The boss of hotel chain Travelodge, Jo Boydell, is stepping down as the group addresses safety issues after a sexual assault at one of its hotels.

A woman staying at a hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire was sexually assaulted in December 2022 after a man lied to staff to get a key card to her room, triggering an independent review of security measures at the hotel giant.

Kyran Smith was jailed for seven years and six months for the attack.

Boydell had been criticised for the company’s handling of safety issues. In March, the then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote to Boydell urging her to “seriously engage” with the government over security at Travelodge hotels.

Boydell, who had worked at the group for 13 years, stood down on 17 August and has been replaced on an interim basis by the company’s chief financial officer Ray Reidy.

In a statement, Reidy said: “We remain focused on the safety and well-being of our guests and will continue taking the actions necessary to strengthen the business.

“We will also continue to engage proactively and constructively with government and the wider hospitality industry on the issue of safety and security.”

Following the court case against Smith, the BBC was contacted by many people over concerns about security failures at the hotel.

Earlier this month, a domestic violence victim told the BBC how she was attacked in her hotel room after Travelodge reception staff gave a key to her abuser.

The woman said she was “failed” by the chain and described it as one of the “most traumatic nights of my life” after the man kicked the door off its hinges.

In another incident, a couple in Scotland woke to find a shirtless man in their hotel bedroom after he was mistakenly given a key card to their door.

In yet another case in April, a group of hotel guests said they were given keys to other people’s rooms twice in one week at a Travelodge branch in Newham, east London.

John Nowell, who was part of a corporate group staying at the hotel, told the BBC that his key card allowed him into a room where the occupant was in the middle of a shower.

An independent review into security at the hotel chain is under way and is being led by barrister Paul Greaney KC.

Travelodge said when the review was concluded it would “engage constructively, as we have done throughout this process”.

It added: “Our commitment to guest safety does not change with this announcement — it remains our absolute priority.”

In its statement released on Thursday, Travelodge also outlined several measures it was taking to address security issues.

Any additional or replacement room keys now require explicit permission from the guest staying in the room, the firm said.

It also has also carried out checks across all of its UK rooms to confirm that all key-card doors have a secondary deadbolt.

Prof Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, told the BBC’s Today Programme it was an exciting development.

“Most of the cancer immune treatments we have been using up til now have been about cutting the immune system loose and hoping that it recognises the cancer. This [new treatment] is a way to direct it very specifically.

“It feels like it’s a very important advance for us.” He said the NHS was preparing to bring this type of treatment to patients.

Merck and Moderna are calling this a personalised vaccine, meaning it works by targeting an individual patient’s tumour.

In order to create this new jab, scientists used mRNA technology – which was used for some Covid-19 vaccines – to target specific mutations within the cancer cells by surgically removing a small part of a patient’s tumour and then sequencing its DNA.

The result is a personalised anti-cancer jab which is specific to the patient’s tumour and instructs the immune system to recognise and attack any tumour cells that remain.

The two companies are testing other similar personalised vaccines for lung, bladder and kidney cancers.

Stephane Bancel, chief executive of Moderna, said the findings represent a “pivotal moment” in the field of cancer research.

Shares in both Moderna and Merck have surged since the announcement, external.

Cancer experts have also hailed the news as positive, but are keen to stress the findings are still early.

Dr Talisia Quallo, head of prevention and early detection at Cancer Research UK, said the research “shows promise” but said that the interim data still needs to be fully reviewed.

“It’s vital that research like this continues to be funded so that more people with cancer can have personalised treatment options to help them live longer, better lives”, she added.

Dr Lennard Lee, a consultant medical oncologist, and associate professor at the University of Oxford, said: “This is certainly good news for patients with melanoma, but the study has much wider implications. It provides proof of principle that personalised cancer vaccines work.”

More detailed findings from the study will be presented at a medical conference in October.

Harry and Meghan are set to return to the UK later this month

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to relocate back to Britain in a surprising turn of events more than six years after moving to America.

Harry and Megan will return to the UK later this month – making their new home in a non-royal property outside London – and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet at British schools. It is understood there will be no change to the couple’s position and standing as private citizens and non-working royals.

The King, who continues to undergo cancer treatment, was made aware of the move on Sunday, just three days before the public announcement. But it is understood King Charles welcomes the chance to spend more time with the family in both a private and personal capacity.

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William has become estranged from his younger brother following Harry’s series of allegations against the prince, Kate, the King and Queen Camilla in the years following the Megxit crisis of 2020. The Prince of Wales is likely to be ‘apoplectic’ at the announcement, a royal expert has said.

But what do you think – are you happy to hear the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are returning to the UK with their children? Let us know in our poll.

You can resit any GCSE exam the following academic year.

In England, students need maths and English GCSEs at grade 4 or above to qualify for further study – although you can prepare for resits alongside your new subjects.

The next set of resits for English and maths are expected to take place in November 2026.

If you want to explore resitting a subject, you should speak to your school or college about the best course of action.

Two massive sold-out shows happening this week!

Belfast Vital is back with two massive sold-out shows.

Tens of thousands of fans are expected to travel to Boucher Road Playing Fields in South Belfast this week for the annual music festival.

We’ve put together this handy guide – including how to get there, gate times and more – to save you from having to stress about all the finer details of planning your night out.]Here is what you need to know ahead of Belfast Vital 2025

Here is what you need to know ahead of Belfast Vital 2026:

Who is performing at Belfast Vital?

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This year, two massive concerts are set to take over Boucher Road Playing Fields.

They are:

• Lewis Capaldi – August 20
• Calvin Harris – August 22

Both of the gigs are sold out.

What are the gate times for Belfast Vital?

Lewis Capaldi – August 20:

Gates: 5pm

Show starts: 8pm

Calvin Harris – August 22:

Gates: 4pm

Show starts: 5pm

Last entry for both shows is 9:30pm. Timings are subject to change.

Stage times for either of the two gigs have not yet been announced but keep an eye out on Belfast Vital’s social media pages for any further updates.

Who are Lewis Capaldi and Calvin Harris’ support acts for Belfast shows?

Lewis Capaldi will be supported by:

Calvin Harris will be supported by:

• Jazzy
• Robbie Doherty
• Tyson O’Brien

How do I get to the Boucher Road Playing Fields for Belfast Vital?

If you are attending either of the two shows, organisers are asking concert-goers to plan their journeys in advance.

Boucher Road is really accessible via public transport and those attending are asked to make use of this facility as there is no parking available in the vicinity of the venue.

Fans are advised to park in the City Centre and either walk to the concert or avail of the Translink Metro and rail Services.

Promoters MCD have said to allow yourself at least an additional 3 hours travel time to and from the venue.

BY RAIL: Pre-booking is recommended. For train schedules and more information visit Translink. Note: Adelaide Halt will not be available on the days of the Vital Concerts.

BY BUS: Must be booked online in advance. For more information visit Bus Special on the Translink website.

BY CAR: No parking at venue – use city centre car parks and public transport. Partial road closures in place on Boucher Road and Stockman’s Lane.

Customers should plan to be within the venue 30 mins before the show starts.

Belfast Vital age restrictions:

A strict age policy will be in place. The promoter reserves the right to refuse admission without refund to anyone who fails to comply.

• Lewis Capaldi: Recommended over 16’s. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult 25+ at all times.
• Calvin Harris: Strictly over 17’s only. Valid physical ID required (photocopies not accepted).

Need to know information from the promoters:

• Please allow ample time when exiting the arena.
• Lewis Capaldi Only: Under 17s and parents with children should wait 15 mins after the concert before starting to exit. Merchandise, refreshments and food outlets will remain open.
• Strict age restrictions. Check ticket T&C’s.
• For health and safety, camping chairs or collapsible chairs are not allowed. Security will have to refuse you entry with them.
• This event will take place rain, hail or shine. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the weather – think wellies, boots or runners, layers, raincoats/ponchos and suncream but remember no umbrellas.
• Show your ticket at the ticket check outside the venue for inspection.
• Strict security checks will be in operation. Everyone will be subject to a search permissible under law, per Purchase Policy. It is a condition to entry, to protect everyone’s safety. Additional searches may take place once inside the venue.
• Patrons are especially advised not to bring large bags/backpacks bigger than A4 as they may experience delays or be refused entry. There will be no storage facilities on site. Any items left at entrances/in surrounding areas will be removed and disposed of accordingly.
• Bags larger than A4, signs/flags bigger than A3, flag poles, glass or cans, umbrellas, alcohol, e-scooters/e-bikes, disposable vapes, flares, professional cameras and audio recording equipment will not be permitted. See the full list of prohibited items on Prohibited Items | MCD.ie.
• Soft collapsible water skins permitted in all areas. No hard plastic, metal or glass reusables permitted.
• Obey the stewards and PSNI, and any advice and instructions given over the public address for your own safety.
• There are no re-admissions to the concert. If you leave, there is no re-entry.
• The Promoter reserves the right to refuse admission without refund to anyone who fails to comply with these T&Cs, as agreed by customer and per Ticketmaster Purchase Policy.
• Don’t rush to the exits after the concerts.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

The reclusive puzzle-setter was thrown into the world of policing in the first season after his identical twin brother James, a detective chief inspector, vanished without explanation.

The second series finds John working officially as a Crime Scene Consultant for the Cambridge Police Authority, teaming up with DCI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola) on seemingly “impossible” crimes.

No longer masquerading as James, he is “more Ludwig than ever”, brilliant at puzzles but hopeless at almost everything else.

The fate of his brother, though, still eludes him, the BBC’s official synopsis shares.

Returning alongside Mitchell and Ola are Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy Betts-Taylor, Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw, Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler, Karl Pilkington as DI Matt Neville and Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor.

Meanwhile, fresh faces include Mark Bonnar as newspaper editor Gareth Fisher and Sian Clifford as local MP Joanne Kemper.

Discussing where we find Ludwig at the start of the second season, Mitchell shared: “At the start of this series, he’s discovered all this evidence and potential clues to the terrible thing that’s been going on that made his brother disappear.

“But it’s boxes and boxes.

“He’s quite happily pottering his way through them, trying to work out which of the conspiracy theories are absolute nonsense and which of them might have a kernel of truth.

“It’s like a big jumbo crossword that you can luxuriate over for a whole Sunday afternoon but, in this case, a Sunday afternoon might turn into months.”

Ahead of the second series airing, the BBC commissioned Ludwig for a third.

Mitchell said: “I am delighted that Ludwig will be returning to solve more of Mark Brotherhood’s brilliant mysteries.

“I can’t wait to get started and have renewed the subscription on my denouement-learning app.”

Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning, said: “Ludwig is exactly the kind of smart, distinctive, audience-pleasing show we love at BBC Comedy.

“Sharp writing, a compelling story, big laughs and, naturally, a generous helping of puzzles.

“The team at Big Talk have crafted something truly distinctive and much-loved, and we’re excited to see what mysteries Ludwig tackles next.”

Ludwig series 2 full cast list

• David Mitchell as John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor
• Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy Betts-Taylor
• Dipo Ola as DCI Russell Carter
• Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler
• Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw
• Ben Ashenden as DC Ethan Cole
• Rumi Sutton as DCI Caitlin Sullivan
• Michael Wildman as DCC Clint Radley
• Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor
• Karl Pilkington as DI Matt Neville
• Mark Bonnar as Gareth Fisher
• Sian Clifford as Joanne Kemper

• Rebecca Front as Patricia Lowery
• Doon Mackichan as Portia Lowery
• Gillian Royale as Lilibeth Lowery
• Josh Bolt as Adam Newsum
• Bairavi Manoharan as Hannah Foster
• Daniel Lawrence Taylor as Aiden Mooney
• Gary Beadle as Phillip Mooney
• Rory Douglas-Speed as Tristan Price
• Michelle Greenidge as Jackie Mooney
• Tsion Habte as Sienna Mooney
• Lloyd Bowen as Owen Doyle
• Stephen Merchant as Danny Sloane

Recommended reading:

When will Ludwig series 2 be on TV?

Ludwig’s second series will begin at 9pm on BBC One on Thursday, July 20.

After that, the remaining five episodes will air weekly in the same timeslot.

Alternatively, the first three episodes will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer after the premiere airs.

The final three episodes will then follow in September.

Will you be watching season two of Ludwig? Let us know in the comments.

“Children benefited from warm, nurturing relationships and meaningful experiences that supported their wellbeing, confidence and development.”

A council-run nursery in Ayr has received a near flawless report from the Care Inspectorate.

Wallacetown Early Years Centre, on Queen Street, was graded ‘excellent’ across one quality indicator and ‘very good’ across two others.

To achieve an ‘excellent’ grading from the care scrutiny body- the highest grade possible- is rare.

‘Very good’ gradings- the second highest grade possible, is also difficult to achieve during an unannounced spot check.

But inspectors declared that the service displayed “sector-leading practice” in nurturing care and support that enabled all children to “reach their full potential.”

The unannounced inspection took place in July with the findings now published.

Among the other key messages the Care Inspectorate said the service promoted an ethos of “love, respect and inclusion.”

And “well-resourced,” stimulating indoor and outdoor environments promoted “curiosity, independence and creativity.”

In addition, staff knew children and families “very well” and provided the support and care they required in a “kind and nurturing way.”

The positives continued; children were supported and nurtured through their daily experiences, leading to “high-quality outcomes.”

And quality assurance and improvement processes were “inclusive of staff, children and families.”

Wallacetown Early Years Centre provides a daycare of children service to a maximum of 170 children at any one time.

An extract from the report said there were “major strengths” to the service.

The report continues: “The service’s vision, values and aims had recently been reviewed and clearly set out their vision of providing continuous improvement, in a supportive aspirational nurturing way to offer inclusive early learning of the highest standard. These, alongside the curriculum rationale, were shared with families through a variety of information booklets and play and stay sessions, which outlined the service’s approach to learning, wellbeing and development. Children benefited from warm, nurturing relationships and meaningful experiences that supported their wellbeing, confidence and development.”

The report also noted the “strong culture” of teamwork and “shared responsibility” across the service, with staff and leaders “working collaboratively” to support improvement.

And staff were “open, reflective and fully engaged” throughout the inspection process, demonstrating a “clear understanding” of the service’s improvement journey.

The report goes on: “The newly appointed management team had a clear understanding of the strengths of the service as well as areas for further development. They had used self-evaluation well to identify priorities and take action. Improvement planning was meaningful and linked closely to the vision and aims of the service. Leaders could evidence progress regarding improving lunchtime experiences for children and provide examples of how developments had influenced practice. Children’s voices were recognised and valued, helping to shape this improved experience and contribute to service development.”

Leadership was graded ‘very good’ in the report and in the quality indicator relating to children’s play and learning, this too was graded ‘very good.’

In the quality indicator relating to supporting children to achieve, the service was graded ‘excellent.’

The report adds: “Aspects of (the service’s) performance were outstanding and sector leading. Strong, trusting relationships with families were a cornerstone of the nursery’s approach. Staff actively encouraged family engagement throughout the year, holding regular meetings to discuss children’s personal plans, learning, and development.”

By ANGHARAD CARRICK, BUSINESS NEWS EDITOR

Updated: 08:07 BST, 20 August 2026

The boss of Travelodge has abruptly quit as the chain continues to overhaul its safety procedures following a sexual assault at one of its hotels.

Travelodge said Joanna Boydell, who had been chief executive for just over four years, stepped down and will be replaced by finance boss Ray Reidy on an interim basis.

The budget hotel chain has faced criticism over security failures, following the sexual assault of a woman by a man who was given a key card by Travelodge staff.

Kyran Smith, who was jailed for seven-and-a-half years for the assault, attacked a woman in December 2022 at the Maidenhead branch of Travelodge. He lied to staff, telling them that he was the victim’s boyfriend.  

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Boydell was asked to meet MPs and peers to discuss the case, including Travelodge’s security procedures that led to it offering the victim a £30 refund after the incident.

It apologised for the offer, which it said was inappropriate under the circumstances, and opened a review into its security processes.  

Boydell faced criticism for cancelling a meeting with MPs, with Sir Keir Starmer calling on Boydell to ‘seriously engage’ with the government. Reporting of the case led to other people coming forward to report security concerns at Travelodge hotels.

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Jo Boydell joined Travelodge as chief financial officer in 2013 before stepping up as chief executive in 2022

The hotel chain ordered an independent review and, among other measures, now requires explicit permission from guests for any additional or replacement room keys.

It said it had also launched a partnership with a Violence Against Women and Girls expert.

Boydell joined Travelodge as chief financial officer in 2013 before stepping up to lead the hotel chain in May 2022.

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Reidy today said: ‘We remain focused on the safety and well-being of our guests and will continue taking the actions necessary to strengthen the business. We will also continue to engage proactively and constructively with Government and the wider hospitality industry on the issue of safety and security.’

Travelodge chair Stephen Shurrock added: ‘We are delighted that Ray Reidy has agreed to serve as Interim CEO.

‘This announcement does not change anything about our focus on safety and security. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Jo for her dedication to Travelodge over the last 13 years.’

Boydell’s departure comes as Travelodge reported a jump in revenue from £471.3million to £491.3million in the first half of the year.

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It said it had benefited from a strong summer of events, including Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium, and the London Marathon which delivered a ‘record revenue night for London’.

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