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Craig Charles on why he left ITV’s Coronation Street

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Coronation Street legend wants to return after 30 years away

The TV star and radio presenter is among the celebrities who have returned for the new series of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa, which began yesterday (March 6).

He was on the 14th series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2014, but left the series early after learning that his brother Dean had died after suffering a heart attack.

Now, he has spoken about the tragedy and revealed it led to him leaving the Cobbles in 2015.

Coronation Street star Craig Charles on why he left the ITV soap

Craig Charles played taxi driver Lloyd Mullaney on Coronation Street from 2005 to 2015.

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His character, which was popular with viewers, was notably involved in the show’s dramatic 50th-anniversary tram crash storyline, which was broadcast live.

It was in May 2015 that Craig announced he would be leaving Coronation Street for Red Dwarf, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music.

Now, he has spoken about the time as he rejoins the I’m a Celeb cast for another go at the ITV show.

Craig said: “The death of my brother, and my unexpected departure as a result, did change my life.

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“It made me re-evaluate things and made me ask: ‘If that had happened to me, would I be happy with what I had achieved?’

“I came up with the answer and it was ‘no’.

“I was 50 at the time, my brother was 52, I had been in Corrie for ten years and I felt in a rut.

“I was really enjoying my time in the Australian jungle and it got sadly cut short.

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Craig Charles during a photocall for the launch of season two of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here South AfricaCraig Charles has revealed he left Corrie in 2015 after the sad death of his brother (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

“I knew I wanted to have some new adventures after that.”

He also opened up on his readiness to return to the program and give it another go.

Craig said: “Since I left, there have been years of ‘what ifs?’

“At first, I’m A Celebrity felt bittersweet after I’d left, and in the first few years I couldn’t watch the show.

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“It made me sad and it opened a world of loss.

“Every year it came around, I would feel a sense of loss and a feeling of what might have been – both for my brother and for me.

“He was only 52 and he would have been 63 now, which is no age.

“But that feeling has decreased over the years, and the last few years I have been able to watch it again without feeling the pain and the grief.

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“And so, when this came round, it was at the right time. I feel strong and confident enough to face it again and have a laugh!”

Who is on I’m a Celeb South Africa 2026?

Craig is one of many famous faces that have returned to I’m a Celebrity for its all-stars series in South Africa.

The show returned for its second series on Monday (March 6), with former campmates taking on even more challenges and tougher Bushtucker trials.

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A new element for the new series, which has been pre-recorded and hosted by Ant and Dec, will give the viewing public the power to decide who is crowned the “ultimate legend 2026”.

Here is the full lineup for the series:

  • Harry Redknapp (former football manager – 2018 winner)
  • Gemma Collins (reality TV star – 2014 series)
  • Beverley Callard (Coronation Street star – 2020 series)
  • Sir Mo Farah (Olympian – 2020 series)
  • Scarlett Moffatt (former Gogglebox star – 2016 winner)
  • David Haye (boxer – 2012 third place)
  • Adam Thomas (actor and TV star – 2016 third place)
  • Ashley Roberts (Pussycat Dolls singer – 2012 runner-up)
  • Seann Walsh (comedian – 2022 series)
  • Sinitta (pop star – 2011 series)
  • Craig Charles (Red Dwarf star – 2014 series)
  • Jimmy Bullard (footballer – 2014 series)

The first South Africa series aired in 2023 and was won by former Australian series runner-up Myleene Klass.

How long is I’m a Celebrity South Africa on for?

I’m A Celebrity South Africa will be on for a few weeks before finishing on Friday, April 24.

It will be broadcast on weeknights, with it taking a break on weekends, with most episodes on at 9pm.

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In a change from the first series, the final of I’m a Celeb South Africa will be aired live, with the entire celebrity cast gathering in a UK studio.

Are you watching I’m A Celeb South Africa? Let us know in the comments.

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Donald Trump’s desperate descent sparks 37 wild contradictions in 39 days – list IN FULL

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Daily Mirror

Donald Trump’s flip-flopping has been laid bare in the statements he has made over the last six weeks of the war – which culminated today in a chilling threat to annihilate Iran

Donald Trump’s descent into desperation during the Iran War has been laid bare, with a massive timeline of the president’s public statements capturing his conflicting briefings about the war as it enters its sixth week.

Trump, 79, despite having long insisted that the operation he launched on February 28 was successful from day one, has been accused of constantly U-turning, leaving international allies frustrated as he asks for their aid. Emmanuel Macron last week offered the most outspoken criticism of his approach, telling he president he “shouldn’t be speaking every day” as he offered unrestrained analysis of the conflict.

People can see his descent into desperation during the conflict, with the president on day one declaring Iran would learn “that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces“, before six weeks later threatening to destroy the entire Iranian civilisation.

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READ MORE: Trump declares ‘whole civilisation dies tonight’ as Donald vows final Iran blowREAD MORE: Iran’s sickening human shield demand for CHILDREN as Donald Trump threatens civilisation

Here’s every statement Trump has made on the war so far:

  1. February 28: “This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces.”
  2. March 1: “We have very strong objectives.”
  3. March 2: “We’re already substantially ahead of our time projections.”
  4. March 3: “We won the war.”
  5. March 4: “We’re doing very well on the war front.”
  6. March 5: “[Iran] have no air force, they have no air defence.”
  7. March 6: “They don’t have anyone or anything to fight with.”
  8. March 7: “We defeated Iran.”
  9. March 8: “I think the war is very complete, pretty much.”
  10. March 9: “The war is ending almost completely, and very beautifully.”
  11. March 10: “Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for USA and World, Safety and Peace.”
  1. March 11: “You never like to say too ⁠early you won. We won. In the first hour it was over.”
  2. March 12: “We did win, but we haven’t won completely yet.”
  3. March 13: “We won the war.”
  4. March 14: “The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both militarily, economically, and in every other way, but… This should have always been a team effort.”
  5. March 15: “Whether we get support or not, I can say this, and I said it to them: we will remember.”
  6. March 16: “I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory.”
  7. March 17:“Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the Nato Countries’ assistance _ WE NEVER DID!”
  8. March 18: “Allies must cooperate to open the Strait of Hormuz.”
  9. March 19: “US allies need to get a grip – step up and help open the Strait of Hormuz.”
  10. March 20: “Without the USA, NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!”
  11. March 21: “[If Iran doesn’t] FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS.”
  1. March 22: “I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD”
  2. March 23: “I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST.”
  3. March 24: “We’ve won this war.”
  4. March 25: “They gave us a present and the present arrived today. And it was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money. I’m not going to tell you what that present is, but it was a very significant prize.”
  5. March 26: “They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK.”
  6. March 27: “We would have always been there for [NATO], but now, based on their actions, I guess we don’t have to be, do we?”
  1. March 28: “Very strong talks.”
  2. March 29: “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people.”
  3. March 30: “The United States of America is in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran. Great progress has been made.”
  4. March 31: “Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
  5. April 1: “Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!”
  1. April 2: “We are gonna finish the job. We are getting very close.”
  2. April 3: “[The US] hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!”
  3. April 4: “Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them. Glory be to GOD!”
  4. April 5: “Open the f****n’ Strait, you crazy b*****ds, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah.”
  5. April 6: “We’re doing unbelievably well, well at a level that nobody’s ever seen before.”
  6. April 7: “A whole civilization will die tonight.”

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‘Outstanding’ thriller hailed ‘best show I’ve seen’ lands new UK streaming home

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Manchester Evening News

The hit series won 15 Primetime Emmy Awards throughout its run

A ‘masterpiece’ book adaptation that scooped 15 Emmy Awards has just found a new UK streaming home. The six-season series is based on a cherished Margaret Atwood novel, which has also accumulated its fair share of literary accolades.

We are, of course, talking about The Handmaid’s Tale, which will be available to stream on Disney Plus from Wednesday (April 8). The show’s Disney debut coincides with its sequel, The Testaments, landing on the platform.

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For those who missed the drama during its original run, it is set in a dystopian society where women are considered property of the state. Under the law, women are confined to limited roles, including sexual servitude to repopulate an increasingly infertile world.

READ MORE: Coronation Street fans make Todd Grimshaw prediction as he comes clean over abuseREAD MORE: Rylan Clark and Emma Willis quizzed directly on Strictly rumours as they host This Morning

Despite its weighty themes, the 2017 series swiftly cultivated a devoted fanbase. It claimed 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, with cast members frequently earning nominations for prestigious accolades, reports the Mirror.

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This should come as little surprise given that the ensemble featured Elisabeth Moss in the lead role of June Osborne. She appeared alongside fellow accomplished actors, including Max Minghella and Madeline Brewer.

Beyond critical success, the drama also garnered overwhelming praise from viewers. Audiences on Rotten Tomatoes awarded the first season an impressive 90% score, though the subsequent five instalments received varying ratings.

Sharing their verdict, one fan said: “Season 1 is perfection. Just how you imagine the book to look and feel.” A second agreed: “An absolute masterpiece in television. This is must-see content. From beautiful cinematography to poignant writing and great acting, this is TV at its finest.”

Someone else chimed in: “Best show I’ve seen since Game of Thrones and one of the most faithful book to TV adaptions I’ve ever seen.” Meanwhile, a fourth viewer enthused: “A disturbing dystopian tale that cuts close to the bone. Atmospheric, complex and brilliantly constructed this is an excellent adaption of Atwood’s classic novel. One of the best shows of 2017.”

And a final viewer raved: “Haunting and vivid indeed. With Elisabeth Moss as lead, this is worth the while. Well, all cast excels in character. Beautifully written and directed, outstanding cinematography. Dystopian world portrayed very convincingly. Very high quality viewing with heaps of intrigue, twists and action in ways you could not imagine.”

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A Disney+ subscription now starts at £5.99 and includes hit series like The Testaments, The Handmaid’s Tale and The Bear, plus countless titles from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and more.

The Testaments will also make its Disney Plus debut tomorrow, with three episodes dropping at once. The show follows June’s daughter Agnes (Chase Infiniti) as she studies as Aunt Lydia’s school for wives.

A synopsis teases: “The series follows young teens Agnes, dutiful and pious, and Daisy, a new arrival and convert from beyond Gilead’s borders. As they navigate the gilded halls of Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives, a place where obedience is instilled brutally and always with divine justification, their bond becomes the catalyst that will upend their past, their present, and their future.”

The Handmaid’s Tale will be available to stream on Disney+ from April 8

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GMP appeal after Bolton teenager goes missing in Halliwell

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GMP appeal after Bolton teenager goes missing in Halliwell

Alfred was last seen in the Halliwell area of Bolton at 9pm on Sunday, April 5.

GMP described Alfred as a black male between 5ft 9 and 5ft 11, with a slim build and black, braided hair.

According to GMP, he was last seen wearing pyjama shorts, a T-shirt, a silver necklace, and a black jacket with a fur-lined hood.

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He was also carrying a black backpack when he was last seen.

GMP posted an alert to their social media channels with a description of Alfred and guidance on how to contact them with information.

GMP said: “Have you seen Alfred from Bolton?

“Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well.

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“Any info? Call us on 101 and quote log 276 of 07/04/26.

“Always call 999 in an emergency.”

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Slimming World: I never imagined just how much my life would change in a year

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Slimming World: I never imagined just how much my life would change in a year

At the beginning of 2025, I was at my lowest point, writes Slimming World group member Alison. After a cancer operation, my weight had become erratic and my health really suffered. My asthma worsened, my arthritis became painful, and I struggled with even the simplest things. My recovery from chemotherapy was slower because of my weight, and I knew something had to change.

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Wireless Festival Cancelled As Kanye West Is Blocked From Travelling To The UK

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Wireless Festival Cancelled As Kanye West Is Blocked From Travelling To The UK

Wireless organisers have confirmed that this year’s festival will no longer be going ahead in light of the news that Ye will no longer be permitted entry to the UK.

Last week, it was announced that Ye – formerly known as Kanye West – had been booked to headline all three nights of the event, which was due to take place at London’s Finsbury Park in July.

This news was met with a near-immediate backlash because of a variety of antisemitic comments made by the Grammy-winning musician last year.

London mayor Sadiq Khan and UK prime minister Keir Starmer were among those to raise questions about Ye’s Wireless booking, with numerous brands pulling their sponsorship as the backlash intensified.

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On Tuesday afternoon, it was finally announced that Ye would no longer be permitted access to the UK, meaning his Wireless set could not go ahead.

Wireless subsequently said in a statement to the press: “The Home Office has withdrawn Ye’s ETA, denying him entry into the United Kingdom. As a result, Wireless Festival is cancelled and refunds will be issued to all ticket holders.

“As with every Wireless Festival, multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking Ye and no concerns were highlighted at the time.”

They added: “Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had. As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK.”

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In January 2026, the Touch The Sky rapper – who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a decade ago – issued a public apology for his behaviour in a full-page magazine ad addressed to “those I’ve hurt”.

Ye claimed in his public statement that his antisemitic comments had come during a months-long manic episode where he said he had “lost touch with reality”.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ye had issued a fresh statement, saying: “I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music.

“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen. I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”

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Ye previously dismissed the suggestion that his apology was a “PR move” intended to help him “release music” and “operate [his] businesses” as he had before the backlash he sparked controversies 2025.

“This isn’t about reviving my commerciality,” he told Vanity Fair. “This is because these remorseful feelings were so heavy on my heart and weighing on my spirit.

“I owe a huge apology once again for everything that I said that hurt the Jewish and Black communities in particular. All of it went too far. I look at wreckage of my episode and realise that this isn’t who I am.

“As a public figure, so many people follow and listen to my every word. It’s important that they realise and understand what side of history that I want to stand on.”

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Man attacked at Bishop Auckland Stanley Jefferson Wetherspoon

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Man attacked at Bishop Auckland Stanley Jefferson Wetherspoon

The attack happened on November 6, last year, at the Stanley Jefferson on the Market Place.

Police have shared an image of the man they would like to speak to.

He is described as tall, slim, and was wearing a baseball cap and hoodie at the time.

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Durham Police said: “Officers want to speak to him in connection with an assault.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Dave Taylor by calling 101 with extension 201338 or emailing dave.taylor@durham.police.uk, police said.

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Ex-NUFC man Joey Barton denies attack outside golf club

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Former Newcastle midfielder Barton arrested for 'attack'

The 43-year-old, wearing a grey zip-up fleece and with glasses on, appeared via videolink from HMP Liverpool for the plea hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.

He pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Kevin Lynch, 51, at Fairway, Huyton, on March 8.

Barton’s co-defendant Gary O’Grady, 50, of Huyton, Merseyside, was not asked to enter a plea to the charge on Tuesday.

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An earlier court hearing was told the defendants had been drinking with Mr Lynch at Huyton and Prescot Golf Club before the alleged attack.

Mr Lynch, a former non-league football manager and founder of special education school NexGen Academy, was said to have suffered serious injuries to his eye.

Honorary recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC set a trial date for September 1, with the case expected to last seven days.

The 15-minute hearing also dealt with administrative matters.

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Barton, of Widnes, Cheshire, was remanded in custody, while the judge renewed conditional bail for O’Grady, who was supported in court by several family members.

Former Manchester City and QPR midfielder Barton has one England cap and also played for Newcastle, Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.

He now hosts podcast Common Sense With Joey Barton, which is described as an “unfiltered” look at issues in sport, society, politics and more.

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Royal Bolton Hospital sees quiet start to doctors’ strike

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Royal Bolton Hospital sees quiet start to doctors' strike

This is the 15th strike since March 2023 and is expected to cause “significant disruption” across the country.

The action began at 7am, with resident doctors (formally known as junior doctors) already appearing on picket lines and making headlines nationwide.

Outside Royal Bolton Hospital, however, the scene this morning was comparatively quiet.

The Bolton News visited the hospital around 10am but found no picket lines in place.

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When speaking to people outside the hospital, many were unaware that strike action was taking place.

A staff member told The Bolton News they “hadn’t seen anything,” in contrast to previous occasions when resident doctors had gathered at the top of the road, where Redgate Way meets Plodder Lane.

Bolton doctors in 2023Bolton resident doctors in 2023 (Image: NQ)

A spokesperson for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust confirmed they had not been made aware of any picket lines during the six-day strike action.

In recent action, resident doctors have reportedly operated at the MRI unit as part of a ‘hubbed’ response.

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Dr Rauf Munshi, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our Emergency Department is always here to help in a life or limb-threatening emergency, and our teams will make sure the sickest patients get the help they need first.

“We have robust plans in place to manage any increase in demand over the Easter weekend and during industrial action, but it’s important people choose the most appropriate service for their needs so that our urgent care services are ready to help those who need it most.

“Even once industrial action is over, we’ll continue to face pressure as our services resume to full levels of activity so please do make sure you know the best way to access services for your health needs during this challenging time.

“If you are ever unsure about where to go, NHS 111 online can provide advice for your symptoms.”

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The British Medical Association (BMA) has been contacted for comment.

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Kanye West blocked from travelling to UK amid Wireless Festival controversy

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Daily Record

Gold Digger singer Kanye West has been blocked from travelling to the UK by the Westminster Government

American rapper and record producer Kanye West has been denied permission to travel to the UK by the Westminster Government.

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The Gold Digger singer had recently come under fire following his controversial planned headline set at the Wireless Festival later this year.

According to the BBC, the Home Office has decided to refuse permission for West to enter the country as his “presence would not be conducive to the public good”.

Yesterday, the singer who legally changed his name to Ye in October 2021, applied to come to the UK via an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

West has previously caused outrage for a string of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi comments.

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Rio Ferdinand sends Marcus Rashford farewell message as Man United icon says ‘absolute robbery’

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Manchester Evening News

Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United for just £26m this summer would be an ‘absolute robbery’ and ‘a steal’, according to Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has given up hope of Marcus Rashford staying at Manchester United during this summer transfer window and wishes him well at Barcelona.

Rashford, 28, is only on loan at the Catalan club for this season, but they do have an option to make that move permanent for £26million this summer. The England international equalised for them against Atletico Madrid in their 2-1 comeback win last weekend.

That goal is his 11th of this loan spell, and Rashford has also assisted another 10 for his teammates. The latest strike left Ferdinand impressed and led to a discussion about his future at United.

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On the YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “Oh, what a goal, what a good goal, man.” Asked if he would have Rashford back at United, Ferdinand replied: “Absolutely if Marcus Rashford is playing like that.

“That goal there is Marcus Rashford, right? That isn’t a surprise. We’re not sitting here going, ‘Oh my God, did you see Marcus Rashford, what he did the other day? Never knew he could do that.’

“No, no, that’s what we expect. That’s what Marcus Rashford has made us feel is the norm with him, because he’s that good, potentially, he’s that good, right? It’s just that we hadn’t seen it for a while at Manchester United, and there are obviously reasons behind that, but let’s forget that now, that page has turned, right?

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“He’s now at Barcelona, 10 goals, 10 assists this season. What a loan signing he has been for Barcelona, if you look at it like that, and, so, would you have that Marcus Rashford back? 100%, right? But I think that ship has sailed and I think Marcus Rashford is looking forwards.

“I think deep down, he’ll want to go to Barcelona, and I just hope that actually materialises for him, because I think when you look at it like that, is he playing consistently like the Marcus Rashford that we knew before? I’d argue probably not.”

Rashford has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season for Barcelona, but just over half, 22, have been starts. He also featured in just one of their last three matches before the international break.

Ferdinand, however, believes they should still sign him permanently from United this summer. He explained: “We’re seeing more glimpses of it that would be making me go, ‘I’ll bet on that’, and if I’m at Barcelona, I’ll take him.”

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Factoring in the set price they have to do that deal for. Ferdinand believes it would be a bargain and hopes it happens for the player’s sake, too.

He added: “If Barcelona get him for the reported £26million that we’re talking about, and they get that version of Marcus Rashford, that is an absolute robbery, it’s a steal.

“So, as I said, I’ll just say good luck to him, I want him to do well, you know what I mean? Because I’ve seen him grow as a young player at Man Utd, and good luck to him in that sense.”

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