BBC WIN the World Cup ratings war with ITV: Beeb boast a FOUR-times bigger audience than broadcast rival after ditching work from home studio for the New York final
The BBC have declared victory over ITV in the World Cup ratings war – despite a difficult start to the tournament.
Daily Mail Sport understands the BBC’s peak audience share advantage during the World Cup final – where Spain were crowned champions – was 4 times greater than ITV.
By comparison, the BBC’s lead over ITV’s viewership in the 2022 World Cup final was 3.25 times higher for peak audience share and 3.4 times higher for average audience share.
It marks a significant boost in the BBC’s competitive lead over ITV from the previous World Cup, with increased viewers choosing the Beeb over ITV.
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Last night’s final attracted a peak audience of 15.8million across BBC One and BBC iPlayer – giving the BBC 64% share of all TV viewing.
The BBC ditched their work-from-home studio in Salford for the World Cup final, presenting from inside the stadium
An average audience of 13.9 million tuned in across the BBC’s coverage live from inside the MetLife Stadium.
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Meanwhile, ITV covered the game from their New York studio, which has stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
The BBC did not send a studio panel to the States until the semi-final, with Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Micah Richards spending less than a week in the country.
It meant the BBC spent the first four weeks in Salford as part of cost-cutting measures to save licence payers’ money.
They claim their distant coverage has saved millions of licence-payers’ money as part of Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski’s cost-saving drive.
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Instead of having a swanky US studio – like ITV had – the BBC used an LED backdrop to display the skyline of whichever host city is staging the live match.
As a result, ITV had initial success in the ratings war. But for the business end of the tournament, the BBC reigned supreme.
On BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app, the final was streamed 11.1 million times, including 2.4 million UHD streams on BBC iPlayer.
Elsewhere, the BBC had exclusive rights for England’s exhilarating 10-goal bronze medal match against France.
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An average audience of 10.8 million tuned in as the Three Lions secured their best finish in a World Cup since 1966.
Across the whole tournament, the BBC saw an overall reach of 42.8 million across TV viewing and audiences streamed World Cup matches 237 million times on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, more than double the 2022 World Cup.
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BBC WIN the World Cup ratings war with ITV: Beeb boast a FOUR-times bigger audience than broadcast rival after ditching work from home studio for the New York final
The TV star and author 55, was taken aback that the results of a recent poll suggest that 38 per cent of voters could not identify the new PM from a picture. Many British citizens are mistaking the Labour leader for BBC favourite Richard, Hollywood actor Mel Gibson and, bizarrely, even bald Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.
Richard’s wife Ingrid Oliver joined in the fun, saying his plans for his new position include: “Running on a platform of devolution of power away from Westminster towards the World Snooker Federation.” Richard is one step ahead, and knows who he wants alongside him in his own cabinet reshuffle.
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Taking to Instagram, Richard shared a screenshot of an article from The Independent with the headline reading: “Brits mistake Andy Burnham for Richard Osman and Mel Gibson in surprise new poll.”
Brainbox Richard certainly wasn’t offended and responded by making an appointment. Following up on his wife’s claim he is a snooker obsessive, he responded: “My Chancellor? Ronnie O’Sullivan.”
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The survey was even raised on This Morning, and one social media user tweeted the show: “Who the fook is confusing Andy Burnham with Richard Osman? Mr Magoo?… Richard Osman looks nothing like Andy Burnham.”
Another said: “Apparently 38% of people asked to Identify Andy Burnham in a survey this week failed! Some people chose a picture of Richard Osman!… Would have thought 60% knowing was quite high. Four out of ten Britons still don’t know who Andy Burnham is!”
On his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment in 2024, Richard took aim at politically vocal celebrities, saying they should stop discussing their opinions in public because ‘nobody is listening to you.’
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He said: “I genuinely think this is every single election over here and in America.
“Showbusiness does get involved and we hear the opinions of celebrities and we hear about the importance of their views on the records of different candidates and their views on the direction of the country they live in.
“Nobody has ever given the first toss about anything anyone from the entertainment industry has ever said about any political issue…
“There’s a load of little things that happen in this country and you can send a tweet and people go, ‘Oh yeah, that was an interesting take on that.”
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Over the past 24 hours, Rachel Reeves was axed as Chancellor and former Defence Secretary John Healey taking the post.
Keir Starmer’s Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was also sacked and Peter Kyle lost his job as Business Secretary.
Among Mr Burnham’s other appointments are Ed Miliband, joining as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who remains Home Secretary, and former Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary.
The investigation was launched following a post-mortem examination which revealed new information.
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Detective Chief Inspector Louise Edwards from our Major Incident Team said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends.
“Following new information coming to light regarding his death, we are now carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the events of the day he died.
(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)
“We’d like to thank members of the community for their patience and understanding as we carry out enquiries in and around the Gray Street area.”
On Friday at the address, CSI investigators at the scene, with a lot of speculation among residents before details were released.
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Officers believe that this is an isolated incident and that there is no wider risk to the local community.
(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)
DCI Edwards added: “There is no information to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.
“Anyone who has information that may assist police enquiries and who has not yet spoken to officers is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting log 3965 of 30/05/26.
“Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Scotland is still in line for temperatures to creep above average during dry spells – but rain is on its way
Scots hoping for a glorious late-summer sizzler have been given the final verdict as the Met Office reveals its forecast for August.
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Following a roller-coaster summer that has seen heatwaves baking parts of the UK while northern areas faced cooler, cloudier spells, forecasters have delivered their long-range outlook for the coming month.
According to official Met Office forecasts, higher pressure is expected to take charge as August progresses, bringing more settled conditions across much of the country. However, experts warn that Scotland will remain on the frontline for changeable weather, with Atlantic rain bands and coastal breezes still threatening to break through.
While the sunniest and hottest spells are set to hit southern parts of the UK, Scotland is still in line for temperatures to creep above average during dry spells, delivering some welcome summer warmth. But forecasters caution that dry weather won’t be guaranteed everywhere, as occasional heavy downpours and thundery showers could still disrupt outdoor plans.
Scots are being advised to keep both the suncream and the waterproofs handy, as August prepares to bring a mix of dry, warm sunshine and sudden summer rain sweeps across the nation.
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The Met Office says: “As we move into the second weekend of August, conditions across the UK are set to bring a mix of sunshine, showers, and changing temperatures.
“Saturday will begin with a squally band of rain moving southeast across Scotland. This feature will gradually weaken as it progresses, leaving only a few showers by the time it reaches northern Wales and northern England later in the afternoon. Blustery showers will follow into northern Scotland, where it will remain windy throughout the day.
“Elsewhere, conditions will be predominantly dry with sunny spells and variable cloud cover. There is a slight chance of a light morning shower in southern areas, but most places will enjoy a fine day. Temperatures will range from rather cool in the northwest to warm in the southeast, with highs of 24-26°C expected across central, southern, and eastern England. Isolated spots may reach 27°C.
“Showers over Scotland will become confined to coastal northern and western areas overnight, with winds gradually easing. Most other regions will see clear skies, particularly across southern and central parts of the UK. In rural areas, conditions will turn chilly, with isolated fog patches forming in the south and west.
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“Minimum temperatures will fall to the mid-single figures Celsius in rural locations, making for a noticeably cooler night compared to recent evenings.”
London has faced three heatwaves this year (Picture: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock)
Millions of people in London and the south east of England are now under a hosepipe ban.
Thames Water announced the ban today, saying it comes after weeks of hot, dry weather and multiple heatwaves.
The restriction, also known as a temporary use ban (Tub), will begin at 00.01am on Thursday.
The water supplier said: ‘We’ve been working around the clock to maintain water supplies, but we now need everyone’s help to reduce non-essential water use.’
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Rosedene Sunrise in Stockton marked the occasion with a joyful send-off for its young graduates, who will begin primary school in September.
The event celebrated the skills and confidence each child has gained during their early years at the nursery.
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Lauren, manager of Rosedene Sunrise, said: “It’s been absolutely wonderful to see our families and friends come together to celebrate this important milestone.
“Our approach to school readiness is centred on helping every child become confident, capable and independent.
“Whether it’s managing their own belongings, communicating their needs, building friendships or becoming confident learners, every aspect of our school readiness curriculum is designed to help children make a successful transition.
“I hope our children remember how much fun they’ve had here at Rosedene and we wish them all the best.”
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The ceremony took place in the nursery’s recently developed outdoor forest school and included certificates and gift bags.
Children wore graduation gowns and celebrated in the company of family and friends.
Parents reflected on the journey their children have made since starting nursery.
Andrew, a parent at Rosedene Sunrise, said: “A few years ago my daughter was quite shy.
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“It’s been great to see her come out of her shell since starting at Rosedene and show who she really is.
“The confidence she has grown has really helped her prepare for the next stage of her education.”
Rosedene Sunrise’s school readiness programme is designed to help children build independence, improve communication, and develop physical and emotional skills.
The nursery’s curriculum also focuses on early literacy, numeracy and understanding the world around them.
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Close partnership working with primary schools ensures children leave Rosedene Sunrise feeling prepared and excited for their next chapter.
The nursery has recently been selected to join the Northern Lights Learning Trust, which is a hub to support the whole Early Years sector across Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.
Rosedene is the designated Early Years PVI for the Northern Lights Little Stars Early Years Stronger Practice Hub North East.
It works alongside partners including Tilery Primary School, Linthorpe Primary School and a Childminder.
During a recent interview on the podcast All Out With Jon Dean, the four-time Emmy winner disclosed that when The Big Bang Theory was at its peak, the pressure of succeeding was getting him down.
“I look back now and realise that there were many ways, at some of the best moments of my life, I was miserable,” he recalled. “I was not happy. I was stressed.”
He continued: “I felt that there were so many plates I was supposed to be keeping in the air, and that the success and the good things of life that were happening were only due to this overworking [and being disciplined] and whatever.
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“Maybe to a degree that was true. I don’t know. I can’t say because that’s how I was.”
Despite the hefty pay packet he received towards the end of his time playing Sheldon, Jim has insisted he “wouldn’t do that again and for any amount of money”.
“It was stressful and miserable at times. I made myself miserable,” he added.
Earlier this year, Jim downplayed the suggestion that he would ever play Sheldon again in a Big Bang Theory revival.
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“I don’t believe I would do a reboot,” he said. “I can’t say I miss him.
“[That’s] partly because – especially 12 years on a TV show where they’re writing for this specific actor – there’s a lot of me in that [character]. Not the genius part, but there’s a lot of me in that [character].”
Since The Big Bang Theory ended in 2018, child actor Iain Armitage took over as the iconic character in the prequel series Young Sheldon, on which Jim served as an executive producer and narrator.
Firefighters described seeing a ‘mini tornado’ after extinguishing a field fire
Dust devil appears in field after wild fire in Thurning, near Cambridgeshire
A “mini tornado” appeared after a wildfire on the Cambridgeshire border. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue were called to a wildfire in Thurning, Northamptonshire, at around 2.30pm on Monday (July 20).
The fire, which was accidental, was caused by a spark from a stone that was caught by a combine harvester. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to some crops.
A fire spokesperson said: “Crews used hose reel jets and worked with the farmer to use the bowser and create a fire break.” After the fire was extinguished, a dust devil appeared.
Described as a “mini tornado” by firefighters, it did not cause the fire to spread any further. Firefighters have warned that recent dry conditions could see small sparks leading to larger fires.
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The spokesperson added: “Please take extra care outside – don’t use disposable BBQs, fully extinguish cigarettes and please don’t hold bonfires. We also thank the farming community for their vigilance, and continue to ask them to check their machinery, make sure they are in good working order and not overheating.”
The Red Arrows won’t be in Swansea but in their place is a never seen before show
11:53, 21 Jul 2026Updated 11:55, 21 Jul 2026
One of the standout events in Swansea’s yearly calendar is making its return to the city’s waterfront this weekend. The annual Wales Airshow is expected to draw over 200,000 locals and tourists from throughout Wales and beyond, offering them breath taking aerial demonstrations alongside ground-based attractions, including vendor stalls, refreshments, live musical acts, and entertainment suitable for the whole family.
This year it will take place on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 2027 over the beach, and locals can expect to see some fantastic displays, live music and of course road closures across the city that will inevitably cause major congestion.
From the aircrafts taking part to why the Red Arrows aren’t taking the air. We’ve compiled a guide for the day with everything you need to know about the Wales Airshow 2026.
This year’s Wales Airshow takes place on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26.
The site opens at 10am and closes at 6pm on both days.
Following the main event, organisers have promised an exciting new addition to the line-up. Afterburn, will showcase sunset air displays from 8.30pm – 9.45pm.
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Spectators will see dramatic pyrotechnic performances from the Otto Helicopter, thrilling aerial manoeuvres from the Firebirds complete with fireworks.
There will then be a grand finale featuring a choreographed 200-drone display and fireworks.
Which aircrafts will be on display?
Organisers are yet to release a timetable for the Air Show, but we will update this guide when it has been announced. However, they have revealed which aircrafts with be displaying over the weekend.
This includes:
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RAF Typhoon Display Team – Wales Airshow appearance supported by Bassetts Motor Group – both days
RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Spitfire, Hurricane and C47 Dakota – both days
RAF Tutor Display Team – both days
Strikemaster Pair – both days
Rolls‑Royce Spitfire – both days
Firebirds Display Team – both days
OTTO Schweizer 300C Helicopter – both days
Gazelle Squadron – both days
Fairey Swordfish – both days
Westland Wasp – both days
Aerosuperbatic Wingwalkers – both days
Wales Airshow Afterburn – Saturday only
Why aren’t the Red Arrows taking part?
The Red Arrows won’t be gracing Welsh skies this summer. The renowned aerobatic team’s schedule for the coming months revealed no planned displays across Wales.
The world-famous squadron regularly features at the Wales Airshow in Swansea, but this year the event is notably absent from the Red Arrows’ calendar.
The iconic scarlet aircraft will instead spend much of the summer across the Atlantic for displays commemorating 250 years of American independence. The Wales Airshow clashes with the Red Arrows’ American tour.
The display squadron will be stationed in America from late June through to late July, with performances scheduled for Maryland, New York, Wisconsin, Maine and Michigan.
The Wales Airshow isn’t just about the spectacular aerial displays, there’s plenty of entertainment on the ground too
From flight simulators and a funfair to static aircraft, armed forces vehicles and displays, children’s entertainers and much more, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
The ground displays run from 10am – 6pm on both days, so organisers recommend arriving early to beat the traffic and take in the displays before the aerial action gets under way. Ground displays extend from the Civic Centre all the way down to Brynmill Lane.
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What else will be there?
Funfair and amusements
Funfair and amusements will be based at the Civic Centre and on Oystermouth Road, including Red Arrow and Typhoon simulators, thrill seeker rides, children’s rides, games and amusements.
There will also be live music and the chance to meet the display teams on the ground.
Food and drink
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Organisers say that a full range of food will be available in the ground display area around the Cenotaph, and also around the Civic Centre.
The food range will include authentic Mediterranean, woodfired pizzas, BBC smokehouse, Asian fusion bowls, Indian street food, tacos, burgers, fish and chips and jacket potatoes. Ice-cream, doughnuts, sweets stalls will also be open. Tea, coffee and soft drinks and alcohol will be available for purchase.
Road closures
This year’s road closures will be as follows.
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12pm Friday, July 24 until 5am Monday, July 27.
Oystermouth Road / Mumbles Road will be closed in a westbound direction only (from the junction of West Way to Brynmill Lane).
In addition to this, there will be no access between the eastbound carriageway of Oystermouth Road and Bond Street, St Helens Road and Beach Street and Gorse Lane during these times.
20mph speed restriction in force on the east bound carriageway.
Access to the Marina will be maintained via Dunvant Place.
8am Saturday, July 25 until 5am Monday, July 27.
Oystermouth Road / Mumbles Road will be closed in both directions. (from the junction of West Way to Sketty Lane).
Diversions will be in place.
Access to the Marina will be maintained via Dunvant Place.
Access to Argyle Street will be maintained using a short diversion via the Civic Centre.
Pantycelyn Road and Nicander Parade will be closed (between Dyfed Avenue and Townhill Road) between 8am and 7pm on both days.
6am Saturday, July 25 – 5am Monday, July 27.
Guildhall Road South closed from its junction with Francis Street to Oystermouth Road
Access to Swansea University and Brynmill Lane to be maintained via Sketty Lane
Parking restrictions and a tow-away zone will be in operation from 10am on Friday, July 24 until 5am on Monday, July 27 on:
Both sides of Oystermouth Road / Mumbles Road
Both sides of Bryn Road
Mansel Street westbound
Swansea Promenade, from the Civic Centre to Sketty Lane, will be prohibited to cyclists from 7am Thursday, July 3 until 11pm Tuesday, July 8. Emergency access will be maintained at all times.
Car parking
Available car parks are categorised into four tiers according to their proximity to the event.
Online booking is available until 5pm Friday, July 24 for Saturday, July 25, and until 5pm Saturday July 25 for Sunday July 26 parking. Pay on the gate will then be available on the day if there are sufficient spaces available.
A fully accessible park and ride service is available from Fabian Way Park and Ride site. This will drop off and pick up at The Civic Centre.
Cost per vehicle: £10
Postcode: SA1 8LD
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Buses will run between 8.30am – 10.30pm Saturday and 8.30am – 8.00pm Sunday.
It is recommended that those using the Park and Ride carefully plan around the time it will take to get to the event due to high chances of congestion in the city.
Two accessible viewing areas will be available at this year’s airshow, each equipped with a disabled access portable toilet, a steward, foldable chairs for companions if needed, and excellent views of both the air displays and the beach.
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These facilities will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Three teenage boys who stabbed a 16–year–old to death on a beach have been jailed.
Jay Steward, 19, Cole Turley, 18, and a 15–year–old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – were sentenced at Glasgow High Court this morning.
Turley and Stewart were both jailed for a minimum of 16 years while the third teenager was jailed for a minimum of 14 years.
The trio were convicted of murdering Kayden Moy on Irvine Beach on the coast of Ayrshire in Scotland on May 17, last year.
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Turley admitted the killing, while Stewart and the 15–year–old were found guilty last month following a trial at the High Court.
Sentencing the three at the court today, judge Lord Scott told them they had gone to the beach that day with the intention of carrying out an attack.
He told them: ‘Two of you took weapons including, in the case of Cole Turley, the knife with which Kayden Moy was stabbed.’
He added: ‘You didn’t care whether Kayden lived or died.’
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Cole Turley, 18, and Jay Stewart, 19, (both pictured, L–R) and a 15–year–old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – were sentenced at Glasgow High Court this morning
The trio were convicted of murdering Kayden Moy (pictured) on Irvine Beach on May 17, last year
The attack happened as part of gang violence between teenagers who had travelled to Irvine Beach (pictured)
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Lord Scott also referred to a victim impact statement from Kayden’s family, in which they said they are ‘devastated beyond words’ by his death.
The statement added: ‘He was loved beyond measure, and he will be missed for the rest of our lives.’
A jury previously heard that Turley, Stewart and the 15–year–old were members of the Murray Boys gang in East Kilbride.
Kayden and friends were part of the rival Himshie gang.
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There had been friction between the two groups in the run up to the attack.
The court heard Turley, Stewart and the 15–year–old were throwing rocks at Kayden and his friends on the beach.
Kayden and two friends – who were unarmed – went on to confront the three.
Turley then whipped out a large lockback knife while Stewart held a police–style extendable baton.
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Kaydon Moy’s parents Paul and Ashley Moy were greeted by supporters outside the High Court in Glasgow
A witness told the court: ‘Kayden kind of slipped and Cole Turley jumped on him.’
Turley plunged the blade into the teenager twice – on the body and thigh – before he fled.
Members of Kayden’s family left the public gallery when horror CCTV and mobile phone footage of the stabbing was played to the court.
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Stricken Kayden hobbled down from the sand dune where the stabbing took place to the beach below.
His friend recalled: ‘I remember blood going down Kayden’s leg and Kayden going really white and his eyes started to close.’
The young victim was given first aid by a woman and taken to hospital by ambulance.
He suffered a second cardiac arrest and passed away at 11.33pm. The cause of death was ‘stab wound to the trunk’.
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After running from the scene, Turley stuck the knife into the grass and was overheard boasting that he ‘just done him’.
Turley also shouted ‘One–nil.’
CCTV showed the trio running down a road near to the beach – stopping momentarily to embrace each other.
Stewart and Turley shook hands while the 15–year–old cuddled the knife attacker.
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The trio took a taxi to the flat of Turley’s 19–year–old friend Fraser Wallace’s house in East Kilbride.
On being told that Kayden was still alive, the witness told jurors that the teenagers made up a rap song about their victim.
Following their conviction, Kayden’s parents, Paul and Ashley said: ‘Kayden was an amazing, caring boy who lit up every room he walked into. He brought happiness to everyone around him.
‘Every morning we wake up and are faced again with the reality that he is gone. We will never hear his laugh again, never see his smile, never watch him achieve the goals he worked so hard for.
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‘We have an empty chair at family gatherings, an empty bedroom in our home, and an emptiness in our hearts that can never be filled. We do not simply miss Kayden on special occasions; we miss him every minute of every day.
‘All the milestones and memories that should have been part of his future have been taken away forever. He was loved beyond measure and will forever be missed.’
Swansea City have reportedly agreed a deal for Ghana winger Joseph Opoku, with the Belgian Pro League star now set to travel to Austria for a medical
Swansea City have reportedly won the race to sign highly-rated Ghana winger Joseph Opoku, with the 20-year-old now set to fly to Austria to undergo a medical with the Championship club.
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According to Flashscore, the Swans have agreed a deal with Belgian side Zulte Waregem for the exciting attacker, who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Belgian top flight last season.
Opoku is expected to join Vitor Matos’ squad at their pre-season training camp in Austria in the coming days, where it is said he will complete his medical before finalising the move.
The deal would make him Swansea’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Stephen Welsh, Moussa Yeo and Leo Walta, while also adding to what has been an increasingly ambitious recruitment drive ahead of the new Championship season.
Flashscore reports that Swansea have beaten a host of clubs from across Europe to Opoku’s signature.
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Championship rivals Hull City, Serie A side Genoa, Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, Russian club Krasnodar and Spanish giants Real Sociedad are all said to have shown concrete interest in the winger after his impressive performances in Belgium.
Opoku only joined Zulte Waregem in 2024 from Ghanaian club Great Corinthians but quickly established himself as one of the club’s key players, helping them win promotion before enjoying an outstanding first season in the Belgian Pro League.
The youngster finished the 2025/26 campaign with an eye-catching return of 10 goals and 16 assists, earning the league’s Player of the Month award for April.
The report adds that Matos is a particular admirer of the winger’s profile, with the Swansea boss keen to recruit direct, technically gifted wide players capable of thriving in his high-intensity, possession-based system.
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Primarily a left winger despite being naturally right-footed, Opoku is also a Ghana international, having made his senior debut earlier this year. He was included in Ghana’s preliminary World Cup squad before missing out on a place in the final 26-man party for the tournament in North America.
As reported on Monday, the Swans are also close to completing a move for New Zealand international Elijah Just after Motherwell agreed what has been described as a club-record transfer fee.
Should both deals be completed, it would represent a real statement of intent from Swansea as Matos continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new Championship campaign.
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The Swans begin the new season away at Stoke City on August 15, with the club strengthening while their pre-season preparations continue in Austria.
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