A 7.4-magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Japan, sparking warnings of tsunami waves as high as 3 metres.

The strong quake erupted off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday afternoon local time, the Japan ‌Meteorological Agency said.

Officials are warning of tsunami waves as tall as 3 metres could hit the Iwate prefecture and parts of Hokkaido.

The earthquake was so strong people in Tokyo reported the capital ‘shook quite a bit’.

The ‌tremor had an epicentre in the ⁠Pacific Ocean and was 10 km deep, according to the JMA.

Earthquakes with a magnitude between 7.0 and 7.9 are considered major and could cause serious damage, according to Michigan Tech university.

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The Emmerdale star opened up about his I’m A Celebrity… South Africa experience in an emotional Instagram statement, revealing how arthritis struggles and confrontations left him feeling broken

Adam Thomas has revealed he felt “broken” by David Haye during filming of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa. The 37-year-old actor, recognised for his parts in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, is currently appearing on the all-stars version of Ant and Dec‘s jungle survival programme, nearly a decade following his initial appearance on the main series.

Earlier in the week, boxer David, who had already attracted criticism for sexist remarks he’d made, attempted to pressure Adam into participating in Termite Terror, refusing to acknowledge that the former Strictly Come Dancing participant simply wasn’t feeling well enough.

Adam suffers from arthritis, a condition he has discussed publicly. Describing its impact, he previously stated: “It is an autoimmune disease. Basically means my immune system is attacking my own body. It causes a s**t-load of pain,” and he has now confessed that watching his I’m A Celebrity experience unfold on television has been difficult.

Accompanied by a photograph from the programme, which was recorded near the end of last year, Adam posted on Instagram on Sunday evening: “Not going to lie,this picture breaks my heart, as I know on the inside what I was dealing with and truth be told I thought it was all my fault. I now know that’s not the reality… My time in I’m a Celebrity South Africa was one of the toughest things I’ve ever been through, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

“Watching it back hasn’t been easy at all. There were moments I felt pushed to my absolute limit, and if I’m honest, times I didn’t even recognise myself. Living with arthritis is something I don’t really talk about, as much as I should do…but in there it really took its toll. My biggest fight was pretending to put on a brave face and trying to hide the pain! that can be exhausting within itself. There were days my body just didn’t want to keep going, but I did.”

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Adam continued: “I won’t sit here and say I handled everything perfectly, because I didn’t. I wish I spoke up for myself sooner. I wish I stood my ground instead of trying to keep the peace, but I’ve learned that being kind doesn’t mean being weak, and sometimes it takes going through tough moments to find your voice.

“Since coming out, I’ve taken time to process everything, and I’m in a much better place now. I let go of the anger, had the conversations I needed to have, and chose peace.

“What I’m most proud of, is at times like this I wanted to walk, I wanted to quit but I didn’t . Even when I wanted to walk away, even when it felt like too much, I never give up! and that means everything to me.

“He broke me in there, he pushed me to my limits, and I’ve told David this and he’s apologised and that’s that! I’ve moved on now, am not one to hold a grudge. But thank you for all your lovely messages and all the kind words We all face people and situations that try to break us, but sometimes those moments are what rebuild you stronger than ever. Be kind.”

Adam was flooded with supportive messages from fans, with one commenting: “You came over in there as such a beautiful human @adamthomas21 You know your own truth You were Always my Winner,” reports the Mirror.

A further supporter wrote: “Your genuine and kind. You rose above it and kept going. That is strength. You’ve put it behind you and that stands for everything you are. Thats why you have everyone’s support,” while another added: “Those living with these awful autoimmune diseases are the real strong ones. Try living in pain daily and still putting a smile on your face and looking as if you’re not in pain. The fatigue is often worse than the pain. And symptoms can creep up on you at any moment. No warnings.”

Tensions reached breaking point when Adam attempted to rest and confessed he would struggle to take part in a Bushtucker Trial due to feeling dehydrated. David fumed: “Dehydrated?! We’ve all got the same amount of water! Adam is doing it and that’s it!

“When is your top form gonna come? Why aren’t we forcing this dude to go and do it? Coincidentally, every time there’s something to do, he’s not feeling well.”

It was at this moment that Gogglebox favourite Scarlett Moffatt, who claimed victory on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016, stepped in and pleaded with David to “stop it”.

Earlier in the series, he had made remarks about his girlfriend Sian. While discussing his partner’s cooking for the group, he remarked: “She’s like tall, blue eyes. She’s lovely. She’s got the personality of a proper ugly bird.”

Despite Scarlett urging him to leave it there, he pressed on with his outburst, adding: “She has. Most ugly girls realise they don’t they’re not pretty enough to… they gotta have a personality to banter and to tell jokes and s**t, so people overlook the fact that they’re not aesthetically amazing, straight away.

“Which is what’s called Ugly Duckling syndrome, where girls are ugly, when they start off, and then they and then they kind of they, they get pretty as they get older. But they still got the personality of when they’re ugly. Does that make sense?”

In the tirade, which left incensed viewers outraged, he added: “You get a girl who’s pretty from day one, you get a girl who’s different day one. Everyone goes ‘You’re so beautiful. You’re amazing’. She grows up thinking, I’m amazing. Everyone loves me. I can open any door. I can go anywhere I want.

“They don’t have to have a personality, because most super pretty girls are just idiots. But then their ugly friend, they’ve got work a bit harder, be more personable. They got to be nicer to everyone. Gonna get you a drink.”

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is on ITV1 and ITVX

Balamory, which first aired in 2002 but was cancelled three years later, is making its grand return with some familiar faces returning alongside new ones.

The revival series, once again set in Scotland, was announced by the BBC in 2024 and is now set to air.

CBeebies series Balamory returns today for 2026 revival

Balamory was one of the most popular children’s shows of the early 2000s.

The story centres on a fictional small island community off the west coast of Scotland, dealing with community residents and their issues.

It celebrates friendship, co-operation and the importance of supporting one another, encouraging young people to think about how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

The programme became famous for its catchy theme tune, which began with the line: “What’s the story in Balamory, wouldn’t you like to know?”

In 2022, the BBC celebrated 20 years of Balamory by uploading episodes of the programme to BBC iPlayer.

The two new series, which will include some of the original characters, will consist of 10 episodes each.

Balamory returns tomorrow.

Here is a sneak peek at the new titles! pic.twitter.com/tsMRpteF40

— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) April 19, 2026

Who is returning in the new Balamory series?

The BBC shared a first look at the return of the Scottish children’s programme earlier this month.

The new series “retains the heart and humour that made Balamory a household favourite, while introducing refreshed storytelling and playful adventures”, the BBC said.

It adds: “The lovable community of quirky characters celebrate each day with rainbow-coloured comic adventures, filled with songs, friendship and fun.”

There are four returning characters that fans of the original series will recognise, these are:

• Julie Wilson Nimmo – Miss Hoolie
• Andrew Agnew – PC Plum
• Juliet Cadzow – Edie McCredie
• Kim Tserkezie – Penny Pocket

New characters are Danielle Jam as scientist and inventor Ava Potts, Carl Spencer as vet Dr Ollie and William Andrews as The Harbourmaster.

4 of the original cast are back for the Balamory revival with 3 new ones joining (Image: BBC)

How to watch the original Balamory episodes

There were more than 200 episodes of the original series, some of which can be watched on BBC iPlayer.

It was filmed in a town called Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.

On the revival, Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies, said: “Balamory holds a very special place in the hearts of families across the UK, so bringing it back after 21 years has been a real joy.

“It’s wonderful to welcome back beloved characters like Miss Hoolie, PC Plum and Penny Pocket, who have shaped so many childhoods, while also introducing a new generation of Balamory residents who bring fresh energy, humour and heart to the island.

“The spirit of curiosity, creativity and community that defined the original series remains at the core of this new chapter, and we can’t wait for young viewers and their grown‑ups to rediscover the magic of Balamory together.”

Recommended reading:

How to watch the new series of Balamory

The Balamory revival series will air today, Monday, April 20.

It will be broadcast on CBeebies at 5pm, with all 10 episodes available on BBC iPlayer the same day.

Did you watch Balamory as a child? Let us know in the comments.

The county’s police say an alleged assault on a woman in The Buck Inn at Whitby took place at about 11.40pm on Saturday (April 18).

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A force spokesman said: “The suspect, a 39-year-old man, was arrested nearby and later bailed with conditions while further enquires continue.

“The woman did not require any medical attention.

“We’re appealing for members of the public who witnessed the incident to come forward and give a statement.

“Please email sarah.roberts@northyorkshire.police.uk if you have any information that could help our investigation.

“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Sarah Roberts, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”

Please quote reference 12260069821 when passing on information.

Ivy Rose Smith, four, who is originally from Saltburn, and now living in Redcar, was diagnosed with life limiting condition, Leigh Syndrome, on April 15 2025.

The condition is a rare and severe genetic neurodegenerative disorder that mainly affects infants, causing rapid loss of motor and cognitive skills, breathing problems and muscle weakness.

Life expectancy is often limited to three to five years.

Ivy Rose Smith, four, from Saltburn was diagnosed with rare Leighs syndrome last year (Image: FAMILY)

Ivy, who is well known in the Saltburn area, has recently moved with her family to Redcar so they could find a home better suited to her needs.

Her grandmother, Suzanne Dickinson, 59, said the anniversary of Ivy’s diagnosis was particularly difficult and inspired the family to focus on making the most of their time together.

And so, she set up a post on a Facebook page dedicated to sharing Ivy’s story with a bucket list of things she has always wanted to do- and within 24 hours, all were organised for the family, meaning they have a busy year of memory making ahead.

Ivy and her nana Suzanne (Image: FAMILY)

Ivy lives with her mum, Melissa Smith, 39, and dad Patrick Smith, and has a 17-year-old brother, Oliver Smith.

The family say they are focused on making the most of every moment together that they have left with Ivy while also raising awareness of the condition.

Ivy and her mum Melissa (Image: FAMILY)

Speaking on behalf of the family, her nana, Suzanne Dickinson, said: “She was born healthy and normal, and we had no worries.

“It wasn’t until around the year and a half mark that we realised she wasn’t hitting milestones as she was expected to be doing.

“She was then unwell with covid and lost some of the skills she did have, such as standing and taking a few steps, and she went back to crawling, and that’s when more tests were arranged.

“We had to wait a while for results to come back, but we were aware at this point of mitochondrial conditions and were hoping for the best case scenario for Ivy.”

Ivy Rose Smith, four, from Saltburn was diagnosed with rare Leighs syndrome last year (Image: FAMILY)

“Unfortunately, we found out that she had Leighs which is one of the worst ones, and we were all just devastated for her.

“But she is such a little fighter and just so determined to do everything herself, she doesn’t let it stop her.

“She now has an NG tube fitted to feed her so she has gained some weight and strength and is currently able to use her walker.”

From top to bottom Aunty Sophie, Aunty Emily, mum Melissa, nana Suzanne and Ivy (Image: FAMILY)

Suzanne added: “The year anniversary of the diagnosis hit me hard, and that’s what made me think we just need to try and make as many memories as we can with Ivy, so she always has something to look forward to, to fulfil life as much as we can for her.

“She is an absolute blessing. People always stop and are drawn to her. She is adorable, strong willed and determined.

“When I posted her bucket list on Facebook, I wasn’t expecting really anything to come of it, just hoping people had contacts or mates rates for some things, as it is not cheap.”

The family on some of the adventures they have already completed with Ivy (Image: FAMILY)

“There will be a time that she is not with us, and I don’t want her life to just come and go. I want something lasting, and that’s why we are trying to fundraise and raise awareness for her.

“The bucket list has now all been arranged, so we have a lot planned, such as a motorhome holiday, Flamingo Land, CBeebies world, Lap land, she is even the mascot for the Middlesbrough last game of the season, which will be special.

“I can’t thank everyone who has shared her story or helped fulfil her bucket list enough. We are just so grateful for the opportunities to give us more memories with Ivy.”

The family on some of the adventures they have already completed with Ivy (Image: FAMILY)

Ivy Rose Smith, four, from Saltburn was diagnosed with rare Leighs syndrome last year (Image: FAMILY)

The family on some of the adventures they have already completed with Ivy (Image: FAMILY)

Leigh syndrome is a rare genetic condition that mainly affects the nervous system. Symptoms usually appear in infancy or early childhood.

Common symptoms include:

• Loss of previously learned skills such as sitting, walking or talking
• Weak muscles and poor movement control
• Breathing problems
• Difficulty feeding or swallowing
• Poor growth or weight gain
• Seizures
• Vision or hearing problems
• Extreme tiredness or low energy

These symptoms occur because the condition affects the body’s mitochondria, which produce energy for cells, particularly in the brain and muscles.

Easter break is over, but many British holidaymakers are still heading off on their spring-time trips

Thousands of passengers pass through Manchester Airport every day, with more than 1,000 flights arriving and departing daily, connecting Manchester to more than 200 destinations.

With summer just around the corner, we will soon be entering one of the busiest periods for travel. Over Easter break, which has just come to an end, many families across the UK have jetted off to get some spring-time sunshine, making it a busy time for air travel

While the travel industry is nearing its peak season for the year, airports have been facing significant disruption over recent weeks and months.

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The ongoing conflict in the Middle East which started at the end of February has caused flights to be delayed and cancelled. Some tourists have even been left stranded in faraway places for days.

Major airlines which operate within the affected region, such as Emirates and Etihad, have now resumed flights. However, the Foreign Office guidance still advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates.

Despite the uncertainty, travel agents report that Brits are still keen to go on holiday abroad and the appetite for travel remains strong.

Below are the latest delayed (by more than 30 minutes) and cancelled flights from Manchester Airport today (Monday, 20 April) according to FlightRadar24.com, as of 8.30am.

Delayed flights

• 8:15am Qatar Airways flight QR22 to Doha – estimated departure 9:25am

Cancelled flights

• 8:40am Aer Lingus flight EI3611 to Belfast

A caption on the post read: “Last night, another Jewish synagogue in London was firebombed, this time in Kenton. This is the third such attack in as many days, and also comes after the recent ambulance arson attack and a supposed drone threat against the Israeli embassy in London this week.

On the ground floor, its accommodation comprises an entrance hall off which is a shower room, plus the kitchen and sitting room, which are part open-plan to the rear.

The kitchen is home to modern units with quartz worktops, a range of appliances and a larder cupboard, and has both a central island with a breakfast bar and ample space for a dining table.

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Adjoining the kitchen is a snug with a striking cylinder log-burning stove with copper surround and sliding French doors that flood the room with natural light and make it a perfect indoor-outdoor living space.

The sitting room has another log-burning stove set within a copper surround and opens into the conservatory, a wonderful space featuring marble flooring and overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden.

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Completing the ground floor are a fitted utility room with a door to the garage and rear garden.

This space has been used as a home office but lends itself to a variety of other uses.

Upstairs are the family bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath and a walk-in rainfall shower plus four bedrooms, three of which are generous doubles.

The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room, while the smaller of the other bedrooms has been converted into a dressing room.

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

The property sits in beautifully maintained landscaped gardens featuring a Spanish-effect paved seating area, flower beds, mature shrubs and established trees.

To the front is a driveway providing off-road parking for two vehicles and access to the garage.

PROPERTY FACTS

5 The Ridge, Saltburn

Price: £775,000

Robin Jessop Ltd 01677 425950 or 01969 622800 www.robinjessop.co.uk

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Iran has warned it will ‘soon retaliate’ after the US Marine seized one of its ships along the Strait of Hormuz.

The country’s top military command said the US has violated the eleventh-hour two-week ceasefire by firing at the M/V Touska.

Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya chiefs said: ‘Aggressor America, violating the ceasefire and engaging in maritime piracy, fired upon one of Iran’s commercial ships in the waters of the Sea of Oman and disabled its navigation system.

‘They further assaulted the vessel by landing a number of their terrorist riflemen onto the deck of the mentioned vessel.’

The statement shared by the Iranian Mehr News Agency added: ‘We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military.’

Marines from the USS Tripoli seized the cargo ship yesterday during a six-hour standoff in the Gulf of Oman.

The USS Spruance, a guided missile destroyer, intercepted the tanker as it tried to sail towards the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.

Iranian ports are currently under a US blockade, a policy in response to Iran’s saying that ships passing through the Strait would need to pay a toll.

The Spruance fired several rounds into the area and boarded the ship after telling the Touska crew to evacuate the engine room.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the M/V Touska had ‘failed to comply with repeated warnings’.

CENTCOM said Marines departed the Tripoli assault ship by helicopter and rappelled (descended by rope) and ‘disabled Touska’s propulsion’.

Donald Trump added in a Truth Social post: ‘The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom.’

Iranian media reported that ‘aggressive’ American forces ‘opened fire on an Iranian merchant ship to force it to return to Iranian territorial waters’.

The ship is currently off the coast of the port city of Beris, according to the monitoring website MarineTraffic.

It comes after Tehran rejected taking part in a second round of peace talks as the US President threatened to flatten Iran’s civilian infrastructure.

Iran’s official state news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reported that Iran would not be taking part in the ongoing peace talks.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: UK denies Trump’s claim British ships hit in Strait of Hormuz

MORE: Disturbing audio captures moment ship captain in Hormuz Strait begs Iran ‘let me turn back’

MORE: Pope Leo XIV says his ‘tyrants’ remarks were not aimed at Trump

Victor Wembanyama starred on his NBA play-off debut as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98.

Wembanyama, one of three contenders for the Most Valuable Player award, scored a game-high 35 points, including 21 in the first half, as the Spurs won game one of the best-of-seven series.

“It’s good to get this one out of the way,” the Frenchman said. “We just tried to do the things we’ve been doing all year and stay solid.

“There was pressure on us to win the first game, but it wasn’t that much pressure if we just stayed to the plan.”

Elsewhere, defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics both made dominant starts to the post-season.

The Thunder – the number one seeds in the Western Conference – thrashed the Phoenix Suns 119-84, led by last year’s Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who had 25 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists – and Jaylen Brown added 26 points – as the second-seeded Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic stunned Eastern Conference top seeds Detroit Pistons 112-101 to take a 1-0 lead in their seven-game series.

Victory for the eighth-seeded Magic, who qualified for the play-offs via the play-in tournament, extends an unwelcome NBA record for the Pistons, who have not won a post-season game at home for 11 matches dating back to 2008.

Forward Paolo Banchero starred with 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists, to help the Magic overshadow Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham’s play-off best haul of 39 points.

“[We] didn’t come out with the right energy, gave them life early on,” said Cunningham. “Then we had to deal with that for the rest of the game.

“There’s no confidence drop from us. It’s going to be a long, fun series.”