Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans

“Rampant” ticks are causing issues to people in one part of Wales – as experts say the recent heatwave may be the reason more people are reporting bites.

Anecdotal reports from parts of north Wales suggest disease-carrying ticks are “rampant” in parts of the region this year. In the past week, social media reports have centred on the west Gwynedd coast where one woman claimed to have removed 35 unattached ticks from a single dog, while a man said he’d been targeted by “20 so far this year”, according to North Wales Live.

The advice is people should avoid walking through long vegetation, wear clothing that covers the skin and check themselves, children and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Any ticks should be removed quickly and walkers are also advised to tuck trousers into socks – and wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off.

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. They are usually tiny but swell considerably after gorging on blood. They have either six or eight legs.

They are found across Wales, typically in areas with long grass, bracken, heathland and woodland where they can attach to people and passing animals. If you drag a white sheet over long grass, you may be amazed to see how many tiny ticks attach to it.

Tick bites aren’t usually painful and often only cause a small red lump where bitten. If “bullseye” rash appears you should see your GP as it’s an indicator of Lyme disease. It’s not a fail-safe symptom – one in three cases don’t present with this circular rash.

Dogs also need regular checks and if possible walkers should stick to clearly marked paths to avoid walking through long grass. Public Health Wales (PHW) said it was aware of reported tick infestations in northwest Wales but cautioned this may only be because people flooded outdoors during last week’s heatwave.

Dr Andrew Nelson, Zoonoses Lead at PHW, said: “Tick activity can vary from year to year depending on a range of environmental factors, including weather conditions, vegetation growth and the abundance of wildlife that ticks feed on.

“Warmer weather can also lead to more people spending time outdoors, increasing the likelihood of people encountering ticks.

“Public Health Wales is aware of reports from members of the public about increased numbers of ticks in some parts of north Wales. However, it is difficult to determine whether this reflects a genuine increase in tick populations or increased exposure and reporting following recent periods of warm weather.”

One dog owner said online: “Went to Harlech beach this week and came home to find both dogs absolutely covered it ticks from the sand dunes.”

A farmer added: “Ticks are everywhere this year and earlier too, cattle and sheep here look like they’re wearing chainmail – dogs too.”

Ticks are the most common source of vector-borne diseases in Britain. Each year around 1,500 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease are reported in England and Wales, with a further 1,000-2,000 people diagnosed via clinical assessment.

On average, around 4% of ticks are infected, though this can be higher in some areas. Studies estimate that 1% to 5% of tick bites result in Lyme disease. In other words, as stressed by the UK Government, “the majority of tick bites will not cause Lyme disease”.

Tick prevention is possible and a host of remedies are available – though the UK Government recommends using insect repellents containing DEET. PHW said the best approach is to cover up during tick season – this runs April from to October, though ticks can be active all year round.

Dr Nelson said: “When enjoying the outdoors during the tick season, we advise people to stick to clearly marked paths where possible, avoid walking through long vegetation, wear clothing that covers the skin and check themselves, children and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.

“Prompt removal of ticks remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection.” Walkers are also advised to tuck trousers into socks – and wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off.

He made the confession during the BBC show despite being a farmer himself

Despite his extensive experience, there appear to be certain things Adam Henson doesn’t know.

The Countryfile presenter made a candid farming admission during the latest episode while visiting the nation’s largest growers of a popular crop.

Sunday evening’s instalment (June 6) of the cherished BBC programme pledged to showcase viewers some of the marvels discovered on the Isle of Wight.

According to the broadcaster’s schedule, Joe Crowley, Margherita Taylor alongside Adam explore a facet of the island rarely witnessed by tourists.

They ventured past the well-known beaches and lively holiday resorts to investigate the island’s uncommon geology, including the southern locations which have formed a landscape abundant in surprises, reports the Express.

From peculiar sea creatures and unique ecosystems to produce typically linked with Mediterranean climates, Joe assisted in deploying specialist cameras beneath the surface to study aquatic wildlife, while Margherita worked with National Trust volunteers monitoring population numbers of an exceptionally scarce species of bee.

Meanwhile, Adam paid a visit to The Garlic Farm, Britain’s biggest garlic cultivators.

Their website states The Garlic Farm is a family enterprise owned and operated by the Boswell family, who have collectively dedicated numerous years to appreciating, discovering and understanding everything related to garlic. The family reveal they have been cultivating garlic for over 50 years, ever since Granny Norah first planted those initial cloves in her garden. The business remains firmly in family hands to this day.

Adam, the 60 year old farmer who joined the much-loved BBC programme in 2001, has become a recognisable figure in homes across Britain. This week, he visited a multigenerational family who have dedicated three generations to running a garlic farm.

As they showed him around their crops, the family explained: “We have stretched garlic in every direction it could possibly go. We have 30 products – things like garlic beer and garlic ice cream.”

Adam lent a hand harvesting elephant garlic stalks, which were described to him as resembling an asparagus-like stalk with a garlic flavour.

Upon learning that each plant originated from a single garlic clove, he confessed: “It all comes from one clove? Well there you go, I’m a farmer and I didn’t know that.”

Later, Adam joined other members of the family for a lunch featuring the freshly harvested garlic stalks, accompanied by an array of garlic-infused ingredients befitting a wholesome salad.

Reflecting on their endeavours, Adam told the family what they had achieved was “quite extraordinary” and “a remarkable achievement”.

The family matriarch echoed this sentiment, expressing pride that her relatives had embraced the responsibility of managing the farm. Adam further commended them, noting they were “not lacking in enthusiasm.”

At the programme’s conclusion, Joe and Margherita reunited but Adam was nowhere to be seen. In his absence, however, Joe revealed he had sent them a modest present.

They unveiled and began tucking into a small pot of ice cream, with Joe explaining they needed to identify the flavour. Sampling it, they confessed it was ‘delicious’ but couldn’t determine the precise flavour beyond detecting a chocolate taste.

It was then disclosed they were in fact eating black garlic and chocolate ice cream. This revelation didn’t appear to deter them whatsoever as they were spotted continuing to savour the dessert as the credits appeared.

Countryfile continues on Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

The match was abandoned after the incident saw Eriksen need immediate medical care

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Former Manchester United footballer Christian Eriksen has collapsed during Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine, leading officials to abandon the match.

During a match in Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city, Eriksen, who made 310 Premier League appearances, collapsed on the pitch in an incident similar to one that occurred during a Euro 2021 fixture against Finland.

The Danish Football Federation later confirmed on X that the midfielder was “conscious and feeling well under the circumstances ”, adding that the match had been abandoned.

Eriksen, the former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker, had previously suffered a cardiac arrest during the Euro 2021 game when he was resuscitated on the pitch. He subsequently received an implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator to regulate his heart rhythm.

Neither Denmark nor Ukraine have qualified for this year’s World Cup. The game was brought to a close after just 65 minutes of play. Denmark were leading the match 2-1 after taking the lead through Patrick Dorgu and Joakim Maehle, before Viktor Tsygankov narrowed the deficit.

On Danish television, former Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner said it was “Absolutely right to cancel the match and not play on.”

The national team doctor, Morten Boesen offered a positive update, saying: “Christian is doing well and walked off the pitch himself. As I see it, the pacemaker gave a shock, as it is supposed to,” he said.

“He was briefly out, but regained consciousness very quickly, and we were quickly in contact with him. Now he needs to be examined further at the hospital to find out what caused the incident. “We are continuously in contact with him and the doctors at the hospital. But Christian is doing well, and he asked me to say hello to all the players and say that he was okay.”

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An all-star lineup of musicians, comedians, boxers and tv presenters descended on the AO Arena

How do you say goodbye to a legend? For Mancunian boxing icon Ricky Hatton, you throw absolutely everything at it.Tonight an all-star lineup of musicians, comedians, boxers and tv presenters descended on the AO Arena, a venue well-known to the Hyde-born boxing doyen. A ‘Las Vegas-style’ celebration, they pulled out all the stops to celebrate not only his boxing achievements but his life as a father, a brother, and a son – with many of his family members paying poignant tributes to the man they knew and adored beyond the ring. ‘The Hitman’ Hatton rose from the Hattersley council estate in Hyde to become a two-weight world boxing champion. His clashes with Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao saw thousands follow him to Las Vegas, but his IBF light-welterweight title victory against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in 2005 was his greatest night.

Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter

Tragically, the boxing legend died in September last year at the age of 46. At the time, he had been planning a return to the ring after a 13-year hiatus with a fight scheduled for December. Earlier this year, his son Campbell described him as ‘fearless’ at an inquest into his death, adding that he ‘lived his life in and out of the ring at a hundred per cent and he always said he never regretted it’.

The star-studded event, an Evening4Ricky revolved around a reimagined boxing stage as a line-up of top comedians, legendary figures, and Ricky’s favourite artists took part in a series of entertainment ‘rounds’. It also marked the official international TV launch of the Ricky Hatton Foundation, which was founded last year to raise vital funds and awareness to provide access to mental health services, community programmes and educational campaigns.

Moments in, those unmissable chords of ‘Stand by Me’ came echoing around the arena, images emblazoned across the screen of his incredible life and career – a spine-tingling start. MC and commentary legend John McDonald told us “It’s about more than titles, it’s about celebrating the man behind them”.

Stacey Copeland and Adam Smith took on hosting duties, both sharing poignant memories of the boxer but the man too, and as Adam reminded the crowd, “Ricky f****** loved to party too”.

Campbell Hatton visibly moved by the crowd’s support struggled to get his words out as he opened the show, the significance of the occasion not lost on him. Speaking of his dad as “the reason” he gets in the ring, there were tears all around.

A booming cackle, and we all knew that Frank Bruno MBE had entered the ring, personalised robe and all, followed closely behind by fellow boxing legend Carl Froch, Manchester City’s Steph Houghton MBE, darts star Phil ‘The Power Taylor’ and Bolton’s finest Paddy McGuinness. Asked to share some of their memories of Ricky, Froch called him a “legend of the game”, Steph said he “embodied what Manchester is all about” and Paddy demanded a statue of the boxing star in the city centre, which or course was met by rapturous applause.

“I’ve never seen anybody train with that intensity,” reflected legend Tony Bellew as fighters and champions past and present headed into the ring for a round of reflection. “Everything he’s done was intense, f**** sake he even partied intense. There never ever will be another Ricky Hatton. He’s an icon, he’s a hero, Bellew continued.

Sadly Russell Watson was taken ill, but the Steel City’s Paul Pashley had the crowd up on their feet for for a rendition of James’ Sit Down and swaying along to Dean Martin’s ‘That’s’ Amore’. Ricky famously a big fan of swing and big band tunes.

The WBC Tribute – a new WBC belt in Ricky’s name – was awarded to current fighter who embodies his spirit by Marco Antonio Barrera, Johnny Nelson and Campbell Hatton. Arriving onto stage, Ricky’s fans singing ‘there’s only one Ricky Hatton, Dalton Smith told the crowd: “Ricky’s been a legend since growing up. This is a world title itself for me, for how much Ricky has inspired me.”

As well as some moving and entertaining tributes from boxing’s Ben Davidson, Natasha Jonas, Tony Bellew, Anthony Crolla and Duke McKenzie, one of the most moving moments of the night came as ‘Manchester’s poet’ Tony Walsh delivered a new piece telling the story of Ricky’s storied life.

To almost complete silence, his words echoed around the arena as he spoke of the of the fighter, of his successes, his challenges and his legacy. “Our hitmen turn out to be human. Our heroes are humans. You never let anyone down. Please let us tell you, you never let anyone down.”

As well as the cream of boxing being in attendance for the special occasion, the night also saw live performances from some well-known Manchester music stars including Rowetta who belted out ‘Crying Your Heart Out’ and ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’.

At the business end of proceedings, Leigh’s very own Lottery Winners came out in support too, phone lighters aloft, while Tinie Tempah brought even more star power.

Al Foran brought the laughs and lightened things with his spot-on impressions of Pep, Fergie, Keane, Beckham and Rooney amongst others. There was even a cheeky nod to Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank and Mike Tyson too.

Relieving unforgettable nights there were also plenty of anecdotes from those who were with Ricky when he took over Vegas with his 30,000 fans. Paulie Malignaggi, was at first his bitter rival but then became a close friend. He flew in to relive that amazing night, delighting the crowd with his tales.

“He was a larger than life cult figure in Manchester and the UK but when you met him in person he was so down to earth. He was very ferocious in the ring. I remember the physicality more than anything. He really loved this city, he would be amazed at this turn out tonight.”

In a nod to Ricky Hatton’s infectious sense of humour the night wasn’t complete without a rendition of Hi Ho Ricky from Joey Blower. Ring side Ricky’s son Campbell and granddaughter Lyla charmed the crowd with twirls, cartwheels and handstands in what made for a heartwarming penultimate act.

For the twelfth round it was down to Crumpsall-raised rapper and actor Bugzy Malone. In his first gig at the AO since his 2021 Resurrection Tour, he appeared on stage determined to give the crowd a set to remember, even performing a brand new song especially for Ricky.

He told the M.E.N earlier this week that Ricky was a huge inspiration for him in a city that has some really cloudy days. Describing Ricky as a beacon of hope, Bugzy’s said of his new song that the beat ‘almost pulled his heart out of his chest’.

To close, and to bring the curtains down on an epic tribute, there was only one song it could be – Blue Moon. The night’s stars, sports champions and music legends really did give the Hitman Hatton the send off he well and truly deserved. And as Bugzy told an emotional Campbell, “your dad really was the original King of the North”.

Here is what you can expect from the weather this week

After a weekend of changeable conditions, the unsettled weather is set to continue into the new week in Northern Ireland.

The Met Office is forecasting a mix of sunshine and scattered showers this week, with some heavy rain and thundery conditions at times.

Later in the week, the weather is set to turn windier, with some widespread cloud and rain arriving ahead of next weekend.

Here is what you can expect from the weather in Northern Ireland this week:

Monday

Dry and bright in the east in the morning, a few showers in west. Bright or sunny spells and scattered showers everywhere in the afternoon, heavy and thundery at times. Maximum temperature 16 C.

Tuesday

Bright or sunny spells with scattered showers, some heavy and thundery, mainly in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 16 C.

Wednesday

A mix of sunny spells and patchy cloud is expected along with isolated showers. Maximum temperature 16 C.

Thursday

Turning windier with widespread cloud and rain arriving from the west. Maximum temperature 17 C.

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

The city rests one shoulder on Europe, the other on Asia, and lets the Bosphorus sing a shining breath of water between them.

For centuries, it was the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, which is why its old core is packed with mosques, churches, palaces and bazaars.

The city itself is full of historic landmarks that you feel lucky to even lay eyes on.

The Hagia Sophia (once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, now a mosque again), the Byzantine walls, the Hippodrome area, and Ottoman sites like Topkapı Palace and the Blue Mosque.

(Image: Newsquest)

Yet today, it is more commonly associated with its cure for lonely scalps and misunderstood teeth.

I’m not bald, so I have never given the industry too much thought, but over the past few years, you simply cannot ignore the meteoric rise in hair transplants or aptly named ‘Turkey teeth’ among society.

Each has become symbolic of how the rise of social media gave us an unrealistic expectation of how we should look.

Confidence in ourselves is arguably at an all-time low, so for any man out there who isn’t happy with their appearance, I hope your pillow be forever cold.

You are enough, king, but worry not, Turkey holds the key.

At a fraction of the cost of the UK, people can often get flights, a hotel and a new wig for less than just the procedure at home, which makes it an ideal “fly in, fix hair, fly out” destination.

I’ve never been to Turkey before, so I was alight with anticipation at the thought of not only meandering between continents, but also to see what is putting it on the global map, health tourism.

(Image: Newsquest)

Esteworld was my destination, a leading health clinic founded in 1994 that is widely regarded as one of the key contributors to this industry in Turkey.

With 1,200 employees and patients from over 35 countries, there was no question of Esteworld’s clinical expertise, but I was about to learn so much more about what makes this place truly special.

Making my way to Turkey

Flying from Manchester to Istanbul was far from boring.

I am more than partial to an airport pint; no one will ever begrudge me a quick livener before getting on a plane for a four-hour panic attack.

And it was here that I learnt my first lesson about flying to Turkey, a very proud country, don’t overdo it.

One man nearby, with, let’s say, a cold head, seemed to also share my trepidation. Yet instead of a couple, he’d opted for half a barrel.

A man on his own, follicly challenged, and beyond drunk, it didn’t take Nostradamus to work out which flight he would be boarding.

Mine, Pegasus Airlines, a Turkish airline who do not react kindly to people turning up with their trousers down their ankles whilst belting ‘Blue Moon’ at the top of their lungs.

If you’re flying to Turkey, be respectful, as the flight attendants had to cut off the entire flight in a bid to keep order, much to the dismay of everyone else. Don’t be that guy.

(Image: Newsquest)

After demonstrating monk-like discipline to not buy a bottle of perfume and drink it, I arrived in Istanbul at night and made my way to the Hilton to meet the rest of the guys who would be investigating what makes Esteworld special.

It was an incredible hotel, fit for anyone suffering from the fear of being alone whilst undertaking a massive change in their lives, so do not worry, you’re in safe hands.

What makes Esteworld special

Visit here to find out more.

Hair loss affects millions of people around the globe, but it is far from just a superficial issue.

According to Chemist4u, over 15 million UK residents experience hair loss.

A common cause of emotional distress and reduced confidence for many, it’s no surprise that interest in preventative measures continues to grow.

But this is where Esteworld offers the solution.

Known for its patient-first approach and exceptional service standards, Esteworld is now in the truly capable hands of Dr Burak Tuncer, the clinic’s Medical Director and a leading specialist in hair transplantation.

He said: “We are witnessing a significant shift in consumer behaviour globally.

“Health, appearance and longevity are no longer seen as optional, but increasingly as priorities.

“Esteworld positioned itself early within this transformation and has since evolved into a platform that delivers both medical outcomes and a comprehensive patient experience.”

(Image: Newsquest)

And that is what we found to be the case: the patient experience.

You hear nightmare stories about people flying to countries and coming back with bodged hair transplants or veneers, but Dr Burak doesn’t shy away from this; it infuriates him.

“We hate the fact that people associate reputable clinics such as ours with these companies that are purely designed to rip people off and make their lives even worse,” he said.

Adversely, he uses this defiant passion of his to help people.

He added: “At Esteworld, we hold the highest of standards, perhaps in the world, and we want people to know that if you pick us, we will be there with you every step of the way.”

Not only as a medical director but also as a surgeon, Dr Burak Tuncer is a level above the rest.

He has carried out thousands of hair transplant operations over the years, working with people like you and me, all the way up to VIP.

The ‘Ooo that’s going straight in my barsket’ guy from Vine, Anto Sharp, remember him? I bumped into him in the corridor.

(Image: Newsquest)

Esteworld runs a well‑oiled service for international patients, taking care of translation, accommodation, transport and follow‑up care.

To summarise, Esteworld is suitable for those who:

• Have hair thinning or bald patches, especially those with stable hair loss.
• Understand that results take time
• Are in good general health; anything undeclared could impact your healing
• Are prepared for international travel and willing to follow post-operative care

What is Istanbul like?

The added bonus of coming to Esteworld in Istanbul for your hair transplant is, well, you’re going to be in Istanbul.

My word, what a city. An ethereal one at that.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit some incredible places in the world, but nowhere quite lives up to expectations like Istanbul.

Before you go away on a trip, you can’t help but browse through TikTok or Instagram, researching the place you’re about to go.

But when you get there, it never lives up to the hype and usually falls well below par. Social media is a lie, right? Well, not in this case.

(Image: Newsquest)

Istanbul is a hole in one.

My favourite spot? The Blue Mosque area, it squeezes centuries of Istanbul’s history, faith and everyday life into a single, walkable square mile.

It feels like you’ve stepped into the pages of a Dan Brown novel and have you cosplaying as Robert Langdon, mooching about, solving some world-ending problem.

When in actual fact you’re just hunting for some Turkish delight.

Step out of the mosque, and you’re in Sultanahmet Square, with Hagia Sophia facing you across the park, Topkapı Palace and Gülhane Park a short walk away.

It’s a place for pondering the big questions in surprising serenity.

Am I where I want to be in life? What would make this year feel well‑lived? How long does the Elvis impersonation business realistically have left?

If you’re thinking of making that big leap and choosing to have a hair transplant, then Istanbul, and for that matter, Esteworld, should be the number one place on your list.

It is no wonder the city has continents fighting over its allegiance.

Where’s the best capital city you’ve ever visited? Let us know in the comments

The Railway bar, located on Albert Road, first opened its doors last summer but has now surrendered its premises licence, forfeiting its right to sell booze.

On April 13, 2026, Cleveland Police applied to Middlesbrough Council for a review of the premises licence of The Railway.

The application for review was made under the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. 

However, no licence review hearing will take place – a Middlesbrough Council spokesman confirmed that the establishment surrendered its licence before such a review could take place.

On Facebook, the business describes itself as a bar/club and being open six days a week, boasting DJs, events and live sports, but additional details on the page says that the bar is now “permanently closed”.

The Railway was contacted but the business did not wish to make a comment for publication. 

NEW YORK (AP) — Flying vampires. A musical spoof of the megahit movie “Titanic.” Another spoof, this time of golden-age Broadway musicals. And a new “Death of Salesman,” one of America’s most decorated and mournful plays. It’s Tony Awards time.

Twenty-four Broadway shows will hope to nab at least one win Sunday across the 26 Tony categories, which can mean the difference between keeping the doors open and pulling down the curtain.

Grammy Award-winner Pink is the host of the show, which will be broadcast live on CBS and streaming for Paramount+ subscribers in the U.S. to both coasts on Sunday from 8-11 p.m. Eastern/5-8 p.m. Pacific.

Three generations of Pink’s family

Pink promises a big, honking opening number — written by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Mark Sonnenblick that ends with some 170 people on stage — with lots of costume changes and some wire work, which she is familiar with from her acrobatic concerts. She has tapped Amber Ruffin, a writer and performer for “Late Night with Seth Meyers” for help with jokes.

In the audience will be Pink’s mother — who took her to shows growing up in Philadelphia, instilling a love of musicals — and Pink’s two children, a passing of the musical theater baton. Pink’s 15-year-old daughter, Willow, is an aspiring theater actor and urged her to host the Tonys.

“The biggest reason she wanted me to say ‘yes’ was so that she could have a seat at the show because she loves the show so much,” says Pink. “I was like, ‘I can probably get you a seat anyway.’”

Plenty of performances

There will be performances from the seven best new musical and best musical revival nominees: “The Lost Boys,” “Schmigadoon!,” “Titanique,” “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),” “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” “Ragtime” and “The Rocky Horror Show.”

Other performances include the original lead cast members of “The Book of Mormon” — Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Rory O’Malley and Nikki M. James — this year celebrating its 15th anniversary. Leslie Odom, Jr. will sing “Without You” from “Rent” during the In Memoriam section, in honor of that show’s 30th anniversary.

Another show celebrating a milestone, “Chicago” now at 30, will have a performance slot featuring Pink, as well as Queen Latifah, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Alex Newell, Adrienne Warren, Julianne Hough, Whitney Leavitt and Dylan Mulvaney. Plus, “A Chorus Line,” which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary, will get a special tribute by Rachel Zegler.

The musical and play races

The competition for best new musical is between four very different shows: “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),” an opposites-attract rom-com; “The Lost Boys,” a stage adaptation of a 1987 teen movie vampire thriller; “Schmigadoon!,” which gently mocks golden-age Broadway shows; and “Titanique,” a camp musical comedy that reimagines the 1997 movie “Titanic.”

The two top best play nominees are “Giant,” exploring accusations of antisemitism against children’s author Roald Dahl, and “Liberation,” about a consciousness-raising women’s group in the 1970s that explores inequality, gender roles and racism.

There are intriguing races in both the revival categories: A “Death of a Salesman” led by Nathan Lane is competing for best play revival with a modern-set “Oedipus” led by Marc Strong and a sweet “Every Brilliant Thing” starring Daniel Radcliffe.

The best musical revival pits a new “Cats” reimagined as a “Pose”-like competition show, the sweeping American history show “Ragtime” and a rollicking, frisky “The Rocky Horror Show.”

Bill Rauch, who secured his first Tony nomination for co-directing the reimagined “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” was a nominator for three seasons until this one and is impressed by the range now on Broadway.

“I look at everything as an artist within the season, but also as somebody who has seen the wealth of work on Broadway for three years running,” he said. “I just think there’s so much variety on Broadway and so many artistic risks that people take. I left my three years as a nominator really impressed by the landscape, I have to say. And I feel that this year as well.”

June Squibb became the oldest Tony-nominated actor in history at 96 and could become the oldest Tony winner if she hears her name called, surpassing Lois Smith who was 90 when she won in 2021. And Lane is hoping for his fourth Tony for “Death of a Salesman,” which would make him tied as the most-awarded male performer in Tony history, alongside Boyd Gaines and Frank Langella.

___

For more coverage of the 2026 Tony Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards.

The Mother & Baby magazine ordered by dad Paul Edwards finally arrived, a whopping 19 years after he actually bought it – an amused Mr Edwards said the late arrival ‘tickled’ him

A dad was stunned to finally receive a magazine in the post 19 years after he actually bought it.

Paul Edwards, 52, was awaiting the arrival of his son in 2007 when he bought a copy of Mother & Baby magazine. His daughter was 18 months old at the time. Now, his children are now aged 18 and 20 and at university.

“Like a lot of relatively new parents, you sign up for subscriptions for things to give you advice, offers and provide things to do with the children – then obviously everyone realises you have to work it out for yourself,” Mr Edwards told the BBC, calling the experience “really bizarre”.

“I’m not sure we realised at the time that the magazine was missing. Then it’s suddenly arrived in the post. You get a half-torn screwed up bag and you think, ‘what on Earth is this’, with the ‘sincere apologies’ on it.”

The magazine finally arrived last Friday with a note from the Royal Mail that said it apologised for “any inconvenience caused”. It is less likely the magazine was lost by the Royal Mail, which said it checks its dorting machines and delivery offices every day. It was more likely that the item was put back into the postal system by someone.

Mr Edwards, an author, said he had been rushing to the door to find out about potential publishing deals when he was suddenly given the magazine through his letter box. “It just really tickled me – it’s the contradiction,” he said.

“You’re constantly checking for any publishing offer then this turns up. It’s just marvellous. What really got me was the ‘apologies for the inconvenience’. My two children have now left home.”

It comes as OFCOM as opened an investigation into Royal Mail’s failure to meet its delivery targets for the last year, it has said. Under the watchdog’s targets, 90 percent of first-class mail should be delivered the next day, and 95% of second-class mail should be delivered within three days.

But Royal Mail announced last week that it had missed targets for another year running, achieving 75.7 percent of first-class mail arriving the next working day over the 12 months to the end of March, according to the latest quality of service report. This was slightly less than the 76.3 percent achieved the prior year.

For second-class mail, 90.2 percent was delivered within three working days – less than the 92.2 percent achieved the year before. Last July, OFCOM “modernised” obligations placed on Royal Mail to reflect steep declines in the number of letters being sent, allowing second-class letters to be delivered on alternate weekdays among changes to delivery targets.

Royal Mail expected to complete it rollout of the new delivery model by Christmas, OFCOM said. While Royal Mail was now making progress, it had taken almost a year to begin the process of implementing the delivery reforms and service levels remained unacceptable, the regulator added.

OFCOM enforcement director Ian Strawhorne said: “A reliable postal service is vital to many people across the country. We share the deep frustrations of customers who have missed important letters because of Royal Mail’s consistent failure to improve its service over the years. While the company is now making progress through its improvement plan, we will continue to hold it to account for its unacceptable performance to date.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Improving quality of service is a top priority and we are delivering a major programme of change through the rollout of our new delivery model which underpins our Improvement Plan, backed by £500 million of investment over five years. These reforms are designed to deliver long-term quality improvements for customers as we modernise the postal service and deploy the new delivery model, enabled by the changes to the Universal Service regulations that OFCOM introduced in July 2025.

“At a time when significant investment is being made to improve reliability across the network, any financial penalty would reduce funding that could otherwise be used to support service improvements for customers. We will engage fully with OFCOM throughout their investigation.”