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NewsBeat

Excited crowds queue for Take That’s return to Sunderland

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Excited crowds queue for Take That's return to Sunderland

Fans in ponchos queued for hours outside the stadium, with hundreds arriving early in the hope of securing the best spot to see their music heroes Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen perform.

One family, who had been waiting since this morning, said they were “incredibly excited” for the show.

Erin Iley, Maire Iley & Kate Carpenter – Mother (middle) & daughters (either side) (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Kate Carpenter, who travelled with her mum Maire and sister Erin Iley, said: “We’ve been here since 11am, but we’re just round the corner at Roker. Mam’s been a fan all her life.”

Maire added: “My favourite is Gary, has to be Gary. I’ve seen them before but it must have been 17 years ago. This is Kate’s sixth time.”

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The pop trio are bringing a revival of their hit 2009 tour to Sunderland, complete with trapeze artists, balloons and a giant elephant as part of what has been billed as “the greatest show in town”.

Take That ’The Circus Live’ show at St Mary’s Stadium. (Image: Stuart Martin)

They are expected to treat fans to a set packed with their biggest hits, from Back for Good and Patience to more recent favourites, with a few new surprises also promised.

Among those in the queue were sisters Sarah Lydon and Rebecca Forster, from Consett, who turned up in bright yellow hats as they geared up to hear their favourite track.

Sarah Lydon & sister Rebecca Forster from ConsettSarah Lydon & sister Rebecca Forster from Consett (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Sarah said: “We’re big fans but the husbands have been dragged along, they’re here somewhere. Favourite song has to be Hello.

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“We’ve only been here for 20 minutes but we’re still near the front.”

Crowds queueing outside the Stadium of Light (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Despite showers throughout the afternoon, spirits remained high as fans sang along to their favourite Take That tunes and posed for photos outside the stadium.

Crowds queueing outside the Stadium of Light (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Jim & Tracey Finley from Middlesbrough (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Jim and Tracey Finley, from Middlesbrough, said they were determined not to let the weather put a dampener on their night.

Tracey said: “My nephew looks like Gary and plays the piano just like him, we’re big fans. It’s been a bit wet but do you know what, the rain will not ruin it.”

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With thousands pouring into the Stadium of Light this evening, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation ahead of Take That’s return to the North East stage, as fans young and old prepared for a night of nostalgia and pop classics.

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Callum Turner breaks silence on James Bond rumours after receiving backing from George Clooney

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Callum Turner breaks silence on James Bond rumours after receiving backing from George Clooney

Callum Turner has said he finds speculation that he is set to play James Bond “amusing”.

The British actor, 36, is one of the rumoured frontrunners to play 007 after Daniel Craig stepped down.

Many of the stars named in the odds have remained tight-lipped at the possibility of taking over the role.

Turner has now also dodged questions, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “I know as much as you do – really, I know as much as you do.”

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When asked if he was interested in taking the role if he was offered, he “laughed and looked down at his sneakers”, according to the publication.

He added: “I am not going to comment on that.”

But he went on to share: “I will tell you what’s so funny about the Bond thing: Even your best friends ask you, people text you that you haven’t spoken to for 10 years – and you know nothing!

“It is such a weird thing of something happening and nothing happening at all. I genuinely know nothing. I just find it quite amusing.”

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Dua Lipa-Callum Turner
Dua Lipa-Callum Turner (2026 Invision)

In the profile piece on the actor Hollywood star George Clooney – who directed him in the 2023 drama film The Boys In The Boat – also weighed in and said: “I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond.

“He is tall and handsome and charming and British, so he is the perfect guy to do it.”

Ian Fleming’s beloved spy was previously played by English actor Craig, who took on the role in 2006’s Casino Royale and starred in five films until he left the franchise with 2021’s No Time To Die.

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Since then, there has been significant speculation surrounding who will play James Bond next, which comes after Amazon MGM Studios also took creative control of the franchise.

It was announced in August last year that the next film will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, while it will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.

Other actors rumoured to be in the running for the role also include Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi.

Callum Turner is one of the rumoured frontrunners to play 007 after Daniel Craig stepped down
Callum Turner is one of the rumoured frontrunners to play 007 after Daniel Craig stepped down (AFP/Getty)

Turner, who married singer Dua Lipa last week, rose to fame in the Fantastic Beasts films, and went on to appear in the TV series Masters Of The Air and romantic comedy film Eternity.

Sir Idris Elba recently said rumours he was set to play the spy were “not realistic”.

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The Luther star has been rumoured to be in the running for Bond for more than a decade but said it was “never legit”.

The 53-year-old said the character was “written how he was written for a reason” and that not all audiences “will go” for a black Bond because it is “not what they like in their culture”.

Speaking to British GQ, Sir Idris said: “It was never legit. It was always just a rumour. I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing.

“Bond is big all over the world and (audiences) won’t (all) go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”

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Caravans must be cleared from Chesterton site hit by fire as appeal dismissed

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Cambridgeshire Live

A fire at the site in April 2025 destroyed several caravans and caused damage to others

Caravans must be cleared from a site in Cambridge after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal by the landowners. The Laurels, part of the Fen Road Gypsy and Traveller site in Chesterton, must be cleared by November 2026.

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A fire at The Laurels in April 2025 involved several caravans, outbuildings, vehicles, and a stable block. South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) then served an enforcement notice on the site, since caravans there did not have planning permission.

Planning permission was granted in 2014 for land at The Laurels to be used as seven caravan plots for Travellers. Five caravans were destroyed across two plots in the fire, while four caravans on an additional plot were removed or ceased being used.

The Planning Inspectorate notice from February 2026 states that use of the land as a caravan site must end, and all caravans and residential paraphernalia must be removed. All hardstanding must be removed, as must all materials and waste associated with removing the caravans and other materials.

SCDC investigations found that some people living in caravans were not Gypsies or Travellers, which is a requirement of the planning permissions. Four additional enforcement notices have been served on several parts of the Fen Road site and are currently progressing through the legal process.

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It followed a coordinated visit to the site by SCDC staff in October last year, which aimed to ensure the site was meeting planning regulations. A council spokesperson said that staff spoke with residents living in around 100 caravans to understand who was at the site.

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Nueroscientist names one ‘superfood’ he tries to eat daily for healthy ageing

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Belfast Live

Dr David Cox is a neuroscientist and health journalist who has discussed how diets can impact ageing while also naming the one ‘superfood’ he consumes every day

A neuroscientist and health journalist has shared the single ‘superfood’ he consumes daily to help slow the ageing process.

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Dr David Cox, author of The Age Code, discussed this during an appearance on Tonight on ITV. The programme examined whether selecting the right diet can enhance our quality of life as we grow older, particularly given that the number of UK centenarians has doubled over the last two decades.

Addressing whether it’s ever too late to make meaningful dietary adjustments, Dr Cox explained: “Subtle tweaks to diet, whether you’re 20 or whether you’re 90, can still make a big difference and give you many more years of healthy life to come.”

While more people are reaching 100, healthy life expectancy – the period during which we remain in good health – has actually declined to 61 years for both men and women.

When questioned about the foods he prioritises in his own diet, Dr Cox highlighted one particular group.

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He said: “I mean, 100% the berries. That’s now become a really key component of my diet. Blueberries for example.

“Strawberries as well. They contain these natural chemicals called salicylates which actually help disable zombie cells and make it easier for your immune system to get rid of them. Berries are real, real superfoods.”

For those unfamiliar with the term “zombie cells”, Dr Cox clarified that our cells contain batteries which convert the energy from food into the energy our bodies require to function.

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However, he went on to explain: “But the problem is at the same time they also produce exhaust fumes. They are called zombie cells. Basically, as you age your body becomes more full of these damaged cells which just refuse to die off.”

He continued: “The zombies basically take over and your short term risk of disease and death goes up.”

Dr Cox’s latest book examines the relationship between diet and cellular ageing.

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He suggests that insufficient fibre intake is a significant factor behind the rising cancer rates amongst those under 50, a topic he addressed during an appearance on The Pat Kenny Show in Ireland.

Speaking on the programme, the expert explained: “Things we’re not even doing or things we’re eating which are not good for us in our diet, are basically stressing our bodies, which is accelerating ageing in different ways.

“Many of us are eating too much. From the moment we wake to the moment we sleep. We’re eating in some way, whether that’s meals or snacking.

“It basically puts what I call metabolic stress on our bodies because our bodies are not getting a chance to kind of recover.”

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Beyond inadequate fibre consumption, he warned that excessive processed food intake, coupled with insufficient whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, is contributing to the problem.

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I’ve found the best cheap pizza oven to buy this summer

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I've found the best cheap pizza oven to buy this summer

While most pizza ovens cost anywhere between £200 and £1,000, this Dunelm buy comes in at just £89. Barbecues may be the staple of a British summer, but any pizza lover knows there is always room for a wood-fired feast when the sun comes out.

Compact and easy to move around the garden, this pizza oven is designed to sit neatly on a tabletop and features foldable legs for easy storage once summer is over. Measuring 83.2cm long, 36cm wide and 66.5cm high, it’s smaller than many rival models, making it ideal for those who don’t need to cater for a big group, while still offering enough space to cook pizzas up to 14in.

It comes complete with a ceramic pizza stone for crisp, evenly cooked bases and a pizza peel for easy handling, which is an accessory that can cost around £40 on its own from some leading brands. The result? Bubbling cheese, lightly charred crusts and an authentic wood-fired flavour in a matter of minutes.

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The folding legs are great for winter storage, and a built-in thermometer allows you to monitor temperatures up to 400C, which match the heat levels of many of the market’s best-known pizza ovens.

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Thousands of drivers with 12 or more speeding points still driving

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Thousands of drivers with 12 or more speeding points still driving

The drivers continue to hold licences despite accumulating the 12 penalty points that would normally see them banned, a situation described as “very concerning” by the RAC.

New figures obtained by the RAC via a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA reveal that 4,154 individuals in the UK have been permitted to keep driving.

Some of these drivers have racked up far more than 12 points; 117 hold more than 20, while two individuals have amassed 43 and 45 points.

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Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “It’s very concerning that so many repeat speeders have been allowed to carry on driving despite amassing 12 points or more which would normally lead to them losing their licences – and for very good reason given that speeding is one of the leading factors in the most serious collisions on our roads.

“A better solution for people like this who have demonstrated a compelling need to the court to be allowed to continue driving would be for them to have devices fitted to their vehicles that prevent them speeding again.

“Our research also identifies strong support among drivers for those who speed excessively to have to have these devices.

“We urge the Government to consider giving courts the power to order repeat and excessive speeders to have Intervening ISA devices fitted to all their vehicles.

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“This will save lives and reduce the number of speed-related collisions on our roads – something which completely aligns with the casualty reduction targets listed in the Road Safety Strategy.”

Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance (IISA) is a technology that physically prevents a vehicle from exceeding the speed limit, except in limited emergency override scenarios, which are logged and can be reviewed.

This is different from the Advisory ISA systems now standard in most new cars.

The RAC is backing the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign, which calls for courts to be given powers to mandate the use of IISA devices for repeat or excessive offenders.

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Research conducted by the RAC in response to a government consultation found that 86 percent of drivers support new measures targeting excessive speeders.

A separate survey commissioned by the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign found that eight out of 10 drivers surveyed said they would support proposals for anyone caught excessively speeding, or who has been caught speeding multiple times, to have an ‘Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance’ device fitted to their car to prevent them exceeding the limit again.

While the Government’s Road Safety Strategy looks at the benefits of Advisory ISA in the context of vehicle safety technology, it makes no reference to the potential use of Intervening ISA as part of a targeted offender intervention programme for repeat or excessive speeders.

This is despite 2024 road casualty data showing excessive speed as a contributing factor in 20 percent of fatal collisions.

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A spokesperson for the Stop Excessive Speeders campaign said: “Excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of death on our roads, and the public clearly recognises the need for action.

“What our research shows is that people instinctively understand the link between tackling dangerous driving and saving lives.

“Intervening Intelligent Speed Assistance is a practical, proportionate solution, targeting repeat offenders while allowing the vast majority of drivers to go about their daily lives without disruption.”

A Parliamentary event will be held later today to give MPs the chance to learn about the technology.

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Currently, drivers who reach 12 or more points face an automatic ban but can sometimes avoid disqualification if they can show a ban would cause “exceptional hardship.”

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Russell T Davies quitting Doctor Who is the best decision he could have made

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Russell T Davies quitting Doctor Who is the best decision he could have made
I can’t help but feel relieved that the British TV legend has bowed out (Picture: PA)

It’s an uncertain time for Doctor Who fans now that it’s been officially announced that the long awaited Christmas special has been cancelled and showrunner Russell T Davies is on his way out.

Although it’s horrible that the show’s very future is on a knife-edge and its biggest champion, Russell, is exiting stage left – I can’t help but feel relieved that the British TV legend has bowed out. 

Not because I think he’s bad at his job – he’s an amazing showrunner – I think his talents are better used elsewhere.

And it’s all because of one show: Tip Toe.

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For those who have their finger on the TV pulse, you won’t have missed Russell’s new groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Channel 4 show that aired at the end of May this year.

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It has received widespread praise, with many hailing it as a timely and urgent reckoning on the rapidly declining state of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK today.

And it’s all thanks to Russell.

tip toe   picture: channel 4
It remains a startling wake-up call to the general public that we’re sleepwalking into a dark, dark world (Picture: Channel 4)

Starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey, the series follows polar opposite neighbours – Leo, an older gay man and Clive, an aggressively heterosexual handyman – whose differences breed homophobia, bigotry, and hostility.

Although his socio-political commentary, especially when it comes to the trans community, is still a work-in-progress – it remains a startling wake-up call to the general public that we’re sleepwalking into a dark, dark world when it comes to achieving any unity in our rights.

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And I’m not surprised it’s picking up such glowing reviews.

After ending his first round as Doctor Who showrunner in 2010, the TV icon known as RTD had a run of stellar limited series over the next decade or so.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by David Fisher/Shutterstock (16010744av) Russell T Davies TRIC Christmas Charity Lunch, London, UK - 05 Dec 2025
As brilliant as his time on Doctor Who was, his return to the show in 2023 had not quite reached the heights many hoped (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)

His 2015 trilogy – Cucumber, Tofu and Banana – were edgy shows, which have gone down as cult classics, especially among LGBTQ+ viewers.

Then, you have his more mainstream work, still with gay and queer characters at their heart, such as A Very English Scandal starring Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw, which secured an Emmy, Golden Globe and Bafta.

That’s not mentioning his harrowing drama Years and Years – a post-Brexit reckoning with the UK’s descent into fascism, which still rings out as an eerie prophecy for the state the world is in today, with the rise of Reform and reign of Trump.

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What are your thoughts on Russell T Davies stepping down from Doctor Who?

  • It’s the right decision for him and the show.Check

  • I’m sad to see him go, he brought a lot to Doctor Who.Check

  • I think it’s a mixed situation, but I’m optimistic.Check

  • I’m not sure what this will mean for the future of Doctor Who.Check

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Rounding off this brilliant line-up was It’s A Sin, already a beloved LGBTQ+ show that will break your heart while putting it back together again. It reflected on the HIV/AIDs crisis of the 1980s – an era Russell T Davies remembers well, as a gay man growing up in Thatcher’s UK.

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As brilliant as his time on Doctor Who was, his return to the show in 2023 had not quite reached the heights many hoped. He faced a lot of criticism, ending in Ncuti’s abrupt departure and the scattered future of the show.

Where his storylines, dialogue and character-building at times fell flat in the past two seasons of Doctor Who, he doesn’t face the same extent of trouble when it comes to his limited series – which I now consider as his superior format.

Ncitu Gatwa
He faced a lot of criticism, ending in Ncuti’s abrupt departure and the scattered future of the show (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)

This was proven when he released the Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea – and it was a standout in his Doctor Who repertoire, which tackled everything from climate change to forbidden love.

I personally loved it, and it marked a return to Russell’s brilliant writing, after finding himself in a difficult place.

Then, of course, we have Tip Toe. 

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It’s veritable proof that Russell’s time is best spent working on bespoke ideas that speak to the era we’re in, rather than tying himself up with a show and a fandom that will be impossible to please.

Not only that, but he embodies the perfect example of how the TV industry can work at its very best. Russell was a bright young writer in 1999 when he made his name on Queer as Folk and was given the springboard to mainstream notoriety with Doctor Who.

He’s gone on to use the status that he gained all those years ago to pen politically urgent pieces, and for that I am grateful. Now, he can hand over the Doctor Who mantle to an up-and-coming writer, who could possibly be the next Russell T. Davies, for this generation.

I’ll always have a love and respect for Russell and all he’s done for Doctor Who up until now, but I can’t help but feel his exit is for the best, not just for the show, but for him as well.

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I am sad to see him go, but excited not just for what he will do next, but for what will happen to Doctor Who.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

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McCarthy & Stone Foundation Delivers Funding Boost to Local Portsmouth Dementia Community Group

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McCarthy & Stone Foundation Delivers Funding Boost to Local Portsmouth Dementia Community Group

The McCarthy & Stone Foundation, an independent charity that provides grants to non-profit organisations improving the lives of people later in life, has awarded £7,500 in funding to a local Portsmouth community group. This donation will support those living with dementia and their carers, as well as enabling the group to continue its valuable work in the community.

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What have Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury named their baby? Take our poll and have your say

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Daily Mirror

Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury are set to reveal the name they have settled on for their baby boy – but what will it be? Have your say here

There has been much speculation about the name Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have chosen for their baby boy – but the Love Island star has warned fans they may be disappointed.

Molly-Mae and Tommy welcomed a baby boy earlier this month, a younger sibling to their first-born Bambi. There has been much discussion about what they plan to call their little one.

The couple plan to reveal all at Tommy’s boxing match this weekend. A source has claimed the couple feel like this is the perfect way to officially announce the youngster’s name.

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Can’t see the poll here? Click here to vote.

“Now the little fella is here it’s a no-brainer – what better way to announce his name than on his dad’s boxing shorts,” a source said, “Molly is now obsessed with it – she’s hoping to be there. They’re working out the walk outs at the minute because that’s when it will be revealed, with music and blue fireworks – it will be cool.”

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Molly-Mae has also been discussing the name with fans at length – but fears they’ll be disappointed.

Speaking about the name, she said: “I think people are going to be a bit disappointed. Upon reflection, I don’t actually think it’s that crazy, but I know people are going to pronounce it wrong.”

“Because when I’ve mentioned the name to a few people, or I’ve spelt it out, a few of my friends have said it completely wrong… absolutely not how you pronounce it. Also, I think, if you know this word, or you know the name, you would just pronounce it as it is.”

Molly-Mae also insisted it wasn’t as “different” as Bambi.

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“It’s definitely not as different as Bambi, I would say,” she said, “But I’ve only ever heard one other child be called it, and it’s not someone in the public eye. It’s just someone I’m connected to through a friend.

“I just think it sounds so good with the surname Fury. That’s another reason why I love it so much.” According to reports it won’t be long until we find out what name they’ve gone for. So what name are you choosing?

Think you know what Molly-Mae and Tommy have called their baby boy? Click here to vote.

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Mainsgill Farm owenrs plan 75 homes at Ravensworth Nurseries site

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Mainsgill Farm owenrs plan 75 homes at Ravensworth Nurseries site

The outline application seeks permission to demolish the vacant glasshouses and commercial buildings and replace them with a new residential development in Ravensworth, between Richmond and Barnard Castle.

Ravensworth Nurseries shut in July 2023, with the owners blaming the financial toll of lockdown, soaring energy bills, and the cost-of-living crisis for the closure.

The application has been submitted on behalf of Andrew and Maria Henshaw, who own nearby Mainsgill Farm.

Planning documents describe the former nursery buildings as increasingly derelict and in a state of disrepair.

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Developers say the scheme would provide a mix of housing types.

The masterplan for the proposed housing in Ravensworth.The masterplan for the proposed housing in Ravensworth.

The applicant has indicated support for the council’s requirement that 30 per cent of homes on major developments should be affordable, subject to viability assessments.

Although the site lies outside Ravensworth’s official development boundary, planning documents argue it is not isolated and forms part of an existing cluster of residential and commercial properties on the edge of the village.

The application also highlights the site’s proximity to local services, including the village primary school, pub, village hall and bus routes connecting Richmond and Barnard Castle.

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The proposed development would include areas of open space, children’s play facilities and extensive landscaping.

More than 30 per cent of the site is expected to remain as managed green space, while plans also include a biodiversity net gain of more than 10 per cent through habitat creation, new planting and improvements to a watercourse running along the northern boundary.

A transport assessment submitted with the application concludes that the development would have only a negligible impact on traffic levels when compared with the site’s former commercial use.

The report estimates the scheme would generate just one additional two-way vehicle trip during morning peak hours and five additional trips during the evening peak.

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Developers argue the scheme would help address a shortage of housing land, support local services and schools, improve biodiversity and bring a long-vacant brownfield-style site back into productive use.

As the application is in outline form, detailed matters such as house designs, layout and landscaping would be considered at a later stage if planning permission is granted.

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Middlesbrough’s Iron Hills studio winning industry awards

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Middlesbrough's Iron Hills studio winning industry awards

Iron Hills Tattoo Co, based in Middlesbrough and run by Paul Watson, Danyell, Geoff Wharton, and Abi Flanagan, has quickly built a reputation for “quality and creativity”.

In October, Mr Watson’s work was recognised at the Ink on the Tees convention, and just six weeks ago, artist Chloe Gilkes-Bullock won three awards at the Big North Tattoo Show in Newcastle.

The studio’s success is already turning into momentum in a highly competitive industry.

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Mr Wharton said: “Unlike all of us, there aren’t a massive amount of artists in the area who have more than a decade of technical experience.”

The studio’s name is inspired by both Teesside’s steel heritage and a fictional setting from The Lord of the Rings.

Its anvil logo is a tribute to the region’s industrial past and the wedding of Mr Watson and Danyell at Gretna Green. Both have matching anvil tattoos on their hands.

Mr Watson, 43, is no stranger to being tattooed himself.

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He said: “I’ve got my back and stomach left really, and then just gaps. I don’t think I’d ever be done.

“Even if I was totally full, I’d just start getting ones over the top of the ones I’ve already got.”

Despite his passion, even he admits the process isn’t exactly comfortable.

He said: “I don’t think anybody enjoys getting tattooed and us artists are the worst.”

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The studio has worked with a wide range of clients, including some unexpected fans.

Mr Watson’s oldest customer was a woman in her 90s who first had a Game of Thrones tattoo and then came back for more.

He said: “There was also a man in his 80s who got one on his leg and ended up getting a full leg sleeve.”

Tattoos, once mainly worn by sailors and aristocrats, are now seen on nearly a third of UK adults.

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As the industry grows, so does the competition.

With more than 5,500 studios in England, Iron Hills has focused on standing out.

The studio has a wheelchair ramp and a disability toilet, welcomes neuro-divergent clients, and its artists are available seven days a week.

Mr Watson believes changing attitudes have helped propel the industry.

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He said: “I think the industry’s changed and it’s more socially acceptable to be tattooed.

“It’s not so much of a rebellion now.”

Iron Hills Tattoo Co has already exceeded expectations.

Its location attracts plenty of passers-by, particularly students.

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Danyell, the only member of the team not originally from Teesside, said: “We just really love being in Middlesbrough.

“We want some more small businesses around here to bring people in.

“The area’s dwindling in some places but coming up in others.”

The studio is one of several new businesses to open in and around the Dundas Shopping Centre.

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Other recent arrivals include Bakeries Breadsticks and The Greek Spot, Teddy’s Boutique, Steel River Comics, Sarah’s Gifts, and the Hanger Shop.

Richard Wilson, a partner at Portland Dodds Brown, manages the centre and neighbouring shops.

He said: “These are challenging times for businesses, but we try to give them as much support as possible.

“It so good to see Iron Hills doing so well, not just with the awards but with the number of customers coming to the studio.

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“Middlesbrough town centre has been badly affected by the closure of some big name shops, so it is so encouraging to see that a number of independent businesses have opened.

“I’m sure that’s the right path for Middlesbrough’s future.”

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