(Left to right) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and President of France Emmanuel Macron, pose for a photo at the door of number 10 Downing Street, Westminster, after talks about ongoing support and solidarity for Ukraine (Lucy North/PA)

PA Wire

The former Manchester City midfielder kicked off the fundraising challenge at London’s Wembley Stadium, the site of her 2022 Euros win with the Lionesses, and will make her way North to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

Scott set off on Monday (June 8) morning and will aim to complete a 112-mile bike ride to Villa Park on day one of the challenge.

She will then tackle a 99-mile ride to Everton Hill Dickinson Stadium on day two, followed by a 38-mile run into Manchester on day three.

Former Lioness Jill Scott sets off from Wembley Stadium, north London, at the stat of a five day cycle and marathon challenge for Sport Relief, which will complete a 388 mile route from Wembley Stadium in London to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light (Image: PA MEDIA)

The former footballer will then do a Tour de France-style 111-mile cycle to the North East on Thursday, finishing in West Auckland.

She will travel through Bishop Auckland, Coundon, Spennymoor, Croxdale, Durham, and Houghton-le-Spring, on a 28-mile run to the Stadium of Light on Friday (June 12).

Where will Jill Scott be travelling through in County Durham and North Yorkshire during the challenge?

• West Auckland
• Bishop Auckland
• Coundon
• Spennymoor
• Croxdale
• Durham
• Piercebridge
• Melsonby
• Aldbrough St John
• Richmond
• Leyburn
• Barden Moor
• Grassington
• Bolton Abbey

Over the course of the challenge, she will stop by different football stadiums and community hubs with a few familiar faces, including her former football teammates, joining her along the way.

When will it be happening?

With an estimated arrival in Sunderland of between 4.30pm-5pm on Friday, Jill’s route sees her running and cycling through Houghton and down the A690 Durham Road to Keel Square in the city centre, then heading across the river over Keel Crossing and through Roker, before reaching the finish line in front of the Stadium of Light.

People will be able to monitor Jill’s progress as she makes her way through Sunderland and find out where she is on a live journey tracker on Jill Scott’s Coming Home Challenge for Sport Relief | Comic Relief 

Jill said: “I honestly think this is going to push me further than anything I’ve ever done in football. I’ve got a dodgy knee and a few niggly old injuries from my playing days, which I need to look after, but I’m determined not to let that hold me back. It’s nerve-racking when I look at some of these distances, running marathons and cycling hundreds of miles back-to-back.

“Just like throughout my career, I know I’m going to need a community behind me to get me across that finish line.

“This challenge means so much to me because my journey started long before my days at Wembley.

“It started with people believing in me, supporting me and giving me opportunities when I needed them most.

“One thing football taught me is that you never get through difficult moments alone. When things get tough, it’s the people around you who carry you through, and that’s exactly what this challenge is about.

“If people can get behind me, donate, and cheer me on, we can do something much bigger than just getting me across a finish line.

“My dodgy knees and niggly injuries are nothing compared to what so many people are going through right now. Together with Sport Relief, we can help people through the toughest times – and show everyone that no matter how hard things get, no one has to face it alone.”

“A lot of young people say they feel lonely, they feel disconnected. That’s definitely something that Sport Relief really do help with – giving kids a sense of belonging, a purpose.

“I would just urge people, if you are in a position to help, please make sure you do, because without those green spaces, without those youth clubs, I would never have gone on to fulfil my dreams of playing for England.”

You can track where Jill is on her Coming Home Challenge for Sport Relief and donate by visiting comicrelief.com/jillscott.

The ITV soap’s David Platt actor revealed he’s undergone another hair transplant, seven years after the last

Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd has ‘stunned’ his co-star with his shaved head as he revealed he’s undergone a hair transplant.

The actor, who is famed for playing David Platt in the ITV soap, confirmed he’s had his third hair transplant as he reunited with Corrie co-star Ben Price and former castmate Colson Smith on their podcast for the first time since the procedure.

It was back in 2020 that Jack showed off the results of his second hair transplant after admitting his receding hairline shattered his confidence. He said at the time that as an actor, it was ‘vital’ that he has a full head of hair, and added stress of ‘hurtful’ comments from people on social media led him to take action.

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Jack had his second operation in December 2019 – exactly a year after his first procedure. He said at the time: “I know some people will say that I am being incredibly vain having a second hair transplant so quickly after the first one.

“All I can say to that was that I needed to do it for my long-term mental well-being. I have been in Corrie for 20 years now – ever since I was 12. I know I have been incredibly lucky and love working with such a fantastic group of actors but the relentless schedules take their toll on your mental health, particularly when you have been through as much trauma as David Platt.

Now, Jack has gone through the hair transplant procedure once again, saying on the On the Sofa podcast: “This is my third one. So most people are thinking, I thought you’d just get one air transplant and then it’s Elvis. But that’s not the case apparently, because baldness still progresses as time goes on. So I had one in 2018, 2019 and now. So I’ve had it all done mainly on the front and sections.”

He then took off his baseball cap to reveal his shaven head and said: “That’s a shock, isn’t it? That’s short.” Colson, who also underwent a hair transplant himself in 2024, replied: “I think it’s a look, you know. I actually quite like it.” As Ben burst out laughing, Jack remarked: “Ben’s stunned!”

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Eventually, Ben commented: “I actually don’t think you look that bad.” Colson shared: “It suits you. Bald and beard’s a look.” After it was noted he had spent the previous several minutes laughing before making his judgment, Ben added: “I actually don’t think you look that bad. I could get used to you like that.”

When Colson asked if it was a big decision to go back for a third time, Jack said: “No because I could I could see it I could see it further back in the middle.I could see it going in. So it was sort of act now while I could and I had a bit of time off for the baby, so it was perfect.” Colson remarked: “Paternity and hair transplant,” to which Jack replied: “Exactly that. What a month!”

Jack did admit that his wife, Hanni, wasn’t too happy as she was worried about pictures when their first child together is born. The couple announced on Valentine’s Day (February 14) that they were expecting, seven months after they were seen tying the knot in July 2025, with the ceremony taking place at none other than Manchester Cathedral.

They revealed their sweet baby news in a sweet social media update, as Hanni posted a video, in which they could be seen walking in the grounds of a country house before Jack cradled and kissed her bump. She captioned the clip: “We’ve been keeping a secret…June 2026. Thank you so much to the dream team who made this so special for us.”

New signs have been erected on the old home of the footwear retailer saying that “great things are in store” for the now-empty unit. 

Pictures show how the front doors, which are completely covered by the sign, have “a new store you’ll love to adore” displayed on the glass. 

The unit has been empty since Charles Clinkard shut its doors for the final time on May 14, marking the closure of its final store on Teesside. 

It followed the closure of its original Middlesbrough shop, on Corporation Road, and Redcar branch in 2024. 

The main shop signage has also been removed – but Teesside Park is yet to confirm what brand will be taking its place. 

The former Charles Clinkard unit at Teesside Park (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

A statement at the time said: “We regret to announce that our Teesside Park store will be permanently closing Thursday, May 14. 

“We would like to sincerely thank all our customers for their support and custom over the years.”

This is the first of two retailers to announce their closure this year – with Pro Cook, which is located a few doors down, recently launching a closing down sale. 

The first Charles Clinkard was opened by Charles and Eveline Clinkard in 1924 in Middlesbrough, with the Redcar store following in 1959. 

The firm’s 4,500sq ft Teesside Park branch was opened in 2014 after a £300,000 refit of the closed HMV store.

The nearest stores are now Darlington and Northallerton. 

A Death in Paradise icon is working on this “wonderful” series.

Death in Paradise fans shouldn’t miss this “beautiful” series that’s just come back for another run.

Death in Paradise is currently on its customary break from BBC One, with devotees keen to discover an alternative to tide them over until the gentle crime drama’s comeback.

In the meantime, audiences might consider the reality counterpart to Death in Paradise, the documentary series Policing Paradise, which returned for its second series today, Monday, 8 June.

The programme chronicles the day-to-day work of the Bermuda Police Service, featuring both local and British constables as they patrol the tropical archipelago, juggling law enforcement responsibilities with safeguarding thousands of holidaymakers.

What adds extra appeal to Policing Paradise for Death in Paradise fanatics is the involvement of two beloved actors from the island drama.

The initial series of Policing Paradise, released in March 2025, featured Officer Ruby Patterson actress Shyko Amos providing the voiceover.

However, this fresh second series sees the Commissioner himself, actor Don Warrington, assuming the narration role.

Policing Paradise series two broadcasts Monday through Thursday at 2pm on BBC One, with the opening quartet of episodes already available on BBC iPlayer.

The documentary’s first series can currently be streamed, with the remainder of the second series anticipated to become available subsequently.

Beyond the routine tasks of tackling minor offences and managing summer festivals, Policing Paradise also showcases various specialist divisions, including marine patrols, dog handlers and drug-enforcement officers.

Applauding the inaugural series before its comeback on IMdb, one viewer commented: “This show has it all; insightful access to the full range of Bermuda police duties from dog handling to diving, beautifully photographed with great skill, and narrated with tact, wit and affection by Shyko Amos (Ruby, Commissioner Pattersons’ niece from Death In Paradise).

“This show is an informative documentary with the bonus of that lovely camerawork with Shykos’ voice-over work deftly remaining appropriate and informed across the wide-ranging situations. More of this please!”

Another viewer agreed: “Great to see all the places we love and very interesting to see how Bermuda is policed.

“Hoping there will be another series to get to know a bit more about it and see more on wonderful Bermuda. Island paradise in the Atlantic.”

Policing Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Nationwide‘s chief executive, Dame Debbie Crosbie, has seen her remuneration package almost double, largely due to bonus awards following the building society’s multi-billion pound acquisition of Virgin Money.

According to the mutual’s latest annual report, Dame Debbie received a total of £4.67 million for the financial year ending March 31.

This sum comprised a fixed salary of £1.2 million and bonuses amounting to £3.2 million, supplemented by a pension allowance and other benefits.

This figure represents a substantial increase from the previous year’s pay packet of £2.49 million.

Nationwide attributed the rise to the chief executive exercising a long-term bonus award, initially granted in 2023, which is linked to the building society’s three-year financial performance.

The company’s pay committee said it was “comfortable that remuneration outcomes reflect the society’s excellent performance”.

Kevin Parry, chairman of Nationwide, said: “Debbie Crosbie’s pay has increased because it includes a long-term bonus for the first time, reflecting the society’s outstanding performance and development over the last three years.

“In that period, Nationwide has paid out more to members than at any time in its history, our customer satisfaction lead has doubled, and we now have the largest branch network in the country.

“Because of this, we have been able to quadruple member value and attract, retain and motivate talented people to work at Nationwide.”

Nationwide made a pre-tax profit of £1.49 billion for the year to the end of March, which was down from the £2.3 billion reported the previous year.

The prior year’s earnings had been boosted by a one-off gain from the acquisition of Virgin Money, which it is currently integrating into the group.

Dame Debbie spearheaded the £2.9 billion takeover which was the biggest merger in the UK banking industry since the financial crisis, bringing together Britain’s fifth and sixth largest retail lenders.

The Virgin Money brand is set to be phased out and its customers will be able to transition to Nationwide, while the first rebranding of branches is expected to come in 2028.

Meanwhile, Nationwide will have handed out about £1.5 billion to members since 2023 as part of its profit-sharing initiative, after some 4.4 million eligible members get the next £100 payment this month.

But the building society is facing criticism over its handling of the first member-nominated candidate to stand for election to sit on its board.

James Sherwin-Smith is the first customer of the building society to run for a seat in 24 years.

But the current board of Nationwide is recommending that members vote against his election, arguing that he does not have the necessary skills or experience to fulfil the role, and utilising a so-called “quick vote” option through which members can go along with the board’s recommendations in a single action.

A statement from Nationwide’s board said it was “not satisfied that he would contribute constructively and effectively to the board in line with its duty to act in the best interests” of members.

Mr Sherwin-Smith, who says he has spent more than 20 years working in financial services, said: “This election is about much more than one seat on the board.

“It is about whether the owners of Nationwide – its members – have a meaningful voice in the governance of their society.”

He added: “The board argues that I lack the experience necessary to contribute effectively. Members can judge that for themselves.”

Advanced voting opened on Monday ahead of Nationwide’s annual general meeting on July 15.

Jack Moate, aged nine, died less than two months after a significant operation

A pre-inquest hearing has been held into the death of a nine-year-old boy who died after being operated on by a now-suspended Cambridge surgeon. Jack Moate, nine, died less than two months after being operated on by Kuldeep Stohr, who specialises in paediatric surgery.

A pre-inquest hearing was held on Monday, June 8 at Vantage House in Huntingdon by Senior Coroner David Heming. Mr Heming described the case as “complex” as concerns were raised about the “competence of the surgeon”. The case was referred to the coroner, after a review found “evidence that fatal physical harm was caused”.

A representative acting on behalf of Jack’s mother Elizabeth Moate questioned the “serious” concern raised about the “competence of the surgery and surgeon” which may have led to Jack being in a “precarious position”. The question of who ought to have known about the surgeon’s competence is due to be discussed in a future hearing.

The pre-inquest heard that Jack had a “very stormy” post-operation recovery. The court will ask whether “fatal harm was caused” by the surgery.

The decision as to whether the inquest would be an Article 2 inquest – considers whether an official body may have failed to protect an individual’s life – will be decided at a further hearing. A decision on whether a jury will be used has not yet been made.

Stephen Moate, the father, Mrs Moate, and the Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) have been identified as interested persons by the coroner. A suggestion was also made for the Care Quality Commission and the GP Surgery to be identified as interested persons.

Witness statements and identification of experts are expected to “take a while”. A pre-inquest review is set to take place in early 2027 before a final hearing in late 2027, although a date is yet to be confirmed.

Mr Heming expressed his condolences to the family for the Jack’s “tragic” death. An assistant coroner is due to take over the case. A tribute by Jack’s family previously said that “his smile is imprinted forever on our heart”.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s latest strikes on Lebanon and Iran have made clear that U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who started the war in lockstep, want different things.

Trump had publicly warned Israel not to strike Beirut in its war with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. When it did, on Sunday, Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles at Israel for the first time since the April ceasefire. Israel then struck Iran, with which Trump has been engaged in weeks of high-stakes negotiations.

The fighting has since died down, but the differences between the two leaders are likely to persist.

That’s because Trump, whose party faces elections later this year, wants to wind down an unpopular war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ease gas prices. Iran says a full ceasefire in Lebanon is key to any deal.

Netanyahu, who also faces elections this year, is under pressure to stop Hezbollah’s attacks and prove that he is winning the war with Iran and its allies. He also needs to manage relations with Israel’s most important ally without appearing to kowtow to it.

Political considerations push in opposite directions

When the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, the allies appeared shoulder to shoulder.

Netanyahu said the goal was to degrade the Islamic Republic’s military, eradicate its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and topple its government. Trump announced the death of Iran’s supreme leader in the opening barrage and urged Iranians to “take back” their country.

But it soon became clear that while Trump was seeking a quick win — like the one he secured in Venezuela — Netanyahu wanted to vanquish Iran and its allies, even if it required an extended conflict.

As Iran withstood weeks of heavy strikes and kept the Strait of Hormuz closed, Americans and Israelis grew increasingly frustrated — but for different reasons.

In the U.S., the price of gas and other goods soared as even some erstwhile supporters accused Trump of breaking a campaign promise and plunging the U.S. into another Mideast quagmire. He has pushed back against those critics as rising anger threatens Republicans in November’s congressional elections.

In Israel, anger grew over Netanyahu’s failure to secure a lasting victory in the wars sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, which happened on his watch. More than two years on, Hamas still rules part of Gaza, Hezbollah still fires rockets and Iran’s government and nuclear program remain intact, despite heavy losses.

The collision course runs through Lebanon, where fighting still rages between Israel and Hezbollah despite ceasefire announcements.

Iran wants Lebanon included in any wider regional truce, a demand Trump seems to have accepted in order to get a deal. Iran has threatened to attack Israel again if it keeps striking Lebanon.

Israel is determined to keep the theaters separate and continue its campaign in Lebanon, where it has occupied large swaths of the south, until the threat from Hezbollah has been eliminated.

The tensions spilled into the open last week, when Trump acknowledged holding a tense call with Netanyahu about Lebanon. He admitted to using expletives and calling the Israeli leader “crazy,” saying he’d grown frustrated that Israel’s war on Hezbollah threatened the Iran talks.

In a series of interviews, Trump made clear that he was not happy about Israel’s Sunday strike in Beirut, which came without warning and hit a residential building, killing two people and wounding 20, according to Lebanese authorities.

He then urged restraint from Israel after Iran launched its first barrage of missiles later that day. “I call all the shots,” not Netanyahu, Trump told the Financial Times.

Hours later, Israel bombed Iran.

Officials downplay differences

Trump had initially urged restraint in order to calm markets and keep negotiations from falling apart, according to a person familiar with the U.S.-Israel deliberations who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive conversations.

Israeli officials made the counterargument that the U.S. would not tolerate attacks without a swift response. The person added that it was also understood by both sides that not responding to the Iranian strikes would put Netanyahu in a difficult position politically.

Netanyahu has downplayed any perceived differences.

After the latest strikes, he told reporters in Hebrew that “Israel has a full right to self-defense, and we are exercising it to the extent necessary.”

“I say this to you, just as I say this, with appreciation and respect, in my good conversations with my friend, President Trump,” he added.

It’s unclear if there will be lasting damage

It’s not the first time that Trump has been publicly at odds with Netanyahu about a military operation.

In March, less than three weeks into the conflict, Trump was riled by Netanyahu’s decision to attack a critical Iranian gas field, which prompted Iran to retaliate against energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

“I told him, ’Don’t do that,’” Trump said at the time. “We get along great. It’s coordinated, but on occasion he’ll do something.”

While Trump publicly disagreed with the decision, two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to comment publicly said the U.S. was made aware of Israel’s plans ahead of the attack.

It’s unclear whether the latest dispute will cause lasting damage.

“It’s not so uncommon for the U.S.-Israel relationship to have these kinds of tensions. What’s so different right now is how publicly it’s playing out,” said Michael Singh, managing director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

He noted that Trump has had similar public spats with other heads of state, including close allies.

Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations at Israel’s Bar-Ilan and Reichman universities, said he doubted the rift seriously threatened the alliance. He said Netanyahu had been careful not to push things too far.

“If there was a big threat, like if Israel were to continue the war in Iran and drag the U.S. into it, that would have been a different situation,” he said. “But that is not happening.”

He noted, though, that there are still “basic disagreements between Netanyahu and Trump on Iran, Lebanon and Gaza” that remain unanswered.

___

Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed.

Station Commander Wayne Bloomfield, who is attending the scene, has said in an update on London Fire Brigade’s website: “Firefighters are working hard to extinguish a large amount of refuse alight at a recycling centre.

“Due to the significant amount of smoke in the area, local residents are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.

“Loose embers have also been reported, which is normal during large fires. Residents are advised to pour water onto them if they are concerned about loose embers on or near their properties, but if they do catch something alight, don’t hesitate to call 999.”