The country-music icon’s cause of death has been confirmed by her family

Country music star Dolly Parton died after a “brief battle with cancer”, her publicist said. In a statement to media outlets, her publicist Marcel Pariseau said: “After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”

The singer, 80, was best known for her genre-defining hits including 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You and Jolene. The statement continued: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.

“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.”

The type of cancer was not disclosed. Parton’s death was announced late on Tuesday via an Instagram video by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as the singer’s head of security.

He said it was “an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness”, to share the news of her death, adding: “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”

Parton’s husband Carl Dean died last year, aged 82.

Flags will be lowered throughout America in Parton’s honour, US President Donald Trump announced, posting on Truth Social “there has never been anyone like her”.

An oncologist has explained the common cancer symptoms people should look for – including some that are ignored or overlooked.

Persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss or a cough that refuses to go away are often blamed on getting older, a busy lifestyle or a lingering virus. But according to one cancer specialist, these are among the symptoms that people too often ignore for months before finally seeking medical advice.

While most ongoing symptoms will have a harmless explanation, doctors say it’s important not to dismiss changes that are persistent, unexplained or noticeably different from what’s normal for you. Knowing when something deserves further investigation can make all the difference.

Dr Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and Medical Director at Proton Therapy Center, said one of the biggest misconceptions is that cancer always causes severe pain or dramatic symptoms from the outset. In reality, early warning signs are often subtle and can easily be mistaken for far more common conditions.

He said: “One symptom on its own rarely points to cancer, and the vast majority of people experiencing these symptoms will not have cancer. The important thing is persistence. If something continues for several weeks, keeps returning or simply doesn’t feel right for you, it’s always worth getting checked rather than assuming it will eventually go away.”

Persistent fatigue

Everyone feels tired after a busy week or a few poor nights’ sleep, but persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest is something doctors take more seriously. It can affect your ability to work, exercise or carry out everyday activities and often feels very different from ordinary tiredness.

Dr Kubes said: “Cancer-related fatigue is often described as an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn’t improve with sleep. There are many possible explanations, including anaemia, thyroid disorders, infections and poor sleep, but persistent fatigue should always be discussed with your GP if it isn’t improving.”

A cough that won’t go away

Most coughs caused by viral infections settle within a few weeks, but one that persists or gradually worsens should not simply be ignored. This is particularly true if it’s accompanied by breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood.

“A persistent cough doesn’t automatically mean cancer,” Dr Kubes said. “In fact, there are many more common causes. However, if it continues beyond a few weeks or behaves differently from a typical cough, it’s sensible to have it assessed.”

Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine can sometimes be an early sign that something isn’t quite right. Although many conditions can cause unexpected weight loss, it’s one of the symptoms doctors always want to investigate.

Dr Kubes said: “If you’re losing weight despite eating normally and haven’t intentionally changed your lifestyle, it’s important to understand why. Often there will be another explanation, but it’s not something that should simply be overlooked.”

He added: “One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting for symptoms to become severe before seeking help. Cancer doesn’t always announce itself dramatically, and many of the early warning signs are vague and easily explained by more common conditions.

“The important thing isn’t to become anxious about every cough or ache, but to pay attention to symptoms that persist, keep returning or simply don’t feel normal for you. In many cases they’ll turn out to have a harmless explanation, but if something more serious is going on, getting it checked early gives us the best possible chance of diagnosing and treating it successfully.”

Councillor Simon Fawthrop, Bromley council’s executive councillor for transport and highways, said, “We have already raised concerns with Lime that they appear to be operating without our consent in part of our borough, with their map allowing hiring use in Penge in the last few weeks.

Audience members gasped as news of Dolly Parton‘s death was announced minutes before a performance of 9 To 5: The Musical.

It was announced on Tuesday that the music icon had died at the age of 80, with her death confirmed in an Instagram video posted by her nephew Bryan Seaver.

The news broke just as the cast of 9 To 5: The Musical, which is touring the UK after a hit West End run, were about to go on stage at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing, West Sussex. 

Actress Karla Tracey, who plays Parton’s character Doralee in the production, broke the news to the shocked audience on opening night.

‘Before we begin tonight’s performance of 9 to 5,’ Tracey told the crowd, ‘we would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton, who has sadly passed away today.

She continued after audible gasps around the theatre: ‘9 to 5 was originally written and produced by Dolly, whose extraordinary talent, creativity, and spirit are woven into every part of this work.

The news broke just as the cast of 9 To 5: The Musical, which is touring the UK after a hit West End run, were about to go on stage at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing, West Sussex. Karla Tracey, Jessica Martin, Tim Rogers, Kayla Carter and Jade Marvin pictured in the production 

‘Tonight, we will perform the piece as she intended with great respect and affection for the woman whose vision brought it to life.’

‘As we begin, we dedicate tonight’s performance to Dolly Parton, with our deepest thanks for the music, laughter and joy she gave us.’

Paul Jepson, Landmark Theatres chief executive and the musical’s director, said in a statement: ‘We would like to take a moment to remember the remarkable Dolly Parton.

‘Our thoughts are with Dolly’s family, friends and all those around the world who loved and admired her.

‘It has been an honour for all of us to work on this show, originally written and produced by Dolly, whose extraordinary talent, creativity and spirit are woven into every part.’

Amber Davies also paid tribute to the icon after starring in the West End run of nine to five the Musical.

Former Love Island star turned actress and singer Amber, 29, said that meeting her in preparation for her role in the 2019 show was ‘a highlight of my lifetime’.

In her tribute she shared two black and white images of her with Dolly as they chatted away behind the scenes of the Savoy Theatre.

Actress Karla Tracey, who plays Parton’s character Doralee in the musical, broke the news to the shocked audience on opening night

Amber penned: ‘Dolly, you gave me my first YES. One of the very first to believe in me. This will always be a highlight of my lifetime.

‘The world will not be the same without you. From the entire world, Thank you @dollyparton.’

Nine to 5: The Musical in its various iterations is directly based on the iconic 1980 hit comedy film of the same name.

The original movie starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly – who also earned an Oscar nomination for her famous theme song.

In the West End show Amber took on the role of Judy Bernly – who was originally played by Jane in the film.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Dolly’s Broadway dreams will still come true despite her tragic passing as Dolly: A True Original Musical will begin previews in December in New York.

Parton joined the UK cast of the musical onstage in London in February of 2019. Amber Davies (pictured centre with Dolly) also paid tribute to the icon after starring in the West End run

The hit show will then officially open January 19 on what would’ve been her 81st birthday following a sold-out run in her Nashville hometown last summer.

The country legend wrote the music, book and served as producer of the rags-to-riches show helmed by Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and choreographed by Mandy Moore.

‘Now, this isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside,’ Dolly said in a video last month.

‘It’s about where I really come from, what I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved and how I’ve found my way and told it in my own words and through the music that’s been part of me every step of the journey.’

The national treasure added: ‘Now, the musical has some of my big hits plus a lot of brand new songs that I’ve written just for the show. This really is a dream come true…and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!’

DOLLY will take audiences on a journey through the life of Parton ‘from her barefoot beginnings in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee to performing in platform heels under the bright lights of Hollywood’.

Katie Rose Clarke, Quinn Titcomb and Carrie St. Louis all portrayed the blonde bombshell at various stages of her life at the Belmont University Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, but the Broadway cast has yet to be announced.

By TARA ANSON-WALSH, FOOTBALL REPORTER

Published: 08:46 BST, 26 August 2026 | Updated: 09:15 BST, 26 August 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s relationship with new Al Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou already appears to be under scrutiny just three matches into the season. 

Al Nassr completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down to beat rivals Al Ettifaq 3-2 on Tuesday, but it was no thanks to Ronaldo, who earns an astronomical £488,000 a day, that the reigning champions claimed all three points.

The visitors appeared to be heading for defeat after enduring a disastrous first half which saw goalkeeper Bento sent off in the 12th minute for a challenge on former Fulham midfielder Mousa Dembele after rushing out of his box.

Al Ettifaq capitalised, with Ondrej Duda and Alvaro Medran finding the back of the net to take a two-goal lead into half-time.

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Ronaldo, who was making his first start of the season following his return from the summer’s World Cup, cut a frustrated figure as he headed towards the dressing room at the break.

The 41-year-old forward was seen angrily gesturing and removing his captain’s armband as he walked down the tunnel.

Postecoglou then boldly opted to remove Ronaldo before the start of the second half in what turned out to be an inspired move.

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Ronaldo couldn’t help but hide his frustration after enduring a disastrous first half which saw the reigning champions trail by two goals and reduced to 10 men

He was seen angrily gesturing and removing his captain’s armband as he walked down the tunnel at half-time

Postecoglou then boldly opted to remove Ronaldo before the start of the second half in what turned out to be an inspired move

Sadio Mane sparked the revival in the 74th minute before defender Abdulelah Al Amri levelled the match three minutes later. Mane then found the back of the net again in the 90th minute to complete the turnaround and seal victory.

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Footage of the post-match celebrations showed no sign of Ronaldo celebrating the victory, while Postecoglou refused to indulge questions about his controversial call to drop the Portugal star after the match.

‘I think there’s a bigger story today, and that is that ten men of Al Nassr were unbelievable. That’s all you should write about today, everything else doesn’t matter. 

‘It doesn’t matter what team because if you see 10 men in those conditions for so long, 2-0 down to come back, that’s the only story today.’

Controversy appears to have followed Ronaldo since his move to the Middle East in January 2023, following his public fallout with Manchester United.

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At the beginning of the year Ronaldo went on strike over what he felt was a lack of financial backing of his Al Nassr compared to their title rivals Al Hilal. Both clubs are majority owned by The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

Ronaldo was convinced that Al Hilal are getting preferential treatment, and he was particularly angry that they strengthened their squad by bringing in players such as his former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema during the January window.

Saudi officials, meanwhile, were surprised that Ronaldo was unhappy given he is earning nearly £500,000 a day. 

Footage of the post-match celebrations showed no sign of Ronaldo celebrating the victory

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Ange Postecoglou:

“I think there’s a bigger story today, and that’s that the ten Al Nassr players put in an incredible performance. That’s all you should be writing about today.”
pic.twitter.com/7jSMfBAtqp

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) August 26, 2026

Although Ronaldo is the face of the SPL, the league issued a statement firing back at the Portuguese star by reaffirming that he has no say on what happens at clubs outside of his own.

‘The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules,’ they said.

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‘Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.

‘Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.’

Ronaldo claimed his first league title with Al Nassr last season.

Swapping cigarettes for vapes does not put users ‘at risk of serious harm’ – is the surprising conclusion of a major review into e-cigarette safety.

Experts behind the report promoted the use of the devices as a stop-smoking treatment, saying doctors should be ‘reassured’ of their safety. 

The review also found that e-cigarettes are at least two thirds more effective at stopping people smoking than nicotine gum and patches. 

The advice comes a week after the publication of a stark review that linked vaping to a host of health conditions in young people, including respiratory problems including wheezing and coughing, depression and panic disorders.  

The authors, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), also found a higher incidence of allergies, sleep and eye symptoms in young vapers. 

‘There is much we do not yet know about [vaping’s] long term impact on children and young people…but a clear and concerning picture is emerging,’ said the College’s Vice President for policy, Dr Mike McKean.

Meanwhile, paediatrician and author of last week’s study, Professor Will Carroll, said vaping ‘should not be seen as a harmless part of growing up,’ adding that it is ‘clearly linked with respiratory symptoms and nicotine dependence’.

However, the authors of the new review, published in the prestigious Cochrane Library, argue that the risks of vapes ‘pale in comparison’ to smoking.

‘With every update, the evidence has become stronger that vapes play a crucial role in supporting people trying to quit smoking,’ Dr Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, senior author of the review from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, said. 

‘Based on the consistency of the findings here, it’s clear they are not only substantially less harmful than smoking, but a proven and viable option for people wishing to quit traditional cigarettes.’ 

The number of Britons aged under 16 who vape overtook the number of smokers of the same age for the first time this year, official figures show. 

Prof Carroll told the Daily Mail that the new report neglects the risk of the devices to young people.

‘One person’s exit from the perils of tobacco smoking might be a child’s entry into a lifetime of nicotine addiction and subsequent poorer health,’ he said. 

A full UK-wide ban on selling vapes and nicotine products to under-18s is already law and will come into force on 29 October. 

This will make it illegal to sell any nicotine or vape product to anyone under 18 including nicotine vapes, nicotine free vapes, e-liquids and nicotine pouches.

Adults who buy or attempt to buy vapes or nicotine products for under-18s will also be committing an offence. 

Vaping in cars carrying anyone under 18 will also be banned in England under government plans to reduce the harms caused by smoking and vaping.

The Department of Health and Social Care said the measures it is proposing are needed, given the growing evidence about the dangers of heated tobacco and vaping. 

Around 5.4 million adults now use e-cigarettes daily or occasionally, compared with 4.9 million who smoke. This means one in 10 adults now vape.

Research shows that one in two smokers will die from smoking-related disease, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and stroke. 

Despite this, many smokers, who may have been hooked on nicotine for decades, find it difficult to stop.

Vapes are handheld devices that work by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine and flavourings. Nicotine is then inhaled as a vapour, rather than smoke. 

For this reason, it has been suggested that regulated vapes are safer than traditional cigarettes because they do not expose users to the same levels of toxic chemicals.

However, another study involving more than 4.5million ex-smokers and published in the journal Nature Medicine last month found that swapping cigarettes for vapes may not reduce the risk of lung cancer. 

 Results showed that those who took up vaping to help them quit traditional smoking had a significantly higher risk of the disease, compared to those who kicked the habit entirely. 

For the latest review, researchers analysed 80 studies involving 29,861 adult smokers that assessed the effectiveness of vapes for smoking cessation. 

The University of Massachusetts scientists compared the results of different interventions over the course of six months, as well as side effects.

Vapes were compared with traditional nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or gum, drugs used to help people stop smoking, and therapy.

The authors also compared the outcomes of nicotine-free vapes and those with the addictive substance. 

The researchers found more people stop smoking for at least six months with vapes than with any other conventional method. 

Around 10 per cent of smokers using vapes quit successfully, compared to five per cent of those receiving no support or behavioural support alone. 

Nicotine e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates than nicotine gums and patches – about four more quitters per 100 people; a difference of around 67 per cent.

While there appeared to be no difference in the number of serious side effects reported, the researchers conceded this may be because their study only included regulated e-cigarettes. 

‘Not all e-cigarettes are the same,’ Dr Hartmann-Boyce explained. ‘The harms we hear about are often from unregulated vaping devices that may contain psychoactive substances like THC.

‘And the vaping devices assessed in this review are probably very different from what a teenager may be using.’ 

The review only followed participants for two years – and could have missed longer-term complications, the authors added. 

The researchers concluded that while vaping is not risk free, it is considerably less harmful than smoking – which is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the UK. 

Data released in July from Action on Smoking and Health found that over half of British adults who smoke believe vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking. 

‘The misconceptions matter,’ Dr Hartmann-Boyce said. ‘People who switch entirely from smoking to vaping an e-cigarette are likely to substantially improve their health.

‘The advice remains largely the same – we know these are useful tools to help people quit smoking and we feel more confident in those results now.’ 

The harms of vaping are said to lie with exposure to heated chemicals – this is thought to be toxic to lung tissue.

In the UK, smokers looking to quit have a growing range of options available. 

Alongside nicotine replacement therapies such as patches and gum, some GP practices and stop smoking services can offer prescription medicines including varenicline, cytisine and bupropion.

Nicotine vapes have also been offered on the NHS since 2023 to patients attempting to kick cigarettes. 

However, there is growing concern that vaping is not as nearly as safe as once thought.

The researchers, meanwhile, stressed that while the best approach will vary from person to person, combining vaping with behavioural support often gives smokers the best chance of success. 

Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter, based on Northolt Drive in Great Lever, has been shortlisted in the Best Animal Rescue/Charity category at the Pet Industry Business Awards 2026.

The awards celebrate businesses and charities across the animal sector, with winners determined through nominations and recommendations from customers, supporters and members of the public.

The shelter, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, said it was “extremely heartwarming and humbling” to be nominated by its supporters.

In response to the nomination, management praised the dedication of staff, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges of caring for vulnerable animals.

A spokesperson for the shelter said: “To be recognised by our supporters is unexpected and a fabulous boost to morale during a difficult time at the shelter.

“Long days, early starts and animals that rely on us to survive can be taxing both physically and mentally for our team, but they take every day in their stride.

“To be nominated in the Best Animal Rescue/Charity category is all thanks to their tireless work and commitment to the animals who need us most.”

The nomination comes at a particularly challenging time for the shelter, which recently had to temporarily close and launch an emergency fundraising appeal following a ringworm outbreak that affected both animals in its care and several staff members.

Despite the difficulties, the recognition has provided a welcome morale boost for the team as they continue working to recover and support vulnerable animals in need.

The shelter said the nomination was particularly meaningful because it came from supporters rather than through a direct award entry.

“It is touching to know that we have been nominated not because we entered, not because we campaigned for it, but because our supporters chose us,

“They took time out of their day to say ‘this rescue matters’.”

Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter is now encouraging supporters, volunteers, fosterers and members of the public to submit nominations and share their support online.

Supporters wishing to nominate the shelter can do so through the PIBA website by selecting the Best Animal Rescue/Charity category and entering the charity’s details.

The charity said the recognition highlights not only how far it has come, but also the difference it continues to make for animals and pet owners across the community.

For the team at Destitute Animal Shelter, the nomination itself is already a significant achievement.

“We are so thankful to have such a wonderful bank of supporters, volunteers, sponsors and fosterers,

“To be recognised for how far we have come, the difference we have made, and the lives we have yet to impact is a real boost to the Destitute Animal Shelter.”

Summit Foods is recalling various filled wraps, including its Chicken Fajita Wrap and Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap.

Shoppers are being warned not to eat the products listed and instead to return them to stores immediately.

Shoppers warned ‘do not eat’ chicken wraps sold in Aldi and Morrisons due to recall

Friday 21 August – Summit Foods is recalling various products because of possible contamination with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) #FoodAlert https://t.co/MGnLjK0Al6 pic.twitter.com/OMs3rdsvoY

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) August 21, 2026

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The recall includes various wraps that shoppers may have purchased, all of which have use-by dates up to and including September 5, 2026.

They are:

• Snacksters Chicken Fajita Wrap
• Snacksters Hoi Sin Wrap
• East Street Deli Sweet Chilli Chicken Wrap
• Target a Snack Chicken Fajita Wrap

Summit Foods has said the affected products may possibly be contaminated with E.coli.

Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to stay away from work, school or nursery until you have stopped having symptoms for at least 48 hours to avoid passing it on to others.

Those who have already purchased any of the wraps have been urged to return the product.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said: “If you have bought the above product, do not consume it.

“Instead, dispose of the product and provide proof of purchase on sales@summitfoods.co.uk, stating when and where it was purchased, for a refund.”

Recommended reading:

What is a product recall?

If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued, which provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.

Have you had to return a product due to a recall before? Let us know in the comments.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham remain active as the summer window enters its final stretch. Arsenal are said to have made an offer for Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid named their price but there’s still work to be done to get a deal over the line. The Gunners are set to confirm Gabriel Martinelli’s exit as they remain interested in the likes of Kenan Yildiz and Matias Fernandez-Pardo. Meanwhile, Igor Tyjon and Habeeb Ogunneye will be announced as Arsenal players after medicals, to be followed by James Scanlon.

A similar number have no idea what they need to do

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Nearly half of UK landline users are in the dark over the phone switch-off deadline. The UK’s traditional phone network is being switched off as services move to digital technology, meaning households with landline phones need to make the transition to internet-based calls.

A poll of adults who have a landline telephone in their home has found 53 per cent use it on a weekly basis, but 45 per cent don’t understand what they need to do ahead of the switch-off to ensure their phone keeps working as it should. Landlines are vital for many, with one in three relying on theirs to keep in touch with friends and family, while 29 per cent use it to speak with healthcare providers.

Analogue landlines will be switched off by January 2027.

Nearly six in 10 said their landline remains an important part of their household, with 17 per cent saying it’s cheaper for overseas family or friends to call versus a mobile phone. The research was commissioned by Community Fibre, which offers broadband and calls packages that allow customers across London and the southeast to switch easily to a full fibre home phone service.

TV chef Rustie Lee, who uses her landline regularly, has partnered with the broadband provider to raise awareness of the change. She said: “The landline switch-off is one of the biggest changes to our home phones in years, so if you haven’t switched yet, there are a few things you need to do.

“My top tip is this: don’t just accept the first deal you’re offered by your current provider. Take a moment to shop around, especially look at the newer fibre broadband providers as they will often save you a lot of money. The extra good news is that switching to a new fibre provider is also simple and risk free.

“You can keep your telephone number, and your new provider can handle the switch on your behalf with your current provider so you won’t have any break in service.”

48 per cent of landline users are not confident they know what they need to do to manage the transition. Nearly half haven’t seen enough information about the change, while 33 per cent are confused about what action is actually required.

A fifth are unsure who is responsible for arranging the switch and as a result, 43 per cent are concerned the transition could lead to a loss, breakage or interruption of their service.

Before taking the survey, carried out via OnePoll, 48 per cent were unaware that the landline service, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) could affect devices in the home other than telephones. These include alarms designed to help elderly or vulnerable people live independently by connecting them to a 24/7 emergency response centre, as well as some home security systems.

Rustie added: “If you use a telecare alarm or other devices that use a phone line, check with the providers of those services if they’ll be affected too, rather than your phone company.”

In fact, 53 per cent are worried about elderly people in their lives being left isolated if they lost access to their landline and other services. Another 54 per cent expressed concerns that older generations may need additional support to navigate the switchover process.

Peter Rampling, a broadband expert at Community Fibre, said: “The switch from analogue to digital phone services is a nationwide change that is affecting millions of households. But unfortunately, many of those needing to switch may not be offered the best available full fibre service by their existing provider, so it’s important to explore what else is out there before committing.

“Whether you’re sorting your own line or helping someone else to do it, shopping around and switching provider makes absolute sense with the cost-of-living crisis and can save money and effort in both the short and the long run.”

For information on the switch-off you can read consumer guides and updates on the Ofcom Future of Landline Calls page, and you shopuld contact your telephone provider.