Emergency services were called to the Blackrod Bypass earlier today

Three people were cut from vehicles by firefighters after a horror crash in Bolton.

The emergency services were called to the Blackrod Bypass earlier today (September 27) to reports of a two car collision. Paramedics treated the trio and they were then transferred to hospital for further treatment.

The road currently remains closed to traffic in both directions.

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 4:20pm this afternoon (Sunday, 27th September), firefighters were called to reports of a crash on Blackrod Bypass in Blackrod, Bolton.

“Two fire engines from Horwich and Hindley fire stations, along with the Enhanced Rescue from Leigh fire station, quickly arrived at the scene which involved a collision between two cars.

“Firefighters extricated three casualties who were trapped inside the vehicles. All casualties were treated by colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and conveyed to hospital. Greater Manchester Police closed the road in both directions while crews worked to clear the roadway and make the area safe.

“Crews were in attendance for approximately 90 minutes.”

The area in the south side of Glasgow has been named one of the most hip neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out, and it’s not hard to see its appeal.

What’s better than your area being named as one of the coolest in the world?

The one immediately beside you receiving that identical recognition, two years later.

Time Out knows what’s trendy, and their yearly ranking of the planet’s most hip neighbourhoods included a location extremely close to where I live in the top five. Govanhill on Glasgow’s south side is multicultural, lively and offers countless things to do – naturally featuring numerous spots to eat and drink.

During a bright afternoon this week, I picked up a coffee at one of its coolest cafes to see how much it would cost me, and whether it lived up to expectations.

Govanhill is famous for being amongst Scotland’s most diverse communities, and strolling through its streets, that influence is immediately apparent. Coffee shops, bakeries, takeaways and gift shops from every corner of the globe can be discovered here, and you could genuinely spend hours wandering around while shopping, eating and drinking to your heart’s desire.

Victoria Road is probably what you’d describe as Govanhill’s main street. Regardless of when you visit, it’s bustling with folk wandering about clutching coffees, walking dogs, meeting friends or making their way towards the very green Queen’s Park at the street’s far end.

Whether you fancy a flat white from a Transylvanian coffee shop – complete with the most extra Halloween decorations outside – or some authentic Turkish Börek from Pistachio, Govanhill truly offers everything. Choosing a favourite is no easy feat, but if pressed, Zennor would have to take the top spot – which is exactly where I found myself headed on this gloriously bright day.

Zennor launched on the corner of Langside Road and Dixon Avenue last year, establishing its second Glasgow location. Quite frankly, I cannot picture my weekends without it anymore.

I’m not the first to sing its praises, and I won’t be the last. The moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by soft Scandi-inspired light wood and stainless steel furnishings, paper lanterns, and the irresistible scent of freshly ground coffee.

Zennor’s seasonal specials are undoubtedly where they truly shine, though nothing on the board caught my eye on this particular visit, so I opted for a mocha. And no trip here is complete without indulging in one of their delicious sweet treats – their dark chocolate and sea salt cookie being utter bliss.

With oat milk, my coffee came to £4.60. That doesn’t even feel steep these days, particularly when the quality is this outstanding.

It was my first mocha from here, as I’m ordinarily a flat white lover, but I fancied something a little indulgent and it absolutely delivered. Three words? Worth every penny.

The staff deserve a mention too – warm, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about their craft, which always makes for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Directly opposite Zennor sits my personal favourite pub in Govanhill, the Rose Reilly.

Named after the iconic footballer, this welcoming pub boasts a fantastic range of drinks and plenty of outdoor seating for when the Scottish weather decides to cooperate.

Should you find yourself in need of something more filling, Pakistani Street Food comes highly recommended for a samosa, Bar Vini for a generously sized plate of pasta, and Errol’s Hot Pizza for precisely what it says on the tin.

Naturally, like any neighbourhood across the globe, Govanhill has its share of challenges. There are numerous differing views on how the area has transformed in recent years, with gentrification proving to be a particularly contentious issue amongst residents.

But it’s undeniably the rich blend of people and cultures that makes it such a vibrant and compelling destination to explore.

On Tuesday a strengthening southerly wind will bring a much warmer day.

Temperatures in the high teens are forecast in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and between 20 to 26 C for England and Wales.

However rain will move into Northern Ireland during the afternoon and then trek slowly eastwards throughout the evening and night. It may become persistent and occasionally heavy, with strong winds and gales for exposed coasts and hills.

Further east, drier and brighter conditions may remain before the rain arrives on Wednesday – it could possibly linger overnight.

Behind the rain it is back to sunny spells and scattered showers, and still windy in the west on Wednesday.

By Thursday, we are expecting high pressure to build, so it should be calmer and drier, and by Friday the north-west becomes the focus for any showers.

Of course the caveat is that forecast details may change, so you can stay up-to-date with the short term forecast for your area here.

Goathland, around nine miles from Whitby in the North York Moors National Park, has become one of the county’s most recognisable villages after appearing on television and the big screen.

For almost two decades, it doubled as the fictional village of Aidensfield in ITV’s hugely popular Heartbeat, while its historic railway station later appeared as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

But Goathland’s history as a visitor destination stretches back much further than either production.

Goathland (Image: Keith Rowland/CAMERA CLUB)

The village is surrounded by open moorland and is characterised by traditional stone buildings, shops and pubs, with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway running through the valley below.

Its appearance made it a natural choice for Heartbeat, which first aired in 1992 and was set in the fictional North Yorkshire village of Aidensfield during the 1960s.

Goathland provided many of the programme’s familiar outdoor locations during its 18-series run.

Although Heartbeat came to an end in 2010, its connection with Goathland remains a major part of the village’s identity.

Visitors can still recognise locations from the programme, while reminders of Aidensfield remain around the village.

Visit North Yorkshire says Goathland became even more popular with visitors after appearing as Aidensfield in the television series.

Its television fame was followed by another screen appearance which introduced the village to a new generation.

Goathland railway station was used as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, released in 2001.

In the film, Hogsmeade is the station used by pupils travelling to and from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Away from the cameras, Goathland remains a working station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

The heritage railway runs for 24 miles between Pickering and Whitby, taking passengers through the North York Moors and stopping at Goathland along the way.

Goathland station retains much of its traditional appearance and includes a tea room in the former goods shed as well as a shop.

Its period character, combined with its Harry Potter connection, has helped make it one of the railway’s best-known stations.

Goathland (Image: Keith Rowland/CAMERA CLUB)

However, visitors were travelling to Goathland long before Heartbeat or Harry Potter arrived.

One of the area’s best-known natural landmarks is Mallyan Spout, a waterfall hidden in a wooded valley close to the village.

Water falls around 70ft over the rock face, with a walking route descending through woodland to reach it.

Visit North Yorkshire says Mallyan Spout was already attracting visitors to Goathland during the 19th century.

The arrival of the railway also helped establish the village as a destination for people wanting to explore the surrounding moors.

Today, Goathland remains a popular starting point for walks through the North York Moors.

One route follows the course of the former railway towards Grosmont, while walkers can also head through the small settlement of Beck Hole.

The combination of railway and walking routes means visitors can arrive in Goathland by heritage train before exploring the village and surrounding countryside on foot.

There are also cafés, traditional pubs and shops in the village, while its position puts it within relatively easy reach of Whitby and other parts of the North York Moors.

Goathland’s television and film appearances have undoubtedly changed the way many visitors see the village.

By WILL HALLOWELL, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 01:36 BST, 28 September 2026 | Updated: 02:58 BST, 28 September 2026

 BEST LATIN

Anitta and Shakira – Choka Choka

Bad Bunny – NUEVAYoL

Fuerza Regida – Tu Sancho

Karol G – Papasito

Rosalía – La Perla

Ryan Castro, Kapo and Gangsta – La Villa

Shakira and Burna Boy – Dai Dai

BEST K-POP

Blackpink – Jump

BTS – Swim

Cortis – Redred

Katseye – Pinky Up

Le Sserafim – Spaghetti

Lisa – Dream

 BEST COUNTRY

Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas

Kacey Musgraves – Dry Spell

Lainey Wilson – Somewhere over Laredo

Luke Combs – Back in the Saddle

Shaboozey – Cowgirl

Stella Lefty – Boston

Tucker Wetmore – Brunette

BEST DIRECTION

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love me

Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Gener8ion – Storm

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

Taylor Swift – Opalite

Sabrina Carpenter is tied with Grande, having scored seven nods

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky

Lisa – Dream

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Shaboozey – Cowgirl

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST EDITING

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Lisa – Dream

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Gener8ion – Storm

Harry Styles – Dance No More

Katseye – Pinky Up

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

Jisoo and Zayn – Eyes Closed

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Raye – Click Clack Symphony

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST ART DIRECTION

Charli XCX – SS26

Lady Gaga and Doechii – Runway

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Sombr – My Body Isn’t Ready

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

Swift has a chance this year to break her dead heat with Beyonce, with whom she is tied for most VMAs ever at 30

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Madonna shocked fans as she made a blockbuster return to the MTV Video Music Awards stage on Sunday, 23 years after her steamy kiss with Britney Spears made pop culture history.

The Queen of Pop, 68, who has emerged as the artist with the most nods with 11 nominations, showed off her toned frame in a Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello ensemble – but fans quickly slammed the star over her ‘utterly unfocused’ performance.

Madonna donned a black satin trench coat, a red leotard and knee-high boots as she performed hit Bring Your Love with collaborator, Sabrina Carpenter, 27. 

The pop icon was seen draped in latex in a steamy visual, accompanied by the statement, ‘It’s mother!’ before dancers contorted themselves on stage – while lasers shot from their crotches.

Beginning her performance with her legs spread while sat on top of a piano played by Carpenter, Madonna exuded confidence as she belted out the anthem.

The star stripped off to the leotard before she was carried across stage onto a platform, where a choir belted out Bring Your Love.

The star was bundled onto a moving platform by scantily-clad dancers – but fans quickly noted the star seemed ‘out of breath’ during the performance

Madonna donned a black satin trench coat, a red leotard and knee-high boots as she performed hit Bring Your Love with collaborator, Sabrina Carpenter, 27

The star writhed about as she was taken through the crowds before Charli XCX’s entrance.

Madonna joined Charli for a high octane rendition of Danceteria Afterhours remix – but fans watching on TV were left furious as the ceremony was delayed due to an overrunning football game. 

The raunchy segment saw a scantily-clad Sombr make a shock cameo by a toilet cubicle, before Madonna was lifted into the air by a hunky dancer. 

However fans flocked to social media to accuse Madonna of lip-syncing and share their fears after the star was seen seemingly out of breath onstage. 

One fan wrote, ‘MTV & CBS really fumbled Madonna tonight. The delay was bad enough, but those HORRIBLE camera angles during her performance? Come on. She deserved so much better.’

Another wrote, ‘I wish I could’ve seen Madonna in her prime! Mama is TIRED and out of breath on this MTV #VMAs stage. And yes, I know she’s almost 70, so I’m not expecting 1985 Madonna, but whew!

‘I’ll still give her credit where it’s due: she released one of the best albums of the year.’  

Others wrote, ‘Ima say something controversial. Madonna this is boring.’

‘madonna performance… wow… utterly unfocused and just a got damn MESS!!!!!!!’

The star struck sultry poses as she was carrried through the crowd 

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The star was joined in a bizarre leather urinal scene by Debi Mazar 

The star straddled a dancer in a toilet cubicle

Seth Rogen also joined the hitmaker, while clad in a leather ensemble

Madge was joined by Julia Garner, whose name has been floated to play the hitmaker for years in a biopic

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Madonna later joined British bombshell Charli XCX for a high octane rendition of Danceteria – but fans watching on TV were left furious as the ceremony was delayed due to an overrunning football game

Fans quickly called out the pop icon for her performance 

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‘Madonna doesn’t know how to hang it up. This is one of the weirdest and most cringe things I’ve ever seen. Why are the MTV Music Awards on CBS after football?’

Others praised the star for her ‘iconic’ performance, which also included cameos from Debi Mazar and Seth Rogen. 

One fan wrote, ‘She’s 68, bravo to her for still being able to get up in stage and move it the way she did.’ 

Madonna and Carpenter later won best collaboration, beating out Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T and Malice for Chains & Whips as well as Shakira and Burna Boy for Dai Dai, Teyana Taylor and Lucky Daye’s Hard Part, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s Stateside and French Montana and Max B’s Ever Since U Left Me. 

This marked Madonna’s first VMAs win since 1999. 

Accepting the award, Madonna said, ‘I would like to briefly say how this collaboration came about.

‘Everybody who knows me knows how impatient I am’ adding that five days passed without her hearing back from Carpenter

‘I DM’d her’ she revealed, ‘She answered me back, and I don’t know, within a week we were in the studio together, It was fabulous.’

Madonna’s winning streak continued as she later scooped Artist of The Year. 

During 2003’s MTV VMAs, Madonna had a prolonged kiss with Spears during their opening performance for the ceremony.

Spears opened the show by singing Madonna’s Like a Virgin, emerging out of a wedding cake while dressed as a bride, as Madonna did in her 1984 VMAs performance.

Other fans praised the star for the epic

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Madonna and Carpenter later won best collaboration for Bring Your Love

Madonna famously performed at the first-ever VMAs in 1984, bursting from a gigantic wedding cake while dressed in a bridal gown for a rendition of Like a Virgin

During 2003’s MTV VMAs, Madonna had a prolonged kiss with Spears during their opening performance for the ceremony

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Madonna’s VMAs coup comes after she earned a burst of critical acclaim and fan adoration for her latest album Confessions II, which was released July 3 and serves as a sequel to her 2005 smash hit Confessions on a Dance Floor

Soon after that, Aguilera joined Spears onstage for the song before Madonna appeared and launched into her single Hollywood. During the performance, Madonna leaned over and kissed Spears, before locking lips with Aguilera

During the broadcast only the image of Spears and Madonna was aired, followed by a reaction shot of Spears’ former flame Justin Timberlake.

The sapphic moment has gone on to be one of the most memorable in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards.

After their public make out session, Spears and Madonna went on to collaborate on the hit single Me Against The Music.

Madonna’s VMAs coup comes after she earned a burst of critical acclaim and fan adoration for her latest album Confessions II, which was released July 3 and serves as a sequel to her 2005 smash hit Confessions on a Dance Floor.

Madonna’s Confessions II (The Film) is also up for dance video of the year, against such competition as  Aperture by Harry Styles, Runway by Lady Gaga and Doechii and New Religion by Bebe Rexha and Faithless.

The other nominees in that category are Dance… by Slayyyter, Stateside by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson and Nobody’s Girl by Tate McRae.

Madonna and Taylor Swift, 36, will be vying against each other for the evening’s top honor, video of the year, with Swift up for The Fate of Ophelia and Madonna for Confessions II (The Film). 

MTV Video Music Awards 2026 NOMINEES

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

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Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Gener8ion (starring Yung Lean – Storm

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – Tears

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia 

 

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Ariana Grande

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Bruno Mars

Madonna

Morgan Wallen

Sabrina Carpenter

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Taylor Swift 

Madonna has the most nominations of the year with 11

 

SONG OF THE YEAR

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BTS – Swim

Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas

Huntr/x – Golden

Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter – Bring Your Love

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Olivia Dean – Man I Need

Raye – Where Is My Husband

 

BEST NEW ARTIST

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Bella Kay

Cortis

Magnus Ferrell

Malcolm Todd

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Myles Smith

Sienna Spiro

Stella Lefty

BEST COLLABORATION

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Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T and Malice – Chains & Whips

French Montana and Max B – Ever Since U Left Me

Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

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Shakira and Burna Boy – Dai Dai

Teyana Taylor and Lucky Daye – Hard Part

BEST POP

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

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Charli XCX – SS26

Lisa – Dream

Olivia Rodrigo – Drop Dead

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

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Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

Taylor Swift is trailing just behind the Queen of Pop with nine nods to her name

 

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BEST HIP-HOP

Cardi B featuring Kehlani – Safe

Don Toliver – E85

Drake – Janice STFU

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Megan Thee Stallion – Lover Girl

Travis Scott – Dumbo

Tyler, The Creator – Sugar on My Tongue

 

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BEST R&B

Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Chris Brown – It Depends/Obvious

Dave & Tems – Raindance

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Justin Bieber – Yukon

Kehlani – Folded

Mariah The Scientist and Kali Uchis – Is It a Crime

  

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BEST ALTERNATIVE

Geese – Taxes

MGK and Fred Durst – Fix Ur Face

Noah Kahan – The Great Divide

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Olivia Rodrigo – The Cure

Sombr – Homewrecker

Tame Impala – Dracula

Twenty One Pilots – Drag Path

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BEST DANCE

Bebe Rexha and Faithless – New Religion

Harry Styles – Aperture

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Lady Gaga and Doechii – Runway

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Slayyyter – Dance…

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Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

 BEST LATIN

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Anitta and Shakira – Choka Choka

Bad Bunny – NUEVAYoL

Fuerza Regida – Tu Sancho

Karol G – Papasito

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Rosalía – La Perla

Ryan Castro, Kapo and Gangsta – La Villa

Shakira and Burna Boy – Dai Dai

Ariana Grande has landed a total of seven nominations

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BEST K-POP

Blackpink – Jump

BTS – Swim

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Cortis – Redred

Katseye – Pinky Up

Le Sserafim – Spaghetti

Lisa – Dream

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 BEST COUNTRY

Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas

Kacey Musgraves – Dry Spell

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Lainey Wilson – Somewhere over Laredo

Luke Combs – Back in the Saddle

Shaboozey – Cowgirl

Stella Lefty – Boston

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Tucker Wetmore – Brunette

 

BEST DIRECTION

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love me

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Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Gener8ion – Storm

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

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Taylor Swift – Opalite

 

Sabrina Carpenter is tied with Grande, having scored seven nods

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

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Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

A$AP Rocky – Punk Rocky

Lisa – Dream

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

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Shaboozey – Cowgirl

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

BEST EDITING

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

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Bruno Mars – I Just Might

Lisa – Dream

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

 

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY

Gener8ion – Storm

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Harry Styles – Dance No More

Katseye – Pinky Up

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

Tate McRae – Nobody’s Girl

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

 

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Ariana Grande – Hate That I Made You Love Me

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Jisoo and Zayn – Eyes Closed

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Raye – Click Clack Symphony

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

 

BEST ART DIRECTION

Charli XCX – SS26

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Lady Gaga and Doechii – Runway

Madonna – Confessions II (The Film)

PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson – Stateside

Sombr – My Body Isn’t Ready

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Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

Swift has a chance this year to break her dead heat with Beyonce, with whom she is tied for most VMAs ever at 30

 

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Almost every front page is dominated by what the Telegraph suggests is an “Iran link to RAF bomb plot”. It reports five men have been arrested for “terror and explosive offences” after three suspicious vans were reported travelling towards RAF Fairford. Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the incident at the base, according to the paper. It says that in July, Iran threatened to attack the base, on the basis that anywhere used to launch strikes on Iran was a “legitimate target”. Following the incident on Sunday morning, the paper reports that RAF Fairford is on its highest state of alert, and RAF Lakenheath, which also hosts US troops, has had its threat level increased.

By CONNIE RUSK, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR

Published: 16:27 BST, 27 September 2026 | Updated: 01:44 BST, 28 September 2026

Amandaland’s Lucy Punch has replaced Dawn French as the star of Marks & Spencer‘s big budget Christmas campaign, according to reports. 

The actress, 48 – who is best known for her portrayal of wannabe influencer and alpha mum Amanda in the BBC comedy series Motherland and spin-off show Amandaland – will front the retailer’s first ever joint fashion and food festive advertisements.

Previously, Dawn, 68, has fronted the M&S Food TV ads since 2021, while the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Hannah Waddingham, Jennifer Saunders, Tan France and Zawe Ashton have also starred in Christmas campaigns for the company.

However, this year there is just one advert which will combine both fashion and food.  

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A source told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Amandaland is one of the most popular shows on telly right now, and bosses thought it would be really fun to cast Lucy in their Christmas ad to promote both their food and fashion ranges.

‘Filming has already taken place with a massive budget. Lucy’s character Amanda wears a lot of M&S clothes in the series so she is the perfect model for them. It’s all under wraps until November, but fans aren’t going to be disappointed.

‘There are still a few surprises in store, too.’

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Amandaland’s Lucy Punch (pictured far left)  has replaced Dawn French as the star of Marks & Spencer’s big budget Christmas campaign, according to reports

Previously, Dawn (pictured), 68, has fronted the M&S Food TV ads since 2021, while the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Hannah Waddingham and Jennifer Saunders have also appeared

The Daily Mail has contacted Lucy’s representative and M&S for comment.  

Last year, more than 3.1million viewers tuned into the Amandaland Christmas special, placing it in the top ten most-viewed programmes of Christmas Day.

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Lucy previously discussed the show’s success, observing that many people think they ‘know’ a woman like the lead character.

The actress told Radio Times: ‘Everyone says they know an Amanda, but she’s based on a lot of people I’ve come across.

‘She’s lots of little pieces. She’s not a caricature; there’s stuff that’s endearing, and stuff that’s horrific and obnoxious. She can’t just be one thing, otherwise she’d have no friends and not be able to function.’

Lucy also acknowledged that while she’s like her on-screen character in some ways, she’s very different in others.

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The actress said: ‘I’m hopeful like she is, and can find the positive in a situation. I hope I’m a lot more self-aware, not as pretentious and snobby.’

Lucy has also been shocked by the longevity of her alter ego.

Asked if the character’s longevity was a surprise, Lucy replied: ‘I couldn’t have imagined ten years later I’d be here, but that first script was incredible, as was the cast. And here we are.’

The SDLP leader Claire Hanna called for “political leadership” and said it was “necessary to de-escalate”.

Hanna, who was at the protest, has called on the chief constable and Northern Ireland secretary to “use every power available” to intervene, and said she had reminded both that they had the “ability to revoke any permission for this parade”.

Following talks at Hillsborough, her party called for an international mediator to help resolve the dispute, with Sir Chris saying he is “giving consideration to anything that anybody comes up with”.

He said he is determined to keep on working and talking with people, but added that “we haven’t got a solution yet”.

Also speaking after the meeting, UUP leader Jon Burrows said the rule of law needed to apply to “everyone”, and that Stormont has been “put under threat”.

“It is vital that everyone obeys the law. I don’t care who that is. I don’t care how senior you are. The law applies to everyone. It cannot be enforced basically on the basis of it might be politically inconvenient,” he added.