He spoke to Cultured. North East’s Sam Wonfor.

“Let’s put half a dozen gigs on and see what the response is like…”

Jimmy Nail is recounting the pitch from veteran promoter Tony Denton, suggesting the 72-year-old singer and actor take his back catalogue of music and memories on tour.

“He was too polite to say, ‘to see if anybody still remembers you!’”

Jimmy Nail returns to touring after 25 years away with Stories and Songs, a show built on music and memory as he reflects on a career spanning decades (Image: SUPPLIED)

Cracking on for 50 dates later – including an unprecedented fifth performance just announced in The Glasshouse’s Sage One – it was Jimmy who put the brakes on.

“I had to say ‘look, I don’t want to do more than 50 – I’m a pensioner! Where would it stop.

“But I mean, going from six to 50…. It’s incredible, really.. and they’re still trying to sneak them in.”

The proposal came during a recent sell-out run at Live Theatre in Newcastle, where Jimmy revisited songs from his 1990s TV series, Crocodile Shoes, with a full band.

Jimmy Nail (Image: SUPPLIED)

“I’d been chatting to Jack (McNamara, Live’s artistic director) about doing something and I said I could maybe do a few gigs to blow the cobwebs off.”

As it turned out, they couldn’t put extra dates on fast enough, resulting in 19 nights – including a run of 13 consecutive performances.

“I was on my knees at the end of that – sounded like a frog, but it went really well.”

But while the new tour was prompted by a look back at Crocodile Shoes, the resulting show, Stories and Songs, will cast the net much wider.

Jimmy Nail returns to touring after 25 years away with Stories and Songs (Image: SUPPLIED)

Kicking off on July 4 in Basingstoke, it’s Jimmy’s first national tour in 25 years.

“That sounds like I don’t like touring,” he smiles.

“And that’s not the case.

“I love it – but I tend to only go out if there’s a good reason to.

“When I started thinking about it, I thought I’m at a point in my life where I can still put on a decent show.

“I can still sing, I can still recall stories and I’ve got a career which goes back over seven decades, so I’ve got plenty to talk about.”

More than plenty if his last touring mash-up of music and memoir is anything to go by.

“I got so carried away with telling the stories that I had to instruct my drummer, Geoff Dugmore, to give me a double bass-drum kick when I was talking too much!”

This time around, it’ll be longtime collaborator Tony Davis who keeps things on track.

Despite his enthusiasm for sharing stories, Jimmy doesn’t court attention.

For someone whose stellar career has taken him from the North East music scene of the 1970s to chart-topping success, television icon status via his portrayal of Oz in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and international film and theatre work including a pivotal role opposite Madonna’s Eva Peron in Alan Parker’s Golden Globe-winning Evita – he remains instinctively wary of the spotlight.

“I didn’t want to become famous – I didn’t want everybody in the country to recognise me.

“But once it happened, that genie, once it’s out the bottle, you can never get it back in.

“And I struggled with it.

“I still struggle with it.”

And yet, he’s heading back out in front of audiences across the country.

“I’ve always been happier on a stage than I am on a pavement,” he says simply, “but I have tried to lean into it a bit more.

“When we did the Auf Wiedersehen, Pet 40th anniversary concerts at Newcastle City Hall a few years ago, it was impossible not to be affected and moved by how much people really love that show.

“So instead of pushing against it, I’ve been trying to go with it… although I’ll never get used to selfies.”

In the North East alone, demand has been extraordinary, with multiple dates added across the region.

“It’s gratifying and it’s humbling… You never really know what’s going to happen.

“You never know if people are gonna think you’re still worth the price of a ticket.”

That uncertainty is something he learned a long time ago.

Travelling with George Harrison on the way to the Royal Albert Hall and what would become the former Beatle’s final full concert performance in 1992, Jimmy was surprised to hear him admit to nerves.

“I said to him, ‘George, you were a Beatle…’ but what he was saying was, ‘don’t ever take the public’s support for granted, because you don’t ever know if somebody’s going to put their hand in their pocket come out on a wet Tuesday’.”

Moments like that are just scratching the surface.

There are stories of how a chance meeting turned into what Jimmy still calls an “unfathomable” friendship with George, and the time Steven Spielberg offered him career advice backstage on Broadway – the kind of encounters you wouldn’t dare make up, but which have all played their part in the paths he’s taken.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the setlist, there is plenty to choose from too.

“I did sit down and make a list… and there were about 50 songs on there, so that’s no good.

“I’ll have to get it down to 20 or so.”

Alongside material from across his seven studio albums, he’s also looking back to the songs which first shaped him… starting with a still vivid memory from primary school, and a baritone-voiced teacher.

“He introduced us to the music of Owen Brannigan and he would sing to us – traditional folk songs.

“I can still see him at the front of the class singing.”

For all the global success, the through-line of Jimmy Nail’s story begins, and continues, in the North East.

He’s been back living in Newcastle for the past decade, something he clearly treasures.

And while acting has brought him fame, it’s music that remains closest to his heart.

“You know, you get in the shower and you sing in the shower, you’re happy… You don’t ever hear of anybody acting in the shower… one’s a craft and the other’s a feeling,” he says.

“How could you ever not want to do that?”

Jimmy Nail’s Stories and Songs 2026 tour will be playing the following North East dates: July 8 – Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm, July 9 – Middlesbrough Town Hall; July 10 and 21 – The Witham, Barnard Castle and August 1 – Alnwick Playhouse.

The tour will also play at The Glasshouse Gateshead, from October 11-13 (including a matinee on Oct 11) and November 3.

Sam Wonfor is the editor of Cultured. North East, a website and newsletter spreading the word about North East culture.

The Manchester City star kept a close eye on Man United’s home defeat to Leeds United, prompting a reaction from him at full‑time

Erling Haaland responded to Manchester United’s defeat to Leeds United with a two‑word message on social media. Noah Okafor scored both goals for the visitors, while Lisandro Martinez was also sent off.

Casemiro pulled one back, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome, with United suffering just their second defeat under Michael Carrick. After the match, Manchester City striker Haaland posted on Snapchat, sharing a picture of Okafor at full‑time alongside the caption: “Get in.”

The striker, who was born in Leeds, appears to be celebrating the win of the club his father Alf‑Inge once played for. The Whites earned their first league win at Old Trafford since 1981.

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Okafor seemed to get a little carried away as he celebrated, swearing into the TV camera. As the camera focused on him, the Switzerland international shouted: “Let’s go! For f****’s sake, come on!”

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.

There will be more to follow. We’ll bring you the very latest updates on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit our Manchester City page. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

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Jordan Herring, 22, threw Bobbie Goodman, 18, from a fourth-floor window in Solihull after a cannabis-fuelled jealous rage in November 2022

A man who hurled his girlfriend from a fourth-floor tower block window in a jealous fury before telling police she had jumped has been sentenced to five years behind bars.

Despicable Jordan Herring, 22, threw Bobbie Goodman, 18, from the window of his mother’s high-rise flat in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, West Midlands. Chilling CCTV footage captured the harrowing moment the teenager plunged almost 40ft (12.2m) to the ground from Merton House at 11.22pm on November 12, 2022.

Bobbie sustained a collapsed lung, shattered pelvis, broken ribs and a smashed spine, spending a month in intensive care and several more in a wheelchair – but remarkably pulled through.

A court heard Herring flew into a cannabis-fuelled rage after interrogating Bobbie about Snapchat messages on her phone with other men. Prosecutor Jamie Scott said that prior to the horrific fall, Herring had assaulted Bobbie on two separate occasions while also quizzing her about messages from other men on her phone.

“It appears that this offence was provoked through Herring’s cannabis consumption and his violent jealousy,” he said, reports the Mirror.

The court was told Herring had taken Bobbie to Merton House, where his mother Kerrie-Anne Grogan lived, to evade the teenager’s worried family who had been searching for her. On arrival, she was already “battered and bruised” with two black eyes and marks to her neck.

Herring forced her to hide her injuries by wearing two hoodies. She informed officers Herring held her close to the window and threatened ‘I will throw you out, I will kill you’ but she couldn’t recall what took place directly after that.

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Herring was subsequently captured on CCTV “strolling” down the staircase, with his mother behind him, lifting the teenager from the grass verge where she’d landed, wrapping her in a blanket before carrying her back upstairs. It took more than an hour before emergency services were contacted and Bobbie was airlifted to hospital in a critical state where she needed a blood transfusion.

Herring had insisted his girlfriend had climbed through the window herself and fell following an argument about allegations of infidelity.

Herring, from Solihull, was previously found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm but acquitted of attempted murder at Birmingham Crown Court. He had earlier been convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour against the same victim after a separate trial.

During sentencing, Judge Simon Drew KC, described Herring as a “dangerous offender” and additionally extended his licence period by a year. He stated: “You started a relationship with the victim in February 2022. At the time she was 17 and you were 18.

“You had recently been released from a prison sentence and you were living with your grandmother and in April 2022 she moved in to live with you. From the evidence I have heard she became increasingly withdrawn from her family.

“It is clear you began to exercise increasing control over her and her life. She had become dependent on you. In October 2022 you started to check her mobile phone. There were suspicions both ways in relation to contact with others. You were repeatedly verbally and physically abusive towards her.

“It seems her family by early November had become increasingly concerned about her.”

Judge Drew stated that on the evening in question, the accused had locked the teenager inside a bedroom at the flat, and that he’d been smoking cannabis which had triggered paranoia. He continued: “You were at times arguing about cheating. She has no recollection of you throwing her out of the window.

“I have seen the CCTV footage and it is a pretty shocking piece of footage. She falls something in the order of 40ft from the fourth floor. She was fortunate to hit the grass area and not the pavement only a few feet away from where she landed. You can see her bounce.

“You made no attempt to give her first aid and you tried to cover up what had taken place. You tried to coerce her into lying about what had happened.”

In a victim impact statement, Bobbie, now 21, said: “What Herring did to me has affected me in many ways. I am extremely lucky to be alive. To be honest I have no idea how I survived what happened to me.

“I am lucky to have a loving family around me to help me with my injuries and rehabilitation. I realised I was constantly controlled. I am in constant pain with my back and pelvis. He made me feel worthless and empty and had total control of my life. I woke up in hospital not knowing what had happened. I have always been afraid of heights.”

Nicholas Berry, defending, said: “He had a significantly difficult childhood. He was exposed to considerable parental trauma, drugs and alcohol. He has struggled with anger, paranoid thoughts and drug use and an inability to process his emotions.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee has begun an investigation into whether Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee working under his supervision, the panel announced Monday.

The announcement comes one day after Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor after the emergence of allegations that he continues to deny.

Democrats quickly abandoned support for Swalwell after allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. The reports published in the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN came as Swalwell began to emerge as a leading contender in the crowded race.

“I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made — but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” Swalwell said in a social media post.

The Ethics Committee said the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.

A growing number of lawmakers, from both political parties, have called on Swalwell to resign from Congress. Conversations have even moved toward a potential House vote to expel the congressman, but no floor action has been scheduled.

The Ethics panel’s decision to launch its own probe could potentially stall, for now, any other immediate action in Congress.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said over the weekend that she would be filing a motion to expel Swalwell from Congress, but that could prompt Democrats to force similar votes against Republicans.

The most likely target would be Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who acknowledged an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide.

Many Democrats sought to distance themselves from Swalwell after the San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people whom she had told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to police because she was afraid she would not be believed.

The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019 when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She said in both cases she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said she believes both Gonzales and Swalwell should resign from Congress.

“I think that this is very important that we believe women, and that we show people across the Capitol and across the country that we will not accept this kind of behavior,” Jayapal said on NBC’s “Meet The Press.”

On the same show, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said he would vote to expel Swalwell and Gonzales if such a vote were presented on the House floor.

“These things are just completely unacceptable. And as far as I’m concerned, both gentlemen need to go home,” Donalds said.

The Red Lion, a popular pub in Over Hulton, has had to turn away people after a burst pipe on a nearby road led to no water or low water pressure in the area.

The issue appears to have been caused by a burst pipe on Lansdowne Road, between Over Hulton and Atherton.

The Red Lion confirmed to The Bolton News it has had to close its doors due to the lack of water pressure, which left some Over Hulton residents concerned.

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “We’re sorry if you’re experiencing no water or low pressure. A burst has been reported to us on Lansdowne Road and we can confirm this is the cause of the problem.”

An update posted to the United Utilities website at 10:35am added: “We’re pleased to confirm that repairs to the burst on Lansdowne Road are now underway, and our team is working as quickly as possible to get things back to normal.

“Most customers now have supply, however a small number of homes may still be experiencing no water.

“For those customers we’ve restored, you may still notice some fluctuations in your water pressure until the repair is complete.

“If your tap water looks discoloured, don’t worry – this can happen when natural sediments in the pipes are disturbed.

“You can find helpful advice on our discoloured water page.

“Restoring your water supply as quickly as possible is our top priority. Thank you for your patience and understanding, we really appreciate it.”

John Bullen of the Over Hulton Community Group added: “A few people further down Lansdowne Road have water again, but some still don’t.

“Someone got in touch to tell me about the Red Lion – everyone is a little hypersensitive about it at the moment because we all love the staff!

“But they had to shut today because they couldn’t flush their toilets or use their taps or anything.

“A few other businesses in the area have had to shut as well.”

The Red Lion has been earmarked for closure prompting a huge outpouring of support in a bid to keep the historic establishment open.

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “Our teams are currently responding to a burst on Lansdowne Road near Atherton.

“As a result of this, some customers may be experiencing no water, or low water pressure.

“We’re working as quickly as we can to get things back to normal and we apologise to affected customers and thank them for their patience.”

A screening opinion application has been submitted

A developer is hoping to build up to 170 homes in a Cambridgeshire village. Carter Jonas has been instructed by developer, Redrow Homes South Midlands to submit a full planning application for the development of land south of High Street in the village of Hauxton.

Hauxton is a small village located around five miles from Cambridge. A formal planning application has not yet been submitted but full planning permission will be sought for the development for up to 170 homes, access, open space and associated infrastructure. A screening opinion request has been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council to see whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the proposed development.

The new homes are proposed to be built across a 12.44 hectare site which is currently an agricultural field. Large parts of the site are proposed to remain as open space. New homes would be provided in development parcels in the central and western parts of the site while the eastern section would be left as public open space.

The site is close to existing homes, allotments and Hauxton Primary School and according to a screening letter, pedestrian and cycle access would be from High Street, with a potential link to Jopling Way currently being explored.

The screening letter states: “The views experienced across the Site have a rural character and open quality. However, the features of the views are typically unremarkable and are influenced by transport infrastructure, the settlement edge and electricity cables.

“The quantum of development is still to be determined but for the purpose of this screening opinion the redevelopment will not exceed an upper parameter of 170 new homes.”

Once a planning application has been formally submitted, the district council will consider the plans and decide whether the development can go ahead.

The actress has opened up about Lisa and Carla’s big day, which will take place in the ITV soap next week

Coronation Street star Vicky Myers has shared the importance of her character’s ‘truly beautiful’ wedding day, which is set to be the first between two women in the long-running show.

Lisa Swain, who Vicky has played since 2021, but was only made a regular more recently in 2024, will tie the knot with Carla Connor in upcoming moving scenes for the ITV soap, months after their romance was almost derailed by the dramatic return of Lisa’s ex-wife.

As fans know, Becky Swain, returned from the dead and quite quickly put a spanner in the works for the newly engaged couple, who had also not long moved into their first home together, No.6 Coronation Street, in September last year.

But fast forward to their reunion, after Becky was sentenced to 12 years behind bars, and Carla was seen surprising Lisa in February by booking their wedding date – April 23rd to be exact – at the Chariot Square Hotel.

And while we can confirm that they will finally say ‘I do’, it won’t quite be plain sailing for the two women, and not just because their ‘beautiful’ wedding day will end with a shock for poor Betsy Swain as Lisa’s daughter discovers one of her neighbours dead on the cobbles.

However, their moment tying the knot will mark history, as Lisa and Carla will become the first women to successfully marry after a number of other failed attempts over the years from the likes of Sophie Webster and Sian Powers, and the tragic Rana Habeeb and Kate Connor.

Speaking about the importance of Lisa and Carla’s wedding taking place during Lesbian Visibility Week (LVW), which this year runs from Monday, April 20, to Sunday, April 26, with the main day of recognition on April 26, Vicky said: “Soaps are extremely powerful mediums, and this wedding is a significant event to celebrate.

“The power of this storyline, centering on two women falling in love, despite surrounding circumstances, and becoming each other’s safe space, can spark essential conversations.

“It’s particularly impactful that this happens during Lesbian Visibility Week. This relationship promotes understanding and change, especially considering the persistent issue of homophobia and the current gradual retraction of rights despite past progress.”

She added: “To champion this couple, their family unit, and their commitment by having them marry on Coronation Street is an honor and a truly beautiful, history-making moment. Their sexuality doesn’t define them, but they are proud of who they are. They offer crucial visibility by confidently showing public affection, their life is not kept behind closed doors. Their frequent presence on screen holds the power to prompt lasting change.”

And while Lisa has, as we know, been married before, Vicky explained how the DS went into her and Carla’s big day looking for something different. “I think it’s the age that she is, the job that she does, the life that she’s had, and including when her dead ex-wife came back,” she said.

“All of that means she wants it done. But it’s not just a case of wanting it done, she wants to be married to this woman who she’s fallen madly in love with, who feels like home to her. The complete antithesis of the relationship she’d had before. It’s not just about the wedding day, it’s about the marriage itself, and she can’t wait to start that.”

The DWP has confirmed details of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026-27, including eligibility criteria for the £100-£300 heating benefit and which state pensioners won’t receive it

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The DWP has confirmed five categories of state pensioners who will be ineligible for a Winter Fuel Payment in 2026. It comes after it released details about the £200 to £300 heating benefit available to pensioners next winter.

The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined who qualifies for the payment this year, covering the period from winter 2026 to 2027, including the amount to be paid. It also outlined the five groups of state pensioners who cannot receive it, even if their earnings fall below the £35,000 threshold.

The Winter Fuel Payment has undergone numerous modifications in recent years, shifting from a universal entitlement for all to a heavily restricted Pension Credit-linked benefit. It then returned to a largely universal payment with certain conditions, following policy amendments and resistance from pensioners.

The Winter Fuel Payment scheme for winter 2025-26 has now concluded, with final payments having been issued to pensioners by the end of January. This coming winter, the next payment cycle will commence in October 2026. The DWP has confirmed eligibility criteria and payment amounts, reports the Express.

It said: “If you were born before 28 June, 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 27 June, 1960 and live in England or Wales.” Those who qualify will receive a letter in October or November outlining the payment amount they can expect.

It added: “The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 21 to 27 September, 2026. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.”

However, it stated that the following five groups will not qualify:

• You live outside England and Wales
• You were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September, 2026 and the year before that
• You need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
• You were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September, 2026
• You get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier.

There is one additional caveat: if your annual income exceeds £35,000, including from the state pension itself, you will be ineligible to retain it and must return the funds to HMRC through taxation.

The DWP adds: “If your income is over £35,000. HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either: changing your tax code; adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return.”

Police issued the warning through its Bee in the Loop service to keep residents aware of what is happening in their local area and issue important updates.

Officers say that the models most affected are the ones with keyless entry systems.

A spokesman for the Bolton Police Neighbourhood Teams said: ” Offenders are using relay devices to capture the signal from key fobs, allowing them to unlock and start vehicles in seconds. It’s quick, quiet, and often leaves no sign of forced entry.”

(Image: NQ)

How to make your vehicle more secure

Officers have issued advice on how to make vehicles harder to target by thieves.

 ·  Use a faraday pouch or box – store your keys in a signal-blocking pouch at home and on the go. This prevents thieves from cloning the signal.

·  Fit a steering wheel lock – a visible, physical deterrent makes your vehicle a much less appealing option. Offenders tend to avoid anything that slows them down.

·  Consider a secondary immobiliser – systems that require a PIN sequence or smartphone approval add an extra layer of protection beyond the factory setup.

·  Park Strategically – if possible, park close to walls or other vehicles to restrict access to doors and the front end. Well-lit areas and driveways with CCTV also help.

·  Store spare keys safely – even unused keys can be exploited if they’re not shielded.

The spokesman added: “Taking a few precautions can significantly reduce the risk and give you peace of mind.

 “Stay vigilant. If you notice anything unusual in your community, report it to the Police via LiveChat facility on the GMP Website or call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

AO World, based at the Middlebrook, reported sales growth despite pressure on consumer finances and cost headwinds.

The white goods and electricals retailer told shareholders that total revenues are expected to have grown by around 11 per cent over the year to March 31.

It said this will include roughly 9.5 per cent growth in its consumer operations, with improved market share across its key categories.

Meanwhile, adjusted pre-tax profits are set to be at the top end of its guidance of between £45 million and £50 million.

The online retail business had increased its guidance to this range in September last year after positive sales growth in the first half of the year.

Bosses said its latest update points towards roughly 15 per cent growth in adjusted pre-tax profits “despite material cost headwinds”.

It comes amid a backdrop of wider concerns from firms over the impact of the current conflict in the Middle East on energy costs.

AO said it had hedging arrangements in place which will cover around 80 per cent of forecast fuel usage and 100 per cent of electricity usage, covering the new financial year.

The company expects to have around £200 million of liquidity and free cash flow of around £65 million for the past year.

John Roberts (Image: Alex/AO)

AO’s founder and chief executive John Roberts said: “The numbers speak for themselves again and I am delighted to keep doing our talking on the pitch.

“Our shared economics strategy and membership model, built on the foundations of brilliant retail basics, continues to deliver results.

“We continue to build momentum and all key metrics continue to improve, with an exciting pipeline of new initiatives ahead.”

AO World headquarters in Horwich (Image: Newsquest)

The company will reveal its full financial results for the year on June 17.

Mr Roberts created the household appliance internet retailer after a friend bet him £1 that he would not get round to setting up his own business.