Cindy Cunningham (Stephanie Waring) returned to Hollyoaks with a bang but the real reason behind her comeback remains shrouded in mystery – that is, until next week.

The legendary show favourite staged an almighty return two years after her controversial exit and so far it’s been everything we could’ve hoped for, with Cindy reminding us all in mere seconds just how iconic she truly is.

But while fans were excited to see her back in the village it’s safe to say that Beth Keane (Rebecca Ryan) didn’t share the same feelings, with Cindy having been blackmailing her for weeks.

The ins and outs of what’s going on there remain to be seen but Nancy Osborne (Jessica Fox) is determined to get answers and thus she proceeds to quiz Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson) on what he knows.

When Darren proves fruitless, Nancy turns her attention to Cindy, who is eager to evade all sorts of questions from the head teacher.

With Abigail (Brooke Vincent) living in her old flat, Cindy spies an opportunity and offers to be her new roommate, determined to get away from the Osbornes.

However, Nancy won’t let this go – and nor will Beth, for that matter – as they both proceed to quiz Cindy on the reasons for her return.

At her absolute limit, Cindy blurts out the truth.

The question is: just what is Cindy hiding? And how will Nance and Beth react to her revelation?

Later, Abigail and Cindy enjoy some bonding time and head to the park kiosk for some caffeine.

However, they discover Maddox Keane (Sam Meyer) and Dee Dee Hutchinson (Chloe Atkinson), who have just had sex for the first time.

Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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Leo season lands July 22 and brings with it the passionate, dramatic, centre-stage loving and bold nature of this star sign.

It feels like breaking up for school holidays with the best outfit ready to go for the leavers disco that night, knowing you’re about to have an epic, main character-esque summer.

Push yourself forward. Take the stage. Voice your needs. Pursue your passions. Be brave and bold to do the things you want to do, without apology.

Let this tarot reading tell you where you are ready to showcase a side of yourself that others don’t really realise is there. Let the main character out to play! Step up and out, and be seen!

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for Leo season: Queen of Coins

Meaning: This is all about leadership. Maybe you’re ready to literally take on a promotion or responsibility increase in your role, maybe in your family or community. Perhaps you’re going to start a solo enterprise or side line.

You feel strong, competent, and like you’ve outgrown what you’re doing right now, you want more, and you want more scope and opportunity… and reward. Go for it. This card is a great omen that Leo season will bring you the upwards mobility you seek and deserve.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot card for Taurus for Leo season: Ten of Wands

Meaning: This is all about less is more. You have a secret belief that being popular, outgoing, and in demand is effort, too much hard work, draining. In some cases, yes. The wrong crowd can drain a social battery faster than fast. But, amongst friends and kindred souls, that’s not true.

I think it’s possible you’ve been hanging out too much with the wrong crowd; they’re not your tribe. Find the right one this Leo season, Taurus, and you will feel energised and full of beans, letting your Venus flirty nature out to play and feeling good about it. Experiment with your friendships.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot card for Gemini for Leo season: Five of Swords

Meaning: This is all about letting your inner lion roar, and showing ’em you’re not just a cute kitty cat! All Geminis have huge capacity to be scary and dominant, but choose not to because it’s so tiring, negative, and often counterproductive. So you tend to play nice.

But some folk mistake kindness for weakness, and it’s now time to show them you have sharp teeth and claws that they never saw coming. Leo always sticks up for the underdog, and right now you are being painted as the underdog, so fight for yourself. Be assertive, clear, and unshakeable… they will soon be regretting they awoke the ‘other twin’.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot card for Cancer for Leo season: Ace of Cups

Meaning: This is all about starring in your very own love story. A new suitor is going to enter the stage and you will catch each other’s eye and possibly fall in love right then and there! A bold claim? Yes, but Leo season is bold, and your happy ever after was never in doubt.

So, be social, be outgoing, be visible. Put yourself in the path of true love. If you’re happily attached, then this could be a fertility omen (should you be seeking that outcome), a new friendship, or even a rekindled family tie. Love songs are the theme tune of your Leo season — what bliss!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot card for Leo for Leo season: Nine of Wands

Meaning: This is all about perseverance. Sometimes the applause is loudest when you feel worst. Folk watch and admire those who tackle their problems or hardships with grace and determination, it sets an example and creates dignity and respect (the very things you most want).

Use your own star sign’s season not only to party and celebrate, but to do something difficult and onerous. Take it on. Face it. Make it submit to your regal lioness will! Others will be amazed. This is you being the ultimate protagonist and hero. Go for it — it’ll be easier than you think.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot card for Virgo for Leo season: Ace of Swords

Meaning: This is all about telling the whole truth. You are ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, but you’re also a practical Earth sign so you always think very carefully about what you say. Maybe too carefully…

This Leo season, speak up, speak out, express your inner thoughts and feelings, say it how it is (to your mind, anyway), then listen well to what comes back. When you spark up a lively topic and express a spiky view, you will hear things back that surprise you, and that’s the beauty of this. True communication is unfolding, and you started it. Enjoy the dialogue, don’t back down, but listen well. This is all new news.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot card for Libra for Leo season: Two of Swords

Meaning: This is all about you calling the shots and making big decisions. Don’t do what others want you to, just to please them. Don’t say yes to things you’re not excited to actually do. Don’t opt for the easiest, lowest energy route ahead. Choose your own adventure carefully!

This Leo season will bring ‘main character plot twist’ choices. Treat them as such. Be brave and aim for a higher self energy and outcome. Do what will bring most reward in the long run and provides greatest potential for growth, new ideas and learning. You’re the director and script-writer of your own movie right now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot card for Scorpio for Leo season: Knight of Swords

Meaning: This is all about fighting for what you want. Some things come easy, some don’t. What you want right now is of the latter type, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not meant for you. It just means it’s a harder job to acquire it, but Leo season and the formidable, unstoppable Knight of Swords are here to help.

Dig in, stand tall, speak up. Know your goal and aim true. Don’t get distracted or waylaid. Keep going, give it your all and see how far you get by mid August… I think you will be surprised. And don’t worry too much about ruffling feathers along the way either!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot card for Sagittarius for Leo season: The World

Meaning: This is all about winning. You are going to score a great victory in your Fire sign sister’s season. You are going to bank a win and then look ahead and see that there’s even more potential here, that your success can possibly be the foundation for even more success.

You are the luckiest star sign as you are ruled by Jupiter, so when the going’s good… go harder! Travel and international connections may be involved, this could be about broadening the scope of what you’re doing well, making it accessible to more folk. Good luck, Sag — not that you need it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot card for Capricorn for Leo season: Page of Wands

Meaning: This is all about dancing to your own beat and not caring about the rest of it. Don’t toe the line. Don’t bow down to others’ will, opinions, ideas or demands.

You’re not ruled by anyone, you’re free to make your choices and do your own thing, and this Leo season is the right time to flex those muscles and enjoy playful and carefree experiments, adventures, and explorations, with no agenda or objective. Be wild. Be spontaneous. And be happy. You deserve it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot card for Aquarius for Leo season: Three of Wands

Meaning: This is all about getting lucky. Leos are lucky because they’re popular, so fortune and opportunity often seems to find them. People want people they like to do well, and unconsciously help them. And you get a magical dose of that energy this Leo season with the serendipitous Three of Wands.

Be open-hearted and welcoming, follow the signs, go where the flow leads you, respond to demands, give more of what folk seem to like getting from you… when you step into the tide that life sets for you, you can’t go wrong.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot card for Pisces for Leo season: Page of Cups

Meaning: This is all about playfulness and childlike wonder. You’re a fluffy lion cub, discovering the wide world for the first time, enjoying a taste of exploration, and being amazed by everything you encounter. Adopt this innocent and wholesome approach to where you go, what you do, and who you meet… and the world will open up to you even more.

Everyone likes to be gratefully received and appreciated, so this energy is opportunity-building too. You have a childlike energy, lean into it, be the lion cub, go out and play. Adventure awaits.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

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A tropical storm swirling in the US Gulf is expected to bring heavy rainfall and a “life-threatening storm surge” to the south-east of the country, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Tropical Storm Bertha was located about 105 miles (165km) south of Panama City, Florida, carrying windspeeds of 40mph (65 km/h) on Monday.

“Bertha will move near or along the northern Gulf coast during the next several days,” said the Miami-based NHC.

The storm could trigger flooding and storm surges in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi as it drifts west towards Texas. Some areas could receive 8in (20cm) of rain by Friday, and “isolated” tornados could spawn in Florida, say forecasters.

In an updated bulletin on Monday evening, forecasters said that the tropical storm may build in strength over the next several days, before potentially making landfall in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Wednesday.

The bulletin added that tropical storm-force winds extended 70 miles outward from the centre of the storm, and that the storm was moving north-west at around 3mph.

“A tropical storm watch is in effect for Ochlockonee River, Florida, westward to the Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish border in Louisiana,” forecasters said.

Surges are expected to be between 1-4ft along parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines, officials said. Flash flooding could occur in urban areas.

The storm’s arrival comes amid sweltering summer heat in the US south.

In New Orleans, sandbags are being distributed to stave off flood waters. Residents have also been asked to ensure that local storm drains are clear.

Bertha is forecast to weaken back to a tropical depression on Thursday and may dissipate by the end of the week as it nears the Texas coast.

This is only the second named storm of the season, after Tropical Storm Arthur brought some flooding to the US last month.

The UK is set for another heatwave with temperatures expected to soar into the 40s in August, according to weather maps

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The UK is bracing itself for another heatwave, with Cambridgeshire amongst the counties predicted to swelter in 41C temperatures that forecasters suggest could mark the hottest day ever recorded in Britain.

The existing record stands at 40.3C, set during the blistering heatwave of July 2022, but WXCharts weather maps suggest that temperatures could climb as high as 41C in August.

According to the Met Office, conditions may turn “very warm again by the start of August” with GFS weather models indicating temperatures rising from 29C on July 29.

The highest temperatures are anticipated in the south, with peaks of 31C on July 29.

On July 30 and 31 temperatures remain at around 31C.

Then on August 1 temperatures soar into the forties, with a swathe of the country from Sussex up to Lincolnshire – including London – potentially experiencing 40C.

Several areas in Cambridgeshire are amongst those that may see highs of 41C, surpassing the current record for the nation’s hottest temperature. Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex have also been forecast to endure this extreme heat.

Elsewhere throughout the country, Britons are likely to still roast in the high thirties. In the Midlands, the weather maps indicate highs of 38C and in Yorkshire the mercury could hit 37C.

Parts of Wales are also likely to feel the heat, though temperatures are expected to be cooler at around 32C.

As these sweltering conditions are forecast, weather maps have turned a vivid deep red, suggesting that temperatures could climb significantly above the seasonal norm, according to the Mirror.

The Met Office’s long range outlook indicates that conditions for the remainder of July are anticipated to be “warmest in the south” before becoming “very warm again by the start of August”.

These scorching periods could also persist further into the month.

The Met Office forecast for August 2 to August 16 states: “Temperatures will very likely remain above normal, with potential for further hot spells, particularly in the south.”

Nevertheless, there will also be a risk of storms. It adds: “Although most areas may see dry weather for much of the period, occasional summertime thunderstorms are possible on some days given the right ingredients”.

Emergency services were called to an address on Brownmoor Lane in Crosby after a three-year-old boy fell into a pond and was taken to hospital, where he sadly died

A three-year-old boy has tragically died following an incident where he fell into a pond on Saturday evening. Emergency crews rushed to a property on Brownmoor Lane in Crosby after receiving reports of the child’s fall.

Both Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service responded to the scene, with the youngster subsequently transported to hospital where he passed away.

Authorities have confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Police officers are providing ongoing support to the bereaved family while investigations continue to piece together the complete sequence of events surrounding the tragedy.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson confirmed: “We can confirm that emergency services were called to an address on Brownmoor Lane in Crosby on Saturday evening (July 18) following a report a three-year-old boy had fallen into a pond.

“The North West Ambulance Service and police attended and the child was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment where he was sadly pronounced deceased.

“Our officers continue to support the family and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.”

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A major surveys suggest driver satisfaction is falling across the North West, with one of the key routes used by Bolton commuters ranking among the worst-rated motorways in England

The M60 ranked 30th out of 32 roads included in Transport Focus‘ Strategic Roads User Survey, scoring 63 per cent for overall satisfaction.

Across the North West, overall satisfaction fell from 71 per cent last year in 2025 to 69 per cent this year.

David Wilkinson, of Bolton and District Group of Advanced Motorists, said: “Driver satisfaction, it’s no longer an enjoyable occupation, driving around.

(Image: Phil Taylor)

“It’s only because of the amount of vehicles that are on the road.

“Couple that with the amount of roadworks that are there, the amount of potholes in the state of the roads.

“Driver satisfaction has got to drop, hasn’t it?”

The independent watchdog Transport Focus surveyed more than 9,500 drivers about journeys on motorways and major A roads managed by National Highways.

While the M60 remained one of the country’s lowest-rated roads, the M56 was ranked England’s third-best motorway with an overall satisfaction score of 78 per cent.

The M62 also scored below the national average with 68 per cent, while the M6 received 65 per cent.

Drivers in the North West were also less satisfied with journey times than the national average, with 68 per cent reporting satisfaction compared with 69 per cent nationally.

Mr Wilkinson said: “There are times when I go into Manchester city centre on the train and pass over the motorway and think, I’m glad I’m not there.

“Because of the volume of traffic.”

(Image: NQ)

Transport Focus said the North West performed better than the national average for road surface quality and the management of roadworks, despite the overall fall in driver satisfaction.

Louise Collins, director at Transport Focus, said: “The M56’s strong performance shows the sort of experience road users want, and it is encouraging that drivers in the North West continue to rate road surface quality and roadworks management more highly than the national average.

“The results also show where there is room for improvement.

“Overall satisfaction has fallen in the North West this year and drivers remain less satisfied than average with journey times.”

The A30 and M20 were the highest rated in England, with the M42 and M27 ranked the lowest nationally.

The M61, another key Bolton motorway, ranks at 20 out of the 35 in the figures, with an overall satisfaction of 70 per cent.

Nationally, drivers who travelled through roadworks reported significantly lower satisfaction levels than those who completed journeys without encountering them.

Donald Trump revived his trade war with Canada on Monday, slapping a 50 percent tariff on America’s neighbors to the north for most Canadian goods.

Trump pulled the surprise on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney after he met the liberal leader on Sunday at the World Cup final – where the two appeared chummy. 

Carney responded Monday night saying that the tariffs have hurt people on both sides of the border and that he was ready to work to strengthen his country and support Canadian workers.  

The White House said in a fact sheet that the tariffs would go into effect in 30 days and cover ‘products ranging from wine to hockey sticks to cement.’ 

The official said that Trump had also requested that his aides look into additional tariffs on Canada because its wildfires hurt air quality in the US after Trump said they were ‘coming in and poisoning our air.’  

It came after the President declared that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. 

The move could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher inflation and further fraying of relations between two nations that had been closely woven together before Trump’s return to the White House. 

The administration official previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations other than China that retaliated against Trump’s previous tariffs and must be held accountable.

The President declared Monday that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products

The official insisted on anonymity on a call with reporters to preview the president’s actions and said that Trump signed three proclamations to launch the tariffs under Section 338 of the 1930 Trade Act.

Several Democratic lawmakers last year proposed repealing the section because they said Trump could use it to destabilize the economy.

The 50 percent tariffs would exclude energy products, potash, fish and critical minerals, but they would include goods that had previously been protected from import taxes by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. 

That 2020 trade pact recently expired and triggered a new set of negotiations that could run until 2036. 

‘Canada believes in the benefits of free and fair trade, as evidenced by our new government signing more than 20 new economic and security partnerships,’ Carney said in a statement. 

‘This trade dispute has raised costs for families, particularly in the U.S. Canada stands ready to engage intensively to address outstanding issues with the U.S. to the mutual benefit of our citizens,’ he added.

‘In all circumstances, Canada will work relentlessly and take any measures necessary to build our strength at home and to support Canadian workers, farmers, businesses, and families.’

Ontario Premier Doug Ford saw a possible showdown ahead. 

‘If these tariffs proceed, Canada should respond tariff for tariff, dollar for dollar,’ Ford posted on social media.

Recently, Trump has also been demanding Canada and Carney pay ‘damages’ after wildfires spread down into America.

Trump announced Sunday night that he had spoken with the prime minister about the wildfires in Ontario that have caused massive plumes of smoke to blanket cities across the States.

Donald Trump with Mark Carney, Melania Trump and Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum at the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. The President says he told the Canadian premier to ‘pay some damages’ for the wildfire smoke

The President said the conversation at the World Cup final went well, ‘But I told him, ‘You’ve got to stop these fires from coming in and poisoning our air.’ Our air’s being poisoned.

‘I have a good relationship with Mark Carney, but you know, we got to stop the fires up there,’ Trump said. 

‘If we can help them, we’ll help them – but maybe they should pay us some damages or something, or [we] should do some tariffs,’ he then threatened.

Trump went on to call the smoke ‘terrible,’ specifically pointing out the situation in Detroit, Michigan, where assembly line workers at Ford Motor’s Michigan Assembly Plant were sent by ambulance to nearby hospitals on Thursday, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

But the poor air quality was felt in other parts of the country as well, with smoky conditions being felt in Washington, DC and New York City on Thursday evening. 

Trump himself likely experienced the smoky conditions in the capital and while traveling to New York City for a work dinner on Friday evening, as the National Weather Service issued air quality alerts in at least 16 states.

The President then made his first threat to impose tariffs on the US’s northern neighbor that day.

‘We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their forests and brush,’ he wrote on Truth Social Friday.

Recently, Trump has also been demanding Canada and Carney pay ‘damages’ after wildfires spread down into America

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Wildfires began when a July 6 thunderstorm caused more than 1,000 lightning strikes across Northeast Minnesota and Canada

The US is being ‘invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable,’ Trump added.

He vowed to call Carney to demand answers, claiming that the ‘cost is incalculable.’

‘This is willful negligence, and becoming a yearly occurrence, costing the United States billions of dollars, which cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the tariffs Canada is currently paying,’ Trump said.

At the World Cup final on Sunday, Trump watched the game with Carney, who has openly challenged the US president and has sought to expand Canada’s trade relations with other nations. 

The Trump administration official said their time together at the game was not a working visit to discuss trade and tariffs.

Trump claims in the proclamations that Canada discriminates against American autos, alcohol and cheese relative to other nations, but his argument rests in large part on retaliatory actions taken by Canada after the US president imposed tariffs on Canada under the pretext that it should do more to stop fentanyl smuggling.

Trump noted in his autos proclamation that Canada maintained, starting in April 2025, a 25 percent tariff on the imports of US motor vehicles that did not qualify for preferential treatment under the USMCA.

His proclamation on alcohol notes that Canadian provinces and territories halted the purchase and retailing of American alcoholic beverages last year, which was also a response to Trump’s tariffs and taunts of making Canada the 51st state.

But Trump has long objected to Canada’s treatment of US cheese, saying in his proclamation that Canada discriminates against the US compared to Europe on dairy products.

Trump and Carney have had a frosty relationship, with Carney, a former central banker, winning the premiership last year by promising to stand up for Canada.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January, Carney called out Trump — without naming him — by saying that the ‘most powerful’ countries are using the economy to coerce less powerful nations.

Trump responded at the time by saying: ‘Canada lives because of the United States.’

China‘s leading technology companies showcased hundreds of cutting-edge products at the World AI Conference in Shanghai — from advanced robotics to artificial intelligence systems.

The nation’s annual flagship AI event, which was held from July 17 to 20, took place against the backdrop of a heated U.S.-China tech rivalry. More than 1,100 companies participated.

Chinese companies have developed more than 400 humanoid robot products, more than half the world’s total, state media said. Open-source AI models from China are increasingly challenging leading American ones as they are more widely adopted globally.

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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.