Mark Sommerville and 60 supporters demonstrated outside the Scottish Parliament last week highlighting a lack of awareness of the rapidly progressive life-limiting disease.

A dad with motor neurone disease has accused the SNP of ignoring his Holyrood protest demanding more funding to find a cure.

Mark Sommerville and 60 supporters demonstrated outside the Scottish Parliament last week highlighting a lack of awareness of the rapidly progressive life-limiting disease.

The dad of four, from Uddingston, Lanarkshire, was given his MND diagnosis in October 2023 (correct) and told he had 18 months to live.

The 45-year-old set up the Mark Sommerville Foundation to fund research, but says letters to First Minister John Swinney begging for help have gone unanswered.

Prior to the demonstration, the foundation met with Scottish Labour’s Jackie Baillie and Mark Griffin along with Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay.

However dad Mark said: “The protest went well and it’s really important to keep highlighting the battle faced by those with MND because we don’t have time to wait.

“Prior to the protest we met with Jackie Baillie and Mark Griffin who were incredibly supportive.

“Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay came out too to show her support.

“Mark even came outside to talk to protestors and gave a speech, vowing to back us all the way in our fight. We spent hours outside Parliament speaking to MPs who took the time to stop and listen and we thank those who did.

“But no-one from the SNP came to speak to us. We spoke briefly to SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray as he headed to a car who provided us with contact details and encouraged us to once again send letters and emails.

“The truth is, we have been sending letters and emails for some time now — many of them unanswered.

“The SNP have been in charge for 19 years but they are not doing enough.

“People with MND, their lives matter. This disease does not wait. Families do not have the luxury of time.”

Mark was praised by PM Keir Starmer in Westminster in 2024 for his fundraising and told: “We stand with you in this fight.”

However, more than a year on, he believes the UK Government is also not doing enough to fund research into treatments.

The campaigner has also teamed up with pharmaceutical firm Nevrargenics, which is behind a drug it believes not only stops the impact of MND but reverses the damage already done.

Starmer recognised Mark’s work and that of rugby league star Kevin Sinfield, who has raised a million for sufferers of MND, which took his best friend Rob Burrow’s life in June, aged 41.

It also took Scotland rugby legend Doddie Weir in 2022, aged 52.

Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “I want to see clinical trials here in Scotland. It has already been approved for the first stage of human clinical trials in England, and we should be giving that same hope to people in Scotland with MND that are calling for our help.

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“We know that it is expensive, but for these families, you can’t put a price on having longer with a loved one. The strength of feeling and desperation these people and their families felt was clear when I spoke to them. They want any help they can get, and they are willing to take the risk because they are already living on borrowed time. On a human level, surely we can all understand that.

“The Scottish Greens will continue to engage with campaigners and push for the government to make progress in finding a cure, and improving treatment for those living with MND.”

Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said “It was a privilege to meet Mark Sommerville this week and to the SNP should listen to his powerful comments.

“It is shameful that the SNP is dodging questions on this important issue.

“People with MND deserve a government that will work with campaigners to improve things instead of hiding from them, and that is what Scottish Labour will do.” The Scottish Government was approached for comment.

Terry Pringle, 43, of Helford Road, Peterlee, received a three-year prison sentence on January 30 for the burglary.

He was said to have acted as the ‘look-out’ while his accomplice, Dean Fishwick, entered the targeted property in Montfalcon Close, Peterlee, on June 3, last year.

Pringle was convicted after a trial having denied involvement.

Terry Pringle was jailed for three years for a house burglary in which he was said to have acted as a look-out (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Co-accused Fishwick, 51, of Thames Road, Peterlee, who admitted burglary and fraud, in trying to sell property from the schoolbag, including a pair of AirPods, received an 18-month sentence, suspended for 21 months.

A school jumper and revision notes for a forthcoming exam were also taken in the break-in, while the occupants were at the property.

Fishwick, who the court heard committed the offence to fund his heroin addiction, was also ordered to undergo a six-month drug rehabilitation treatment programme and attend 35 probation-run rehabilitation activity days.

But a fortnight after the sentencing hearing, the case came back before Durham Crown Court for a prosecution application under the 56-day slip rule, seeking to amend the sentence.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said the application was merely being made to add restraining orders in both cases.

“It’s sought as the victims are worried the burglars will return to the address.

“They have already taken the precaution of installing CCTV.

“It’s already had an unfortunate effect on their daughter, who was the owner of the stolen items.”

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

Mr Towers said there were two prohibitions being sought, including any form of contact with the victims of the burglary.

The other term was to bar them from entering Montfalcon Close, Peterlee.

Recorder Peter Makepeace KC said he would make the restraining orders, applying to both defendants, for the next five years.

The party – which was led by Alex Salmond until his death in October 2024 – has called in police over alleged missing funds.

The Alba Party has been plunged into a financial crisis as a result of an alleged fraud, the Sunday Mail has learned.

The party – which was led by Alex Salmond until his death in October 2024 – has called in police and an investigation in ongoing.

It follows an internal row involving former general secretary Chris McEleny, who was dismissed earlier this year after initially being suspended for alleged gross misconduct.

Legal papers show an employment tribunal case has been placed on hold until a criminal investigation is concluded.

Current leader Kenny MacAskill said: “We believe we have been the victim of a fraud.

“We have reported it to the police and we are fully cooperating with them and are awaiting the outcome.

“It has left us in a very difficult financial position.”

The investigation is understood to involve claims of illegitimate expenses claims and invoices to companies which were claimed not to exist.

A source said: “This has left us clinging on by our fingernails, we will survive but it puts us in a difficult position at a time when we need money to fight an election campaign.

“We believe that we can do well and have MSPs elected to Holyrood, we are getting a great reception from the public, but we are having to deal with this situation in the background.”

MacAskill, a former SNP justice secretary and close friend of Salmond, became leader of the Alba in March last year after the sudden death of the former first minister.

In January it emerged left-wing firebrand Tommy Sheridan is planning a sensational return to the Scottish Parliament with Alba after a break of almost 20 years.

The 61-year-old has been handed a huge boost after he secured the party’s top spot on the Glasgow region list.

The party was launched by Salmond shortly before the last Holyrood election in 2021 but has so far failed to elect any MSPs.

However it lost its only MSP last year when Ash Regan – who had previously defected from the SNP – cancelled her membership. MacAskill is also expected to stand on a regional list at May’s election. Former SNP MPs Angus McNeil, Corri Wilson and Neale Hanvey are also expected to run.

Sheridan established himself as one of the best known politicians in Scotland in the early years of devolution after he was first elected as an MSP for the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) in 1999.

But he was forced to resign as leader in 2004 and later endured a bitter fall-out with his SSP colleagues and protracted legal battles over his decision to sue the News of the World for defamation after being accused him of an extra-marital affair and visiting a swingers’ club.

A Police Scotland spokesperson has confirmed that a complaint has been received from the Alba Party in relation to irregularities within their finances.

A spokesman said: “The investigation into this matter is ongoing.”

Observant Muslims the world over will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts. For Muslims, it’s a time for increased worship, religious reflection and charity. Socially, it often brings families and friends together in festive gatherings around meals to break their fast.

Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

First day of Ramadan expected around Feb. 18-19

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month cycles through the seasons.

The start of the month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, the first day of Ramadan is expected to be on or around Feb. 18 or 19. The actual start date may vary among countries and Muslim communities due to declarations by multiple Islamic authorities around the globe on whether the crescent had been sighted or different methodologies used to determine the beginning of the month.

This year, the start of Ramadan is expected around the same time as Ash Wednesday, a solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Lent, the most penitential season of the church calendar for Catholics and many other Christians.

Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving and pilgrimage.

Muslims see various meanings and lessons in observing the fast.

It’s regarded as an act of worship to attain piety and one of submission to God. The devout see benefits, including practicing self-restraint, cultivating gratitude and empathizing with people who are poor and hungry.

The daily fast in Ramadan includes abstaining from all food and drink — not even a sip of water is allowed — from dawn to sunset, before breaking the fast in a meal known as “iftar” in Arabic.

Muslims typically stream into mosques for congregational prayers and dedicate more time to religious contemplation and the reading of the Quran, the Muslim holy book.

Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan. Among other ways of giving, many seek to provide iftar for those in need, distributing Ramadan boxes filled with pantry staples, handing out warm meals alongside such things as dates and juice or helping hold free communal meals.

Muslims eat a predawn meal, called “suhoor,” to hydrate and nurture their bodies ahead of the daily fast.

Exemptions from fasting

There are certain exemptions, such as for those who are unable to because of illness or travel. Those unable to fast due to being temporarily ill or traveling need to make up for the missed days of fasting later.

Cultural and social traditions associated with Ramadan

Muslims are ethnically and racially diverse and not all Ramadan traditions are rooted in religion. Some customs may transcend borders, while others can differ across cultures.

Many social rituals center on gathering and socializing after the daily fast. Some Muslims decorate their homes, put out Ramadan-themed tableware and centerpieces or throng to markets and Ramadan bazaars.

In Egypt, Ramadan is typically a festive time. Colorful lanterns, in different shapes and sizes, dangle from children’s hands and adorn homes. Ramadan songs may be played to welcome the month.

Ramadan’s soundscape in Egypt has traditionally included the predawn banging on drums by a “mesaharati” who roams neighborhoods, calling out to the faithful, sometimes by name, to wake them up for the suhoor meal.

New TV shows and communal meals

A lineup of new television series is another social fixture of the month in some countries, and advertisers compete for viewers’ attention.

In various regions, some Muslims worry that the month is getting commercialized, and say an emphasis on decorations, TV shows, outings or lavish iftar banquets can detract from Ramadan’s religious essence. Others say that a balance can be struck and that, in moderation, such rituals are part of the month’s festive spirit.

In Indonesia, Ramadan rituals vary across regions, reflecting the diversity of cultures. In deeply conservative Aceh province, animals are slaughtered during Meugang festivities, the meat cooked and shared with family, friends, poor people and orphans.

Hundreds of residents in Tangerang, a city outside the capital, Jakarta, flock to the Cisadane River to wash their hair with rice straw shampoo and welcome the fasting month with a symbolic spiritual cleansing.

Across the island of Sumatra, after evening prayers, many boys and girls parade through the streets, carrying torches and playing Islamic songs.

In the United States, where Muslims make up a racially and ethnically diverse minority, gathering at mosques and Islamic centers when possible for iftar meals and prayers provides many Muslim families with a sense of community. Some Muslims also organize or attend interfaith iftar meals.

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Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

It is no coincidence that the UK and its allies chose a security conference in Munich to accuse the Kremlin of killing Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny with dart frog poison.

The extraordinary announcement on Saturday seemed deliberately timed to grab global headlines in much the same way as the dissident’s actual death did.

The news that Mr Navalny, 47, had died in prison in Russia broke on the opening day of the same Munich Security Conference of global leaders almost exactly two years ago.

Naming the person or government allegedly responsible for such a political assassination – if the claim of poisoning is substantiated – is a form of information weapon.

The intent is to make sure perpetrators cannot hide in the shadows and could face serious consequences such as sanctions or even criminal convictions.

The thinking – which might well be wildly optimistic – is that greater scrutiny could make a hostile state think twice before sanctioning plots to kill political opponents or other enemies.

It is doubtful that the efforts by Yvette Cooper, the British foreign secretary, and her German, Swedish and Danish counterparts, who made the poisoning announcement, along with Mr Navalny’s widow, will deter the Kremlin from such allegedly ruthless action in the future.

However, their words are at the very least evidence of a growing resolve amongst NATO allies to stand up to what they regard as attempts by President Vladimir Putin to attack their countries and societies in the grey zone – under the threshold of conventional war. This also includes acts of sabotage, cyber hacks and disinformation spread online.

Speaking to a group of journalists about the case, Ms Cooper spelt out clearly the charges she was levying against Moscow.

“We have confirmed that a deadly toxin was found in Alexei Navalny’s body and that toxin has been identified as a toxin that is found in Ecuadorian dart frogs,” she said.

“Only the Russian government had the means, the motive and the opportunity to use that toxin against Alexei Navalny in prison and that is why we are here today to shine a spotlight on the Kremlin’s barbaric attempt to silence Alexi Navalny’s voice. To show that the Russian government has contempt for its citizens and the willingness to use this deadly toxin.”

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How could Navalny have been killed by toxin of poisonous frog?

Yulia Navalnaya, Mr Navalny’s widow, also spoke. She learnt about her husband’s death while at the Munich conference on 16 February, 2024.

“It was the most horrible day in my life,” she recalled, visibly upset.

“I came to the stage and I said my husband Alexei Navalny was poisoned. What could else happen with Putin’s number one enemy in Russian prison?

“But – sorry, it is very difficult for me to say this – what could else happen with my husband in Russian prison? But now I understand and I know it is not just words. It is scientific proof.”

British scientists played a key role in identifying the deadly neurotoxin – called epibatidine – that was allegedly administered to Mr Navalny.

The poison is found in the skin of the South American dart frogs, although Sky News understands it is likely the version used in the alleged murder was manufactured in a laboratory.

The effects of the poison are devastating, causing paralysis, respiratory arrest and an agonising death.

If – as claimed by Britain – the Kremlin did choose to use such an exotic substance to silence a critic, it demonstrates an unusual level of ruthlessness.

The Kremlin is already accused of trying to kill Mr Navalny in 2020 with a Novichok nerve agent – the same chemical weapon deployed against a former Russian spy on the streets of Salisbury two years earlier.

Fighting back, Moscow is well-practised and highly adept in the information space.

Its embassy in London was quick to respond to the allegations about dart frog poisonings.

“The goal of this ridiculous circus performance is transparent: to stoke waning anti-Russian sentiment in Western society. If there’s no pretext, they laboriously invent one,” it said.

“The method chosen by Western politicians – necropropaganda – is truly shocking. This isn’t a quest for justice, but a mockery of the dead. Even after the death of a Russian citizen, London and European capitals cannot give him peace, which speaks volumes about the instigators of this campaign.”

Abbey defeated St Pat’s Dungannon in Friday night’s replay in Armagh and now face Coláiste Mhuire of Mullingar in the Hogan Cup semi-final

Abbey CBS manager Dan Gordon has hailed the leadership and talent of MacRory Cup winning captain Diarmaid O’Rourke after the Newry school saw off the challenge of St Pat’s Dungannon in Friday’s replay .

After fighting their way back from being nine points down at half-time in the drawn game, the Abbey were the better team for the majority of the replay, winning by a more comfortable margin than the 0-12 to 0-8 scoreline suggested.

Half of their tally came from their skipper with O’Rourke turning in a Man-of-the-Match display in the Box-It Athletic Grounds.

O’Rourke, who is the son of former Armagh stalwart Aidan, also won an Ulster Minor Club title with Dromintee back in January.

“Diarmaid O’Rourke is an unbelievable footballer. An unbelievable leader as well. He’s a pleasure to work with,” stated Gordon.

“He’s everything in his locker tactically. He’s kicking two-pointers with both feet. He’s good in the air.

“He can do anything. But even tonight, he missed a couple of frees to start, but it didn’t really stop him. He’s a great leader for the team.

“The possessions that he had and the influence he had in the game, he’s an unbelievable footballer.

“He’s going to grow into an unbelievable footballer. The leadership we showed throughout the year to the rest of the fellas, he’s an absolute star.”

Gordon felt the pace of Friday’s replay suited his team as they controlled the game with St Pat’s only closing the gap to four points late on.

Indeed, between the second half of the drawn game and the first half of the replay, Abbey restricted Dungannon to just four points.

“I think a controlled game probably suits us better. Last week was a bit frantic, it doesn’t really suit us,” added Gordon.

“Dungannon’s fast ball was something we had to really address.

“I thought our full-back line came under a lot of criticism last weel – probably rightly so. I thought they were absolutely outstanding today to a man.

“The supply that was needed didn’t reach those inside forwards and that was the difference between us winning the game and not winning the game today. But they were really assisted by those who rolled back and covered for them. I think we learned a lot of lessons from last week.

“We were caught on the hop last week, especially in the first half and we were lucky to get out of it with a draw. We were determined it wasn’t going to be the same result this week.”

Abbey will now set their sights on a Hogan Cup campaign 20 years on from completing the MacRory-Hogan double. They will face back-to-back Leinster champions Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar later this month.

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However, it wasn’t just the acts that were impressive, it was the cars parked in the car park too, with Lamborghinis and Ferraris not out of place in the club’s heyday. 

Originally built as a country residence, Tall Trees began life far from the world of dancefloors and DJ decks.

By the 1960s, it had evolved into a small hotel, and over the decades that followed, its ambition and size grew dramatically.

Yarm Tall Trees (Image: ARCHIVE)

By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, under the ownership of businessman Javed Majid, Tall Trees had been transformed into one of the largest and most iconic entertainment complexes in the North East.

What started as a local hotel became a 120-bed leisure hub, complete with bars, lounges, event rooms, and, most famously, Club Macmillans, affectionately known as Club M.

At its peak, Club M was a 7,000-capacity dance mecca, the stuff of legend among clubbers.

It hosted the biggest DJs and events of the era, from Pete Tong and Paul Van Dyk to Eddie Halliwell, with nights curated by brands like Retro, Gatecrasher, and Goodgreef.

Home to Club Macmillans, also known affectionately as Club M, the venue attracted many big names throughout the noughties. 

This included Pete Tong, Girls Aloud, Chesney Hawkes, and many more along the way. 

Who was the owner of Yarm Tall Trees?

Javed Majid owned Tall Trees in Yarm – seeing it transform from a venue to a big hotel and nightclub, where people enjoyed a great night. 

Mr Majid was also behind another project on the Tall Trees site in 2013, when he sought planning permission to build a luxury living complex on the site, including a five-star hotel, apartments, houses, aparthotels, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. 

He later gained permission for 330 homes on the site.

What happened to Yarm Tall Trees? 

After becoming a popular place during the 90s and early 00s – in 2010, indications of the venue struggling started to come out, and it eventually closed, leading to a loss of 50 staff.

The venue was then derelict and was hit by a fire. 

Girls Aloud at Tall Trees (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)

After it was levelled to the ground, several proposals were explored for the former club site, but it was decided to use the land for houses.

The patch of land then gained planning permission for 330 homes, where Avant, Bede Homes, and Mulberry Homes are currently building. 

The former Tall Trees site is now a building development.

Retro Nights, helmed by DJ Paul Taylor, became particularly iconic.

They drew crowds not just from across Teesside but from Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and even Scotland, a journey for house music lovers who wanted to be part of something bigger than a local night out.

Hotel and nightclub Tall Trees partly demolished (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)

Outside, the car park gleamed with Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Rolls-Royces, while inside, the atmosphere was pure energy, strobes slicing through haze, bass reverberating through walls, and a sea of hands raised in rhythm, according to those who remember it, according to those who attended the events there.

Girls Aloud performed there during their TFM Sweet Night event, Chesney Hawkes made regular appearances, and even former Prime Minister John Major was once spotted under its lights.

By the late 2000s, the UK’s clubbing landscape was shifting.

City-centre venues in Newcastle, Manchester, and Leeds began drawing crowds away.

Housebuilding on the former Tall Trees site (Image: ARCHIVE/NORTHERN ECHO)

The golden age of superclubs faded, replaced by smaller, boutique venues or festival culture.

In 2010, after decades as the jewel of Teesside nightlife, Tall Trees closed its doors.

Fifty jobs were lost, and an entire generation mourned the end of an era.

Soon after, tragedy struck.

The empty building suffered a devastating fire, leaving it derelict.

A second fire in 2017 sealed its fate, and the once top nightclub was finally demolished.

Tall Trees in Yarm (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Javed Majid wasn’t content to let the site fade quietly.

In 2013, he proposed an ambitious redevelopment, a five-star hotel, apartments, restaurants, and a swimming pool, but plans evolved, and ultimately, permission was granted for a 330-home housing estate.

Today, the site is home to developments by Avant Homes, Mulberry Homes, and Bede Homes.

The crowds in Tall Trees in Yarm (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Though Tall Trees no longer stands, its legend continues to thrive online.

Social media pages like Knights of the Turntable are filled with grainy videos, flyers, and stories of unforgettable nights.

A resurfaced MTV Dance video from 1998, featuring June Sarpong alongside DJs Kenny Carpenter and Angel Moraes, recently reignited those memories, with comments pouring in from former clubbers recalling the coaches lined up in the car park and the electric buzz of anticipation before the doors opened.

As one fan put it: “It wasn’t just a club, it was an institution. The best in the country at the time.”

A really busy week cosmically with the aftermath of Valentine’s, a New Moon in Aquarius plus a solar eclipse and the start of Pisces season, which is the finale of the astrological year.

Relationship echoes and reflections, closure and final conclusions, invigoration and innovation of thought and ideas.

Your mind might be whirring and stirring, working overtime to keep up with all of this mental processing.

So… let’s use the tarot to ask what is ending and what is beginning for you in this pivotal week ahead.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for this week: Seven of Swords

Meaning: The end of the age of innocence when it comes to a person or situation that you truly hoped was going to treat you well, but deep down you’re realising it is not. Don’t panic or stress because this is a good thing.

Once you see this whole game clearly, you realise the role you’ve been designated, and you know it is simply not for you. This is something to step back from. And the even better news is that you can now divert and refocus your precious, wholesome, high-vibration energy into more aligned things that will bring you the rewards you deserve. Transfer your power consciously and deliberately.

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

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Knight of Cups

Meaning: One romantic or deep friendship connection withers on the vine, while another one takes root and starts to grow to the point it becomes visible. So, don’t linger where your affections aren’t wholly reciprocated. You’re ruled by Venus and too loving and precious to waste being used in a dead-end relationship.

Know your worth. Know your needs and deal breakers. If this is a flawed romantic bond, move back from it. Others are queueing to get to know you. If it’s a friendship, simply invest with a different circle for a while. See what happens when your attention is elsewhere — that’s the real acid test.

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

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot card for Gemini for this week: King of Wands

Meaning: The end of one wild adventure and the beginning of another. You always have a million things on the boil so you’re not fazed by the decline of a project or purpose, because it only means there’s room for one more.

A goal you held is ending, maybe nearing completion or you’re realising it’s not as relevant or resonant as it once was. You adapt, you flex, you shift and pivot. A new adventure is calling, possibly linked to travel, creativity, education or lifestyle. Tune in, take charge, draft a plan and take a first step this week. One in, one out.

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

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot card for Cancer for this week: The Hanged Man

Meaning: A major blockage is going to move the heck out of your way, at long last! And the key to it is not forcing things any longer, not even looking at it. Go off, do something else, be distracted… and magically not only will you care much less and think differently about this whole thing, but things will change without your glare of attention on it.

The limbo is over. The stagnation is done. So, get ready to leap into action because you’re making up for lost time and energy, it feels good to be moving again.

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

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot card for Leo for this week: Eight of Cups

Meaning: You are ready to admit defeat. You are going to pull out of something that has not panned out. Your pride is dented ever so slightly, hence why you kept pretending all was well, but enough is enough. And, Leo, I applaud you because it takes guts to admit you’re wrong… and the Universe agrees.

The minute you cut off this dead wood, you will feel nothing but relief and liberation, and that renewed vibration will attract a slew of new opportunities, invitations, attentions, and attractions. You will end the week glowing and vibing on a high level! So get to it. Chop and change.

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

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot card for Virgo for this week: Five of Cups

Meaning: A period of mourning, grieving or regretting is coming to a close, and with it a sense of peace and ‘it is what it is and it’s okay’. You’ve changed, absorbed, processed, and accepted what has happened. This may have been something from long ago even — after all, the grief cycle is circular and eternal, right?

What starts now is a renewal of optimism, faith and self belief. You know you’ve endured a hardship, survived, and thrived. You feel stronger, wiser, more capable, and ready to flex those new muscles and test them out. Life doesn’t faze you. Get busy living.

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

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot card for Libra for this week: Eight of Wands

Meaning: One social circle or connection, that has served you well and provided ample events, gossip, intrigue and opportunity, is withering on the vine. You sense things have shifted, the mood is different, the attention level is not what it was. All relationships and circles have a season… and many don’t last beyond it.

Recognise this and start to look about for a new circle or person or activity or hobby… keep your eyes peeled for where you’re being intrigued and called to next, because it’s already going to be in sight. Within two months, you will be firmly and happily embroiled in a new group, feeling wanted and rewarded, and that is just what you deserve. Accept nothing less.

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

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: The Lovers

Meaning: This card often signals a love triangle, a temptation, a distraction from the straight and narrow that is proving impossible to ignore. So, perhaps this week you will act on this impulse and find out whether the attractive new option is better, or not, than where you’re at. This might be in a relationship setting, might also be in work, family, home, or money.

Be mindful of what you’re trading or swapping, be aware of the consequences of disloyalty to any degree, act with fairness and integrity. What you do here will impact others. This is about where you fit in and serve, and maybe something is ready for refreshing or renewal, but maybe that is best done within the current parameters rather than escaping to new ones!

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

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Page of Cups

Meaning: A fledgling friendship, flirtation, project or creative idea is moving from your imagination and fantasy realm into real life. The wondering is over… and the finding out is beginning. Will it stand up to pressure? Is it real? Can it work? Don’t stay in fantasy mode, move into action mode and answer these questions.

You are a unique character able to manifest your ideas and visions easily and with flair and style. You move effortlessly from the mental to physical realm, always armed with good fortune and optimism. Start this new ‘thing’ enthusiastically, breathe life into your imaginings…

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

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Two of Coins

Meaning: The end of a dry spell, a fallow period, a time of lack and abstaining. Abundance is back! You can have it all. So, stop worrying and focusing on what you haven’t got (enough of) and welcome in what there is in your vicinity. Be open-hearted and expansive. Say yes.

Suddenly, the tables turn and you find all manner of new invitations, openings and opportunities are coming at you, like a green light has been switched on (spiritually, it has). This is a week to build, prosper and achieve. Say yes to life.

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

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Queen of Coins

Meaning: You are pivoting from apprentice to master. You are stepping up and taking responsibility and leaving behind the phase where you got to ask all the questions… now you’re the one who has to answer them!

This might manifest as a promotion, new role, change in relationship or home dynamics, shift in a family bond. It’s like moving into adult/parent mode after childhood. That’s an empowering thing, and you’re ready to use your newfound confidence and accountability to make the decisions you think are shrewd and positive. Show them what you can achieve when you’re in charge.

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

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Two of Cups

Meaning: The end of singledom, feeling isolated or lonely, being estranged from someone or losing the thread of your most important relationship’s core. You are back in business.

The Two of Cups sees you falling in love, healing the rift, coming back together stronger than ever, and creating a lasting bond, mutually adoring, with someone dear to you. This is truly, possibly, your best ever Valentine’s aftermath. Lean in and be romantic and loving! Fall (deeper) in love and revel in Cupid’s afterglow of celebrations.

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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The character will be joining the likes of Moth and Toastie, in the hopes of being crowned the next champion of the comical ITV singing show.

The trio will be performing for one last time in front of judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama.

Whoever claims victory, will be following in the footsteps of Frozen musical star Samantha Barks, who won last year’s series as Pufferfish.

All the reasons Conkers on The Masked Singer is this ITV star

However, in the final moments leading up to The Masked Singer final 2026, viewers have been sharing all the reasons they think Conkers is none other than an ITV legend.

Taking to Reddit, many have said that the finalist could be This Morning presenter Ben Shephard.

Someone wrote in the subreddit r/themaskedsingerUK: “Conkers is probably the most divisive finalist we’ve ever had in terms of guess variety. Tom Daley, Ben Shephard, Perri Kiely, Sam Thompson, Mat Baynton, Mark Owen, someone from Corrie (and knowing this sub, Shearsmith, Farnaby and Le Bon).

“I thought I’d make a compilation – a conkilation, if you will – about why I think Conkers could be Ben Shephard.”

Just some of the suggested clues leading to their confident guess included:

• Keys – Ben was a guest on Through the Keyhole
• Tripped over – he has also been the host of Tripping Point since 2012
• Heart made of Lego – Ben has a cameo in The Lego Ninjago Movie
• Drumsticks – hosted Phil Collins: One Night Only
• Set the bar low – a link to his friendship with Gary Barlow, climbing Kilimanjaro with him and appearing in his ITV Wine Tour series
• Sam’s Tavern songs – Ben has presented many music TV and radio shows, plus his son is called Sam

The profile added: “To Conclude, the biggest pointers towards Ben for me are the Tipping Point terms, and references to Friends, Jenni Falconer, Cold Feet, Bigger Breakfast, and Heat Radio. All too niche to be red herrings for someone the panel haven’t guessed yet.”

This person agreed: “I’ve been shouting “it’s Ben Shepard!” at the tv since Conkers first came on. And the panel guesses are seriously winding me up.”

Another wrote: “Ben did a Christmas Day in the sea of Cornwall in 2024, that might explain the splash clue. The Wheel of Fortune ‘getting cold feet’ also fits.”

However, many argued it could also be Tom Daley or Mark Owen from Take That.

As one account said: “It’s Tom Daley, the stars on screen for 1 gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze are what he’s won at the Olympics.”

Meanwhile, a user commented: “I think it’s Mark Owen from Take That. I get your points though.”

Recommended reading:

Who do you think Conkers is on The Masked Singer? There’s not long to go until we find out.

Let us know if you think the clues so far hint at the identity of Ben Shephard, Tom Daley or Mark Owen, by leaving a comment below.

The Masked Singer 2026 final airs on ITV1 and ITVX from 7pm tonight.