French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Trump and the leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan on Saturday about the negotiations with Iran, AFP news agency reported. France is pushing for a negotiated solution, with the number one priority being a complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a source told AFP.
This was because the Rose and Crown on Bolton Road, Westhoughton, was finally reopening after a major, five-week, £275,000 renovation.
So, from midday onwards, regulars old and new flocked to Bolton Road to see for themselves what all the fuss was about.
(Image: Dan Dougherty)
We managed to finish all the refurbishments on time – just!” said Derek Cooper, the pub’s owner.
“We’ve been pretty hectic all day. We’ve had locals coming back in after five weeks away, we’ve even had old regulars coming in that haven’t been in nine or ten years.”
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The pub was indeed very busy by the time I arrived just before 6pm, spurred on both by a sense of occasion and, no doubt, by the fine weather.
New dartboards and, in the foreground, the pool table (Image: Dan Dougherty)
“We asked for the sun, and the sun came out.” said Derek.
“We planned it so we’d open just in time for the bank holiday weekend, especially with Bolton in the final on Sunday.”
Derek showed us around the pub.
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“We’ve been on-site for about five weeks and we’ve done a full refurbishment,” he explained.
“Basically, everything is new except the layout, though we have moved the men’s toilets.
The new section of beer garden with booths to the right and children’s play area in the background (Image: Dan Dougherty)
“We’ve got new darts areas, new counters, new furniture, and the outside has been totally repainted and redecorated.”
But the biggest change is outside. The back garden has been completely revamped, with new decking and benches installed.
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There are also several roofed booths for people to use during the rainier months, as well as an outside TV, just in time for the World Cup.
New too is the large outside children’s play area, with brand-new play equipment and a soft, wood-chipped floor.
“We’ve touched up everywhere, basically,” said Derek.
Arguably, the most important aspect of a pub is how it serves as a focal point for the community.
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It is for this reason that news of a pub closing down can be so upsetting to people. It’s for this same reason that news of a pub reopening often creates such a buzz.
Part of the beer garden with the TV in the background (Image: Dan Dougherty)
This is why the community element is such a strong focus for Derek.
“We’re sorting out a food truck that will be in the car park,” he said, “So that’s a local business.
“She’ll serve takeaways and food for customers, and we’ll also do theme nights.
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“We’re also in the process of setting up a darts team, and we’re looking for people to join a pool team.
Derek and Ray underneath the pub’s sign (Image: Dan Dougherty)
“We’re raising money for a defibrillator as well, so we can install one in the pub.
“It’s good to have the pub back up and running for the community.”
“Ending violence against women and girls must remain a priority for all of us. It is vital that women know they are not alone”
A Derry book club is using its sessions to shine a light on hard-hitting subjects that impact its community.
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The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Niree McMorris, joined members of the Foyle Women’s Information Network for a special event highlighting the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls.
The Network is dedicated to empowering women across Derry by providing education, advocacy, and community support, and runs a diverse programme of events, including a monthly book club.
This month, the club discussed ‘Nesting’ by Roisin O’Donnell, a book that explores the themes of coercive control, cruelty and manipulation and the complexities of carving out a new life free from oppression.
It was an opportunity to focus on the issues making headlines and the positive mechanisms being implemented locally to support women.
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The purchase of the books for the club was funded by the Council’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls funded programme, just one of a number of initiatives being rolled out to tackle the issue.
Speaking after the event, Ald. McMorris said the Network played an important role in connecting women and providing a safe space to engage and learn.
She said: “It was a privilege to join members of the Foyle Women’s Information Network for this important discussion and to see first-hand the invaluable work being carried out to support and empower women across our City and District.
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“Events such as this create safe spaces for conversation, reflection and understanding, while also helping to raise awareness of the support services and networks available locally.
“Ending violence against women and girls must remain a priority for all of us. It is vital that women know they are not alone, that they will be listened to, believed and supported, and that together we continue to challenge attitudes and behaviours that allow violence and abuse to persist.
“I want to commend the Foyle Women’s Information Network for their dedication to advocacy, education and community support, and I’m delighted that Council’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme funds this organisation to deliver on the EVAWAG framework. Through partnership working and continued community engagement, we can help build a safer, more respectful society for everyone.”
One person has been taken to hospital following a collision involving a car and a pedestrian at a Co Down supermarket this afternoon.
The incident at the Castlebawn Drive area of Newtownards was reported at around 1.20pm on Saturday, May 23.
Police, ambulance crews and the air ambulance have all been in attendance.
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A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are currently in attendance at the Castlebawn Drive area of Newtownards, following a report at around 1.20pm this afternoon, Saturday, 23rd May, of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian.
A NIAS spokesperson added: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 13:23 on Saturday, 23 May following reports of a road traffic incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the Castlebawn Dive area of Newtownards.
“NIAS dispatched two Emergency Crews to the incident. Ambulance Control also tasked the Charity Air Ambulance with HEMS team on board to attend.
“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital.”
The 2026 Britain’s Got Talent final will air next week on Saturday, May 30
The semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent 2026 have now come to an end, with the full list of finalists for the ITV competition show officially confirmed.
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Eight acts took to the stage during the last semi-final on Saturday, May 23. Baron & Vesper, Celestial, The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, Jake Banfield, James Miller, Juan Carlos, Mr. Cherry and SOS!
Sharing the Golden Buzzer, the four judges – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI – chose to send drone act Celestial straight through to the final, with The Hawkstone Farmers Choir getting the public vote.
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Britain’s Got Talent returned for its 19th series in February with auditions being filmed in Blackpool, welcoming to the screen its usual array of dancers, singers, magicians, comedians and more.
This year saw a return of the Golden Buzzer, which judges could use during auditions to send an act straight through to the semi finals. During the semi-finals, the button could be used by each of the judges to send an act through to the final, which is set to take place next week on Saturday, May 30.
Handwritten notes advising people in despair that help is available have been sighted on Albert Bridge in Belfast
21:09, 23 May 2026Updated 21:20, 23 May 2026
People who regularly walk or jog across the Albert Bridge in Belfast may have noticed some handwritten signs fastened to the structure.
The notes advise people in despair that help is available. Some of the notes read: “You are needed in ways you can’t yet see.” The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Authority said in their 2024 Northern Ireland Suicide Statistics report that suicide remained the leading cause of death in males under 50 in Northern Ireland.
The bridge initiative is the brainchild of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), which has a location in Belfast and is a registered UK charity. It forms part of the church’s volunteer-led Night Angels programme, which supports people experiencing homelessness, loneliness, emotional damage and hardship across the country.
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Bishop Allan Passos, UCKG spokesperson, said: “The Night Angels programme is about meeting people where they are – whether that is on the street, at a food bank, or in a moment of deep personal crisis.”
The bishop said the initiative provides practical help, including food, blankets, toiletries and emotional support, while also offering small acts of encouragement to people who may be in moments of deep despair. UCKG has been active in the UK since 1995, the organisation now operates 38 full-time branches and eight part-time centres across the country, offering daily services and community-focused initiatives.
One of the Night Angels’ most distinctive activities is the placement of messages of hope on bridges across major UK cities, designed to reach people who may be struggling emotionally, feeling isolated, or considering self-harm. These notes are intended as a simple but powerful reminder that help, hope and support are available. UCKG volunteers have placed notes of hope and healing on bridges in key UK cities.
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“A simple note on a bridge may seem small, but for someone who feels forgotten, it can be a reminder that their life matters and that support is available,” added Bishop Allan Passos.
The notes are part of a wider commitment to making support visible and accessible outside traditional settings. The church said they are not intended to replace professional care, but to offer a moment of human connection and signpost people towards help. The bridge notes are messages aimed at reaching people in moments of need.
The church said bridges can be places where vulnerable people find themselves at critical moments. By placing messages of hope there, The Night Angels aim to interrupt despair with encouragement, compassion and a reminder that nobody is beyond help.
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A 24-hour hotline is listed on the notes to provide immediate support for people who need it.
Lifeline NI also offers support and can be contacted at 0808 808 8000. Alternatively, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123.
The PSNI has tonight issued an update into an ongoing investigation into violent dissident republican activity.
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On Thursday, May 21, five men were arrested in West Belfast by detectives from the PSNI’s Terrorism Investigation Unit. The men aged 26, 27, 38, 44 and 51 were arrested in the Poleglass area.
This evening, Saturday, May 23, police have confirmed all five men have been released from custody following questioning.
A PSNI spokesperson added that ‘the investigation remains ongoing.’
The arrests came following a number of searches in the West Belfast area on Thursday and into Friday, May 22. An area off the Pembrooke Loop Road remained closed for most of Friday while the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch conducted inquiries.
The last semi-final for Britain’s Got Talent 2026 aired on Saturday night
Britain’s Got Talent fans have hailed one semi-final performance as ‘breath-taking’, ‘spellbinding’ and ‘remarkably unique’ as Celestial were sent straight to next week’s final.
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During the penultimate week of Britain’s Got Talent 2026, eight performers took to the stage in London – Baron & Vesper, Celestial, The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, Jake Banfield, James Miller, Juan Carlos, Mr. Cherry and SOS!
Britain’s Got Talent returned for its 19th series in February with auditions being filmed in Blackpool, welcoming to the screen a huge array of performers – including dancers, singers, magicians, comedians and more.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI all returned for another season, along with hosts Ant and Dec. KSI, whose real name is Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji, is in the middle of his debut series as a full-time judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
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During Saturday’s episode, Celestial swept the judges completely off their feet with their semi-final performance, which was awarded this week’s Golden Buzzer, sending them straight through to the final.
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Celestial is made up of director John “JP” Partridge, along with Matt, Herbie, Ottilie, Ant, and Arron. The group uses drones and LED lights to tell stories in their performances.
As well as impressing the four judges, Celestial left viewers at home amazed. After their performance, fans raced to social media to praise the ‘spell-binding’ act.
@Ruthless1984 wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Just watched @BGT for the first time this year. Saw Celestial, wow. Original and breathtaking.”
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Britain’s Got Talent fan @Yellows4Life wrote: “Well that was a bit special wasn’t it. Gave me goosebumps. Amazing what you can do these days, the drones, the art, the lights, the story, the performance. Can’t fault it. Transfixed. Well done Celestial.”
ITV viewer @AnthonyShannon2 said: “Celestial is genuinely spellbinding What a remarkably unique act”, and @AmyTeamLH wrote: Can we replace the London NYD firework display with a drone show from Celestial?”
@hannahforest said: “Celestial produced one of the best drone shows I’ve ever seen. That really should have been the performance in the final.”
@KB3471 wrote on X: “Celestial are one of the best talents I’ve ever seen on #BGT – book them now for New year on the Thames!!!”
National Highways for the North West have posted: “Traffic has been held on the #M6 in #Cheshire northbound between J21 #Warrington – J21A (#M62) due to a collision. Emergency services are on scene and recovery arranged. Delays in excess of 30 minutes with 2 miles of congestion.”
Travel service Inrix has said: “All traffic being temporarily held due to accident on M6 Northbound from J21 A57 Manchester Road (Woolston) to J21A M62 (Croft Interchange).”
Welsh Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has spoken exclusively about her breast cancer battle and its impact on her life, as she prepares to return to the ballroom for her tenth series
Jessica Sansome TV and Celebrity Editor
21:06, 23 May 2026
Amy Dowden no longer takes a single moment for granted.
Having fought breast cancer, endured chemotherapy and survived multiple bouts of sepsis, the Strictly Come Dancing professional is gearing up to return to the ballroom for her tenth series, saying the show “kept me going on the toughest days”.
The professional dancer has been a fixture on the hit BBC One dance programme since 2017, making history as the first Welsh dancer to join the beloved show.
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However, Amy suffered a devastating blow when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and subsequently went through a mastectomy and gruelling chemotherapy treatment, during which she faced life-threatening struggles with sepsis, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Since then, Amy, who underwent a second mastectomy last year and attends the hospital for monthly injections due to having been diagnosed with a hormone-fed cancer, has committed herself to raising awareness of breast cancer and urging others to check their chests.
Speaking about her Strictly comeback, which was confirmed alongside the judges and fellow professional dancers, Amy said: “Every year it feels so surreal to me, as the first Welsh professional dancer, to be part of the most magical show. I still get as excited as I did in my first year.
“But I’m also just so deeply grateful to the BBC for standing by me through everything, being patient, and being so supportive. And giving me these opportunities and they never lost hope in me. Does that make sense? I owe a lot to them. They never lost hope in me. Having that to work towards kept me going on the toughest days.”
When asked about her aspirations for the upcoming series, Amy, who was speaking to the MEN prior to her tour, Reborn, alongside reigning Strictly champion Carlos Gu, went on: “Obviously, I’d love to get to Blackpool! But ultimately, it’s about embracing it all and taking in every moment and every opportunity. I’m very lucky to be part of this show.
“A cancer diagnosis teaches you that tomorrow is not promised, so you have to be present and enjoy every moment. Literally, after I got invited back this year, I told the producers, I just want to really soak it all up and make the most of every second.”
Our conversation with Amy took place just hours before it was revealed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are the new Strictly hosts. It represents the first occasion a trio has fronted the popular programme in its 22-year history, following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the conclusion of the 2025 series.
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Speaking about Tess and Claudia’s departure, Amy told us: “It’s an end of an era. But it was right for them, and it was what they wanted. The magic of Strictly is the format – everybody loves watching celebrities fall in love with dancing and going on that journey. That’s not going to change. The nation loves watching those partnerships grow.
“The new presenters will bring their own personalities and natural changes to the show because obviously, they won’t be Tess or Claudia. I’m really excited to find out who they are. It’s a new era, and I’m just really grateful to be part of it.”
This follows several professional dancers announcing they would be leaving Strictly before the 2026 series. She added: “Once you’re part of Strictly, you’re always part of the family. Like everything in life, there are always changes, and I think it’s about embracing it. Look at Julian [Caillon] and Alexis [Warr] last year – they were brilliant additions to the show. I see changes as a positive thing.”
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Amy also commended Strictly for its support of her and her colleague Dianne Buswell, who participated in Strictly’s 2025 series while pregnant with her first child, and has been confirmed as returning to the programme later in the year after giving birth to her son, Bowden, in March. Speaking after meeting Dianne’s new arrival, who goes by the nickname Bowie, Amy said: “Oh, it’s gorgeous, it really is. I’m so proud of Dianne. She is so happy and content. Her baby, Bowie, is absolutely beautiful and such a good baby too-the perfect blend of Joe and Dianne. Knowing Dianne for a decade on a deep personal level, I’m just so proud of the journey she’s been on.
“It’s also brilliant that Strictly supports pregnancy and motherhood. It sends a wonderful message to everyone watching that you can go off, have a baby, and keep doing what you love – your career doesn’t have to stop.
“We are so lucky that the producers at BBC Strictly encourage and support everyone, whether it’s me through my health journey, Dianne through her pregnancy, or bringing on celebrities to highlight representation – like Chris McCausland, Tasha Ghouri, Rose Ayling-Ellis, and JJ Chalmers. It’s making a positive impact, but also educating and influencing the right way. It makes me so proud to be part of it.”
Alongside her Strictly comeback, Amy and her close friend and fellow Strictly professional, Carlos, are heading back out on the road with their live production, Reborn.
The tour, which first launched last year, chronicles Amy’s much-anticipated return to the dance floor following her cancer diagnosis and Carlos embracing a fresh chapter of self-discovery since relocating to the UK. It showcases a cast of world-class dancers and vocalists. Amy enthused about the upcoming tour: “You’re going to see over 22 fabulous, full-on dance numbers-it might even be more than that now! You’ve got every style of dance, an amazing cast, and the incredible Andrea providing vocals.
“We take you on a very deep, personal journey that is full of celebration. You get to see the lifetime of dance that Carlos and I have trained our whole lives for. We hope to give you escapism, but also leave you inspired. This tour won’t be coming back, so this is your only chance to come and celebrate with us!”
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