and beyond for their unwavering support over these 40 years – you have all been part of our journey.

READ MORE: Community groups caring for their heritage can now achieve national accreditation

“We look forward with confidence and ambition to the next chapter of St Andrew’s Hospice.”

If you have a story or memory you’d like to share, or would like to share what St Andrew’s Hospice means to you, you can submit your memories via a dedicated form on the hospice’s website via www.st-andrews-hospice.com/my-memories

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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.