In a statement, she confirmed that her exit is now subject to legal proceedings

Popular radio host Carolyn Stewart has confirmed that he has left U105 after 21 years behind the mic.

The North Belfast presenter is the latest in a number of names to leave the station in recent weeks.

Last month, five presenters left the station, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, in disagreement over their contracts.

Linda Cullen, Rick Nugent, Denise Watson, Stephen Woods, and David Johnson had been missing from the airwaves without explanation for two weekends in a row before the station confirmed their exit.

This comes as it was reported earlier this week that station directors at the broadcaster’s four sister stations in the Republic of Ireland are set to leave their posts in the coming weeks.

In a statement shared on social media, Carolyn Stewart said: “I regret to inform listeners that I am no longer a presenter at U105. As my departure is now subject to legal proceedings, I cannot give you any more details, but I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your loyal and enthusiastic support over the past 21 years.

“I will miss you. Carolyn x”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

EXCLUSIVE: The incoming El Niño, detected by global weather monitoring organisations, could produce an effect so powerful that it drives up food prices in the UK and leaves shelves bare

A ‘Godzilla‘ El Niño so strong that it could outstrip every other in recorded history is set land in a matter of months, tipping global weather patterns on their head – and hitting Brits squarely in their pockets.

Scientists and top weather experts have warned in recent months that a super-powered El Niño – a recurring climate event originating in the Pacific Ocean that causes sea warming, creating a massive heat source that raises global temperatures and disrupts the weather – is inbound this year. El Niños occur every two to seven years with varying intensity, raising temperatures in a vast area between North and South America and Asia by an average of 0.5C above the long-term average.

But the latest, a weather expert has warned, could outstrip historic temperature increases established in previous events, and potentially exacerbate the ongoing cost of living and price rise crises by interrupting the UK’s commodities supply chain.

Speaking to the Mirror, weather expert and founder of British Weather Services, Jim Dale, said that the long-term average during the latest El Niño could reach a “catastrophic” 5C, and be compounded by the effects of global warming. He said: “One of the reasons why this is being flagged is because the combination between that and ongoing global warming means that we could be on steroids in terms of when it actually manifests in its fullness.”

The extreme nature of the upcoming temperature increase is set to produce nightmare conditions across a massive band across the equator.

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Tropical land is likely to be unnaturally suppressed when El Niño arrives, leaving Asia, Africa and South America with drier than usual conditions during the continents’ rainy seasons. The phenomenon will also hit the United States, Peru, Argentina, and nations in southern Europe, and East Africa, where it can cause increased rainfall and severe flooding.

The impact area means that the UK isn’t directly in Godzilla El Niño’s path, but it is still subject to its effects on other countries on a “slow fuse”, Mr Dale added, saying the consequences will likely be catastrophic for the country’s supply chain.

He said: “In terms of the UK, it’s a slow fuse. We are on the periphery, we’re not in the mind’s eye of it, because essentially this is for tropical, subtropical areas. That’s where the main effects will be, along with Australia, some parts of that tropical, some not. But that’s essentially where the main impacts will be.”

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“In effect, it’s the commodities, the food chains. So everything from bananas to coffee, sugar, tea, cocoa, all of those are going to be under pressure going forward.”

Mr Dale summed up the situation by adding El Niño would “have a knock-on effect of food distribution around the world“. He continued: “The knock on effects, as far as life is concerned, ecosystem life, that isn’t just humans, but it’s also wildlife and other things, is likely to be huge, potentially huge.”

The expert added that forecasters are currently only “talking potentials” as the Godzilla-sized event is yet to arrive, but said the situation looks increasingly bleak for the UK.

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He added: “You might be sitting here thinking to yourself: ‘Yeah, okay, I can afford coffee at this moment in time’. But if coffee crop fails in West Africa, or in Central America, then you know those commodities prices are going to go through the roof and your coffee is £1 or £2 more than it was yesterday.

“You can expect shelves of various products, particularly fruit, veg and other items, either to be sky-high prices or not available at all into the future. That may take six months to happen, but nonetheless it still has to be factored in.”

Mr Dale evoked the supermarket crisis of 2023, when crop yields in southern Spain and Morocco – two major UK produce sources – were hit by unusually cold weather and floods. During the crisis, shelves were empty for extended periods as the two nations favoured their European neighbours due to disrupted travel.

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The warning about supply chain disruption was repeated by the WMO’s Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo, who said its footprint would also impact energy supplies and water resources.

She said: “This update matters because El Niño is a major driver of global weather and climate patterns. The footprint of an El Niño travels far beyond its origins in the Pacific Ocean, impacting agriculture, energy supplies, trade, water resources, supply chains, and livelihoods across entire regions.”

The strain caused by El Niño, if it lands as predicted, will hit already cash-strapped Brits impacted by the UK’s cost of living crisis, with the product monitoring Consumer Price Index (CPI) up by 2.8 percent, and a 13 percent increase in the Ofgem energy price cap.

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El Niño has been followed for the last 200 years, with Peruvian fishermen first noting the Pacific Ocean warming back in the 19th century, naming it “the boy” as it typically arrived in the month of December. In the 21st century, it is doggedly tracked by official organisations, including the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The WMO warned this week that there was an 80 percent chance El Niño conditions will emerge between June and August this year, and a 90 percent probability in the months following. El Niño events tend to appear late in one year and peak in the early months of the next.

Those projections have been fuelled by readings showing that tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures are 6C above normal for the time of year, outstripping some of the most significant temperature increases caused by other “super” El Niño events. The upcoming event, which has also been called “super duper”, is one of several souped-up, notably intense instances.

Three have been recorded since the 1980s, landing from 1982 to 1983, 1997 to 1998 and 2015 to 2016 respectively and pushing sea temperature 2C above the long-term average.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The Nigerian army said Sunday it freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in southern Borno, in the northeastern part of the country.

The operation, according to the army’s statement, was conducted in the Mandara mountains which form a part of the militant group’s stronghold. It resulted in the release of several people, including children, who had been abducted across different communities in Borno.

Two infants “succumbed to exhaustion” due to the challenging mountainous terrain and the hardship they endured during their prolonged captivity, an army spokesperson, Haruna Sani, said.

“The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group,” Sani said.

Nigeria faces a complex security crisis, especially in the north where a more than decade-long insurgency and the activities of armed groups that carry out kidnappings for ransom and illegal mining have heightened the country’s security challenges.

Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group and known as Islamic State West Africa Province.

Last month, the West African country said its joint operation with the United States had killed 175 ISWAP fighters.

The insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast has killed thousands of people and displaced millions, according to the United Nations. Analysts say not enough is being done by the government to protect its citizens, despite repeated promises by President Bola Tinubu to curb the crisis.

LNER services between Doncaster and Leeds will be affected by the engineering works.

Some lines will be closed between Doncaster and Leeds in the evenings from Monday, June 8 until Thursday, June 11.

Passengers are being advised to check their travel plans carefully between these dates.

During this period, there are two affected London Kings Cross to Leeds services.

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The 10.40pm service to Leeds will not stop at Wakefield Westgate and will arrive at Leeds Station later than scheduled.

To assist the journey, a replacement bus is being organised from Doncaster to Wakefield Westgate.

Similarly, the 11.33pm service from London Kings Cross will arrive later than usual into Leeds.

National Rail has advised rail users to plan their journeys using its Journey Planner feature ahead of time.

Advice for those needing to use replacement bus services can be found on the Rail Replacement Services page of the National Rail website.

Routes and locations where rail replacement services will pick up and drop off passengers can be found by checking station signage or by visiting the National Rail’s Find a Station page.

Clare and Lucy Bulmer, of Harrogate, founded Luce and Bear, a lifestyle brand known for its humour and heart.

They are now finalists in the Family Business category at the 2026 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAs), described as the UK’s largest celebration of women in business.

Their success is a result of perseverance and creativity.

Coral Horn, founder of the EVAs, said: “Every year I read applications that make me smile, laugh, cry and occasionally sit back and think, wow.

“Being named an EVAS finalist is about much more than business success.

“It’s recognition of the courage, resilience and determination it takes to build something meaningful.”

Clare and Lucy were unaware they had been confidentially nominated by someone who admired their story.

The nomination highlighted Lucy’s ongoing battle with chronic illness and the sisters’ decision to launch their business during the pandemic.

As part of the awards process, the Bulmer sisters were invited to a Westminster Reception at the House of Lords.

There, they joined female entrepreneurs from across the UK for afternoon tea and talks from leading business figures, including Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Clare said: “We very nearly didn’t make it; our train broke down just before York.

“We had to leg it across London on the hottest day of the year and made it through the airport-style security at the House of Lords just in the nick of time.”

She described the day as unbelievable, with drinks on the terrace overlooking the Thames and an elegant afternoon tea.

Both said they felt “so lucky” to be offered such an opportunity.

The sisters will now face an interview with a judging panel as they compete for the national Family Business title.

The awards ceremony will take place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in October.

Lucy said: “We can’t believe we’ve been selected as finalists.

“It’s a real honour for our small, family-run business to be recognised alongside so many inspiring women and incredible businesses.

“Our aim has always been to design products with positive messages, that hopefully make people smile, even on the tough days.

“We are also big believers in good old-fashioned customer service and that laughter really is the best medicine.

“We’re just so happy the judges can see potential in our small brand.

“The best bit is that, whatever happens, we get to put our glad rags on and go to the awards ceremony.

“We’ll definitely be raising a glass to all our supporters to say thank you for always cheering us on.”

Luce and Bear has built a loyal community around its products, which are known for their warmth, humour, and grit.

Their signature SOS (Story of Sisters) design was inspired by Lucy’s experience with late-stage Lyme Disease.

The business has already received several awards and accolades, including Best Women’s Style in Yorkshire at the Muddy Stilettos Awards.

It also earned a Small Business Sunday Award from Theo Paphitis and the Judges’ Choice Award at the national Woman Who Achieves Awards.

Judges said: “we predict a very bright future for this dynamic duo.”

The Enterprise Vision Awards ceremony will take place at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, on 2 October 2026.

Luce and Bear continues to grow its presence through regular pop-up events across Yorkshire.

The brand plans new product launches and events throughout the year.

More information is available at www.luceandbear.co.uk.

Nestled in the Etherow-Goyt Valley between Romiley and Marple Bridge, this quiet corner of Stockport is a genuine time capsule.

The village was purpose-built in the 1820s by mill owner George Andrew to house his 800 workers, and much of what he built is still standing.

The circular walk begins at Etherow Country Park, one of Greater Manchester’s most scenic green spaces. (Image: Google Maps)

The rows of stone cottages, the mill complex by the river, the church, the pub, it all remains largely as it was two centuries ago.

Today, thanks to Etherow Country Park on its doorstep, Compstall also happens to be the starting point for one of the most rewarding short walks in Greater Manchester, one that ends with a cold pint in one of the region’s most characterful locals.

The walk

The circular route clocks in at around two miles and is well-suited to all abilities. You start and finish on George Street, just outside the country park entrance.

From the visitor centre, the path takes you along the banks of the River Etherow and around the park’s striking central lake, passing the weir and waterfall that stand as a reminder of Compstall’s industrial past.

The two-mile route is suitable for most abilities (Image: Google Maps)

The lake itself is still used by a local sailing club, so on a good day you’ll spot dinghies out on the water alongside the resident ducks and wildfowl.

From the lake, the route climbs into Keg Wood, a steep-sided deciduous woodland replanted with Scots pine and larch after open-cast coal mining ended in the nineteenth century.

The Coal Trail winds up and down through the valley sides, rewarding the effort with a genuine sense of wilderness just a few miles from Stockport town centre.

The park is home to more than 200 species of plants and over 100 species of birds, and the woodland section feels properly wild in the best possible way.

The path eventually loops back down through farmland before returning to the village, bringing you out, almost by design, it seems, right in front of the pub.

The reward: The Andrew Arms

The Andrew Arms on George Street is a 19th-century Robinsons pub that doesn’t try too hard and doesn’t need to.

The Andrew Arms’ hidden terraced beer garden is the perfect spot for a post-walk pint. (Image: Google Maps)

There’s a village bar, a lounge and a dining room to the rear, all serving home-cooked food alongside cask ales, look out for Robinsons Unicorn, the brewery’s flagship, which has been brewed in Stockport since the family founded the business in 1838.

The real secret, though, is out the back.

Hidden behind the pub is a sun-trap terraced garden that most passers-by would never know existed, the perfect spot to sit with a pint after a muddy walk, especially in the summer months.

(Image: Google Maps)

The pub was refurbished in 2022 and holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating from more than 215 reviews online, with walkers and dog owners consistently singling it out for its warm welcome. It is dog-friendly and free parking is available opposite.

Opening hours are Wednesday 4:30pm–9pm, Thursday–Friday from noon, Saturday and Sunday from noon, so worth checking before you go if you’re planning a midweek visit

Alexander Zverev is in the final of the French Open at Roland Garros on Sunday

Alexander Zverev faces off against good friend Flavio Cobolli in the final of the French Open on Sunday.

The German has never won a Grand Slam – having been a three-time losing finalist – but has an incredible chance of ending that record when he takes on 10th seed Cobolli.

With two-time reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz out injured, many predicted that Roland Garros would be a procession for Coboli’s compatriot Jannik Sinner.

But the world number one lost in the second round to Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo before veteran Novak Djokovic also exited the tournament early.

Zverev is seen as the firm favourite in Paris this afternoon.

“He’s just a nice person. He has a good heart. He is extremely funny if you get to know him,” he said of the Italian.

“Of course, it’s his first final, so I’m happy for him that he reached it. But the only thing I can control is that I play good tennis.”

Cobolli, like Zverev, has lost just two sets in the tournament and it remains to be seen whether his unexpected day off will work in his favour.

“Maybe to have almost four days off is a lot, you lose the rhythm,” he said.

“I think I will be ready, for sure, but I also know I will be fresh. Maybe it helped, maybe not. I’ll tell you after the final.”

Zverev, who has a reported net worth of $14million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, is seen as a controversial figure in tennis after allegations of domestic abuse emerged six years ago.

He was accused of violence by his former partner Olya Sharypova in 2020 and domestic abuse in 2023 by Brenda Patea, with who he shares a child.

Zverev denied the allegations against Sharypova, calling them “unfounded”. She did not press charges against the German and an ATP investigation found there was “insufficient evidence” to substantiate the claims.

In 2023, the sportsman was given a penalty order and fined by a German court after being accused of physically abusing Patea.

He denied the claims and objected to the order which resulted in a trial. A settlement was reached in June 2024 between Zverev and Patea and the trial was discontinued.

He was heckled at the Australian Open when he faced Sinner last year; when he was about to make his runner-up speech, a woman in the crowd shouted: “Australia believes Olya and Brenda,” three times.

In his press conference afterwards, he said: “I believe there are no more accusations. There haven’t been for, what, nine months now. Good for her. I think she was the only one in the stadium who believed anything in that moment. If that’s the case, good for her. I think I’ve done everything I can, and I’m not about to open that subject again.”

Zverev is now dating German model, actress and TV presenter Sophia Thomalla.

“I think for tennis players it is always very important who you have next to you. Sophia is someone who gives me peace and security,” Zverev told Tennis Magazin in December 2021.

“I play extremely well with her behind me and I hope that will continue to be the case next year and maybe even better. I haven’t achieved all of my goals yet.”

Sarah Corbett-Winder and her family quit London to move to the village of Berriew, near Welshpool, and there are certain aspects they really don’t miss about their old life

A woman quit the London rat race with her family for a slower-paced lifestyle in rural Wales says there’s one aspect of their new life she really loves.

More and more people are leaving expensive cities as the cost of living crisis bites as remote working becomes more prominent.

Sarah Corbett-Winder and her family are among those. They left London a year ago to move to the village of Berriew, near Welshpool.

She says that while she had heard lots of stories about people who traded city life for the countryside and regretted it, but that wasn’t their experience. She admits she rarely returns to London for work and has no desire to.

The fashion stylist and digital creator says their “wholesome” living situation is one thing she really doesn’t miss about their old life.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, she said: “We’re on the edge of a very sweet village with two pubs, a church, a village shop with glass milk bottles and penny sweets.

“There’s a river that you can swim in, wild blackberries. It’s all very wholesome. In London there was always rubbish on our front door.”

Sarah, who is called the Wardrobe Whisperer online, added that their three children Lyon, eight, Nancy, seven, and Celeste, four, have settled into their schools.

Sarah is the founder of Kipper, a women’s tailoring brand, so can work anywhere. Her husband Ned, the founder of corporate gifting company Not Another Bill and Bespokely, is in London for two nights a week.

She claims she knew from “day one” that the family would settle in Wales. Her husband’s parents live nearby and it is expected that they will take over his parents’ house one day.

Sarah added another aspect she really enjoys. She said: “Here, I feel like there’s less judgement. Everyone supports you, and they almost encourage the unexpected.”

Meanwhile, a woman who started a new life in Wales says that while she loves it there are some things that “need to change”.

Shaurya Shaurya wrote: “It’s been two years since I moved to Wales, starting a new life for myself, and I remember the day I arrived distinctly. It was my first time flying to a new country let alone moving to one and start my life entirely from scratch.

“To say I was anxious would be an understatement. Just over 20 hours ago I had been with family and friends, loved, cared, and then quite literally I was very alone.

“In the two years I’ve been here I’ve fallen in love with nation and its people slowly but surely. Now I want to tell the world why. This does not mean I don’t see its flaws – Wales has a lot to overcome and I will get to them here – but let’s start with the things I love.”

She said that while she loves the country’s natural beauty, its multiculturalism and Welsh culture and art, she is disappointed by the quality of the NHS in Wales as well as public transport.