Writing on social media back in 2020, Bronwen James observed: ‘The impact a teacher can have on a student’s life is magnificent, that’s why we do it.’

In reality, the ‘impact’ the blonde twenty-something PE teacher actually had on several of her pupils was life-changing for very different reasons.

Yesterday, James was found guilty of having sex with a 16-year-old boy who attended the school where she taught in Southampton.

She had denied the claims, telling Winchester Crown Court the teenager had made it all up to look ‘cool’ with his friends and insisting: ‘It did not happen.’

But the jury clearly believed that it was James who was the liar. And that was without knowing that this predatory paedophile had other victims.

Because what can be revealed today is that ahead of her five-day trial, James had already admitted a string of sexual offences involving another pupil – a girl – at the same school.

The now 30-year-old PE teacher had first started grooming the 13-year-old by sending her explicit photos and messages in which she outlined her sick fantasies. She then carried out sex acts on the girl, by then 14, in her car and at her home.

The jury also did not know that, having left the Hampshire school, she moved to a school in Wiltshire where, within months of her arrival, she had targeted another 13-year-old girl.

James had already admitted to a string of sexual offences involving another pupil – a girl – at the same school

As with her other victims, James was said to have had a ‘crush’ on her and ‘pursued’ a relationship.

Again she started by sending explicit images of herself to the teenager before discussing various sex acts that she wanted to perform on her.

Kissing followed in her car, after which there was a trip to Alton Towers where James groped the child. She also persuaded her to send a naked photo.

Following a complaint to police by the boy in late 2023, an investigation was launched and James was charged with a total of 13 offences against him and the two girls. She pleaded guilty to nine offences against the girls but denied those involving the boy.

The boy claimed that James became ‘flirtatious’, organising meetings on social media platform Snapchat before inviting him to her home where they ‘kissed and cuddled’ in front of the TV while the Wimbledon tennis tournament was on, and then went upstairs to have sex. It was also claimed that she had named the boy ‘Number 8’ in her phone as a ‘cover’, suggesting he was ‘the eighth man or boy she had slept with’.

Prosecutors wanted to introduce ‘bad character’ evidence against James, arguing that details of her guilty pleas relating to the two female pupils should be shared with the jury.

But the judge denied the application, meaning the court did not hear any details about what she had already admitted to.

Giving evidence, James tried to paint the boy as a fantasist who had never been to her home.

But after being told the pupil had taken photos inside her house with her dog, she was forced to admit she had lied to police, admitting there had been one occasion he was there.

James was emotionless yesterday as she was found guilty of three charges of sexual activity with a child. She was cleared of a fourth charge. She was released on conditional bail but will be remanded in custody next week to be sentenced at a future date for all the offences, some of which carry a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

James is pictured arriving at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, September 10

The PE teacher originally denied the claims, telling the court that the teenager had made it all up to look ‘cool’ with his friends – though she was later revealed to have been the liar

Speaking outside court, Bethany Adams, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: ‘Bronwen James was trusted to educate and protect children. Instead, she used that trust to groom and sexually abuse three students.

‘James manipulated her victims with calculated precision, exploiting her position of authority to isolate them and normalise the abuse. This was not a lapse in judgement; it was a sustained pattern of predatory behaviour against children in her care.’

Precisely what sparked James’s slide from PE teacher to paedophile is unclear.

But, by her own admission, she was emotionally immature and wanted to befriend pupils and win their favour.

One of four siblings raised by their mother and stepfather in Chippenham, Wiltshire, James was a keen sportswoman, emerging from university with a qualification to teach PE.

After a stint at Sports Direct where she posed for her local newspaper in an England shirt to mark the start of the 2016 Euros, at the age of 21 she completed her teaching training at £54,000-a-year Seaford College, a boarding school in West Sussex.

It was there that the first signs of her shortcomings emerged as she received a written warning for exchanging text messages with a pupil.

Giving evidence, James admitted she was ‘very lenient’ and sought ‘validation from the wrong people’ as a teacher.

She said she took it as a compliment when students said they would rather be taught by her than other staff, adding: ‘There were behaviour protocols that weren’t necessarily followed such as using mobile phones in lessons. I didn’t want to upset them. I didn’t want to anger them.’ 

She admitted that being popular with the students was important to her. ‘If a student was to realise that they had me as a teacher they would get excited,’ she said.

‘They would say, “can we be with Miss James” rather than the other teacher. It felt like a compliment to me.’

Her desire to be liked was evident on her Twitter account, the header of which was adorned with a blonde cartoon character dressed in sports kit playing tennis and netball.

In December 2019, she posted an image of a message inside a Christmas card she had received from a pupil.

‘To Miss James, thanks for being a really fun and cool teacher and for making my PE lessons so entertaining,’ it read. She commented: ‘Children are great p.s. love being a cool teacher.’

On February 16, 2020, she responded to a story about former footballer Ian Wright being reunited with one of his teachers, writing about the ‘magnificent’ impact a teacher can have on a student’s life.

By then she had moved to Fareham, Hampshire, where she bought a property with her boyfriend – they would split up in 2022 – and was working at Bitterne Park School in Southampton, a large mixed comprehensive. 

It was not long after – then aged 24 – that she would commit a string of offences against a female pupil.

She was teaching at Bitterne Park School in Southampton at the time of the allegations involving the teenage boy

James also admitted to sending a young girl explicit images of herself as well as engaging in sexual conversations

James would subsequently admit to having sexual activity with the 14-year-old child at her home and in her car.

She also admitted to sending the girl explicit images of herself as well as engaging in sexual conversations that included a discussion of cuddling naked together.

The offences against the male pupil at the same school were said to have taken place soon after. They would form the basis for the court case in which the teenage victim gave evidence.

Edward Culver, prosecuting, told the court that James had ‘exploited her position’ to have sex with the boy. ‘She flirted with him,’ he said. ‘Exchanged messages with him. Took him to her home. And she had sex with him.’

The victim claimed that having allowed him to communicate with her on Snapchat they started to message one another, arranged to meet up at a beach overlooking the Solent and kissed in her car.

In a video interview with police, the student said that the following day she engaged in ‘flirty banter’ with him in school by saying: ‘Where were you last night?’

The boy told how they progressed to having sex at her house and added: ‘At the time I was overwhelmed. It was great, but looking back at it, it was wrong.’

Describing the first occasion at her home, he said: ‘She was cuddling up to me on the sofa, head in my lap, watching TV, her dog was there as well, just relaxing, then I leaned in for a kiss.

‘We started kissing, then things progressed, I said, “Shall we go upstairs?”, she said “Yes” and went upstairs and we had sex.

‘We got in bed, she got naked, I got naked and that’s how it went.’

The boy added that in class James, who he described as ‘quite attractive’, would ‘slip him vapes’ in his coursework and also said that she liked him to call her ‘Miss’ when they were alone together.

He said: ‘I always called her “Miss”, I don’t know why, I think it was her little fantasy or something.’

The pupil also told how once, while helping her put away gym kit, he slapped her on the bottom, narrowly avoiding being caught by a senior member of staff.

He added: ‘I thought she cared about me… She’s quite an attractive girl, I should say woman. I was overwhelmed, excited… I thought this was great, any teenage boy’s dream, but I think it was wrong, at the time I wasn’t thinking that.’

When initially quizzed by police, James told them the teenager had been to her address once but never inside her home or car.

However, she later accepted she had lied. The prosecution said James changed her story only after being told the boy had photos and videos taken inside her house with her dog, Coda.

She maintained no sex took place and he remained downstairs. Asked why she had lied, she said: ‘Because I was aware that I had already had a written warning [from her previous school] and communicating with him in the first place was the wrong thing to do.

‘I know that nothing had happened sexually and I didn’t want it to blow up into something that it didn’t need to. I was scared.’

In cross-examination, Mr Culver suggested the boy was able to provide police with an accurate sketch plan of her home upstairs because they had sex there and were in a relationship.

The prosecutor continued: ‘I suggest there’s a lot of mysteries in this case. It’s wholly implausible he was able to provide that plan unless he had been in your bedroom a number of times.

‘It’s all explained by you having a relationship with him, having sexual activity with him. There’s no other plausible explanation.’

James denied that was the case saying that at the time the property was advertised for sale online, which included a floor plan. ‘He’s never been in my bedroom,’ she added.

The court heard that screenshots apparently showing suggestive messages between James and the boy were shared to a WhatsApp group among pupils at the school.

A student who saw them alerted another teacher and the boy was quizzed about what was going on.

He told the court that he had a meeting with the headteacher and child protection services at the time but denied it all ‘to keep her sweet’.

James was also quizzed about their relationship, telling the head that she knew the communication was ‘unprofessional but it was not inappropriate’.

At the end of the academic year she then moved to teach at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham, where she quickly targeted the second girl.

As before, explicit images and chat were exchanged before James kissed her on multiple occasions.

Police began their investigations after a formal complaint from the boy at the end of 2023, leading to James being charged with 13 child-sex offences against the three children over a four-year period.

For someone who once boasted about the power teachers wield over the young, the legacy she instead left could hardly have been more damaging.

Christopher Hoyle, now 38, denied his crimes when brought before Bolton Crown Court but was convicted by a jury after a trial of sex crimes against a “young and vulnerable” girl.

The young woman he targeted has now bravely come forward to make Hoyle’s crime known and raise vital questions about the sentencing of sexual offenders and treatment of young victims.

She said: “I am relieved that he has been held accountable and convicted for what he did, but I cannot say that the sentence makes what happened feel any less devastating.

“He took a piece of me that day.

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Phil Taylor)

“He took away a sense of safety, trust and innocence that I can never get back.

“He may be able to carry on with his life, but I am the one who has had to carry what he did to me.

“At the time this happened, I was 17 years old. I was young and vulnerable, and I feel that he took advantage of that.

“The impact of his actions has stayed with me and has affected the person I am today.”

The young woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said that at the time Hoyle committed his crimes he was 32 but lied about his age.

She says that he claimed to be a 25-year-old called Dan and that he was from Middleton, when he was seven years older than he claimed to be and was actually from Heywood.

Hoyle had also lied to his victim about his name.

Despite his denials, Hoyle, of Dumbarton Drive, Heywood, was charged and was eventually convicted of sexual assault.

Brought back before Bolton Crown Court, he was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Hoyle was also hit with a 10-year restraining order forbidding him from contacting his victim or coming near her and was put on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Mark Curle, 26, was found with messages on his phone in which he spoke about supplying cocaine with an upstream drug dealer.

A drug dealer told a judge he did not want to delay his sentencing hearing for a probation report despite the fact he would be sent straight to prison. Messages on his phone revealed he was involved in supplying cocaine.

Mark Curle, 26, was visited by police at his home in Newport on June 13 last year so they could execute a drugs warrant. Officers seized three snap bags of cannabis and a black iPhone which was examined by the authorities.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday heard messages were discovered on the phone which revealed he was in contact with an upstream drug dealer. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here

An email address belonging to the defendant was found to be involved in the supply of cocaine.

Prosecutor Sarah Grace said Curle told the upstream supplier he would be available to collect cocaine and could wash it to make crack cocaine.

He also sent messages to customers saying he was “active”, meaning he was available to supply drugs.

The defendant was arrested and largely answered no comment to questions in his interview, but responded: “I am not a drug dealer, I am a drug user.”

Curle, of Clarence Place, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

The court heard he has a previous conviction for possession of class B drugs.

In mitigation, Alice Sykes said her client performed a limited function through direction and he became involved out of naivety.

When asked by Recorder Robin Rouch if he wished for the sentencing hearing to be adjourned so he could have an appointment with probation to consider non-custodial options, the defendant said: “No.”

Curle was sentenced to a total of two years and three months imprisonment.

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Eric Dane‘s widow Rebecca Gayheart has returned to the spotlight with a starring role in a new musical.

Seven months after the beloved Grey’s Anatomy star passed away, Gayheart took the stage at Hollywood’s Hudson Theatre in Hollywood for the opening night of Jawbreaker: The Musical.

The actress was supported by her daughters with Dane, Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14, with the trio posing for photos together on the red carpet.

Although Dane and Gayheart separated in 2017, they remained friendly co-parents and never finalized their divorce. They called off the legal end of their marriage shortly before the actor revealed he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

Dane succumbed to the incurable nervous system disease in February at age 53.

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Gayheart for comment. 

Although Dane and Gayheart separated in 2017, they remained friendly co-parents and never finalized their divorce. Dane succumbed to ALS in February at age 53

Gayheart starred in the original 1999 film Jawbreaker, a dark teen comedy that also featured Rose McGowan, Judy Greer, Pam Grier and Marilyn Manson.

Although she played the popular high school girl Jules in the movie, Gayheart has switched parts for the stage show, stepping into the role of Assistant Principal Sherwood that was originated onscreen by Carol Kane.

The book for the stage version is by the movie’s writer and director Darren Stein with choreography by RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Laganja Estranja. 

Throughout her estranged husband’s chronic health battle, Gayheart remained a constant source of support for the star, who shot to fame as Dr Mark Sloan aka ‘McSteamy’ in the long-running ABC medical drama.

Dane and Gayheart tied the knot in 2004, two years before the actor landed his fan favorite role.

Gayheart stood by Dane through various personal problems, including his rehab stay in 2011 to wean himself off pain medication he was taking for an injury. 

Six years later in 2017, Dane entered treatment for depression, resulting in a filming pause on his action drama series The Last Ship.

The next year, Gayheart filed for divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences, and the pair agreed on joint custody of their daughters with Dane paying alimony.

Gayheart, who acted infrequently after having children, remarked a few months after her divorce filing that she wanted to start working again.

‘I think that as a female you need to be able to always take care of yourself and never depend on a man,’ she told Us Weekly. ‘I’m going back to work and I think it’s partly because I want my daughters to see me work.’

She explained that she and Eric were ‘doing our best’ to co-parent their children, acknowledging: ‘It isn’t easy. But we are trying and we are committed.’

Dane shot to fame as Dr Mark Sloan aka ‘McSteamy’ in the long-running ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. He continued to work up until a few months before his death

Gayheart (right) is a teen model turned actress and her new musical is based on the 1999 movie Jawbreaker she starred in with Rose McGowan and Julie Benz 

In order to help provide for his daughters in the wake of his death, Dane’s friends set up a GoFundMe that quickly surpassed its initial goal of $250,000. 

A source revealed Johnny Depp had also attempted to ‘ease the financial burden’ by allowing Dane to stay at one of his homes during his ALS battle. 

‘He was living basically rent-free in one of the homes Johnny owns above the Sunset Strip. He told Eric to pay whatever he could or — couldn’t for rent,’ the source told Page Six, adding that Dane as a result had ‘one less thing to worry about.’ 

Dane sharply declined after his diagnosis, using a wheelchair, losing the use of his right arm and pulling out of a public appearance the month before he died, citing the ‘physical realities’ his illness had forced him to face.

He had secretly recorded a final message for his daughters to be released posthumously in a Netflix special entitled Famous Last Words: Eric Dane.  

‘Billie and Georgia, these words are for you: I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried,’ he said, speaking directly to the camera. ‘Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we?’

Dane then shared the four lessons he had learned over the course of his life that he wanted to impart to his daughters.

Dane sharply declined after his ALS diagnosis and secretly recorded a message for his daughters released posthumously in a Netflix special Famous Last Words: Eric Dane 

‘First, live now, right now in the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that,’ he said. ‘For years, I would wander off mentally, lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame and doubt. I replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. “I shouldn’t have done this. I never should’ve done that.”‘ 

However, he ultimately declared: ‘No more,’ a change in mindset that he characterized as a decision he made ‘out of pure survival.’

Dane went on: ‘Second, fall in love. Not necessarily with a person, although I do recommend that as well. But fall in love with something.

‘Find your passion, your joy. Find the thing that makes you wanna get up in the morning.’

Thirdly, he advised his daughters to ‘choose your friends wisely.’

‘Find your people and allow them to find you and then give yourselves to them,’ he explained. ‘No judgement. No conditions. No questions asked.’

Sharing his gratitude for the friends who ‘stepped up’ when he became ill, he urged Billie and Georgis: ‘Just show up. And love your friends with everything you have. Hang on to them. They will entertain you, guide you, support you and some will save you.’

Finally, he exhorted them to ‘fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight.

‘Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit. So when something unexpected hits you, and it will, because that’s life, fight and face it with honesty, integrity and grace, even if it feels or seems insurmountable.’

He concluded: ‘Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.’ 

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury could fight in Wales before the end of this year, after emerging as contenders to host them after Wembley’s chances were scuppered

Cardiff’s Principality Stadium has emerged as a contender to host Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury this winter.

It was at one stage expected that the two former world heavyweight champions would fight at Madison Square Garden in New York on 20 November. However, as Joshua’s contract stipulates that their bout must take place in the United Kingdom, his insistence on that point means it could now be coming to Wales.

The national stadium’s retractable roof improves its chances of being chosen. Catering to an American audience would see the headline fight start in the early hours of a Saturday morning.

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Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh and broadcaster Netflix are keen for the fight to be held in the United States. Yet Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, maintains it should be staged on British soil, citing a contractual clause that supports his position.

The highly anticipated heavyweight contest has become embroiled in disputes over its location. Last week, Hearn threatened legal proceedings against TKO Group Holdings — the parent company of Dana White’s UFC and Zuffa Boxing — for attempting to ‘lure’ Joshua to the US.

Wembley’s prospects of staging the fight were dashed by Alalshikh’s demand for a 2am start time.

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The national stadium’s curfew is only extendable to 1am. This has pushed Cardiff back into the frame, with the Principality Stadium having bid for the fixture in July.

“We’d be delighted to host this fight,” a spokesperson for Welsh Rugby Union, which own the stadium, told Sky Sports at the time. “We are very keen to attract more boxing to the stadium, which has a rich history in the sport, enhanced by its closable roof, unrivalled sight lines and unique city-centre location.”

The iconic Cardiff venue previously welcomed Joshua’s victory over Carlos Takam in 2017, drawing a crowd of 78,000.

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AJ returned to fight Joseph Parker at the same location the following year. Although primarily renowned as a rugby venue, the Principality Stadium boasts a distinguished boxing heritage.

Most notably when Welsh legend Joe Calzaghe faced Mikkel Kessler there in 2007.

The Welsh capital also made sporting history when it staged the Lennox Lewis vs Frank Bruno bout at the former National Stadium back in 1993.

“It should never be OK that a convicted child sex offender should have an automatic right to contact with their child.”

Survivors and campaigners have welcomed the news that the Scottish Government will review laws relating to parental rights and responsibilities of people convicted of serious sexual and violent offences.

At the moment some parents who have been convicted of serious crimes, including sex offences, can still maintain or pursue contact with their own children.

The review, communicated by Minister for Victims and Community Safety Kirsten Oswald to Graeme Downie MP, follows, a sustained campaign led by survivors, alongside Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland.

The campaign began when one of Mr Downie’s constituents wrote to him highlighting that her ex-spouse, convicted of possession of child sexual images, was able to maintain and pursue additional contact with their preschool-aged child.

In a letter Ms Oswald said: “in many situations it may be in a child’s best interests for a convicted parent not to hold parental rights and responsibilities.”

Over the last year, Graeme Downie has worked alongside affected women and families from different parts of Scotland. The Scottish Government has now accepted that this issue requires further action, announcing a review into how parental rights and responsibilities could be automatically restricted or suspended following conviction for certain serious offences, including child sexual abuse.

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Welcoming the announcement, Graeme Downie MP said: “This is a significant moment and a testament to the courage of survivors who refused to stay silent and I want to thank the Minister for listening to their call for action.

“I keep thinking about the constituent who first came to me with her story. She was simply trying to protect her child, but in speaking out she exposed a problem that far too many families across Scotland have had to navigate.

“What began with a small number of incredibly brave women has grown into a national campaign for change. I have had the privilege of working alongside survivors and their families, hearing first-hand the reality of what they have endured, helping them ensure their voices were heard by the Scottish Government and across the country.

“These women turned some of the most painful experiences of their lives into a campaign to protect other children and families. Today’s announcement is a direct result of their determination.

“I want to work with the Scottish Government, my constituents and other victims as the review takes place to ensure it is speedy and implements the changes needed quickly.”

Graeme’s constituent, who began the campaign, said: “It was a huge relief to finally receive this response from the government, acknowledging the problem. For too long, this issue has been disregarded. To know that I have finally been heard is a momentous feeling, with this admission that there is something seriously flawed in our justice system.

“This should never have happened. I don’t believe it should ever be OK that a convicted child sex offender should have an automatic right to contact with their child.

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“The law as it stands means my ex has been able to continue to control me through the courts. After everything he has done and put us through, he is still finding a way to hurt us. It’s not right.

“Custody battles are mentally, financially, and emotionally draining in ordinary circumstances. But my battle isn’t a normal custody battle. Like others, I am trying to protect my child. All I am asking is that the Government upholds its commitment to children’s rights and decides to back, help protect, and put children first.”

Nicola Love, Rape Crisis Scotland’s external affairs manager, said: “The criminal and civil justice processes operate as separate entities, often to the detriment of women and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and that is what needs to change.

“This is a common-sense decision which would prevent perpetrators of sexual offences from using the family court system to inflict further abuse and protect children and young people from harm.”

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Victoria Beckham has launched a new fragrance inspired by a “very romantic trip” she once took with David and wowed fans with her new post on social media

Victoria Beckham has launched a new fragrance inspired by a “very romantic trip” she once took with David. The former Spice Girl, 52, who has carved out an illustrious career in fashion and beauty since her days as part of the world’s best-selling girl group, has been married to footballer David since 1999 and they have four children together.

On Thursday, the former singer took reminisced on an early part of her relationship as she revealed Hotel Portofino, her fifth collaboration with Jerome Epinette, master perfumer at Robertet.

She told Harper’s Bazaar : “While Portofino ’97 is all about falling in love and the rush of infatuation, Hotel Portofino is inspired by the same trip [David and I took] in 1997, but this is a new chapter about staying in love and the deeper echo of enduring love.

“I think our fragrances are very unique, interesting, and undoubtedly ours; there’s a strangeness that is very on brand—it’s almost addictive, as well.

“To have something polarizing is a compliment because I would always rather be part of the conversation and have something interesting than something boring and safe.”

In one snap posted onto Instagram, Victoria, known as Posh Spice during her heyday with the Spice Girls, lounged across a green sofa as she donned a blush pink dress.

In another, the star stands up straight whilst wearing a long gold number. Fans were quick to rush to the comments section, with one writing: “Beautiful VB”

Another said: “Omg phenomenal as always – she’s an endless gift,” and a third wrote: “Absoultely stunning, Lady Beckham!” A fourth joked: “Still hoping for a Spice Girls reunion tour.”

The couple have become infamously estranged from their eldest son Brooklyn since he married heiress Nicola Peltz just over three years ago, but last month, along with their other children Romeo, 24, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 14, visited Portofino

for the first time in almost 30 years.

At the time, David wrote on Instagram: “29 years ago we came to portofino to this hotel before anyone knew we were dating and here we are back again @victoriabeckham Portofino 97.”

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The refreshed store at Market Cross is the first in the North to feature Costa’s latest design.

Costa closed earlier this month for the refurbishment, which includes a modern interior, an improved food menu, and freshly baked pastries made on site.

Marc Talbot, CEO at Costa Coffee franchise partner Sim Trava, said: “Tracey and the team are delighted to welcome customers back to our newly refreshed Selby store.

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“We’re pleased to have created a brighter, more comfortable and welcoming space.

“The work we’ve put into the store shows that we’re here for the long term and proud to be part of the Selby community.”

The update also includes new counter display fridges offering a wider range of treats, including cheesecakes.

To celebrate the reopening, neighbouring retailer Elaine’s Cards and Gifts created a special balloon display for the Costa team.

Senior leadership at Sim Trava, left to right: Tracy Vardy, Business Owner and Executive Chairman; Simon Vardy, Business Owner and Executive Chairman; Marc Talbot, CEO; Tracey, Store Manager; Jack McDonald, Regional Manager; and Teresa Leach Green, Operations Manager. (Image: Pic supplied)

Among the first customers through the doors was 95-year-old Ron, a well-known local and daily visitor to the store.

The Costa team welcomed him back with a complimentary coffee.

James Shepherd, managing director of Dransfield Properties, which owns and manages Market Cross, said: “It’s great to see Costa reopen with its new look and enhanced food offer.

“The refresh is another welcome improvement at Market Cross and reflects the confidence businesses continue to show in the centre.”

The reopening comes at a positive time for Market Cross, which is now fully occupied following the arrival of health food retailer Grape Tree last month.

Additional new openings are also planned for nearby New Lane in the coming weeks.

Costa is a popular spot at the centre and the first Costa store in the North to showcase the brand’s new design.

More information about Market Cross is available at www.marketcrossselby.co.uk.

Pierce Brosnan has brushed off rumours that he and his MobLand co-star Tom Hardy were involved in a feud.

The James Bond star, 73, insisted that the reported drama was nothing more than a ‘storm in a teacup’ at the London premiere of Guy Ritchie’s crime series, which also stars Dame Helen Mirren.

The second series made headlines during filming after reports of tension behind the scenes, with Hardy at the centre of the speculation.

Hardy was reportedly accused of keeping his co-stars waiting on set and clashing with showrunner Jez Butterworth and David Glasser over script disagreements.

Following this however, reports emerged that he had not been axed, while Mirren posted a supportive picture of him to quell any rumours.

Now, while speaking to the press, Brosnan has reiterated: ‘Oh my God, it was a storm in a teacup, really.

‘I love the dude. I love Tom Hardy. I’m a massive fan of the man’s work. Truly.’

Insisting that the cast and crew remained close, he described them as ‘rock solid as a company, as a family’.

‘Everyone shows up for work, and everybody’s just there on the spot,’ he added.

‘It moves very fast so it’s not like we go out and socialise and go to the pub or anything like that.

‘Everyone goes home to their families and before you know it, you’ve done 10 episodes.’

Hardy also praised Brosnan and Dame Helen, saying it was a ‘privilege’ to work alongside the veteran stars.

‘They’re awesome,’ he said. ‘In many aspects of course I look up to them. Coming up, these are actors that came before me.

‘So to be able to work with them is a privilege.’

The second series of MobLand sees the Harrigan family struggling to maintain a united front as they face increasingly dangerous rivals.

Hardy’s character, Harry Da Souza, remains at the centre of the action, with Brosnan returning as mob boss Conrad Harrigan.

Dame Helen, 81, meanwhile, plays Conrad’s formidable wife Maeve Harrigan.

Describing her role, she added: ‘The relationships are amazing.

‘Obviously, Pierce and I have an extraordinary chemistry on-screen and off-screen. We’re very, very fond of each other. We respect each other enormously.’

MobLand series two premieres globally on Paramount+ on September 18.

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The funeral of 17-year-old Cole Worthy at Teesside Crematorium was disrupted on Wednesday as police responded to reports of an alleged disturbance inside

A man has been charged with assault and obstructing officers at the funeral of one of five young men who perished in a head-on collision with a marked police vehicle.

The service at Teesside Crematorium for 17-year-old Cole Worthy was thrown into disarray on Wednesday when officers were called to reports of trouble inside.

Gye Worthy, 39, now faces charges of common assault, a public order offence and obstructing police. Cleveland Police confirmed he is scheduled to appear before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

Cole was amongst five young men travelling in a VW Passat which was driving the wrong way along the A66 before colliding with a police vehicle in the early hours of 22nd August.

Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, lost their lives in the smash. All five occupants of the VW Passat were also pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the crash, it came to light that a property in a street in Acklam, Middlesbrough, connected to the teenager, had been rammed, resulting in extensive damage.

Cole’s funeral took place on the same day as that of Pc Blades, which was held in Hartlepool.

The charges were announced just hours after the funeral of Pc Clough on Thursday, which brought together police officers and Army veterans at Kirkleatham Walled Gardens in Redcar.