Paul Chuckle has said he feels the presence of his late brother Barry with him all the time as he opened up about the loss ahead of receiving his MBE.

The veteran entertainer, whose real name is Paul Elliott, found fame alongside Barry as one half of the Chuckle Brothers and the pair became a staple in British homes with their TV show ChuckleVision.

The 78-year-old said he knows Barry, who died from bone cancer aged 73 in 2018, is “there with me” and is always by his side. Speaking on ITV’s This Morning on Thursday (March 19) Paul said: “It’s just a lovely feeling right from since he’s passed away.

“You have dreams, everybody dreams at night. He was never in my dreams, because I was with him all the time. We were always together. But as soon as he died, from that day on, every dream I had, he was there with me doing stuff so I knew he was with me.”

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Paul said that following his brother’s death he starred in a pantomime, marking his first performance without Barry in almost 55 years. He recounted standing backstage waiting for his cue, telling hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: “I thought, ‘I’m on my own’. And I looked across as, usually, Barry is at the other side of the stage.”

Paul said that whenever the duo performed together they would gesture to each other as they were waiting to go onstage, and added: “I swear that I saw him suddenly appear and I felt good then. I walked out, and the audience lifted me. I’ve never turned back since. And I just feel he’s there all the time.”

Paul also spoke about his recent fundraising efforts for charity Marie Curie, which saw him travel across the UK from John O’Groats to Land’s End, making stops in a two-seater pedal car, similar to the Chuckle Bike featured in ChuckleVision.

He said: “Punters would come along and want a picture with me in the bike, which was brilliant, because they grew up watching ChuckleVision. Every time they got in I said, ‘You know, Barry is with me. You’re sitting on his knee’ – because he always is (with me).”

When Cat said she felt it was ‘so lovely’ Paul could still feel his brother’s presence was ‘still with him’, to which he replied: “He’s here now.” Paul continued: “It’s been a lovely feeling since he’s passed away really – everybody dreams at night, but he was never in a dream when I was with him all the time. But when he’d died, from that day on, every dream I had he was there, so I knew he was with me…

‘Doing a pantomime after he died, I’d never been on stage on my own, it was always the two of us for 55 years, and I was standing waiting to go on… and I thought, “I’m on my own”.

Paul also hailed the charity, which he and his brother became official ambassadors for in 2016, as “wonderful”. The charity’s nurses provided end-of-life care for Barry, and Paul has previously spoken about how the nurses looked after his brother “with incredible care and kindness”.

Paul was recognised as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the King’s New Year Honours list for his charitable service and his work with Marie Curie. “I had to read (the letter) four or five times. It was a wonderful feeling. I can’t wait to get it,” he added on This Morning.

While you may have heard old wives’ tales about masturbation being bad for your health, according to science it’s actually the exact opposite.

Research shows that ejaculating as much as once every day can really limit the chances, while another study suggests a staggering 21 orgasms a month reduces a man’s likelihood of prostate cancer by 20%.

This comes as scientists recently revealed global deaths from the disease are likely to double in the next 20 years.

Orgasming 21 times a month yields impressive results for disease prevention, compared to men who come just four to seven times a month, who have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer.

The study, published in European Urology followed 32,000 men for 18 years and found that the more they came, the lower the risk of cancer.

Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women Hospital scientists also found men reap the benefits from ‘me time’ or wet dreams, with daily ejaculation proving an effective form of masturbation or intercourse.

We wish we could tell you why this is the case but the experts aren’t exactly sure. They have theorised though, and Dr. Anne Calvaresi, the chair of the Urology Care Foundation’s Prostate Health Committee, suggests ejaculation may protect the prostate by flushing out harmful chemicals that build up in semen.

She also explains it is possible men who ejaculate more may have healthier lifestyle habits that decrease their odds of being diagnosed with the disease.

So, if you’re looking to up your orgasm quota, we’ve enlisted the help of Dr Gigi Engle, certified sexologist and sex expert at sextoys.co.uk, to give you some interesting ways to spice up your solo masturbation.

First step first, Gigi says to get the prostate involved and it’s something you can do solo or with your other half.

‘Men can have prostate orgasms without stimulation to the penis. The orgasm from your prostate is a full body orgasm, and you feel a tingly sensation all over,’ Gigi tells Metro.

‘To reach it, you insert a finger or toy into the rectum, hooking up towards the belly button. The prostate feels like a rough-textured gland. The receiving partner may enjoy a variety of different types of prostate stimulation – varying from circular motions, to in-and-out penetration. It’s highly subjective and different people enjoy different things.’

Rebecca Davies bravely stood up to describe the cruelty inflicted on her by drum teacher Ben Coffey who frequently told her to die and kill herself.

A brave woman has stood up in court to recount the horrific abuse she endured at the hands of her former partner in a harrowing victim impact statement.

Rebecca Davies took to the stand at Swansea Crown Court to detail how “cruel” drum teacher Ben Coffey treated her during his sentencing on Monday, March 2.

She said: “He told me to die. He told me to crash my car. He told me I deserved to get cancer and suffer slowly…Even now I struggle to look at myself in the mirror without hearing the words that were used against me, some of which included being called fat, spotty, gormless and disgusting.”

Rebecca was made to feel worthless by controlling Coffey during their four-year relationship which spanned between 2021 and 2025. Coffey – who taught at Roo’s Rhythm Drum School based in Neath, South Wales – repeatedly told her to kill herself, isolated her from her family and friends, and even locked her out of her home.

One incident saw Rebecca left with a black eye after Coffey had hit her after he had returned home from a night out, reports WalesOnline.

In another, Coffey was said to have become angry just because there was not enough laundry detergent. The resulting outburst saw Coffey throw the bottle at Rebecca before punching her and telling her that he didn’t care if he went to jail.

Coffey, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to three counts of assault by beating and one count of coercive control in January. Roo’s Rhythm Drum School shut down on February 1 according to its Facebook page.

He was jailed for 18 months and handed a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting Rebecca during sentencing.

Reading her statement during the hearing, Rebecca said: “It is incredibly difficult to put these experiences into words, because for so long I lived behind a mask, pretending everything was fine while silently falling apart. To everyone on the outside, our relationship looked perfect.

“People saw smiles, photos, and moments that looked loving and stable. But behind closed doors, I was breaking piece by piece, losing myself without even realising at the time.

“I was made to feel worthless and constantly walking on eggshells all while others admired the image he presented. I never knew when the next outburst or threat would come.

“While others saw a loving partner I was blamed, insulted and broken down.

“He convinced people, including myself that I was the problem, which made the abuse even harder to speak about. I felt invisible, isolated and terrified – like no-one would ever believe me.

“Although the relationship included occasional positive moments, these typically occurred after moments of conflict. This pattern contributed to emotional confusion and instability rather than a genuine sense of stability or joy. With every insult, punch and slap I received, I lost part of me.”

Rebecca also described an occasion where a black eye he had given her prevented her from going to work. It was just one example of how his vile actions impacted her career and personal life outside of the relationship.

She said: “What I experienced had caused me to become isolated from friends and family and restricted my independence.

“I altered my behaviour in order to manage the abuse and avoid further harm, which at the time led to withdrawal from social contact…The behaviour had a serious and ongoing impact on my employment and financial stability. Due to Ben’s controlling behaviour and unreliability, I was frequently left without childcare at short notice as he would leave the house despite agreeing to have our daughter in advance.

“This resulted in me having to cancel work shifts unexpectedly. In addition, the anxiety caused by the abuse affected my ability to attend work consistently.

“I lost income as a result and faced pressure and scrutiny at work consistently. I lost income as a result and faced pressure and scrutiny at work, placing my employment at potential risk.

“On one occasion I had no choice but to cancel shifts, to hide the black eye I had received, again to hide what had happened and defend his actions. The financial instability caused by his behaviour further increased my stress.”

Rebecca also told the court that Coffey would degrade her and that it reached a point where she was left with low confidence and a fragile sense of identity.

She continued: “The abuse I experienced was sustained coercive and controlling behaviour, the seriousness of which I did not fully recognise at the time. I was subjected to ongoing psychological abuse, intimidation, manipulation and degradation that gradually broke down my confidence, independence and sense of identity.

“I was repeatedly told to die and kill myself. I was always consistently made to believe that I was the problem in the relationship and that my reactions were due to my own mental health rather than the abuse I was experiencing.

“I was led to believe that I needed antidepressants to numb me and that there was something wrong with me, rather than recognising that I was reacting to prolonged emotional harm.

“I was subjected to repeated verbal abuse about my appearance and worth. Even now I struggle to look at myself in the mirror without hearing the words that were used against me, some of which included being called fat, spotty, gormless and disgusting.

“These words have stayed with me and caused lasting damage to my self-esteem and self-worth.”

Even once the relationship ended, Coffey’s abuse continued.

She said: “It changed in form and in many ways it got worse. He continued sending me abusive messages and voice notes – sometimes daily. He told me to die; to kill myself. Over and over and over. The cruelty became relentless.”

Rebecca also detailed how she continued to endure psychological pain in the form of anxiety, sleep trouble and intrusive thoughts after she left Coffey.

She continued: “He told me to die. He told me to crash my car. He told me I deserved to get cancer and suffer slowly – knowing I had been through it personally with my mum going through a cancer diagnosis shortly before I met him.

“Hearing those words from someone who was supposed to love and care about me didn’t just hurt; it broke something inside me each time it was said. Those words carved wounds that no-one else can see, but which I feel every single day.”

On top of navigating her own emotional scars, Rebecca said she also worried about what impact the abuse towards her would have on her two daughters.

“As a mother the pain runs even deeper,” she read. “One of the most distressing aspects of this abuse is the guilt I carry knowing that my daughters witnessed the effects of it…This guilt continues to affect me deeply.

“Everything I do is now driven by my determination to keep my two daughters safe and far away from the kind of behaviour I endured.

“I worry about what they saw, what they felt and what they might remember. I’m trying to heal wounds that no-one should ever be given while also trying to be the strong stable mother they deserve.”

Reflecting on her ordeal and looking towards the future, she stated: “This was not a single incident but a sustained pattern of behaviour that affected every single aspect of my life.

“At the time I did not fully understand the seriousness of the abuse, which reflects the extent of the psychological manipulation and control involved.

“The long term impact has been devastating. My mental health, my trust, my confidence – everything was damaged.

“The lasting impact includes damage to my mental wellbeing, my confidence as a parent, my financial security and my sense of self.

“Despite everything I am trying to rebuild my life. Slowly, painfully, but with determination. I am trying to reclaim my voice, my strength and the parts of myself that he tried to destroy.”

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There are heavy delays around the A688/South Church Road roundabout after the incident as police remain on scene.

AA Traffic Maps are showing heavy traffic along the A688 on approach to the roundabout.

AA Traffic maps is showing heavy delays in the area (Image: AA TRAFFIC MAPS)

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Please be aware, a large trailer has tipped on the roundabout at South Church as displayed below – officers will shortly be closing the road if the area can be avoided.”

Afroman, best known for his 2000 hit Because I Got High, responded by using home security footage in viral videos that ridiculed the deputies. His video for the song Lemon Pound Cake was inspired by a deputy apparently eyeing a cake in his kitchen, while another video attributed personal and sexual transgressions to the officers.

Customers have left scathing reviews of The Farmer’s Dog in Oxfordshire, with one diner claiming their 30th birthday meal felt like a ‘production line’

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A customer who reserved a birthday celebration at Jeremy Clarkson’s establishment has pledged never to visit again following their experience. The former Top Gear presenter launched The Farmer’s Dog in Oxfordshire in 2024.

Jeremy’s transformation of the venue into its current form was documented on his Amazon Prime Video programme Clarkson’s Farm. Since opening, thousands of viewers have visited the premises. However, it has faced a string of critical reviews.

Patrons have compared the establishment to a fast food chain and criticised the service as resembling a “production line”. One guest who arranged a 30th birthday celebration claimed their family felt “let down” by what transpired, reports creatorzine.com.

On Tripadvisor, they posted: “No ambience, felt like a production line, head em up, move em out, was like being served by robots.

“No acknowledgement of his birthday even though I stated it when booking. Really disappointing for a special birthday, it was a let down.”

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“Won’t be returning or recommending like I have in the past. This was like going to a cafe or McDonald’s – in fact I’ve probably sat longer in a fast food outlet than here for a special meal.”

Another critic commented: “Over £25 for a pie? Rip off. Without the star name it would be only a nice pub.”

A third reviewer took issue with the venue’s cashless payment system. They posted: “Lovely place but doesn’t support the British pound, as in card only, disappointing.” Another diner advised people to “save their money” by avoiding the establishment.

They commented: “Both ordered pork and it arrived in less than 10 minutes (not a good sign) and was nearly cold, meat was so dry, the singular carrot was hardly cooked, potatoes like mush and Yorkshire pudding so dry it was crumbling.

“There was no crackling as written on the menu. We weren’t asked once if we had enjoyed the food.

“It seems they value churning food out, over any sort of quality. Really disappointing.”

Other patrons, however, have been impressed by the venue. One remarked: “For our mains two of us had the sausage and mash and they were some of the best sausages we have eaten. The mash was smooth, light and delicious.

“The other member of our party had the steak pie which was full of meat and gravy and again extremely tasty. The food may have cost a little more than you would normally pay but you get what you pay for, fresh, local produce. We felt it was well worth the money.”

Another visitor noted: “My partner and I had booked The Farmers dog, of course because of the TV show. I was a little apprehensive as with somewhere so hyped there’s always the chance it will be terrible in reality.

“I needn’t have worried. We arrived early so we had time to go into the Grand Tour tent/shop which we found to be well stocked and the staff there were lovely and friendly.”

Jeremy Clarkson’s representatives have been contacted for comment.

China is not currently planning to invade Taiwan next year, according to US spy agencies.

Instead of military intervention, Beijing is looking to gain control of the key island in the Pacific without force, an intelligence assessment states.

The annual report said that although Chinese Communist Party leaders did not plan to retake Taiwan by force, the People’s Liberation Army was developing its military capabilities that could be used in any bid to seize the island.

It read: “Chinese leaders do not currently plan to execute an ​invasion of Taiwan in 2027, nor do they have a fixed timeline for achieving unification.”

The assessment comes as Beijing ramps up pressure on Taiwan through frequent military drills in one of the world’s biggest potential flashpoints.

The Pentagon said last year that the US military believed China ​was preparing to be able to take Taiwan through “brute force” by 2027 – the centenary of the ‌founding of its People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

But the latest report, released on Wednesday, said Beijing would prefer to ‘peacefully’ pursue its goal of ‘reunification’ with the democratically governed island.

“China, despite its threat to use force to compel unification if necessary and to ​counter what it sees as a US attempt to use Taiwan to undermine China’s rise, prefers to achieve unification without the use of force, if possible,” the report said.

It added that the PLA was making “steady but uneven” progress on ⁠the capabilities it could use to capture Taiwan.

China’s foreign ministry responded to the report by saying that the US should correct its understanding of China and that resolving the Taiwan question was a matter for China only.

But Japan rejected claims in the report there had been a “significant shift” in Tokyo’s stance on Taiwan, after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on the island would launch a Japanese response.

Minoru Kihara, Japanese chief cabinet secretary, said: “The ‌government’s position of judging an existential crisis situation with all the ‌information it gathers is consistent with the past.

“The assessment ⁠that there has been a ​major shift is not accurate.”

Read more from Sky News:
Thousands of Iranians attend funerals
Police officer denies being China spy

China responded furiously to Ms ⁠Takaichi’s remarks that Japan would take military action in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, urging its people not to travel to Japan and ⁠choking off some exports.

Ms Takaichi ​has maintained that ​her position – which increases the risk of a Chinse attack on Taiwan triggering a regional conflict – was consistent with longstanding Japanese policy.

The US report said: “China is employing multi-domain coercive pressure that probably will intensify through 2026, aimed both at punishing Japan and deterring other countries from making similar statements ​about their potential involvement in a Taiwan crisis.”

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US President Donald Trump, who delayed his planned trip to China at the end of this month over the Iran war, has repeatedly touted his “great relationship” with ‌Chinese leader Xi Jinping and downplayed the threat of Chinese drills near Taiwan.

He said Mr Xi told him he will not attack Taiwan while the US president is in office, though Beijing has never confirmed this.

China views Taiwan – which was established in 1949 when the nationalist government retreated after Communist forces seized power on the mainland – as its own territory, and has never renounced the use of force to take the island.

Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only the island’s people can decide its future.

The police are continuing to search for the body of a missing man after the car entered the River Nene near Wisbech St Mary.

Cambridgeshire Police are continuing to search for a missing man after a car entered the River Nene on North Brink near Wisbech on Tuesday, March 17, at around 8.20pm. A specialist operations unit will be carrying out the search on the river on Thursday (March 19).

The car had five people aged between 16 and 19 in it at the time of the crash. Three people, two females and one male, were able to get out of the vehicle and were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn with non-life threatening injuries.

The police recovered the body of the missing teenage girl during the search on Wednesday (March 18). Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are continuing to work with local enquiries.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “Officers from our specialist operations unit will be on the river today and the search for the missing man will continue.

“In addition, detectives from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit will be supporting with local enquires and continued engagement with families and witnesses.”

The police are asking for anyone with information about the incident to come forward. You should contact the police quoting incident 515 of 17 March.

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