Graham Norton almost said no to The Neighbourhood, which has proven to be a bit of a miss in terms of viewing figures, before ITV’s brand new game series went to air
Graham Norton almost said no to The Neighbourhood before the series went to air. The presenter, 63, is front and centre on the broadcaster’s new gameshow format in which real-life households have gathered in a purpose-built neighbourhood to be in with a chance of winning a £250,000 cash prize.
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There were clearly high hopes for the series as it premiered in between both segments of the explosive I’m A Celebrity…South Africa final on April 24, and has been airing at 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays ever since, where it has managed to pull in just half a million viewers.
Speaking before the series launched, Graham told an audience in the Lake District, where the show is filmed: “You are the first people in the world to get a sneak peek at The Neighbourhood, and it’s a show that I’m really excited to be at the helm.
“Anyone that knows me will know that as much as I enjoy my job, I’m also very lazy, so when the brilliant teams from Lifted Entertainment and The Garden asked me in for the pitch, I thought, well I’ll do that but then I’ll say no. And then as I was sitting there, I thought, ‘Oh, this is really good. I have to say yes to this,’ so here I am!”
Despite Graham’s optimistic outlook on the whole thing from the start, the programme will now air at 10.45pm which takes it away from the coveted slot it was initially given, implying that it has not lived up to expectations in terms of viewing figures.
This Thursday, viewers tuning in at 9pm will instead see a repeat of Davina McCall’s Long Lost Family, and an episode of Beat The Chasers: Celebrity Special, which was initially aired in 2021, will be shown instead. A spokesperson for ITV confirmed the schedule shift as they said said: “The full box set of The Neighbourhood is now available to stream on ITVX. Additionally, the show will continue to air in an evening slot on ITV.”
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But sources have claimed that whilst the broadcaster pulled out all the stops to make the programme into a hit, it just hasn’t gone that way in the end. An insider told The Sun : “They threw everything at The Neighbourhood to make it a big success, but it’s ended up a bit of a damp squib.”
The six households competing are The Bradons, The Kandolas & Samra, The Lozman-Sturrocks, The Pescuds, The Scouse Haus and The Uni Boys. Challenges put every neighbour to the limit as they try and eliminate one another without becoming unpopular enough to get the axe themselves.
Opening up on his first reaction when he saw the entirety of the set, Graham said: “Arriving in Derbyshire and seeing the set, I’d seen pictures but I didn’t quite understand the scale of it. It really is like being on a movie set, except it’s 360 – everywhere you look, it’s real.
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“The art department did an extraordinary job of building up that town square where we do the removals, the pub, the cafe, the interiors of the houses. It really took my breath away!
In his 1873 book On War, the great Prussian military strategist Carl von Clausewitz wrote that: “War is the realm of uncertainty.” He would have been at home in Washington this week where Clausewitz’s “fog of war” appears to have descended on the White House, at times obscuring reality.
On Tuesday, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, briefed reporters that the US plan was to get the Strait of Hormuz “back to the way it was: anyone can use it, no mines in the water, nobody paying tolls”.
This was, of course, the way things were before the war actually started.
But uncertainty about what this war was actually all about has been a hallmark of the past two months. When the conflict began on the last day of February, the US said it was about preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Although the US president, Donald Trump, added a layer of complexity by saying it was also about regime change.
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Trump’s closest ally, the Israeli prime minister, added another later by insisting this was also about getting rid of Iran’s ballistic missiles and launchers and neutralising its proxies in the region.
Christian Emery, an expert in international relations at University College London – who specialises in US-Iranian affairs – sees this lack of coherence about what the war is for as underscoring “that this entire enterprise has been a colossal strategic failure”.
As things stand it now appears possible that an interim deal could well open the Strait of Hormuz to allow the global economy to return to something like normal. But the main reasons the US and Israel launched the war are unlikely to be resolved any time soon and the episode has proved to Tehran – and the rest of the world – that Iran can use its geography to its strategic advantage whenever it chooses.
For Bamo Nouri and Inderjeet Parmar, experts in international security at City St George’s Unversity of London – who have been regular contributors to our coverage of the conflict – the episode has been an object lesson in the limits of power. The US and Israel exercised considerable military superiority to Iran and have used it to devastating effect. But this is not how conflict works in the 21st century.
The US and Israel were chasing different outcomes so there was no strategic coherence to their war aims. And they underestimated Iran’s durability under pressure. Iran didn’t need to win, just to endure. “As the war progressed” they write, “the fantasy of decisive victory collapsed under the weight of economic, political and strategic reality”.
Interestingly, the Trump administration is now saying that Operation Epic Fury finished about a month ago. US forces are now engaged in Project Freedom, a humanitarian operation to help ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to transit the waterway.
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As Andrew Gawthorpe, an expert in US foreign policy from Leiden University, notes, this change of emphasis appeared to emerge as Republicans in Congress were insisting that the administration was legally obliged under the War Powers Act to seek authorisation for the conflict.
Gawthorpe believes the war’s unpopularity is allowing Congress to claw back some of the influence it had over the way the US uses its military.
As we’ve noted before, the main theme of the past few weeks, since the US launched its blockade of Iranian ports to match Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is which side can absorb more pain and pressure. US consumers are facing increased prices at the gas pumps which has fed through to a higher inflation rate generally.
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But the headline US CPI increase of 3.3% last month is dwarfed by inflation in Iran which is reported to have hit 50%. It’s worth noting that it was inflation and the general economic malaise which kicked off the huge protests that wracked Iran in January.
The oil price shock is feeding into fuel prices in America, undermining support for the Trump administration. EPA/John G. Mabanglo
More pressingly, Iran’s inability to export its oil thanks to the US blockade means that sooner of later it will need to close down its oil production. As engineers and oil production experts Nima Shokri and Martin J Blunt explain, this can be done, but it’s by no means easy and risks seriously damaging the wells.
They’ll be watching this all very closely in Beijing of course. The US president is due to visit Beijing next week to meet Xi Jinping for the first time since the two met on the sidelines of the Apec conference in South Korea last October.
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So it was interesting to see that Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, visited Beijing this week to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. In normal times, China buys between 80% and 90% of Iran’s seaborne oil exports – and it has been very clear that it wants to see the Strait of Hormuz opened and “a complete cessation of fighting…without delay”.
But China-watcher Tom Harper of the University of East London, believes that Beijing can see advantages in the US getting bogged down in a fullscale war in the Middle East and might go as far as to offer military support to Tehran if that happens. While China has denied providing shoulder-launched Manpad missiles to Iran, Tehran is using its BeiDou satellite navigational system (a sort of Chinese GPS) to aim its missiles.
If you find these expert takes on an increasingly dangerous world useful, please consider supporting us with a donation.
Wang also said that China recognises Iran’s “legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy” – something it sees as a sovereignty issue. Which should all make for an interesting encounter between Trump and the Chinese president, Xi Jinping (if the trip goes ahead, that is).
The surprise player in all this has been Pakistan, writes Natasha Lindstaedt, an international affairs expert at the University of Essex. But as Lindstaedt points out, Pakistan has a long diplomatic track record with both the US and Iran. In 1981, two years after Washington and Tehran severed relations in the wake of the revolution that brought the Islamic Republic into being, Pakistan established a dedicated section of its Washington embassy to handling Iranian affairs in the US.
Washington and Islamabad have had their ups and downs, but things have grown closer with Trump in the White House – and Pakistan has tried to do all the right things to court Trump, including nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize and joining his board of peace. Lindstaedt walks us through this intriguing ménage à trois.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Jimmy White of England reacts in the first round match against Anton Kazakov of Ukraine on day 2 of World Championship Qualifiers 2025 at English Institute of Sport on April 8, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Tai Chengzhe/VCG via Getty Images)
There are some who suggest the World Seniors Snooker Championship should not be held at the Crucible, but Jimmy White tells those people: ‘Get a life.’
The Seniors event began on Wednesday night at the iconic theatre in Sheffield, just two days after Wu Yize won the World Snooker Championship in the same building.
It is a chance for players who have formerly walked out at the Crucible to do so again, while some who have never come close to gracing the venue in the World Championship have the opportunity to do so at Seniors level.
The World Seniors Championship has been held at the Crucible since 2019, but world number 31 Dave Gilbert is not on board with it.
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The Angry Farmer feels the venue is snooker’s hallowed ground and should be kept for the pinnacle of the sport alone.
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‘It’s a travesty for any professional that doesn’t get to play there, it is a special place. I hate that they play the Seniors there. I think that’s shocking.
Dave Gilbert feels the Crucible should be set apart in snooker (Picture: Getty Images)
‘The only people that should play at the Crucible are people that go through this qualifying school or a top 16 professional. It’s not for hacking around in exhibitions. It’s the Mecca of snooker.
‘I’ve played all around the world, in Saudi and that, but to me they’re absolutely boring and rubbish.
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‘I’m old, you see, so I’m not into it all the time, but the Crucible’s the one.
‘The aura about the place and how unique it is, you know. You find out, you either sink or swim and that’s it, you know what I mean?’
Jimmy White is a four-time World Seniors champion (Picture: Getty Images)
White has won the World Seniors Championship four times, more than any other player, and he has no sympathy for Gilbert’s point of view.
On how he would respond to the opinion, the Whirlwind told Metro: ‘Get a life! Listen, this is why we’re here. Why not?
‘It’s a World Championship, the World Seniors. I don’t know why people would say that. It don’t make any sense.’
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Ken Doherty has been to two World Seniors finals, and along with White is playing in this year’s tournament again.
Ken Doherty is bidding for a first World Seniors title (Picture: Getty Images)
The Darlin of Dublin does understand where Gilbert is coming from but still feels the Crucible can host the Seniors as well as the elite professionals.
Not least because it allows fans to experience the theatre who could not get hold of tickets or possibly could not afford the ones on sale at the World Championship.
‘I know what he means, but listen, why not?’ Doherty told Metro. ‘I know it’s the home of the World Championship, but it can be the home of the World Seniors Championship as well.
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‘It’s a special event, so why not? It’s hard to get tickets for the World Championship. It’s a little bit easier for this, but still, there’s been great crowds and the atmosphere is electric. No, I think it’s a great idea to have it here.’
White opened his Seniors campaign with a win over Daniel Ward on Thursday afternoon, saying ahead of the match of a return to the Crucible: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing.
‘This is why you play. The Seniors is a big event for us because the winner gets in the Champion of Champions.
‘Also, you’re playing in the Crucible Theatre. You know, I’m so lucky to still be playing.’
A theatre that was forced to close because of reinforced autoclave aerated concrete (RAAC) being found in the building is set to reopen this month. Key Theatre in Peterborough has confirmed its reopening following essential roof works carried out over the last year.
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According to Landmark Theatres, the company which runs the theatre, a small number of “unforeseen” issues have resulted in a short delay to the reopening of the main auditorium. The theatre is now set to officially reopen on Friday, May 22.
Due to the delay, a number of schedules performances have been affected including Physic Sally, on Friday, May 8, Tom Brace Saws Himself in Half on Saturday, May 9, High School Musical on Saturday, May 16, Country Hits Live on Sunday, May 17 and The Comedy Network on Thursday, May 21. All customers are due to be contacted via email to advise of any changes. The Studio Theatre and the Chalkboard cafe remain open during the work.
RAAC deteriorates over time, which leads to structural and safety issues with the building. The improvements aim to safeguard the building and enhance the experience for future audiences, artists and the wider community.
Head of Content and Business Development at Landmark Theatres Natalie Phillips said: “While this revised timeline reflects the complexities of completing major building works within a live performance venue, the Key Theatre looks forward to celebrating its return as a vibrant cultural hub for audiences, artists and the wider community
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“As the team works to reschedule performances or arrange refunds, phone lines are expected to be exceptionally busy. Customers are kindly asked for patience during this time, with reassurance that every effort is being made to contact anyone affected as quickly as possible”.
The pleated shorts would be a great addition to your summer wardrobe
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If you are not a fan of wearing denim shorts throughout the summer, there are plenty of alternative options that might be more comfortable. Tesco’s clothing brand F&F has lots of skirts and shorts in stock for the new season that you might prefer to regular denim.
The shorts have been “designed with pleated accents and belt loops” and have side pockets for extra utility. The pleated shorts cost £22.50 while the waistcoat is being sold for £19.50.
The smart shorts were shared to the Tesco F&F Instagram page, which currently has 890K followers. The post was captioned: “Something blue. The three -piece suit your wardrobe needs this season. Waistcoat, £19.50. Shorts, £22.50. Blazer, £42.00. #FandFClothing #StyleItOut.”
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If you want to get your hands on the pleated shorts or the waistcoat, you can go to the Tesco website to browse all of its clothes. You can also go in person to a Tesco store with a clothing department.
If these shorts are not quite inline with your style, Boden has some other choices for the summer. There are these Crochet Shorts, which would look cute with a plain vest top, or these Islington Linen Shorts that reviews say are “great”.
Hay fever affects around 26 per cent of adults and between 10 and 15 per cent of children in the UK, meaning spring can bring more frustration than excitement for millions. Fortunately, a few practical adjustments at home and in everyday routines can help reduce symptoms. Owena Cleary, Director of CPR First Aid Training, has set out guidance on what to watch for, when to stay indoors, and how to stop pollen from affecting your life.
The allegations first surfaced on Hulton Estate Area Residents Together Facebook page last week and now Peel Land have issued a statement after being approached by The Bolton News.
The post stated that members of Bolton’s Hulton Estate were served with section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notices.
The post was put up on Thursday, April 30, shortly before the new Renters Rights Act banned no-fault evictions from May 1.
Computer generate image of the golf course (Image: NQ)
Peel Land is hoping to develop the area into a Ryder Cup-ready golf course with its Hulton Park plan, which coincides with Peel Land’s planned 1450-home Lee Hall development.
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The Bolton News put the claims to Peel Land, about Section 21 eviction notices being served tenants on the Hulton Estate in Bolton.”
A spokesperson for Peel Land Group responded: “The aspiration of securing the Ryder Cup at Hulton Park is well known and as this moves forward, we continue to ensure the site is available for development in line with these aspirations whilst keeping all occupiers aware of the timing.”
Michael Smith, Westhoughton resident and golfer, is sceptical that the planned course will be able to secure the Ryder Cup (Image: Dan Dougherty)
Peel Land’s Hulton Park development plans to develop an 18-hole golf course created on the grounds of the historic Hulton Hall estate, owned for 800 years by Bolton’s wealthy Hulton family.
The business purchased the land from the Hulton family in 2010.
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The development is closely linked to Lee Hall, Peel Land’s plan for up to 1,450 new houses near Westhoughton.
The plans were originally considered together, with plans for the houses dependent on Peel Land’s ability to secure the Ryder Cup for its planned golf course.
The notoriously congested Chequerbent roundabout (Image: LDRS)
But the plans are now separate, with the golf course handled by Peel Retail and Leisure, and the Lee Hall homes handled by Peel Land.
The developments are not without controversy, with residents concerned that Westhoughton has neither the amenities nor capacity to handle such an influx of people.
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Hulton Estate is where the new golf course is planned.
Separate ‘Good Growth’ funding also included £69.8m for the Park Avenue link road west of Bolton, the first phase of the wider 18‑kilometre M61–M6 Northfold east‑west link road from Bolton to Wigan.
Bukayo Saka’s return could be key in Arsenal’s pursuit of a historic double, says Emmanuel Petit (Picture: Getty)
Emmanuel Petit says Bukayo Saka’s timely return could be what proves the difference if Arsenal are to go on and enjoy success in the Premier League and Champions League.
It’s been a somewhat frustrating season for the England international from a personal perspective, with a combination of form and fitness limiting his effectiveness for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta has been cautious with Saka’s transition back into the team, eager not to risk further injury. The 24-year-old was again used as a substitute in Arsenal’s semi-final first leg with Atletico Madrid before coming off at half-time against Fulham.
He will be looking to pick up where he left off at West Ham this weekend, with Arsenal switching their focus back to Premier League matters in the wake of Manchester City’s slip-up at Everton.
Saka scored the decisive goal as Arsenal saw off Atleti to reach the Champions League final (Picture: Getty)
Arteta’s men will take on the holders PSG on May 30 (Picture: Getty)
‘Viktor Gyokeres was missing Bukayo Saka; he was out for months, while Martin Odegaard spent long periods on the bench. Can you imagine where Arsenal would’ve been if those players had been fit all season?’ ex-Arsenal midfielder wrote in his BOYLE Sports column.
‘We can see now how badly Saka was missed; his return might be what wins Arsenal the Premier League and the Champions League.
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‘Without him, it could’ve been nothing. I think he’s mentally and physically fresh. He’s got some life in his legs; Arteta is managing him carefully because you cannot take any risks with him.
‘They still have four games to play, three in the Premier League and one Champions League final.
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‘So, don’t rush him. They are winning games, and he’s been important in the last few.
‘The next game againstWest Ham will be very important for both teams. I presume Saka will be crucial. Saka and Odegaard have been among their best players for years. They were missing those guys.
‘It’s like asking Pep Guardiola playing without Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.’
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Arsenal hold a five-point advantage in the league after City’s slip-up at Everton (Picture: Getty)
Petit is convinced it will be Arsenal’s year in the Premier League and believes the fanbase should be satisfied if that turns out to be the only trophy they get their hands on this season.
‘Arsenal could win both trophies, but after what they have been through over the last few seasons, the Premier League would be enough,’ the 1998 France World Cup winner explained.
‘What I would say is that it’s not a coincidence that they can win the Champions League for the first time and end their Premier League drought in the same season; things happen for a reason.
‘Arsenal are going to win the Premier League. Even after losing at City 2-1 and dropping the nine-point advantage they had, I was always confident because I knew those guys were going to come back.
‘I didn’t see City winning every single game. And this is exactly what happened against Everton, but it could still go down to goal difference.
‘The last three games for Arsenal are West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace. Two derbies and one against Burnley, who are already down. You could say it’s nine points, but West Ham will probably play like it’s a final.
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‘But if you look at City ‘s schedule, they play against top teams who are very confident, actually. They have to go to Bournemouth . Look at Bournemouth ; they have been one of the best teams in the Premier League for weeks now.
‘The same with Brighton , and City play Aston Villa in the last game. Aston Villa are struggling to keep their position on the table. So I wish City good luck as well, but as I said, I see Arsenal winning the Premier League.
‘I’m not sure about the Champions League final, but I think if you ask me to decide, I will take both. But if I have to make a choice, I will say the Premier League first.’
The Gunners will be appearing in their second-ever Champions League final later this month (Picture: Getty)
According to Petit, nobody will remember how Arsenal reached the Champions League final – and Arteta’s squad should try to block out any ‘noise’ and criticism surrounding their style of play.
He added: ‘Arsenal controlled the tie against Atletico, but again we heard the same critics again, a lot of people are complaining about the level of display, the way both teams were playing, very tactically, very strong structure defensively.
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‘Arsenal did what it takes to go to the Champions League final. So I think it’s a huge improvement.
PSG overcame Bayern to keep their Champions League defence alive (Picture: Getty)
‘The critics talk about how Arsenal play, the fact that they struggle to score goals, but they’ve been in almost every single competition until the end, except the FA Cup .
‘This is the only team in Europe who has done that. And despite the fact that they are struggling to score goals, they still win games. And I think this is the most important.
‘History will remember the trophies for a couple of years. Who cares about how Arsenal reached the final? To be honest with you, let the noises spread and stay focused on the Premier League and the Champions League final.’
Arsenal are yet to be beaten in Europe’s premier club competition (Picture: Getty)
Asked if Arsenal would have preferred PSG or Bayern Munich in the final, Petit replied: ‘I don’t think Arsenal would prefer either PSG or Bayern in the final.
‘They play similar types of explosive attacking football, and Arsenal play more tactically.
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‘PSG and Bayern have been the most impressive teams in the Champions League this season, with a DNA of scoring goals; Arsenal have been the best defensive team.
‘I think either way, Arsenal would be underdogs, but if they play their tactical game, they have a real chance of winning the Champions League for the first time.’
Gyokeres shone against Atleti on a famous night at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)
Petit, who won the Premier League with Arsenal in 1998, has been mightily impressed by the way in which Gyokeres has managed to turn his fortunes around after a rocky start to his Gunners career.
And though Petit acknowledges that Gyokeres ‘is not the most gifted’ centre-forward, he believes the Swede’s ‘100 per cent’ commitment has made him a ‘nightmare’ for opposition defences in recent matches.
‘Viktor Gyokeres is not a romantic player, nor is he the most gifted player. But honestly, I was thinking about the central defenders of Atletico Madrid,’ he continued.
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Who will win this year’s Champions League?
‘Robin Le Normand was substituted, and the others found it so difficult for them to mark him.
‘Gyokeres gives 100 per cent every time he’s on the pitch. I know that it’s not enough when you play for Arsenal, you want something more romantic after the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry.
‘You could say that Arsenal deserves a striker like that. But this guy, despite the critics, despite the pressure, is trying everything he can on the pitch to make a difference.
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‘Recently, he has been a nightmare for defenders. He ran the channels; he held up the ball.
‘He missed this great opportunity in the second half. He should have done better, but it was quite difficult technically. He was very important in both games.’
Three silver salvers awarded to legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton will appear in Ryedale Auctioneers ‘Country House Sale: The Yorkshire Collection’ on Friday June, 12.
The silver salvers were given to Peter for being the most capped England player, his 1000th football league appearance, and for his MBE.
Peter made his debut in November 1970 at Wembley Stadium in a friendly between East Germany and England, where he stepped in for World Cup winning keeper, Gordon Banks, at 21-years-old.
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This truly kickstarted his career as he went on to become England’s most capped player with a record 125 appearances, his last one being the world cup finals in 1990s World Cup, Italy. The IFFHS ranked Shilton among the Top 10 Keepers of the 20th Century.
The Nottingham Forest player earned these Silver Salver’s for: commemorating his 100th appearance for England 1988, to mark his 1,000th Football League appearance, and a merit award (1990) for his ‘outstanding contribution to professional football’.
Each Salver will appear as a single lot, all having their own estimates: Merit Award estimated £5,000-£7,000, 1000th Football League Appearance estimated £7,000-£10,000, and the 100th Cap £,7000-£10,000, all, plus auction fees, are definitely going to catch the eye of England football fans.
Auctioneer and owner of Kirkbymoorside-based Ryedale Auctioneers, Angus Ashworth, said: “We are incredibly honoured to be given the opportunity to sell these silver salvers, especially as they are owned by one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time.”.
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The Country House Sale: The Yorkshire Collection, will be held on Friday, June 12 at Ryedale Auctioneers, Kirkbymoorside,
For more information go to www.ryedaleauctioneers.com
Treat yourself to some good, old fashioned luxury by indulgimg in brunch with champagne at Sette, Knightsbridge. Manhattan glamour, but minus thehelft price tag, with a generous 43% off.
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Or, enjoy 25% off at the world’s best bowling alley, and while you’re there tuck into pizza and drinks. An evening of fun guaranteeed.
If you fancing honing a different skill, indulge in a trendy BYOB pasta making class. Tune into your inner chef and make a delcious dish, without breaking the bank.
Welcome to the Slice
The Slice is your weekly guide to what’s happening in London, so if you’re looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll be in your inbox every week, bringing you expert reviews, exclusive deals and the latest events. Sign up here.
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It’s all here and more in these 10 incredible offers, discounts and deals.
Things to do in London this week
Enjoy three courses at Skylon on the South Bank for £28
Dinner on the South Bank can feel like a splurge, but Skylon’s set menu serves up style without the hefty price tag. Now £28 (down from £35), the three-course line-up features starters like smoked salmon or courgette with cashew mousse, comforting mains and desserts such as sticky toffee pudding – all enjoyed with sweeping Thames views from the Royal Festival Hall. Perfect for pre-theatre, date night or a chic riverside stop-off.
43% off weekend brunch and Champagne at Sette Restaurant Knightsbridge
Sette brings a slice of Manhattan glamour to Knightsbridge, serving polished Italian dishes with a confident New York edge. Tucked inside the Bvlgari Hotel but operating entirely on its own terms, the dining room feels discreet, stylish and quietly indulgent. This offer makes it the perfect excuse to linger over two or three courses, raise a glass of Ruinart and enjoy Italian comfort cooking in one of London’s most elegant settings, all at a generous discount.
Get three courses and glass of Champagne at Dear Jackie, Broadwick Soho for £38
Broadwick Soho arrived with serious flair in 2023 and has been serving up a hit of West End glamour, that feels both indulgent and effortlessly cool ever since. Tucked inside the hotel, Dear Jackie is its seductive Italian dining room, all Murano glow, red silk walls and plush booths that could tell a few stories. The menu leans into refined Italian comfort with superior pasta and reimagined classics, making it an ideal spot to settle in for dinner. With this exclusive Time Out offer, you can sink into Soho’s newest slice of dolce vita decadence for less with a three courses set meun and a glass of Champagne (worth £22). The perfect pre-theatre treat or the start of a night that might run on far longer than planned.
Three sharing courses and a cocktail at Gouqi by Tong Chee Hwee for £35
Chef Tong returns to London’s dining scene at Gouqi, bringing his acclaimed expertise from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hakkasan. Enjoy top-tier dining for just £35 per person (down from £45) , featuring a Supreme royal dim sum platter, Taiwanese three-cup chicken pot, or Claypot silken egg tofu with seasonal vegetables and steamed jasmine rice. Experience elevated Chinese cuisine that delights!
Get 25% off bowling, pizza and drink at the world’s best bowling alley*
Experience bowling like never before at Vintners Lanes, Greenwich’s newest boutique hotspot, where industrial-chic design meets vintage charm. Recently crowned Best in the World at the 40th Annual Bowling Centre Architecture and Design Awards, this six-lane stunner serves up more than just strikes. With this exclusive offer, score 25% off a game of bowling, a fresh pizza, and your choice of pint, glass of wine, spirit and mixer or soft drink. Just fancy the lanes? You can grab a bowling session on its own from just £8.95 — the perfect reason to gather your mates and bowl the night away.
60% off the ultimate BYOB pasta making class at Ann’s Smart School of Cookery
If your idea of pasta-making is tearing open a packet, it might be time to level up. Ann’s Smart School of Cookery has been running for nearly two decades, teaching thousands of Londoners (and beyond) how to turn out restaurant-worthy dishes in a laid-back, hands-on setting. For this class, you’ll be guided by professional chefs through an Italian-inspired menu: fluffy focaccia with balsamic dip, fresh spinach and ricotta cannelloni in a proper tomato sauce, and a creamy asparagus risotto with rocket. You’ll cook, taste and pick up kitchen tips you’ll actually use back home. Whether you fancy showing off to mates at your next dinner party or just want to sharpen your skills, this is a delicious way to spend an autumn afternoon.
Enjoy a Tapas Fiesta menu to share at Salt Yard Goodge Street for £30
Savour Spanish-Italian fusion with a mouthwatering small-plate feast at Salt Yard for just £30 per person. Enjoy dishes like padron peppers, poached chorizo picante, and truffle arancino, all crafted by Head Chef Panajot Prifti, plus cinnamon-dipped churros to finish. Don’t miss this unbeatable dining experience!
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases linked to the hantavirus-hit cruise ship have risen
Global health officials have said the number of hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship have risen, with more cases ‘possible’.
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The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday (May 7) there are now five confirmed cases of hantavirus in the outbreak linked to the Dutch-flagged cruise ship, MV Hondius – up from two confirmed cases on May 4.
A total of eight cases of the virus have been reported, with five cases confirmed and three suspected, Tedros Ghebreyesus told reporters.
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He added that it is ‘possible’ that more cases may be confirmed due to the long incubation period of the virus, which can be ‘up to six weeks’.
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He said: “WHO is aware of reports of other people with symptoms who may have had contact with one of the passengers. In each case, we are in close contact with the relevant authorities.
“Given the incubation period of the Andes virus, which can be up to six weeks, it’s possible that more cases may be reported.”
The strain involved in the outbreak is called the Andes virus – the only known hantavirus strain capable of spreading between humans. It is most likely to be transmitted between household members, intimate partners and people providing medical care, Dr Ghebreyesus said.
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Three passengers have died amid the outbreak, while four others have been medically evacuated from the ship for treatment. Two British passengers who were medically evacuated from the ship are improving, global health officials have said.
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, director of the department of epidemic and pandemic threat management at the WHO said two patients, including one Brit, remain in hospital in the Netherlands, while a British passenger is in intensive care in South Africa.
She told a WHO press briefing: “And I am very happy to say the patient in South Africa is doing better, and the two patients in the Netherlands we hear are stable. So that is actually very good news.”
Is hantavirus the ‘new Covid pandemic’?
The WHO said in a previous update that there was growing evidence of limited human-to-human transmission among close contacts on board MV Hondius, which is rare for hantaviruses.
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Hantaviruses are usually spread by rodents, particularly rats. People can become infected with direct contact with rodent urine, saliva or droppings.
But unlike more contagious viruses like Covid-19 and flu, which spread more easily, hantavirus is rarely infectious
In an update on Thursday, Dr Van Kerkhove stressed it was not the start of a pandemic, saying: “This is not coronavirus. This is a very different virus. We know this virus, hantaviruses have been around for quite a while…But I want to be unequivocal here – this is not SARS-CoV-2; this is not the start of a Covid pandemic.”
The WHO’s Abdirahman Sheikh Mahamud described the outbreak is ‘a cluster in a confined space with close contact’.
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He said: “We don’t anticipate a large epidemic with experience our member states have and the actions they have taken. We believe that this will not lead to subsequent chain of transmission.”
While experts stress the infection is ‘serious’, the virus is typically only spread with close and sustained contact.
As Prof Ellen Brooks Pollock, Professor in Infectious Disease Modelling, University of Bristol, explained: “Clusters of Hantavirus usually involve a limited number of people, but as we’ve seen, infection is serious.
“Where person-to-person transmission has been documented, it is usually with sustained and close contact, so the risk to the general population is low.
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“However, symptoms can take weeks to appear, so it’s important that the individuals that have returned to the UK refrain from close contact with others for a period of weeks.”
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