Throughout the bank holiday, tables at the popular venue off Piccadilly were busy and by the end of today (Monday, May 4), 1,000 people are expected to have passed through its doors.

It houses start-up local businesses, mostly in the catering industry, before they often move onto larger accommodation elsewhere.

On its eighth birthday diners and drinkers at SPARK said they liked its atmosphere, the variety of food, the ability to socialise in the open air and the chance to support local traders.

Busy tables at SPARK in Piccadilly York (Image: Newsquest)

Luke Castle, SPARK’s partnerships lead, said: “There is nothing else quite like it in York. York really took a chance when we first opened up, and we are very grateful for their support.”

Although it has recently got planning permission to be at the same site until 2030, Spark accepts that Piccadilly will not be its “forever home”.

It is hoping to find a permanent home elsewhere in the city centre, he said.

“York is home to SPARK, we want to stay in York, in the centre.”

A big balloon at SPARK (Image: NQ staff)

Among those at the venue on its eighth birthday was Barbara, who was at SPARK for the first time. She was following the suggestion of her daughter and said she could dine alone at SPARK as she couldn’t at a standard restaurant.

“I’ll be back,” she said as she ate a pizza.

As part of the celebrations, free cup cakes from Crumbs Cupcakery proved very popular and a lucky few customers each hour on the hour were given a free drink.

In the evening, there was a special edition of Quingo, the venue’s popular winter quiz-bingo night,  which raised funds for the Merchant Taylors’ Community Grant Fund.

The actress is returning to TV screens in a brand new Channel 5 drama alongside an EastEnders legend

Former Coronation Street star Sally Lindsay is back with a brand new TV series, but did you know that away from the screen she has a number one single and is married to a former Oasis drummer’s brother?

Prior to becoming an actress, Sally and her school choir, the St Winifred’s School Choir, released There’s No One Quite Like Grandma which reached number one on the UK Singles chart in 1980. The group even appeared on Top of the Pops to perform the song.

The Stockport native began her performing career in theatre and stand-up before turning her attention to acting. Sally got her big break in an episode of the sitcom The Royle Family as Michelle, Twiggy’s girlfriend.

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Going on to work on hit comedies Phoenix Nights and Fat-Friends, Sally joined Coronation Street in 2001 in the role of Shelly Unwin. Shelly was so popular that Sally won ‘Best Actress’ at the 2005 Inside Soap Awards.

Shelley had two failed relationships on the cobbles, the first with Peter Barlow, who hid that he was already married and had a son Simon, as he and Shelley said their vows. After finding out the truth, she threw him out and had their marriage annulled.

She soon became involved with Charlie Stubbs, who was later murdered by Tracy Barlow, but his controlling behaviour left her too scared to eventually leave her own bedroom. Before they made it down the aisle, she dumped him at the altar.

With Sally deciding to leave the ITV soap in 2005 to pursue new career opportunities, Shelly’s final scenes saw her leave for a job managing a country pub in the Lake District. Pregnant when she left, it was later mentioned she gave birth to a daughter.

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Once she was finished with her Weatherfield duties, Sally landed a role in the Wallace and Gromit film A Matter of Loaf and Death. Additionally, she co-developed and starred in ITV’s detective series Scott & Bailey which aired for five seasons.

On top of appearing on the ITV panel show Loose Women, Sally has appeared in the Sky One comedy-drama Mount Pleasant, the BBC sitcom Still Open All Hours. Since 2021, she has played Jean White in Channel 5’s The Madame Blanc Mysteries, which she co-created and produces.

Away from the spotlight, Sally has been married to Steve White since 2013. Steve is the former drummer of The Style Council and Paul Weller Band, he is the brother of Alan White, who played for Oasis from 1995 to 2004.

The couple welcomed twin sons, Victor and Louie, into the world. Sally is also a stepmother to her husband’s two children from a previous relationship, Kristabel and Curtis.

After decades of entertaining the nation, Sally was made Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours for services to drama. She said of the news: “Throughout my career I have met incredible people, made life-long friends and worked on many memorable projects.

“I would like to dedicate this award to the rest of the 8% of working class people who make up my industry and hope in the future there will be many more of us.”

Now, Sally is starring in a brand new Channel 5 series, titled Number One Fan. Acting alongside Sally is Jill Halfpenny, who is known for playing Rebecca Hopkins in Corrie and Kate Mitchell in EastEnders.

The series synopsis reads: “When a beloved TV presenter’s seemingly perfect life is disrupted by a chance encounter with an adoring fan, admiration slowly turns into something far more unsettling.

“As the spotlight intensifies and trust begins to fracture, fame becomes a dangerous place to hide… And the line between fan and foe starts to blur with devastating consequences.

“To her horror, Lucy comes to realise that Donna has a link to a hidden secret in her past which threatens to derail the career she has so carefully curated.”

Number One Fan airs at 9pm on Monday, May 3, on Channel 5

Derek was rushed to the vets by a good Samaritan

A celebrity feline known locally in Ballymena as the “Cameron’s car park cat” is in critical condition after suffering heart problems and respiratory issues.

The much-loved community moggy, who is named Derek, was discovered collapsed in the car park – where he is a fixture who has his own wee house – by shopper Beverley Gibson on Saturday.

She realised the cat was in urgent need of medical attention and desperately tried to get Derek help. Beverley took the cat to a nearby veterinarian facility but said they refused to take him because it was almost closing time.

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Beverley and her husband then raced to the Clare Vet Clinic in Ballyclare, who took the struggling kitty off their hands.

The good Samaritan told Belfast Live: “Derek suddenly collapsed in the car park, and we rushed him for urgent help, only to be turned away. With no time to lose, my husband drove to Ballyclare while I held Derek in the back seat – fearing we were losing him – as Clare Vet Group prepared to treat him as an emergency.

“It was a frightening, emotional race against time for a cat that means so much to the local community. We’re now fundraising to support his treatment as he is in critical condition. He has a long-term problem with his heart that has sadly been overlooked and untreated.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover Derek’s medical bills. You can view and contribute to his care by clicking here .

“I would like to formally acknowledge and thank Yvonne’s Independent Cat Rescue and Clare Veterinary Group, added Beverley. “Yvonne responded immediately and with genuine compassion in a moment of urgency. Clare Veterinary Group had a team ready on arrival and prioritised Derek’s care without delay or question.”

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President Donald Trump says Iran will “be blown off the face of the earth” if U.S. vessels guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz are attacked, escalating his threats to eliminate Iranian civilization as the countries test a tenuous ceasefire during the weeks-long war.

U.S. military officials said Iran launched missiles, drones and small boats at ships sailing through the passage with U.S. support on Monday. Six small Iranian boats were targeting civilian vessels, according to officials.

If Iranians continue to target commercial ships during the so-called Project Freedom escort operation, the country will “be blown off the face of the earth,” Trump told Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst on Monday.

Trump’s latest rhetoric follows last month’s threats that a “whole civilization will die” in Iran “never to be brought back again” if the nation did not agree to a ceasefire deal and reopen the Strait, whose effective closure has choked off global oil supplies and surged barrel prices.

“Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday as he suggested South Korea should “come and join the mission.”

“We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, ‘fast’ Boats. It’s all they have left,” he wrote. “Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”

On Sunday, Trump vowed to aid commercial vessels stranded in the waterway as part to “free up people, companies, and Countries that have done absolutely nothing wrong” for what he described as a “humanitarian mission.”

“They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders! For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” he wrote.

The operation will deploy 15,000 troops, more than 100 aircraft and guided-missile destroyers, according to U.S. Central Command.

Iranian military officials have warned that any foreign forces approaching the Strait will be “targeted and attacked.”

“We have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be co-ordinated with the armed forces,” according to Major General Ali Abdollahi.

Trump’s increasingly violent threats to Iran have fueled urgent, bipartisan demands to administration officials to remove him from office.

Last month, less than two hours before his self-imposed deadline to begin launching attacks that he said would destroy a “whole civilization,” the president announced a two-week pause in fighting while negotiations with Iran continued.

In an Easter Sunday message, Trump told Iran to “Open the F****’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”

Two days later, he wrote: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.”

Democratic members of Congress and some former Trump allies have rallied around the invocation of the 25th Amendment, which allows for the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unfit to serve.

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‘I can truly say I saw a difference in my face as little as a week; just softer looking, more refined looking, and now my wrinkles look less crepey’

While ageing is unavoidable, the correct skincare routine can make a significant difference. And one recent launch is already creating a stir amongst mature shoppers who insist it truly works.

Tropic Skincare has introduced the Youth Potion Advanced (£98), an enhanced version of its original Youth Potion (£78), which has been a long-standing favourite for its anti-ageing properties. The updated formula pledges to go considerably further, with the brand asserting it contains the world’s first natural retinal and is seven times stronger than its predecessor.

The serum seeks to diminish the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, enhance firmness, and improve uneven skin tone and texture. Initial customer reviews, particularly from those with mature skin, have been overwhelmingly positive, with some describing it as ‘the best ever.’

Owing to its strength, the brand recommends users apply one to two pumps to freshly cleansed skin in the evening, beginning with two to three applications weekly to give the skin time to adapt. Frequency can subsequently be increased gradually as tolerance develops.

Nevertheless, for anyone uncertain about retinol, Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides (£55) offers a plant-based alternative. Instead, it utilises bakuchiol peptides to calm sensitive skin, enhance radiance, and diminish fine lines. As noted, the Youth Potion Advanced has accumulated more than 70 five-star reviews at the time of writing.

One delighted customer in her mid-50s shared: “I honestly love love this product, I liked the original, but it has been 7x more potent than the original. Advanced is a game-changer” reports the Mirror.

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Shop the Youth Potion Advanced at Tropic

“I can truly say I saw a difference in my face as little as a week; just softer looking, more refined looking, and now my wrinkles look less crepey. Not gone, but less noticeable and less depth.”

A second user in her 50s chimed in: “This is really wonderful. Its consistency is lovely and thick, so a little goes a long way. It absorbs beautifully into my skin, making it feel soft and plump.

“Although I’ve only used it for a short period of time, it’s certainly improved the texture of my skin, and it feels much softer and more hydrated. The best serum ever.”

Notably, the product has yet to receive a single negative review. However, one four-star review states: “It’s much thicker than the previous version.”

On a more positive note, a Tropic Skincare devotee in her early 70s remarked: “I’m in my early seventies, and this is hands down incredible at making my skin smoother, way firmer, especially my jawline, and fine lines are getting way less pronounced, especially around my lips. It has also faded age spots around my eyes.”

Alongside the serum, the brand has also unveiled the Calm and Correct Treatment (£32), a complexion product engineered to neutralise the appearance of redness. The adaptive formula works in harmony with individual skin tones to deliver natural-looking coverage, steering clear of the grey or chalky finish that can occasionally come with colour-correcting products.

One satisfied reviewer noted: “I struggle with some rosacea and am constantly trying different products. This one has excellent coverage without looking like caked-on makeup.”

Meanwhile, another commented: “Having some redness from previous sun damage as well as from dermatitis/rosacea, I was really looking forward to trying the calm and correct. Was absolutely delighted, it not only covered the redness but made the skin feel much more comfortable and look good.”

Elsewhere, Erborian CC’s Red Correct (£15, Look Fantastic) could prove a more suitable alternative. It works to disguise unwanted rosiness while offering SPF 30 protection.

Britney Spears has avoided jail after pleading to a lesser charge following her arrest for driving under the influence. She was arrested on 5 March for driving “under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol”

Britney Spears has avoided jail after pleading to a lesser charge following her arrest for driving under the influence.

Last week, it was confirmed the singer had been officially charged with DUI. The pop star, 44, was arrested on 5 March for driving “under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol” and taken to Ventura County Main Jail, north west of Los Angeles.

At the time of her arrest, a mysterious substance was found in her car. The star was formally charged with a single misdemeanour count of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and at least one drug.

In a court hearing today, her lawyer appeared on her behalf. She took a plea bargain that meant the original charge was reduced to a “wet reckless”. The judge sentenced Britney to 2 months probation, and one day of jail time which has already been served.

Also as part of the agreement is that she must complete a three month alcohol education programme and must receive regular support for her mental health, which includes weekly sessions with a psychologist as well as appointments twice a month with a psychiatrist, reports suggest.

It has also been reported that she has been fined $571 by a judge and can only be in possession of drugs if she has a valid prescription. As part of the conditions, Britney must also allow a search and seizure of her vehicle if needed.

“Through her plea today, Britney has accepted responsibility for her conduct. She has taken significant steps to implement positive change which is clearly reflected in the Ventura County District Attorney’s decision to reduce the charge in this case and dismiss the DUI. Britney appreciates this discretion and is also grateful for the outpouring of support she has received,” her attorney Michael Goldstein told TMZ.

Just after the news unfolded in March of Britney’s arrest, her manager told The Mirror: “This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law.

“Hopefully, this can be the first step in a long-overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.”

A representative for Britney had previously confirmed that she had checked herself into a facility so that she could be treated for substance abuse.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Liam Rosenior was relieved of his duties after losing seven times in an eight-match run, but Chelsea’s fortunes have not improved under interim boss Calum McFarlane. This latest defeat sees them slip to ninth in the Premier League, with their chances of qualifying for Europe rapidly dwindling.

‘I don’t think it is possible for such a shallow squad to make a run through the All-Ireland series’

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Last Saturday saw one of the great Ulster Championship games unfold.

This would have turned into a non-event under the new rules after Derry built up a 10-point lead at half-time. They would have sat with 14 men behind the ball, picking off Monaghan on the counter.

Monaghan, who ironically were the lowest two-point scorers in the League, racked up eight two-pointers to Derry’s one.

This is the way amateur sport should be – skill and risk-taking should be incentivised over systems and efficiency.

I referenced Rory Beggan a few weeks back saying he is an outlier in the game. He may have had his definitive career performance. His three two-pointers and assist for Micheál Bannigan’s goal brought the Farney back from the dead.

Numerous Derry fans were already heading for the exits as soon as the foul was awarded at the end of extra-time. A 50-yard free in wet conditions should not have such an inevitable outcome except when Rory Beggan is standing over it.

Opponents have now been forewarned.

Beggan was not on his own on the two-point front and it was clear from the body language of the Monaghan players in the last 10 minutes that they were ready to roll the dice and they didn’t need any encouragement to shoot from distance.

Derry, in contrast, passing on taking chances outside the arc and favoured playing the ball through the hands and trying to work high-percentage point scorers or goal-scoring opportunities.

The rain at half-time made the ball and the surface greasier and Derry’s approach harder to execute.

They had already been turned over as a result of bouncing the ball three or four times before Patrick McGurk’s fatal bounce allowed Monaghan back up the field for the last minute of normal time.

As I suggested last week, Derry’s starting line-up can compete with most, if not all and would be superior to Monaghan.

There’s questions that will now be asked of this Derry team, but, in truth, their management gave the answers on Saturday.

In the second half, a number of Derry’s core players were either playing below their level or fatigued, which inevitably happens in a fast-paced inter-county game.

To bring on three subs in 70 minutes and to then reintroduce Conor Doherty and Niall Loughlin for two of the subs is a definitive statement by the manager on what he thinks of his panel.

I see many of the same names on the Derry bench over the last number of years but I rarely see them on the pitch.

Had Derry closed out the last few seconds of normal time or extra-time, I feel they would have the ability to overturn Armagh.

Now, I don’t think it is possible for such a shallow squad to make a run through the All-Ireland series. As fate would have it, they’ll now face the Orchard County in round one!

All-Ireland contenders aren’t hoping their key men can last it out or keep under-performers on for the last 20 minutes. They run the bench at every opportunity.

This isn’t a slight on the current Derry management. Their strengths and weaknesses personnel wise are largely what they were in 2022 when they were Ulster champions.

Derry have had a number of successful or heavily-hyped minor and U20 teams in the last three or four years – it seems they haven’t yet had a significant impact at senior level.

In the last two seasons, they’ve faced Tyrone at U20 level and I’d been told, on both occasions, that this Derry team were chasing an All-Ireland and would be too strong for the Red Hands.

Both times Tyrone came out on top.

These short-coming for Derry at U20s and the lack of depth in the senior panel should give the county set-up cause for reflection. There’s either unrealistic expectations or something that needs rectified.

On that note, a word for my own county winning a third U20 title on the trot and five in the last seven.

Another game that evidenced the transformation of the sport, as we racked up 4-19, with not a single score coming from a dead-ball.

That’s the type of statistic that will be trotted out on many a high barstool for the next few decades by those who were playing, coaching and supporting the team last Wednesday night.

Of-course winning U20 titles is no guarantee of future glory at senior level, but it’s a good indicator that you have talent and there are indications that the talent can translate to senior football.

There is so much that can change with regards to a players’ fortunes from under-17 to senior, but under 20 level gives a more accurate look on a player’s physical potential and mentality, which of course will go a long way to determine whether they can make a mark at senior county level.

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