Available for over a year

Why aren’t Democrats more popular, given the president’s low approval ratings in significant areas such as the economy? And what do Americans really think of Donald Trump?
In this special episode of Americast, recorded live at Maida Vale studios in London for Castfest (celebrating some of the BBC’s best loved news podcasts) we look at recent polling for both Donald Trump, and the Democrats. Why has the president lost support, and how worried should the Republican party be, given the possibility of losing control of Congress in November’s midterm elections?
Justin, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna also hear why former Trump loyalist Tucker Carlson who is now apologising for helping to get Donald Trump elected, and the wider impact this may have on Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) base.
We also take a closer look at polling for the Democrats and why the party is not more popular. What should Democrats be doing ahead of the presidential election in 2028 to increase their support?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Robbie Hayward, the video producers were Grace Braddock, Sophie Millward and Jem Westgate. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you’re reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
Top Comment BBC Sounds – Top Comment – Available Episodes

Programme WebsiteShow less

The Team Relay consists of 5 legs, of varying distances, with changeover points across the route:

• LEG 1: Stormont Estate – Montgomery Road, 4.2 miles.
• LEG 2: Montgomery Road – Boucher Road, 6.8 miles.
• LEG 3: Boucher Road – Falls Road, 4.5 miles.
• LEG 4: Falls Road – Duncairn Gardens, 5 miles.
• LEG 5: Duncairn Gardens – Ormeau Park 5.7 miles.

See the exact points in the post below…

How to get to Belfast City Marathon Relay starting points

A shuttle bus service will run 8:00am – 10:00am from Annadale Embankment at Dunnes Stores to drop runners off at their designated relay changeover point:

• Montgomery Road – 08:00 – 08:30
• Boucher Road – 08:30 – 09:00
• Falls Road – 09:00 – 09:30
• Duncairn Gardens – 09:30 – 10:00

Getting back to Belfast City Centre – a shuttle bus will transport participants from Ormeau Embankment to Belfast City Centre. This service will run from 11:45am – 4:00pm.

Getting back to Stormont – every 3rd shuttle bus leaving Ormeau Embankment will transport spectators back to Stormont

All buses are free to spectators and participants on race day.

These are the latest significant developments planned across Greater Manchester

The transformation of a burned down nightclub in Wigan is one of a number of significant developments planned for Greater Manchester.

Jak’s on Wigan’s King Street, popular with revellers, was ravaged by a fire in November last year. Emergency services were called at around 10.30pm in November, when several late night bars in the area were busy.

Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter

The nightclub was destroyed by the fire, but now plans to transform it into 18 apartments have been tabled.

Here is a breakdown of each borough’s recently submitted public notices…

Bolton

Plans for ‘gated’ estate of five-bedroom townhouses in Bolton

Details of a new ‘gated’ housing estate on elevated land overlooking a brook have been published.

Outline permission has been granted for the development to the back of Irlam Street North and Eckersley Road, in the Astley Bridge area of Bolton. A planning report said the ‘sits in an elevated position to the south of Astley Brook’. Currently the land is used for the storage of agricultural vehicles and equipment.

The site consists of hard landscaping and outbuildings in various states of condition and use.

Plans for funeral centre for pets to provide ‘a quiet space for viewing’ beloved animals

Plans for a ‘funeral centre’ for pets in an outbuilding in Bolton have been submitted.

The retrospective plans, by Serenity Pet Funeral Services, seek to formalise the use of the outbuilding to the rear of a property on Tonge Moor Road. Plans submitted to Bolton council in the past week state the use of the building as providing ‘small-scale pet funeral services’.

A planning statement in support of the plans said: “The use has been operating since 2021 and provides a sensitive appointment-based service to bereaved pet owners, including the collection of pets, preparation of pets for burial or cremation elsewhere, a quiet space for private family viewing and the preparation of memorial keepsakes.

Manchester

Gorton pub staff accused of ‘deliberate attempt to hinder police investigation’ and being ‘involved in serious crime’

Staff at a Gorton pub will be questioned by police who believe a ‘deliberate attempt to hinder a serious ongoing investigation’ was made by ‘removing’ CCTV footage.

Greater Manchester Police visited The Angel, at 37 Wellington Street in Gorton, multiple times in early April to ask for CCTV recordings as they investigated a ‘suspected kidnapping’ in the area, council licensing papers say. GMP believe there was a ‘deliberate attempt to hinder a serious ongoing investigation by removing or destroying CCTV footage’, documents add.

The pub’s premises licence has been temporarily suspended by Manchester council pending a full review.

Salford

Advertisement

Electric GoKarts and bowling arcade confirmed as part of £16m Quayside refurb in Salford

A GoKarting track and bowling alley are part of the £16m changes coming to the Quayside shopping mall in Salford. Peel Retail and Leisure, who own the mall, have confirmed Hyperdrive Karting and Hollywood Bowl are moving in.

The site was recently slammed as a ‘ghost town’ after a series of closures left many retail units shuttered and abandoned. But as part of a £10m refurb plan approved by Salford Council last week, developers intend to ‘transform the waterside destination into a leading regional leisure hub’.

The plans involve knocking through walls in the ‘mostly vacant’ food court on the building’s mezzanine level and empty retail units and offices on the upper floors. These will be reconfigured into three large commercial units.

Stockport

Stockport council launches legal challenge over plan for 540 homes near A555

Stockport council has launched a legal challenge against a developer’s plan to build 540 homes near the A555 Airport Relief Road. Redrow Homes (Harrow Estates division) proposes to expand Woodford Garden Village by building on green belt land in December 2024. The firm later accused Stockport council of ‘prolonged delays’ in making a decision on the planning application. Nearly a year later, in September 2025, Redrow lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspector and was successful, with permission given to press on with the work.

Tameside

Advertisement

The transformation plan for Droylsden Marina

Droylsden Marina has been vacant and underused for years, but it could soon be regenerated as new plans for 192 new homes have been unveiled.

Developers, True North Partnerships and CERT, want to build three apartment blocks on the land adjacent to the Lock Keepers site, behind the old library. All the homes would be affordable and of a high quality design, according to developers.

In addition to the apartment blocks, the scheme also includes a series of duplex homes at ground level. The duplexes would be arranged to maximise views across the marina, Ashton Canal and towards the Pennines and Manchester city centre.

More demolition work planned for giant food factory in Dukinfield

The giant food factory in Dukinfield is in the process of being bulldozed, but now plans for further demolition work have been tabled.

Pilgrim’s UK, one of Britain’s largest pork providers, shut down operations at the Bow Street site back in 2023. Plans to demolish the vacant factory, on the border of Dukinfield and Ashton, have already been approved by Tameside council. Demolition work was due to start last month and take 14 weeks to complete.

Now OREP Fund Propco 1 Limited intends to scrap the metal bridge, which connects the warehouses on opposite sides of the River Tame. It is hoped that once approval is granted by the local authority, this demolition work can be started on May 18.

Wigan

Former Wigan nightclub building gutted by huge fire could become flats and commercial units

A fire-ravaged former nightclub building could become 18 flats if conversion plans are approved.

The Jak’s nightclub building, on King Street in Wigan, is the subject of a planning proposal from Atherton based applicant CLS-UK. Documents on the council’s planning portal say the development would contain 18 flats on the upper levels and three commercial units on the ground floor.

On the evening of November 22, a huge fire ripped through the former nightclub. Emergency services were called at around 10.30pm, when several late night bars in the area were busy.

Mikel Arteta hinted he has made a mistake with Myles Lewis-Skelly this season after the Arsenal youngster impressed in his side’s 3-0 win over Fulham.

The Gunners heaped the pressure on Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title by opening up a six-point gap at the top of the table and establishing goal difference advantage.

With the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid finely poised, Arteta opted to make significant changes to his starting line-up on Saturday evening the most notable of which saw Lewis-Skelly make a first start in central midfield.

The Hale End Academy graduate made a stunning breakthrough last season as a makeshift left-back with his performances in that position rewarded with senior England recognition.

It has been a different story this term for the 19-year-old who has been forced to play a bit-part role following the arrival of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen who has shared the left-back role with Riccardo Calafiori.

Martin Zubimendi’s consistency, meanwhile, has meant Arteta had been hesitant to hand opportunities to Lewis-Skelly in his more natural position until yesterday evening when his gamble was rewarded with an eye-catching display.

And after watching the teenager impress against seasoned Premier League opposition, Arteta admitted he may have made an error in holding back a player whose lack of game time has seen him linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer.

‘He fully deserves it,’ said the Arsenal manager reflecting on Lewis-Skelly’s performance in a new-look engine room. ‘I’ve been tough on him.

‘He had a spectacular season last year when he jumped into the first team. He had some difficult moments after that, but he stayed very humble, very focused, very aligned with what we wanted to do, and I knew he was ready.

‘He’s been showing in training every day the opportunities that he had to play. He’s done it and today he really stepped up and I thought he had an incredible performance.’

Asked why it had taken him so long to give Lewis-Skelly a chance to impress in midfield, he added:’Because probably I don’t have a clue and maybe I should have done it earlier, I don’t know.

‘But I have to do things when I believe that the player is ready, the team is ready and the opponent is the right one to play with him in that position. We’ve done it today, it’s the first time.

‘It was a big risk because I knew what was going to happen, if he wasn’t this great, we would have lost the game.

‘How do you play a kid at this age, in this scenario, in a position that he hasn’t played all season? I knew that but I had the feeling that it was the right game for him.’

Reports last month claimed Arsenal were looking to net a combined total of £100million for Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri who has spent the second half of the season out on loan at Marseille.

While there might be a measure of conjecture about his future, Lewis-Skelly hardly gave the impression of a player discontent with life at his current club after he played such a key role in a vital win.

He said: ‘Honestly, I was buzzing. Being back in that midfield, getting the trust from the gaffer and the players again, just allows me to play my game and play it simple but also be effective, which was really good today. 

‘It’s hugely important for me to set that tone. When you’re in midfield, there’s a certain rally you have to attain, which is to set the tone, get the engine of the team going. I thought I did a good job of that today.

‘It’s a credit to all our players because when we’re all on the same wavelength, we’re really feeling it, playing with synergy, playing with that energy together. I feel like we’re one.’

MORE: Ray Parlour names Arsenal star who will leave as Gunners consider selling four players

MORE: Edwin van der Sar claims Arsenal star is not ‘world class’… but Man Utd flop is

MORE: Wayne Rooney makes Premier League title prediction after Arsenal beat Fulham

Dog lovers across Bolton are once again in for a treat next month as Smithills Hall prepares to host its lively “Fun Dog Show” packed with wagging tails, friendly competition and plenty of local charm.

Taking place on Sunday, May 10 from 12pm to 4pm, the fourth event is being organised by Bolton Library and Museum Services, who promise an afternoon celebrating the unique personalities of the town’s four-legged residents.

Rather than a traditional pedigree show, this event leans fully into fun, with eight light-hearted categories designed to get both dogs and owners smiling.

During judging for best puppy (Image: Newsquest)

Among the classes are Most Handsome Boy, Prettiest Girl, and Happiest Dog, alongside more playful entries such as Dog That Looks Most Like Their Owner and Waggiest Tail.

There’s also space to celebrate every stage of a dog’s life, with awards for Best Puppy (under 12 months), Best Veteran (over eight years), and Best Rescue—a category that’s expected to pull at the heartstrings.

Mark Robertson with Chloe and Theo (Image: Newsquest)

Each class will run every 30 minutes throughout the afternoon, with winners going head-to-head in the final Best in Show round at 4pm, where one standout pooch will take home the top prize.

Organisers say the event is about more than just competition.

A spokesman said: “It’s a great way for the community to come together, enjoy the grounds of Smithills Hall, and celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives.”

Advance booking is available online, with discounted entry for those who plan ahead at £3.50.

On-the-day entries will still be welcome, costing £5 per class, though visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

With scenic surroundings, a relaxed atmosphere and dozens of dogs showing off their quirks and charm, the Smithills Hall Fun Dog Show is shaping up to be one of Bolton’s most feel-good events this spring.

The schedule is noon- Most Handsome Boy, 12.30pm – Prettiest Girl, 1.00pm – Happiest Dog, 1.30pm – Dog That Looks Most Like Their Owner, 2.00pm – Waggiest Tail, 2.30pm – Best Rescue, 3.00pm – Best Puppy (Under 12 months), 3.30pm – Best Veteran, and 4.00pm – Best in Show.

The spokesman added: “Don’t be ruff, book your spot in advance on Eventbrite to avoid disappointment! Places are £3.50 per class (plus fee) and only a limited number will be available on the day for £5. Get your paws on those tickets at Eventbrite under Fun Dog Show at Smithills Hall – 2026

I sold our Edinburgh weekend to my mum as a gentle staycation: nice hotels, good food, a bit of fresh air.

What we actually got was a five‑star hotel that floats, food fit for a royal, and the discovery of a hidden city.

By the time we’re back on the train, she has already decided Edinburgh is her new favourite destination in the UK.

The cherry on top? It’s made me Son of the Year. Here’s why.

Old world glamour

Edinburgh has that rare mix of feeling like a proper city break – architecture, history, great restaurants – without the chaos or scale of somewhere like London.

It’s compact enough to explore on foot, but varied enough that every corner feels different. And from London or any of the UK’s major cities, it’s an easy journey by rail or by plane that still makes you feel you’ve ‘gone away’.

We start our trip somewhere that feels like a destination in itself: the Fingal Hotel.

A short cab journey from the station to the Port of Leith leads us to the gangway. Since 2014, this ex-lighthouse vessel has been transformed into a five-star floating hotel.

Greeted at the door, you’re immediately transported to the bygone days of old world luxury.

The ship features 23 cabins, from standard rooms to multi-room suites, a double-height ballroom and a restaurant that not only has 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, but has wined and dined a familiar face from The Royal Family: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who made a surprise visit onboard in 2019. 

Our twin room is small but comfortable, and beside the quirky curvature of the flooring and a porthole for a window, you quickly forget you’re floating on water.

Each room is named and inspired by Fingal’s rich history. Ours ‘Muckle Flugga’, after a small island north of Unst in the Shetland Islands which is also home to a lighthouse. 

Outside, the historic port of Leith has evolved into one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, packed with independent cafes, boutiques and buzzy bars. It’s relaxed on the surface, but peek inside a window and you’ll find it’s anything but. Full of energy, conversation and an unmistakable hum of a place people genuinely enjoy being.

Even if you’re not staying at the hotel but are in the area for dinner, I can’t recommend The Lighthouse restaurant enough.

If the double Rosettes and the royal approval haven’t yet won you over, the service and menu absolutely will. Order the parsnip soup. I’ll say no more.

Taking the city in style

After an indulgent night onboard Fingal, we swap sea views for a two-night stay at The Rutland Hotel, checking into one of its ginormous two-bedroom apartments.

Right at the west end of Princes Street, the location is hard to beat, with Edinburgh Castle one way and George Street the other.

But it’s the apartment setup that really stands out. It really is abnormally large, stylish and genuinely practical, with a full kitchen, open-plan living area and two proper bedrooms — a welcome sight after a night in a ship’s cabin.

The ultimate Edinburgh itinerary

Even if you’re here for a day, there is much to see and do to get a taste of the Scottish capital.

Start the day with breakfast at The Huxley, which is partnered with The Rutland Hotel and makes for a stylish first stop.

From there, head to the city for shopping. The mix of high-street names, boutiques and gift shops is impressive enough that my mum immediately suggests coming back for her Christmas bits.

For Scotch lovers, go to one of the many stores on the Royal Mile, and take home a small-batch bottle as a souvenir.

After that, make your way to Edinburgh Castle. Although we’re only seeing it from the outside, it still makes for a great selfie spot with an iconic backdrop.

From there, stroll down towards Victoria Street and the Royal Mile, where the cobbles, colourful shopfronts and medieval surroundings make the whole area feel like a living postcard.

The standout attraction

A stop at St Mary’s Close is a must. The underground tour (£25pp) gives you a fascinating glimpse into the city’s hidden past and is one of the most memorable and unique activities to do.

As you descend beneath the Royal Mile, the atmosphere shifts instantly — it’s darker, colder, and steeped in stories that feel eerily close.

The guide brings centuries-old tales to life, from plague outbreaks to the cramped, hidden lives of former residents, making it feel less like a history lesson and more like stepping into another world.

Keep an eye out for the room of dolls and the story about the King’s security dogs (IYKYK), both of which add an extra layer of intrigue, and just the right amount of unease, to an already unforgettable experience.

If you’re visiting in daylight, you can also walk past Holyrood House and take in the exterior, which adds another royal touch to the trip.

Once the sun goes down, head for dinner at Badger & Co, where the food and service are incomparable. Not to mention, the Pinot Noir was so good my connoisseur mum took a snap of the bottle.

And, for the nocturnals among us, squeeze in Monkey Barrel Comedy Club; one of Edinburgh’s beloved local spots for both upcoming and seasoned acts, it’s the perfect low‑key way to send off a really good weekend.

In the end, it wasn’t the floating hotel or the royal‑approved restaurant that sticks with me.

It was the way Edinburgh wraps everything around a simple idea: a relaxing, funny, lightly boozy weekend with my mum that still feels like a proper holiday.

A few landmarks, a lot of laughs and one very photogenic bottle of wine was all it took to make it stick.

And that Son of the Year award? It should be in the post any day now… 

Chris Buswell was a guest of The Fingal Hotel and The Rutland Hotel, but don’t expect us to sugarcoat anything – our reviews are 100% independent.

MORE: The Cotswolds treehouse that calms stress and helps you sleep better

MORE: After 32 years, I finally went to Florence — I was saddened by what I saw

MORE: ‘Abandoned’ UK airport welcomes first large jet since it closed 4 years ago

Omar Majed, of Washwood Heath, Birmingham, was remanded in custody and will appear before magistrates in Birmingham on May 4, West Midlands Police said.

Kay’s show was halted after a “suspicious bag” was reported but West Midlands Police later said “nothing suspicious was found” during searches.

In an update on Saturday evening, the force said: “An evacuation of the arena was ordered yesterday evening after a report of a suspicious bag being left in the area.

“Following searches, nothing suspicious was found and we are grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding.

“As always our priority is the safety of the public.”

Witnesses previously said two members of staff came onto the stage about 45 minutes into the performance, whispered into Kay’s ear, and then escorted him off.

Steve Aspinall, who was at the gig with his wife, told the Press Association: “Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphones, one guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side.”

He said the audience was told to look for security guards and listen out for any announcements.

“To be honest, I thought it was part of the show at first,” said Mr Aspinall, who lives in Bideford, Devon.

“It was a strange atmosphere, eerie, just confused really (about) what was happening.

“But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic.”

In a statement on X, Utilita Arena Birmingham said the Peter Kay event on Saturday evening would go ahead as planned, adding: “West Midlands Police are satisfied with the security measures in place.”

The statement added: “We would like to thank the attendees of yesterday’s Peter Kay event for their cooperation, which ensured a swift and safe evacuation.

“Ticket holders for yesterday’s Peter Kay performance will be contacted with the next steps from their original point of purchase.

“At Utilita Arena Birmingham, the safety and security of our customers and colleagues is always our first priority.

“Our security measures include several overt and covert security measures, so whilst you may not see all operational security activity, you should be assured that it is ongoing.

“Our Evolv security system uses advanced sensors and AI technology to screen everyone and their bags as they enter the arena, helping security teams identify potential threats quickly and accurately, supported by additional bag searches as required.”

But they needed a squadron of police, armed with batons, to charge a way through the striking miners who had congregated in Priestgate to enable the delivery vans to leave, and they needed an army of drivers to speed the copies across the countryside, from Berwick to Hull, from Filey to Appleby, often avoiding deadly obstacles.

An Echo van’s broken windscreen after it was stoned in south Durham (Image: Chris Lloyd)

“In County Durham and Northumberland, in some of the pit towns and villages, aggressive spirits stopped newsagents from handling newspapers, stole and burnt their supplies and invented all sorts of devices to blockade The Northern Echo vans,” revealed the paper on May 17. “Sandbags, carts, wire ropes, railway sleepers, broken glass, sticks and stones were pressed into service.”

“Typical Durham miners reading the latest strike news in The Northern Echo” (Image: Chris Lloyd)

The ugliest scenes were in Priestgate, where rumours alleged that the paper was being produced by blacklegs: non-union members imported to keep the presses running.

With the printers on strike, the Echo becomes increasingly rudimentary as it tells the latest news of the General Strike (Image: Chris Lloyd)

“These statements are absolutely without foundation,” said the paper’s front page editorial on May 8 after several tense, intimidatory nights, involving police charges in the street outside.

But, in 12 tumultuous days, from May 3 to May 15, the Priestgate presses printed two million papers. “All classes of people, Liberal, Conservative, Socialist, Communist are clamouring for it every morning,” the editorial claimed.

In those days, of course, there was no wireless, TV or internet. Just newspapers.

As well as providing its readers with vital information in 1926, the Echo left us with a window through which we can peer back 100 years to what went on during the Great Strike…

May 4, 1926 (Image: Chris Lloyd)

How did it all pan out?

Tuesday, May 4

“THE greatest strike in world history starts”. The Echo sees it as “a national disaster” with everybody losing. It doesn’t take sides, and prints a picture of railwaymen shutting down their trains at Bank Top station, and, under the headline of “Englishmen, with the good old English smile”, it says: “There was nothing grim or sinister in the faces of these LNER drivers and firemen…”

The nation has been divided into 10 districts, each headed by a civil commissioner charged with making sure everyone has got food and law and order prevails. Sir Kingsley Wood, the health secretary, takes charge of the North East district, based in Newcastle.

The Conservative government has taken over the Organisation for the Maintenance of Supplies (OMS) and is appealing for local volunteers to join. In Darlington, it is headed by Captain EH Pease, based at Feethams Hall, and 126 volunteers join in the first day.

The vicar of Shildon addresses a crowd of Bishop Auckland men as the strike begins (Image: Chris Lloyd)

A very human depiction of the men involved in the Great Strike in the Echo on May 4, 1926 – they are not the monsters they were being portrayed as elsewhere (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Wednesday, May 5

“NATION in grip of octopus strike”, says the Echo as “trains, buses, trams, ships and factories at standstill”. Mounted police had had to restore order in Newcastle and thousands have joined the OMS – however, it desperately needs volunteers who know how to run a railway system.

In villages, says the paper, Echo vans had been “hailed with great excitement, and the paper gave the news of the start of the great strike to the anxious inhabitants”.

The women’s section of the Labour Party marches through Cockfield. (Image: Chris Lloyd)

A one-legged volunteer takes charge of the milk depot at Newcastle station (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Thursday, May 6

A ONE-LEGGED war veteran is pictured volunteering at Newcastle station, as 30,000 shipyard workers and steelmen on Teesside join the strike. Wilson’s Forge in Bishop Auckland also closes, and in Sunderland, buses carrying workers are stoned and cars are smashed in Chester-le-Street.

In Darlington, there are nasty scenes in Leadyard as the 11.15am bus forces its way, with all its windows broken, through crowds to begin its journey to Stockton.

With all trains stopped, the price of milk in Darlington has dropped by ½d-a-pint because all the milk produced by cows for miles around has been trapped in the town.

The chilling front page picture from the Echo of May 5, 1926: police guard Downing Street (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Friday, May 7

THE front page is typewritten, as the strike tightens. In West Hartlepool, lorries have been chained across railway lines.

An amazing picture, how we wish we still had the original, of police guarding a horsedrawn food convoy as it leaves a depot in Darlington (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Saturday, May 8

MIDDLESBROUGH has been uneasy for days, and a man has been found guilty of affray by damaging a bus. Under the emergency powers adopted by the government, he is rapidly sentenced to one month’s hard labour.

A volunteer signalman helps get the railway running again at Darlington (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Monday, May 10

IN Newcastle on Saturday night, 10,000 had gathered in the Grainger Street area. Police had broken the crowd up, arresting 24 people and, said the Echo, “a few heads were broken in the charge”.

There were more disturbances in Middlesbrough, but in Darlington a march of 8,000 people, augmented by busloads of miners from colliery districts, had marched peacefully from St Paul’s Church to South Park, headed by Arthur Shepherd, the town’s first Labour MP.

More than 18,000 volunteers have joined the OMS and transport systems are beginning to come back to life.

The Bishop of Durham has written a front page article which begins: “Who can it possible gain by the continuance of the General Strike?” A few hours after writing the article, he collapsed mid service and had to be carried home.

Tuesday, May 11

“THOUSANDS on trail back to work,” says the Echo, as the strike begins to disintegrate. Its front page also records that an express train, the Flying Scotsman, has been derailed near Newcastle by strikers removing a rail – the most notorious incident of the strike.

A bus, driven by a non-union man, has also been attacked in Coundon.

The most serious incident in south Durham happened at Ferryhill (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Wednesday, May 12

AT the Dean and Chapter Colliery at Ferryhill, 400 had gathered to stop the skeleton staff at the pit from going down. When police arrived, the crowd charged them using “ugly instruments in the form of lead piping and iron bars”. “Someone in the crowd,” said the Echo, “fired four revolver shots.”

Seventeen men aged between 16 and 63 are arrested and sentenced toone or two weeks in prison. “Less than half are miners,” said the Echo, pointedly, and Supt Foster denies “the police clouted the men and rendered many unconscious. Only four of the prisoners had wounds that were bleeding”.

Every LNER branchline has at least a few trains running on it.

Men in Priestgate on May 12, 1926, learn from the Echo’s windows that the Great Strike has been called off (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Men in Priestgate on May 12, 1926, learn from the Echo’s windows that the Great Strike has been called off (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Housewives rejoice as they learn from The Northern Echo that the Great Strike is over (Image: Chris Lloyd)

Thursday, May 13

IT is all over. “Unconditional calling off of the great strike”, is the Echo’s main headline, and its editorial is headed: “Return to reason”.

The paper prints King George V’s address to the nation: “Let us forget whatever elements of bitterness the events of the past few days have created, only remembering how steady and how orderly the country has remained, though severely tested, and forthwith address ourselves to the task of bringing into being a peace which will be lasting, because, forgetting the past, it looks only to the future with the hopefulness of a united people.”

The team wot won it: the Civil Commissioner’s administrators who took over the running of the North East during the Great Strike (Image: Chris Lloyd)

But the front page also has a headline: “LNER take strong line of action – no room on staff for many of the strikers”.

The divisions caused by the General Strike will, like those caused by the 1984 Miners’ Strike, tear into communities for years to come.

Julian Norton has been a firm favourite on Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet since it first began in 2015

The Yorkshire Vet star has faced hardship off-screen.

Julian Norton has been a familiar face on the Channel 5 hit documentary series since it launched back in 2015.

The show quickly became a hit among fans, who tune in to see Julian, his co-star Peter Wright and others, caring for animals across North Yorkshire.

However, both Peter and Julian no longer work at Skeldale, having left three years ago. In 2021, the pair bid farewell to Skeldale Veterinary Centre in Thirsk following numerous years of committed service, reports the Express.

Peter had devoted an impressive 40 years to Skeldale, commencing his journey under the mentorship of Alf Wright, the renowned writer of ‘All Creatures Great And Small’, before determining it was time to pursue a fresh venture.

Audiences have remained intrigued about Peter Wright’s motivations for departing Skeldale. Peter candidly explained his exit from Skeldale, identifying Medivet’s acquisition as the catalyst for his choice.

Having progressed from junior vet to partner at the distinguished Yorkshire surgery, Peter believed the corporate shift in strategy stopped him from undertaking the work he genuinely cherished.

“I was there from being the new boy and then I gradually became (a) partner,” he told Express. “I then became senior partner. I ran the practice for almost 20 years, and I have lots of happy memories of working there.

“But, at the same time, I am what is called a mixed practitioner. In other words, I deal with all creatures, all shapes and sizes.”

Advertisement

“From cows and horses down to hamsters. And to take the farm side away from me, you know, it had to stop because it wasn’t economically viable anymore and I couldn’t do that work anymore. But I had to continue what I loved and that is being a mixed practised vet.”

Meanwhile, Julian has previously spoken about his difficulties discussing mental health pressures.

He outlined the challenges of veterinary work to the BBC, saying: “Veterinary work can be quite lonely too. You visit solitary farmers with their animals, 30 minutes of driving in between, not much chance to chat.

“Fewer people are employed in farming now and if you don’t get the chance to discuss the issues things get bottled up.”

You can catch up on The Yorkshire Vet on Channel 5

When Virgin Island caused a ruckus last summer, it was called ‘exploitative’, a ‘public health danger’, and ‘a new low for Channel 4’.

For 26-year-old virgin Marianne, though, she saw hope. ‘When I watched it, I said, “Oh my god, this is something that could really help,”’ she tells Metro. 

Six months later, Marianne found herself on that Croatian island, being dragged out of the barriers that kept her deprived of sex and intimacy her whole life by world-leading sexologists Celeste Hirschman and Dr Danielle Harel, whose unconventional methods have proven to be controversial enough for the Ofcom complaints.

Every day presents a new challenge for the virgins: a new, daunting workshop where they confront their greatest fears when it comes to the most basic level of erotica and desire. 

From having their genitals fondled to experiencing arousal in an environment that feels safe for them, to re-enacting the Kama Sutra, the participants are thrown straight into the deep end, but with a specialist to hold their hand along the way.

It’s a surprisingly heartwarming watch, and the methods, controversial or not, clearly work if you ask any of their patients.

Holly Stark, who appeared on season one, is pregnant 11 months after her series aired, and Marianne insists she’s a completely reformed woman after a month of throwing herself into the experiment. If anything, she feels sorry for anyone who isn’t able to experience the level of sexual therapy she did.

‘It was amazing, you really activate a different part of your brain,’ she says.
‘You just realise how long you’ve gone without actually listening to your body, and getting the true curiosity of “What actually works for me? What do I really like? What am I really noticing about the other person?”

‘It makes me sad thinking that a lot of people won’t get to experience this. I think for youngsters, it would build trust between genders, trust between communication. Obviously, it needs to be in a very safe environment.’

One of the most glaring takeaways from watching Virgin Island is the totally inaccurate misconceptions around virginity. Virginity comes in all bodies, all characters, a vast spectrum of life experiences. There is no prototype of an adult virgin.

Before going to the island, Marianne guarded herself from men. Growing up in South Africa, she was only one of three mixed-race pupils in her school, which had a long-lasting impact on her relationship with sex. ‘Obviously, there’s racism everywhere, but the racism in South Africa is very in your face. No one wanted to date mixed-race people; it was not a thing.

‘I wasn’t black enough, I wasn’t white enough, I didn’t know who I was. I knew from a young age I had opportunities to sleep with people, but I had a gut feeling, “This is going to negatively impact me. With my ADHD, I tend to get addicted to random patterns and things and experiences I really carry within me. I knew that if I did this, it wasn’t time, I wouldn’t enjoy it, it wouldn’t be true to myself, and I would just do it for validation, so I just shut everything down.’

Marianne eventually moved to London to study, with a bright-eyed hope that everything would be different when she arrived in the UK, that she would be entering an entirely new world. ‘I just found the same thing,’ she says. ‘People just wanted me as a token.’

When she met her Virgin Island cast mates, she was instantly confronted with a similar isolation she faced growing up. Marianne is the only person of colour in the entire cast. She was quickly assured that production had done their due diligence; other people of colour had initially been cast but dropped out at the last minute.

‘I suddenly felt like I was being surveyed,’ she says. ‘I suddenly got back to my childhood. People are so curious about how a mixed-race person would look that I felt stressed, “I’m now on an island with this feeling,” so I knew I needed to cry it out, which I did, and I breathed. I know if I needed to call my twin, I could, so I had a little sulk and assessed, “Do I feel supported by these people? Yes.” Then I ran with that feeling.’

Thankfully, she stayed – not only for herself, but for her twin sister too. 

Marianne’s journey will no doubt resonate with so many viewers, but no one more so than her sister, who has lived through the same traumas and subsequently built the same barriers protecting her virginity. Since leaving the island, Marianne’s newfound wisdom hasn’t only changed her life, opening her eyes to a world of trust, but it’s starting to transform her twin’s too.

‘My twin has the same… things,’ Marianne shares. ‘She also found that me on the show has helped her. 

‘We’re very close, we talk about sex, and she knows 99% of everything about me. She was like, “You have to tell me everything, take all the tight notes, list all the things from the workshop that will help me.” That’s helped her with the shame aspect and wanting to embody her sexuality because she’s had a tough time too, and obviously we’ve had a similar upbringing.’

As for her own life, Marianne’s completely transformed. After years of exploring many therapies for various things, particularly surrounding ADHD, her stay on Virgin Island is the one that has revolutionised her relationship with sex and dating. It’s been six months since filming, and the difference is remarkable.

‘I’ve been on a couple dates, often it’s been really nice, and I’ve felt way less anxiety, and I haven’t shut down. It’s been such a great peace of mind,’ she says.

‘I’m proud of going with my gut instinct. A younger Marianne wouldn’t go with her gut, so I’m proud of myself for pushing through. I had a voice, and I didn’t listen to that voice, so now I liken to that voice – I make it my mission.’

Virgin Island airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 9pm on Channel 4 and is available to stream online.

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: Virgin Island sex therapists insist ‘we’re not lovers’ after steamy Channel 4 scene

MORE: Virgin Island thrusting scene just delivered ‘the funniest TV moment of 2026’

MORE: I’m a 28-year-old virgin and I can’t get an erection