‘You will always be one of us. You will always wear blue. You will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, Alex. Forever Blue’
17:08, 28 Jun 2026Updated 21:04, 28 Jun 2026
Tributes have been paid to a beloved Portadown mother who passed away suddenly at home.
Alex Magowan passed away on June 25, breaking the hearts of her family, friends and teammates with the mother of two being an important member of Portadown Rugby Football Club women’s team.
She has been described as a “beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth and smile touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
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A notice on Funeral Times said: “Magowan 25th June 2026 At Home. Gillian Alexandra (Alex), Beloved Fiancé Of Christopher And A Much Loved Mother Of Iveigh And August. Dearly Loved Daughter Of Amanda And Reggie. Beloved Sister Of Terri – Jane.
“House Strictly Private. “Funeral Service On Monday 29th June 2026 At 1 Deramore Drive, Portadown At 11:30am Followed By Interment In Kernan Cemetery. “Family Flowers Only Please. Donations If Desired Payable To Little Princess Trust C/o George McNabb & Co. 106 Bridge Street, Portadown BT63 5AP.
“Very Deeply Regretted By Her Sorrowing Fiancé, Daughter, Son, Mother And Father, Sister And All The Family Circle.”
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Portadown Rugby Football Club said on social media: “There are no words that can truly express the heartbreak our Women’s team and the entire Portadown Rugby Football Club family are feeling today.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved teammate and friend, Alex Magowan.
“Alex wasn’t just someone who wore the blue jersey; she was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth and smile touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She filled our changing room with laughter, friendship and unforgettable memories that will stay with us forever.
“We had all been looking forward to welcoming Alex back to the squad after the birth of her beautiful son, August, alongside her precious daughter, Iveigh. We spoke about seeing her back in blue, making more memories together and sharing many more years as teammates and friends. It is heartbreaking that those moments will never come.
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“Today, our hearts are with Alex’s partner, her beautiful children, her family and everyone who loved her. We hope they know they are surrounded by the love and support of an entire rugby family.
“Rugby creates friendships that become family, and today our family grieves together.
“If today’s news has affected you, please don’t face it alone. Reach out to a teammate, a friend or a loved one. Our club chaplain, Jonny, is also available to anyone who needs someone to talk to.
“Alex, thank you for every memory, every smile and every moment we shared. It was a privilege to call you our teammate and our friend.
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“You will always be one of us. You will always wear blue. You will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, Alex. Forever Blue.”
The Princess of Wales has completed the Three Peaks Challenge and issued a powerful message to cancer survivors: “Please know you are not alone”
Russell Myers Royal Editor and Bradley Jolly Overnight News Editor
11:00, 29 Jun 2026Updated 11:07, 29 Jun 2026
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The Princess of Wales has spoken about her experience of living with cancer as she delivered a heartfelt message to survivors: “we stand together”.
The Princess, 44, said: “Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.”
The mother-of-three made the heartfelt statement following her completion of the Three Peaks challenge, through which she has raised funds for the hospital where she underwent cancer treatment. She received her diagnosis in March 2024 and completed her treatment – including chemotherapy – at the Royal Foundation and the Royal Marsden in Chelsea, London, in September of that year.
After conquering the summit of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) solo with assistance from Mountain Rescue along the route, Kate said: “Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported. Please know you are not alone.”
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Upon completing the challenge, the Princess revealed she has partnered with the Royal Marsden to establish a fundraising page where all contributions will support holistic care provision at the London hospital where she received her cancer treatment.
She continued: “Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear. What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.
“We have an opportunity to reshape what the future of holistic cancer care looks like, enabling more people, nationwide, to access the kind of personalised support that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment.
“Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.”
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Having overcome her illness, the Princess of Wales resumed her royal duties in early 2025. She revealed that she chose to take on the Three Peaks Challenge — a national event in which participants attempt to scale the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours — to “explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back”, reports the Mirror.
The Princess was welcomed at the foot of Snowdon by Prince William, her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother James Middleton.
She continued: “I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back. The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.
“We have an opportunity to reshape what the future of holistic cancer care looks like, enabling more people, nationwide, to access the kind of personalised support that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment.
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“Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare. Every individual is different, and ensuring there is a whole person approach to care enables those living through cancer to manage the deeply personal challenge of diagnosis. Holistic therapies complement clinical pathways and support patients’ ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time.
“This challenge will support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping to transform access to, and understanding of, holistic care that will enhance recovery and healing for patients across the UK. Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong.
“It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through.”
Kate completed the challenge by conquering Snowdon, having already scaled Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike earlier in the 24-hour mission. The funds raised for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity will enable more cancer patients to access holistic care.
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The money will additionally back research into how such approaches can best complement clinical cancer treatments, supporting patients throughout their entire journey. The ultimate aim is to establish a blueprint for change, ensuring this supportive care becomes a routine element of cancer treatment across the country.
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At The Royal Marsden, we are committed to ensuring every patient has the personalised support they need as they navigate their diagnosis, treatment and life beyond cancer. A patient’s cancer journey doesn’t stop when active treatment stops; it’s important to treat the whole person, not just the illness. Holistic care that complements clinical care plays a vital role in enabling patients to sustain their wellbeing, resilience, and quality of life.
“We are honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales as Joint Patrons of The Royal Marsden. The Princess’s commitment to The Royal Marsden stems from a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges, and we are immensely grateful for this generous support that will make a difference to the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.”
A newborn baby has been found dead in a portable restroom at a music festival in Michigan, police said.
The infant’s body was discovered in a toilet in the camping area of the Electric Forest festival in Rothbury by an attendant Sunday, Michigan State Police told CBS News.
Electric Forest is held annually at the Double JJ Ranch, close to Lake Michigan and around 60 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, hosting dozens of DJs and other electronic dance music acts over four days. The body was discovered on the last day of the festival, which attracts tens of thousands of EDM fans each year.
Police said their investigation into the death is ongoing but have not yet revealed the age of the child or any other identifying details due to the sensitivity of the case.
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“The Michigan State Police continue to investigate the discovery of a deceased neonate found Sunday morning in the camping area at the Electric Forest Festival,” cops said in a social media post.
“Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance. If you were in the area and observed anything unusual, or if you have information that you believe may be relevant, we encourage you to come forward.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation and ask that people avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected.”
Organisers of the annual event said they were “heartbroken” (Electric Festival)
State police added the incident is not indicative of any wider threat to the general public and urged anyone with any knowledge of what happened or who believe they saw any suspicious or unusual activity to leave a report via the MSP’s online portal.
The festival organisers offered their sympathies in a statement on social media.
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“Forest Family, it causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you,” the festival wrote on Instagram.
“The Michigan State Police continue to investigate this tragic event if you can assist in any way. HQ is heartbroken and knows that our Forest Family is as well.”
This year’s festival was the 14th incarnation of the event, inaugurated in 2008. Last year’s gathering attracted as many as 50,000 revellers.
The environment usually takes a backseat in times of conflict. But in Ukraine a rewilding project is sowing seeds for a greener, more peaceful future
Vesela Dolyna translates from Ukrainian as ‘happy valley’. In the heart of the semi-arid Pontic-Caspian steppe system in southwestern Odesa Oblast, this village of 1,206 souls has, sadly, seen happier eras than today. Today, Vesela Dolyna’s residents are as likely to hear the violent cracks of exploding mines, or the high-pitched screams of the Russian missile strikes targeting the nearby Black Sea coast, as the bucolic rhythms of harvesting, or the craw of the native Eurasian magpie circling the village’s thatched, brightly painted homes.
Take a walk into the grasslands of the Tarutino Steppe with local resident Petro Hramatik, however, and you might yet hear another, strange and ancient, sound: a high, keening bray which, to locals like Hramatik, is a sign of hope amid the misery of war.
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A former Vesela Dolyna village head, Hramatik is a local volunteer for Rewilding Ukraine, a conservation organization that is restoring 600 hectares of formerly ploughed grassland in the Tarutino Steppe through the reintroduction of native species.
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Donkeys trampling fireproof landscapes
The project began in 2017 and has led to the release of 63 Konik horses; 20 red deer; 30 fallow deer; 20 water buffalo; and ten Hucul horses, the latter a native breed from the Carpathian mountains, back into the wild. Their star reintroduction however is a keystone species that Hramatik monitors on his frequent visits into the steppe: 35 characterful and voluble kulan, or wild donkeys. With their stout legs and high-pitched bray, these wild equines once ranged across a great swathe of central Europe from Ukraine and Russia in the west to Mongolia and China in the east.
“I genuinely love nature and I feel deeply connected to this landscape,” Hramatik told Perspective Daily. Hramatik took part in some of the animal releases to the steppe and now visits the territory to monitor plant and animal health, most frequently in the summer and spring when the Steppe is accessible due to better weather. “The natural grazing of kulan is having very positive effects on the steppe,” he said, “They reduce excessive dry vegetation, create more diverse plant structures and open up space for different species to return.”
Before human settlement, the Tarutino Steppe was an ecosystem of dry temperate grassland on fertile soils called ‘chernozem’ (black earth). These steppes supported diverse, drought tolerant grasses and flowering plants and were ranged over by large grazers such as the kulan and abundant small mammals and rodents. From the 19th century, with German Bessarabian settlement, and later Soviet factory-scale farming, the Steppe was converted to cereal and sunflower farming, sheep grazing and vineyards. Abandoned by the Soviet tractors after 1990, and with an ageing local population unable to tend the land, the Tarutino Steppe deteriorated into an unloved landscape that was dangerously prone to wildfires.
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Image: Wikimedia Commons
With climate change and now the scourge of exploding mines (planted by both Ukrainian and Russian forces), wildfires can ignite daily in the heat of summer, Hramatik says. “That’s why the kulan are so important,” Hramatik adds, “they manage vegetation and reduce fire risk.” Kulan help to manage fire risk through natural grazing and movement, which reduces the amount and continuity of flammable vegetation. Their droppings also add organic matter to the soil, which improves soil structure over time: healthier soils hold water better, resist compaction, and absorb rainfall more efficiently rather than shedding it as run-off, also lowering fire risk.
Preparing for the tourism of tomorrow
The reintroduction of ancient grazers, as well as rodents such as marmots and the black-bellied European hamster, has also improved the Steppe’s soil fertility and, in turn, its carbon sequestration, says Mykhailo Nesterenko, who heads Rewilding Ukraine. Nesterenko and his family initially fled Ukraine for Romania on the outbreak of war, before moving to the Netherlands, though he returned to resume work on the projects in 2023.
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“Nature restoration is important for communities too,” he adds. “Wetlands help communities adapt to climate and a healthy ecosystem also opens up the possibility of nature-based businesses, such as tourism.”
Rewilding Ukraine’s umbrella organization Rewilding Europe works on rewilding projects downstream at the Danube Delta, a connected habitat 50 km southeast at the mouth of the Black Sea that is partly in Ukraine and partly in Romania and is part of the Danube Delta Biosphere. Here it is restoring waterways from a ‘managed’ Soviet-style hydraulic system back into a self-sustaining, wild wetland, by removing 10 obsolete dams and re-establishing fish spawning grounds. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1991) and Biosphere Reserve, the 4000 km² Delta hosts over 5,500 plant and animal species, and is so dense and varied that locals and biologists call it ‘Europe’s Amazon’.
Mykhailo Nesterenko, head of Rewilding Ukraine. Credit: Privat
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Loss of tourist income is one of the social and financial tolls on rural Ukrainian communities from Russia’s war. Average monthly wages in Bolhrad Raion, of which Vesela Dolyna is a part, are 7,000–9,000 UAH a month (€ 190–230) compared to the national average wage (2023): 15,000–16,000 UAH a month (€ 400–450). Regional ethno tourism attractions such as Vynohradivka (Kurçu), a traditional wine-growing village, were shuttered with the outbreak of hostilities and UNESCO and the World Bank estimate that Ukraine’s culture and tourism sectors have accumulated over $ 19.6 billion in lost revenue since February 2022.
Now Rewilding Ukraine is establishing the infrastructure to be able to »press go« when tourists return, Nesterenko explains. They include Eco-park Tarutino: a dedicated area featuring excursion routes and guided tours to see the reintroduced animals with wildlife watching towers and observation hides.
Ukraine’s nature is as resilient as the Ukrainian people
Rewilding Europe and Rewilding Ukraine are supported by the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme (ELSP) at the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, part of the University of Cambridge. Its Director, David Thomas, told Perspective Daily that although monitoring of impacts of the Delta projects is hampered by the war, ELSP is seeing ‘cascading effects’ from the reintroduction of large herbivores, such as increased fish populations and diverse bird communities.
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Researchers in the steppe. Image: Victor Shapoval
ELSP’s satellite images show that reintroducing water buffalo and Konik horses across the outer Delta has reduced dense vegetation as it has boosted plant diversity. They have also found that grasslands with large and diverse grazing species like donkeys, horses, and buffalo deposit twice as much carbon compared to areas where no large grazers are present.
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“I think the hope and expectation is that [Rewilding Europe’s work] will provide a road map, a blueprint for restoration of the area and development of the local economy,” Thomas says of his hopes for Ukraine when peace comes. “There are great prospects for a nature-based economy around the Danube.”
Tourists aside, Rewilding Ukraine’s work is as much about the people who call the Delta habitats home. Rewilding Ukraine runs initiatives through which war veterans and their families are brought into rewilding landscapes as part of PTSD recovery; and in July 2025, a five day Junior Rewilders Camp brought together around 30 secondary school students from Ukraine and Romania to the Romanian Delta for birdwatching, teamwork sessions and creative activities designed to deepen children’s connection with the delta and rewilding concepts.
Our rewilding efforts in the Danube Delta show that Ukraine’s nature is as resilient as the Ukrainian people, and the two depend on each other. I am confident that both will recover when the war ends
Nature refuses to stand still
Outcomes in the long road to peace in Ukraine in 2026 depend on Russia’s willingness to negotiate with the frameworks toward ending the war that were established at Paris »Coalition of the Willing« summit on January 6. There are risks for the Delta and its peoples that the war will grind on, and the hoped-for tourism revenue will not come.
For all their efforts, Nesterenko admits that war hinders work on the rewilding projects. Some project sites are cut off, which means that the project’s rangers cannot monitor their rewilded herds or release more as planned, as civilian travel into the Delta is severely restricted. In the meantime, however, nature itself refuses to stand still.
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In the spring of 2022, a tiny kulan foal was born on the Tarutino Steppe after a punishingly cold winter. With his gangly legs, large eyes and downy coat, he was the first kulan to be born in the wild in 200 years, making history as he stumbled to his feet. He’s a sign the Steppe, and the happy valley, will see happier days.
The steppe ecosystem is home to a variety of drought-resistant grasses and flowering plants. Image: Victor Shapoval
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A blueprint: bringing back bison in Romania
Across the border in Romania, successes with bison rewilding offer a blueprint for the future of nature-based livelihoods in Ukraine. Here, bison were not dropped into an empty wilderness but carefully reintroduced into a working landscape, with locals involved from day one: building enclosures, managing encounters, and learning how to live alongside a species that hadn’t roamed these mountains for centuries. The animals, in turn, are quietly doing what they do best: grazing young trees to keep meadows open, trampling fire corridors through forests, dispersing seeds and nutrients, and helping soils store more carbon.
Rewilding Romania supports conservation through ‘bison-smart’ communities of locals who actively accept and promote rewilding in their midst. Hotlines to report animal encounters, ranger patrols with trained dogs, and small economic incentives – from bison tracking experiences for tourists, to products made from ‘co-existence’ orchards – now support dozens of local businesses.
Mihai Miculescu, who owns the bustling Dospita bakery in Armenis, is one of them. In 2012, when the first herd of bison was reintroduced in the mountains behind his home, his son and he helped build the enclosure for the relocated animals. Today, the freshly baked malai, a Romanian cornbread made with his family’s secret recipe, seems to be selling faster than he can bake it, and he credits the success of his business to the increased business from the increase in tourist arrivals thanks to the bison rewilding project.
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Bison have been successfully reintroduced into the wild in the Southern Carpathians in Romania. Image: Daniel Mirlea/Rewilding Europe
In 2025, Rewilding Romania trained 96 residents to run restaurants that offer homestyle food, and helped another resident to access loans to start a guesthouse in the Southern Carpathians. They have also trained several locals to offer services as wildlife guides and rangers (four of whom are employed full-time by the project).
Today, the local bison population stands at over 250, of which 105 were reintroduced and the remaining have been born in the wild. “We are living in times when it is no longer enough to protect what is left of nature; it is also necessary to help nature regain the power to heal,” says Marina Druga, Executive Director Rewilding Romania. And by surviving, thriving and reproducing after being rewilded in the Southern Carpathians, the bison are functioning as natural architects that will help improve the health of their ecosystem.
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Main image: A herd of kulans in an enclosure where they are being prepared for being released into the wild. Credit: Oleksandr Gaidash
This article was originally published by Perspective Daily
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Former Love Island star Olivia Attwood has teamed up with jewellery brand Abbott Lyon for a new edit featuring personalised accessories and jewellery that are ideal for summer
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When it comes to holiday fashion inspiration, few celebrities pull off effortless glamour quite as well as Olivia Attwood. The former Love Island star has now teamed up with jewellery brand Abbott Lyon for a brand new collection, featuring pieces she would genuinely throw into her suitcase for a summer escape.
Brimming with ‘simple, buildable’ holiday-ready accessories, the carefully curated ‘designer-inspired’ range showcases an array of bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces that can be effortlessly mixed and matched. Yet it isn’t solely the jewellery that has caught our attention — the collection also boasts stylish accessories perfect for packing, from personalised raffia bags to chic cowboy hats.
Describing the range as her ultimate holiday must-haves, Olivia explained: “The only bad part of going on holiday is the packing. I’m back with a new edit with Abbott Lyon. These are your holiday essentials.”
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Olivia continued: “I’ve kept it super simple, buildable. Less stress, less digging through your case – more time for Aperols. This is going to sort your summer right out.”
Abbott Lyon has built its reputation on personalised jewellery, but this latest collection demonstrates it can give high street fashion retailers a serious run for their money. The beach bags, scarves and hats look considerably more luxurious than their price tags suggest, reports OK!.
Every jewellery collection needs a timeless gold hoop earring, and these Oval Hoop Earrings serve as the ideal everyday essential. Featuring a sleek, elongated shape, they’re crafted with 18ct gold plating and a concealed hinge for a flawless appearance.
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They’re subtle enough for daytime wear yet refined enough to complement evening holiday ensembles. They look fantastic worn alone, but for those with multiple piercings, they’ll appear equally impressive layered with studs or huggies. The sole drawback is their availability only in gold, which may disappoint those who prefer silver jewellery.
Written In The Sand Charm Name Necklace – from £79
Personalised jewellery continues to be a significant trend, and this Written In The Sand Charm Name Necklace is arguably the standout jewellery item from Olivia’s selection. Available in silver or gold from £79, the bespoke necklace displays your name in a distinctive 3D typeface that resembles lines etched in the sand.
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The item can be personalised with up to six ocean-themed charms, including pearls, birthstones and shell-inspired embellishments, although these do incur an extra charge. Perfectly capturing the coastal look, this would make a wonderful gift for a summer birthday. Do bear in mind, however, that it carries a substantial lead time of almost a month, so ensure you place your order well in advance.
Mini Beaded Blue Necklace – £39
Beaded necklaces are currently all over social media, and while chunkier designs have flooded my feed, this more delicate interpretation of the trend is one I anticipate will really gain traction. The Mini Beaded Blue Necklace provides an effortless way to introduce a hint of colour to any ensemble, evoking those island vibes with its beautiful blue shade.
It works wonderfully when layered with gold chains, and there’s also the opportunity to customise it with a charm to make it truly unique. For something bolder and more eye-catching, Oliver Bonas stocks this Gabriella Beaded Chunky Heart Pendant Necklace for £28. It features blue marble-effect beads interspersed with orange spacers, finished with an oversized heart charm for added drama.
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Personalised Raffia Bag – £69
If there’s one standout accessory from the collection, it’s the Personalised Raffia Bag for £69. Raffia totes have emerged as a summer wardrobe essential, thanks to designer iterations from the likes of Loewe and Prada.
But Abbott Lyon’s offering provides the same adaptable aesthetic for a fraction of the cost. The generously-sized woven bag can be embroidered with your name, initials or a word of your choice. It’s roomy enough for beach towels, books and all your holiday essentials, complete with an easy over-the-shoulder fit, making it convenient to carry around all day.
One holidaymaker commented: “Bought this bag as a treat for my upcoming holidays. The bag arrived safely, packaged well. Lovely dust bag. Communication good throughout. The bag is a nice size. I even bought my daughter one.”
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Another contributed: “I love the quality of the bag! Perfect summer bag,” with a third stating: “Lovely bag, fabulous quality. Lots of people ask where it’s from.” A fourth shared: “I love my new beach bag, it looks so beautiful in person, and I can not wait to use it for my holiday.”
Raffia Cowboy Hat – £59.
I’m drawn to the western look, but frequently I find that cowboy hats can appear somewhat like costume accessories. Nevertheless, this Abbott Lyon Raffia Cowboy Hat, £59, has convinced me. It seems like an effortless way to adopt the trend without being excessive and straying into the fancy dress realm.
Crafted from lightweight raffia in a timeless natural tone, it provides useful sun protection while adding a chic finishing flourish to linen dresses, swimwear and denim shorts alike. It’s simple to picture this becoming a luggage essential for everything from pool days to beach clubs.
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It is worth noting that the hat is shown with a charm chain, however this accessory is not included. It can be bought separately for £19, which brings the total cost of the complete look to £78 — a price point that some shoppers may consider rather steep for a hat.
While Abbott Lyon’s carries a somewhat more rustic feel, this Packable Fedora for £40 at M&S provides a touch more refinement. Crafted from a robust yet lightweight fabric that’s simple to pack, it folds away neatly for hassle-free travel owing to its packable construction.
Jones is the host of Morning Live on BBC One, along with the likes of Helen Skelton and Michelle Ackerley.
Jones has also been an ambassador for the Welsh Jewelry company Clopgau for nearly a decade.
Over the past eight months, the 48-year-old has been seen frequently wearing Clogau watches.
Gethin Jones warned for breaching BBC guidelines
The 48-year-old has now reportedly received a warning for breaking BBC guidelines, according to The Mail on Sunday.
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The broadcaster’s rules state that presenters “must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have been contracted to promote.”
A BBC Studios spokesman, speaking to The Mail on Sunday, added: “We have clear guidelines around presenters’ commercial activities, and Gethin has been reminded of these.”
Jones has been seen wearing a £550 Clogau watch with a stainless-steel case and black bezel more than 30 times on Morning Live (most recently on June 24).
The Cardiff-born presenter has also worn several other timepieces from the Welsh company on the BBC show, The Mail on Sunday added.
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Jones has been approached for comment.
He is not the first presenter to be warned by the BBC for similar breaches.
Monty Don, Shirley Ballas, and Gary Lineker have all previously received warnings from the broadcaster.
Gethin Jones’ TV career
Gethin Jones began his TV career on Welsh channel S4C, presenting children’s programmes, before, in 2005, he became a presenter on the hit BBC children’s show Blue Peter.
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Since then, Jones has appeared on a variety of TV shows, including series five of Strictly Come Dancing ( in 2007), where he reached the semi-finals with professional partner Camilla Dallerup.
He went on to appear in two of the Strictly Christmas specials in 2009 and 2016.
The Welsh presenter is still part of the Strictly family, acting as a roving reporter for It Takes Two, a role he has held since 2016.
On top of all that, Jones has also made several appearances on the hit BBC sci-fi series, Doctor Who.
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While Jones has been a host on Morning Live for more than five years, he has also been a guest presenter on This Morning (ITV) and The One Show (BBC).
He is also set to appear on the upcoming series of Celebrity Apprentice.
Along with his various television roles, Jones has featured on several radio shows throughout his career, including on Heart and Hits Radio.
Jones has also appeared in many theatre productions, been an Olympic Torchbearer (for the 2012 Summer Olympics), and appeared as a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef.
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Have you spotted Gethin Jones wearing a Clogau watch while on Morning Live? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
John Cooney, 28, died a week after suffering a head injury in a fight at the Ulster Hall
Work is ongoing to find a hydration expert to help an inquest probe the sudden death of an Irish boxer following a fight in Belfast last year.
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Former Celtic super-featherweight title holder John Cooney, 28, from Galway, died a week after suffering a head injury in a fight at the Ulster Hall in February 2025. He was treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital for an intracranial haemorrhage, also known as a bleed on the brain.
His family, represented by KRW Law, said his death raises “profound concerns about safety practices” in the sport, and want to see the probe examine safety regulations.
They have expressed hope the case would prompt Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights so the state ensures adequate laws and regulatory frameworks where life-threatening activities are permitted.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) and referee Darren Sarginson are set to be properly interested parties in the proceedings, as well as Mr Cooney’s family.
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A preliminary hearing at Belfast Coroner’s Court on Monday morning heard about preparations for the inquest, including the search for someone qualified to assess the impact of hydration in terms of Cooney making the weight for his fight.
It also heard an update on progress around disclosure of material, including footage from the BBC and medical records.
Mr Cooney’s father Hugh watched via video link during the brief hearing on Monday morning as Coroner Anne-Louise Toal issued a formal direction to the Police Service of Northern Ireland to respond to requests in terms of disclosure, noting they had been “written to a number of times”.
Ms Toal also heard that work is under way on identifying expert witnesses to give evidence to the inquest. This includes working to find a hydration expert.
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Ms Toal suggested that a neurological pathologist may be qualified in assist in this respect, but the matter is being kept under review.
Barrister Mark Bassett, acting for Mr Cooney’s family, said they are also having difficulty in assessing an expert in terms of hydration.
Ms Toal expressed hope for progress in terms of disclosure over the summer months, and set the date for the next preliminary hearing for September 25.
A van driver was quizzed by a council worker about his prostate after being spotted relieving himself in a lay-by.
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Lee East, 51, said he felt ‘ridiculed’ as he was watched by a council contractor weeing after driving from Clacton in Essex on the A12 in April.
The driver, whose bladder issues and enlarged prostrate mean he has to go to the toilet more often than usual, was handed a £200 fine, or £150 if paid within 15 days, for his discrete act on the roadside.
A clip shows Mr East being confronted by a worker for private investigator Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement, who introduced herself as Anna.
She is heard chastising him and printing out a fine, remarking about how common prostate problems are in men.
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The driver is warned he faces a fine of up to £2,500 and a criminal record if he is taken to court.
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‘I just can’t believe how common it is with men, probably out of 10, potentially five or six, minimum, prostate problems’, the enforcement officer adds.
Anna then proceeded to question Mr East over how often he takes medication.
Mr East explained that his condition meant he could drive past service stations feeling alright one moment but needing to go the next.
The fine was overturned through an appeal, however Colchester City Council said it wouldn’t chalk off a subsequent offence.
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Mr East, who has been on the road as a professional for 30 years, has since installed a potable toilet in the back of his van out of fear of being caught again.
‘It just made me feel disgusting, very very angry’, he said.
‘It was quite embarrassing for me. I’m quite a respectful law-abiding citizen, to be caught short in that situation in the first place.’
He added that being questioned by the female council officer was ‘not pleasant at all’.
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Lee East, 51, was handed a £200 fine for relieving himself in a lay-by (Picture: Lee East/SWNS)
He said: ‘To feel like you’re being ridiculed, it’s absolutely disgusting.’
Colchester City Council said it took public hygiene complaints seriously but insisted it did not ‘target’ specific groups, instead focusing on ‘known hotspots’ for littering an urination such as lay-bys.
The local authority had said in a statement: ‘Lay-bys can, unfortunately, become locations where this type of behaviour occurs, and our officers carry out proportionate enforcement where necessary to maintain public health and environmental standards.
‘Public urination is an offence and can pose health risks, create unpleasant conditions for other users, and damage the local environment. Our officers act where there is clear evidence of a breach.
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The council added that it recognised lorry drivers needed facilities during long journeys but that it was up to National Highways to provide them on major A-roads.
It clarified: ‘Any income from Fixed Penalty Notices is strictly regulated and is not a revenue-generating exercise. It helps cover the costs of enforcement and wider environmental services, such as street cleansing and tackling fly-tipping.
‘Council enforcement officers are salaried employees and do not receive commission or incentives for issuing fines.
‘We fully understand the challenges faced by the logistics sector, particularly around rest provision, and we support constructive discussions with partners about improved facilities at a national and regional level.
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‘However, a lack of facilities does not make illegal activity acceptable.
‘Our responsibility is to balance the needs of all road users with the expectations of residents and communities, who rightly expect clean, safe and well-managed public spaces.
‘We will continue to take a fair, proportionate and evidence-led approach, issuing advice where appropriate and enforcement action where necessary.’
Specialists have warned parents that they may be relying too much on applying sunscreen to their children just once a day.
Experts have revealed that young people can still be at risk of sun damage even if they used sun cream.
While the weather is set to be slightly cooler this week, UV levels will continue to remain high.
There are lots of precautions you can take to keep safe in the sun. (Image: PA Wire)
How can I protect my children from sun damage?
Experts have said that “once-a-day sunscreens overpromise” and often do not last as long as they claim to, according to the BBC.
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They added: “And even if sunscreen is described as ‘water repellent’ or ‘water resistant’, it should still be reapplied after swimming.
“Towel drying and sweat may have rubbed it off. Look for two things when buying your sunscreen: the sun protection factor or SPF, ranging from 2 to 50+, and the star rating on the bottle.”
The experts recommend parents to apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before children go outdoors and should be reapplying it every two hours.
Areas including the tops of the feet, ears, neck, and shoulders are often missed and can burn easily.
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Babies that are less than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight completely, as it is not advised to use sun cream on their skin.
Other ways of keeping children cool in the summer
The specialists also mentioned closing curtains and using electric fans to keep children’s bedrooms cool.
They continued: “A cool bath before bedtime might bring their temperature down, and help yours too. In bed, keep layers to a minimum and leave the door and window slightly open to encourage a breeze.
“From 12 months old, try frozen lollies made from plain water or very diluted fruit juice.
“For older kids, ramp up fruit intake – particularly juicy fruit, such as watermelon and oranges. Eating salad, ice cream, jelly and soup are all good sources of water too.”
How do you stay safe in the hot weather? Let us know in the comments below.
A recent survey, conducted by Opinium, found that 34% of travellers have noticed an increase in potential scams on social media platforms over the past year.
Head of risk at emerchantpay, George Ralchev, said: “Holidaymakers are being targeted by social media scammers looking to take advantage of the peak travel season.”
The survey also revealed that:
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70% of people are now cautious about promotional holiday emails due to fear of fraud.
50% prefer using online or high street travel businesses that clearly explain their consumer protection measures.
How to spot travel scams
Travel scams can include fake accommodation, non-existent flights, or fraudulent tours sold to holidaymakers while abroad.
Scammers often use copied photos from legitimate websites and may ask victims to pay via bank transfer.
Holidaymakers may also want to check if the company involved is a member of ABTA (a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry).
People booking package deals with a flight could also check coverage under the ATOL financial protection scheme.
Lisa Webb, consumer law expert at Which?, said: “There are ways to help you spot fake holiday listings – such as using a reverse image search to check for stolen images or checking the property’s location on an online map to see that it exists.
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“Always book through official, trusted channels and avoid paying by bank transfer for anything advertised on social media.
“If you think you have lost money to a holiday booking scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud or Police Scotland.”
Have you been the target of a travel scam? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
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