JLS star Aston Merrygold, who was born in Cambridgeshire, has spoken out about the ‘dangerous’ pressures of early fame following the tragic death of One Direction’s Liam Payne, saying he and his fellow X Factor alumni were once in the ‘exact same space’

Having rocketed to stardom with JLS on The X Factor, former boyband member Aston Merrygold, who was born in Peterborough, has revealed he was once in the “exact same space” as One Direction’s Liam Payne.

Finishing as runners-up to Alexander Burke on the 2008 series, JLS originally formed the year before in London, but it was the television programme that catapulted them to fame.

Aston, 38, said: “I was 20 when I appeared on X Factor. It would have been very easy to go off the rails. The things that are thrown at you, given to you, the doors that are open. Your best interests aren’t always going to be at the forefront of things.

“When you look at someone like Liam and the rest of the One Direction boys, we were in the exact same space at one point. And our paths crossed, of course they did. From the outside it’s all very shiny, life looks incredible but it’s scary. It’s scary to think of how Liam was feeling.

“As a kid, you’re given the opportunities to be standing center stage in front of thousands of people. They’ve bought a ticket. There’s money that goes into that ticket that goes into several people’s pockets including yours. That can turn into a lot of money, and a lot of success at a young age. That’s very dangerous.”

Aston was deeply shaken by the news of Liam’s death in October 2024, after the 31-year-old singer fell from a third-floor balcony in Argentina, while high on drugs. The tragedy came 9 years after 1D – which also featured Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik – went their separate ways, having sold more than 70 million records worldwide since being formed on the 2010 X Factor.

JLS – which also includes Marvin Humes, 41, JB Gill 39, and Oritsé Williams, 39 – have sold more than 10 million records worldwide and achieved 5 UK number ones. The band is currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence, with a series of sold-out shows lined up for this summer, reports the Mirror.

Aston, who now lives in Hertfordshire with his wife Sarah, 42, a dancer and choreographer, and their three children, Grayson, eight, Macaulay, five, and Riley, two, says life in the public eye is vastly different these days.

The star – who has just voiced an audiobook for Bupa Dental Care, The Dentist’s Apprentice, by Jennifer Gray, which is designed to help kids understand the dentist – said: “When I appeared on X Factor I was 20 – four years older than Liam.

“It’s early adulthood, you don’t really know what’s happening in life. My best friends in the world were still in uni, getting battered every weekend, while I was flying across the world. You’re not guided in any way, you’re just kind of thrown out there. It’s, ‘you want to be an entertainer – go do it’. As a child you’re always going to be attracted to the sparkly shiny stuff.

“It’s a very tempting but a dangerous industry in that sense. And for life to just be kind of taken away like that [of Liam] is just heart breaking for his friends, family, son. As a dad now, you go, ‘Oh my god’. It gives you shivers. The life we embarked on is such a whirlwind.”

Following their split in 2013 and a farewell performance at London’s O2 Arena that December, the JLS members released a greatest hits collection before pursuing individual careers. However, they reformed in 2020, with Aston reflecting: “I’m so grateful to be able to come back and do it as an adult and get a second chance.

“In our industry, you grow up fast and you have to have thick skin. Everything is being watched on a massive microscope. It’s daunting. But I’ve learned over the years that it’s the entertainment industry, it’s really not that serious. I’m not doing heart transplants or brain surgery.

“Fame’s cool and money’s great, but there are a lot more valuable things in life. And these days, my rider is mainly full of snacks for my kids!”

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of City’s parade.

It’s set to be a day full of emotion as fans celebrate the achievements of the men’s, women’s and academy teams, while also saying goodbye to some club legends.

It’s easy to forget City lost to Aston Villa yesterday, as the day was more about celebrating some departing greats. Bernardo Silva and John Stones both played their final game in City colours, and Pep Guardiola took control of the Blues one final time after a trophy-laden decade in charge.

It’s set to be a day to remember for City fans. Stick with us as we bring you live updates from the parade and after party.

Tom Kopke, 24, pipped Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson, 38, who came out of retirement, to claim his third consecutive Cooper’s Hill cheese-rolling title in Gloucestershire

Advertisement

A German YouTuber has triumphed at a renowned Gloucestershire cheese-rolling competition after narrowly beating a local competitor who emerged from retirement to defend his title.

Recent two-time winner Tom Kopke, 24, overtook Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson near the finishing line, having pursued an 8lb double Gloucester cheese down Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, before announcing: “This year’s cheese will taste the sweetest of all the cheeses I have won.”

Both competitors risked fractured bones and severe injuries, joining approximately two dozen thrill-seekers who hurled themselves down a precipitous hillside in the annual death-defying cheese-rolling race in Gloucestershire.

Fearless participants sprinted, stumbled and rolled down Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth attempting to claim the double Gloucester prize.

Heavy spring downpours had loosened the course, though recent warm weather had made it harder and more treacherous for the racers who were encouraged by thousands of onlookers.

Advertisement

With temperatures soaring during what meteorologists predicted could become the warmest spring bank holiday on record, both participants and spectators had to battle scorching conditions with the thermometer reaching nearly 30C in Gloucestershire.

This year’s races carried additional competitive tension as Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson, 38, returned from retirement following a challenge from YouTuber and recent two-time champion Tom Kopke, 24. Mr Kopke, from Munich, emerged victorious after edging out Mr Anderson near the finish line in the first men’s downhill race.

The German, who held onto the crown he’s claimed for the past two years, was hugged by his competitor at the bottom after being announced the winner.

Advertisement

“This was I think my best year ever and I tried to stay on my feet for as long as possible,” Mr Kopke said.

“I don’t know how it went but I gave everything. It’s everyone’s race and you have just got to give your best and the best man wins.

“The hill was better than last year as the hill was really dry, but this year it was the optimal conditions – not too dry and a bit soft so the falls got cushioned.

“I think I got a good recovery on the middle of the hill and then sprinted the rest.

“This year’s cheese will taste the sweetest of all the cheeses I have won.”

When questioned about his preparation, he responded: “Shut off your brain and go for it. The entire race I saw Chris in front of me and I had to get him.”

Mr Anderson, from Brockworth, has triumphed 23 times between 2005 and 2022.

Renegade cheese rollers have been organising their own unofficial event following health and safety concerns that led to the official competition being scrapped in 2010.

The cheese is pursued 200 yards down the 1:2 gradient Cooper’s Hill at Brockworth.

Following a year’s break, when police cautioned against using a real cheese, the substitute lightweight foam cheese was swapped back for the authentic version. Veteran cheesemaker Rod Smart, who has been crafting the cheeses used in the chase for over 25 years, once again supplied the wheels for this year’s occasion.

Four cheeses weighing approximately 3kg each, along with three smaller ones weighing around 1.5kg, are used throughout the event.

The quirky tradition has been celebrated for centuries and is believed to have its origins in a heathen festival marking the arrival of spring.

The official event was called off after more than 15,000 spectators descended to watch the 2009 competition.

Since then, it has taken place unofficially, with police keeping a close eye on proceedings. Roads have been closed for up to two and a half miles around the slope.

Some competitors made the journey from across the globe to take part in the series of madcap races, which drew international television crews.

Britain has experienced its hottest May day on record on Monday, as temperatures reached 33.5C.

The spring bank holiday’s unseasonable weather beats the record for the hottest May day ever, as well as the hottest day of the year, and could reach as high as 35C by the afternoon, forecasters say.

Monday’s scorching weather also smashes the record for the hottest bank holiday ever recorded after temperatures exceeded the 33.3C recorded in August 2019.

The highest temperature is expected in an area covering Lincolnshire, the Midlands, western parts of East Anglia and southwards into the London area, where 35C is forecast.

“Today will be the hottest day in May in the UK in our temperature records, with highs of 35C expected,” a Met Office spokesperson said.

“Records are usually only broken by tenths of a degree, making this heatwave unprecedented for the time of year.”

Today’s record-breaking heat exceeded the previous May temperature record of 32.8C, which was recorded in 1944.

Parts of northern England, Wales, the Midlands, east England, and south east England have all been experiencing weather around 30C on Monday.

Britons have flocked to beaches across the country to soak up the sun over the long weekend.

A heatwave was officially declared in eight locations in southeast England, which met the threshold of 27C for three consecutive days of hot weather.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “We rarely see temperatures above 35C, even in the summer months, so to see temperatures getting close to 35 in May is, as I say, pretty historic.”

On Sunday, temperatures reached 32.3C at Kew Gardens, in southwest London, while parts of southeast England exceeded 30C.

Tuesday is set to be another scorching day for the country, with a peak of 35C again expected in London and the surrounding counties.

Swathes of England and eastern Wales will see temperatures exceed 30C on Tuesday.

A series of amber heat health alerts have been issued for the east Midlands, west Midlands, eastern England,London, and the South East.

Officials warned that the hot weather could cause significant impacts across health and social care services, as well as a rise in deaths, with alerts in place until 5pm on 27 May.

More follows on this breaking story….

The Savers shop in Front Street, Acomb is closed with police at the scene today (Monday, May 26).

Recommended reading:

The shop window has been smashed, with broken glass on the ground outside.

A police guard is outside the shop.

The Savers shop in Front Street, Acomb is closed with police at the scene today (Image: Newsquest)

Savers only opened its new store at Odsal House last month when shoppers were treated to an appearance by Britain’s Got Talent star Finley Barrett-Carter, who performed outside the store.

The extension is in the shop unit previously occupied by FarmFoods until December 2024 and is next to an existing Savers shop.

Flashback to Savers opening last month

The firm has been a staple of the British high street for more than 30 years, with over 500 stores in the UK.

In March, the company applied for permission to sell alcohol in the Acomb extension.

If granted, the store would be licensed for off-premises sales during its opening hours from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and until 5pm on Sundays.

Its current opening hours are: Monday to Saturday from 8.30am till 5.30pm, and Sunday from 10am till 4pm.  

. (Image: Newsquest)

While Injuba is not one of the prisons where most political prisoners are usually kept, Venezuela’s Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners expressed its solidarity with the inmates there, alleging that “punishment, hunger, solitary confinement, torture and inhumane conditions” were being used to control and subdue prisoners and “formed part of prison policy”.

“The only thing I want is for these footballers to feel proud of representing the national team.”

Real did not win a trophy this season and finished eight points behind La Liga champions Barcelona.

Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who has been struggling with a hamstring problem, also features in the 26-man squad.

“We’re very relaxed. Barring any setbacks, we’ll have everyone available from the very first match,” said De la Fuente.

The World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July.

Spain play debutants Cape Verde on 15 June, Saudi Arabia on 21 June and Uruguay on 26 June in Group H.

Midfielder Mikel Merino, who returned in Arsenal’s last Premier League game of the season on Sunday after four months out with a stress fracture in the foot, has been included in the squad.

He is one of seven Premier League players along with clubmates David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, Manchester City’s Rodri and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino.

Uncapped defenders Eric Garcia and Marc Pubill have been called up after impressing for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively.

“Excitement is the key word. Passion,” said De la Fuente.

“The reaction of people all over Spain – adults and children alike – is that they are fully behind the national team.”

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez was last week ruled out of the tournament with a broken foot.

Queues of traffic were snaking down towards Seaham Hall beach by lunchtime as families from across the North East headed to the coast to cool off. By lunchtime, the main car park was effectively full.

On the beach itself, sunbathers stretched out on towels and deckchairs while children paddled and braver visitors took full‑body dips in the unusually warm North Sea. Some even donned their surfboards as the waves rolled in under cloudless blue skies.

Among those enjoying the sunshine were Will and Marie Wood, from Houghton, who said “It’s lovely to have this on the doorstep.”

Record May Heat for the UK

The Met Office has described this Bank Holiday as an “exceptional spell of warmth for May”, with a notable heatwave officially declared in parts of England.

Forecasts suggested highs of 33–35C in southern and central England on Monday, challenging – and likely surpassing – the previous UK May temperature record of 32.8C.

While the very hottest conditions have been focused further south, the North East has still seen temperatures topping 30C in places, well above the seasonal average for late May.

Meteorologists say the hot, dry and sunny conditions have been driven by an area of high pressure parked over the UK, drawing in warm air and keeping skies largely cloud‑free through the long weekend.

Heatwave Alerts and Health Advice

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a series of heat‑health alerts in response to the conditions, with amber warnings in force across parts of the Midlands, London and the South East, and yellow alerts covering northern England, including the North East. These alerts warn of increased risks for older people and those with underlying health conditions, and they urge the public to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives, stay hydrated and avoid the midday sun where possible

BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball opened up about a bittersweet change in her personal life following her recent emotional admission about Strictly Come Dancing

Zoe Ball said she is seeing less of her daughter, following a recent change to her household. The BBC Radio 2 presenter and Norman Cook, better known as DJ Fatboy Slim, have two children together: Woody Cook, 25, and Nelly, 16.

During the most recent episode of Jo Whiley and Zoe’s Dig It podcast, the broadcaster, who recently revealed she had been turned down to become the new presenter of Strictly Come Dancing, compared Jo’s bustling household with her own, which has grown considerably quieter.

She explained: “Mine’s so quiet, it’s like ugh! It’s less and less because Nel is based more at her dad’s now because I think she’s got to that point of, ‘Ah can I just be in one place?’.

“All of her CSI revision notes are on the wall at her dads and it’s just [nice] not having to move from house to house, so she’s just spending more time there now.”

The transition, Zoe noted, has thankfully been simplified by the fact Norman resides close by.

“It’s great because it’s only around the corner and I can nip round at any time, which is great, and she can come here if she gets upset about anything like, ‘Mum, I need you’ but it’s less and less,” the 55-year-old said.

Last year, Woody confirmed he had relocated to Bristol, while his parents continue to live in their hometown of Brighton.

The reality star turned DJ and his family were devastated in 2024 after the death of both Zoe and Norman’s mothers. In an interview with the Daily Express in March 2025, he revealed: “Last year a lot of stuff happened as a family. The family is a little bit smaller than it was. So it’s given us time to spend more time together and re-evaluate. Life can be very busy. I live in Bristol.

“My family live in Brighton. My mum was always working in London. There wasn’t always time. And now – more than ever – it’s about making that time. Because you never know how long a life is. Sometimes I realise that my parents need me just as much as I need them to support me. I didn’t really realise that before. We’ve got each other.”

Advertisement

That same year, Norman opened up about a deeply emotional moment when his son Woody performed at Ibiza’s legendary Café Mambo for the first time, marking a poignant full-circle moment for the family.

Discussing the occasion on Heart Radio, he recalled: “Woody, my son, grew up in that booth. Like, we used to take him down when he was like three. Because we couldn’t get a babysitter. And so, he would play Lego.

“He would sit in the corner of the DJ booth and play Lego. And then when he got to be six or seven, he could see out the top of the DJ booth. And then one day he went, ‘Dad, I can see why you like your job’.

“He said, ‘It’s really exciting. Like the music’s loud and everyone’s shouting at you’, he said. And so he kind of grew up. And then there was… There came a moment where my son played in Mambo, and I’m not ashamed to say I cried when my son finally played.”

Hello and welcome to the League Two play-off final live blog as Salford City look to make history. The Ammies head down to Wembley to face Notts County looking to reach the third tier for the first time ever. It will be a monumental achievement for a club that has dominated the spotlight thanks to their Class of ’92 ownership.

Salford head into the game on the pitch as favourites but will be outnumbered by Notts fans at Wembley. City have sold a fraction of the tickets of their opponents but that may play in their favour. Notts supporters already feel they have one foot in League One. Salford will be hoping they can show that promotion is won on the pitch, rather than in the stands.

Stay tuned for live updates…