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NewsBeat

Abi Tierney vows to carry on and says position is not untenable as she explains Cardiff call

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Wales Online

Abi Tierney held court with the Welsh press this afternoon

Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney insists her position is not untenable and is determined to see through the reduction from four to three professional teams.

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Many supporters on social media are calling for Tierney to follow WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood through the exit door following the collapse of the Y11 deal to buy Cardiff Rugby. After months of uncertainty the WRU have offered PRA 25 to both the Ospreys and Scarlets, which means they will retain four clubs until 2028 before reducing to three teams.

But despite the toxicity thrown her way, Tierney is determined to continue in her role.

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“Yes, I am,” said Tierney when asked whether she was committed to her role as CEO for the long term.

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“In my position, you wouldn’t not challenge yourself about whether it’s the right thing to personally from a family and a health perspective.

“In the last year, it has been emotionally draining and exhausting and very stressful.

“But actually, there’s something really powerful about knowing that I choose to do this job.

“I don’t have to do this job. I choose to do it. I think I reflect on the instability that would come if you change the chair and the chief executive at the same time.

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“I think that would bring more instability into Welsh rugby, which I don’t think is needed but I’m also very aware of the fact that a new chair may have a different view on that. And I will listen and obviously respect that view.”

Despite the ongoing uncertainty and the sense the WRU have kicked the can down the road when it comes to cutting the number of teams Tierney insists her position is not untenable.

“It depends how you define delivering a deal,” she said.

“If delivering a deal is to sell Cardiff at any price when it doesn’t make commercial sense then to me that’s not the right measure of whether you’ve been successful.

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“I think as a CEO you’ve got to take the difficult decisions as well and I think there’s as many people out there who are pleased with the result.

“I don’t think delivering a deal for the sake of delivering a deal is a reason to go. We always said 28 (going down to three years). We’ve been really clear it was going to be in 28.”

Here is every word of our interview with Tierney.

Abi, just explain what’s happened and perhaps more importantly, why?

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“We went into a process to sell Cardiff. We started that process last autumn.

“We went out openly to the market. At the time we got two bids which were credible and one of those bids we took through to the second phase.

“It’s a big decision and it’s a complex decision. It’s not a small little business. It’s a big business.

“And we went through that process very collaboratively and constructively with Y11. It was a joint decision at the end that this wasn’t the right time to sell Cardiff.”

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A lot of time and effort went into that. What was the breaking point or breaking points?

“There wasn’t really a breaking point, I would say. We talked a lot during that period.

“We looked at what they would be able to do and what we felt we wanted to be able to do. And it was generally a really transparent and collaborative process where two parties reached the conclusion that now wasn’t the right time.

“Some of it’s commercially sensitive as well. So, I wouldn’t want to talk about the commercial sensitivities around it.”

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What’s Y11’s commitment to the Ospreys going forward and what’s the future? Is it to stick with four teams?

“I just recently met with James (Davies-Yandle). They are committed.

“They want to get the PRA 25 signed as soon as possible. So, we’re in that process.

“That’s their focus at the moment and they’re already turning their minds to what that means in terms of the investment that they can put in and that will take them through till 2028.

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“They’re committed to doing that, and I know that they’re really excited about where Ospreys can go.”

Are you hopeful the Scarlets will also sign PRA 25?

“Yes, I am hopeful that the Scarlets will as well.”

So, the plan is still to reduce to three teams by 2028?

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“Yes, there is. My board remains committed to reducing to three teams from an affordability and a performance perspective.”

What does the future look like for the Ospreys and Scarlets?

“I would say wait till June. I know that’s hard and people would like to have all the answers now, but we’re going to now work collaboratively with the professional rugby board to look at what the process will be post-June and then we’ll be very open about explaining what the next steps will be.

“I would just encourage fans to continue to support their teams, buy the tickets, cheer them along, because that’s actually the kind of the thing that will help the most.”

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But you are back to the same state of play as when Cardiff went into administration last year?

“I don’t think we’ll ever pretend the last 12 months haven’t happened. I think we’ve all learned a huge amount along the way.

“And actually, I think it was really interesting. We met as a PRB this morning and a number have said just how constructive and collaborative the PRB is feeling at the moment.

“I think everybody is determined. Nobody wants to keep fighting and nobody wants to keep the uncertainty. So, I’ve got a level of confidence that we will continue to work together.”

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Will you still be able to make the improvements in the pathway?

“That’s all protected under this model. We have sufficient finance to fund the PRA on four teams to 2028 plus the £28million in the pathway.”

What happens if the pathway starts to produce more and better players over the next couple of years? Will you then consider sticking with four?

“The number of players was one element. The finances was another really big element.

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“We can have four teams, but we don’t have sufficient funding for those four teams to be competitive. And in order for us to succeed as a smaller rugby nation, I still firmly believe that we need a competitive professional rugby system.

“We’ve got other countries that will continue to loop ahead of us in that. It’s not just the player pathway, but it’s an affordability bit too.”

How long does PRA 25 last for?

“What we are saying to the clubs at the moment is it’s until 2028 because basically what they’ve got is fixed, guaranteed funding until 2028 and then at that point, we can change that.

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“So, the actual whole agreement is till the end of 30. It’s essentially a break clause at 2028.”

Is this just a case of you saving face and it’ll be a case of the WRU scrapping the plan to go to three in 2028?

“That’s not true.”

Does the Martyn Ryan consortium come back into equation to buy Cardiff?

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“No they don’t. We’re not selling Cardiff.

“It’s not the right time to sell Cardiff now with where we are in the market, so we’re taking Cardiff off the market.”

Can you afford to have four teams, own Cardiff and do the pathway funding of £28million?

“Yes, because of the improvement in our finances. We can do that.

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“We’ve had a tough year financially because of ticket sales etc but we’re still performing a level higher than what we had been previously, so we can afford all four on the pathway investment.”

It seemed that previously, the pathway investment was only possible with going to three teams?

“I think that’s why we have to look at 2028, so that’s what we’re saying. We can’t keep the four on PRA 25 for longer than that and do the pathway.”

You still think you can do three? This was the easy way of doing it?

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“It was never our way of going from four to three. I know I said that at the time and questioned that. They were completely independent processes.

“I never saw that as an easy option of getting from four to three. I think people assumed that’s what was happening. But Y11 remained committed to Ospreys as well as wanting to potentially purchase Cardiff.”

Can you still get to three by consensus? Or do you have to out to tender?

“I think that’s the conversation I need to have with the Professional Rugby Board over the next few weeks and see. I won’t rule anything out.

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“I’ve learned that in this job. If there was still a consensus that could be reached, that route would be preferable.”

Why don’t you just shut Cardiff down and go to three? You could do it tomorrow and get what you wanted?

“I don’t believe it’s the right thing for Welsh rugby. I talk about my job as chief executive of the national governing body.

“I have to make decisions based on the whole system. That is often really hard, because it doesn’t necessarily mean individual bits of the system all benefit from it in the same way and equally.

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“But that’s my job and I do not believe that shutting Cardiff is the right answer.”

So you’re valuing Cardiff ahead of the Scarlets and ahead of the Ospreys. That’s the only interpretation?

“No, I’m not.”

Well, one of the west Wales clubs is going to go?

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“There are other options in the west. It doesn’t mean that one club is going to go.”

So, that means a new team will get set up in the west?

“Let us work that one out and we’ll come to you in June. But I’m saying I do not believe and the board does not believe it’s the right answer to shut Cardiff.”

What happens to the Cardiff debt now held by the WRU?

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“I won’t comment on the numbers for Cardiff right now. We’ve taken them on as a separate subsidiary and that debt remains in that subsidiary. We’re not writing that debt off.”

Debts could keep rising from Cardiff. How long can you keep swallowing that?

“No, the debts don’t keep going up. The debts are as they are.

“We have modelled in our financial plan for the next couple of years – the forecast commercial and operational plans. We get to see that and we’ve allowed for that. We’re not increasing the debt to do that.

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“That’s part of the decisions we’ve needed to make. Do you sell it now at this price or potentially keep it and know that there might be some losses, but you build and you improve the commercial prospects over that period?”

Why not close them or Scarlets down due to debt?

“That’s not the right answer for the system. There are two really positive things that came out of the PRA 25 and you’ll all probably recall this from a year ago.

“So one is that we’re doing a debt for equity swap. So that takes three million of that debt that we swap for equity.

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“So that reduces the debt for Ospreys and Scarlets which is really important. We also refinanced which was really important for us be able to do PRA 25.

“We’re looking to try and bring some stability in the system by reducing their financial outlays.”

So how much equity will you have in them?

“So it’s through preferential shares. That’s how we’re doing it. So they swap three million of debt for that.”

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What if the new chair disagrees with the direction of travel and wants to stick with four teams?

“No, because Richard finishes on the 16th of July so that would be shared before the new chair comes in.”

Do the west Wales clubs have to commit £5m in expenditure when they sign PRA25?

“I don’t have that to the top my head, because it varies by club. It’s basically what each club has to do. Each RPI, the owner funding, is basically to cover the losses of that club after we have paid our money.

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“So I don’t have kind of at the top of my head.”

Can the Scarlets afford to do that?

“We have to go through that process over the next few weeks. You’d have to ask them that question.

“Different clubs have different losses. So we have to go through a process and one of the things we put in place after Helford was much more stringent due diligence, and we’ll have to go through that process.”

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When does the URC contract end?

“So, the URC are working collaboratively with us at the moment, and they’re waiting for us to confirm timings, and then they will look to us. The URC contract is in perpetuity.”

You as a governing body can’t own any franchise in PRL if you want to go down that road in the future?

“I don’t think you need to have an investor model.

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“If we ever got to the point, and at the moment, we’re committed to URC, where an Anglo-Welsh league then you’d hope that actually, that will be very attractive to investors.”

It appears more likely the St Helen’s redevelopment will happen now?

“Yes, it’s a great venue but you’d have to ask Swansea Council.”

Is it still the case the three licences will be one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west?

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“Yes.”

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Viewers ‘want to vomit’ after man sniffs around woman’s vagina on wild TV show

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Viewers 'want to vomit' after man sniffs around woman's vagina on wild TV show

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Channel 4 viewers have been left feeling ‘sick’ after the latest episode of Virgin Island ramped up the action.

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The controversial reality series is back on our screens for a second season after the first became a hit with fans.

Taking place on a beautiful Croatian island, 12 adults who have never had sex attempt to overcome their intimacy issues with professional coaching and intimacy therapy.

Earlier this month, two sex therapists on the series insisted that they ‘were not lovers’ after a steamy scene between each other.

Now, however, viewers have been left ‘speechless’ after Bertie got his first proper tour of female genitalia thanks to his surrogate partner, Kat.

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The 24-year-old, who is autistic, was encouraged to put his fingers inside of Kat’s vaginal opening.

Virgin Island cast member Bertie was given a tour of Kat’s female genitalia (Picture: Channel 4)
Bertie sniffed his fingers after touching Kat and said ‘I’m just curious’ (Picture: Channel 4)

After the pair stripped off their clothes and Kat offered an ‘anatomy lesson’, Bertie explained: ‘I obviously know what female genitals look like.

‘When it comes to dealing with one if I ever have sex, I wouldn’t know what to do. I’d know the different names of the different parts but I don’t know where’s where.

‘So, I wouldn’t know where to, you know… aim.’

Helping Bertie find different parts of the vagina, Bertie located the clitoris but ended up poking Kat, which led to her reassuring him that it’s ‘okay’ but saying it is ‘super sensitive’.

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Read Metro’s exclusive interview with a Virgin Island star

After laughing, Kat then said: ‘You can put your finger inside too to just feel what it feels like.’

Despite some hesistation, Bertie followed her instructions, giggling nervously, before he gave his finger a sniff afterwards.

He said: ‘I’m just curious. Okay, it doesn’t smell of anything.’

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Reacting to the moment online, @bytesizedlaff wrote on TikTok: ‘I’m confused? Is this his partner or some random?’

The latest episode saw Bertie touch his surrogate partner’s vagina (Picture: Channel 4)

Responding beneath, Catherine asked: ‘Is this broadcasted for all to see…on television?’

Meanwhile, Francesca said: ‘I’m gunna be sick,’ as Rachel similarly declared: ‘This is crazy honestly.’

Wendy also added: ‘I’m speechless, where did this come from?’

Previously, fans declared that Bertie delivered the ‘funniest TV moment of 2026’ after he learned how to position himself during sex with Kat and thrust.

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The next episode of Virgin Island is available to watch at 9pm on Monday May 18 on Channel 4 and streaming.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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British cruise ship with 1,700 on board hit by illness, no hantavirus link

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British cruise ship with 1,700 on board hit by illness, no hantavirus link

PARIS (AP) — Over 1,700 passengers and crew on a British cruise ship were ordered to remain on board after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, French authorities said Wednesday.

They dismissed any link to a deadly hantavirus outbreak on another vessel that has put European health authorities on alert.

The Ambition was midway through a 14-night cruise from Belfast and Liverpool that was due to take in ports in northern Spain and along France’s Atlantic coast.

It reached Bordeaux on Tuesday evening, according to the operator, Ambassador Cruise Line.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 23 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships visiting U.S. ports in 2025, the highest annual total in more than a decade. Most were caused by norovirus, including a new strain driving the recent surge.

The prefect of Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and Gironde department, Étienne Guyot, suspended disembarkation from the Ambition and restricted the vessel’s interactions with the port of Bordeaux.

He acted on the recommendation of the regional health agency, the Agence Régionale de Santé Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the joint statement said.

Up to 50 passengers showed symptoms consistent with acute digestive infection after the ship’s captain alerted French authorities on Tuesday evening, the statement said.

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Those affected were treated by the ship’s doctor and isolated in their cabins.

A medical team was dispatched to the vessel, and samples are being analyzed at a Bordeaux hospital.

“There is no reason to establish a link between this outbreak aboard a cruise ship from Belfast and Liverpool and the hantavirus cases detected aboard the MV Hondius,” the joint statement said.

The hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius last month prompted a multicountry response and the hospitalization of passengers in Britain, France, Spain and the United States. Three passengers died and there have been nine confirmed cases, with another two suspected.

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An update is expected later on Wednesday, once analysis results are available.

Ambassador Cruise Line said earlier Wednesday that a 92-year-old male passenger had died on Sunday, although he had not reported symptoms consistent with the illness, and that his cause of death was yet to be established by a coroner.

The company said 48 passengers and one crew member were displaying gastrointestinal symptoms as of late Wednesday morning.

Ambassador said its data showed cases had risen after passengers boarded in Liverpool on May 9. All shore excursions at Bordeaux had been canceled and affected passengers offered full refunds, the company said.

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Ambassador Cruise Line, a British operator targeting passengers over 50, was founded in 2021.

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City MP invites local parents and carers to share views on childrens’ social media use

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City MP invites local parents and carers to share views on childrens’ social media use

Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, is inviting local parents and carers to attend an engagement event on childrens’ social media usage due to take place later this month as part of the Government’s “Growing Up in the Online World” national consultation.  

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Fleur East Addresses Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Rumours

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Fleur East Addresses Strictly Come Dancing Hosting Rumours

Fleur East has revealed she’s feeling a little put out at not having been considered as a host for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.

The former X Factor star has carved a new career for herself as a presenter in recent years, most notably fronting Hits Radio’s breakfast show, as well as the Strictly spin-off series It Takes Two.

While Fleur has been mentioned by some (including us!) as a potential successor to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman at the helm of the BBC dance show, she told her Hits Radio colleagues earlier this week that her feelings were hurt to not be in the running for the gig.

“So many people have asked me, ‘wouldn’t you love to do it?’,” she explained. “And I’ve kind of lied to myself that I’d be alright with not doing it. Or not being considered for the job. But I think I’m kind of bothered.”

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Fleur continued: “I think it’s OK to admit that being faced with the opportunity of such an incredible job… I mean, Strictly’s an amazing show, I’ve not only had the privilege and pleasure of being on it, but then also hosting It Takes Two and being part of the family, it’s been an incredible job to be a part of.

“So, when you’re within touching distance of something like that, and even considering it for a minute, I never allowed myself to go fully there. But I did think about it, and I was like, ‘that would be amazing’.”

Fleur isn’t alone in her feelings, though.

Zoe Ball had made no secret of the fact she was in contention to become one of Strictly’s new hosts, but claimed recently that she hadn’t got it, leading to her cycling through the “seven stages of grief and rejection”.

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Emma Willis is heavily rumoured to have landed the gig, with Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe among those reported by The Sun to be in the mix to co-host with her.

Meanwhile, the future of It Takes Two looks uncertain, with The Sun reporting last month that it could be turned into a vodcast, similar to the BBC’s current companion series to Race Across The World and The Traitors.

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Thug who portrayed himself as Good Samaritan guilty of murdering Manchester model

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Manchester Evening News

Bhekisani Matabiswana, 27, battered 37-year-old Luke Harden and was later caught at Manchester Airport attempting to escape the country

A man who killed a model and then attempted to flee to South Africa has been found guilty of murder.

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Bhekisani Matabiswana, 27, battered 37-year-old Luke Harden and was later caught at Manchester Airport attempting to escape the country.

A court heard how Luke, who worked for Nemesis Model Agency in Manchester, and others were booked to DJ at a Halloween fancy dress party at a working men’s club in Stacksteads, Lancashire, on October 31, 2025.

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Matabiswana, who attended the same event with his friends, launched what police described as a ‘frenzied and cowardly attack’ on Luke as he lay defenceless on the ground during an encounter shortly after both men had left the venue. His killer then attempted to portray himself as a Good Samaritan who had simply tried to help after, he claimed, coming across an injured stranger on the ground.

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The model had suffered swelling to the brain and back of the head, extensive facial bruising with cuts to the left lower eyelid and to the lips, patterned bruising to the left cheek, fractures to his nose, jaw and larynx, and bruising to the neck, arms and shoulder. It was later established that he died as a result of blunt force trauma to head and neck following an assault.

Today (May 13, 2026), a jury at Preston Crown Court found Matabiswana guilty of murder after the judge accepted a majority verdict.

At 11.46pm on October 31, the defendant and his associates left the venue via one exit and Luke left via a different exit. CCTV footage captured the movements of Matabiswana’s group and Luke after they left. Footage showed that Matabiswana’s group was ahead of Luke, who was walking alone.

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Matabiswana, who was known locally as Nick, and a woman he was with separated from their group on Clough Street at 11.51pm. However, when they got to Newchurch Road at 11.58pm, there was an interaction with Luke, and Luke was punched and then either kicked or stamped on by Matabiswana while he lay defenceless on the ground, police said.

Luke had no defensive wounds on his hands or arms, and there were no marks on his hands to suggest he was the aggressor.

Matabiswana was captured on CCTV just after midnight, and his female associate appeared to be tugging at him as if he was attempting to leave the scene. It was in the two-minute period before this that Luke was fatally assaulted.

Rather than attempt to administer first aid or ring for an ambulance, Matabiswana used Luke’s phone to call the victim’s friends at 12.03am to tell them their friend was on the floor. He also called Luke’s family and told them a similar thing.

At 12.06am, a member of the public came onto Newchurch Road and saw Luke lying on the pavement and Matabiswana’s female associate was kneeling next to him with his head in her hands. Noticing that Matabiswana was on the phone, he asked the defendant numerous times if he had called for an ambulance but received no reply.

The member of the public then called an ambulance and administered first aid to an unresponsive Luke, along with Matabiswana’s female associate. Paramedics arrived just after 12.20am and provided first aid to Luke.

They noted he had injuries to his face which were consistent with being the victim of an assault. However, Matabiswana lied to the paramedics, claiming that he had seen Luke fall, stating that Luke had struggled to breathe after falling and that he had put him into the recovery position.

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At 12.35am police officers on patrol in the area came across paramedics tending to Luke. Matabiswana told officers that he had been walking from the working men’s club when he came across Luke lying on the floor. He falsely claimed to have used Luke’s phone to call for an ambulance and to have telephoned Rawtenstall A&E.

Whilst the woman was talking to the police, the defendant was captured on the officer’s body worn video camera talking to himself, and he was heard to say: “We shouldn’t have done this.” Following this, Luke was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1.17am.

Matabiswana and his female associate were arrested on suspicion of Luke’s murder shortly before 2am and they were taken into custody. After arriving at custody, it was noted that Matabiswana had grazing on his left-hand knuckles and swelling around the ring finger of his right hand which caused him pain when touched.

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He later claimed these injuries were old and did not cause him any pain.

On November 2, Matabiswana and his female associate were released under investigation whilst police enquiries continued. The following day however, Matabiswana was tracked by authorities and arrested at Manchester Airport trying to board a flight to South Africa.

In his subsequent police interview, Matabiswana accepted that he had struck Luke but claimed it was in self-defence as he had been punched first. He denied using his feet to assault Luke.

Following his arrest, Matabiswana’s mobile phone was seized and examined by experts. In text messages recovered from Matabiswana’s phone, he gave another conflicting account about the circumstances which led to the altercation with Luke to the two he had given to the police.

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He also sent numerous messages about how he intended to flee the country, and that he needed money and a third-party email address to book a flight. Matabiswana, 27, of St James Street, Bacup, was today found guilty of murder, and he will be sentenced at the Preston Crown Court on Monday

DI Pete MacDonald, from our Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Following a brief encounter with his victim, Matabiswana engaged in a frenzied and cowardly attack – continuing to attack Luke whilst he lay defenceless on the floor.

“He then made no effort to help Luke, instead choosing to contact his family and friends in a sordid and sinister bid to paint himself as the Good Samaritan who had simply come across an injured man on the pavement. He continued these callous lies to Luke’s distressed friends and family, as their loved one lay dying on the ground yards away from them.

“Throughout this case. Matabiswana has shown no remorse, making several efforts to evade justice. Firstly, by attempting to leave the scene before police arrived – later being heard to say ‘we shouldn’t have done this’. And then secondly by booking a flight to Johannesburg. Thankfully he never made that flight.

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“Thankfully a jury had today held Matabiswana accountable for his actions by finding him guilty of Luke’s murder. I would like to thank them for their considered verdicts.

“I would also like to thank our Counsel, the CPS and all those officers and police staff who have worked around the clock to ensure Luke’s loved ones got the justice they understandably craved.”

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Senate is set to confirm Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chairman

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Senate is set to confirm Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chairman

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday is set to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, bringing new leadership to the world’s most powerful central bank at a fraught moment for the global economy.

Warsh’s confirmation was thrown into doubt in recent months after Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said he would block the nomination while the Justice Department investigated Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The Powell probe was dropped in April, clearing the way for the Senate to confirm Warsh.

Warsh, 56, a former top Fed official, is becoming chair at an unusually difficult time for the independent agency.

Inflation has topped the Fed’s 2% target for five years and is now rising faster because of spiking gas prices. The Fed’s interest rate-setting committee is divided and saw the most dissenting votes in more than three decades last month. And Powell, after years of personal attacks from the Republican president and an unprecedented legal investigation by the Justice Department, plans to stay on the Fed’s board even after his term as chair ends, potentially creating a competing power center.

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The Senate is expected to vote on Warsh’s confirmation on Wednesday afternoon, a day after approving his nomination to the Fed’s Board of Governors. Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was the lone Democrat to side with Republicans in confirming him to the board.

The Fed has faced numerous threats to its independence from Trump, who has repeatedly attacked Powell for not cutting interest rates. Trump also sought to fire Fed governor Lisa Cook and launched an investigation into brief Senate testimony by Powell on a building renovation.

Kevin Hassett, director of the White House’s National Economic Council, said in a Fox News interview on Sunday that he believes the markets are relieved that Warsh “is going to help lower interest rates over time.”

“Obviously, data driven. I’m not putting any pressure on Kevin Warsh,” Hassett said. “We know that he’s an extremely smart, competent person who could be very convincing when he talks to his colleagues.”

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In December, Trump said on his social media platform that he wanted a Fed chair who would cut interest rates when the stock market rose — the opposite of what traditional economics would prescribe — and added, “Anyone that disagrees with me will never be the Fed chairman!”

Trump’s comments have fueled concerns over whether Warsh will set rates based on economic conditions or seek to cut rates to appease Trump, even if doing so could worsen inflation. At Warsh’s confirmation hearing last month, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, derided him as a “sock puppet” for Trump. Warsh declined to say that Democrat Joe Biden had won the 2020 election against Trump, who has falsely claimed that voter fraud cost him reelection.

Still, Warsh denied at the hearing that Trump had pressured him to reduce the Fed’s key rate.

“The president never once asked me to commit to any particular interest rate decision, period,” Warsh said then. “Nor would I ever agree to do so if he had. … I will be an independent actor if confirmed as chair of the Federal Reserve.”

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Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report.

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Whitby Abbey set to open to residents free of charge

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Whitby Abbey set to open to residents free of charge

The festival will celebrate Whitby’s rich fishing heritage and will see the historic landmark open to the town’s residents this weekend.

Originally founded in the 7th century and later rebuilt as a Benedictine monastery, the Abbey has weathered centuries of history.

Shaped by religion, myths and stories, it notably served as the inspiration behind scenes from Bram Stoker’s Dracula – something which still attracts visitors from around the world today.

Whitby harbour Whitby is set to host its Fish and Ships festival this weekend (Image: Tripadvisor)

Residents with YO21 AND YO22 postcodes can learn more about this and see the historic gothic ruins while enjoying the festival.

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As reported by The Press, the two-day event, based at the Marina Front, will feature live music from local bands and iconic sea balladeers, along with marquees packed with entertainment, cooking demonstrations and great food.

At the heart of the festival is the Fish Craft Marquee, sponsored by Magpie Café, where chefs will showcase their expertise in filleting the day’s catch.

Chefs will be on hand to deliver a variety of demonstrations across the weekendProfessional chefs will be on hand to lead cooking demonstrations (Image: Whitby Fish and Ships)

Local fishermen will also demonstrate the true art of pot sewing and net mending – vital skills still used in their day-to-day work – and a giant fish display will be highlighting the variety of species caught off the coast.

Organisers said: “Visitors can find out what these fish and shellfish look like before they are process, and chat to experts from the industry who will answer any of our fishing questions.

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“There are many hands-on activities to keep kids big and small entertained.”

Coastal communities will be deploying the Shannon-class-all-weather lifeboat to give visitors a taste of what it is like onboard the emergency service.

Tours will be limited to 12 people every half an hour, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with slots given on the day at the top of the gangway.

The lifeboat will be located on the Trident Pontoon, near the Marina Front Car Park, from 10am till 4pm on Saturday (May 16) – with the last tour starting at 3.30pm.

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It comes as local fishermen gear up for the special Fishermen Olympics, a challenge which will see experts go head-to-head while performing nautical tasks.

This will be complete with a classic tug-o-war competition – a true test of visitor’s strength.

For more information on the weekend’s itinerary, please visit here.

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Good Omens ending explained: Do Crowley and Aziraphale get together?

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Good Omens has finally returned for its last ever series after an agonising three-year wait.

Good Omens is over, and fans are eager to know all there is about how season three brought the drama to a close.

Although the Prime Video series started off as a story about preventing the apocalypse, it didn’t take long before it evolved into a romance between Crowley (played by David Tennant) and Aziraphale (Michael Sheen).

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Season one was a direct adaptation of the 1990 novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, but series two and three are original story ideas developed for a proposed but never-written sequel.

Three years have gone by since Aziraphale and Crowley parted ways, but they reunite in the final series as the Supreme Archangel needs the former demon’s help to find Jesus Christ (Bilal Hasna), but even more problems arise.

Good Omens ending explained

In the final 90-minute episode of Good Omens, Archangel Michael (Doon Mackichan) uses the Book of Life to destroy the universe until Aziraphale and Crowley find him at the Eternal Flame.

Crowley is able to grab just one page from the fire, leading to him, Aziraphale, and the bookshop to be all that remains.

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With this pending doom now coming to life, Satan (Toby Jones) and God (Tanya Moodie) appear and seem to be content spending the rest of eternity with just one another.

Of course, Crowley and Aziraphale are not so keen on this idea and convince God to reboot reality so that the universe and, therefore, the human race could continue to live on.

However, they ask God that if the universe was to survive, then it should be in a new reality without Heaven and Hell, something God surprisingly agrees to.

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She uses her infinite powers to bring this new world to life, but in doing so, wipes out Crowley and Aziraphale from existence.

This isn’t the end of their story, though, as fans are then taken to the new Earth where they meet as humans, bookseller Asa and Professor Anthony Crawley.

In a classic meet-cute moment, Asa awkwardly asks Anthony out for dinner after meeting in the bookshop.

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Their date takes place at a bar where fans see the new versions of the characters, including Jesus and the former Antichrist Adam (Sam Taylor-Buck), enjoying a drink.

The camera then shows none other than the portrait of Sir Terry Pratchett, who co-wrote the Good Omens book on which the show is based.

Fast forward 20 years, and Asa and Anthony are still together, married, and living in a cottage in the South Downs.

They are seen watching a shooting star and listening to a nightingale when Anthony tells Asa, “I don’t need anything more than this.

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“I have the universe out there, and I have you. I have everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Good Omens is available to watch on Prime Video.

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Major coffee shop chain to open 26 new stores at Cineworld

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Major coffee shop chain to open 26 new stores at Cineworld

The new partnership will see the popular coffee shop chain bring its menu of drinks, toasties, sweet treats and more to cinema-goers.

The first locations are set to open this summer, and most are expected to welcome guests by the end of 2026.

This move builds on Costa Coffee’s continued expansion into high-footfall, lifestyle destinations, while supporting Cineworld in enhancing its food and drink offer for customers across the UK.

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Costa Coffee to open in up to 26 Cineworld cinemas across the UK

While exact dates haven’t been shared yet, these are the Cineworld locations that will open a new Costa Coffee store:

  1. Ashton-under-Lyne
  2. Speke
  3. Ashford
  4. Broughton Park
  5. Edinburgh
  6. Brighton
  7. Didsbury
  8. Glasgow Silverburn
  9. Crawley
  10. Basildon
  11. Hemel Hempstead
  12. Sheffield
  13. Braintree
  14. South Ruislip
  15. Leeds
  16. Ipswich
  17. Stevenage
  18. Barnsley
  19. Birmingham Broad Street
  20. Milton Keynes
  21. Boldon
  22. Telford
  23. Rushden Lakes
  24. Falkirk
  25. Wolverhampton
  26. Cheltenham

The collaboration will see Costa Coffee take on existing team members to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the service customers expect.

Each new store will feature Costa Coffee’s contemporary interior design, indoor seating, and self-service order screens for convenience.

Andrew Miller, Express and Corporate Sales Director UK&I at Costa Coffee, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Cineworld to bring Costa Coffee to more cinema-goers across the UK.

“Whether you’re heading in for the latest movie release or catching up with friends, we’re excited to make those moments even more enjoyable with great coffee in an enhanced cinema environment.”

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Tim Sparrow, Director of Retail at Cineworld, said: “This partnership marks an exciting step forward in enhancing Cineworld’s customer experience.


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“The Costa Coffee partnership is re-energising our coffee spaces and strengthening the role they play in the cinema experience.

“Together, we’re focused on quality, consistency and reach, creating warm and welcoming environments that enhance the visit while keeping cinema at the heart of everything we do.”

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Is your local Cineworld going to have a new Costa Coffee store? Let us know in the comments below.

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Stuart Pearce insists West Ham can still send Tottenham down despite Arsenal controversy

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Final day scenario of former West Ham boss David Moyes helping to save his old club when Everton head to Spurs cannot be discounted believes former Hammers defender and coach Stuart Pearce

Stuart Pearce insists West Ham are back “in the mix” for Premier League survival.

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Former Hammers defender Pearce believes his former club are capable of winning both their final games – and sending Tottenham down. West Ham travel to Newcastle this weekend and then face Leeds on the final day while Spurs have got Chelsea next Tuesday and Everton on the final day.

There are only two points in it between the two London rivals but, from a position where Tottenham looked on course for survival, it is back in the balance.

West Ham lost to Arsenal on Sunday but Tottenham failed to take advantage and were held by Leeds on Monday night in a game they could easily have lost.

READ MORE: Callum Wilson refuses to back down on Arsenal controversy as VAR audio releasedREAD MORE: Man Utd take huge step to appointing Michael Carrick with talks to open THIS WEEK

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Pearce, who also had a spell as former West Ham boss Davis Moyes’ assistant, said: “They held in a game which I thought Arsenal would win comfortably but West Ham showed what they can do. It was a really tight game.

“West Ham have got to win both games and keep their fingers crossed that other things help them. You never know. But West Ham and Spurs are back in the mix. But they are playing with decent spirit now. Their form is not too bad. But as I say, the start of the season has been what has been very costly for West Ham.”

West Ham’s London Stadium has never been popular with the majority of home fans while Tottenham’s form at their own stadium has been the reason they are in such a mess. Tottenham have yet to win at home in the Premier League in this calendar year. There is a scenario where, if the battle goes to the final day, it could be Everton boss Moyes who could end up saving his old club West Ham. The Toffees are good on the road and Spurs are awful at home.

But Pearce insists that, despite everything, West Ham fans just want to be entertained – and there should be no complaint about that.

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Pearce said: “Listen, in my time at West Ham people would talk about the stadium, the stadium this and the stadium that.

“But when the fans have something to shout about, that place gets going. I saw it in the European games, their European run and it is there make no mistake about it. They just need to be entertained and enthralled by people on the football pitch.”

Pearce also believes that West Ham have got the players and spirit to survive as he singled out Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek as being vital in their fight. Pearce said: “Over the season, he’s been a real bonus and, to be fair, I was there when David Moyes brought him through the door and Tomas Soucek in as well.

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“Those two have got work ethic, they’ve got the club at heart and everything else. They can hold their heads high.”

Meanwhile, Pearce is hoping his beloved Nottingham Forest can finally build again after securing their Premier League status on the back of a chaotic season.

Pearce added: “If you have had four managers in a season, something isn’t right. It’s inherently wrong. Far from ideal. The players’ performances have been very start and top. They’ve hit some highs there’s no doubt about that but hit some lows as well.

“They have to look at themselves as well. There’s talent in there, no doubt about that. The key to that is holding on to one or two of these key players. I’m talking about Elliot Anderson who has alerted a lot of top clubs, I would suggest, with his performances because I think he’s been outstanding.

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“Listen, semi final of a European competition has been good and I think they’ve come up against the team who I think will go on to win it and they eventually knocked them out. Listen, it’s an interesting one. They can rebuild again from the Premier League which is good at least.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Pearce has been a long term support of the Pitching In programme which promotes and supports fitness and exercise to improve mental health. It is something he is passionate about and was at non-league Grays Athletic this week.

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He said: “I’ve been working as an ambassador and Grays have got an initiative to help people come together, do some coaching and the funding has backed that.

“This was set up during Covid and so when everything was shut down so I’ve been involved for about six years and anything we can do around mental health – with fitness especially – will be nice. And I might join in myself! Exercise helps so much. It’s crucial.”

The Trident Community Foundation, established by Entain’s award-winning Pitching In programme, has awarded over £700,000 in grants to support projects at Trident League clubs across the country. Find out more at https://www.entaingroup.com/sustainability-esg/social-impact/pitching-in/

Stuart was at Isthmian League side Grays Athletic in Thurrock – visiting a ‘fitness and football’ session which has helped 15-20 men with their physical and mental health. They have their kickabouts on Monday and Wednesday evening having received a Pitching In Trident Community Fund grant – more detail here: https://www.isthmian.co.uk/articles/grant-helps-grays-locals-to-be-more-athletic

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