The European Union (EU) has announced plans to ban social media for under-13s – a move welcomed by child safety campaigners.

The proposals were unveiled on Wednesday by Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. 

“Many perceive the power of big tech as overwhelming and impossible to roll back. I disagree; we do not have to accept addictive social media designs. We do not have to accept children being drawn into ever more extreme content,” she said. “It is us who decide our rules, not tech companies.” 

The EU will deploy its own verification scheme and demand that app stores, not platforms, police the gates. Children aged 13 to 15 would only be able to access platforms for an hour a day via ‘mini accounts’ set up through a parent or guardian’s social media account. 

“Teens will find it much harder to circumvent these bans,” Patrick Grady, head of European tech at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, told Positive News. “The EU will succeed where Australia has so far failed.”

Not everyone is convinced by social media bans. Critics have raised concerns around privacy, warning that everyone will have to submit personal information to access platforms.

Many welcomed the move, however. “The days of tech exceptionalism and their systematic exploitation of children for profit are numbered,” said Leanda Barrington-Leach, executive director at campaign group 5Rights. 

Image: iStock

The episode made it clear how much worse Debbie Webster’s (played by Sue Devaney) dementia has become as she failed to recognise Toyah when coming across her in the street.

Viewers saw the segment from Debbie’s perspective, which switched Taylor for another actress, helping them understand how confusing dementia can be for the person suffering from it.

However, when the camera angle changed, fans then saw that the person speaking to Debbie had been Toyah, played by Georgia Taylor, the whole time, further illustrating the impacts of dementia.

debbie not recognising toyah and us seeing it from her pov with a random woman… so clever but heartbreaking :((( pic.twitter.com/EDIvHxTJPO

— dj (@sadlatimer) September 24, 2026

Fans have praised the ITV soap for its “clever” scene but didn’t fail to express how “heartbreaking” it was to see Debbie’s condition worsen.

One person on X said: “debbie not recognising toyah and us seeing it from her pov with a random woman… so clever but heartbreaking :(((”, sharing a video of the scene.

Sharing screenshots from the scene, another fan said: “#Corrie Such a clever but devastating scenes between Debbie and Toyah.

#Corrie Such a clever but devastating scenes between Debbie and Toyah. Seeing this from Debbie’s perspective is so shocking and heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/szCktXhC7B

— joanne frankham (@frankham_joanne) September 24, 2026

“Seeing this from Debbie’s perspective is so shocking and heartbreaking.”

Someone else shared: “That scene with Debbie and “Toyah” was really clever.

“The different actress playing Toyah represented Debbie not recognising Toyah because of her dementia.

How many of these emotional Coronation Street storylines do you remember?

“Something to think about, it must be scary for a dementia sufferer. #Corrie.”

Another person said it was a “confusing” segment to watch but said they understood that it reflected how Debbie must feel.

Has Georgia Taylor left Coronation Street?

No, Georgia Taylor remains in the role as Toyah Battersby, but she was swapped out temporarily for Williams to portray the specific storyline involving Debbie Webster.

The appearance by Anya Williams is expected to be a short stint.

Which Corrie storyline has been the most powerful over the years? Tell us your favourites in the comments below.

A massive mural created by AI which appeared on the side of a pub in Banksy‘s home city of Bristol has been ripped apart, after locals pointed out several glaring errors in the ‘artwork’. 

The huge AI vinyl poster, which appeared on the side of the Jolly Colliers pub in Bedminster, destroyed art – before mankind – through its dodgy recreations of the city’s iconic landmarks. 

Among the landmarks it butchered were SS Great Britain, which looked more like a riverboat, Clifton Suspension Bridge with an incorrect one-way traffic system, and a mysterious large viaduct bridge which does not exist. 

An incorrect version of Cabot Tower was also included, while the series of colourful houses depicted on the west side of the Clifton Suspension Bridge are actually located on the other side of the city in Cliftonwood, overlooking Bristol harbour.  

The mural even included an apparent reference to Bristolian artist Banksy’s Mild Mild West. But the AI poster showed a one-legged figure pointing – instead of Banksy’s famous petrol bomb-throwing teddy bear. 

Locals were in uproar and took matters into their own hands – by apparently tearing down the image. 

Photographs later showed that the AI mural had been unceremoniously ripped down from the side wall of the Jolly Colliers pub. 

It had sparked strong backlash from the art community in the city where famous street artist Banksy was born. 

Days later, the vinyl poster had been ripped down from the Jolly Colliers pub

The British graffitist, who is known for his distinctive stencilled spray paintings, has become internationally renowned since his career began in the 1990s. 

His works, which often comment on the state of British politics, have sold for tens of millions of pounds over the years and seen him dubbed an icon in the art world. 

He has always worked under a pseudonym, amid various guesses about who he really is – including Robert Del Naja, a member of the band Massive Attack. 

But The Mail on Sunday revealed in 2008 the artist was in fact a man named Robin Gunningham, who was born in Bristol in 1973. 

The image appeared to have been converted into a large vinyl before being pasted onto the building.

With Bristol’s international reputation for street art and its connection to celebrated artists like Banksy, the AI mural turned some heads. 

Caroline Maggs from the Bristol Mural Collective (BMC) told Bristol 24/7: ‘AI designs not only devalue but undermine the work of artists’. 

She added that the collective was ‘saddened and angered by the Jolly Colliers not choosing to support handmade work’, and said: ‘We are small businesses, and as a small business themselves, they should have chosen better. 

Banksy’s real The Mild Mild West mural depicts a bear throwing a bomb  

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The grand real-life SS Great Britain that was depicted in less glorious form in the AI mural 

The artist ‘Banksy’ was revealed in 2008 by The Mail on Sunday to in fact be a man named Robin Gunningham (pictured), who was born in Bristol in 1973. He has since changed his name to David Jones 

‘In a climate where humans are being replaced by AI at an alarming rate, choosing art like this is not only an aesthetic choice but a political one.’

Ms Maggs said that having no mural on the pub would have been a better choice than the AI art. 

She added that the collective was open to discussions with the Jolly Colliers and would like to commission someone from the collective to ‘rectify their mistake’. 

On Tuesday, a letter from an unknown artist condemning the AI art had been placed below the mural, but it was swiftly removed.

The letter called the decision to erect the mural ‘a disrespectful affront to this city’.

It wrote: ‘I am not alone in this opinion. Your decisions have angered a large portion of the very community you supposedly wish to support and exist alongside.’ 

While it was not signed by anybody, the writer acknowledged Bristol’s reputation for creativity and hosting Upfest, Europe’s largest street art festival. 

The letter said: ‘Hundreds of murals exist across the city, created by truly talented individuals, with passion, hard-earned skill and dedication.

‘By choosing to ‘create’ (though that word gives more credit than is due) an AI generated image, produce it in vinyl and stick it to the side of your building, you are actively damaging the livelihoods of artists, disrespecting and contributing to the theft of their work, and making a mockery of what makes Bristol the city it is.

‘You have watered down the spirit, the originality and the very essence of the visual aesthetic you have tried, and failed, to recreate.’

Emily Tuffen, also an artist from BMC, said the mural was a ‘slap in the face’ to Bristol, adding that ‘Brunel would be turning in his grave’ over the piece.

Ms Tuffen said the mural was a ‘very large, very public display of something that is fast becoming a very clear and real threat to the existence of humanity’.

Several other artists from the BMC also criticised the artwork. Nina Raines called the work ‘visually naff,’ while Fiona Finn Teo described it as ‘an appalling and tone-deaf display of absolute nonchalance and disregard to artists residing in Bristol and beyond’. 

Tuffen added: ‘The mural is like a giant green light telling all of south Bristol (and anyone who views it online) – AI is fine, let’s jump in feet first!

‘Tally ho! I don’t think it will last long, one way or the other. Bristol won’t stand for it.

‘On a personal level, I would be so happy if someone circled all the mistakes in red paint like a teacher or a spot the difference puzzle. That would make it actually a good street art piece and a clear statement.

‘Bristol loves authentic creativity and won’t stand for intellectual property theft! It wouldn’t cost the proprietors too much if they wanted THAT commissioned!’

A spokesperson from Punch, who own the Bedminster pub, said the mural had been a ‘temporary measure due to the condition of the external wall’ and that they were looking forward to collaborating with local artists and the community in the near future for a permanent mural. 

In a statement, the spokesperson added: ‘The external wall requires some minor works which would make a permanent mural at this time difficult, so we had opted for a temporary solution.’ 

I’ve been obsessed with Chef Sylvia Fountaine’s oven-baked potato recipe that calls on one ingredient to make crispier and tastier jacket potatoes.

Jacket potatoes are my preferred choice on occasions when I fancy something simple. I’m always looking for fresh approaches to preparing this modest vegetable to achieve a crunchy, flavoursome result.

I’ve previously tried cooking a baked potato in the microwave and followed a chef’s air-fryer method – both of which yielded superb outcomes.

On this occasion, I went back to using my oven, but covered the potato with a single ingredient used by Chef Sylvia Fountaine, a cooking specialist and creator of Feasting at Home. In her recipe, she claims it’s entirely about the salt – and not merely standard table salt, but either sea or kosher salt.

I used sea salt and found that my jacket potato came out of the oven considerably more flavoursome and crunchier than usual.

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The logic for using salt is that it is inherently moisture-absorbing, drawing out excess water and allowing the skin to become beautifully crisp, creating a delectable crust without the potato turning hard.

Along with the salt, you’ll only need some oil. I discovered that extra-virgin olive oil performs especially well, imparting a superior taste to the completed dish.

The most demanding aspect of this jacket potato approach was purely waiting for it to cook – but it was entirely worthwhile. The salt crust on the exterior substantially improved the potato’s taste.

How to make jacket potatoes more flavoursome and crunchier

Using a fork, I punctured the potato at least three times to vent steam, preventing it from exploding in the oven. I then coated it thoroughly in extra-virgin olive oil, making sure the whole potato was covered, before giving it a generous rub with sea salt.

While I would ordinarily wrap a potato in tin foil before placing it in the oven, the chef cautioned against this, instead simply suggesting that it be placed on a baking tray in the middle of the oven.

The chef noted that sealing the potato in foil retains steam, resulting in a soggy texture. I kept the potato in the oven for the suggested hour; however, I found it needed a further 15 minutes.

To ensure my baked potatoes had a “fluffy, not gummy” interior, I immediately cut into them with a knife to release the remaining steam.

Once they’re a gorgeous golden colour on top, switch off the oven but keep the potatoes inside for another five minutes – this will give their skin an even crispier finish.

When you eventually take out your tray, you’ll be rewarded with the crispiest, most mouth-watering baked potatoes you’ve ever made.

For the finishing touch, I gave the piping hot potato a gentle squeeze with a tea towel, loosened the inside with a fork and loaded it with butter. While I kept mine fairly simple, there’s a wealth of options to enhance a baked potato. TV cook Mary Berry favours a splash of blue cheese dressing.

The event runs from Monday, October 19, to Sunday, October 25, and will include restaurants, pubs, and cafes from across the borough.

As well as boosting trade during the quieter autumn period, the week aims to help businesses reach new customers and promote their menus.

Venues confirmed to be taking part so far include:

• No. 5 New York Pizza
• Daisy & Beas @ Highlight
• The Marine Hotel
• Portals
• Dhamaka
• Larry’s Lanes and Games
• Flamingos
• Wallis & Co.
• Radici Pizza Restaurant
• Dilshad
• Mary Lambert
• Place To Be

Councillor Rob Darby, chairman of the council’s housing, growth and communities committee, said: “With a fresh, new look, next month’s Hartlepool Restaurant Week is set to be bigger and better than ever, building further on the great results last January.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Hartlepool businesses to showcase their menu, attract new customers, boost footfall during the quieter autumn season and raise their profile as part of Hartlepool’s thriving food and drink scene.

“I hope as many of our marvellous Hartlepool eateries as possible will get involved.”

The previous Restaurant Week in January saw 28 businesses take part and 2,500 customers enjoy special offers.

Businesses wanting to sign up must be able to offer a dine-in experience to take part.

Israel footballer Saied Abu Farchi was sent off for appearing to use the corner flag to simulate shooting a gun during his goal celebration.

Israel were beaten 3-1 by Austria in their Uefa Nations League clash on Thursday night with Farchi briefly drawing his side level in the second-half.

After finding the back of the net, the 20-year-old immediately ran over to the corner of the pitch, removing the corner flag from the ground.

Farchi crouched down and took aim, smiling as he made gun-firing gestures.

Farchi had been booked just four minutes before his goal with the referee producing a second yellow card to leave Israel down to 10 men.

Austria took the lead again in the 90^th minute through Philipp Mwene with Sasa Kalajdzic adding a third in stoppage time.

Israel are set to play Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

Earlier this week, the Israel Football Association has Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson of ‘hypocrisy and stupidity’ over comments he made regarding the upcoming Nations League fixtures between the two countries.

Campaigners have stepped up their bid to convince the Ireland team to boycott Sunday’s opener in Hungary, with a group gathering outside the team’s hotel in Dublin on Monday evening.

At last week’s squad announcement, Hallgrimsson admitted many squad members were uncomfortable about playing Israel, adding: ‘We’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide.’

In a furious response on social media on Monday night, the Israel FA wrote: ‘We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way.

‘Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach.

‘We’re not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, we’re playing against the coach who embodies them.’

Hallgrimsson later admitted hie comments were ‘not clever from me.

‘Myself and the players need to be focused on the game. It’s a tricky time for us. We are grateful for the support we get.’

MORE: Dozens boo and walk out during Netanyahu’s address to the UN

MORE: ‘I don’t understand’ – Alan Shearer questions Cole Palmer’s withdrawal from England squad

MORE: Why is the international break three weeks long? England’s four fixtures explained

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham all continue to push for new signings after the summer window as January quickly moves into view. Arsenal have been handed a fresh boost over Julian Alvarez after Deco admitted that Barcelona’s long-running pursuit of the striker is over, while the Gunners continue to be linked with a host of other players including Liverpool sensation Rio Ngumoha and Iago Machado.

He has spoken out ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League clash with Israel

Jason Knight has stated that the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League fixture against Israel on Sunday shouldn’t be taking place.

However, the Boys in Green will take to the pitch in Debrecen and are expected to make some form of gesture showing support for the Palestinian people.

Knight has been more outspoken than any of his teammates so far, declaring: “I don’t think the game obviously should be going ahead but it is going ahead.

“We’ll have a deeper talk about it and what that means, we’ll get our thoughts as a group and go from there.”

Ireland head into Sunday’s match following a 1-0 loss to Kosovo – a scoreline that could have been far more damaging had the hosts capitalised on more of the chances that came their way, reports the Irish Mirror.

“It’s not the way you want to start the campaign, they’re obviously a good team but I think we were definitely below our level,” Knight acknowledged.

“It’s a disappointing goal to give away because it would have been a good result with the clean sheet.

“Maybe a bit too passive at times. Didn’t get up to the ball. Second half, it got a bit better.

“But I think when you let good players around your box too easily, especially with the threats they’ve got, like you see with the goal, you’re going to come unstuck sooner rather than later.”

He conceded that manager Heimir Hallgrímsson was let down by the display – and that significant improvements would be needed before Sunday’s encounter.

“He was disappointed, there is no getting away from that, he thought we were below our levels as well and that’s 100 percent right,” he said. “But he also said there is a game in two days and we’re going to have to get everyone around each other and go again because it’s going to be a big squad turnout.

“I think (the performance) was a mixture of they were a good team, we didn’t give our forward players enough chances to score goals.

“They pinned us back a bit too much. But I do think there were even patches in the game and they took their big chance and we didn’t take our half chances.”

When questioned whether discussions surrounding the Israel fixtures had impacted preparations for facing Kosovo, he responded: “No, I don’t think so, it’s been very football focused, looking forward to the Kosovo game.

“Nothing distracted us, it was just a disappointing night.”

Knight and his teammates are set to convene on Friday to determine their strategy for the Israel fixture.

“There is obviously a lot of talk and rightly so about the scenario we’re in, but I thought Dara (O’Shea) spoke quite well yesterday.

“We’ll try and review this game quickly and we’ll talk about what’s coming up, the Israel games, and we’ll go from there.

“It’s a bigger spotlight obviously and not focused on the football itself. It’s very very unusual and none of us have come into this scenario before so we’re learning on the fly as well.

“So we’ll talk tomorrow as a group and see what is the best foot forward.”

Despite being based in England since pre-season commenced, Knight has remained conscious of the discourse back in Ireland regarding the forthcoming matches. “It’s obviously big talk in Ireland. I have been focusing on my football in England in the Championship,” he said.

“But I knew this was coming so I had a think about it. We had chats about it with the players, and more senior players on what the step will be.

“Now we’re here, we can have a really in depth talk of what that means and what the consequences are. We’ll do that tomorrow and go from there.

“I am quite experienced. None of us have gone through this scenario before but I’d like to think I’m experienced, thick skin and can get through most things and that is what I will try and do.

“I’ll try and focus on the football as much as I can. I’ll give my view and my thoughts on when I see fit, but I’ll be trying to focus on the football as much as possible.”

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This award is dedicated to recognising excellence in retail, leisure, and hospitality through innovations, customer experience, and community engagement, with entrants judged on memorable experiences and economic contribution.

Artistic director Lottie Wakeham said: “Yeah we’re so delighted – so, so proud.

“It’s very unexpected. It’s quite a broad category, against so many other brilliant businesses, so we’re all really delighted to win the trophy tonight.”

(Image: SIMON WARBURTON)

The Octagon was designed by then-director of Bolton architecture, Geoffrey H. Brooks, and constructed using £95,000 raised by public donation.

It was the first professional theatre to be built in North West England after the end of the second world war, and features to main spaces – the larger Main Auditorium, and the smaller Bill Naughton Studio Theatre.

The theatre was closed in 2018 for refurbishments, with performances continuing off-site at various Bolton venues.

A hub of Bolton history, several notable people have have either worked in or visited the Octagon.

(Image: Dan Dougherty)

Peter Kay used to work in the ticket office before dedicating himself to a career in comedy, and Farnworth born playwright Jim Cartwright was the Octagon’s writer in residence during the late 80s.

In 1969, a then-unknown Farrokh Bulsara played one of his first live gigs at the Octagon, before later finding fame with his new band – Queen – under a new name – Freddie Mercury.

The Octago is currently showing a production of the ever-popular East is East, perhaps better known for the 1996 film adaptation starring Om Puri.