Marathon time is here once again and for those who will be in the area this weekend, it’s important to know what roads will be closing and when.

This Sunday, 3rd May the Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon and Team Relay will set off from the Stormont Estate (via Prince of Wales Avenue) at 9am onto a course which will cross all areas of the city before finishing in Ormeau Park.

A significant number of spectators are expected to line the route.

In line with legislation, the marathon organisers have applied for a road closure order and road users should expect some disruption throughout the duration of the race.

READ MORE: Belfast City Marathon 2026 road closures, route, transport, results, Expo details and more ahead of race dayREAD MORE: Belfast City Marathon Results 2026: Official finish times

Road users are asked to adhere to road closure notices and make use of the diversionary routes.

Roads will start to close wholly or partially from around 6am and will fully reopen by 4.30pm.

Motorists are asked to check their routes before travelling and allow plenty of time for journeys across the city throughout the day.

• Massey Avenue: Belmont Road to Stormont Estate, 06.00-10.30, Full closure
• Upper N’Ards Road: Comber Road Junction to Beersbridge Road, 06.00-10.30, Full closure
• Beersbridge Road: Upper Newtownards Road to Castlereagh Road, 08.30-11.00, Full closure
• Clara Street: All, 08.30-11.00, Full closure
• Castlereagh Road: Outer Ring to Beersbridge Road, 08.30-11.00, Full closure
• Montgomery Road: All, 08.30-11.00, Full closure
• Cregagh Road: Greenway to Cregagh Road Roundabout, 08.30-11.30, Full closure
• Woodstock Road: Ravenhill Avenue to Albertbridge Road, 08.30-11.30, Full closure
• Albertbridge Road: Woodstock Road to East Bridge Street, 08.30-11.30, Lane closure citybound
• Ravenhill Road: Albertbridge Road to Ormeau Embankment, 07.00-11.30, Full closure
• Ravenhill Road: Rosetta Roundabout to Ormeau Embankment, 09.00-16.30, Lane closure citybound
• Ormeau Embankment: All, 06.00-16.30, Full closure
• Ormeau Road: Rosetta Roundabout to Ormeau Avenue, 08.30-16.30, Lane closure countrybound
• Ormeau Road: Ormeau Avenue to East Bridge Street, 08.30-11.30, Full closure
• Cromac Street: All, 08.30-11.30, Lane closure
• Victoria Street: May Street to Chichester Street, 08.30-11.30, Lane closure
• Chichester Street: All, 09.00-11.30, Full closure
• Donegall Place: All, 09.00-11.30, Full closure
• Wellington Place: All, 09.00-11.30, Full closure
• May Street: Cromac Street to Donegall Sq South, 08.30-12.30, Full closure
• Donegall Sq South: All, 08.30-12.30, Full closure
• Howard Street: All, 08.30-12.30, Full closure
• Donegall Sq North: All, 08.30-12.30, Full closure
• Donegall Sq West: All, 08.30-12.30, Full closure
• Great Victoria Street: Fisherwick Place to Bruce Street, 08.30-12.30, Lane closure countrybound
• Great Victoria Street: Bruce Street to Donegall Road, 08.30-12.30, Full closure
• Donegall Road: All, 09.00-12.00, Full closure
• Donegall Road: Entrance to City Hospital, 09.00-12.00, Full closure
• Glenmachan Street: All, 08.30-12.30, Full closure
• Boucher Road: Tates Avenue to Stockmans Lane, 08.00-13.30, Full closure
• Lislea Drive: All, 08.30-13.30, Full closure
• Lisburn Road: Lislea Drive to Kings Hall, 09.30-13.30, Lane closure citybound
• Lisburn Road: Flyover, 09.30-13.30, Full closure
• Upper Lisburn Road: Kings Hall to Finaghy Road North, 09.30-13.30, Lane closure citybound
• Finaghy Road North: Upper Lisburn Road to Finaghy Park Central, 09.30-13.30, Full closure
• Finaghy Road North: Finaghy Park Central to Andersonstown Road, 09.30-13.30, Lane closure countrybound
• Andersonstown Road: Finaghy Road North to Falls Road, 09.30-14.00, Lane closure countrybound
• Falls Road: Andersonstown Park to Glen Road, 09.30-14.00, Lane closure countrybound
• Falls Road: Glen Road to Broadway, 09.30-14.00, Full closure
• Falls Road: Broadway to North Howard Street, 09.30-14.00, Lane closure citybound
• North Howard Street: North Howard Street to Cupar Way, 07:00-14:15, Full closure
• Cupar Way: All, 07:00-14:15, Full closure
• North Howard Link: All, 07:00-14:15, Full closure
• Lanark Way: All, 09:30-14:15, Lane Closure citybound
• Shankill Road: Millfield to Ballygomartin Road, 09:30-14:15, Full closure
• Tennent Street: All, 09.30-14:30, Full closure
• Crumlin Road: Twadell Avenue to Agnes Street, 09.30-14:30, Full closure (access to Mater hospital maintained)
• Oldpark Road: Crumlin Road to Cliftonville Road, 09.30-14:30, Lane closure Northbound + Southbound at Cliftonville Road Roundabout
• Cliftonville Road: Oldpark Road to Linden Gardens, 09.30-14:30, Full closure
• Antrim Road: Cavehill Road to Duncairn Gardens, 09.30-14:45, Full closure
• Duncairn Gardens: All, 09.30-14:45, Full closure
• North Queen Street: Brougham Street to Carrick Hill, 09.30-14:45, Full closure
• Frederick Street: All, 09.30-14:45, Lane closure citybound
• Great Patrick Street: Great Patrick Street to Dunbar Link, 09.30-14:45, Lane closure citybound
• Dunbar Link: All, 09.30-14:45, Lane closure citybound
• Waring Street: All, 09.30-14:45, Full closure
• Albert Square: All, 09.30-14:45, Lane closure from Tomb Street
• Victoria Street: High Street to Waring Street, 09.30-14:45, Lane closure
• Donegall Quay: All, 09.30-15.15, Full closure
• Bridge End: Queens Quay to Queens Bridge, 09.30-15.15, Full closure
• Queens Bridge: All, 09.30-15.15, Full closure
• Oxford Street: All, 09.30-15.15, Full closure
• Lanyon Place: All, 09.30-15.45, Full closure
• Mays Meadow: All, 09.30-15.45, Full closure
• Sunnyside Street: All, 06.30-11.15, Full closure (Local Access maintained)
• Ravenhill Road: Ravenhill Road to Rosetta Roundabout, 11.30-15.45, Local Access maintained

Official Belfast Marathon finish times and results will be available here as soon as runners cross the finish line.

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

This is because not all vehicles are treated the same on the road, and some may be subject to lower speed limits without the driver realising.

With more Brits opting for road trips and staycations, many drivers are turning to campervans and motorhomes for summer travel.

How your campervan is registered however, could change the speed you are legally allowed to travel at.

7 Common Speed Camera Myths

If a campervan is still classified as a commercial vehicle, it may be subject to lower speed limits than a standard car.

This can catch drivers out, especially as limits vary depending on weight, road type and whether a trailer is attached.

The Highway Code sets out clear rules for different vehicle types and failing to follow them could result in fines or penalty points.

Understanding the difference before setting off could help drivers avoid unexpected penalties and keep journeys on track.

Paul Gorry, from Auto-Trail, explained: “Many drivers assume their campervan follows the same speed limits as a car, but that is not always the case, especially if the vehicle is still registered as a commercial van.

“If a campervan is classed as a light goods vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, the national speed limit is typically 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, which is 10mph lower than a car.

“This difference often comes down to how the vehicle is registered rather than how it is being used, which can lead to confusion for owners who have converted a van into a camper.

“Vehicles still classified as vans must follow lower speed limits on certain roads, particularly single carriageways, which can catch drivers out if they assume they are treated the same as a motorhome.

“This misunderstanding can lead to speeding fines, especially for those new to campervan ownership.”

Speed limits for campervans and motorhomes are largely based on weight, with 3.05 tonnes being a key threshold that determines whether car or van limits apply.

For vehicles under 3.05 tonnes, drivers can follow standard car limits, including 60mph on single carriageways and 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

Road signs many drivers don’t know

Once a campervan exceeds that weight, the limits drop to 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, even though motorway speeds can remain at 70mph.

Mr Gorry stressed the importance of checking your vehicle classification with the DVLA before setting off on your journey.

He said: “Before heading off on a trip, drivers should check both the weight of their campervan and how it is registered with the DVLA.

“A campervan that looks like a leisure vehicle may still be legally treated as a commercial van, which changes the speed limits that apply.

“Taking a few minutes to confirm this can help drivers avoid fines and keep their journey running smoothly.”

How do speed cameras work?

Speed cameras work using radar or road markings to monitor a vehicle’s speed and capture evidence of any offence.

While older cameras used film, most modern devices are fully digital and can even track your average speed over many miles.

These digital systems record:

• Vehicle speed
• Time and location of the offence
• Vehicle registration
• Road speed limit

In some cases, they even capture a clear image of the driver and passenger.

What Speed Actually Triggers a Camera?

Contrary to common belief, there’s no universal “10% + 2mph” rule baked into law.

Experts from BigWantsYourCar.com explained: “The idea that you’re safe doing 35mph in a 30 zone is one of the biggest myths we hear.

“Technically, you’re liable for a fine the moment you go even 1mph over the limit.”

While the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) does recommend a “10% plus 2” margin to allow for officer discretion, this is not a legal threshold and can vary depending on the enforcement area or the officer reviewing the case.

RAC advice adds: “The law states that you are liable for a speeding fine as soon as you exceed the limit, so if you’re doing 31mph in a 30 limit or 71mph on a motorway, you’re breaking the law and could receive a fine.

“It is well worth remembering this is totally dependent on the officer who catches the speeder, and it is up to that officer whether to fine the offender or not.

“The best advice is to not speed full stop.”

Common speed camera myths

Here are some other common speed camera myths :

Is it true that speed vans have to be visible at all times?

No. There are no laws about visibility, so nothing is stopping an officer from operating in the dark. But they don’t often choose to do this and maintain that being visible acts as a deterrent in its own right.

Go Safe Casualty Reduction Officer, Gareth Thomas said: “Legally, we don’t have to be visible. I could camouflage myself if I wanted to – but it’s all about being fair, education and preventing an accident. Even if I parked my van and went for a walk somewhere, it would deter people from speeding right away.”

Is it illegal to flash your headlights to alert motorists of a GoSafe speed van?

If drivers choose to flash to warn others about a speed van, they could be in breach of the law. Under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 it is an offence to “wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty”.

However, Gareth says while it is an offence, it is very difficult to prove. He said: “It doesn’t bother me that people flash to warn them of the speed van – I just want to educate people and the van to act as a speed deterrent.”

What happens if I am caught speeding?

It all comes down to the circumstances within which you were caught speeding, and how much you were more than the limit. The minimum penalty for being caught speeding on the UK’s roads is a £100 fine.

But Gareth explained in some circumstances, police can offer the option of attending a speed awareness course – an alternative to a fine and penalty points. Gareth, said: “An accredited course is far more likely to improve driver behaviour and consequently make our roads safer.

“Courses are available to drivers who respond quickly to the ‘notices’ and who were driving at no more than 10 per cent, plus 9 mph above the posted speed limit.”

So for example, anyone travelling over 86mph on a motorway would not be offered the awareness course. Those who don’t have a clean licence at the time of the office, or if you have been on the course in the last three years, it is unlikely you will be offered the awareness course as an option.

All 10 suspects have been questioned

Police have issued a major investigation update after 10 members of a religious group were arrested for a string of serious offences in Cheshire. More than 500 officers were involved in raids in Crewe on Wednesday (April 29) following an investigation into members of a religious group, known as the the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.

Cheshire Police says that in March it was made aware of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023. All offences involved one victim, a woman who was a member of the group at the time.

Seven men and three women were arrested following raids at Webb House and two other properties on Nantwich Road and Badger Avenue. A 35-year-old British man, a 35-year-old Egyptian man, a 39-year-old Swedish woman, a 43-year-old American woman and a 44-year-old Italian woman were all arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences and sexual assault.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

A 42-year-old American man was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences, sexual assault and forced marriage offences, while a 35-year-old Spanish man was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, assault and forced marriage offences. A 30-year-old Mexican man was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, sexual assault and forced marriage offences.

A 42-year-old American man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, while a 44-year-old German man was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences. In an update issued this morning (Friday), Cheshire Police confirmed all 10 suspects had been released on bail pending further enquiries, following police questioning.

Cheshire Police says a number of conditions have been put in place as part of their bail conditions. In addition, officers have applied for Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders against five of the suspects.

According to police, these civil orders will provide additional restrictions that will enable officers to manage the individuals and ensure there is no risk to the public and other members of the group. The orders are all set to be heard at magistrates’ court later today.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank local residents for their support and patience following the warrants, which resulted in some disruption in the local area. I would also like to reiterate that is not an investigation into the religion, our investigation solely focuses on the serious allegations which have been reported to us.

“Following the warrants, we are continuing to work closely our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group. Additional patrols in the local area will remain in place throughout the bank holiday weekend to provide reassure, and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.

“I’d also remind residents that this remains a live investigation which will take some time, and I would ask that people do not speculate while the case remains ongoing.” Separately, Cheshire Police charged 25 people with public order offences which are alleged to have taken place during the raids on Wednesday, with the suspects named and due to appear in court at a later date.

Kenwood’s My Pizzeria is said to bring ‘the heat of a traditional Italian kitchen straight to the countertop’.

Advertisement

Homemade pizzas have been growing in popularity in recent years as foodies ditch takeaways for their own creations. Now Kenwood has entered the market to rival big-name brands with its own model, the new My Pizzeria.

This indoor electric pizza oven undercuts many similar devices at £149 and is said to cook fresh and authentic pizzas in minutes. It’s on sale now exclusively at Currys in a choice of storm blue or black colourways, before rolling out to Argos, Amazon and Kenwood in the coming months.

Kenwood’s gadget launches alongside popular rivals from brands like Ooni, which offers a range of gas-powered ovens such as the flagship Koda 12 Outdoor Pizza Oven (£299), touted as the ‘lightest and easiest’ to use model. Other premium devices include Ninja’s Artisan Electric Outdoor Pizza Oven (£229.99, was £299.99), a four-in-one model that also serves as an air fryer that can bake and proof.

READ MORE:

The compact and lightweight Kenwood My Pizzeria is said to bring ‘the heat of a traditional Italian kitchen straight to the countertop’. It’s designed for the indoor cooking of ‘restaurant-quality’ and fully customisable pizzas, allowing users to swap expensive takeaways for their own culinary creations.

The device can reach temperatures of up to 400°C – double the domestic oven – to ensure a crisp crust and soft centre. It’s quick too, with Kenwood claiming a pizza can be ready to eat in less than four minutes.

Kenwood My Pizzeria

£149

Currys

Buy Now on Currys

Kenwood’s My Pizzeria is on sale exclusively at Currys.

The My Pizzeria uses dual heat technology for even heat distribution both above and below the pizza for the best results, with temperatures controlled using two simple dials. It utilises a traditional stone base and domed interior to create the charred crust and crisp finish of an authentic wood-fired oven, but note it is not designed for outdoor use like some Ooni and Ninja models.

The appliance also boasts a clear viewing window so users can keep an eye on their pizza’s progress without losing heat. As well as pizza, the versatile My Pizzeria can be used to cook garlic bread, toasties, quesadillas and calzones, plus breakfast treats such as pastries or waffles.

Its compact and stylish design means it won’t look out of place on a kitchen worktop and doesn’t take up too much room. It’s also able to store neatly away in a cupboard when not in use, or be taken on the go to show off to friends and family.

Cleaning should be easy, too, thanks to the removable stone base. As a brand-new device, the Kenwood My Pizzeria is yet to receive any customer reviews, but the brand praises it as ‘effortless’ to use and allows budding pizzaiolos to create quick pizzas without complexity.

Announcing the My Pizzeria launch, Jo Chalder, Kenwood Head of Marketing, UK, said: “Pizza has always been about more than food – it’s about bringing people together. With My Pizzeria, we wanted to make that experience effortless at home. It gives you chef-level control over heat, timing and texture, but without the complexity. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting friends and family, it’s about making great pizza, quickly – and making it your own.”

The BBC has confirmed that former Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Scanlon will join Rylan Clark in Vienna as the new BBC Eurovision 2026 commentator for the semi-finals, following the departure of Scott Mills earlier this year

The BBC has announced the presenter who will take over from Scott Mills at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Mills had been a central figure in the UK’s commentary team alongside Rylan Clark, but the broadcaster has now confirmed that former Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Scanlon will be filling the role this year.

She will join Rylan at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna to guide viewers through the competition’s semi-finals. The announcement follows Scott’s dismissal by the BBC earlier this year amid historical allegations concerning his personal behaviour.

Angela said: “It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying!” For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter

She continued: “I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest with my three sisters, making very serious (and wildly biased) scorecards from the couch, so to now be part of it – especially in its 70th year – is genuinely surreal.

“It’s one of those shows that’s always been there, evolving but never losing its magic or madness.

“I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe into the Eurovision world before, so it feels great to be doing it again, just with higher heels and a few more sequins!”

Rylan added: “It’s the 70th Eurovision Song Contest and the biggest show on the planet. Being part of anything this big is something younger me could never have imagined.”

Meanwhile, Scott’s BBC Radio 2 breakfast replacement, Sara Cox, will be covering the competition on the radio. She’ll be commentating on the semi finals, and will be joined by Rylan Clark to cover the grand final.

Advertisement

The competition begins with the opening semi-final on May 12. Each semi-final, presented by Austrian hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, will showcase performances from the pre-qualified ‘Big Four’ nations, alongside various interval acts.

The UK is amongst the Big Four, together with Germany, France and Italy, and therefore has an automatic Grand Final spot.

Throughout both semi-finals, 10 acts will be knocked out of the competition – leaving 25 performers for the Grand Final on May 16.

This year, the UK representative is electronic artist Look Mum No Computer, whose real name is Sam Battle. He will be performing his song Eins, Zwei, Drei at the competition.

You can watch the Eurovision Song Contest live from Vienna on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, May 16 from 8pm.

A bus has flipped on its side after hitting a roadside barrier, leaving three dead and 31 injured in the north-western Turkish province of Balıkesir

A horrific bus crash has killed at least three people and left 31 others injured on a major motorway in Turkey.

The passenger bus lost control before hitting a roadside barrier and coming to rest on its side, according to local reports.

Authorities have confirmed that three people died at the scene after passengers were thrown into panic when the large vehicle tipped over.

The injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals by police and emergency services who arrived at the terrible crash scene.

Authorities have yet to release the cause of the accident, which occured in the Bandırma district on the Bandırma-Çanakkale road, near Külefli neighbourhood.

Police, firefighters and paramedics all rushed to the scene as rescuers worked desperately to help free injured passengers from the wrecked vehicle.

The bodies of the three people who were killed in the collission have been taken to the morgue in Bandirma Training and Research Hospital.

The major highway was temporarily closed to traffic following the accident, it has since been reopened, after workers removed crash debris and the ruined bus from the scene.

Police are investigating the circumstances around the crash.

This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.

One in seven Labour MPs represents constituencies in the capital. The prime minister is a London member of parliament, as is his deputy, David Lammy, as well as the man who wants Starmer’s job, Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The Secretary State for Housing, Steve Reed, completes the quartet of powerful London MPs in the Cabinet. A significant percentage of the party’s activists, and the members who choose the party’s leaders, live in the capital. Losses here will hurt Labour’s core.

This summer is the 60th anniversary of the greatest triumph in English football history.

Advertisement

THE BEATLES sang Yellow Submarine, Batman appeared on our TV screens for the first time, we saw the first satellite images of the Moon’s surface and Harold Wilson announced plans for decimalisation. But 1966 is remembered for one thing – Sir Alf Ramsey’s Wembley aces beating West Germany 4-2. Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick, the Russian linesman and that crossbar goal, Kenneth Wolstenholme’s iconic ‘Some people are on the pitch’ commentary line. Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy. Bobby Charlton. Gordon Banks. Nobby Stiles’ jig around the Wembley pitch. Ramsey’s Wingless Wonders.

This summer is the 60th anniversary of the greatest triumph in English football history. And to mark the occasion, we have produced a stunning souvenir special – the Boys of ’66. From goalkeeper through to centre-forward, we throw the spotlight on every player in Ramsey’s World Cup-winning XI, detailing how they got there, the role they each played, the highs and the lows that followed for some after.

We detail how the manager hit upon his revolutionary Wingless Wonders system – and why he stuck by it amid mounting criticism of the tactics. We tell the story of Jimmy Greaves, the goalscoring genius who Ramsey built his hopes upon, but whose record-breaking career is best remembered for the one game he missed. We go through the drama of every game England played in the tournament – how they got through their group, the tempestuous quarter-final victory over Argentina, Eusebio’s tears as Portugal were downed by Bobby Charlton in the semis. And, of course, there is the tale of Tofiq Bahramov, aka the Russian linesman, who controversially awarded Hurst’s second goal against the Germans. We detail the brilliant story of Pickles the dog, a border-collie who became the most famous canine in the world by finding the World Cup after it was stolen from a London exhibition. We assess the 60 years of hurt endured since, and to put things into real perspective, we tell you 66 things you probably didn’t know about the year of 1966.

So, can Thomas Tuchel’s team end those six decades of World Cup hurt by triumphing across the Atlantic this summer? After the success of Ramsey’s Class of ’66, the gap has become way too big for a proud football nation which boasts the best league in the world. If Harry Kane and Co need inspiration, they need only look at what happened exactly 60 years ago – when football really DID come home.

Buy your copy today HERE or in participating supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents from Wednesday April 29, 2026. Any online orders will be dispatched from Wednesday April 29 and postage and packaging applies.

Natalie, a former member of a noughties girl group, is make a return to television screens searching for love

Advertisement

A noughties pop star is barely recognisable as she makes her way to the First Dates restaurant on the hunt for love. A brand new series of the hit dating show has returned with a brand new series to Channel 4, with hopeful singletons making their way to an upmarket restaurant in Bath in search of love.

With the assistance of French maître’d Fred Sirieix and his team, the popular show follows everything from budding romances to cringe-worthy encounters, with fresh episodes dropping every Friday at 10pm. The latest episode (May 1) will feature a former girl band member on the lookout for her ideal partner, alongside a weightlifting octogenarian.

Channel 4 teases: “Confident soldier Paul is the opposite of what ex girl band member Natalie goes for. But will she fall for his charm? And can weightlifting octogenarian Dave woo elegant Clare?”, reports OK!. The brand new episode will kick off with ex girl band member Natalie, from London, who has been matched with someone far removed from her usual type.

Arriving at the swanky Bath restaurant, Natalie, now 41, looks worlds apart from her younger years when she was a member of pop girl group Tymes 4. Fans may recall Tymes 4 from 2001 to around 2005, known for their hits including ‘Bodyrock’ and ‘She Got Game’.

Made up of Natalie, Holly (who later departed and was replaced by Leah), Taymah and Melissa, the group also featured on programmes such as Top of the Pops and The Saturday Show. Speaking to First Dates producers at the start of the show, Natalie explains: “At 17 years old I was in a group called Tymes 4”, pointing to a photograph on her phone, she added: “That’s me.”

Natalie, who now sports blonde hair, continues: “We were on tour with people like Blue, Liberty X, Atomic Kitten. I was so thin, I had abs.” During her date with soldier Paul, Natalie explains: “Fun fact about me, definitely. Years ago when I was fresh and young….much younger. I used to be in a girl band.”

Leaving Paul stunned, she adds: “Yeah when I was like 17, signed to a record label and we were off touring around the world. So I did that for a few years, loved it.”

Speaking to producers, Natalie adds: “My children know that I was in a band and have seen the videos but I feel a part of them still doesn’t believe it’s actually me and it’s true.

Advertisement

“I met my husband when I was 16, he went through all my girl band days and probably kept me quite sane. He was amazing, but sometimes things just don’t work out.”

According to Natalie’s own Instagram page, she is currently a civil servant and event manager, as well as an ambassador for Action For Children.

Commenting on an old YouTube video of a Tymes 4 song, one person wrote: “They were so good I wish they had more publicity.” Recently, another said: “Omg forgot all about this song. Love these girls and the chorus particularly.”

Whether Natalie manages to find a romantic spark with Paul is yet to be determined, and viewers will need to tune in tonight at 10pm on Channel 4 to find out.

First Dates airs every Friday at 10pm on Channel 4, with episodes also being made available to stream online.

Paul Thwaite, NatWest’s chief executive, said: “We have started the year with positive momentum, underpinned by healthy customer activity – growing all of our three businesses, expanding our capabilities to meet more of our customers’ needs and further improving productivity as we use AI at scale across the bank.”