Fans of cosy crime are in for a treat when Midsomer Murders – The Killings at Badger’s Drift makes its theatrical world premiere at Darlington Hippodrome.
The stage adaptation of the much-loved TV drama runs from Tuesday, May 19 to Saturday, May 23, with evening performances from 7.30pm.
The production brings the very first Midsomer mystery to the stage, revisiting the seemingly tranquil village of Badger’s Drift where the death of well-loved spinster Emily Simpson shocks the community.
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Her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to believe it was an accident, prompting DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy to dig beneath the village’s picture-postcard surface.
As their investigation unfolds, they uncover hidden passions, long-buried secrets, and simmering rivalries that turn this corner of rural England into the deadliest county in the country.
Audiences can expect eccentric villagers, red herrings, and a string of twists leading to an unforgettable reveal in a classic whodunnit that promises to keep them on the edge of their seats.
The show aims to capture the wit, charm, and slow-burn suspense that have made Midsomer Murders a staple of Sunday-night television while staying true to Caroline Graham’s original novel The Killings at Badger’s Drift and the long-running ITV series.
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In a particular coup for fans, the cast is led by Daniel Casey as Inspector Barnaby, returning to the world of Midsomer after originally starring as DS Gavin Troy on television.
For tickets visit the Darlington Hippodrome website or contact the box office on 01324 405405.
There were a number of countries that decided to give the UK nul points during the grand final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
As the evening got underway, Sam Battle, known as Look Mum No Computer, was seen attempting to land the UK their first Eurovision win since 1997 with his song, Eins, Zwei, Drei.
The English musician, YouTuber and electronics enthusiast performed on the 14th during the final of the biggest ever music competition, which took place on Saturday (May 16) night live from Vienna, Austria.
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Sam was seen dancing energetically with people dressed as computers. At one point, he attempted to get the crowd to sing with him, chanting: “When I say eins, you say zwei.” The star wore a pink boiler suit as performers in fluffy headwear danced in a mock workshop, while he played a synthesiser, and ended up in a cardboard box.
Here is everyone who gave the UK nul points. It is updated as results are announced.
Here is everyone who didn’t award the UK any points in the Eurovision 2025 final:
A man has been jailed after stealing a bulldozer and crashing it into a pub during opening hours.
Daniel Morgan, 35, from Aberdare, Wales admitted to aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving and criminal damage endangering life.
Morgan left The New Inn pub in Cefn Rhigos on 4 December, making threats that he would attack the venue with a bulldozer. Later that evening, Morgan went to Cefn Farm where he stole a bulldozer by driving it through the shed it was stored in.
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Morgan continued to drive the bulldozer down the main road where he hit and pushed over an Isuzu Truck. He then reached the New Inn pub, where he smashed into the front porch twice causing extensive damage.
A member of the public then tried to stop Morgan with a trailer and pickup truck by blocking the road, but he drove straight over them crushing both truck and trailer.
Shilton will appear on stage in South Shields on Friday, May 29th, for an evening of conversation with broadcaster Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough at Hedworth Hall, where he will reflect on his football career and personal challenges, including his battle with gambling.
His visit follows the recent launch of Shiltons’ Silverlining, a gambling harm charity he started with his wife, Steph, at an event at Wembley.
The charity is inspired by their experience of addiction and recovery and aims to help others avoid similar struggles.
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Mr Shilton said: “I’ve always had a great link with fans in the North East and supporters of Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland were always brilliant to me when I played at the old Roker Park, Ayresome Park and St James’ Park.
“You can be sure that some supporters will sadly have had their lives affected by gambling and the huge impact it can have on families.
“It’s totally devastating and I want to do my bit for them and their family and friends because it affects so many people around them too.
“I’ll certainly be highlighting it in my lifetime look back when I’m in South Shields on May 29th because if our story helps even one person that night and they seek support then it’s worth speaking about.”
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The charity launch comes just weeks before Shilton’s South Shields appearance, giving fans a chance to hear first-hand accounts from one of England’s football legends, both on and off the pitch.
Mr Shilton has spoken openly about how gambling cost him much of the wealth he earned during his career and has shared the emotional impact it had on his family.
His wife, Steph, revealed that during the height of his addiction, she feared he was messaging another woman, only to later discover he was hiding a gambling problem.
Their aim with Shiltons’ Silverlining is to raise awareness of gambling harm and support those in similar situations.
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An Evening with Peter Shilton will start at 8pm at Hedworth Hall’s Temple Room.
Tickets cost £30 and include a meal.
They can be booked by calling Hedworth Hall on 0191 456 3112.
Chelsea are also facing cultural issues that continue to undermine progress. These were brought into focus by a protest march involving around 200 fans on Wembley Way on Saturday.
There is a growing disconnect between supporters and the club, as well as fans and players. In some cases, there are also divisions within the squad and between players and the wider organisation.
The hope is someone of Alonso’s status and authority can help address that, reinforcing the club’s ambition and improving communication with both players and supporters.
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On the pitch, he will be tasked with improving the team mentally, physically and tactically. Questions have been asked about the squad’s mentality, with accusations of players “downing tools” this term, having the worst disciplinary record in the division, and a poor record in key matches.
That includes a 14-game winless run against Manchester City and seven consecutive defeats in domestic cup finals.
Physically, Chelsea have been outperformed by opponents, having covered less distance than any other team in the Premier League this season, aside from a single exception at Anfield in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool last weekend.
Defensively, problems under Maresca earlier in the campaign evolved into wider issues at both ends of the pitch under Rosenior, whose six-game losing run without scoring ultimately led to his exit.
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It was a closely fought match against Pep Guardiola’s side, but interim boss Calum McFarlane was left bemoaning the fact “football can be cruel”, believing his side deserved at least one penalty.
He added: “It’s a really talented group – there’s lots of quality. The fight and heart have been questioned at times, but in the last two performances I don’t think you can question that.”
There is quality, but plenty of work still to be done. Chelsea have a furious fanbase and gone from Maresca, Rosenior, McFarlane and now to Alonso in five months.
It’s an ownership under scrutiny and Alonso has much to do, and a tough task in trying to bring it all together.
A member of staff at the Northern Trust’s Recovery College has described how her own mental health journey inspired her to help others
A member of staff at the Northern Trust’s Recovery College has spoken about how her own mental health struggles have inspired her to help others.
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Margarette O’Donnell works as a peer trainer with the college, and she credits it with bringing hope back into her life when she needed it the most.
After a recent difficult period, she was admitted to the Ross Thompson Unit at Causeway Hospital, and is now sharing her story to raise awareness during Mental Health Awareness Week.
For a lot of people, asking for help can feel like the hardest step. For Marzarette, the fear of what people would think once stood in her way of getting the support she needed – until it all became too much.
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“I was losing the battle day by day. All I wanted was for everything to be okay and not to have to pretend, until I couldn’t do it anymore”, she said.
During those first weeks of admission, Margarette explained how hopeless she felt:
“I felt no better than the day I was admitted – having no hope, or want for my life to go on”, she recalled.
Until one day, something changed for Margarette. While in hospital, she was invited to attend an introduction session to WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), delivered by The Recovery College.
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“At the time, I didn’t think it would make a difference,” she admitted. “I was just going through the motions – doing what was expected, putting on a brave face, but feeling no better.”
During the session, participants were tasked with writing down five things that mattered to them, then one was taken away.
“When I looked and saw what was left and what was missing, I quickly realised that I did have hope”, she explained.
“This was the moment I realised I wanted things to change, I did have hope and my hopes were worth fighting for.”
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Margarette hopes that sharing her experience highlights not only the importance of seeking support but the power of a recovery-focused approach.
The Recovery College aims to provide a safe, educational space where people can build skills, confidence, and understanding to manage their mental health.
“This is when everything started to change for me,” she said. “The Recovery College brought hope back into my life.”
Margarette continued to take part in a range of college courses before deciding she wanted to become a Peer Trainer and help others.
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She began volunteering and when an opportunity arose, she successfully applied for a Peer Trainer role.
“Seven years on and I am loving every moment of it.
“Words cannot express how grateful I am to the Recovery College and mental health professionals who have supported me on my journey”, she said.
Margarette feels neither stigma nor shame in opening up about her journey with someone’s lived experience being an important part of The Recovery College’s vision.
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She now says with pride: “My name is Margarette. I am a Peer Trainer at the Recovery College, and I have lived experience of mental health challenges.”
The Northern Trust Recovery College continues to offer a wide range of courses designed to support wellbeing, resilience, and recovery for students across the Northern Trust area.
“The College invites us all to learn how to support ourselves and others through challenges,” Margarette said. “Every experience is unique but together, we learn the tools we need.”
Trump shared a graphic comparing the reflecting pool’s 2,030-foot length to the height of iconic skyscrapers, including New York City’s Empire State Building (1,454 feet) and One World Trade Center (1,776 feet), along with Chicago’s Willis Tower (1,451 feet).
“The Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, approximately 2,030 feet, versus the tallest buildings in the U.S.A,” the president wrote on Truth Social Saturday.
As part of Trump’s renovations, the reflecting pool’s basin will be coated in “American flag blue.” The president said the project will use “industrial strength materials,” giving the reflecting pool “a longer life, and a better look.”
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The “goal” is to complete the project before July 4, America’s 250th anniversary, Trump added.
President Donald Trump shared a new Truth Social post boasting about his administration’s renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (AP)
Virginia-based company Atlantic Industrial Coatings was awarded a no-bid contract for the project, The New York Times first reported last week. Trump has since claimed he’s never used the company, and that the Interior Department handled the contract.
“I didn’t give out the contract, ‘Interior’ did, to a contractor I did not know, and have never used before,” he wrote on Truth Social Tuesday.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has also defended the contract but told lawmakers he wasn’t familiar with the company that was awarded the lucrative deal. “I’m positive we followed all the required bidding rules,” he told the House Committee on Natural Resources this week.
The pool, which sits between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, has deteriorated in recent decades and leaks an estimated 16 million gallons every year. It underwent a $34 million renovation during former President Barack Obama’s administration but has continued to experience filtration problems and algae blooms.
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In another post on Saturday, the president said he made the project a “much larger job than originally contemplated for purposes of Beauty, and a much longer life.”
“Also, went to a higher quality sealer with more reflectivity,” he wrote. “Check it out before the Opening — It’s a very exciting project!”
President Donald Trump said his renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will give it a ‘longer life, and a better look’ (Truth Social)
Federal records indicate Trump’s renovations are expected to cost more than $13 million.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation filed a lawsuit Monday against the Interior Department and National Park Service, alleging that the “current application of blue paint to the basin of Reflecting Pool on the National Mall is being done in violation of federal law.”
“The Reflecting Pool’s profound reflective quality — achieved through deliberate design choices, including the dark color of its basin creates the sweeping mirror image of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument that millions of visitors experience every year,” according to the complaint.
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“The dark grey, achromatic basin was not incidental to the design,” plaintiffs allege. “It was the design.”
When asked about the lawsuit earlier this week, an Interior Department spokesperson told The Independent: “The choice of American Flag Blue will enhance the visitor experience by making the pool reflect the grand Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.”
The spokesperson said the agency is also investing in a “state-of-the-art ozone nanobubbler filtration system and will now have a dedicated crew who will maintain the grounds from wildlife.”
After overseeing Manchester City’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, Pep Guardiola faced an awkward question from TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods
Pep Guardiola refused to answer when questioned by TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods about his Manchester City future – a moment pundit Steven Gerrard described as “brave.”
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Guardiola secured his 20th piece of silverware as City boss after Antoine Semenyo’s clever second-half strike earned a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The cup may prove to be the final honour for long-serving stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who are both expected to leave this summer.
It could also mark the last trophy Guardiola claims with City. The 55-year-old manager has been heavily linked with an exit from the Premier League after a decade in Manchester.
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Following City’s triumph, Woods attempted to question Guardiola about his plans as she asked: “Pep, there are so many rumours aren’t there, about you leaving. You’re not are you?”
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Guardiola acted puzzled and responded: “What rumours?” Woods then repeated: “Rumours!” But Guardiola cut the conversation short by saying: “Have a lovely evening!” The exchange sparked laughter among the panel, where Woods was joined by Gerrard, Joe Cole and former City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
While the group laughed, Guardiola set his microphone on the desk before shaking hands with all four pundits as Woods remarked: “You’re certainly leaving the interview. Congratulations Pep, what an incredible season they’ve had.”
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Once Guardiola had left, Gerrard grinned and told his colleague: “Fair play Laura, that was brave. That was brave.” Hart added: “Laura you nailed him!” Woods then replied: “I have to ask! I think I’d get fired if I didn’t ask the question.”
Speaking about City’s success earlier in the interview, Guardiola reflected after collecting his third FA Cup triumph: “Five finals in the last 10 years, we won three, lost two, that’s quite decent I would say. I think we had chances [to score more] but against Colwill, James and Caicedo… they are so, so good.
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“Fernandez and Cole were dangerous. Second half we were better. First half we had the chance with Antoine but they were better. We found the goal. I had the feeling that last season, against Crystal Palace and the previous season against Manchester United, we were better than today but in football, sometimes this happens. I’m really pleased for the guys.”
He also joked with Arsenal supporter Woods by saying: “We’re still alive in the Premier League, I’m sorry Laura! But with two titles, it’s nice.”
Discussing Semenyo’s goal, Guardiola said: “Normally Antoine has to cross and Erling makes the finish. The impact Marc and Antoine have had since the winter transfers has been incredible. The only regret is that the amount of players who deserve to play but didn’t play.
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“I left six players out in the stands and don’t let them play. Even now after many, many years it’s difficult to swallow. Not just John [Stones], all of them. But at the end it’s a business and you have to do what you believe.”
Guardiola went on: “Listen, Chelsea, I knew it, we talked these two days. We came [played] three days ago. They had seven days. The trip yesterday was a mess to come here, it took six hours because of a delay to the trains. They are so good, the quality they have is there. They were not consistent there but one game, finals, anything can happen.”
City will now resume Premier League duties on Tuesday evening against Bournemouth, while Arsenal face Burnley 24 hours earlier. Should the Gunners secure victory, City will know that nothing less than three points will keep the title race alive heading into the final day.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
The Greater Manchester Mayor has been allowed this week, by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), to contest the by-election after the current MP, Josh Simons, announced on Thursday he would quit Parliament to make way for Burnham.
If successful, Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership.
Channel 4 News spoke with Burnham in the Makerfield constituency.
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He said: “I wouldn’t have just gone anywhere like a carpet bagger, any old constituency.
“It matters to me that I have a connection. I live literally on the edge of this constituency.
“My kids went to school a few hundred yards down the road. I know people here, I know how they think, how they feel”
Burnham addressed the background to Josh Simons’ decision to step down and clear a path for his candidacy, he said: “I was very deliberate in speaking to Josh and both of us have got the same diagnosis.”
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Pushed for his views on the path forward for his party and the policy challenges facing the country, Burnham said he wanted Labour to become “a party that they can believe in again, a party solidly on the side of working class people.”
He called the events of the week “an important, big moment in British politics,” arguing that communities like Makerfield have been failed by decades of deindustrialisation, deregulation and privatisation post “Margaret Thatcher”.
“Life here has become unaffordable for people in places like this,” he said, calling for “a different path completely” and “re-industrialisation”, including stronger public control of energy, housing, water and transport.
He pointed to Greater Manchester’s bus franchising model and £2 fares as proof public control can work for ordinary people rather than “private shareholders.”
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He said his campaign would focus on listening: “On doorsteps, I’m not going to spend my time point scoring”, adding: “I don’t blame anyone who’s left our party and voted for other parties. Our party needs to do better and it’s kind of where I’m coming from in this campaign.”
Asked about leadership ambitions, Burnham said the immediate priority was “winning a by-election with what I’m saying” and delivering real change for communities like Makerfield.
Michael Carrick will oversee his final game – at least, of this campaign – at Old Trafford against Vitor Pereira’s side, who have managed to propel themselves away from the threat of relegation.
It therefore renders this match a dead rubber, with United also fulfilling their objective of qualifying for the Champions League.
Chasing records: Bruno Fernandes
PA
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Carrick has since come in – on a deal until the end of the season – and guided the club back to Europe’s top competition after three years away.
They play a Forest side reeling from their own European heartache.
Pereira’s men were 1-0 up in their Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa, but saw that advantage quickly wiped out and then some as they were thrashed 4-0 in the second leg at Villa Park.
They followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle last weekend, with Elliot Anderson popping up late on to snatch a point against his former club.
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Why is Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest kicking off at 12.30pm on Sunday?
The reason why this game is being played at an unusual time is because of Forest’s European commitments.
The fixture had already been selected for TV coverage, but was kept open to accommodate the club’s progress on the continent.
The kick-off time was only confirmed last week, awaiting the resolution of the Europa League last-four tie.
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How to watch Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 12pm BST.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
People tuning into the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest thought their televisions had broken during Czechia’s performance
Eurovision viewers were left demanding that an act be allowed to perform again after thinking their televisions had broken during their performance.
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The grand final of the world’s biggest music competition was taking place at the Wien Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, on Saturday (May 16) night, following JJ’s victory in the 2025 edition of the song contest.
As the evening got underway, Sam Battle, known as Look Mum No Computer, was seen attempting to land the UK their first Eurovision win since 1997 with his song, Eins, Zwei, Drei. The YouTube star wore a pink boiler suit as performers in fluffy headwear danced in a mock workshop, while he played a synthesizer, and ended up in a cardboard box.
Elsewhere, all eyes were on Australian pop star Delta Goodrem also performed her song Eclipse, with which she is representing her home country, at the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The 41-year-old was accompanied by a harpist, before eventually miming playing a gold sparkly piano herself. As the former Neighbours star’s performance climaxed she was elevated into the air from the top of the piano, as fireworks went off around her.
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But it was Czechia who sparked calls for a re-do after Daniel Žižka, a 23-year-old singer and songwriter from Prague, faced some technical difficulties during his performance, with viewers watching at home seeing lines running across the screen. A cameraman could then be seen in vision, even taking a slight stumble while filming the performance.
Following the performance, BBC commentator Graham Norton said: “A great performance vocally but quite a few technical problems there that did not happen in any of the rehearsals. The distorted picture and I think the cameraman inside the mirrors fell. I’m not quite sure. But Czechia won’t be happy about that.”
It led to calls for Daniel to be able to perform again, which wasn’t granted by the EBU. @vodimtenigranku said: “The way I thought my TV was broke #Eurovision.” @HaterOfAll5 demanded: “LET CZECHIA REPERFORM ITS A CRIME #Eurovision.” @cameronclark_98 cried: “‘Here is your final song’ so czechia aren’t performing again? #eurovision.”
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@eurovibez asked: “It’s only me or something wrong with the camera during Czechia performance? #Eurovision.” @pukyymax posted: “JUSTICE FOR CZECHIA WTF WAS THATTTT????? #Eurovision.” @Wesz___ shared: “NOOO WHY DID THE CAMERA BROKE IN CZECHIA #EUROVISION.” @GAGAXBTS added: “I feel so bad for Czechia. The cameras failed during the performance. #Eurovision.”
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