“Six hours of non-stop thrills and spills, secrets and lies, triumphs and tragedies”

The new series of “real-time thriller” Nightsleeper is set to be filmed in Belfast.

The first series followed the fictional Heart of Britain sleeper train travelling from Glasgow to London, where two strangers were forced to work together to save the lives of its passengers.

Launching in September 2024, the series became the BBC’s biggest new drama launch of the year, with episode one reaching 8.5 million viewers.

Following the success of the first series, the second instalment will see the action move from the rails to the open water, as a new high-stakes thriller unfolds aboard a ship travelling across the Irish Sea where “behind every cabin door is another story, another surprise”.

Writer Nick Leather said: “It’s so exciting to set sail on season two! The passengers and crew on tonight’s Belfast to Liverpool passenger ferry are about to experience six hours of non-stop thrills and spills, secrets and lies, triumphs and tragedies.

“None of them are quite as they seem. Nothing in their lives will ever be the same again. Not all of them will make it to the other side. The new Nightsleeper is going to be more nightsleepery than ever…”

Kate Harwood, Executive Producer, added: “Audiences embraced Nightsleeper in such a huge way, and we’re incredibly excited to return with a bold new story.

“Nick has once again created a brilliantly tense thriller packed with new characters, twists, emotion and edge-of-your-seat drama. We can’t wait to bring this new drama from the high seas.”

The new 6×60 series was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, and is produced by Element Pictures (Normal People, The Cage), a Fremantle label, with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

Filming will take place in Belfast later this year.

Richard Williams, CEO of Northern Ireland Screen, said: “We’re proud to support Element Pictures and the BBC as Nightsleeper returns with an exciting new story rooted in the Irish Sea.

“It’s wonderful to see Northern Ireland’s world-class crew, locations and creative talent playing a part in bringing this ambitious series to audiences around the world.”

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For something that affects millions every month, period pain remains surprisingly poorly treated.

A recent analysis of supermarket transaction data from over three million shoppers found that paracetamol is the most purchased painkiller for menstrual cramps – despite being a less effective option than ibuprofen for this type of pain. The finding highlights a mismatch between what people buy and what actually works.

Period pain, or dysmenorrhoea, is caused by hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins. As the womb lining is broken down each month, the uterus releases these chemicals, which trigger strong contractions to help shed the lining.

High levels of prostaglandins make these contractions more intense and reduce blood flow to the uterus, creating the cramping, dragging pain many people experience. Prostaglandins are linked to inflammation and may also cause other effects during a period, such as nausea.

Ibuprofen may work better than paracetamol for period pain because it belongs to the family of NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs). These medicines block cyclooxygenase (Cox) enzymes, which are essential for prostaglandin production. By reducing prostaglandins, ibuprofen tackles the cause of period pain.

Paracetamol works differently. Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol only weakly inhibits peripheral Cox enzymes, therefore lacking significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Paracetamol’s effects are mainly exerted in the brain and spinal cord. It reduces the perception of pain by blocking pain signals from the body to the brain. This explains why it is helpful for headaches but far less effective for period pain.

This difference is reflected in clinical evidence. A major review of 80 trials involving more than 5,800 women found that NSAIDs were substantially more effective than paracetamol for period pain. The reason it nevertheless remains the most purchased option is likely because it’s familiar, widely marketed and perceived as gentler.

Pain relief

Ibuprofen is also widely used for period pain because it’s effective, inexpensive and available over the counter. But it’s not the only NSAIDs that can be used. Others include naproxen, mefenamic acid and aspirin.

Aspirin is less commonly recommended. This is because it can make periods heavier due to its blood-thinning properties. It’s also not recommended for those under 16 years old because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition which can cause organ damage, especially in the brain and liver.

However, in terms of different NSAIDs’ effectiveness at relieving period pain or their rates of side-effects, the evidence shows no convincing differences. In practice, this means that if ibuprofen does not work well for someone, another NSAID may. Mefenamic acid, for instance, is sometimes preferred because it may also reduce heavy bleeding. However, it is only available on prescription.

It’s important to note as well that timing matters. Although NSAIDs can reduce period pain when taken at any point, they work best when started early in a period – usually one to two days before bleeding begins and continued through the first couple of days of bleeding. Taking NSAIDs ahead of the prostaglandin surge means they can shut down prostaglandin production, preventing the cascade that leads to menstrual cramps.

NSAID alternatives

Although NSAIDs are safe for most people when used short-term, they can irritate the stomach and, in some cases, increase the risk of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. They may also affect kidney function and, with long term use, heart health. People with asthma, kidney disease, heart problems or a history of stomach ulcers should seek medical advice before using NSAIDs.

NSAIDs can also interact with blood thinners, some antidepressants, some blood pressure medicines and steroids.

And although NSAIDs are currently the most effective medicines for period pain, they don’t work for everyone. Around 18% of people with dysmenorrhoea don’t get enough relief from these drugs. Another option sometimes used for period pain is hyoscine butylbromide, an antispasmodic that is more commonly used for treating stomach cramps. Unlike Nsaids, hyoscine does not affect prostaglandins. Instead, it relaxes smooth muscle in the gut and uterus, reducing spasms.

Hyoscine can be helpful for people who cannot take NSAIDs or for additional relief, albeit they’re less effective overall. One study showed that hyoscine butylbromide, combined with paracetamol, reduced pain more than a placebo. However, large-scale studies are needed to compare hyoscine butylbromide directly with NSAIDs or as a combination specifically for period pain.

The combined oral contraceptive pill can also help with period pain by preventing ovulation and thinning the womb lining, which reduces prostaglandin production. This leads to lighter, less painful periods and is often used as an alternative option, especially when contraception is also needed. But the oral contraceptive pill can come with potential side-effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, spotting and mood changes.

Non-drug measures can also help alongside medicines. Simple approaches, such as applying heat from a hot water bottle or heat patch to the abdomen, can ease cramping.

Some people also benefit from transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Tens), particularly when it’s used at a high frequency. Tens devices are small, portable and use mild electrical pulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin to disrupt pain signals and reduce pain. When used correctly it is generally safe, though it should be avoided in situations such as pregnancy, epilepsy, or in people with pacemakers.

When period pain is severe, worsening or interfering with daily life, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional to rule out conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.

A man has been charged with murder following the discovery of the body of a two-year-old girl at an address in Chertsey.

Officers were called to an address in Pyrcroft Road about 17:40 BST on Thursday, following reports of a concern for safety.

Kevin Kerjean, 31, has also been charged with the rape and sexual assault of a child under 13 and is due to appear at Guildford Crown Court on Monday.

Surrey Police had previously said the girl was three years old.

An investigation into the death remains ongoing and the force says it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Kerjean was described by police as a French national who was born in the Central African Republic.

Det Ch Supt Jon Groenen said: “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child’s family, as well as all those who knew her.

“Our teams are working hard to build a picture of what happened, and a significant police presence will remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days,” he added.

On Thursday, several bouquets of flowers were left at the entrance to Syward Place, an apartment complex located on the corner of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road.

“We appreciate that the incident itself, as well as the significant police presence, will be concerning for residents,” said Groenen.

“We would like to thank them for their cooperation as we conduct our investigation.”

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Millionaire Hot Seat is returning to ITV and on the hunt for contestants

Are you ready to take the Hot Seat in one of ITV’s newest game shows?

Jeremy Clarkson is hosting another exciting series of Millionaire Hot Seat and they are looking for contestants from Belfast to take part.

Each episode of the ITV show sees six hopefuls compete for a £1 million prize, but only one player can take their place in the Hot Seat at a time, answering multiple-choice questions to work their way up the Money Ladder.

But unlike classic Millionaire, each question is against the clock. If a player answers correctly, they remain in the Hot Seat and continue up the Money Ladder.

However, if they get a question wrong, they are eliminated, the top prize drops down, and the next player takes their place.

The stakes are high, leaving no room for indecision, and in every episode, one player has the chance to walk away with £1 million.

If you would like the chance to win, then you can apply here. Application closing date is Friday, October 16 2026.

Audition/Casting Period: Monday, 15th June 2026 – Friday, 6th November 2026. Applicants must be 18 years of age or over.

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The new £50 million train station aims to improve connectivity in the city

Roadworks are due to begin on a major city centre roundabout as work is set to begin on a new train station. Work is underway to build a new £50 million train station for Peterborough, aiming to improve connectivity and provide a double-sided railway station for the city.

The first stage of construction for the project will begin on Monday, July 6. From 7pm on Sunday, July 5, until Monday, July 6, there will be a full closure of the Queensgate roundabout so traffic management can be set up. From Monday, lanes will be closed.

A Peterborough City Council spokesperson said: “The project will fill in two out of the three subways and create a modern and welcoming surface level route from Peterborough Railway Station to the city centre (via Cowgate). The surrounding landscape will also be enhanced, making the route safer and more attractive. It is expected to be complete in summer 2027.”

Pedestrian diversions will be in place from July 6. People have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys. They have also been encouraged to plan ahead.

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