It’s back at Christmas, but BBC have confirmed a major change

Call the Midwife fans have been left feeling divided as BBC teased the Christmas special which will be a spin-off from the beloved series.

At the end of the last series of Call the Midwife, viewers gave an emotional farewell as Sister Monica Joan sadly died after deciding to stop taking her medication.

This Christmas, Sister Monica Joan is set to make a return to screens, but not as viewers knew her. Call The Midwife’s prequel series will chronicle the early days of Nonnatus House.

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It was also recently announced that Julie Hesmondhalgh, who hails from Accrington, Lancs, would be joining Call The Midwife: Sisters In Arms, which will be a prequel to the original BBC series, set in Poplar in September 1939 during the outbreak of the Second World War.

New pictures released by the BBC show actresses Julie, who is best known for having played Hayley Cropper in the Salford-filmed Corrie, Helena Wilson, Ellie McKay, Liv Andrusier and Lizzie Back in their uniforms while taking part in the series for the first time.

Heidi Thomas, writer and showrunner, said: “Call The Midwife has a long and noble history of filming Christmas specials during heatwaves, and this year we welcomed the snow-machine back to the Nonnatus House set like an old friend.

“But I was surprised how many new emotions Call The Midwife: Sisters In Arms sparked. In particular, the evacuation of Poplar’s children, and the fear that they may not make it home for Christmas had us all in tears.”

A synopsis for the special from the BBC reads: “Sister Monica Joan is in her prime, Sister Julienne and Sister Evangelina are young and zealous, and Nonnatus House is the beating heart of Poplar.

“Together with Sister Alice, and local GP Dr Kit, the nuns dedicate their lives to mothers, babies and those in need. But there is no gas and air, no penicillin, no cure for TB, and no welfare state. Then war is declared – and life gets even harder. The three young secular midwives who complete the team – Sybil, Olive and Marianne – receive a baptism of fire as the blackout and the Blitz take hold.

“While bombs rain from the sky, women give birth underground, families are shattered, children run wild, and whole streets are reduced to rubble. But courage, compassion and resilience triumph as the community unites in its efforts to survive.”

An exact broadcast date has yet to be announced, but the special will be aired during the festive period. Emmy-winning actress Jenny Agutter, who stars in Call The Midwife as Sister Julienne, will narrate the special episodes as the older version of her character, while Helena, known for her work with the National Theatre, will portray her younger counterpart.

The spin-off will be helmed by the Call The Midwife creative team, including showrunner, creator and writer Heidi Thomas, who hailed the new show as “a joy to write”. She continued: “Having loved and lived with the sisters of Nonnatus House for so many years, I found myself longing to turn the clock back and tell the story of their finest hour – the Blitz.”

Now, fans of the beloved series appear to be somewhat divided when it comes to this Christmas special, drifting away from what viewers love ever so slightly.

One viewer penned: “New cast, but I do have mixed feelings” as another added: “I’ll definitely give it a go, just not sure if I will enjoy it as much as the original! But, can’t say until I have watched it all”.

Another fan agreed: “Yep! Will be interesting to see, keeping my fingers crossed that it has the same charm and thought added into it for that Christmas magic.”

However, others are already looking forward to it, as a viewer wrote: “Aww I cannot wait for this to air i do so miss Call the Midwife”, as another simply stated: “This will be brilliant”.

The mid-air emergency was declared during the Loganair flight from Inverness Airport.

A flight leaving from a Scots airport has been diverted following a mid-air emergency.

The Loganair plane was due to fly from Inverness to Manchester at 10.45am on Saturday, August 8. However, as the aircraft reached Ayr, a U-turn was performed at 30,000ft after a 7700 emergency code was relayed.

Flight radars show the plane turning back and landing at Glasgow Airport at 11.20am. The nature of the incident is not known at this time.

The flight was due to land at Manchester Airport at 12pm. It’s not yet known when it is due to take off again.

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

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Good Morning Britain reporter Ashna Hurynag has been part of the ITV show since the start of 2026

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One familiar face on Good Morning Britain has been missing from the ITV show over the past few weeks.

Correspondent Ashna Hurynag, who has been a fixture on the ITV programme since early in the year, informed her followers where she’s been recently.

Since joining the breakfast show, ITV viewers have seen the reporter cover the likes of the World Cup, railway fraud and showbiz weddings.

Among these was Taylor Swift’s marriage to sports personality Travis Kelce, which required her to head to New York for live coverage from outside the reported ceremony location.

On Instagram, Ashna shared a collection of behind-the-scene clips from her time in America, along with her time speaking to Richard Arnold via a livestream link on the show, reports the Mirror.

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She told her followers that at the time, the Good Morning Britain crew stayed awake for 20 hours to report on the celebration.

Sharing that she had to wear the same dress in 42-degree heat twice, she called having a chat with ‘Uncle Richard’ a gift.

Announcing her return to the ITV programme, she concluded: “PS. for those lovely people asking – back on-air next week, been soaking up some rays having some randr.”

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However, Ashuna isn’t the only person absent from Good Morning Britain as regular presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls are on their summer break.

On social media, Susanna confirmed her absence before bidding farewell to one of her ITV colleagues.

In a post shared online, the presenter wrote: “SHOES OFF, OUT OF OFFICE ON! Time for my summer break – but also time to say goodbye to our wonderful Director @stuearl, who has been the champion of this programme for a decade. Thank you for everything, Stuart.

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“@edballs and I will be back September 1st after our travels. THANK YOU to our amazing viewers for watching and for contacting us and sharing your views – never a “waste of time” being on this brilliant programme, and thanks to everyone on Team.”

Her ‘waste of time’ remark comes after an awkward moment that unfolded with Robert Jenrick.

The Reform MP could be heard saying, “Well, that was a waste of time” after his interview with Susanna and Ed.

Good Morning Britain is available to watch on ITV weekdays from 6am.

The man was tragically found dead after the alarm was raised

A man has been found dead at a Scottish football stadium as police launch a probe.

Emergency crews rushed to Harburn Road in West Lothian during the morning of Friday, August 7. An alarm was raised around 8.55am after police received a report of a death at West Calder United Football Club’s ground.

Officers confirmed the death is being treated as ‘unexplained’. Locals claimed there was a large police presence at the scene, with an area taped off by police, reports Edinburgh Live.

The Scottish Ambulance Service also dispatched an ambulance. They were called to West Calder Football Club at around 8.56am on Friday morning.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Around 8.55am on Friday, 7 August, 2026, we received a report of the death of a man on Harburn Road, West Calder.

“The death is being treated as unexplained but is not believed to be suspicious. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service added: “We received a call at 08:56 hours today to attend an incident at West Calder Football Club and dispatched one ambulance to the scene.”

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The reenactors walked from Clifford’s Tower to York Mansion House on Saturday morning (August 8) as part of the York Georgian Festival.

Georgian military reenactors led the promenade followed by dancers who performed outside the Mansion House in St Helen’s Square.

Georgian festival attendees set off from Clifford’s Tower to parade to the York Mansion House (Image: Dylan Connell)

Georgian festival attendees gather at Clifford’s Tower before parading to the York Mansion House (Image: Dylan Connell)

Crowds formed in the square as people dressed head to toe in Georgian period dress performed traditional Regency dances.

They danced ahead of the festival’s Masquerade Ball on Saturday night at the Mansion House.

Amanda Robertson, 51, travelled with her daughter Sarah, 27, from Edinburgh for the festival.

Amanda Robertson, second from right, who travelled to the York Georgian Festival from Edinburgh with her daughter Sarah, middle (Image: Dylan Connell)

Elizabeth Usher and Tom Conyard at the York Georgian Festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

The pair travelled to York by train wearing full Georgian dress.

“When you do things like this, it gives you confidence not to bother [what others think],” Amanda said.

She said it had been a “lovely” day, praising York for being a “beautiful city”.

Amanda said she and her daughter are fans of the Georgian style which resulted in them attending the Jane Austen Festival in Bath.

And when they saw an Instagram post about the York Georgian Festival, they “knew we had to give it a try”, Amanda said.

Georgian festival attendees parade to the York Mansion House (Image: Dylan Connell)

Janet Bennett, marketing and events manager for York Mansion House, which organises the Georgian festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

Elizabeth Usher and Tom Conyard, both from York, were also dressed in Georgian period dress in St Helen’s Square.

Elizabeth said she takes part in other re-enactment events and is interested in learning through the historic clothing.

“Wearing historic clothing teaches you things about how people were in the past,” she said. “I’ve worn this [Georgian dress] many times.”

Janet Bennett, marketing and events manager for York Mansion House, which organises the festival, said it was “great to see so many people” taking part.

Dancing in St Helen’s Square during the York Georgian Festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

Dancing in St Helen’s Square during the York Georgian Festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

Janet, who came wearing a Georgian dress, said it “feels quite surreal” to walk through York in a period outfit.

“It’s quite fun,” she said, “the whole festival is such a nice atmosphere, such a happy atmosphere. People are just having fun and letting go for a bit.

“We’ve had really high visitor numbers at the Mansion House over the last couple of days, and similar events at Fairfax House at the Bar Convent have also been successful.

“We’ve got more to come tomorrow … It’s all looking good.”

The festival has seen talks and tours take place hosted by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, along with tours of the Bar convent, talks on period fashion and dress at Fairfax House and York Castle Museum, and an examination of how women were treated by the Georgian justice system at Barley Hall.

One of York’s most famous Georgian visitors, Anne Lister, will also be the subject of a new play No Priest But Love hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, and Merchant Taylors’ Hall on Sunday.

The festival ends on Monday and will see a series of talks including the launch by York St John students of a new edition of correspondence exchanged between writers Ignatius Sancho, one of the first Black Britons known to have voted in a parliamentary election, and Yorkshire-based Laurence Sterne, author of Tristram Shandy.

For more information and booking details, visit www.yorkgeorgianfestival.co.uk

Ryan Murphy, director of the controversial Netflix true-crime Monster Anthology (2022-), and Bret Easton Ellis, literary provocateur and author of American Psycho (1991), seem the perfect match. Sure enough, Murphy’s new TV adaptation of Ellis’s 2023 novel, The Shards, for Disney+ is an exhilarating mix of teen drama, serial killer nail-biter and homoerotic cat-and-mouse thriller.

The Shards features a fictionalised version of Ellis himself (a standout performance by Igby Rigney). The show details the unravelling of a close-knit group of friends during their senior year at a private LA high school in 1981. It’s triggered by the simultaneous arrival of a charismatic and mysterious newcomer, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere, son of Richard Gere), and the terror and destruction wrought by a serial killer at large in the community dubbed “the Trawler”. Are these events coincidental? Or connected in some way?

Ellis has said that the appeal of his precocious first novel, Less Than Zero (1985) (which he was indeed working on in his senior year, as the series shows) was that it allowed viewers to imagine what it would be like to be a privileged youngster in cool, affluent Beverley Hills.

This TV incarnation of The Shards presents a particularly vivid version of this fantasy. The affluent teenagers pad around beautiful, empty houses, throw endless pool parties, drive through LA in their shiny cars and indulge in as much drugs and sex as they want.

Yet the flip-side of such extraordinary freedom is excessive vulnerability. The story of the Trawler recalls the dark history of late 1970s and 1980s LA. It was a time when over 20 serial killers – each given similarly foreboding monikers like the Night Stalker or the Hillside Strangler – were also traversing the city.

Watching the lives of such a privileged group become shattered might be considered just deserts: a secret satisfaction for viewers enamoured by that Beverley Hills fantasy life. This is, after all, the kind of dark morality which propels the slasher movie (a genre which has influenced both Ellis and Murphy) where characters, usually girls, die in seemingly direct proportion to how sexually active they are.

But The Shards wants to do more than glamorise and invite critique of the lives of affluent youth in the US. Outwardly its sumptuous rendering of Westside interiors and exteriors tempt viewers to regard it as another example of TV’s current fascination with displaying the indulgent existences of the super-wealthy, such as Big Little Lies (2017) or White Lotus (2021-).

The Shards aims at something more profound. At its heart is a comparison between 21st-century existence and the world of the early 1980s. The series reminds us that then there were no helicopter parents, no social media nor smartphones. Factors which explain how these teenagers can do what they wish without adult scrutiny.

Despite the permissive atmosphere – as Bret’s comparison of Mallory’s arrival to “a virus” signals subtly – all this sexual decadence was, in only a few years, about to be extinguished by the advent of Aids.

Lessons for today

Yet The Shards also insists this era is the gateway to understanding the world we exist in now. This is a core message of the novel, conveyed powerfully through references to songs from the period.

Ellis’s fiction has always used music as a way of summing up character or anchoring its narrative in a particular cultural moment. In The Shards, his observations about emblematic music tracks of the time – such as Ultravox’s Vienna or Kim Wilde’s video for Kids in America – focus on what he calls a pervasive social “numbness”.

The novel’s virtual soundtrack is one reason it feels so deeply personal. In literary terms, The Shards is what is known as an autofiction. It’s a mode of writing which differs from straight autobiography. Autofiction conveys personal truth in a way which keeps it unverifiable or obscure, perhaps even to the authors themselves.

Like Ellis’s Lunar Park (2006), another magnificent autofiction, The Shards seems an effort to understand which dark parts of his psyche could have summoned up a creation like Patrick Bateman, the psychopathic anti-hero of American Psycho.

Murphy’s adaptation of The Shards – as expected given Ellis’s close involvement as executive producer and co-writer – preserves much of this personal significance. This helps to elevate it above racy, entertaining but essentially empty, bonkbuster thrillers such as Hunting Wives (2025). It is hard, for example, not to see the casting of newcomer Gere, who plays Robert Mallory with a perfect combination of beauty and menace, in the light of Ellis’s notes about the elemental impression the work of his father, Richard Gere, left on his own formative years.

Ellis’s novel is remarkable for how it creates such a deeply immersive blend of image, narrative and soundtrack in prose. The tools available to screen directors ensure they can do this much more easily, as Murphy’s version of The Shards demonstrates. But the pairing of director and writer ensures the series also, just about, avoids the superficial trap TV can fall into – the lingering on surfaces, the indulgence in sex scenes or gruesome murders. It preserves the powerful elements of autofiction and cultural analysis that drive the original work.

This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something, The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

The crash happened on Moss Bank Way in Bolton shortly after 9.33pm on Friday, August 7.

A fire broke out in one of the cars and two fire engines were called to the scene.

Firefighters extinguished the flames using a hose reel and were in attendance for over an hour.

The crash closed Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 9:33pm this evening (Friday 7 August), two fire engines from Bolton North and Bolton Central fire stations were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on Moss Bank Way in Bolton.

“Crews arrived quickly at the scene. Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish a fire involving one of the cars and are working alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe. Six casualties have been taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service.

“Crews have been in attendance for around one hour and remain at the scene.”

The crash closed Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road.

The crash closed Moss Bank Way and Captains Clough Road (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

Eyewitnesses said there was a second collision very close by, at around the same time, at the junction between Smithills Dean, Moss Bank Way and Halliwell Road.

It is estimated they were around half a mile apart from one another.

Both Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) have been contacted for more information about both of the incidents.

The Bolton News will bring you any updates as they come.

A Welsh council is threatening legal proceedings against householders who leave their bins on the street following collection. Residents report receiving hand-delivered legal warnings from the council threatening prosecution or a Fixed Penalty Notice unless bins are returned to gardens or designated storage areas.

The notice, from Denbighshire County Council, instructs residents to “TAKE NOTICE” in capital letters, citing Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

“It has been observed that a waste receptacle/bin associated with the above property is repeatedly being left on the public pavement/highway outside or adjacent to the premises,” the letter states. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

The letter then stipulates that “with immediate effect” residents are “required to present household waste for collection only in the receptacle(s) provided by Denbighshire County Council”.

The notice further warns that “following collection, all receptacle(s) must be returned to within the boundary of your property”, or to “another storage location approved by the council” as soon as “reasonably practicable after they’ve been emptied”. It states: “Receptacle(s) must not be left on the public highway, footway, verge, back street or any other area of public land except when lawfully presented for collection.”

The correspondence then cautions residents they are “REQUIRED to comply within 7 days” and that “failure to comply with this Notice may constitute an offence” resulting “in prosecution and/or a Fixed Penalty Notice”, reports North Wales Live.

Leader of the opposition and Independent party Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts described the correspondence as “confusing” and “heavy-handed”.

“I’m somewhat perturbed by this because it is very confusing for residents, in that on the majority of estates and roads in Ruthin, people will put their bins onto the pavement,” he stated. “I don’t understand where the council draws the line here, because it’s not clear because I know of people who have been told to put it on the main carriageway or it won’t get collected.”

Cllr Hilditch-Roberts then referenced the troubled introduction of the bin collection and recycling scheme that has resulted in hundreds of missed collections over the past two years, alongside the millions of pounds expended attempting to resolve the issues.

He added: “So this just heaps confusion on the residents of Denbighshire. The rollout over the last couple of years has been quite a massive change for residents. A lot of people have struggled with collections, and now having this heavy-handed approach, which really should be an open conversation with the householders looking at solutions, not (creating) problems.”

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council stated: “The council, along with all local authorities in the UK, has powers under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to set requirements for how household waste and recycling containers are presented for collection.

“These requirements can include the type and number of containers residents must use, where containers should be placed for collection, how access should be provided, what materials can be placed in them, and the steps residents need to take to ensure their waste and recycling can be safely collected.

“Where bins or recycling containers are persistently left out before or after the permitted collection period, the council may contact residents to explain the issue and give them an opportunity to put matters right. Where necessary, formal legal notices may be issued under Section 46. The purpose of these notices is to secure compliance and prevent ongoing problems for neighbouring properties and the wider community.

“Residents are asked to store their bins and recycling containers within their property boundary between collections and only place them at the designated collection point for collection. This helps to:”.

• Keep pavements clear and accessible for pedestrians, wheelchair users, people using pushchairs, and people with visual impairments.

• Reduce the risk of waste being spilled or containers being damaged or vandalised.

• Reduce the risk of pests being attracted to waste.

• Prevent bins and recycling containers from being blown into the highway.

• Help keep streets clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.

“Residents should place their containers at the correct collection point by 6:30am on their scheduled collection day. Collections can take place at any time up until 5:00pm, so containers should remain accessible until collection has taken place.

“Residents are encouraged to check their collection day and any specific collection requirements on the council’s website and to return their containers within their property boundary as soon as reasonably possible after collection.”

He added: “Bringing bins in promptly after collection is a simple step that helps keep pavements clear, reduces nuisance and environmental problems, and contributes to safer, cleaner, and more accessible communities.”

Sarah Ferguson ‘never approved’ of Princess Beatrice and Edo Mapelli Mozzi’s marriage, according to royal author Andrew Lownie – and now, the York sisters’ husbands are ‘pushing for their wives to distance themselves’ from their scandal-hit parents.

The daughters of disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Fergie have mostly sought to stay out of the public limelight following the ensuing fallout of their parents’ controversial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

According to Mr Lownie, both Beatrice and Eugenie are publicly ‘playing down their contact’ with Andrew and Fergie ‘as they realise it is toxic for their careers and public reputation’.

However, Edo, who wed Beatrice in July 2020, alongside Jack Brooksbank, who tied the knot with Eugenie in 2018, are said to feel strongly that a separation between the princesses and their disgraced parents should be enforced.

‘The husbands don’t want their reputations and earnings tainted by association with Andrew and Sarah and are pushing for their daughters to distance themselves from their parents,’ Mr Lownie, writer of bestselling book Entitled: The Rise And Fall Of The House Of York, told the Daily Mail.

He added: ‘Both husbands’ families are appalled by the activities of the former Duke and Duchess of York. A complication is the latter themselves never approved of Edo so no love lost there.’

In recent months, rumours have swirled that Beatrice and Edo’s relationship is on the rocks – after revelations about Andrew and Epstein’s friendship is said to have forced a ‘distance’ between the couple.

Mr Lownie told The Daily Mail: ‘Both husbands’ families are appalled by the activities of the former Duke and Duchess of York’

Beatrice was 31 when she exchanged vows with Edo during a small ceremony before 20 guests at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in the grounds of Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.

While the former Duke of York, who has since been stripped of his royal titles and is under investigation for misconduct in public office, walked Beatrice down the aisle, Andrew was conspicuously absent from the official wedding portraits released by Buckingham Palace.

Instead, the late Queen and Prince Philip joined the newlyweds in their wedding photos, as Elizabeth made every effort to ensure that her granddaughter’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi was an occasion for the couple to remember.

The Queen lent Princess Beatrice the tiara that she wore at her own wedding and a vintage gown first worn to a glitzy film premiere almost 66 years ago.

It was an acknowledgement not only that lockdown had denied Beatrice the wedding-day fanfare enjoyed by her sister Eugenie and cousins William and Harry, but also of the distress of seeing her father’s reputation wrecked by his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

However, according to Lownie, Fergie, the former Duchess of York, did not feel particularly fond of Edo from the onset – prompting further questions about her and Andrew’s lesser involvement in the nuptials of their oldest daughter. 

The royal author added that despite the actions of her shamed parents, both Beatrice and Eugenie feel a sense of ‘loyalty’ to their parents. 

Mr Lownie added: ‘The daughters are walking a tightrope torn between residual loyalty to their parents and pressure from their husbands. 

‘They also realise they need to keep in with Royal Family, petrified Charles will change their subsidised arrangements at St James’s and Kensington Palaces and that their titles may be removed. If so, bang go their lucrative earnings from the Middle East.’

‘The husbands don’t want their reputations and earnings tainted by association with Andrew and Sarah and are pushing for their daughters to distance themselves from their parents,’ Mr Lownie said

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Mr Lownie added: ‘The daughters are walking a tightrope torn between residual loyalty to their parents and pressure from their husbands’

According to Mr Lownie, while relations become ‘fractured and complex’ with Andrew, the pre-existing ‘tripod’ that Sarah once boasted she shared with her two daughters remains somewhat intact. 

‘There has been plenty of scandal over the years and the daughters have not cut themselves loose largely because they are cut from the same cloth and very much under the thumb of their mother,’ he added. 

However, he noted that Eugenie’s relationship will likely have diminisehd with her mother amid the ensuing revelations about her ties to Epstein.

‘Relations with their father are particularly fractured and complex as daughters take on board each new disturbing disclosure about Andrew,’ he said.

‘It is unlikely Andrew will see his new grandchild except through Facetime.’ 

Eugenie and Jack’s third child was born on August 3 at a hospital in Lisbon weighing 6lb 9oz – with mother and baby said to be doing well.

However, the happy family news is in stark contrast to Andrew’s fall from grace over his friendship with convicted sex offender Epstein. 

The controversy surrounding Beatrice and Eugenie’s shamed parents only intensified in the wake of the release of millions of documents connected to the billionaire financier, who died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The file dump included a disturbing photograph of Andrew crouching on all fours over a female lying on the floor, as well as multiple damning revelations about his and Fergie’s association with the man convicted of soliciting sex from girls as young as 14.

In recent months, rumours have swirled that Beatrice and Edo’s relationship is on the rocks – after revelations about Andrew and Epstein’s friendship is said to have forced a ‘distance’ between the couple

According to Lownie, Fergie, the former Duchess of York, did not feel particularly fond of Edo from the onset. Pictured: Sarah Ferguson, Beatrice and Edo in 2019

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It emerged that Andrew sent photographs of his daughters, Eugenie and Beatrice, to Epstein in two festive emails in 2011 and 2012, up to two years after the former prince previously claimed to have cut off all contact with Epstein.

Astonishing emails unearthed by The Mail on Sunday revealed Fergie was so desperate to cosy up to the convicted paedophile that ‘she was the first to celebrate’ his release from jail ‘with her two daughters in tow’.

The Daily Mail has also found an email from Epstein in 2015 where he told a friend not to worry about meeting Beatrice at an event in Mexico because she ‘liked’ him.

The fallout led to King Charles formally stripping Andrew of all his titles and forcing him out of Royal Lodge, with His Majesty’s younger brother being arrested on his 66th birthday by Thames Valley Police in an extraordinary moment for the monarchy.

It would have been an especially trying time for his daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie, who retreated from public life as questions were raised about how much they knew about Andrew and Fergie’s dealings with Epstein.

On the same day that Andrew was held in police custody, Edo was spotted spending time in Palm Beach, Florida.

His trip to the US saw him visit the same area where Ferguson and the princesses dined with Epstein, just days after the end of his prison sentence for trafficking a minor for prostitution.

Snaps show him reclining outside the pink art deco Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and holding a glass of rosé at the Bellini restaurant on the rooftop of the Mr C Miami hotel.

He attended a talk at stylish interiors store Hive Home, popular with super-wealthy locals, and was spotted at an evening event at The Carriage House, an exclusive members’ club.

At one point, he visited the ultra-private Fisher Club, a gated island enclave with just 800 residents favoured by billionaires and A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts. One post – a video taken from behind – featured Edo sashaying theatrically along a Florida pavement.

Yet Edo’s decision to travel to the United States, albeit for work, instead of remaining by his wife’s side sparked speculation that their marriage was on the rocks.

One source told the Daily Mail: ‘Things haven’t been great for a while between them, but Beatrice has been determined to soldier on and forge a path through.

‘Beatrice is quite different from her sister. She really wants to almost naively see the good in people and will turn a blind eye to uncomfortable truths – that is why she was blind to her father’s behaviour, and the same is true of her belief in Edo.

‘She wants to stay together, but he seems more and more distracted by work and travel. Just when she needs him most, he’s been pulling away.’

It would be located at the site of a former steakhouse restaurant

The location of a possible new Greggs store in Cambridge has been revealed – and it’s just a short walk away from another Greggs that’s already in the city. Plans have been submitted to Cambridge City Council asking for permission to open a new bakery and fast-food chain at Cambridge Leisure Park.

The site, praised for its “top quality” food by customers, was formerly Rocker’s Steakhouse. The restaurant closed following “so many unforgettable years” on Sunday, July 19. The proposed site is located less than a 10-minute walk away from another Greggs location on Station Square. Cambridge also has a Greggs store operating on Fitzroy Street and at Budgens Stores on Cherry Hinton Road.

The proposed plans includes a new shopfront and external seating area and advertisement consent for Unit 7A at Cambridge Leisure Park. Mondays to Saturdays are proposed to be open between 7am and 7pm, while Sundays would open at 9am and close at 5pm.

Greggs recently revealed its intentions to launch more than 100 new storess by the end of this year. The bakery chain opened 34 new stores in the first half of 2026.

The brand operated 2,773 stores as of June 27, 2026 and is looking to expand to 3,500 UK locations over the longer term. It has also begun trialling new Greggs Express outlets, a self-service for food and drinks.