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BBC Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise has wrapped up its fourth series, and Anne Lloyd star Barbara Flynn has paid tribute to co-star Vincent Franklin, describing the actor as ‘funny’

Beyond Paradise star Barbara Flynn, who portrays Anne Lloyd, has praised a guest performer following their departure from the BBC programme.

The fourth series of Beyond Paradise concluded earlier this year and featured Anne Lloyd stepping in to prevent Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) from being dismissed from his position.

The instalment also witnessed Zoe Williams departing Shipton Abbott to embark on her travels. Newcomer Mr James Smith (Vincent Franklin) was additionally exposed by Anne for conducting an affair with a DI from Heston Morley station.

Anne, who featured on a repeat of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh today, also said she feared she’d lose her job after a week of filming.

During the repeat instalment, Anne spoke with Alan about the series and how she considers it “a joy” to go to work.

“It is lovely,” Barbara remarked before commending the programme’s writers, “Tony Jordan and Tim Key are an amazing pair. Death in Paradise has such a huge following around the world, and I think it is just something pleasant.

“I said to Sally (Bretton) once, because most of my scenes are with her, who I absolutely adore, I said, ‘Look, Sal, here we are sitting on a bench on a beach’.

“We are at work, and we were doing yoga on a beach, and it was a complete delight.”

She continued by revealing that she fractured her ankle following a week of shooting, which made filming scenes difficult. She added, “The rest of it was filmed of me from wheelchairs and crutches. I thought I’d lost a job after the first week, but they said, ‘No, no Barbara, we will wheel you up and down’.”

Anne also previously discussed what it was like to film alongside newcomer Vincent in series four, characterising the performer as “funny”.

She told Reach PLC, “We got on incredibly well. He’s a funny man, and we had enormous fun off-screen as well as on. He was a lovely addition and a bit of a mystery, and that it’s going to all end in…not tears, but chaos or something.

“And, of course, because Anne decides to get much more involved than that, then there’s a real, there’s a real kind of shift,” reports the Express.

When addressing what collaborating with Kris Marshall’s character more closely was like, Barbara continued, “Well, they all find it difficult having Anne in the station.

“I mean, Humphrey is as polite as he could be. He was never rude, but he’s so in his head, and so Anne is constantly bemused by him, but at the same time, very fond.”

Kris also expressed his enjoyment working with Vincent, who portrayed his adversary, describing him as a “genius actor”.

Beyond Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Desperate holidaymakers have been queuing outside Gatwick Airport for hours after sinkholes near a railway bridge cancelled all trains to London.

Network Rail engineers discovered a ‘number of sinkholes’ close to a bridge during planned engineering work outside Purley.

Claiming it was ‘for the safety of passengers’, all lines between Purley and East Croydon were closed leaving holidaymakers scrambling for alternative ways to get to and from the major airport.

Some reported taxis charging as much as £250 to get to East Croydon as others queued for hours for replacement buses.

After taking first place at a professional competition in Spain this month, Nikki Beattie has qualified for the Masters Olympia 2027

A Co Antrim mum is in “absolute disbelief” after becoming the first woman from Northern Ireland to qualify for a top bodybuilding competition.

Nikki Beattie, from Larne, fell into the world of bodybuilding after having her first child and fell in love with training and pushing herself in a new sport.

Earlier this month, she travelled to Madrid to take part in her second professional show and came away with the top prize for Women’s Physique in the 40+ age group.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Nikki shared her excitement at qualifying for the Masters Olympia next August – considered the pinnacle competition for bodybuilding.

She said: “After I had my first son, I was like stuck in the house as a mum just like a robot doing the do. I just thought I need to do something for myself as I just didn’t like how I felt within myself.

“So I started the gym Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, that’s when I worked out and I just never stopped.

“From there, I just progressed and my coach at the time asked did I want to do a competition and I was like yeah we’ll do it for the craic, not knowing what I was going into.”

Nikki threw herself into working to compete at local shows over across three federations, coming away with the top prize at most she attended.

“When Covid hit, I just tried to do what I could but in the meantime, I’d had another baby and I was able to train up until three days before I had him,” she explained.

She didn’t let a global pandemic stop her passion, returning to competing when restrictions were lifted and winning once again before qualifying for her pro card and making her professional debut 16 months ago.

After placing 15th, a score she was “delighted” with, she took over a year off before going to compete in her second professional show this month in Spain.

Remembering the moment she won, she added: “I couldn’t believe it, because when you’re backstage seeing those girls who are far bigger than you and the girls that you see on Instagram, you’re looking up to them, you’re like ‘wow, I’m actually here’.

“I was literally just happy to be there with them because I really admire these girls.

“There was a lot of hype about the girl who came second as she was the favourite to win, so I was like that’s alright, I’ll take a loss compared to her because she’s amazing.

“When they called her out and I was left standing there in first place, I was like wow, I literally couldn’t believe it.

“Just in absolute disbelief – very, very grateful, very grateful for the opportunity to do it as well.”

Taking part in the Masters Olympia 2027 will put Nikki on the world stage, competing with the best of the best in bodybuilding.

She said she in honoured to be able to represent Northern Ireland and highlight “our wee country on the map of bodybuilding” as the first woman in the country to qualify for the Masters Olympia.

Nikki continued: “There are no days off – our off-season is literally building muscle.

“Everything’s so structured, but as a mum of two boys, they’re my priority so it doesn’t eat into our family time and things like that.

“My boys are seven and one’s coming 13 here – they’re very, very proud of me and I do believe that every parent should do some sort of exercise to lead by example with their kids – nutrition as well because it’s very important too.”

Nikki hopes that people can be inspired by her passion and determination and showcase that bodybuilding is not the “lone sport” it is made out to be, thanking the team around her for helping her take her first professional win.

VIDEO BY JUSTIN KERNOGHAN

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Ninety teams hurtled across a gruelling 2.4-mile course in the 60th Great Knaresborough Bed Race on Saturday (June 13).  

The event featured a “Swinging Sixties” theme to commemorate the first-ever bed race event, which took place in 1966.

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Before setting off from the grassy banks through Conyngham parkland, the teams showed off their dressed beds, inspired by this year’s theme, at Knaresborough Castle.

Ninety teams participated in the day’s parade before undressing the beds for the big race (Image: Lisa Young)

The winners, Bed Number 44 – The Rocket Men – were selected by a voting panel and led the beds in the town’s parade from 1pm.

Decorations came off for the second instalment of the day, the big race, at 3pm.

The course led the teams from Conyngham across Bond End and onto Waterside before the ascent to Castle Ings.

The parade through Knaresborough delighted thousands of people who lined the streets (Image: Lisa Young)

The teams turned off in High Street, looping back to Bond End through to Mackintosh Park before the arduous 50-yard swim across the River Nidd back to Conyngham.

Joining those taking part was a group of NHS mental health clinicians, raising money for charity Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

Speaking about this, team member Anna Kilsby, a consultant psychiatrist who works in the Harrogate and Knaresborough perinatal mental health service, said: “1 in 4 women have a mental health problem associated with having a baby.

“And 1 in 10 women and birthing people are considered at a level to need specialist perinatal mental health support.

“This means that struggling with your mental health after a baby is as common as everyday things, such as having curly hair.”

“My motivation to run is that hopefully people who might need us will hear how common this is, learn that we exist and want to support them” (Image: TEWV Bed Race team)

She added: “Despite this, people fear stigma and judgement if they ask for help.

“Too many people wait longer than they should – which impacts the woman or birthing person, baby and family.

“My motivation to run is that hopefully people who might need us will hear how common this is, learn that we exist and want to support them.

“Most importantly, they might also realise we are normal people who struggle doing things we aren’t used to – like running – and they don’t feel so anxious about meeting us.”

Teams have been preparing for the event for months (Image: Lisa Young)

Jazz Richardson-Forster, who works as a Peer Lead for North Yorkshire York and Selby Community Services, said that training for the bed race was a “real team effort”.

Knaresborough Striders Men were crowned this year’s winners of the bed race, with an impressive time of 12:33.

They were followed by Gh Brooks Mens (12:34) and The Half Moon (14:12).

The teams gathered at Knaresborough Castle for the judging of the Best Dressed Beds (Image: Lisa Young)

The event is organised by volunteers from the Knaresborough Lions charity, who are assisted by 300 others.

Each year, thousands of pounds are raised through entry fees, sponsorship and sales of the programme – money which goes back into the organisation of the next Bed Race, with any excess donated to worthy causes.

For more on this and the full results from the day, please see here.

Russell conceded afterwards that he would have, adding that he felt his former teammate was now in this title fight. “The pace today was insane from Lewis, so yeah, they [Ferrari] are coming, I think,” he said.

It does look as if Hamilton might be at least. This was his first win in 686 days (since the 2024 Belgian GP), his first time crossing the line in first place in 707 days (since the 2024 British GP), and it leaves him 41 points behind Antonelli in second place in the championship, with Russell a further nine points behind.

Hamilton appeared to be choking up over the radio as he returned his car to the pits.

“Grazie tutti to everyone at Maranello,”  Hamilton told his team as he returned his car to the pits. “I can’t thank you enough. I’m so proud of you. And to my family, I love you. And to my fans, thank you for reminding me who I am. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

More to follow…

It took the new champion a few moments to gather her thoughts, but she was full of praise for her opponent: “Wow. First of all congrats Emma on such a great week, you’re such an incredible player and I wish you and your team all the best for the remainder of the grass season.”

“This really is my favourite time of the year, my favourite surface and I really made the most of it this week],” she added. “I’ll see you guys in two weeks, thanks for all your support.”

She continued: “[I’ve been dreaming of this for] the last couple of years, for sure. [After the first set] I was thinking, I won 6-0 that’s kind of a curse in tennis, but [Raducanu] really stepped up, she played some amazing tennis, just try to stay with her, make her serve it out, try to play every single ball. To be honest, her last service game and the tiebreak is still a bit of a blur.”

The gorgeous restaurant can be found within a 1,000-acre Georgian deer park

A pub hidden in the North Norfolk countryside has been crowned as “the best in the UK” following its triumph at the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards. The Gunton Arms, in Thorpe Market near Cromer, is a charming pub set within a pretty Georgian park.

The award-winning pub can be found in Gunton Park, a 1,000-acre deer park. The park won an award in 2021 for restoration efforts which returned the park to the way it would have been in Georgian times.

These beautiful surroundings mean that deer are often spotted from inside the pub.

Owned by Ivor Braka and overseen by husband and wife team Stuart and Simone Tattershall, The Gunton Arms is a traditional pub with 16 bedrooms.

Leading the kitchen is Stuart, previously head chef at Mark Hix, who cooks from local ingredients over a fire grill, including venison from the deer park. The restaurant also utilises fresh seafood, mussels, and the renowned Cromer crab and lobster caught by local fishermen.

Having opened in October 2011, Mr Braka’s history as an art dealer makes for a pub and grounds that blends rustic charm with contemporary art and eccentric luxury. Inside, guests will find works by Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.

Reacting to the accolade, chef Stuart said “I’m gobsmacked”. He added: “Absolutely incredible to be mentioned in the same breath as so many of these people at the awards. It’s a credit to the team at The Gunton and the great county of Norfolk. Our guests have really supported us and been really kind to us, so after 15 years to get this is a massive achievement.”

The menu changes daily, depending on the local produce which is available and seasonable. Although, some items on the sample menu include a farmhouse chicken, leek and bacon pie, pork and leek sausages with mash and onion gravy and a barbecue beef brisket served with chips and slaw.

On Sundays, roast dinner is offered and desserts range from a white chocolate cheesecake with Norfolk strawberry to an apricot and almond tart served with clotted cream.

The Gunton Arms was selected as number one ahead of 252 other pubs and bars from across the UK, all of which had been shortlisted to represent their respective counties at the annual event.

Other awards on the night were the Pub Group of the Year and Bar Group of the Year. All of the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards winners, including County and Regional, can be found here.

Madness is bringing their cheeky ska-pop show to Newmarket Nights this summer

They burst into the charts as part of the burgeoning 70s 2 Tone scene before cementing their status as bona fide pop royalty. More than 40 years later, Madness are still as popular – and bonkers – as ever, and they’ll be playing to another packed-out crowd when they bring their cheeky ska-pop show to Newmarket Nights this summer.

The ‘Nutty Boys’, as they became known, ruled the charts in the late 70s and early 80s with quirky, infectious radio favourites such as Baggy Trousers, Embarrassment, Shut Up and House Of Fun. And their unwavering commitment to being as serious about being silly as they are about the serious matter of songwriting means they’re in demand as much as ever.

“The race meeting thing is such an amazing phenomenon,” said Madness frontman Suggs as he looked ahead to the band’s Newmarket Nights appearance on July 17. “I remember the first time, a long time ago now, when our manager said ‘we’ve got this idea of having a little meeting and a band on afterwards’.

“I’m thinking ‘what if the old man’s done all his dough? He’s halfway there and back again – is he really going to want to go and see a band?’ But that’s the sort of role we fit. Regardless of what’s happened, we’re going to have a good time. It’s a great privilege – it’s something we started out doing and still do.”

The Newmarket show is just one of a number of big outdoor gigs they’ll be playing at home and in Europe this summer – quite remarkable for a band which can trace its roots way back to 1976. And their longevity, says Suggs, is down to the fact that they’re all mates and they like having a chuckle.

“It’s extraordinary,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of contemporaries from when we started out, and a lot of them split up. “But we were all friends from school. The premise was always to have a laugh and enjoy yourself.

“It’s not that we weren’t serious about making music and songwriting and all of that, but getting along and having a good time is what really keeps the old boat afloat. It’s always been the same. When we started out playing in pubs, if you didn’t entertain, you wouldn’t be asked back.

“It’s a reciprocal thing. The way the audience dig what we do energises you. People really enjoy what we do.”

The music industry could be brutal back in the 80s – one minute you could be the hot ticket, the next you were yesterday’s men.

Madness know that scenario well enough. Changing styles and trends led to their split in 1986, seemingly drawing a line under their crazy capers forever.

“We were the biggest band of the 80s then in about 1986 we started to not be,” said Suggs. “Our keyboard player left, he was a very fundamental part of the band and we packed up for a bit, thinking that was that. I was retired when I was 26!

“Then in 1992 someone asked us to do a festival in North London called Madstock and 70,000 people turned up! Suddenly the tide can change when you think it’s all over. And from then on, we ain’t looked back. Apart from having all the hits – that’s something no one can take away and it’s not like every band has had 25 top 10 hits or whatever – people pay their fiver or £500 or whatever to see you and if you perform, they’ll ask you back.

“And we’ve always been performers as much as musicians, so I think that’s been part of the longevity.”

The band’s videos during their heyday were legendary. Costumes, props, band members flying through the air… you never knew what was going to come next.

“I think one day there’ll be a section in the V and A Museum,” joked Suggs. “They’re works of art, those videos. There was no MTV or anything. Our record company boss said ‘you’re so theatrical, why don’t you make little films?’

“We’d sit around coming up with the most ridiculous ideas and then he’d go ‘we can only afford a van, an armchair and a car falling out of the sky’ and we’d work out what we could actually afford to do in two days. But there was this costumier in Camden Town called Berman and Nathan’s who did all the big films that let us take anything we wanted.

“It wasn’t a fancy dress shop – they had real copper’s uniforms. Can you imagine the fun we had in North London? ‘Ello, ‘ello, ‘ello, what’s going on here then?

“Especially when we burst into The Clash’s dressing room in Regents Park and you could hear the sound of doors slamming and toilets flushing! They never spoke to us for five years!

“I think when we fizzled out in the 80s it was because we’d run out of things to dress up as. We’d been flowers, coppers, exploding traffic wardens, cowboys…. It was a unique phenomenon. We were all quite extrovert.

“Some bands found it quite embarrassing to make a fool of themselves but we always felt you had to take being stupid as seriously as being serious. So we really got into it.

“Because there were seven of us, if you wanted to get on Top of the Pops, you had to do something extraordinary to get in the video in the first place, so we were trying to outdo each other all the time. But we were having fun! There weren’t no stylists or people telling us how to behave.

“When you see us laughing and joking, we are literally laughing and joking at ourselves and I think that resonates in the way the music does when you’re playing live. You can see when it’s authentic.”

With that zany showmanship still very much in play, the bookings keep coming and the fans keep turning up in numbers.

“Our sax player, Lee, said the other day – it’s like that song from The Eagles,” said Suggs. “You can check out any time you like but you can never leave. When will it end? When will the audience stop asking us to come back?

“We were supposed to have a quiet year this year but they keep asking us back! I’ve got a friend who’s a promoter. He had us on last year and he said ‘to be honest Suggs, I’ve got this bill and they’re all really boring! We need you to come along and liven it up!’

“No one could have foreseen this. We couldn’t have. But it’s the phenomenon of being in a band. You start off messing around and you think ‘oh this song’s not bad’.

“Then you get a gig in a pub and think ‘brilliant, that’s it, we’ve made it’. Then you make a record and it goes on and on and on.”

Newmarket Nights features a summer-long programme of top acts performing at Newmarket Racecourses after an evening of horse racing. This year’s programme also includes Five (June 19); Basement Jaxx (June 26); Aitch (July 31); Jessie J (August 7); Craig David TS5 (August 14) and Kaiser Chiefs (August 22).

For further information, including to book tickets, click here.