About 70 people attended a public meeting to discuss a planning application to reconfigure the building, which more than 60 people have objected to. They fear the Half Moon will become a restaurant reliant on outside visitors rather than remain a community hub pub.

Once Barton had five pubs lubricating travellers on the Great North Road passing from Scotch Corner into Darlington.

The Half Moon in the 1930s. Is that landlord Hilton G Curtis posing for the cameraman? (Image: Chris Lloyd)

The Shoulder of Mutton

Behind the Moon, on the terrace which now houses the village shop, were the Voltigeur – named after the racehorse belonging to Lord Zetland of Aske Hall, which won the Derby and the St Leger in 1850 – and the Shoulder of Mutton.

The Shoulder of Mutton pub on the Great North Road in Barton. It lost its licence around 1904 (Image: Chris Lloyd)

The King William IV Inn

Then, a traveller heading north could turn right into a street with the fabulous name of Ugly Porch and find the Wheatsheaf, a coaching inn with stables which shut in the mid 19th Century, or they could go on to the last property in the village which was the King William IV Inn.

The King William IV pub in Barton in 2007 (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

This was built in 1760 as a farmhouse but its name suggests it was one of thousands of pubs which opened after the passing of the 1830 Beerhouse Act, an unpopular government’s attempt to curry favour by liberalising the licensing laws. The Act said that anyone who bought a licence for two guineas – £2.10 – could open a pub as long as they displayed the name of the licence-holder on a board outside. Consequently, many of the new pubs were called the Board Inn although many more were named the King William IV because the Act came into effect just as he ascended to the throne on June 26, 1830.

A decade later, an estimated 45,000 new brewers had been granted licences amid an explosion of drunkenness.

An Edwardian postcard of the Great North Road looking south in Barton towards the school with shops, a post office and a petrol station on the left hand side which are all now private houses (Image: Chris Lloyd)

The liberalising of the laws coincided with a new road, which opened in 1832, running from Scotch Corner through Stapleton and over the Tees at Blackwell into Darlington. This put Barton on the main road from London and Edinburgh and encouraged a surprising number of pubs, and shops, cafes and garages, to open up.

A snowy 1970s scene in Barton with the Half Moon in the centre (Image: Chris Lloyd)

It is said that during the Second World War, the village’s position beside the A1, encouraged a German spy to take up lodgings in the Half Moon so he could monitor troop movements along the main road and keep an eye on the airfields of Croft, Scorton and Middleton St George.

After a year of handling post from Switzerland for him, the Barton postmaster became suspicious and called the police. The lodger was carted off and never seen again, and the word was that he had been passing his sensitive gleanings to a safe house in Zurich. His disappearance came at the same time as a group of alleged spies posing as Irish clergymen were rounded up in south Durham.

M*A*S*H actress and sports pioneer Gwen Farrell has died at the age of 93. Her family confirmed the sad news while setting up a GoFundMe page in her honour.

Actress Gwen Farrell, most known for her time in sitcom M*A*S*H, has died at the age of 93. Her heartbroken family confirmed the news while setting up a GoFundMe page in her honour.

The late star is said to have died in LA on Thursday, and her son, Keith Farrell, broke the news the following day. Her cause of death has not yet been shared.

In a lengthy tribute on the fundraising page, her loved ones said: “Today, our family is heartbroken to share the passing of Gwen Farrell Adair. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Yancey Farrell was born in Austin, Texas, and lived a life full of strength, character, and quiet resilience. She was the daughter of Lovie Yancey, founder of Fatburger, and carried forward that same determination and independence throughout her life.”

Describing her life as “anything but ordinary”, they explained that her “true legacy was built in the real world through her strength, her presence, and the way she carried herself every single day”.

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“But beyond her accomplishments, Gwen was so much more to her family. She was a grandmother, a guiding light, and a steady source of love and wisdom. She had a way of making those around her feel supported, understood, and cared for without needing recognition,” they continued.

“Her passing leaves a deep void in our hearts, one that cannot be filled. We will miss her voice, her strength, and the quiet comfort she brought into our lives. While we are heartbroken, we are also incredibly grateful for the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.

“As we navigate this difficult time, we are asking for support to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, as well as any related costs that come with laying a loved one to rest with the honour and dignity she deserves.

“Any contribution, no matter the size, means so much to our family. If you are unable to donate, we truly appreciate you sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for the love and support during this time of grief.”

Texas-born Farrell delighted fans when she made her debut on M*A*S*H in 1972, and played a series of nurses during the show’s 11-year run, sharing the screen with Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, Loretta Swit and many more.

Throughout her stint, she appeared as different medical professionals, including Gwen, Wilson, Able and Butler. Aside from her time in the wartime comedy, her film credits include Billy Jack Goes To Washington, Towering Inferno, Earthquake and Black Gunn.

Away from Hollywood, Farrell famously “broke barriers” as she stepped into the world of boxing, working as a referee in California in 1980 – which was a heavily male-dominated industry at that time.

Her family celebrated: “With confidence, fairness, and unwavering composure, she earned the respect of fighters, trainers, and fans alike. She didn’t just do the job; she broke barriers and proved that strength comes in many forms.”

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British comedian Lucy Beaumont is set to appear on Saturday Kitchen this weekend

Lucy Beaumont has become a household name in British comedy – but many fans might not know about her famous mum and former spouse.

The Hull-born 42-year-old made waves as a So You Think You’re Funny finalist in 2011, before clinching the BBC Radio New Comedy Awards the following year. Her Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2014, We Can Twerk It Out, earned a Best Newcomer Award nomination.

More recently, Channel 4 gave the green light to Hullraisers, a comedy series Lucy created alongside co-writers Anne-Marie O’Connor and Caroline Moran in 2021.

Last year saw Lucy venture to the Scottish Highlands for the inaugural series of Celebrity Traitors, which crowned Alan Carr champion. Claudia Winkleman appointed Lucy as a Faithful, though her journey ended when Traitors Alan, Cat Burns, and Jonathan Ross murdered her in a dramatic face-to-face elimination.

Lucy is scheduled to appear on Saturday Kitchen today (May 2). Matt Tebbutt will host the episode, which also welcomes chefs Vivek Singh and Donna Hay, plus wine expert Olly Smith. Before her Saturday Kitchen stint, viewers might be intrigued to discover Lucy’s connections to two very famous figures, reports the Express.

Who is Lucy Beaumont’s famous mum?

Lucy’s mother is acclaimed playwright Gill Adams, who famously secured the Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s Best New Play honour in 1997.

Gill boasts an extensive career across television and radio, having worked on British staples including Emmerdale and Doctors. She even played a fictionalised version of herself in Lucy’s hit series Meet the Richardsons.

The mother-daughter partnership is set to reunite on screen, with Lucy confirming earlier this year that she’s developing a travel programme alongside her mum. While the series is currently in development, it’s yet to be picked up.

Speaking on the White Wine Question Time podcast, Lucy told host Kate Thornton: “I just find it fascinating that I’m just so sure that with the amount of telly I’ve done now and how funny my mum is, if we were men, we would be in our second or third series. Now I’m so sure of it… I’m not just being flippant. I’m pretty sure about it… I think there’s still just a long way to go.”

Lucy Beaumont’s split from comedian husband

Fans will recall that Lucy tied the knot with fellow comic Jon Richardson, having been set up by mutual friend Roisin Conaty. Following a two-year courtship, the pair wed in April 2015.

Their daughter Elsie arrived in 2016 through an emergency caesarean – a traumatic ordeal that left Lucy genuinely fearing for her life.

Lucy and Jon famously appeared alongside each other in Meet the Richardsons, portraying a fictionalised version of themselves. The programme, which enjoyed a five-series run, appears to have wrapped following the pair’s separation in April 2024.

The comedy pair revealed they were ending their nine-year marriage, sending shockwaves through their fanbase.

Speaking about the separation, Lucy explained: “People might think I should talk about it because we were so public and everyone knew us as a couple, but I won’t, and not because there’s any animosity. We both agreed that while it might be weird for other people not hearing about it, we wouldn’t talk about anything to do with the marriage or each other.”

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This week brought news that Lucy is set to join the line-up for a fresh series of The Great Celebrity Pottery Throw Down, with Liza Tarbuck at the helm.

Six famous faces, most with minimal pottery know-how, will tackle the clay and test their mettle at the wheel through a succession of daring ceramic tasks. Lucy joins fellow contestants Fatiha El-Ghorri, Richard Herring, Paul Merson, Layton Williams, and Denise Van Outen.

Putting a spin on the beloved original format, there’ll be no weekly eliminations. Instead, the six celebrity hopefuls will dedicate themselves to mastering the craft across five episodes, guided by expert judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller. Contestants will battle for points in each round, vying for a coveted spot in the grand finale, where a single champion will be crowned.

Saturday Kitchen broadcasts every week on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 10am

There’s a particular kind of homecoming that never quite leaves you, no matter how far you travel.

For actor Daniel Casey, stepping onto the stage at Darlington Hippodrome later this month will be exactly that – a return not just to the North East, but to the places and memories that shaped him.

“It’s coming home – home is always home, no matter where you are,” he says. “It’s going to be very, very emotional. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Casey, best known to millions as Sergeant Gavin Troy in the long-running television favourite Midsomer Murders, is back in that world once again – but this time at its centre.

He takes on the role of Inspector Tom Barnaby in the stage adaptation of The Killings at Badger’s Drift, which arrives in Darlington towards the end of a successful UK tour.

Daniel Casey as Inspector Barnaby, bringing the classic TV sleuth to life on stage at Darlington Hippodrome (Image: MANUEL HARLAN)

Yet for all the intrigue, eccentric villagers and dark secrets of Midsomer, it is Teesside – and nearby Darlington – that remains closest to his heart.

He speaks warmly of his North East roots, having grown up in Stockton, and of his affection for Darlington – a place he visited often in his younger years.

“I can’t wait to go back,” he says, adding that he is relishing the chance to return to and perform at its much-loved theatre, the Hippodrome.

His memories spill out in vivid snapshots of family trips to the town, visits to the indoor market with his mother, and the thrill of childhood milestones.

“I remember when the Dolphin Centre swimming pool opened and standing on the middle diving board, daring myself to dive off it,” he recalls.

Daniel Casey is set for an emotional return as he brings Midsomer Murders to Darlington (Image: MANUEL HARLAN)

Then there are the family journeys to Darlington railway station.

“There were five children in a Toyota caravette. I’d be in there half asleep, in a sleeping bag, driving along the back lane through Sadberge. We’d get to the station to pick my dad up from London, just excited to see him.”

His father, Luke Casey, was a respected North East broadcaster who often worked away from home and who began his career as a junior reporter at The Northern Echo.

“He did his first month as a junior reporter in his school uniform, until he could afford to buy a suit,” Casey says.

Although journalism ran in the family – his sister Siobhan also became a highly respected broadcaster – it was never quite his path.

“If you told a careers adviser you wanted to be an actor, you were told how difficult it would be,” he says. “So I used to say I wanted to be a journalist.”

In truth, the stage had already claimed him. But his family were firmly behind his decision to pursue acting – something he remembers in a moment that has stayed with him.

“Dad’s local pub was The Blue Bell in Bishopton,” says Casey.

“I was in there once when I was just starting out, and he was chatting to one of his mates who asked him, ‘do you worry about him going into acting?’

“And dad just said, ‘No, I’ve seen him’.

“I overheard him saying that. There’s nothing better than that – what a seal of approval.”

Casey adds: “He was always massively supportive, and mum was too. He used to say ‘you can do anything you want in life as long as you work hard enough’.”

From the Dovecote Arts Centre to Stockton Youth Theatre, Casey’s early years were steeped in performance.

He still remembers auditioning for Bugsy Malone using a speech from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, and performing in Hair at Billingham Forum as a teenager.

He recalls how a young Mark Benton – then the oldest in his peer group and on the verge of heading to RADA – became an early mentor, taking him under his wing.

That grounding would eventually lead to a long and varied career across stage and screen – from Coronation Street and EastEnders to major theatre productions – but for many, he will always be part of the Midsomer Murders story.

Now, he returns to it in a new guise.

Daniel Casey (Barnaby), James Bradwell (Troy) and Rupert Sadler (Dennis Rainbird) in The Killings at Badger’s Drift, a gripping tale of hidden secrets (Image: MANUEL HARLAN)

“It’s felt great to step into playing Barnaby,” he says. “I spent seven years next to John Nettles, so I had a really good sense of who Barnaby was.”

That connection made the transition feel natural – even if the responsibility of taking on such an iconic role was not lost on him.

“I had a lovely long chat with John about the role,” he adds. “There were things he said that made enormous sense.”

Nettles himself gave his seal of approval in the most unexpected way, by quietly turning up to a performance early in the tour.

“He came along one Friday night without telling us,” Casey says. “He took us all out for a drink afterwards and said he loved it. That meant a lot.”

The production, adapted for the stage by Guy Unsworth, brings to life the very first Midsomer Murders story, based on Caroline Graham’s novel.

It follows Inspector Barnaby and Sergeant Troy as they investigate the death of Emily Simpson in the seemingly idyllic village of Badger’s Drift – a place where appearances quickly unravel.

For Casey, part of the show’s enduring appeal lies in that contrast.

“It’s what they call ‘cosy crime’ now,” he says. “You’ve got beautiful countryside and chocolate box houses — but these really dark, twisted things are going on underneath. It’s like a Grimm’s fairytale.”

He believes the series’ cross-generational popularity – from long-time fans to younger viewers – comes down to what is left unseen, even if the crimes themselves are “quite deviant and gruesome”.

“You don’t show the murder. People’s imaginations are more gruesome than anything you can depict,” he says. “It was designed for that Sunday evening audience.”

And while many have tried to replicate its formula, he sees Midsomer as something unique.

“I think it was a trailblazer. It exists in its own world – there’s a sort of 1950s heart to it. It’s escapism.”

Translating that world to the stage might seem a challenge, but Casey says it works.

James Bradwell, Nathalie Barclay, Daniel Casey, Chris Agha and Rupert Sadler in The Killings at Badger’s Drift (Image: MANUEL HARLAN)

“It goes at a real pace,” he says. “There are a lot of characters, and people are always surprised when we take our curtain call and see how few of us there are.”

There is also a personal symmetry in sharing the stage story with actor James Bradwell, who now plays Troy – the role Casey himself made famous.

“When he was cast, he messaged me saying he felt a real sense of responsibility,” Casey says.

“I told him, ‘don’t feel any responsibility to me — do your own thing’. That’s what John (Nettles) said to me too.”

James Bradwell (Troy) and Daniel Casey (Barnaby) as the much-loved TV mystery makes the leap to the stage (Image: MANUEL HARLAN)

For Casey, the joy of the production is simple. “I’m having a ball. It’s absolutely brilliant,” he says.

But as the tour draws towards its final stretch, it is the Darlington stop that looms largest.

“I’m just excited I’m coming home,” he says.

“I’m sure there’ll be people there I haven’t seen for ages. I love chatting to people after the show – I just can’t wait to see who turns up from times gone by.”

Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift comes to Darlington Hippodrome from Tuesday, May 19, to Saturday, May 23. Tickets are available via darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or by calling the box office.

Kearsley Park is set to undergo resurfacing works today, Saturday, completing renovations which began several months ago after being damaged due to ‘despicable’ acts of vandalism.

Ellesmere Park, Farnworth, is about to receive a much-needed upgrade to fix the damaged roundabout, which has sustained ‘damage, repeat-repair and wear for sometime,’ according to Cllr Paul Sanders.

Kearsley Park (Image: Tracey Wilkinson)

Kearsley councillor Tracey Wilkinson said: “The resurfacing of the flooring is after the vandalism at the back end of last year – the play area has been closed since the two incidents of bin fires.

“Once this work is completed ward councillors have already agreed for pressuring washing the whole area painting the goal plots, new picnic benches, as well as gym equipment from the central budget.

“The works have all been on hold until the insurance work has completed but hopefully we can move forward with these improvements to the park.

“One of our priorities has been improving our parks in Kearsley and following last years improvements on Moss Lane Park and Hulme Road park we will continue to invest in our local Green spaces and play areas.”

Kearsley Park has been out of action for some time following severe vandalism in November 2025.

Melted lumps of bin in Kearsley Park (Image: Tracey Wilkinson)

Bins were stolen from nearby homes and burned on the playing field, melting into the playing surface and rendering it unusable.

Council officers attempted to fence off the area but the fences were tampered with and the damage continued.

Kearsley Park has not been in use since this date, as delays to the insurance claim meant the reparations could not be completed as quickly as local councillors would have liked.

But these issues have now been solved, and a contractor will make repairs to the surface this Saturday.

Roundabout in Ellesmere Park which will be replaced (Image: Paul Sanders)

Following this, the council will conduct a routine inspection of all equipment next week before the play area is reopened to the public.

Similarly, the roundabout in Ellesmere Park was damaged through the actions of vandals.

This vandalism was repeated over a lengthy period of time, and was repaired on several instances.

But damage to the roundabout eventually became so bad that it will now be removed and replaced with a new one.

In-between reporting this week, I’m sure I’m one of many people trying to make their wardrobe less wintery.

So far I’ve become the only person in Manchester who got the idea to buy a bucket hat from Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams rather than Oasis.

I bought a camp shirt from a kilo sale where I still can’t tell if the design is early gen AI slop or not. And, to stop the phone I use to interview Steal Their Style candidates from falling down my new trousers, I sewed up a hole in the pocket with a technique untidy enough to make any textile hobbyist recoil in horror.

To interview those fashionable Mancunians we love to see roaming the city, Manchester Evening News set off as a pair this week. With a second pair of eyes, we likely spotted shoppers I otherwise could have missed.

Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter

As fate would have it, we ran into my sidekick’s journalism teacher in the recently reopened Albert Square. Dave Porter, 59, usually on the other end of the interview mic, already knew the drill.

“I’ve got about ten or fifteen flat caps from Village Hats and Caps online, my jacket from is a nice outfitter called Wolf Vintage Clothing, which I think is based in Sheffield on Etsy, they’re a more formal style,” Dave explained.

On the dazzling blue jacket was a bird pin, which he revealed was from RSPB: “I’m not a twitcher, but I do support birds, I kind of go out [birdwatching] occasionally.

“My shoes are from Clarks, nice sole I think. I got the shirt actually in Portugal from Zara in a discount line – just £5, an amazing steal. Trousers are made by Community Clothing in Blackburn, where I’m originally from. Patrick, who is the BBC presenter for the Sewing Bee, has his own company there with really good styling, and I buy jackets and shirts from him.”

Dave shouted out UNIQLO and Stockport’s Pear Mill as his favourite Manchester retailers for when he’s needing style inspiration.

“So a complete mix of styles, not quite Chorlton dad, not got a beanie yet, but relaxed, yet formal,” he rounded off.

We soon ran into a very different kind of outfit, encountering forensic psychology student Amy, 18, who was shopping in town with a friend.

“Got the boots from Vinted for £10, patterned tights from H&M, my dress was about £20 and also from H&M,” she explained, “I thrifted this shawl, I think it was from Cow, £15, and then all three of my necklaces were from Cow again. £6 ish each”

Similar to Dave’s jacket, Amy had decorated her bag with pins, including ones of media she enjoys such as Enhypen and Adventure Time. Beside a Children in Need one, a white feline badge was dedicated to her ‘fat cat.’

“I’m inspired a lot by the music I listen to, so mainly the band The Last Dinner Party,” Amy elaborated on her outfit, “so it’s sort of modernised baroque fashion, somewhere around rococo and gothic.”

Lounging in the sun nearby was Brian Bluer, 87. ‘Just out for a drink,’ he revealed that he used to drive for a living, was in the army between 1957 and 62, and is evidently enjoying his retirement in style.

He was rocking a hat from a holiday in Spain, with a casual Slazenger sweatshirt thrown over his blue shirt, and Replay shoes. We also spotted his striking watch, which Brian cited as the American make, Torino Carrero.

Amongst the crowd in Stevenson Square, we next interrupted a work break catchup between two friends. Thankfully one was willing to share her outfit, the 22 year old sushi chef introducing herself simply as J.

“Most of these are from Thailand,” she began, in reference to her necklaces and jeans. “The jewellery and headband are from mum mainly. We share items.”

J talked us through the yearly trips to Ko Samui she takes with her mum to visit family. “I go to Chatuchak on the weekends, that’s the marketplace, I definitely recommend it to anyone going to Thailand.

“It’s literally the size of Stevenson Square, and it’s all like little shops. I’ll spend hours in there.”

Finally, we ran into Greg and Josh, both 18, who were passing the time skateboarding in Northern Quarter.

“You actually caught us on the worst day, this is just some casual skating gear,” Josh humbly elaborated.

“I’ve got a Yankees hat on, a Supreme tee, a casual backpack for holding my things in it. Copped a new deck today,” he said, holding up his board.

“These jeans I don’t actually know, and some beat up Jordan 4s for shoes.”

His friend Greg, wore a contrasting colour scheme of a similar theme: “New York Yankees hat as well, simple H&M shirt, customised jeans, and some customised Converse,” he explained.

This was the third time we ran into pin badges today, this time not on a jacket, nor on a bag, but on shoes: “I just find them cool, I just like them,” Greg followed up.

The bag on his back also had some decorative patches, Greg clarifying that the bag ‘came with them.’ All in all, he estimates his outfit comes down to ‘maybe £300.’

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Coronation Street fans finally found out who Betsy Swain (Sydney Martin) found dead last night (May 1) after months of waiting.

Viewers had been given a glimpse at the upcoming mystery death in Weatherfield during a flash-forward back in February, which was followed by a handful of separate flashback episodes throughout this week.

Leading up to the murder, it was revealed that the potential victims were Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon), Jodie Ramsey (Olivia Frances-Brown), Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard), Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) and Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn).

After several eventful storylines in recent days, from Carl being trapped under Kevin Webster’s (Michael Le Vell) car which resulted in CPR, to Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) discovering that her family home had been trashed before being smacked across the head by Jodie, someone’s fate was finally confirmed.

And that’s a wrap on Murder Week! See you Monday for more drama 🎬#Corrie #MurderWeek pic.twitter.com/7V9y5pYtQZ

— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) May 1, 2026

Towards the end of Friday’s episode, Betsy and friend Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) were on their way to get Betsy’s ID ahead of a night out in Manchester after having a few drinks.

But before they headed back out again to continue their booze-filled night, Lauren told Betsy she needed the toilet.

Heading into a ginnel, Betsy followed behind her singing and after entering the corner shop backyard through the gate, she spotted someone lying on the floor, only to discover it was Theo.

Corrie fans say Friday’s murder episode was a ‘meandering mess’

Although some fans were in shock over his death, many said the 30-minute run time wasn’t long enough, and the end of murder week needed to be an hour as it felt “rushed” due the amount of different storylines.

Others slammed the dramatic episode as a “meandering mess”.

Someone commented on Reddit: “This is when I wish they were an hour again.”

Another agreed: “This episode would have really benefited from being one hour.”

This person wrote: “This episode wins for the most disjointed mess ever.”

In another thread on the r/coronationstreet subreddit, this viewer posted: “I don’t know if anyone will agree with me on this, but tonight’s episode was far too rushed and was deserving of an hour slot.

“Things were all over the place and felt like everything was over explained. Oh well.”

One account replied: “I agree. We watched it twice because I felt I had missed something important.

“I was confused by who the murder victim was at first. I really hope they do a better job with the investigation.”

A profile added: “If any episode should have been an hour long, this was it.

“After what I thought what a great week of episodes, it ends with a whimper not a bang.

“It was a meandering mess for the most part, and far too much focus on Jodie.

“I have nothing against her character and even find her interesting at times, but her storyline is by far the weakest of them all.”

This Reddit user said: “I liked the build ups but this episode felt so rushed and the stakes just wasn’t there.

“I prefer to just see full on drama instead of all this investigation stuff that will certainly drag on for weeks.”

However, there were some fans who disagreed, as this one shared: “Got no idea where any of this is going but I’m reasonably entertained so far to be fair.”

Someone else put: “Dare I say I thought that episode was exactly the stupid fun it should have been, and would have got boring over the course of an hour.

“I even find myself here for a bit of whodunit nonsense now – though not for too long, please…”

Friday’s episode is now available to watch in full on YouTube.

What did you think of Friday’s Corrie episode and Theo’s death? Let us know in the comments below.

Steven James Carter, 45, died in December 2025.

An inquest into his death took place this week, which heard loving tributes from his sister and mother.

Steven’s sister Helen said: “Steven was a fun-loving, outgoing character with many friends.

Steven Carter with the Walking Society (Image: Colin Liptrot)

“He was like a father to my son and close to my daughters.

“There was nothing he couldn’t fix or explain – he lived life on his own terms with a big heart.”

The mum and daughter spoke about how he was an active man who enjoyed many hobbies, such as walking and running, and riding motorcycles.

“He also loved pie and curries!” said his mother, Lynda.

Steven, from Lovat Road, Breightmet, grew up and lived in the borough.

He studied motorbike design and engineering at Kingston-on-Thames University – the only course of its kind in the country.

Steven enjoying a Cornish pasty (Image: Colin Liptrot)

This was a passion of Steven’s, his family said.

Steven’s mother, Lynda, said: “He was sociable and had friends of long-standing that he enjoyed going out with.

“He loved walking and camping and spending time with his friends.”

Though he enjoyed a drink with his friends in his earlier years, Steven was not a big drinker at the time of his death, nor was he a smoker.

The inquest ruled Steven’s death to be caused by suicide.

Police said a note had been left, and his key had been left in the outside of his door.

Steven Carter (Image: Colin Liptrot)

Detective Sergeant Wilcox, who was on the scene, said she believed this was done intentionally to allow people into his house after his passing.

Sgt Wilcox concluded: “It is just very, very sad – I’m very sorry.”

Steven had struggled with his mental health for many years, the inquest heard, and isolated himself from friends and family in the months leading up to his death.

His sister stated she believes this was done with the intention of making his death easier on them, again demonstrating his caring attitude.

Coroner Peter Sigee said: “I know that you and everyone else did all you could for Steven – even though it was a one way street, you continued trying to get through to him.”

Steven’s sister Helen offered more kind words in his memory: “He was an amazing person and he really looked after my kids.

“He was big onto motorbikes and motocross – he helped get my son into it all as well.”

Steve was well-known for being good with his hands – he could ‘fix anything’, Helen told me.

“He had a big, old blue bus that he was fixing up,” she said “he was transforming it into a camper van – he lived in it for a bit after he finished uni.

“He just had a heart of gold, and he loved my mother to death.

“None of his friends would give up on him – these were friends he’d had since he was four years old, in some cases.

Steven was one of the founding members of the Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society alongside director Colin Liptrot.

Steven atop a mountain (Image: Colin Liptrot)

“He was a really great guy and was instrumental in the early days of the walking group, Bolton Walking and Outdoors Appreciation Society,” said Colin.

“The group was founded in 2011 by a group of likeminded friends who enjoyed walking, camping, nature and the outdoors, and wanted to set up a means of improving our own lifestyle and that other people could get involved with.”

“It wasn’t long before Steve got wind of this through mutual friends and was keen to get involved.

“From there, he was instrumental in helping to organise trips to the Lake District, North Wales, the Peak District and Scotland, as well as lots of week night walks around our local area in the West Pennine Moors.

“We all shared lots of exciting adventures together, walking locally and around the hills and mountains of the UK, plus tons of camping and hostel trips.

“Steve had a real larger than life personality. He definitely livened up a room when he walked in and there would always be banter and funny antics on any of the trips, that everybody else found hilarious. He had a pretty wicked sense of humour, and was also very kind hearted and always made sure everybody else was having a great time on walks or around the campfire.

Steven mid-walk (Image: Colin Liptrot)

“He was also inseparable from his lovely Manchester Terrier, Lil, who was as much a part of the walking group as any other member. She definitely climbed a lot of mountains and did a lot of miles in her time and loved keeping us all moving along as a group.

“The legacy of everything that Steve helped to set up is still going strong.

“Bolton Walking and Outdoor Appreciation Society doesn’t have a membership subscription, but we have a pool of around three hundred “regulars” from all over Bolton, Preston, Blackburn, Wigan and Salford who continue to get together and enjoy walking in the outdoors together. Things are a little more organised now with insurance in place and a committee to run everything, but the ethos of BWOAS is still very much in line with what Steven and the rest of us wanted to achieve originally, and so many people have managed to find a safe way to get out and exercise, meet positive people or improve their mental health through joining the outings.

“I am absolutely sure that Steve would be proud of this fact. We miss him a lot but can be thankful of all the great times we shared together and the memories that we can look back on fondly, or laugh about in a lot of cases.”

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It’s been a focal point of a south east London community for decades.

But the Leegate centre in Lewisham, once described as the ‘Westfield of the 1960s’, is making way for a high rise flat development with 500 homes.

For generations, it served the needs of the community with former high street giants like Woolworths and Boots attracting tens of thousands shoppers every week.

Lewisham natives spoke with fondness of the Leegate which was seen as a community hub in an area seen as poor relation to the nearby affluent Blackheath.

It was officially opened in 1963 to fanfare and was seen as modern for its time with extensive car parking and cafes alongside shops selling everything a family could need.

However, by the 2000s, the centre was a pale shadow of its former self. The building was crumbling and retail units were empty.

The bulldozers have now moved in and the only remnant of the Leegate is the car park sign.

The rumble of heavy machinery fills the air where there used to be the hum of the hustle and bustle of an often busy shopping centre at the heart of the community in Lee.

However in recent years the site has fallen into disrepair after the remaining few shops closed.

Share your high street memories at webnews@metro.co.uk

The future is a mixed use development by London Square with 500 homes and a 17-storey tower with commercial space and a new public square.

There will also be a health centre and a supermarket.

People in Lee told Metro that the centre in its heyday had been a fixture in their lives but since its ‘golden era’ it had become a pale shadow of its former self.

They compared the centre when it opened to Westfield, the current destination shopping malls based in Stratford to the east and Shepherd’s Bush in the west.

‘We’re relieved the area is getting a lift’

Peter Elliott, 75,who has run a garage in Lee for more than 30 years, said the Leegate had been the heart beat of the community until it became outdated and scruffy.

He told Metro: ‘When it opened it was gleaming and had everything, there was Woolworths, Boots, the lot. In a way it was the Westfield shopping centre of its day.

‘You could park your car and have a lovely afternoon shopping. It really was a great experience.

‘Even in later times when the Wetherspoon opened there it was lively and locals had somewhere to go. In all honesty in later years it did start to get tired.

‘It’s such a shame but times change and hopefully this new development will give the area a lift. The businesses around here are struggling and it’s a bit downtrodden.

‘It’s a strange feeling. It’s upsetting the Leegate is no more but we are relieved the area is getting a lift.’

‘I remember buying my first CD in Woolworths‘

Karen Howlett, 44, a mum-of-two, said: ‘The Leegate was part of life here. I remember buying my first CD in Woolworths. We were always in there it was a big part of our life.

‘As kids we would hang out there we really miss it. I just hope that what replaces it has some heart and soul because the old Leegate had bags of it.’

Carmen Estebao, 51, said: ‘The Leegate had everything we needed. There was a Boots a Woolworths and an Iceland for a cheap food shop in the days before people were critical of frozen foods.

‘I always bumped into neighbours and friends there. There really was a community spirit. But the new development looks good and we have to move on. The worst thing has been having the site empty and dragging the life out of the area. Hopefully it’s onwards and upwards.

‘It’s an eyesore but new people moving in will boost the local economy’

Tom Cronin, 28, said: ‘I’m too young to remember the shopping centre but the site has been an eyesore. We have a great little area here with quick trains into the centre of London.

‘This development may mean gentrification but that shouldn’t be a dirty word. The local cafes and pubs struggle, all these new people moving in will boost the local economy.’

The developer London Square has promised to transform the site into a ‘vibrant town centre’ using its excellent train links to central London to attract commuters.

Chief executive Adam Lawrence said: ‘The Leegate centre site has long been a symbol of missed opportunity, but this scheme will be a real turning point for Lee Green.

‘Our development will transform a run down, derelict site into a vibrant local centre, delivering homes, significant affordable housing and new community infrastructure.

‘Just as importantly, it will restore activity, confidence and investment to an area that has been overlooked too long.’

The previous owner of the site St Mowden applied to develop the site in 2012 but the plans hit the buffers due to market conditions leaving the Leegate in limbo.

London Square has increased the percentage of social housing in the scheme from 36 and 46. The company has received planning permission from Lewisham Council for the news scheme.

Lawrence added: ‘This is exactly the kind of stalled site London Square has a strong record of unlocking. We are now ready to start work on the site.’

Park Mall in Ashford, Kent, is also facing a similar fate.

Diggers have moved in as part of a major residential redevelopment in the heart of the town.

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