Hollyoaks star Jonny Labey has spoken out in the wake of Rex Gallagher’s demise, thanking fans for all the support he’s received in the two years he was on the show.

Rex, as viewers know, was shot by an unknown assailant last week while at the garage. The moment in question came as a huge shock to fans, who had not been expecting it at all.

‘What’s this?’, asked a confused Rex as he spotted someone lurking in the shadows, just hours after he arrived at the garage for a late-night call out.

The realisation that his time was running out dawned on him in tragic scenes as the mystery person prepared to pull the trigger. ‘No!’, he screamed – but it was too late.

Hollyoaks confirmed his demise in scenes on Monday (July 20), with Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) stumbling upon Rex’s body at the garage.

Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) was soon on the scene to investigate and he was forced to break the news to Rex’s husband Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson), who raced to the garage to find Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), who confirmed that the body in question was Rex’s.

Jonny Labey has now spoken out in the wake of the scenes dropping on Channel 4 streaming, confirming the end of the road for his village alter-ego.

‘Hello Hollyoaks fans, if you’re watching this you’re probably six weeks ahead, it’s no longer 33 degrees and you’ve just found out that Rex has unfortunately died.’

The actor recounted many a memorable moment on the show, recalling Rex’s dancing sequence, plus sharing the screen with Grace Black star Tamara Wall for the powerful scenes in which Grace revealed she was Rex’s mum.

Jonny also branded co-star Kieron Richardson a ‘true legend’ as he recalled all of the scenes Rex shared with Ste, before delivering a final goodbye message for the fans of the show.

‘Thank you for watching’, he said. ‘Thank you for loving Rex as much as you have. Thank you for all your comments and all your support.

‘And for all of your rooting for him because he started off as a bit of… he had some questionable things about him! So thank you for seeing this beautifully complex, troubled but all in all loveable character that I’m going to miss so, so, so much!’.

Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.

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In January 2026, he announced that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and would be beginning treatment soon.

Today( July 20), Kevin’s family announced that he had passed away in a touching statement.

The family’s statement read, “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

“The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.

“This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Kevin Keegan with Alex Ferguson. (Image: PA)

Kevin Keegan dead aged 75

Known affectionately as “King Kev” and “Mighty Mouse”, Keegan was renowned for his tireless running, fearless attacking play, dribbling ability, finishing and aerial prowess.

A charismatic figure on and off the pitch, he was widely regarded as one of England’s greatest footballers and became a hero to generations of supporters.

Born on 14 February 1951 in Armthorpe, near Doncaster, Keegan grew up in a football-loving family and developed his skills playing in local parks before beginning his professional career with Scunthorpe United in 1968.

His performances quickly attracted attention, and in 1971 he was signed by Liverpool manager Bill Shankly.

At Liverpool, Keegan became a central figure in one of the club’s most successful eras. Playing alongside John Toshack, he helped the team win three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup and, in his final season, the club’s first European Cup in 1977.

He scored 100 goals in 323 appearances for Liverpool before moving abroad in a then-record British transfer to Hamburger SV.

Keegan’s time in Germany cemented his reputation as a global star. He won the Ballon d’Or award in 1978 and 1979, becoming one of the first English players to achieve such international recognition.

He also helped Hamburg win the Bundesliga title in the 1978–79 season and reached the European Cup final in 1980.

Returning to England, Keegan joined Southampton in 1980, where he enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career. In 1982 he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year after scoring 30 goals in all competitions.

Very sad news to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan. I met him a few times when I was at Spurs R.I.P

— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) July 20, 2026

Later that year he moved to Newcastle United, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for the club he had supported through his family’s influence.

Keegan became an icon at Newcastle, where his passion and connection with supporters made him one of the most loved players in the club’s history.

He scored 48 goals in 78 appearances and helped Newcastle earn promotion to the First Division before retiring from playing in 1984.

His international career saw him win 63 England caps and score 21 goals. He captained his country 31 times, including at the 1980 European Championship and the 1982 World Cup, and was recognised as one of England’s leading players during the 1970s and early 1980s.

After retiring as a player, Keegan turned to management, with his first managerial role coming at Newcastle United in 1992, where he transformed the club’s fortunes.

He guided Newcastle to promotion as First Division champions in 1993 and built a thrilling attacking side that finished runners-up in the Premier League in the 1995–96 season.

Keegan later managed Fulham, leading them to promotion, before becoming England manager in 1999. He guided the national team to qualification for Euro 2000 but resigned in 2000 following defeat to Germany in a World Cup qualifier.

In 2001, Keegan took charge of Manchester City and immediately led them back to the Premier League as First Division champions. He later guided the club into European competition before leaving the role in 2005.

Truly heartbroken to post this on behalf of the Keegan family…

It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his…

— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) July 20, 2026

He returned for a second spell as Newcastle manager in 2008, though the appointment lasted only eight months before he resigned following disagreements with the club’s ownership and transfer policy.

A subsequent Premier League arbitration panel ruled in Keegan’s favour in a dispute over his departure.

Beyond football, Keegan became a popular television personality, appearing as a pundit and in documentaries, while his distinctive style and personality made him one of the most recognisable sporting figures of his generation.

Away from the game, Keegan was married to Jean Woodhouse, whom he met in 1970, and the couple had two daughters. He was also remembered for his famous 1970s hairstyle, his warm relationship with supporters and his infectious enthusiasm for football.

By OLLIE LEWIS, DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 15:24 BST, 20 July 2026 | Updated: 15:31 BST, 20 July 2026

Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after a short battle with illness.

The England and Newcastle legend was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January, having been admitted to hospital with abdominal problems.  

Keegan made his name at Liverpool in a glittering playing career. He won 63 England caps and also managed Fulham and Manchester City.

He guided Newcastle to the Premier League during the first of two stints at St James’ Park and came close to lifting the title, only to be pipped by Manchester United.

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In a statement, his family said: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

‘Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.

‘This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.’

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After starting his career at Scunthorpe, Keegan headed to Anfield where he won the First Division three times, the European Cup once and the UEFA Cup twice.

He enjoyed a stint in Germany with Hamburg before spells at Southampton and Newcastle.

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In 1999 Keegan succeeded Glenn Hoddle as England boss but resigned in 2000 following a disappointing European Championship and a loss to Germany in the final match at the old Wembley.

He would go on to oversee promotions to the top flight for both Fulham and City.

Steve Furnell and Karen Oxley have been waking up the region for more than 20 years, previously on Galaxy, then Metroradio and TFM before it was renamed Hits Radio.

The pair built up a loyal following with their breakfast show before it was axed as part of a wider shake-up of regional programming last year, and they moved to Hits Radio 90s.

From Monday (July 20) the duo are simultaneously hosting breakfast on both Hits Radio 90s and Hits Radio 00s.

It means listeners on both stations can enjoy the Geordie duo’s show, but choose which decade of music they prefer.

Hits Radio Content Director, Paul Gerrard, said: “Steve and Karen are brilliant broadcasters with an incredible connection with audiences.

“It’s the best of both worlds – fantastic presenters and the right soundtrack for each audience.”

Joel Ross previously presented the Hits Radio 00s breakfast show.

The armed man who had tights and a helmet over his face is now behind bars.

Simon Brooks, 32, of Toronto Street, Bolton, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to four years in jail, after previously pleading guilty to the offence of robbery.

Brooks entered the shop with a motorcycle helmet to cover his face (Image: GMP)

The robbery took place on November 26 at 5.44am when Brooks entered a convenience store on Bury Road in the Breightmet.

He was wearing a motorcycle helmet and tights over his head in an attempt to conceal his identity.

During the incident, Brooks produced a knife and pointed it at the shopworker, demanding that they open the till.

When the worker initially refused, Brooks lunged toward them and waved the knife, before taking cash from the till and fleeing the scene.

Despite his attempts to hide his identity, Brooks was quickly identified by officers from the North Bolton Neighbourhood Team.

Brooks then brandished a knife to intimidate the shop owner (Image: GMP)

He was arrested within two hours of the offence.

A search of his property led to the recovery of the clothing worn during the robbery.

Brooks was also captured on CCTV discarding the tights he had worn on his head.

The knife used in the robbery was also recovered as part of the investigation.

He was later interviewed and charged with the robbery offences.

In addition to his prison sentence, Brooks was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Sergeant Rebecca Strong, from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton Neighbourhood Team, said:

“This will have undoubtedly been a terrifying experience for the worker who was the victim of this robbery, and I am glad that officers acted quickly and decisively to get Brooks arrested.

“His actions were utterly disgusting and I am glad that this incident didn’t result in more serious consequences.

“Knife crime has no place on the streets of Bolton – or Greater Manchester – and I am glad Brooks is now behind bars with time to think about his crime.”

Brooks then took money from the register (Image: GMP)

Greater Manchester Police said the force remains committed to reducing robbery.

Officers continue to gather intelligence and pursue all lines of enquiry to secure arrests and charges.

Police data shows that robbery is down 16.7 per cent compared to the previous year, equating to more than 600 fewer offences.

Knife crime in the region has also fallen by around 28 per cent.

The official Avengers: Doomsday trailer has dropped – and boy are we in for a hell of a ride.

The movie, which is coming out in December this year, is being touted as the biggest superhero team-up blockbuster since Infinity War and Doomsday.

Not only will it see several of the biggest Marvel Cinematic Universe characters coming together – including the Fantastic Four, Shuri’s Black Panther, and the Thunderbolts – but it will also see OG Avengers Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr reunite.

Some Marvel fans claim that the MCU has gone downhill since Endgame, and refuse to jump back on board. Others believe this new two-and-a-half minute trailer has parts that look like ‘AI slop’. Some say that there’ll just never be as hyped about Marvel films as they were seven years ago when Endgame came out.

And yet, within half an hour, the Doomsday trailer has already banked a million views on YouTube. Make of that what you will, naysayers.

As someone who’s remained a staunch Marvel fan my entire life, and has had faith that Doomsday will bring the goods, the trailer sent chills running up and down my spine.

We have the X-Men, officially in the MCU, including a tormented Professor X (SIr Patrick Stewart), a long-haired Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen), and Mystique (Rebecca Romijin), boasting a brand new look.

Robert has returned, but not as a resurrected Tony Stark – this time, he’s here as the dreaded Doctor Doom, the longtime foe of the Fantastic Four. Whether this means that this Doctor Doom hails from a parallel universe remains to be seen.

Even in this short snippet, Doctor Doom’s power seems unprecedented. He’s able to stop Thor’s hammer mid-flight with just two fingers, seemingly with even more ease than Hela (Cate Blanchett) was able to in Thor: Ragnarok, when she caught the weapon in the palm of her hand before exploding it to smithereens.

But another aspect of Robert’s performance has fans wagging their tongues – the actor’s peculiar accent.

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‘That Victor Von Doom accent from Robert Downey Jr. is driving me insane. What an unbelievable actor, man 🔥,’ ZeMo wrote on X.

‘I will say, I genuinely like Robert Downey Jr’s accent for Doctor Doom,’ ConnorBehrens remarked, while SalenmaganStark said: ‘The accent btw 🙌 Robert ate this 🔥.’

One fan called Shadowthehooded admitted that they initially couldn’t even tell that it was Robert speaking.

However, we’re still yet to see his face underneath Doctor Doom’s metal mask, which he wears in the comics to conceal his severely scarred face.

The trailer boasts several jaw-dropping moments, including Channing Tatum’s Gambit going up against Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, not to mention Thor’s long-awaited reunion with Steve Rogers.

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After Thor says that they need a ‘miracle’ to battle their new nemesis, a voice gently says to him: ‘Hey pal.’

‘It’s not possible,’ Thor responds, before holding his hammer, Mjolnir.

As fans will remember (as who could possibly forget?), in Avengers: Endgame in the fight against Thanos, Captain America was able to summon and wield Mjolnir, which only those who are ‘worthy’ are able to do.

In the Doomsday trailer, Steve catches it once again – seemingly proving that he is very much real and his true self. And the trailer ends there, with Cap’s mysterious return.

Is he the real Steve Rogers? Is he from a parallel universe… or could he an evil version of the character we all adore? There are only four months left until we find out.

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MORE: Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls open beta start time and character roster

MORE: Christopher Nolan’s most underrated movie is much better than Inception

MORE: Matt Damon shares one ‘non-negotiable’ rule he and his wife have never broken

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The new rules mean that more people could be refused credit though Buy Now, Pay Later.

Everything you need to know:

• New rules from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are now in effect to protect millions of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) users. These regulations aim to reduce the risk of shoppers accumulating unmanageable debt.
• The entire BNPL sector is officially under FCA regulation as of today. Firms offering these agreements now have a six-month window to apply for full authorisation from the regulator.
• Providers must now conduct proportionate credit and affordability checks before approving every single purchase. This means some shoppers might be denied credit if lenders fear they cannot afford the repayments.
• Customers will receive clear, upfront information regarding their payment schedules and the consequences of missed instalments. While usually interest-free, missed payments can still incur late fees and negatively impact credit scores.
• Lenders are now required to offer greater support to individuals who find themselves facing financial difficulty. This mandatory assistance includes directing struggling borrowers toward free, independent debt advice services.
• Shoppers who feel they have been treated unfairly can now escalate their complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service. However, this new avenue for dispute resolution only applies to agreements made from today onward, not past purchases.
• Consumers will also newly benefit from Section 75 protection for purchases ranging between £100 and £30,000. This legally makes the BNPL lender jointly responsible with the retailer if an item is faulty or never arrives.
• Major providers like Klarna and Clearpay have publicly welcomed these stricter operating standards. Both the firms and the FCA agree that this framework will protect vulnerable consumers while allowing the credit sector to grow safely.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The comments come amid criticism of senior Labour figure Ed Miliband, with briefings including warnings he would be a “threat to Britain” in No 11.

Mr Burnham said: “They haven’t come from my team and I’m appalled at those briefings.

“I’m appalled at any colleague being on the receiving end of an anonymous briefing.

“And coming back to Westminster I kind of see that having gone to another level and it really does demean our politics.

“For me, that is what I’m coming in to change – to get some respect back, some teamwork going.”

He called for a “wider cultural change” in politics, where criticism of colleagues is replaced with cooperation and accountability.

He told broadcasters: “I’m talking about a different type of politics.

“You know what I feel very strongly?

“I don’t believe politicians get the right to stand on someone’s doorstep and point fingers at everyone else when all politics has not been working for people.

“All parties have failed in one way or another.

“You don’t get the right to point fingers when you’ve not been good enough yourselves and that’s what I’m coming in, with that honesty, and myself included, my generation of politicians hasn’t been good enough.”

He said: “Things have been in flux for a long time now.

“We all have to be better and that’s my message.

“We have to change the way we do politics, turn the country around.

“Now, nobody can be happy with the fact that we’re seeing all of this turbulence and I’m conscious that I’m the sixth person to walk up Downing Street in the last decade, that isn’t good enough. We need to be better. We will be better.”