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Gethin Jones’ split from world-famous fiancee and Helen Skelton addressing romance rumours

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Wales Online

BBC star Gethin Jones has piqued fans’ interest due to his personal life

Gethin Jones is one of the most beloved figures on British television. His personal and romantic life has also intrigued fans over the years.

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The 48-year-old former Blue Peter star now presents Morning Live on the BBC alongside Michelle Ackerley and Helen Skelton, with whom Jones has been romantically linked.

The Cardiff-born star is a former Rugby player. He has also dipped his toe into charity work over the years with Rugby Aid and a 24-hour ‘Skate-a-thon’ for Comic Relief.

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Stints on Strictly Come Dancing and his past engagement to an opera star have also seen his star rise. Wales Online takes a closer look at Jones, his private life and what he’s said on romance in recent times.

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Split from famous fiancee

While competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, Jones ended up meeting opera superstar Katherine Jenkins, who was a guest on the show. A romance quickly blossomed, and four years later, the pair were engaged.

However, they split up at the end of 2011. The pair admitted that, during their social media announcements, the decision left them both heartbroken.

During her tours, Jenkins admitted the break-up left her “in pieces” and feeling like a “total mess”. In an interview on the Mirror’s ‘Outdoor Minds’ podcast, Jones also conceded the split took its toll.

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“I remember doing BBC Radio 5Live and going into the toilet at 5.30am, going, ‘All right. Come on. Just focus for the next three hours, and then you can go back to being sad again.’ I definitely had a bad bout of depression during that time,” he said. Jenkins later married American director Andrew Levitas and had two children.

Helen Skelton rumours

The much-loved TV and radio personality was romantically linked with Jones in 2024, with the pair reportedly enjoying dates in a luxury spa.

Skelton, 42, split from rugby player Richie Myler in 2022, who is the father of her children. Rumours were rife about a potential romance after the duo were pictured together at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards in 2024, leaning into one another on the red carpet.

However, Skelton, who recently moved back to her native Cumbria to live on her parents’ dairy farm, claimed there was no budding romance with Jones.

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“We just work together, we are not together. No, no, no. We are just work friends,” she said. “They printed pictures of us at work and that we’re together because we are at work together.”

The pair have been friends for years and colleagues for just as long. Last year, they took part in Gethin and Helen’s Wheely Big Challenge – a 24-hour roller-skating challenge in aid of Comic Relief. Jones opened up on their deep friendship, saying: “What’s different this time is that we have each other. We’re best friends. We’re very honest with one another.”

Jones has publicly commented on his and Helen’s reported romance. The presenter was interviewing Christine McGuinness about her Situationships podcast.

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When author Sophie Gravia and McGuiness discussed their own relationships and romances, one remarked about being single for a long time, with Gethin quickly stepping in to say “join the club”, seemingly confirming his single status.

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Jorginho criticises Chappell Roan security guard for making daughter cry

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Jorginho and Chappell Roan

Former Chelsea and Arsenal player Jorginho may be best known as a defensive midfielder – but he has gone viral on social media for his attack on pop singer Chappell Roan, alleging her security guard reduced his 11-year-old daughter to tears.

The 34-year-old Italy international, who has dual Brazilian citizenship and now plays for Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro, claimed in a post on Instagram, external that his family suffered the “very upsetting situation” over breakfast at a hotel in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The former Premier League midfielder said his daughter was a big Chappell Roan fan and had made a sign to take to the Lollapalooza music festival in Sao Paulo, which the singer was headlining.

He says his daughter recognised the star while eating at a nearby table and walked past her, smiled, then went back to her seat without saying anything or asking anything of the Pink Pony Club singer.

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“What happened next was completely disproportionate,” he wrote.

“A large security guard came over to their table while they were still having breakfast and began speaking in an extremely aggressive manner to both my wife [Catherine Harding] and my daughter, saying that she shouldn’t allow my daughter to ‘disrespect’ or ‘harass’ other people.”

He added: “He even said he would file a complaint against them with the hotel, while my 11-year-old daughter was sitting there in tears. My daughter was extremely shaken and cried a lot.”

Chappell Roan has not responded to his claims.

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Jorginho said he understood well the pressures of public exposure after playing 57 times for Italy – helping them win the European title in 2021 by beating England at Wembley.

He has also played for elite clubs across Europe and Brazil – winning the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea and silverware in Italy with Napoli.

But he added: “I understand very well what respect and boundaries are. What happened there was not that. It was just a child admiring someone.

“It’s sad to see this kind of treatment coming from those who should understand the importance of fans. At the end of the day, they are the ones who build all of this.

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“I sincerely hope this serves as a moment of reflection. No-one should have to go through this, especially not a child.”

Jorginho finished his impassioned post with a direct message to Chappell Roan, written in capital letters: “WITHOUT YOUR FANS, YOU WOULD BE NOTHING. AND TO THE FANS, SHE DOES NOT DESERVE YOUR AFFECTION.”

The “unexpected beef”, as described by some commentators, led to a flood of responses on social media in support of Jorginho and his family – some serious, some tongue-in-cheek.

Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, wrote that he intended to ban Chappell Roan from performing in his city, adding that Jorginho’s daughter would be invited as a guest of honour to the city’s Todo Mundo music festival in May.

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Others cited her previous comments about fans’ “creepy” and “stalker-like-behaviour”, external.

Some also poked fun at the Grammy Award winner for lacking the credentials to play in the Premier League.

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‘A bright light’: Tributes paid to 8-year-old Co Tyrone child who passed away following brain tumour battle

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“Odhrán had a deep love for sport and embraced life with kindness, energy and joy”

Tributes have been paid to an eight-year-old Co Tyrone boy who has passed away following a battle with a rare form of brain tumour.

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Odhrán McGirr, a player with Errigal Ciaran GAA, was diagnosed with an aggressive High Grade Glioblastoma, an extremely difficult tumour to treat.

Following his diagnosis, Odhrán faced chemotherapy and surgery. His local community rallied behind him throughout, helping to raise £136,000 to help his family and supportive charities through the diagnosis.

READ MORE: Co Tyrone community rallies to support eight-year-old with rare brain tumourREAD MORE: Special service at his ‘much-loved farm’ for Moneymore man who died in tragic incident

An enthusiastic GAA player, Odhrán had the honour of leading out his beloved Tyrone senior team when they played Offaly in the National Football League in Dungannon.

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Tyrone GAA paid tribute to the young boy who “showed extraordinary courage, strength and positivity beyond his years”.

They said: “Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Odhrán McGirr.

“A proud member of Errigal Ciarán, Odhrán had a deep love for sport and embraced life with kindness, energy and joy.

“A caring child and a wonderful big brother to Ruairí and Saoirse, he showed extraordinary courage, strength and positivity beyond his years in the face of an unimaginably difficult illness.

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“Only a few weeks ago, he led the Tyrone Senior Footballers onto the field in Dún Geanainn – a moment of immense pride that will live long in the memory of all those in attendance.

“Our heartfelt condolences are with his parents Patrick and Catriona, his brother and sister, and the entire McGirr family, as well as his friends and teammates.”

In a statement, his GAA club Errigal Ciaran, said his passing has been met with “unimaginable heartbreak and profound sadness.”

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A touching tribute read: “Our thoughts and prayers are with his heartbroken parents Patrick and Catriona, his brother Ruairí, his sister Saoirse, and the entire McGirr and Carmody families at this incredibly difficult time.

“Odhrán was a cherished member of Aireagal Chiaráin GAC – a bright light within our club whose presence brought joy, energy and pride to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“From his earliest days in our colours, he embodied everything that is good about our games – friendship, spirit, resilience and a deep, unwavering love for his club.

“The McGirr name is woven deeply into the fabric of Aireagal Chiaráin. Odhrán’s grandfather Johnny has given over 30 years of dedicated service as a volunteer; his father Patrick a committed youth coach; his uncle Dermot a longstanding youth officer – alongside a wider family who have been true stalwarts of our club.

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“Odhrán carried that legacy with quiet pride each time he stepped onto the field. He wore the jersey with honour, determination and a smile that will never be forgotten.

“As a club, we are honoured to have shared in memories that will be treasured forever – from Odhrán’s unforgettable day on the hallowed turf of Croke Park to that special Saturday morning in Glencull and Dunmoyle that will live long in all our hearts.

“There are no words that can truly capture the depth of sorrow we feel as a club and community. A life taken far too soon leaves a silence that echoes through our pitches, our dressing rooms and our hearts. In the difficult days, weeks and months ahead we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Patrick, Catriona and the entire family, just as they have always stood with us.

“We will forever remember Odhrán – his laughter, his kindness, his teammates and the pure joy he brought to the game. He was and always will be, one of our own.

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“May his noble soul rest in peace. Loved and remembered always, Now playing with the angels. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí ar a anam uasal. Grá agus cuimhne i gcónaí air, Ag imirt leis na haingil anois.”

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2025 visitor numbers for York attractions released

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2025 visitor numbers for York attractions released

But one attraction in the city saw its visitor numbers rise by over a quarter.

For months, there was little or no rain in York and North Yorkshire last Spring and Summer.

The continuous sun was welcomed by visitors at Harlow Carr Gardens in Harrogate where visitors were up to 8 per cent to 527,724; Dalby Forest, also up 8 per cent to 440,298, and Fountains Abbey, up 4 per cent to 436,630, according to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA).

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In York, Cliffords Tower saw a drop of 7 per cent to 150,673, the National Railway Museum saw a drop of 5 per cent to 656,205 and York Minster 4 per cent to 437,204.

Jorvik Viking Centre is not included in the figures, which only features attractions run by ALVA members.

Figures for York Museums Trust were mixed. Yorkshire Museum saw the biggest rise in the city of 29 per cent to 79,260, thanks to a major exhibition. The Trust’s most popular attraction, Castle Museum, saw its numbers rise by 5 per cent to 221,170. But York Art Gallery had a drop of 53 per cent to 52,560.

All figures are compared to the visitor numbers in 2024.

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Residents have say on next use of Stanley board school site

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Residents have say on next use of Stanley board school site

It comes after the demolition of the former Stanley Board School on the town’s Front Street, with many in the area urging that the cleared site be put to use for young people.

The former school, derelict for more than a decade, was demolished in January due to “substantial structural defects” that made the building financially impossible to save.

Karbon Homes, which owns the Front Street site, has said it wants the land to “benefit the community” while long-term plans for redevelopment are explored, including a forthcoming consultation.

Now residents have had their say on what they want to see from the site, including Pamela Halliday, 49, from Stanley who said the site should be: “Anything but a HMO.”

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“It could be something for kids to stop the anti-social behaviour in the bus station,” she added.

Forty-nine-year-old Pamela Halliday said it should be ‘anything but a HMO.’ (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Brian Hutchinson, 70, said: “They need to make it something for the young people to stop them rampaging around town.

“A community centre would be good.”

Karbon Homes, which took the decision to demolish the site, said: “The investment required to retain it was financially unviable for us to undertake.”

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Others welcomed the tidier appearance of the street since demolition, though some lamented the loss of the historic building.

The site has been levelled. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

One unnamed resident said: “It’s definitely better than it used to be, that’s for sure.”

Another described it as a missed heritage opportunity, adding: “They shouldn’t have torn it down.

“When it started to get bad, they should have taken it to Beamish and restored it.”

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Robert Scott, 72, said: “Anything is better than what it is at the moment.

“It would be a good site for a Tesco, we don’t have one of those in the town.

“But if not, instead of it being rubble for the next 10 years it would make a nice little park.”

Lily Beckwith, 70, has lived in Stanley all her life. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Long-term resident Lily Beckwith, 70, said: “It would be nice to have a play area for the young children and something for the whole community to be able to use.

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“I remember when it used to be a bustling high street. We need that community spirit back.”

Karbon Homes said it is working with partners and the public on the site’s future.

The company said: “We will be exploring these ideas and will continue to engage with our community partners, as well as Stanley Town Council, Durham County Council and the North East Combined Authority.”

Karbon has also increased security at the site with CCTV and weekly inspections to prevent anti-social behaviour.

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Previously, Graham Wood, economic development manager at Durham County Council, said of the site: “Its demolition is an opportunity to breathe fresh life into a prominent town centre location and, while we have not owned the building for many years, we have been working with its owner, Karbon Homes, as it explores future options for the site.

“We are committed to revitalising town centres across the county and are currently creating a new Strategic Place Plan for Stanley. This follows a series of engagement events last year in which we asked residents and businesses to share their ambitions for the town.

“Securing new uses for vacant sites in the town centre is a key priority and the redevelopment of Stanley Board School supports this goal.”

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Heartbeat TV tour of North Yorkshire praised on TripAdvisor

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Heartbeat TV tour of North Yorkshire praised on TripAdvisor

The Full-Day Heartbeat Locations Tour from York takes visitors into the North York Moors and along the coast to Whitby, following in the footsteps of the ITV drama that ran for 18 series.

The experience currently holds a 4.4-star rating on TripAdvisor, with reviewers highlighting its appeal for fans keen to see familiar locations brought to life.

Goathland (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The seven-hour tour includes stops in Goathland, known to viewers as the fictional village of Aidensfield, as well as Whitby and surrounding moorland scenery.

For many, the chance to visit Goathland is the standout moment, with the village’s streets, railway station and surrounding countryside all heavily featured in the series.

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One visitor described the trip as “a must-do for all fans of the Heartbeat TV show”, adding: “Fabulous day out, got some great pictures of the show locations.”

Another reviewer said they were “very satisfied” with the experience, praising a guide who shared “lots of interesting facts and information about the filming of the series and the sites”.

Guides and drivers are a consistent theme in feedback, with several reviews highlighting their knowledge and professionalism.

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One visitor said the guide was “friendly and knowledgeable”, while also praising the driver for navigating “difficult, narrow roads” across the moors.

Another described the tour as “excellent for a fan”, noting there was a “good time at each stop” and plenty of insight into the locations visited.

The scenery also plays a major role in the experience, with the North York Moors providing a dramatic backdrop that extends beyond the show itself.

Visitors are taken through rural villages and open countryside, offering a broader look at the landscape that helped define the series.

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However, some reviewers noted that time at key locations can feel limited.

One visitor said that around an hour in Goathland “was too short”, while others suggested they would have liked more flexibility or additional time to explore filming spots in more detail.

Despite this, the overall reviews remain positive, particularly among dedicated fans of the programme.

With Heartbeat still holding a loyal following years after it ended, tours continue to offer fans the chance to step into the fictional world of Aidensfield.

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As one reviewer summed it up: “A good day out seeing some of the Heartbeat locations, well worth going if you are a fan.”

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Cafe owner claims ‘sponge method’ is the secret to cooking ultimate fry-up

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Cafe owner claims 'sponge method' is the secret to cooking ultimate fry-up
What goes into your ultimate fry-up? (Picture: Getty Images)

There’s nothing quite like starting a weekend morning with a fry-up.

But for some reason, a Full English at home never tastes quite as good as the one from your favourite greasy spoon.

Rouz G. Jabibi, who runs More Munchies in Acton Vale, has more than two decades of experience running a cafe and knows all the cooking tricks for creating the ultimate breakfast.

And there are five top tips you need to know, if you want the perfect plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, beans and more.

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More Munchies in Acton Vale
More Munchies has been serving fry-ups for years (Picture: More Munchies)

How to make the perfect scrambled eggs

According to Rouz, the trick to whipping up delicious scrambled eggs has to do with the type of butter you use. 

‘It has to be real butter, and it has to be unsalted,’ he told SumUp, a payment solutions provider for cafes. ‘Salt interferes with the cooking process, so we avoid salted butter entirely.’

The team at More Munchies mixes eggs with full-fat milk, then microwaves them briefly for around a minute and a half, before finishing off in a pan. 

Rouz claims you can use either English or French butter for this, but he adds that the ‘two-stage process is key’.

Scrambled eggs on white plate
It’s all about the type of butter you use (Picture: Getty Images)

The sponge method is the secret to tasty bacon

Bacon is a ‘core product’ at More Munchies; as such, Rouz says they take it very seriously.

Their method for cooking involves ‘sponging off’ every rasher to clean the surface of the meat, which sounds odd, but apparently makes a world of difference.

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‘Most catering bacon, and some supermarket bacon, is frozen in brine, which is why it holds its shape so neatly. But when you cook it, that salt and water rise to the surface as a white residue. A lot of places ignore it. We don’t,’ explains the West London cafe owner.

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More Munchies always ‘sponges off’ bacon before cooking (Picture: Getty Images)

‘We bake the bacon first, then sponge off every rasher individually, essentially cleaning the surface of the meat. Then we leave it to cool completely, which stops the edges curling and keeps each rasher long and flat.’

Someone comes in at 5:30 am each morning specifically to sponge off the bacon, preparing around 10 kilos before the place even opens.

When an order for a Full English comes in, the bacon is fried dry on both sides, as Rouz says no oil is needed as ‘the fat does the work’ to make it extra crispy.

Don’t just use Heinz Baked Beans

UK Heinz Baked Beans Tins
Rouz isn’t a fan of Heinz, and mixes two tins and tomato juice (Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)

Controversially, Rouz isn’t a fan of Heinz beans, claiming they’re ‘watery and expensive’. 

Instead of the classic, they use a mixture of three different tins – Bid Food, Branston and tinned tomato juice to give ‘a bit more depth’.

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The ketchup mistake everyone makes

HP sauce bottles in a supermarket
HP sauce pairs better with sausages, according to the cafe owner (Picture: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

If you’re putting ketchup on your sausages, Rouz says you’re making an error.

‘Brown sauce should go with sausages, because it complements their flavour,’ he says. 

‘Our sausages have cumin and cinnamon; it’s a Cumberland sausage with some extra herbs, so ketchup would overwhelm the flavour. 

‘Brown sauce, being fruitier, complements what’s already in the sausage. Ketchup is more suited to bacon and egg, while brown sauce belongs with hash browns, bubble and squeak, and sausage sandwiches.’


Stop over-complicating poached eggs

If you prefer poached eggs to scrambled, that’s all well and good, just stop making it so darn complicated, says Rouz. He claims you don’t need to be using vinegar, swirling your water, or faffing with egg poaching cups; instead, you can just ‘freestyle it’.

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To do this, he recommends using room temperature eggs and bringing a pan of water to the boil. Simply drop the eggs straight into the water, and let it do the work for you. 

‘It might take a couple of attempts to get the feel for it, but once you do, the result is soft in the middle, set on the outside, and perfect,’ he adds.

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Police searching for bodies of murdered mum and toddler to dig at killer’s former home

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Daily Record

Renee and Andrew MacRae disappeared on November 12, 1976 and their bodies have never been found.

A fresh search for the bodies of Renee MacRae and her toddler Andrew is set to take at the former home of their evil killer William MacDowell.

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Police and army experts are set to begin an excavation on land near the property, which spans several acres, 50 years on from their mysterious disappearance. Specialists from the Royal Engineers were drafted in after ‘disturbed ground’ dating back to the time of Renee and three-year-old Andrew’s disappearance was revealed in a historic survey of the site, The Scottish Daily Mail reports.

Forensics have been given the go-ahead to commence with digs around MacDowell’s old property. Renee and Andrew’s relatives have been made aware of the latest developments.

Renee and Andrew disappeared on November 12, 1976. Renee’s BMW car was found ablaze in a lay-by near Dalmagarry Quarry, some 12 miles south of Inverness.

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MacDowell, 81, took his secrets of the whereabouts of the mother’s and son’s bodies to his grave after he died in hospital five months after his conviction. He had eluded punishment for 45 years before finally being found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

Police Scotland vowed to continue investigating until their remains have been discovered.

MacDowell, who was known as Bill rather than William, was living near Inverness at the time of the murders and worked as company secretary for a building firm. The company was owned by Renee’s estranged husband, Gordon, and married McDowell was sacked from his role at the company when their affair emerged.

At the time she vanished, Renee had believed she and McDowell would be meeting up for a weekend away before a planned move to Shetland. The devoted mum, who is survived by her eldest son Gordon, had been deeply in love with MacDowell.

Within a year of the affair starting, she had become pregnant with their child Andrew. MacDowell, a prisoner at HMP Glenochil in Alloa, died at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in February 2023, just one year into his sentence.

In March last year, there was a breakthrough in the case when items – believed to be a potty and a carpet – were found next to the A9.

They were found near to a lay-by close to Dalmagarry Quarry, south of Inverness. Renee’s car had been found on fire in the lay by on November 12, 1976, but there was no sign of her or her son.

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Detective Superintendent Brian Geddes said: “Our investigation into the murders of Renee and Andrew MacRae remains ongoing and officers continue to examine all available lines of investigation.”

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Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

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Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

Igor Tudor’s Tottenham, though, come into the match on an upward trend. They battled to a deserved 1-1 draw at Anfield last weekend, and the Croatian secured the first win of his interim tenure last time out, pipping Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Forest were also in European action midweek, but required extra-time and penalties to knock Midtjylland out of the Europa League last 16.

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Little-known rules that could slash your Council Tax as bills rocket

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Little-known rules that could slash your Council Tax as bills rocket

But here’s the twist: while many will pay more, thousands could cut their bill by hundreds—or wipe it out entirely—if they know where to look.

Next month will see up to 9% increases across parts of England, with seven councils allowed to go above the usual 5% cap.

There’s also up to 10% rises in Scotland, and bills in Wales will see an average rise of 4.9% from April.

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For many households, it means one of the biggest annual increases in years.

Rules that could lower your Council Tax bill

Many people may qualify for the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme without realising it.

If eligible, your home is moved down one council tax band. If you are already in the lowest band, you could get a 17% discount instead.

You may qualify if your home has:

  • An extra room or bathroom needed for a disabled person
  • Space for wheelchair use

Missing this could mean overpaying year after year.

Some households could pay no council tax at all

There is also a separate discount for households where someone is classed as severely mentally impaired.

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This can mean:

  • 100% discount if you live alone or with others who qualify
  • 50% discount in some cases
  • 25% discount if you live with one qualifying person

Conditions can include dementia, Parkinson’s or severe learning difficulties, but a GP must confirm eligibility.

Money expert Martin Lewis explains: “A doctor must certify the person is ‘severely mentally impaired’ – a diagnosis alone isn’t enough.”

Warning over appealing your council tax band

With bills rising, some households are considering challenging their council tax band – but experts warn it can backfire.

While a successful appeal could save around £500 a year, there is also a risk your bill could increase.

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Mel Whiting from Norton Finance said: “Appealing your council tax isn’t a free hit.”

“If your home is undervalued, your bill can go up substantially.”

In some cases, an unsuccessful appeal could move a property into a higher band permanently and even affect neighbouring homes.

How to check if you are overpaying your Council Tax

Before appealing, experts suggest:

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  • Checking your council tax band online
  • Comparing with similar homes nearby
  • Looking at properties of similar size, type and age

If similar homes are in a lower band, you may have grounds to challenge.

What to consider before acting

You are more likely to successfully challenge your band if you have lived in the property for less than six months. However, appeals can take time and outcomes are not guaranteed.

Once a band is changed, it is likely to remain in place.

Appealing your band carries risk, and could leave you paying more if it goes the wrong way.

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Tottenham v Nottingham Forest live: Prediction, team news and line-ups ahead of Premier League relegation battle

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Tottenham v Nottingham Forest live: Prediction, team news and line-ups ahead of Premier League relegation battle

Good morning

Hello and welcome to live coverage of Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest.

In seasons gone by this would have been a fixture between two solid teams – but now both are battling for survival and this is a huge relegation six-pointer.

Follow all the build-up and action here.

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Igor Tudor faces another huge test as Tottenham host Nottingham Forest (John Walton/PA Wire)

Flo Clifford22 March 2026 11:30

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