In the aftermath of the World Cup, despite the many issues that had plagued the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Gianni Infantino spoke in tones that suggested he felt invincible. By delivering record revenues and the “most outstanding” World Cup ever, the Fifa president felt emboldened enough to embark on a victory lap, admonishing his critics from within the stronghold of his Fifa palace, while safe in the knowledge that the structures and mechanisms designed to keep him in power were secure.

Barely a week later, the walls around Infantino are crumbling before our eyes. In overplaying his hand and rushing through proposals to sell stakes in the World Cup and Fifa tournaments to private investors, Infantino has crossed a line from which he may not return. Uefa’s extraordinary decision to boycott the World Cup should Infantino get his way has been followed by two more federations, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, rejecting his proposals. Uefa now has enough support to comfortably defeat Infantino if a vote of Fifa’s 211 member associations goes ahead next month.

Whether Infantino’s plans, understood by The Independent to have been in the works for over a year, even survive for that long is another matter. Infantino is also under mounting pressure from within Fifa itself. The president’s long-time adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, described as a heavyweight figure within the organisation, resigned in protest on Friday. “Football has been central to my life, and after more than 35 years in banking, I understand both the value of this asset and the consequences of giving part of it away,” he said in a statement. “That is why this proposal should be rejected.” If even the Fifa suits have seen enough, it tells you that Infantino has gone too far.

In its own statement in the early hours of Friday morning, Fifa provided some “clarifications” around the private investment proposals, insisting that its “planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports”. But it may not stop some of Infantino’s steadfast allies from switching sides. Asia will host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia and parts of the region have benefited greatly from Infantino’s support since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but the AFC’s president, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa of Bahrain, has been Infantino’s most vocal critic outside of Europe. A withering statement on Friday accused Fifa of “undermining” the World Cup and called for an “urgent review” into its governance.

The AFC said it stands in “solidarity” with Uefa, while Concacaf (the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) also confirmed that it had “rejected the proposals” following its own emergency meeting. The Independent also understands that the vast majority of Concacaf’s 41 members have lost confidence in Infantino’s presidency. That is to be admired, as Infantino’s ploy of offering countries $40m for backing his proposals, or risk receiving only $10m for rejecting them, was aimed primarily at smaller nations who would have benefited greatly from the windfall, an additional pot of gold to clear debts and fund overdue infrastructure projects. Infantino attempted to target those vulnerabilities, but he has come up against organised, united opposition.

With Uefa, the AFC and Concacaf aligned, a voting bloc of around 150 member associations would comfortably defeat Infantino’s proposals, even if a few countries from those federations went against the whip. For Infantino, an embarrassing defeat appears inevitable. Further opposition from the confederations of South America and Africa, who have yet to publicly take a stance either way, would surely make his position untenable and spell the end of his presidency. Even so, it is already beyond clear that Infantino must go: a president who places his political interests and the financial incentives of private investors – from within Donald Trump’s own family – above the sport is no leader. As Uefa said: “This is not merely a profound failure of leadership but an abdication of Fifa’s duty as the custodian of world football.”

Even if his proposals are defeated, Infantino will surely take another page from the Trump playbook in another respect: could you ever imagine Trump resigning over anything, no matter how egregious, let alone admitting to a miscalculation of such epic proportions? It says a lot that, in the midst of an apparent crisis, Infantino was accelerating his plans for an expansion to 64 teams for the next World Cup while his fiercest opponents, Uefa, was holding its emergency meeting on Thursday.

Infantino is acting like a tyrant, and he must be stopped. Uefa and its allies will be rewarded for the strength of its opposition in recent days, but they must now strike and put forward a candidate to challenge Infantino’s presidency when he stands for re-election in March next year. Uefa’s Alexander Ceferin, who has positioned himself as the anti-Infantino despite making anti-competitive changes to the Champions League under his leadership, would be an obvious candidate.

The Independent, meanwhile, has reported that Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi, the chairman of Qatar Sports Investment, would also carry support. He could stand to gain from a further elevation of his status within the game. Other figures such as Lise Klaveness, the president of the Football Association of Norway, have been standing up to Infantino for some time. Klaveness in particular should be recognised for putting her head above the parapet long before the tide on Infantino turned within political circles.

Infantino’s plans for the “Fifa Forward Enterprise” may appear to be on life support, but it will also take more to topple his empire. That said, football has spoken and faces a window of opportunity that must now be seized if it wants to build a fairer game: the rejection of Infantino’s proposals must stand for the rejection of the man himself, and the organisation he has helped shape.

It topped a new list of places to go by Time Out.

A visit to one of Scotland’s cities has been crowned the “best thing to do in the UK” by Time Out, and it is neither Edinburgh or Glasgow. The experts described it as “a fantastic history-focused trip”, and also praised the city’s various upcoming festivals and other events.

As reported by the Daily Record, Time Out has put together a roundup of 25 of the “best things to do in the UK right now”. There are five Scottish experiences in total on the list, one of which is visiting the city of Stirling. The magazine previously declared Stirling the best place to visit in the UK at the start of 2026.

Time Out singled out the wide variety of events and festivals that are taking place in Stirling in the coming weeks and months. Among these are the Stirling Highland Games on August 15, the multi-genre Interesting Things Music and Arts Festival on the same day, BBC Radio 2 in the Park in September, and Stirling Cocktail Week later in the year.

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The experts also praised the city’s historical significance, noting its connections to figures such as William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots. Stirling is home to many historic attractions, including Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, and the Stirling Old Town Jail.

Time Out wrote: “Stirling has witnessed many of the nation’s most significant events—from William Wallace’s defeat over the English to the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots at just nine months old—making for a fantastic history-focused trip.

“In 2026, Stirling Distillery will release its first batch of Stirling whisky and independent venues will celebrate Stirling Cocktail Week with serious food and drinks deals all over the city (dates still to be announced). And every August there are the rollicking Highland Games featuring Highland dancing, the Stirling Stones competition and battle reenactments.”

According to Stirling Council, the number of people visiting Stirling has soared past pre-Covid levels. The Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor states that 4.6 million tourists visited the city in 2024, which was an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to the previous year and higher than the previous peak in 2017.

The city has also received a number of other accolades in recent years, in addition to being named the best place to visit in the UK by Time Out. Stirling was previously crowned Scotland’s top visitor destination by Lonely Planet and Scotland’s cultural capital by LNER in 2025.

Stirling Council Leader Susan McGill commented: “This latest recognition from Time Out is another fantastic achievement for Stirling and reaffirms the area’s reputation as a must-visit destination. We have world-class attractions, rich history and heritage, a packed programme of exciting events, a thriving cultural scene and stunning scenery. From our vibrant city centre to our beautiful rural communities, there is so much to explore, enjoy and experience across Stirling.

“Our excellent transport links have been improved with the new Lumo train service from London—so there has never been a better time to visit Stirling and enjoy everything we’ve got to offer. We look forward to welcoming more visitors from across the world to Stirling during the rest of the summer and this year.

“We are also committed to working with our tourism businesses and other partners to support further growth in this key part of the economy.”

More information can be found on the Stirling Council website. For the full list of the 25 best things to do in the UK right now, see the Time Out website.

Crews from neighbouring Humberside and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services were called to agricultural fields behind Full Sutton Industrial Estate in Common Lane, between the villages of Full Sutton and Fangfoss.

Plumes of smoke were seen from miles away at around 11am this morning.

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Eyewitnesses who work on the estate said this afternoon that four fire engines were present at the scene and were able to put the fire out, adding that it was limited to the fields and did not affect premises on the estate.

A Humberside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We worked alongside North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in response to a field fire in the Full Sutton area today (31 July).

 “We received the 999 call at 10.48am and were on scene within five minutes.

“Three fire engines were sent from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to the incident, where crews worked alongside firefighters from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“The fire was extinguished by 11.50am, although firefighters remained on scene a number of hours to continue dampening down.

 “Approximately five acres of straw and stubble were involved.

“We would like to thank the farmer for their support, including the use of a water bowser to help tackle the fire.

“The incident has been recorded as an accidental ignition.”

Humberside Police has released a strkingimage featuring photographs of Bush’s 75 victims.

On the top row, from left to right: Anne Lillian Marshall, Annie Kendall, Anthony Neylon, Audrey Leach, Barbara Stockdale, Barry Clark, Brian Johnson, Colin Wainman, Craig Moses, Danny Middleton, Alan Chearman, Alan Endall, Albert Edward Owst, Alan Gray, and Andrew Murphy.

On the second row, from left to right: Darren Laws, David Burton, Andrew Suffill, Dennis and Eileen Frazer, Dorothy Curtis, Gordon Smith, Graham Finn, Hazel Brown, Herbert Jimmy Porter, John and Christine Tibbles, Jean Collinson, Jessie Stockdale, and Joan Sparks.

On the third row, from left to right: Joan Stark, John Booth, John Carlill, Jon Butler, Joyce Moulton, Julie Webb, Leslie Raymond Cawood, Lilian Carter, Lisa Urry, Margaret Ann Welsh, Margaret Ounsworth, Mark Hotham, Mark Meikleham, Marolyn Sissons, and Martin Sydney Sawyers.

On the fourth row, from left to right: Mary Rhodes, Maureen and Keith Greensides, Maureen Graham, Michael Ellam, Michael Neal Andrew Hall, Muriel Winning, Norman Bridger, Patrick Spriggs, Paul Hemingway, Peter Moody, Raymond Bullough, Raymond Dagnall, Raymond Parker, and Rita Shaw.

On the bottom row, from left to right: Ronaldo Coates, Roy Butler, Shane Atkinson, Shirley Welburn, Shirley Wright, Stephen Perrins, Susan Gorbutt, Susan Stone, Sylvia Osler, Terence Buck, Terence White, Thomas Anderson, Thomas Marritt, Tony Munro, and Valerie Chalkley.

Brian Devine has been suspended by his current club Saltburn over allegations that he has been clicking his fingers to claim a caught-behind wicket, and footage of several incidents later went viral on social media.

The main one has been the controversial dismissal of Norton seconds player Noman Shabir in a recent North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League game, which Saltburn’s seconds won comfortably.

Mr Devine has played for Saltburn for several years, but during a brief spell away from the North Yorkshire club, he captained Pudsey St Lawrence to the Bradford Premier League Second XI Premier Division title in 2023.

Footage has been sent to The Northern Echo’s sister publication in West Yorkshire the Telegraph and Argus by a concerned local cricket player, who claims some of Mr Devine’s actions were suspicious during the Pudsey derby that September.

Saints won the game by eight wickets at Congs, which ensured they pipped Jer Lane and Woodlands to the title.

DEVINE INTERVENTION? Brian Devine launches a big appeal as the wicket keeper shows little interest in claiming a dismissal in the Pudsey derby (Image: Submitted)

Footage from the game appears to show slip fielder Mr Devine waving his arms in an unusual fashion while opener Huzayfa Azam flays a shot through the offside.

Another incident in the Pudsey derby in which Brian Devine’s left hand moved as the ball arrived at the bat (Image: Submitted)

Later in the innings, similar footage shows a batsman being given out caught behind, one of four catches for the wicket-keeper in that match.

The man at the crease lunges forward and the ball passes close to the bat, but only Mr Devine at slip appeals, while the wicket keeper appears to have no interest in claiming the dismissal.

Not only that, but the umpire gives the batsman out,

The player looks astonished at the decision, appearing to put his hand out in protest and stare down the pitch at the umpire for several seconds before reluctantly walking.

Pudsey St Lawrence said released a statement in relation to the footage published by the T&A and also videos appearing on a national newspaper’s website.

The statement says: “Pudsey St Lawrence Cricket Club is aware of allegations involving Mr Brian Devine during his time as a player for the club.

“At no stage was the club aware of any alleged misconduct by Mr Devine, nor were any concerns or complaints raised with the club by opposition teams or umpires who officiated the fixtures in question.

“The club expects its players to uphold the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship and takes any credible concerns extremely seriously.”

 After worldwide coverage of the Mr Shabir dismissal, which has been commented on by celebrities and viewed far and wide, Saltburn put out a statement on social media.

It read: “This is issued in response to the widely publicised complaint made against a Saltburn Cricket Club member and, as a consequence, against the club more generally.

“We are treating this allegation with the utmost seriousness and, as a family-centric club, we are fully cooperating with the NYSD League’s investigation.

“We believe that the club acted decisively as soon as the complaint and investigation were made known to us.

A controversial dismissal in a match involving Brian Devine when he played for Pudsey St Lawrence (Image: Submitted)

“The player at the centre of the complaint has been suspended and will not play again for the club this season or in the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of this investigation.

“Initial discussions have already taken place between club officials and the league.

“This has been a very distressing and stressful experience for all those concerned, and we would ask that this reality is borne in mind and that personal boundaries are respected, as we are an amateur club entirely run by volunteers.

“We will be making no further comment at this time.”

The T&A contacted officials from Pudsey St Lawrence, Pudsey Congs and the Bradford Premier League for comment on the footage we have been sent, but had received no comments by the time of publication.

Historic Bryn Aber coastal estate has been recently remodelled and is surely one of Wales’ most unique homes

Tucked away behind a walled garden on the Isle of Anglesey’s north coast lies a distinctive property connected to the natural treasures that encircle it but can also impressive with its unique history.

Called Bryn Aber, this impressive £1.25m estate nestled into a stunning spot on the coast dates from the late nineteenth century. Its most significant period started in the 1930s when it became the residence of pioneering aviator, ornithologist, conservationist and ‘modest millionaire’ Captain Vivian Hewitt.

Hewitt was known for achieving one of the first ever flights from North Wales to Ireland. On April 26, 1912, Captain Hewitt flew from Rhyl along the North Wales coast and landed in Holyhead to prepare for the main part of his flight. He then took off and managed to land in Phoenix Park in Dublin to the roar of cheering crowds. For more home, renovation and interiors stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.

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The story goes that when the pioneering pilot had achieved this remarkable feat, he dismantled the plane and brought it back on the ferry. Yet arguably Hewitt’s most lasting legacy is forward-thinking conservation efforts at Cemlyn, reports North Wales Live.

Captain Hewitt helped create the landscape seen today at the Cemlyn Bay nature reserve. His formation of the lagoon helped establish one of Britain’s most significant breeding locations for terns, and the bird sanctuary featured on the TV programme Spring Watch.

Hewitt’s former home sits in a sheltered spot at the western boundary of the spectacular Cemlyn Bay National Nature Reserve to which he contributed so much. His family made their money from the brewing industry but Hewitt is said to have inherited a fortune but he was known to be a ‘modest’ millionaire, living a quite, unostentatious life focussed on wildlife and nature.

The agent selling the property says: “Set discreetly behind its famous historic brick walls and surrounded by some of the most dramatic and legally protected landscape on Anglesey, this exceptional home offers a rare opportunity to acquire a private coastal sanctuary within the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“Approached via a quiet coastal road, arrival is through impressive 12-foot-high steel gates set within the tall brick walls. A private driveway leads to the house, creating a sense of arrival and preserving the seclusion for which the estate is renowned. Recently sympathetically remodelled and upgraded, Bryn Aber offers a blend of heritage and contemporary design.”

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Entry to the property can be made either through the porch entrance at ground level or, for a more dramatic arrival, via the cantilevered staircase integrated into the brick walls, leading up to the first floor terrace. There’s more drama just when parking the car, with a staircase hugging the characterful red brick wall that surrounds the house leading down to the garden.

The ground floor comprises five bedrooms and each can offer direct access to the inner walled garden via sliding patio doors, a delightful way to start the day with a morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars.

A staircase takes you to the home’s focal point on the first floor; a striking open-plan layout arranged around the panoramic coastal views that continue to mesmerise as change by the hour, the day, the season.

The kitchen, dining and living areas merge to form an outstanding space for entertaining, leading straight onto a generous terrace that curves around the property and showcases sweeping views across the lagoon, shingle ridge, and shoreline, across the curving shingle ridge of Esgair Gemlyn towards the Irish Sea, presenting an ever-shifting panorama of light, tides, wildlife and rural landscape.

The lagoon islands are home to Wales’ only breeding colony of Sandwich terns, alongside common and Arctic terns. The reserve recently documented Anglesey’s first breeding pair of avocets, while the neighbouring coastal habitat is home to a wealth of species, including little egrets and little owls.

Beyond the main grounds of around 2.8 acres, the sale of this dream home encompasses a separate parcel of land of approximately 1.1 acres on the headland, incorporating a section of shingle beach and rocky foreshore.

This area, known as Y Storws (the Stores), contains the remnants of historic commercial buildings, including warehouse, weigh house and coal yard structures, all linked to Cemlyn’s rich maritime and trading heritage.

As well as relaxing and soaking in the views at this peaceful and private corner of Wales, there’s also a chance to add value as the outbuildings come with planning consent to demolish them and develop secondary accommodation that could be used as an annexe, home office or studio workshop.

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This historic property, now remodelled into a stunning dream home, is on the market for £1.25m with Beresford Adams, Holyhead, call 01407 890024 to find out more. For more property, renovation, and design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.

Dean Hesketh, who goes by a range of other alliases, was last seen leaving hospital on Tuesday

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Police are appealing for a missing man who may have a contagious health condition, after he went missing from a hospital. Dean Hesketh was last seen leaving Royal Preston Hospital on Tuesday, July 28 at 11.16am.

The 51-year-old also goes by the names Tim, Dean or Anthony Gledhill. He is described as 5ft 4in, with black hair and blue eyes.

Dean is of a slim build and was last seen wearing a khaki green and black jacket, black trainers and a Lyle and Scott jumper, reports LancsLive.

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Dean was also last seen wearing a surgical mask. He has links to Preston, Penwortham and Blackpool.

Enquiries are ongoing to find him, but police are growing increasingly concerned. The force warn not to approach Dean if he is spotted, as he may have a contagious health condition.

For any sightings of Dean, contact 999 as soon as possible to make sure he is safely found.

Anyone with any information or footage that could lead to his whereabouts are encouraged to call 101, quoting log 1051 of 28th July.

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Cristiano Ronaldo and his lookalike son posed for a playful snap on the beach as rumours swirl that the footballer is set to marry Georgina Rodríguez this weekend.

The family have jetted to Portugal and it has been speculated that Cristiano and Georgina are going to tie the knot on the Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra.

Cristiano, 41, showed off his incredibly muscular physique as he went shirtless and flexed for the photo, while stood beside his son Junior, 16, who copied him.

The father of five poked fun at his teen son in the caption of the Instagram photo, writing ‘not yet!’ as he compared their frames.

Before the rumoured big day, Cristiano and Georgina, 32, unwound during a beach day, taking snaps as the three of them hung out together.

The family have jetted to Portugal and it has been speculated that Cristiano and Georgia are going to tie the knot on the Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra

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The couple have shown off their huge diamond rings in the lead up to the apparent wedding this week.

They were pictured boarding the sportsman’s luxury yacht in Majorca on Tuesday with their matching jewellery on display.

The model has also shared Instagram pictures that showed her and Cristiano sporting their rings as they boarded a private jet.

Cristiano has been sporting his ring since last year, when he visited President Donald Trump in the White House, and was also seen wearing it during the World Cup earlier this month.

It has been reported that Cristiano and Georgina are planning to tie the knot in Portugal this weekend. 

One TV host has claimed the ceremony will be at the Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra, Portugal, but it appears to be open to the public this weekend, adding doubt to the rumours.

Cristiano had previously claimed he was planning to marry Georgina after this year’s World Cup, which saw Portugal eliminated in the Round of 16 by Spain.

He told Piers Morgan: ‘I hope to arrive at my wedding with the champion’s trophy.

‘I’m going to marry her because I believe it’s the right time. Not just because she’s the mother of my children — but because she’s the person I love most.’

The pair got engaged when he popped the question last August after eight years of dating.

Before the rumoured big day, Cristiano and Georgia, 32, unwound during a beach day, taking snaps as the three of them hung out together 

The model has also shared Instagram snaps that showed her and Cristiano sporting their large rings, as they boarded a private jet

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One TV host has claimed the ceremony will be at the Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra, Portugal, but it appears to be open to the public this weekend, adding doubt to the rumours

Cristiano has been sporting his ring since last year, when he visited President Donald Trump in the White House (pictured in November)

He was also seen wearing the ring while heading to Portugal’s Round of 16 match against Spain earlier this month

The footballer’s new fiancée then shared the news on Instagram with the caption, ‘Yes, I do’. 

Cristiano later revealed that he asked her to marry him at an unusual time of day.

The football legend told Piers Morgan: ‘It was like 1 am. My daughters were in bed sleeping. 

‘One of my friends gave me the ring to offer Gio, and as I was giving her the ring, my two kids come in and say, “Daddy, you’re going to give the ring to mum and you’re going to ask her to get married”.’

‘I said, “Wow, this is the right moment to say yes.” It was the time. I knew that I was going to do it one day, but I hadn’t planned to do it then.’

The star also revealed that he worked hard to find the perfect engagement ring.

He said: ‘She asked me for a ring to offer her because it was one of her dreams to have a good stone. And I work hard, work hard and finally I find what she loves.’

The couple have daughters Alana and Bella together, and welcomed twins Eva Maria and Mateo through surrogacy.

Bella had a twin brother named Angel, but he sadly passed away shortly after birth. Ronaldo has a final child, Cristiano Jr, from an earlier relationship.

Georgina met Cristiano in 2016 when she caught his attention working as a sales assistant in a Madrid Gucci shop.

They moved to Saudi Arabia after Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in 2022 in a sensational £175million-a-year contract.

Georgina shared snaps of herself posing in Ronaldo’s private jet, amid rumours that their wedding is imminent

His decision to move to Saudi Arabia effectively ended his career at the top level.

It was thought the footballer had been hoping to secure a switch to a Champions League club before the move but it never materialised.

Cristiano is making a remarkable £300-a-minute in Saudi Arabia but last year admitted he wishes he could leave and only play for Portugal.

He also owns a stake in the club itself, boosting his astronomical net worth even more.

He joined rival Lionel Messi in taking up a promotional position with the gulf nation, which has faced criticism for its human rights record, as well as crackdowns on women’s rights activists, LGBTQ+ people and those who speak out against the rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Rebecca Sarker, who is known for her role in Emmerdale, has taken social media to show off her incredible figure and fans of the ITV soap were quick to react to the pictures

Emmerdale’s Rebecca Sarker stunned fans with her very impressive six pack as she takes a break from the ITV soap.

The actress, 51, who currently stars as Manpreet Sharma, posted new photos onto her Instagram page where she was seen laughing on a beach in her bikini.

The soap star looked to be in very good spirits as she donned black bikini bottoms and a floral top as she took an evening sunset stroll.

Rebecca was inundated with comments from stunned fans, with one writing: “You are the hottest woman on TV; Absolutely naturally stunning young lady.” Another said:”Your body is beautiful; If you’ve got it, flaunt it!’”

The actress has previously stripped off as part of her character’s storyline on Emmerdale, and, just over a year ago, her alter-ego was central to a plot that saw her to setting up a platform that was inspired by OnlyFans.

Rebecca, previously appeared in EastEnders, and played Nita Desai on Coronation Street in the late 1990s. She joined Emmerdale in 2018 and recently explained that she is happy to stay there for the foreseeable future.

She told The Sun: “I still love playing Manpreet just as much as I did when I joined. I love the fact every time I get a new story, it’s something completely different and it introduces another facet to her character. She is never one-dimensional.”

Rebecca has previously credited Emmerdale with boosting her confidence to wear glamorous dresses – thanks to the awards shows she has been able to attend as part of the job.

The programme, which was titled Emmerdale Farm for its first two decades, was created by playwright Kevin Laffan in 1972. It initially ran as a daytime soap and when the show celebrated its 50th year on air in 2022, the star was asked about her involvement on the show.

Asked if she featuring in the cast had changed her life, she said: “Of course it has, not least because it gives me an opportunity to wear some fantastic dresses on a red carpet every so often. Every job has the potential to change your life in acting, it’s a very transitory existence.”

The actress explained that whilst the acting industry often requires a lot of moving around, joining a soap had given her the chance to ground herself in regular work, which can be a rarity in showbiz.

She added: “It’s very nomadic, I could be working abroad one minute for two months and then in a studio doing an advert for a couple of days or doing theatre with different companies but being a regular in Emmerdale has given me the opportunity to set down some roots, professionally speaking and it’s given me some stability which is hard to come by in this profession.”

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