“I came home and came out as a lesbian. I’ve lost friends over it, but if you don’t like me for me, I don’t care.”

Channel 5’s new “fish-out-of-water” series led to some major lifestyle revelations for 23-year-old Bridie from Salford.

Trading Places is a brand new series which sees three young people taken away from everything they know for a week to live in a very different world by different rules – leading to some pretty eye-opening experiences and results.

Bridie hails from Salford and is a TikTok fashion influencer, as well as a fashion design student. She has an impressive amount of clothing to fill five wardrobes, rarely repeating an outfit more than once.

Although the hit of dopamine arrives when getting a new parcel from online shopping, Bridie admitted that she’s constantly glued to her phone, and has started to feel guilty about how much she wastes and is worried that her world has become too shallow. She’s now on the search for a more meaningful life.

Having stepped back in time to a 60s-inspired off-grid hippy commune which puts people and the planet first, Bridie spoke with the Manchester Evening News about her time living a different lifestyle to her own.

She said: “It was a big step out of my comfort zone and not really being on my phone, being outside a lot. I do like being outside, it was quite whimsical which is very different from the Salford city life that I’m used to. It’s really busy and I’m just doing things all the time, it was nice to be in nature with genuine people.”

Bridie then admitted that being on the show felt like “such a breath of fresh air” as she continued: “On the first day of shooting, I actually didn’t even wear any makeup and that is not me. I used to not leave the house without makeup on.

“I was like, ‘I don’t need this’. To be on camera, and you’ve got four massive cameras and they’re really good quality and I’ve got no makeup on, that just says it all to be honest.”

She went on to exclaim how “ordering loads of parcels” and “getting free stuff on TikTok” started to feel “ridiculous”, adding: “There’s so much more to life than parcels and all of this on the surface stuff. It’s so much deeper than that and being out there definitely made me reconsider things and be more present in my life.”

Bridie revealed that her “life totally changed” after she wrapped up filming the series, and shared: “I came home and came out as a lesbian. I’ve lost friends over it, but if you don’t like me for me, I don’t care.” She went onto add that she’s now focusing on making “funny, relatable” content on TikTok with her girlfriend whom she met through the app.

Touching on what she hopes viewers will take from her story on Trading Places, Bridie said: “I want to encourage more young girls to be themselves, as opposed to being who they think society needs them to be. I am feminine presenting, but my personality is a bit more masculine, and that’s fine, that’s normal.

“But, women are told, sit with your legs crossed, don’t be loud, don’t make loud jokes. Who cares? At the end of the day we all come from a woman. Just for people to be themselves and not care.”

Bridie praised Channel 5 adding that she “felt really looked after”, dubbing the series as an “amazing” experience. She shared how she celebrated turning 23-years-old while filming, adding that her birthday is really important to her because as a Buddhist she doesn’t celebrate Christmas.

She gushed: “After two days, they felt like my family and I got so many gifts, people made me things, they had to buy me a whole new suitcase so I could bring everything home! They made it so special.”

You can catch the first episode of Trading Places on Sunday May 10 at 9pm on Channel 5

A man has been left with life-threatening injuries after a car slammed into a group of pedestrians in a town centre.

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a red Vauxhall Astra collided with several people at 1.12am on Saturday following an ‘altercation’ in the centre of Arnold, Nottinghamshire.

One man sustained life-threatening injuries while four other men were injured less severely in the incident.

The 40-year-old driver fled and abandoned his vehicle following the crash.

Counter terrorism police are not involved in the investigation.

Roads closed in the area as a result of the incident have since reopened, police confirmed.

DCI Ruby Burrow, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘We have shared this important update with the family of the seriously injured man and they are being supported by specialist officers.

‘We would ask that people do not speculate about the circumstances around the incident and respect the privacy of those involved.

‘Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are keeping an open mind while these extensive inquiries continue. We’d like to thank those members of the public who have shared information with us, but still want to hear from anyone else who can assist.

‘Anyone who has relevant dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage should also get in touch and share it with the investigation team.

‘All road closures in the area have now been lifted and we’d like to thank local people for their understanding.’

Witnesses or anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 46 of May 9 or Crimestoppers to stay anonymous.

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Locals have raised multiple concerns about the development of 77 homes including negative impacts on local services and road structures

Plans to build 77 homes in Yaxley have faced backlash from people living near to the proposed development site. Neighbours have shared concerns about the negative impact the “eyesore” development could have on sewerage, road structures and local services.

The homes are proposed to be built on land south of Main Street in Yaxley including the demolition of two buildings. Of the 77 homes, a minimum of 40 per cent are proposed to be made available as affordable housing, totalling to 31 units. Allison Homes said its proposals would deliver “high-quality, well-detailed, traditionally styled new homes” that “fosters a sense of ownership and community pride”.

The design statement says: “As a large portion of the site is located within flood zones 2 and 3, all layouts designed had this factor in mind, with open space buffers proposed to keep dwellings away from the flood zone areas.”

The full planning application submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council aims to provide pedestrian connections to the wider settlement and significant areas for open space, including a play area. The proposed houses would be a mixed size of one, two, three and four beds with the majority being two and three bedroom size.

Plans for the new homes has seen local backlash, with over 15 objections lodged so far. One objector said that whilst they know there is “need for more housing” they feel sites “are nothing but an eyesore on our landscape and our amenities, with no care for the residence of these communities”. The local feels like this proposal would be “madness” and is concerned about the road structures which “can’t handle it and nor can the residence”.

Concerns were also raised that the “ludicrous” development would lead to flooding, sewerage and parking problems becoming “significantly worse”. The objector added: “To compound the unsuitability of the idea is the fact the doctors surgery and all the schools are already hugely oversubscribed and unable to cope with current demand.”

A similar objection was raised by another local regarding the negative impacts on the local sewage network which the objector believes is “operating at or beyond capacity”. The concerned local said: “The pumping station at the corner of Windsor Road and Main Street already requires frequent ,heavy tankering to manage existing overflows. Adding more dwellings will exacerbate this infrastructure failure, increasing the risk of sewage backup and surface water flooding for established neighbouring properties.”

Another said that “the scale, density ,and visual impact of a development of this size would irreversibly alter the rural and open nature of the area, eroding the very qualities the designation is meant to protect.”

Alex Fitzpatrick hit a sparkling seven-under-par 64 to seize a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow.

The 27-year-old younger brother of former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick produced an inspired display, carding eight birdies to move to 14 under par and put himself in pole position for a maiden individual PGA Tour title.

Fitzpatrick leads Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan, who also posted a 64, by a single stroke.

It is just a fortnight since the Fitzpatrick brothers won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans pairs event, which secured a two-year tour card for Alex, who is ranked 120th in the world.

World number two Rory McIlroy, a four-time winner at this venue, suffered a frustrating Saturday, carding a four-over-par 75 to fall out of contention.

Starting the day two shots off the lead, Fitzpatrick surged forward with five birdies on the front nine.

Despite a stumble with a bogey at the 16th, he responded immediately by sinking an eight-foot putt for birdie at the par-three 17th to regain his narrow advantage.

“The one thing that I kind of did a really good job today was embracing everything that’s going on,” Fitzpatrick said.

“I had so much support out there, which was amazing.

“I would love to win. I would give a lot to win. But also if winning doesn’t happen, I would hope it would happen at some point. As long as I can go out and enjoy it, that’s all I can do.”

In contrast, McIlroy’s bid for another victory – following his triumph at The Masters last month – collapsed on a difficult afternoon in Charlotte for the man from Northern Ireland.

Six bogeys meant he slid down the leaderboard to one under par, leaving him 13 shots adrift of the leader.

American Cameron Young carded the lowest round of the day, a sensational eight-under 63, to sit alone in third at 12 under. Young, who won last week’s Cadillac Championship, had his only dropped shot at 18, where a wayward tee shot proved costly.

South Korea’s Sungjae Im, the halfway leader, sits at 10 under after a 70, alongside Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard whose 67 put him firmly in contention.

England’s Tommy Fleetwood remains in the hunt after a 70, sitting in a tie for sixth at nine under par alongside two-time major winner Justin Thomas.

Scotland’s ‘biggest’ all-you-can-eat buffet boasts more than 300 dishes across Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Japanese cuisines, alongside a large grill and a dessert station nicknamed “Candyland”

Many of us enjoy treating ourselves to an all-you-can-eat buffet from time to time, and if that’s you, then you may want to head to what’s been dubbed Scotland’s ‘biggest’. Hot World Cusine boasts more than 300 dishes covering Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Japanese cuisines, plus a sizeable grill and a dessert area dubbed “Candyland”.

Food content creator Akhi – who goes by @munchingakhi on Instagram – has now taken to the platform to share his visit to the establishment, which has locations in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Akhi, hailing from Manchester, informed followers: “You can indulge in unlimited Tomahawk steak, unlimited carvery, more than 100 desserts and three chocolate fountains.

“There’s also unlimited lamp chops and more than 350 dishes from around the world.

“This place was truly spectacular.”

The food enthusiast revealed Italian, Indian and Chinese were among the cuisines he tried at the venue and mentioned he enjoyed an “endless amount of starters”.

He also noted there was wood-fired pizza, unlimited doner kebabs and unlimited salmon available.

Akhi informed followers: “It has everything you could ever desire.

“I don’t think you’ll have ever seen an all-you-can-eat buffet like this.”

People were lapping up the post as it went viral – clocking up over 3,000 likes.

One commenter quipped: “Give me the meat,” while another joked they were ‘now moving’ to be closer to it.

Key details about the restaurant

Locations: Glasgow: 251 Paisley Road, G5 8RA, Edinburgh: 118-126 Dalry Road, EH11 2EZ

Opening Times: Open seven days weekly, generally between 12pm and 10pm

House Rules: The establishment doesn’t stock alcohol but welcomes patrons to bring their own beverages without charging corkage.

Bookings: Advised for larger parties; reservations can be made via their official website or by ringing 0131 201 2226.

Cost

Pricing differs slightly based on which day you visit:

Monday – Thursday: £23.99 per adult

Friday – Sunday: £25.99 per adult

Young diners (under 145cm): £10.99

Tots under 3: Complimentary

Theme Days Throughout the Week

While the complete buffet remains on offer daily, they showcase additional treats:

Monday: Mexican (e.g., tacos and enchiladas

Tuesday: Italian focus (extra pizzas and pastas)

Wednesday: Wings Fest (unlimited wings)

Thursday: Meat Feast (including halal Tomahawk steaks)

Friday: Chip Shop Favourites (e.g., deep-fried Mars bars)

Sunday: Unlimited Sunday Roast

The Dolphin Centre, on Horsemarket, said that it would need to carry out disinfection and water treatment to three of the pools, including the main one, the diving pool, and the toddler pool.

During the closure, swimming lessons will continue in the training pool, which hasn’t been impacted by this incident.

The venue said that it hoped to reopen all of the pools by Tuesday (May 12), but that people should check all of the details about reopening on its website.

In a statement online, the Dolphin Centre said: “Due to a faecal incident, the main pool, diving pool and toddler pool are closed to allow for mandatory cleaning, disinfection and water treatment procedures.

“The training pool is unaffected and remains open for swimming lessons.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

“All pools will reopen on Tuesday. Please visit the website to confirm the time of reopening.”

A British female celebrity has had an alleged affair with a sports star reportedly leaked alongside ‘thousands of intimate images’.

The woman has been described as a ‘high-profile personality and entrepreneur’ who is believed to be British.

American cybersecurity expert and researcher, Jeremiah Fowler, allegedly came across the leak, which had been online for at least two weeks.

Fowler hasn’t revealed the woman’s identity after the information claimed she had been having an affair with a ‘well-known sportsman’.

He told The Sun on Sunday: ‘They were both married. The type of data that was there would have been very damaging. It was clear there was an affair going on with a prominent public person.

‘This information of the affair never appeared in the media but, because the files were exposed for such a long period of time, it is highly possible that someone else accessed them and may release them at a later date or attempt to use them for some sort of extortion.’

He added: ‘I reported it to the police by email. The victim was notified but I don’t know if she also went to the police.’

The stolen data reportedly included invoices and receipts, selfies, and private chats from WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok.

Nearly 90,000 screenshots from the woman’s mobile phone are said to have been stolen.

In a blog post on the ExpressVPN website, Fowler wrote: ‘Although the case involves public figures such as celebrities and social media influencers, the underlying issue is not limited to high-profile targets.

‘The same tools used in these incidents are commonly deployed in broader cybercrime, harassment, and stalking situations affecting everyday users.

‘My goal in publishing these findings is to raise awareness about the risks posed by stalkerware.

‘By showing real examples of what this type of software can capture, readers can better understand the seriousness of the privacy violations, ways to identify and protect themselves against it, and the potential harm that it can cause.’

Those caught using stalker ware illegally can be prosecuted in the UK under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. 

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Curley’s Dining Rooms overlooks a six-acre fishing lake, with views stretching towards Rivington and, on clear days, the Fylde Coast.

I’ve constantly stopped by since 2023. Each sunny afternoon and views are amazing.

One day, I even spotted Blackpool Tower.

The business, which was officially registered as Curley’s Dining Room Limited in 2012, remains family-run.

Over the years, it has expanded beyond its roots as a daytime café for anglers and walkers.

(Image: Catherine Booth)

Since 2017, Curley’s has also offered evening dining, private events and an outdoor ice cream parlour.

After very short drives from the town centre, I’ve been numerous times simply for the ice cream. Time and time again, I’ve sat overlooking the body of water, tucking into a mint choc chip.

The restaurant has become particularly well known for its fish and chips, alongside British classics, including rag pudding, homemade pies and all-day breakfasts.

I usually go along for a mid-day ice cream on a hot day, but the inside always seems unique. It definitely highlights being that hidden gem overlooking a beautiful scene.

Its fish and chips afternoon tea has also attracted attention for putting a twist on the traditional afternoon tea experience.

And an experience it always is at Curley’s. The staff have always been kind- but they’ve always been well spirited for a laugh.

The tiered stand includes mini fish goujons and chips alongside sandwiches, soup, scones and cakes.

(Image: Angela Boor)

Alongside the restaurant sits Curley’s Ice Cream Parlour, which serves Lancashire-made Frederick’s Ice Cream from the venue’s courtyard terrace.

The venue also sources ales from local brewery Bank Top Brewery as part of its evening dining offer. As I’ve always driven in, I’ve never drank there, but a local brewery is always a bonus.

Above the main restaurant is The Ivy Suite, a renovated private events space used for weddings, birthdays and corporate events.

The venue can host between 30 and 80 guests and offers panoramic reservoir views.

One review on TripAdvisor added: “Went today had an absolutely amazing afternoon tea, all fresh and delicious, open barms, cakes, quiche & fish & chips, tea & coffee.

“Atmosphere relaxed & welcoming. Highly recommend a visit.”

(Image: Ian Guest)

Another review on TripAdvisor said: “Really enjoyed our first visit to Curley’s today for lunch. Pleasant atmosphere without being too noisy.

“Lovely view over the lake. The food and drinks were fresh and good quality, served by friendly, efficient staff.”

Curley’s has also become a popular stop-off point for walkers heading towards Rivington Pike, with the venue welcoming dogs during daytime hours.

The restaurant currently holds a Travellers’ Choice award on TripAdvisor and has received more than 1,000 reviews from visitors.

More than 25 rescue vessels were dispatched to the ‘level two mass casualty incident’

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A devastating boat explosion at a popular tourist destination has left 11 people requiring urgent hospital treatment, with one witness describing how the blast hurled several individuals into the sea before flames consumed the charter vessel.

US authorities have subsequently declared a level two mass casualty incident, after emergency services deployed more than two dozen rescue units to waters off Miami’s coast to assist those wounded in the boat explosion.

The charter vessel was operating in the waters of Biscayne Bay, close to the Sunshine State’s renowned Haulover Sandbar, when the explosion took place.

According to the Miami Herald, which had accessed audio recordings of the dispatch communications between base and emergency responders at the location, there was considerable confusion when rescue teams arrived.

The dispatcher attempted to establish how many casualties there were, with the firefighter responding: “They keep coming…. we just aren’t sure right now”, reports the Mirror.

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The audio confirmed that numerous individuals sustained burns. Several were propelled into the water by the explosion and were retrieved by fire-crew lifeboats.

The casualties were subsequently rushed to nearby fuel docks for transfer to local emergency trauma facilities, with some airlifted to hospital. Several were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Centre and Burn Centre, the publication reported.

The Miami Herald identified the vessel as a Press Cruiser 400 Express, a 40-foot cabin cruiser named Nauti Nabors, from Texas. South Florida boat captain Patrick Lee watched the horrifying incident unfold before him. He was transporting passengers aboard his tiki boat to a larger vessel moored in waters near the Haulover Sandbar, when a nearby explosion erupted.

“We saw three people fly out of the boat,” he said.

Lee described how the boat was engulfed in flames within minutes, noting that a number of casualties were carried away on stretchers by paramedics.

“I just saw a lot of them with burns all over them, and I said that it’s a hot fire,” Lee said. “It is quick, but it’s high octane gasoline, and so a lot of them got burnt, and it was an explosion.”

The veteran boat captain, with over 50 years of experience, suggested to local media that the blast was most likely triggered by exhaust fans that had not been switched on, allowing fuel fumes to become trapped on board. He speculated that when the boat’s ignition was turned over, it ignited the explosion – a theory he based upon what he had personally witnessed and his extensive decades of seafaring expertise.

“[The captain’s] people got on board, he turned the key, didn’t open the hatches, and didn’t turn on the blowers – he blew people out of the boat,” he said.

He added: “That’s the worst thing, [it was totally] preventable. I find most tragedies are from a lack of education. Many people out here shouldn’t be operating boats.”

A passenger aboard the vessel at the time of the blast, Leo, also told the Miami Herald that the explosion was caused by a gas leak. Leo, who declined to provide his surname and escaped without injury, said: “It was the worst experience of my life.”

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According to dispatch audio logs, fire crews indicated the explosion may have originated from the boat’s fuel tank.

Fire and rescue officials have since released a public statement, with the boat explosion serving as a stark reminder to “prioritise [their] safety while out on the water”.

In their official statement, Miami fire service said: “Make sure your vessel is equipped with a working fire extinguisher and all required safety equipment. Before departure, perform a thorough safety check to ensure your boat is in good working condition and free of potential hazards.

“Taking a few extra precautions can help prevent emergencies and keep everyone safe.”

The explosion and resulting boat fire is now the subject of an official investigation by the authorities, who are yet to establish the cause.

The boat’s captain emerged from the terrifying incident completely unscathed, escaping both the initial blast and the subsequent fire without harm.

TENERIFE, Spain (AP) — A hantavirus-stricken cruise ship with more than 140 people on board has arrived at Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off the coast of West Africa, where the passengers and some of the crew are to disembark.

The World Health Organization, Spanish authorities and cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions have said that nobody on board the MV Hondius is currently showing symptoms of the virus. Three people have died since the outbreak, and five passengers who left the ship are infected with hantavirus, which can cause life-threatening illness.

The ship will not dock but will remain at anchor, with people ferried off in small boats. Everyone disembarking will be checked for symptoms, and will only be taken off the ship once evacuation flights are ready to fly them to their destinations.

Hantavirus usually spreads when people inhale contaminated residue of rodent droppings and isn’t easily transmitted between people. But the Andes virus detected in the cruise ship outbreak may be able to spread between people in rare cases. Symptoms usually show between one and eight weeks after exposure.

Authorities are aiming to complete the evacuation flights on Sunday and Monday, the director of the WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, Maria Van Kerkhove, said in a briefing Saturday.

Both the U.S. and the U.K. have agreed to send planes to evacuate their citizens. Americans are to be quarantined at a medical center in Nebraska.

All Spanish passengers will be transferred to a medical facility and quarantined. Oceanwide has listed 13 Spanish passengers and one Spanish crew member on board.

Those disembarking will leave behind their luggage, and will be allowed to take only a small bag with essential items, a cellphone, charger and documentation.

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Some crew, as well as the body of a passenger who died on board, will remain on the ship, which will sail on to the Netherlands where it will undergo disinfection, Spanish authorities said.