The actor, 42, played Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), later reprising the role alongside Tom Holland’s iteration of the character in the 2021 crossover movie Spider-Man: No Way Home.
It has been speculated that Garfield could again team up with Holland in the new film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to hit cinemas in July.
(Marvel Studios)
Appearing on Capital FM’s Breakfast Show this week, Garfield was presented with a still from the Brand New Day trailer, in which Holland’s Spider-Man is seen jumping at a group of enemies.
Fans had speculated that the large empty space under Holland’s character would, in the final film, be filled with other incarnations of the character. (In the past, Marvel Studios has been known to edit shots in trailers to conceal the inclusion of certain surprise characters.)
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Garfield described the suggestion as a “bit of a reach, to be honest”.
“Like, what do you mean there’s room for other characters? It’s literally just space underneath Spider-Man,” he said.
The ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ trailer shot in question (Marvel Studios)
“There’s room for more characters in every frame of the film, probably.”
When pressed on the subject, Garfield continued to downplay the suggestion – while noting his own refusal to deny that he would feature in the film.
“This is absolutely ludicrous, conspiracy-theory-level attempt at investigative journalism,” Garfield joked, adding: “You notice that I didn’t say I’m not in it, though.”
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While the involvement of Garfield – and original Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire – is yet to be confirmed, the trailer for Brand New Day gave fans a glimpse at many of the characters returning to the franchise.
This includes Zendaya’s “MJ” Jones-Watson, and Ned Leeds, played by Jacob Batalon. The film will follow on from the events of No Way Home, in which everyone in the world had Peter Parker’s secret identity wiped from memory.
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Mark Ruffalo will appear as his long-running Marvel character Bruce Banner, aka the Hulk, while Jon Bernthal will play Frank Castle (aka Punisher), a character he previously played on his own TV series.
Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) is also set to appear in the film, playing a character rumoured to be X-Men’s Jean Grey.
There is a large gathering taking place on a mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf
People are being turned away from an illegal rave which is taking place on a Welsh mountain across the weekend.
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There were reports on Sunday morning that large crowds had gathered on Rhigos Mountain north of Treherbert in Rhondda Cynon Taf. People commented that there was a lot of “police activity” in the area as rumours circulated that a rave was ongoing.
Police have now confirmed that an “unlicensed rave” is taking place near Rhigos Mountain Road.
Officers are at the scene and will remain in attendance to ensure the safety of those at the rave and other members of the general public. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “Officers are in attendance at Rhigos Mountain Road, Rhigos, Rhondda Cynon Taff following a report of an unlicensed rave.
“A policing presence will remain in the area to ensure the safety of those participating and the wider public. This incident is ongoing.”
A picture from the scene shows police blocking off access to Rhigos Road from the top of Abertonllwyd Street in Treherbert.
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“Eugene passed away just before Christmas, and it has been very hard for all of us. He was so well known in the community, a real legend to those who knew him, and someone who was always there to help others.”
A Derry chef is giving back to Foyle Hospice in a deeply personal way, after the care shown to his family during two of the hardest times in their lives.
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Leigh Thurston, Head Chef at the Ebrington Hotel, has organised a special fundraising prize draw in memory of his father-in-law, Eugene O’Donnell, and Rose Nelis, the mother of his sister-in-law, after both families experienced first-hand the compassion and support of Foyle Hospice.
With more than £5,000 worth of prizes donated by businesses across the hospitality sector, the prize draw is not only a major community fundraiser, but a tribute rooted in love, gratitude and remembrance.
Leigh said the idea came from a desire to do something meaningful after seeing the care his father-in-law received during his final days.
Leigh Thurston said:“I didn’t really know what Foyle Hospice was all about until my family needed it. When my father-in-law Eugene was admitted, the care he received from the moment he arrived until the day he passed away was just incredible.
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“From the reception staff to those caring for him day and night, washing him, feeding him and looking after every need, we could not have asked for better.
“That meant so much to us as a family, and that is why I wanted to do my part… to raise money, to raise awareness, and to let other families know that Foyle Hospice is there when it is needed most.
“Eugene passed away just before Christmas and it has been very hard for all of us. He was so well known in the community, a real legend to those who knew him, and someone who was always there to help others.
“This fundraiser is a way of honouring him, remembering Rose as well, and showing our appreciation for the care that meant so much to our family.
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“I have been overwhelmed by the support from the local hospitality industry. So many people have come together to donate prizes and back this effort, and I am very grateful to every one of them.”
The prize draw features a wide range of donated prizes, including hotel stays, dining experiences, golf breaks, afternoon teas and vouchers from businesses across the North West and further afield.
Among the top prizes are an eight-course tasting menu for 10 people plus an overnight stay for two at the Ebrington Hotel, golf and dining packages from Ballyliffin Golf Club and Enniscrone Golf Club, and a number of additional hotel, restaurant and experience vouchers.
Kathleen Bradley, Fundraiser at Foyle Hospice, who liaised with Leigh on the fundraiser, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Leigh for choosing to support Foyle Hospice in such a heartfelt and generous way. This fundraiser has come from a place of deep personal loss, but also from gratitude, love and a real desire to help other families.
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“It has been a privilege to work with Leigh on this wonderful draw, and to see the level of support it has received from across the hospitality sector has been truly moving. Every entry will help Foyle Hospice continue providing specialist palliative care and support to local patients and families at the moments they need it most.”
The fundraiser is now open, with online entry and a free postal entry route available. Tickets cost £10, and the draw will take place on Friday May 1 2026.
Every entry will help raise vital funds for Foyle Hospice, supporting specialist palliative care and wraparound support for patients and families across our community.
The fire was reported on Great Moor Street heading towards the Bradshawgate at a building that is currently undergoing works at just after 8.25pm.
No injuries were reported and firefighters found that two pallets at the top of the roof appeared to be alight.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At just after 8.25pm last night, Saturday April 25, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a building on Bradshawgate, Bolton.
Firefighters on the scene (Image: Public)
“Fire engines from Bolton North, Farnworth and Atherton quickly attended the incident.
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“Firefighters arrived to find signs of fire on the roof of a five-storey building under construction.
“Crews gained access to the roof, where two pallets were alight.
An area was taped off (Image: Public)
“The fire was quickly contained, and there were no reports of any injuries.
“Crews remained on scene for a short time and worked with Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service to ensure the area was safe.”
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Members of the public gathered outside on Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street on Saturday evening.
The fire broke out on Saturday evening (Image: Public)
An eye witness reported seeing four fire engines, two marked police cars, two unmarked police cars and two ambulance cars on the scene.
Members of the public have been advised to always call 999 in the event of an emergency.
ITV has announced a new six-part series starring Ashley Walters and Andrea Riseborough
ITV has announced a new space drama about a woman who vanishes during a lunar expedition.
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The six-episode thriller First Woman – which is being filmed in Belfast – features Adolescence actor Ashley Walters. He plays Ben Reith, who awakens one morning to discover that his wife Claire (Andrea Riseborough) has disappeared, reports the Mirror.
This marks the beginning of an international media story “because Claire is an astronaut crewing the UK’s first moonbase and she’s disappeared into the long lunar night”, according to a synopsis from the broadcaster.
It adds: “Claire is the first woman to set foot on the moon. A biologist taking part in a groundbreaking research project, her disappearance throws suspicion on her fellow astronauts and China’s rival base.
“With hundreds of thousands of miles between them, can Ben uncover the truth behind his wife’s disappearance?”
As the narrative shifts between Mission Control in the UK and the moon’s surface, this becomes a countdown “like no other”, with Ben hoping to be reunited with Claire while the remaining crew members face mounting pressure.
Ashley, who portrayed Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe in Adolescence, commented: “What an honour to be a part of such a bold and propulsive drama with a team of people that I have dreamt of working with. I always want to be a part of projects that make us converse and think outside the box. This one does just that.”
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Co-star Andrea remarked: “As a kid, I dreamed, perhaps more than anything, of space. Of emptiness and stars, and the vastness of all that those ‘grounded’ reflected on in verse.”
“This will be endlessly compelling – I hope – for all who want to journey with us,” she continued. “I cannot wait.”
First Woman will be jointly produced by Mammoth Screen, part of ITV Studios, Alcon Television Group and ZDF Germany.
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ITV’s director of drama Polly Hill stated: “I wanted ITV to make this the moment I read it. The team that has come on board on and off screen is incredible, and a testament to the wonderful and original scripts.” She noted that audiences would be transported on “an incredible journey”.
Creator Lydia Yeoman commented: “Set in the exciting (and as-yet-unexplored) world of private space travel, First Woman is a thriller unlike anything else we’ve seen.
“This is the story of a marriage put through the ultimate test. It’s rare that you get given the opportunity to tell a story with such ambition and scope, and we’re eternally grateful to Polly at ITV and Alcon for allowing us to do that.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned Donald Trump after the shooting (Picture: via REUTERS)
Sir Keir Starmer has phoned Donald Trump to express his relief that the US President and the first lady are safe ‘after shocking scenes’ at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
A Secret Service officer was injured in the shooting that saw the President evacuated to safety chaotic scenes last night.
The Prime Minister extended his best wishes following the ‘shocking scenes at last night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner’, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
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The PM expressed his relief that they were safe, and wished a speedy recovery to the officer injured in the incident, the spokesperson adds.
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The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the ‘urgent need to get shipping moving again in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe consequences for the global economy’.
The Tories are pressing for a vote on whether to refer Keir Starmer to the Privileges Committee over whether he misled Parliament over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador
14:41, 26 Apr 2026Updated 14:41, 26 Apr 2026
Attempts to refer Keir Starmer to a sleaze inquiry over the Peter Mandelson vetting row have been dismissed as “political games”.
The Tories are pressing Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to give MPs a vote on whether to refer the Prime Minister to the powerful Privileges Committee over whether he misled Parliament over the peer’s appointment as US ambassador.
The committee previously found Boris Johnson misled Parliament over Partygate and handed him a 90-day suspension. The ex-PM quit as an MP in a fury before the punishment could be imposed.
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The Speaker is expected to give a statement to MPs as soon as Monday. While a vote would be unlikely to pass due to Labour’s huge majority, it would pile further pressure on the PM. His judgement has been called into question after the former Labour grandee was sent to Washington despite vetting officials flagging concerns about his vetting.
Dominic Grieve, a former Tory attorney general, said: “Seeing that this appointment is being explored during these processes and all the evidence is not yet considered, it is impossible to see how starting a reference to the Privileges Committee is either useful or indeed ‘due process’.
“Ensuring that ministers do not mislead Parliament is of great importance but it should not just be turned into political games.”
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Harriet Harman, who led the Privileges Committee investigation into Mr Johnson, also advised against the idea. She told LBC: “I don’t… It would be complete duplication. At the moment, there is an investigation going on by the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, so I think it would be a duplication.
“I would say, leave them to sort this out. And of course, we’ve got further tranches of documents to come out into the public domain, because that’s the motion of the House of Commons that’s been passed.”
Baroness Harman said the PM was right to apologise for appointing Lord Mandelson – and said Mr Starmer’s decision to sack Foreign Office boss Sir Olly Robbins had made things worse. “He should just stay with ‘it’s a bad decision’,” she said.
Cabinet Minister Darren Jones said “there is no case to answer” for the PM as Sir Olly had been clear that he did not tell Mr Starmer about concerns over Lord Mandelson’s vetting before he was sent to Washington.
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He said: “You have to remember, what are these privileges committees about? The last time it was used was when Boris Johnson told the House of Commons there were no parties in Downing Street.
“It was then shown he was at five of them and got a fine from the police. That’s what these processes are in place for, so the Opposition are just using tactics to try to distract from the fact that the Government is doing good work in this pre-election period.”
A No10 source said: “The Tories are trying to pull off a ridiculous and baseless political stunt the week before the May elections – because they have no answers on the cost of living or the NHS.”
The PM’s nightmare over Lord Mandelson’s vetting will continue this week as MPs prepare to grill Morgan McSweeney, the former No10 chief of staff, and ex-Foreign Office boss Sir Philip Barton on Tuesday.
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As questions mount over his leadership, Mr Starmer insisted the “vast majority” of Labour MPs support him and want him to continue as PM. In an interview with the Sunday Times, he said: “What you never hear from are all the people who are supportive, loyal and just want to get on with the job. And that is the vast majority of people in the Parliamentary Labour Party.”
He added: “They’re pleased to be in power. They’ve waited a long time to be in power. And they just want to get on with their job. They don’t make a lot of noise about it. They don’t talk to journalists about it. It’s really important that is reflected in these debates.”
The gardens are just over an hour’s drive from Cambridge
Spring is in full bloom and with the sun shining, it’s the perfect time to explore some scenic sights. There are many places that offer some pretty places to walk in the warmer weather.
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One glorious place to visit for a delightful walk is Kathy Brown’s Garden in Stevington, Bedfordshire, which is just over an hour’s drive from Cambridge. The gardens are said to be “overflowing with bulbs and blossoms”, at this time of the year.
It is made up of four and a half acres, and has been over 30 years in the making. It was first created by Simon and Kathy Brown in 1991. The couple planned their garden out, firstly by planting a cottage-styled garden at the back of their home. It started with the planting of hostas, ferns and foxgloves in shady places, followed by flowering clematis and roses.
Over the years, the gardens grew and they have become a popular attraction to visit. The gardens are open to the public, but are only open for a limited time. The gardens are open on the following dates over the next few months:
May
May 2
May 4 (Bank Holiday Monday)
May 5, 12, 19 and 26
May 23
May 25
June
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (Tuesdays)
June 20 (Charity open day for Guide Dogs)
June 21 (Father’s Day)
June 27 (Evening, bring your own picnic)
July
July 7, 21 (Tuesdays)
July 16 (Special event)
July 18
August
August 4, 11,18, 25 (Tuesdays)
August 15
August 20 (Special event)
August 22
August 31 (Bank Holiday Monday)
September
September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Tuesdays)
September 10 (Special event)
September 12
Tea, coffee, squash, apple juice and Kathy’s homemade cakes are available to purchase on visits to the gardens. There is also a shop that sells gifts and books to inspire gardeners.
Free parking is available for visitors. The gardens cost £11 for adults to visit, £5.50 for children aged between four and 17 and entry is free for children under three years old.
“Although the specimens are over two centuries old, they’ve been preserved with great care, and you can still see the detail in the plants as well as the handwritten notes recorded alongside them, showing how carefully each plant was observed and documented.”
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The Herbarium is one of the largest and most complete collections of its kind in Britain outside London, featuring carefully preserved plant specimens from the 18th century.
Interior view of the exhibition (Image: Burton Constable Foundation)
It also highlights a period of growing botanical interest when specimens were shared and studied through national and international networks.
Curator with Herbarium Volume (Image: Burton Constable Foundation)
The exhibition is part of the Yorkshire Country House Partnership’s 2026 theme, Plants, Trees and the Country House.
As part of the project, the Herbarium has been fully digitised to ensure long-term preservation and wider access.
A little over four years ago, Yulia Davydenko was running her own online business, an independent tea shop she marketed on social media.
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With a young son, she was smart and ambitious, with high hopes for the future. Then war broke out.
Based in Kyiv, Ukraine, when the Russian invasion began in February 2022, Yulia fled for the Romanian border with her son, before securing a visa and making her way to Northern Ireland.
“At first we stayed with the family of a friend, before I found an apartment to rent,” recalls the 39-year-old. “I didn’t expect to be here for long. I thought it would be a month or two, and then we’d go back home.”
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But as the months rolled on, Yulia took steps to improve her set-up in Northern Ireland.
“When I arrived, my English was very basic,” she says. “I put a lot of effort into learning the language, and enrolled in some courses, hoping I could find a pathway back to a career I loved.”
Then last year, after signing up for the Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme, an initiative run through Belfast Met, that longed-for pathway opened up for Yulia.
Launched in 2023 with sponsorship from Bank of America, the programme runs a series of Digital Skills Academies designed to open doors to further training and fulfilling careers for underrepresented groups.
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So far, 18 of 30 planned courses have been completed, covering areas from digital marketing and data analytics to media production and software development, giving expert training and support to participants from a range of backgrounds including women returning to work, neurodiverse learners, new arrivals to the city and people not currently in education or training.
Yulia completed a Digital Marketing course in September 2025, one delivered in partnership with Women in Business.
“Before I started the course, I was feeling quite stuck,” she says. “I thought I might never find a job here that I really loved, and after enjoying what I did so much in Ukraine, that was disheartening.
“But I met so many incredible women through the Digital Skills Academy, all of them with amazing stories to tell, and I came away not just with a qualification as a Digital Marketing Specialist, but very inspired and much more confident for the future.
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“As well as the essential digital skills we were trained in, they taught us how to present our CVs, how to prepare ourselves for interview, and how to back ourselves enough to really put ourselves out there.”
After an eight-week course, where Yulia made a long list of connections from classmates to industry insiders, she secured a job earlier this year with Belfast-based creative digital marketing agency Yellow Zest.
“My boss has actually been involved in the programme, although we didn’t cross paths directly during my course,” says Yulia. “It’s great because she obviously understands the value of the programme, and what its learners have to offer.
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“Sometimes it can feel difficult to break into a network when you’re a little bit on the outside, whether that’s because you’re not originally from the place where you live, you’re a woman who’s been away from the workplace for a while, or any other reason.
“What the programme gave me was a sense of connection with women from all sorts of backgrounds. We’re able to share experiences, advise one another and access this big community. As lonely as it can feel sometimes, it’s comforting to know others have been in the same boat.
“The impact has been great for me and my son – who strangely, for me, speaks with a Northern Irish accent! It’s put opportunities in front of me and given me the confidence to pursue them. Having employment and all these connections has helped me so much, and I really appreciate this opportunity to build my career here.”
Juliana Germinio, Founder at Yellow Zest, said: “Yulia has been a fantastic addition to the team, and we’re delighted to have her. I’ve been involved directly with the Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme and not only is it playing an important role in opening doors and creating opportunities for its learners, from an employer’s perspective, it’s supporting a pipeline of new talent.
“People are coming out with a solid grounding in the digital skills which businesses are crying out for, as well as a strong industry contacts, confidence and a drive to progress.”
Diana Atchison, Belfast Met’s CDIT Project Manager, added: “We love to hear about the success of our alumni, and Yulia is a wonderful example of how the programme can make an impact – supporting progress and opening doors to further opportunities for our learners.”
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Motability users are facing a range of changes that could affect how they can use their vehicles
Samantha Leathers Senior Money & Lifestyle writer
13:36, 26 Apr 2026
Motability ‘black box’ rule starting this week
The Motability Scheme is set to introduce substantial changes this July which could potentially impact how users operate their vehicles. However, four key provisions will remain unchanged during the overhaul.
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The rule modifications have been prompted by a VAT and Insurance Premium Tax adjustment that will be implemented for new leases from 1 July 2026. To offset the additional costs this will place on the scheme, the organisation stated it must introduce significant alterations to “keep the scheme sustainable”. This will impact mileage charges, tyre replacements and EU breakdown cover.
The Motability Scheme has confirmed which provisions won’t be affected by the July restructure, stating: “We stay committed to offering an all-inclusive package that gives you confidence and peace of mind.”
People who currently hold a lease with the Motability Scheme will also remain unaffected by the rule modifications. The changes will only be applicable to new applications submitted on or after 1 July 2026.
Motability users who receive their allowance from Social Security Scotland may also experience different impacts compared to users in England or Wales.
People leasing vehicles after 1 July will encounter new provisions regarding their driving limits and the protection available in the event of breakdowns.
Mileage
Currently, Motability users can accumulate 20,000 miles before an excess charge of 5p per mile is applied. The updated regulations will cut this to an average yearly mileage allowance of 10,000 before incurring a charge of 25p per mile including standard rate VAT.
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For those on a three-year lease, this means they will have 30,000 miles before the charge is triggered, while Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles will receive a total allowance of 50,000 miles across their five-year lease.
Customers will be required to pay for any additional miles driven beyond their allowance at the conclusion of their lease.
Overseas travel and breakdown
Those travelling abroad with their Motability vehicle will now require a VE103 certificate prior to heading overseas, confirming permission to take the vehicle outside of the UK.
The certificate will set customers back £22 for new orders placed on or after 1 July and remains valid for 12 months, covering all trips within that period.
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Motability also highlighted that fewer than 1% of customers made use of breakdown cover abroad in 2025.
Tyre replacement
Those placing orders on or after 1 July will find that the number of tyres that can be replaced through the Scheme has been reduced. The official guidance states: “Tyre replacement is still included as part of your lease, as long as it’s within fair use.”
Under the revised rules, a customer on a three-year lease will be entitled to replace up to six tyres, with up to four of these permitted for damage-related replacements. Those with a five-year lease will be entitled to replace up to 10 tyres, six of which can be for damage.
This amendment is designed to reflect users’ requirements, as the typical Motability customer replaces just two tyres per lease during a three-year period. The decreased mileage allowances may also potentially lessen the need for additional tyre replacements.
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Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, said: “The scheme is not just about fixing the here and now, it’s about fixing and maintaining us for many, many years to come.
“We totally understand and recognise these are quite impactful changes for some of you.”
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