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How Jamie Oliver and wife Jools struggled with his ‘rock star fame,’ affair claims and a ‘rut’ while building a 26-year marriage – as their daughter Poppy, 24, prepares to tie the knot herself after witnessing their love

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Jamie Oliver and Jools' love story: How celeb chef and his teen sweetheart struggled with his 'rock star fame,' affair claims and a 'rut' that almost broke them to build a lasting marriage

Behind every great man, there is often a great woman, and for Jamie Oliver that has been his wife of 26 years, Jools.

The TV chef and the midwife, both 51, met as teenagers after they were set up on a double date.

At the time, Jools, then aged 17, relocated to Tokyo for three months for work – with Jamie writing her love letters every day. 

They managed to keep their romance alive and went on to tie the knot in 2000 and welcomed five children together: Poppy Honey Rose, 24, Daisy Boo Pamela, age 23, Petal Blossom Rainbow, 17, Buddy Bear Maurice, 15, and River Rocket Blue Dallas, nine.

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Now their eldest daughter Poppy is preparing to tie the knot herself after getting engaged this week to her boyfriend of five years, Ben.

No doubt she’ll be hoping to have a marriage as enduring and strong as her parents’ -but while Jools and Jamie’s romance sounds like it’s been lifted from a romcom, they have had their fair share of trying times too.

From struggling with his ‘rock star fame’ to claims of an affair and a ‘rut’ that almost broke them, they’ve had to put in plenty of work to keep their fairytale alive.

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Jamie Oliver and Jools’ love story: How celeb chef and his teen sweetheart struggled with his ‘rock star fame,’ affair claims and a ‘rut’ that almost broke them to build a lasting marriage 

The TV chef and the midwife, both 51, met as teenagers after they were set up on a double date

The TV chef and the midwife, both 51, met as teenagers after they were set up on a double date

Now their eldest daughter Poppy is preparing to tie the knot herself after getting engaged to to boyfriend of five years, Ben, and is no doubt hoping for a marriage as enduring as her parents'

Now their eldest daughter Poppy is preparing to tie the knot herself after getting engaged to to boyfriend of five years, Ben, and is no doubt hoping for a marriage as enduring as her parents’

Jamie met his future wife in 1992 during a double date with his friend Jimmy Doherty, who went on to become a TV presenter.

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In an interview with the Daily Mail in 2018, Jamie explained how Jimmy introduced him to Jools when he was 18 years old.

He said: ‘We went on a double date to the cinema in Cambridge – me, Jamie, Juliette and Sue Stump.

‘He had a Fiesta with big fog lights and an exhaust like a tractor on it. We were going over a hill listening to Bob Marley, Buffalo Soldier.

‘We’re all singing, the guy braked in front of us and Jamie smashed into him and knocked his front lights out.’

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Oliver added: ‘My fog lights were hanging off so I just ripped them out and threw them away. I was so upset.’

‘Your car’s everything at that age,’ says Jimmy. ‘Juliette must have thought, “What the hell?”‘

Shortly after, Jools moved to Tokyo for a job and detailed how Jamie wrote to her every single day for three months straight.

In 2017, she posted a snap of the letter she has kept from her time away, writing: ‘When I was 17 I worked in Tokyo for three months and every single day Jamie sent me a letter or a fax without fail! These are only half of them.’

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Reflecting on this time, Jamie admitted that they were heavily reliant on Jools’ job to survive in London.

He told Flow Magazine: ‘I was as poor as a church mouse; at the end of the month, I’d hardly have £100 left, and without Jools’ tips things would have been really grim.’

It didn’t take Jamie long to ask Jools’ father for his permission to propose. However, he was told they were too young to tie the knot.

Sadly, when Jools reached 22, her father passed away.

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As Jamie could no longer ask him for permission, he decided to find a way to work his late father-in-law into his romantic proposal.

He explained: ‘I proposed to Jools in the pouring rain on Christmas Eve over his grave, which sounds really sad, but it was more out of respect for wanting to do it in front of him, even though he wasn’t alive.

‘It was a vile, dark time – but such a beautiful thing.’

In 1999, Jamie skyrocketed to fame when his show The Naked Chef premiered on BBC Two

In 1999, Jamie skyrocketed to fame when his show The Naked Chef premiered on BBC Two

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They went on to tie the knot in 2000 and welcome five children together

They went on to tie the knot in 2000 and welcome five children together

In 1999, Jamie skyrocketed to fame when his show The Naked Chef premiered on BBC Two.

He went on to release a series of best-selling cookbooks, which helped turn him into a household name.

During the early days of their relationship, Jamie and Jools had agreed he would spend five years on the London restaurant scene before returning to Essex to open a pub and raise a family. 

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However, this wasn’t the path that actually happened. 

After training at Westminster Catering College and working in Carluccio’s, the 23-year-old became the sous chef at The River Cafe,  where his natural talent in front of the cameras was picked up by BBC producers filming a documentary about the Fulham restaurant.

In an interview with The Telegraph in 2010, Jamie explained how women began ‘throwing themselves’ at him during the show’s three-year run.

He said: ‘It was classic slightly rock star-esque: random knickers and bras getting thrown at you.

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‘When The Naked Chef kicked off, it was a bit like a pop band. The memories of it were absolutely ballistically crazy.’

One year after the show aired, Jamie and Jools tied the knot at their local church in Essex – with the chef later admitting he found the ceremony ‘awkward and embarrassing’.

During his appearance on the Newlyweds podcast, he explained: ‘The first time you get married, it’s like, it just feels a bit awkward and embarrassing with all your family there. 

‘But if you ever get married again, if you get to 10 years or 20 years, the words are different. Because you’ve earned every single line and it was really, really emotional.’

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After their wedding, Jools worked as Jamie’s personal assistant – but stepped back from the role to focus on childcare.

Elsewhere in his Flow magazine interview, Jamie hinted that his wife never sought out fame – and would have ‘liked a more modest life’.

Although The Naked Chef ended in 2001, Jamie then went on to present the shows Oliver’s Twist and Jamie’s Kitchen.

Meanwhile, Jamie’s School Dinners saw the chef travel around the UK trying to improve the quality of meals served to schoolchildren.

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In 2005, at the height of Jamie’s fame, he promised his wife he would step back from work for six months to spend more time with their growing family.

During this time, they had daughters Poppy Honey – who was born in March 2002 – and Daisy Boo, who followed in April 2003.

In 2005, at the height of Jamie's fame, he promised his wife he would step back from work for six months to spend more time with their growing family

In 2005, at the height of Jamie’s fame, he promised his wife he would step back from work for six months to spend more time with their growing family 

However, Jamie reportedly broke this promise when he embarked on a six-week tour of Italy for the Channel 4 show Jamie's Great Italian Escape

However, Jamie reportedly broke this promise when he embarked on a six-week tour of Italy for the Channel 4 show Jamie’s Great Italian Escape

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However, Jamie reportedly broke this promise when he embarked on a six-week tour of Italy for the Channel 4 show Jamie’s Great Italian Escape.

At this time, fans began to speculate that the pair’s marriage was under strain due to the chef being filmed telling his wife to ‘f**k off’ when she called, The Metro reported.

But in the years that followed, Jamie admitted he regretted spending so much time away from his eldest daughters when they were younger.

He also credited his wife with helping him find a balance between his demanding career and personal life.

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Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2013, he said: ‘I used to go away for four weeks at a time quite often when the girls were about two and three. I was growing a business. And I would think it didn’t matter and they were happy with Jools.

‘But I realise now it did matter. I have a wonderful relationship with my older girls and I’m not worried about anything, but I think I’ll have to earn my stripes with them when they’re older.’

As a result, Jamie adjusted his schedule, with Jools ensuring her husband takes weekends off and also has six weeks’ holiday per year.

In 2021, Jamie detailed how Jools has been a silent force who has allowed him to flourish in his career.

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Speaking to the Australian magazine Women’s Weekly, he explained: ‘She’s been a really solid and utterly important part of my life and my job’s quite exciting.

‘[My job] expects quite a lot, and she’s my rock. She allows me to do my thing but then comes home and lets me be me… And I think she still quite likes me, which is really nice.’

Around this time, Jools said of their marriage: ‘We bicker all the time. A lot of my friends can’t believe how much. He drives me mad because he never listens to me and I drive him mad because I can be horribly selfish.’

In 2021, Jamie detailed how Jools has been a silent force who has allowed him to flourish in his career

In 2021, Jamie detailed how Jools has been a silent force who has allowed him to flourish in his career

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Despite being devoted to each other for many years, Jools admitted that she keeps her husband in check by monitoring his devices and social media accounts.

She told The Telegraph in 2011: ‘I’ll check his email. I’ll check his Twitter.

‘I’ll check his phone. Everything seems fine. He says I’m a jealous girl, but I think I’m fairly laidback, considering.’

Seven years later, Jamie revealed his wife had accused him of having an affair in an interview with Closer magazine.

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He said: ‘My missus accused me of having an affair once, because I kept disappearing and coming back with green on my knees. It was courgette season and I was in the vegetable patch!’

Jamie and his wife Jools went on to welcome Petal Blossom, 17, Buddy Bear, 15, and River Rocket, nine.

However, Jools’ road to motherhood wasn’t always smooth-sailing.

Over the years, the mother suffered five miscarriages, including one in lockdown and another that could have cost her her life.

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Appearing on the baby loss charity Saying Goodbye’s Life & Soul podcast in 2021, Jools explained how she ‘felt guilty’ speaking about her miscarriages because she thought she was putting her loved ones ‘through hell for her own selfish gain’.

She said: ‘I stopped telling my friends, I didn’t even tell my mum as I was sure she was thinking, “You’re 40 something, you’ve got a wonderful family, you’ve got everything you’ve ever wanted, why are you pushing it?”‘

Two years ago Jamie and Jools flew out to the Maldives with their children to renew their vows

Two years ago Jamie and Jools flew out to the Maldives with their children to renew their vows

The couple with their five children: Poppy, 24, Daisy Boo, 23, Petal Blossom, 17, Buddy Bear, 15, and River Rocket, nine

The couple with their five children: Poppy, 24, Daisy Boo, 23, Petal Blossom, 17, Buddy Bear, 15, and River Rocket, nine

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Elsewhere in the podcast, Jools detailed how her second miscarriage, which made her home look like a ‘murder scene’, could have proven fatal and has left her with PTSD.

In 2023, Jamie and Jools flew out to the Maldives with their children to renew their vows.

Speaking on the Newlyweds podcast, he told hosts Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo: ‘We were going to renew our vows at 20 years and then covid happened. So, it was at 23 years.

‘The girls were leaving for university and stuff, so it did feel like the nest was starting to break up.

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‘We’d never been on what you would call a posh holiday, so we went to the Maldives. 

‘I was a bit embarrassed about the whole thing, if I’m really honest, and I wasn’t so into it until we got there, and then when we got there, I think I probably enjoyed it more than anyone. It was just so nice’.

Elsewhere in the podcast, Jamie admitted that he has felt ‘lonely sometimes’ in his marriage and added: ‘There’s sometimes, like a month and a half, were you don’t quite like each other very much.’

However, he then went on to confess he’ll get over that feeling and fall in love with his wife all over again.

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The couple tied the knot once again in a casual ceremony, in front of a tribute to Jool’s favourite hitmaker of all time, Elvis Presley in Vegas.

Last year, Jamie revealed Jools is neurodivergent – three months after confirming that some of the couple’s five children have also been diagnosed.

The chef spoke candidly about his wife to Davina McCall on her podcast Begin Again and admitted Jools’ condition can make life ‘really challenging’.

Jamie told Davina: ‘She’s quite in the background and she’s done that on purpose. She’s definitely the rock. She’s got incredible instinct…

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‘She’s incredibly kind, very funny. I love her to bits. I can’t really talk for her but she has neurodiversities that make her life really interesting and really challenging…

‘Of course there’s positives, but there’s loads of things that, you know – she makes us the way that we are. And I’m very grateful for Jools… and an amazing mum.’

Neurodivergent is a term that describes people whose brains function differently, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

That year, the couple reflected on a quarter of a century together and lifted the lid on the secret to a happy marriage. 

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Jamie gushed over his wife as he admitted ‘opposites attract’ and said he feels ‘very blessed’ to have been married for so long.

Jamie told Good Housekeeping UK: ‘I wouldn’t be the first to say opposites attract. We get on very well and we genuinely like each other, but we’re also very different.

‘That can create a certain tension, but it also seems to work, and I feel very blessed to have had 25 years.’

In June this year, the pair marked his 26th wedding anniversary with a slew of sweet throwback snaps.

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In the trio of images, the couple looked loved-up and fresh-faced, with two images showing them cosied up and one striking snap of Jools on her own.

He added a caption reading: ‘Just a little @joolsoliver appreciation post because she has truly been my rock for 26 years !! What would I do without her?’

This week, the doting parents announced their eldest daughter Poppy has gotten engaged to her boyfriend, Ben, with Jools sharing pictures of Poppy's engagement on Instagram

This week, the doting parents announced their eldest daughter Poppy has gotten engaged to her boyfriend, Ben, with Jools sharing pictures of Poppy’s engagement on Instagram 

This week, the doting parents announced their eldest daughter Poppy has gotten engaged to her boyfriend Ben.

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Jools shared pictures of their eldest daughter’s engagement on Instagram on Wednesday.

A delighted Jools wrote: ‘Probably one of my favourite reels so far. Our first baby Poppy Honey is getting married.

‘We are so excited, proud and happy. Ben we all adore you. Little did I know as we moved Pop in to her second house at university, whilst I was sweating over your shoe rack flat pack you seemed very distracted with the boy who had just moved in next door…

‘5 years later you had met you soul mate. so excited for the next chapter love you xxx @bennewman___ @katenewman.’

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Jamie then added on his Story: ‘Happy engagement my baby girl Poppy and Ben. I’m so please for you both. What a wonderful moment.’

The post showed Ben getting down on one knee during a beautiful sunset on the beach.

Ben and Poppy met at university and then, after graduating, they went travelling around Australia together.

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Third night of turmoil in market town over ‘asylum seeker’ homes: More arrests over disorder linked to Norfolk anti-immigration protests

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Poilce make arrests in Thetford on the third night of protests over asylum seekers being housed in the area

A historic market town gripped by unrest saw more arrests on a third consecutive night of disorder after angry locals tried to storm homes believed to house asylum seekers. 

Riot police were deployed to guard more properties in Thetford, Norfolk, last night as protests over migrants being housed in a residential street escalated, with crowds chanting: ‘Get them out, get them out.’

Two men were arrested on Thursday evening, Norfolk Police said, following two nights of disorder in the market town.

One was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred in connection with events on Wednesday. The other was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and failing to provide details to police when asked.

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Police powers were increased on Thursday evening in the wake of the disorder earlier in the week.

Last night, officers threw a ring of steel around the property as dozens of locals gathered just yards away. Demonstrators also hurled eggs.

The tense atmosphere saw police in full public order gear form a line around the house.

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Poilce make arrests in Thetford on the third night of protests over asylum seekers being housed in the area

This man was taken away in a third consecutive night of unrest.

This man was taken away in a third consecutive night of unrest.

Police lined up to protect the houses locals believe belong to asylum seekers in Thetford

Police lined up to protect the houses locals believe belong to asylum seekers in Thetford

Crowds chanted: 'Get them out, get them out.'

Crowds chanted: ‘Get them out, get them out.’

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One man was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred in connection with events on Wednesday. The other was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and failing to provide details to police when asked.

One man was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred in connection with events on Wednesday. The other was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and failing to provide details to police when asked.

Police say they have been bitten and spat at

Police say they have been bitten and spat at

Demonstrators gathered outside the property, where asylum seekers are being accommodated, repeatedly shouting: ‘Get them out, get them out.’

One local said: ‘What they have done is shocking. It’s two-tier. We won’t stop until they’re gone. We don’t want them here.’

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The latest protest follows two previous nights of disorder in the Norfolk town, during which stones and eggs were thrown at the house and a window was smashed.

A police officer was also bitten during the unrest, while another was spat at.

Frustration spilled out at three properties in Thetford, Norfolk, following weeks of protests at a nearby former military barracks, which has been earmarked to take 1,250 male migrants.

First sparked on Tuesday, the angry scenes continued on Wednesday night and into yesterday.

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Two officers needed hospital treatment and three arrests were made.

A Government spokesman said the ‘concerns of communities are central to our immigration reforms’. The chaos on the first night saw five men having to be escorted by police from a property on St John’s Way, prompting the furious protesters to brand the officers ‘traitors’.

Damage caused to a house after locals attacked the property this week

Damage caused to a house after locals attacked the property this week

Crowds of up to 100 people stormed three properties amid fears they were being used to house asylum seekers

Crowds of up to 100 people stormed three properties amid fears they were being used to house asylum seekers

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On Tuesday a group of young men were escorted away from a property by police

On Tuesday a group of young men were escorted away from a property by police

One local claimed the landlord had told them to expect new tenants but didn’t mention they would be asylum seekers.

The occupant of a house in nearby Elm Road is then understood to have been forced out of his home and his phone was stolen.

The disorder next spilled over to a residence in Bracken Road, which had its windows and front door smashed in. Up to 100 people became involved in the violence, with video capturing one man shouting: ‘They don’t want the white man anymore. They want us all gone, they wanna swap us. It’s predicted by 2050 the f****** white man’s going to be a minority.’

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Officers attended another residential property in Clover Way on Wednesday after a large group of people gathered there at about 9pm and tried to gain access. The group became ‘physically aggressive’ with a male officer struck by a rock and a female officer ‘seriously bitten, breaking the skin’.

Assistant Chief Constable Julie Dean said: ‘We will always facilitate and support the right to peaceful protest, and we recognise that people may hold strong views. However, there is no place for violence, intimidation or criminal behaviour.’

The turmoil began at around midday on Tuesday when a group of men were seen moving into the St John’s Way house. 

News of the arrival spread and by 7pm people began arriving with numbers swelling to around 60. The crowd tried to force their way in by smashing a window and breaking a fence.

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Dramatic footage shows an officer standing in front of the property and telling the protesters to do so peacefully.

By 10pm, the decision was taken to remove the five men in the property and ten officers surrounded them, some hooded, as they hurried outside and into a police van.

A man in his 30s was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of a public order offence. Local Brian Thompson, 68, has been charged with possession of a weapon, a bat. Another man, in his 40s, is in custody. 

Local MP Terry Jermy said: ‘I utterly condemn this behaviour.’

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UPDATES – Warnings continue about North West train

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UPDATES - Warnings continue about North West train

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World shares are mixed and Brent crude gains more than 1%

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World shares are mixed and Brent crude gains more than 1%

BANGKOK (AP) — World shares were mixed Friday after a modest retreat on Wall Street, while the price of Brent crude gained more than 1%.

In early European trading, Germany’s DAX rose 0.4% to 26,253.77, while the CAC 40 in Paris edged 0.2% higher to 8,715.47.

Britain’s FTSE 100 was up 0.1% at 10,879.57.

The future for the S&P 500 rose 0.1% while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1%.

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Selling of computer chipmakers and other stocks linked to the boom in artificial intelligence appeared to taper off a bit as Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 lost 0.1% to 65,606.71.

The Kospi in South Korea dropped 0.6% to 6,258.77 and Taiwan’s Taiex fell 0.4%.

The Shanghai Composite index gained 1% to 3,940.04 after China reported its exports grew at a slightly slower but still robust pace of about 24% in July on strong demand for electronics and other high-tech products. China’s huge trade surplus narrowed last month and imports also slowed.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng picked up 0.5% to 25,668.03.

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In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 slipped less than 0.1%, to 9,263.60.

On Thursday, stocks declined on Wall Street as oil prices rose and more company earnings reports rolled in.

The S&P 500 fell 0.2% and the Dow industrials fell 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%.

The price of Brent crude rose nearly 4% on Thursday as progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, vital to securing stable oil supplies, remained unclear.

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Iran has said it is close to a deal with Oman for reopening the strait. U.S. President Donald Trump has also previously said a deal is close, but the conflict has had many starts and stops over the past five months.

Reopening the strait may require a compromise since the Trump administration has ruled out Iran charging fees to ships. But Iran has insisted on some measure of control, saying the strait will not go back to being an international waterway.

As of early Friday, a barrel of Brent, the international standard, was up 1% at $83.33. U.S. benchmark crude oil advanced 0.7% to $77.79 per barrel.

A fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas once passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have surged as high as $113 due to the war and higher prices have added more heat to inflation by raising the price of gasoline and raising costs for shipping.

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While markets are still weighed down by worries over the war and over a possible bubble in investments in artificial intelligence, strong overall corporate profits have helped allay concerns on Wall Street about shares being overpriced.

Roughly 85% of companies in the S&P 500 have reported their results and overall earnings growth for the period is shaping up to be the strongest since 2021.

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Outside of earnings, SpaceX rose 6.1%. More than 911 million SpaceX shares held by early investors and employees became eligible for sale Thursday as a lockup period for the stock expired. That is more than double the shares that were initially offered to the public for sale during the initial public offering for Elon Musk’s company.

SpaceX jumped as high as $225 a share following its market debut in June, but has since slumped below its initial $135 offering price. The stock is currently trading around $115.

The latest monthly jobs report, for July, will be released Friday.

U.S. employment remains strong, but growth in hiring has been easing. A weekly report on Thursday showed the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week, though layoffs remain in the historically healthy range of the past few years. Employers pulled back on hiring in June, adding only 57,000 jobs.

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In other dealings early Friday, the dollar rose to 158.46 Japanese yen from 158.42 yen. The euro fell to $1.1520 from $1.1524.

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Farm warning after Dalton Piercy combine harvester blaze

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Farm warning after Dalton Piercy combine harvester blaze

Firefighters from Hartlepool and Stockton fire stations were called to the farm on Sunday, August 2, after the harvester caught alight.

Pictures shows the charred and burned-out farm vehicle still smoking with crops underneath burnt up.

A spokesperson for the fire service said a much larger incident was prevented and the flames did not spread across surrounding fields.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said the results could have been much worse. (Image: CLEVELAND FIRE BRIGADE)

“As harvesting continues, we encourage everyone working in the agricultural sector to remain vigilant and take simple precautions to help prevent fires,” they said.

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Cleveland Fire Brigade has warned that agricultural machinery fires can become more frequent during spells of hot, dry weather, with combine harvesters posing a particular risk due to the number of concealed areas where fire can take hold unnoticed.



Engine compartments, belt systems, bearings, hydraulic components and build-ups of dry crop material can all harbour hidden hotspots, making fires difficult to extinguish and often requiring extensive checks afterwards to confirm they are fully out.

With harvesting season continuing across the region, the fire service is urging everyone working in agriculture to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of fire breaking out on their machinery.

Farmers and agricultural workers are advised to:

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  • Regularly inspect and clean machinery to remove dust, chaff and crop debris
  • Check bearings, belts and moving parts for signs of overheating or wear
  • Carry suitable fire extinguishers and ensure they are well maintained
  • Keep a water bowser or other firefighting equipment on hand where possible during harvesting
  • Call 999 immediately if a fire starts

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Tom Holland and Zendaya’s celebrity wedding guests revealed after secretly marrying

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Tom Holland and Zendaya's celebrity wedding guests revealed after secretly marrying
Tom Holland and Zendaya worked hard to make their 250-person-strong event private (Picture: Getty)

There’s been a number of high profile celebrity weddings this summer, with different star-studded guest lists for each one.

Now that Tom Holland and Zendaya have got hitched for what appears to be the second time, a fresh set of famous names are said to have been in attendance.

Unsurprisingly, at this £500,000 wedding on an entire Victorian estate in Surrey, there was a whole load of guests.

This includes people flown in by helicopter, arriving at the luxury country house hotel in style.

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According to The Sun, around 250 people were in attendance at the private event where phones were not allowed.

Sources told the publication that Tom’s Marvel mentor, Robert Downey Jr, was there, as was Zendaya’s Dune co-star Timothée Chalamet and girlfriend Kylie Jenner.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 25: Robert Downey Jr. is seen onstage during the Marvel Studios Panel at 2026 San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
Tom has said he hopes to mentor the next Spider-Man the same was that Robert Downey Jr. did for him when he got the role (Picture: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
83rd Annual Golden Globes - Inside
Kylie and Timmy flew over for the ‘romantic’ ceremony (Picture: Christopher Polk/2026GG/ via Getty Images)

Of course, a wedding wouldn’t be complete without family, and Tom’s brothers all watched their eldest sibling get married, with Sam, 27, as best man.

That means Sam’s twin Harry, who is also an actor like Tom, went too, as did youngest of the four Paddy, 21.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock (10564826x) Sam Holland, Harry Holland, Tom Holland and Paddy Holland 'Onward' film premiere, Curzon Mayfair, London, UK - 23 Feb 2020
Tom’s brothers, (L-R) Sam, Harry and Paddy were all at the big do (Picture: Rex Features/Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock)
Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock (15483043q) Sam Holland 'This Morning' TV show, London, UK - 12 Sep 2025
Chef brother Sam is said to have been Tom’s best man (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

But don’t expect to catch a glimpse from any of the guests’ Instagram stories. Like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, who got married at the beginning of July, phones were a no-go during the wedding.

Not just attendees, but also staff, had their phones confiscated ahead of the sunset ceremony in the woods.

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A source told the outlet: ‘The ceremony was so beautiful and romantic.

‘Tom and Zendaya aced their speeches as well — they were both very funny but also very emotional.

‘There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. They’re incredibly hard-working and lovely people, and this stunning wedding has capped off an amazing year for them.’

W8media. NO CREDIT w8media Beaverbrook hotel. 65/08/2026.
Beaverbrook estate is now a luxury country house hotel in Surrey

Things kicked off at the top of the week with a rehearsal dinner on Monday, and the main event followed the day after.

More details reported to the paper recount a pool party, games of croquet, and Japanese food being served at the five-star hotel.

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Beaverbrook estate is located in the Surrey Hills, just over 10 miles from the town Tom grew up in, Kingston upon Thames.

The property was bought by Longshot Cherkley Court Ltd in 2011, who ‘set about bringing the estate back to life whilst retaining its special character’, according to its website.

It was once owned by Canadian newspaper publisher Lord Beaverbrook, who hosted friend and ally Winston Churchill at his abode.

Tom and Zendaya have both just finished doing publicity for the latest Spider-Man film that they starred in together, having met on set for the franchise’s 2016 movie, Spider-Man: Homecoming.

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Tom Holland and Zendaya attend the premiere of the Spider-Man: Brand New Day in China.
Tom and Zendaya have been busy promoting the latest Spider-Man film (Picture: VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Earlier this year, Tom suggested to Esquire that they had already tied the knot.

While discussing the fake AI photos doing the rounds of what looked like a wedding party on the banks of Lake Como, the publication asked if the Peter Parker actor had to reassure his family regarding the photos.

He replied: ‘No, because they were all there.’

Other celebrities to have multiple ceremonies include Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, who got married at London’s Old Marylebone Town Hall before a more lavish do in Palma.

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Staff threatened and abused following shooting of cows, minister says

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Belfast Live

Mr Muir said he had been “alarmed by some of the highly inaccurate and irresponsible commentary surrounding the team’s actions”.

Civil servants have received threats and abuse following controversy over the shooting of 51 cows in Co Tyrone, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said.

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Providing an update to MLAs, Mr Muir said that “no animal was chased around fields” by staff and no cattle were shot multiple times.

He did, however, state that some animals had made it onto a public road and had been chased “for a significant period of time” after a local farmer had expressed interest in buying some of the cows.

Stormont’s Agriculture Committee is due to meet on Monday to discuss the cull carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (Daera) Humane Slaughter Team on land near Fivemiletown in June.

Concerns have been raised by some political representatives about the nature of the incident and Mr Muir has ordered an external review of the circumstances.

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Mr Muir provided a written update to MLAs on Thursday of actions taken by officials in his department.

He said it arose following a court order requiring the department to act after a man was convicted of a number of offences and disqualified for life from keeping animals.

The minister said the department gave the herd keeper three weeks to sell off or dispose of his animals, but he “only divested himself of a small number of animals”.

He said this left 51 cows on the land which had to be removed from the disqualified keeper.

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Mr Muir said: “The department was unfortunately left with no reasonable alternative to comply with the court order, other than to euthanise the animals.

“While it is generally preferable for the animals to be removed from the premises and euthanised remotely, in certain circumstances, such as this case, it was the assessment of professional veterinary staff that this option was simply not possible.”

He said officials had decided the animals could not be moved to a different location.

He said that 50 cattle were “euthanised” on June 29 and another one the following day.

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The minister said: “The staff in this team are highly trained, in line with best practice and legislative requirements, and highly respected across these islands for their expertise following procedures that provide for a humane death.”

Mr Muir said he had been “alarmed by some of the highly inaccurate and irresponsible commentary surrounding the team’s actions”.

He said: “Officials have outlined that no animal was chased around fields by Daera staff, no animal was shot multiple times, nor were there sounds of loud gunfire.

“It is standard practice that silencers are used, an important detail both from an animal welfare and from a public concern perspective.”

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Mr Muir said the the animals were “collected and disposed of the next morning” with efforts made to keep this operation out of public view.

The minister added: “Two of the sites were very remote with limited public access and the cattle were euthanised on these sites by approximately 1.30pm on June 29 with no issues arising.

“On the third site, I understand that issues did arise when a local farmer approached staff at the scene to indicate a potential interest in purchasing some of the animals.”

Mr Muir said operations were “halted immediately to provide space for any transaction to take place”.

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He told MLAs: “The local farmer seeking to purchase some of the animals, another individual and the herd keeper were facilitated to remove the animals from a field into a lorry.

“They chased the animals for a significant period of time and released them onto a public road which created further health and safety risks.

“While those actions delayed the completion of operations, ultimately Daera staff had to intervene as the individuals were unable to detain the animals which by that stage were stressed.”

Mr Muir said by this point there was a “small number of protesters at the site” but operations did not recommence until they had left the scene.

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He added: “With the assistance of some neighbouring farmers, staff were able to move the remaining cattle from the road and they were subsequently euthanised.”

The minister said there had been “highly irresponsible and very misleading” political and public commentary about the cull.

He said: “Other commentary, particularly on social media, has had the effect of encouraging and provoking quite disgraceful and unacceptable reactions, including some that are abusive and clearly misogynistic.

“That commentary has led to threats being made against some Daera staff and multiple other staff being subjected to significant abuse online, in person and through written correspondence.

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“That is not acceptable in any scenario, and certainly not when it comes to our civil and public servants carrying out their lawful duties.

“My senior officials now have to review risk assessments, reassure staff as to the value and importance of their work, and assess what specific security, policing or legal responses are required in the case of some comments.”

Responding to the ministerial statement, Agriculture Committee chairman and Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler said a “central question is whether every alternative to euthanasia was genuinely exhausted”.

He said: “The statement records that the keeper divested himself of some animals during the three-week period, and that on the day of the operation a local farmer approached staff indicating an interest in purchasing animals.

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“If sale or transfer was possible for some of the herd, farmers will want to understand precisely why it was judged impossible for the remaining 51, and at what point that judgment became final.”

Mr Butler added: “Let me be clear about the treatment of departmental staff.

“The threats, online abuse and misogynistic commentary directed at Daera officials and veterinary staff are indefensible, and anyone amplifying such material should stop.

“Legitimate scrutiny and abuse are not the same thing, and neither should be used to excuse the other.

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DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said Mr Muir’s statement leaves “important questions unanswered”.

She said: “This information should not have come through a drip feed of statements and media reports over the past number of weeks. Given the level of public concern, the minister should have been far more forthcoming from the outset.”

Ms Erskine added: “The statement fails again today to apologise to constituents that witnessed this incident occur and are genuinely concerned by what happened in a quiet rural area.

“That should be at the very least something that could and should be offered at this stage.”

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HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates to change from September 2026

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HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates to change from September 2026

HMRC is due to publish its latest Advisory Fuel Rates from September, with the quarterly review potentially changing how much employers reimburse staff for business travel in company cars.

The rates are also used to calculate how much employees should repay if they use company-paid fuel for private journeys.

While the changes are usually linked to fluctuations in fuel prices, experts warn that using outdated rates could lead to incorrect mileage claims and, in some cases, unexpected tax consequences.

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What are HMRC’s Advisory Fuel Rates?

HMRC reviews the rates every three months to reflect average fuel costs for company cars.

They are designed to help employers reimburse staff for business journeys without creating additional tax liabilities and to calculate repayments where company fuel has been used for personal travel.

Joe Lytwyn, personal finance expert at thimbl.com, said: “HMRC’s Advisory Fuel Rates are designed to reflect the average fuel cost of running a company car for business journeys.”

He added: “They’re reviewed every three months because fuel prices don’t stand still, so it’s important that businesses keep up with the latest figures.”

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One mistake many drivers make

Lytwyn said many employees wrongly believe the rates apply to everyone who drives for work.

He explained: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that the rates apply to everyone who drives for work. They don’t.”

Instead, the Advisory Fuel Rates only apply to company cars.

Employees using their own vehicles for work are covered by separate HMRC mileage rules.

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Could you end up paying more tax?

Using the wrong reimbursement rate can have tax implications for both employers and employees.

Lytwyn said: “If an employer reimburses above HMRC’s Advisory Fuel Rate without being able to justify the higher cost, the excess could become taxable.”

He added that employees who receive less than the advisory rate “may be able to claim tax relief on the difference in some circumstances.”

Keep good mileage records

Experts also say poor record-keeping is one of the biggest reasons mileage claims go wrong.

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Lytwyn said: “Poor record-keeping is probably the most common issue. People often forget to log journeys properly, or they mix business and personal mileage together.”

Keeping a record of where you travelled, why the journey was for business and the miles covered can help avoid problems if HMRC or your employer ever questions a claim.

What drivers should do before September

With fresh Advisory Fuel Rates expected from September, drivers are being encouraged to check that any future claims use the updated figures.

Lytwyn said: “Don’t assume the current rates will remain the same.”

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He added: “Once HMRC publishes the updated figures, check whether your employer has updated its mileage policy and make sure any new claims use the correct rates.”

He also recommended keeping mileage records up to date throughout the year, making it easier to challenge incorrect reimbursements or claim any tax relief that may be due.

It’s worth noting that the September rates have not yet been published, so drivers should continue using the current HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates until the updated figures are officially released.

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Exactly where new Lidl could open in Cambridgeshire

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Cambridgeshire Live

Lidl announced earlier this year it had plans to open more stores in Cambridgeshire

A new Lidl supermarket could open in a Cambridgeshire village. Earlier this year, Lidl announced a “wish list” of 876 locations, including some in Cambridgeshire, where it wants to open new stores.

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Plans have now been revealed for a new Lidl in Hartford, near Huntingdon. The proposed store is on a plot of land south of Main Street (B1514) in Hartford.

A Lidl spokesperson said: “A new Lidl foodstore off Main Street/B1514 in Hartford would provide local residents with an additional shopping option, while reducing the need to travel further afield for regular grocery shopping.

“The site, located to the east of Hartford and adjacent to Huntingdon Road, has previously been identified for development. We believe a new Lidl foodstore would deliver a range of community benefits, including greater access to affordable shopping and the creation of new jobs for local people.”

The land where the new store could be had outline planning approval for 25 to 30 homes. However, the Lidl spokesperson said this scheme had “not progressed”.

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Lidl is seeking feedback from the public before it submits a planning application.

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Belfast weekend weather as city hosts final days of Fleadh Cheoil

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Belfast Live

It’s been a big week of song, dance and culture in the city as part of the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music.

It’s a mixed bag for Belfast’s weather this coming weekend as the city hosts the final days of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

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It’s been a big week of song, dance and culture in the city as part of the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music.

More than 200 events and 180 traditional music competitions have been taking place across city venues, pubs, and streets throughout the week-long celebration that runs until this Sunday, August 9.

Weather-wise the weekend isn’t looking too bad despite some rain forecast for Saturday before conditions improve in the coming days.

Here’s what we can expect in Belfast on the weather front this coming weekend, according to the Met Office:

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Today:

This morning will be dry across all parts with sunny spells. It will remain dry this afternoon with some bright or sunny spells. Warm, locally very warm across Down. Maximum temperature 20°C.

Tonight:

This evening will be dry with some late sunshine. Then it will become cloudy overnight with some light and patchy rain extending northeast for a time. Freshening southwesterly in the northwest. Minimum temperature 13°C.

Saturday:

Some hazy sunshine in the southeast at first; otherwise rather cloudy with some rain at times in the north and west, drier elsewhere. Maximum temperature 21°C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Outbreaks of rain on Sunday, turning drier later. Dry with some sunshine on Monday and Tuesday.

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UK long range weather forecast: Tuesday 11 August – Thursday 20 August

A settled start, with mainly dry conditions on Tuesday, although with scattered showers across western areas.

Then through the week, more changeable conditions are likely across northern parts, with some spells of rain or showers and stronger winds, interspersed by drier periods. Whilst southern areas will generally see more settled, drier conditions where it will become very warm or hot.

Further into August, lower pressure may start to track further south or east. This means there is a greater chance of frontal systems or thundery interludes affecting southern and eastern areas compared to recent weeks, though rainfall amounts could be quite variable with some areas still seeing relatively little.

Temperatures look to remain above average, especially in the south, where it may be very warm or hot.

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Coronation Street fans make Kit Green demand as they take sides in Gary Windass war

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Manchester Evening News

Kit Green has made it clear that he’s plotting to pin Theo Silverton’s murder on Gary Windass in Corrie

Coronation Street fans have demanded that Kit Green is ‘brought down a peg or two’ as he plots to pin Theo Silverton’s murder on Gary Windass.

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It’s fair to say that fans of the ITV soap, which is filmed in Salford, have taken sides after copper Kit was seen issuing Gary with an ultimatum in a bid to get his partner, Sarah Platt, out of prison for killing the abusive builder.

As viewers will recall, the builder’s lifeless body was found by a horrified Betsy Swain on the night of her mum, Lisa Swain’s, wedding to Carla Connor, but it wasn’t until a week after the wedding aired that it was confirmed Theo had died after the murder was teased to be him and four other Weatherfield villains.

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A murder investigation quickly got underway, with Corrie confirming Theo’s husband, Todd Grimshaw, as a suspect, along with his loved ones, George Shuttleworth, Summer Spellman, Christina Boyd, as well as Theo’s friend-turned enemy, Gary Windass, and Theo’s ex-wife, Danielle Silverton.

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But it was eventually revealed to Corrie viewers, in scenes aired in June, that it wasn’t any of the six, as it was Sarah who appeared to deal the blow that sent a drunk Theo tumbling off the scaffolding outside his flat and plummeting to the ground – before she called on her former flame, Gary, for help.

Unable to keep her secret for any longer, Sarah ended up confessing to Todd, who ended their friendship shortly after, and eventually told her detective beau the truth, when he dropped to one knee to pop the question. Despite his job, Kit vowed to help Sarah and as she didn’t want Gary to get into trouble either, he reluctantly agreed to help him too.

However, last month, Sarah was arrested on suspicion of killing Theo. She was later charged as the evidence stacked against her, and Sarah ended up admitting to the murder, telling DS Lisa Connor-Swain it was in self-defence.

Kit is now determined to get Sarah off the hook and during Thursday’s (August 6) visit to Weatherfield, which comes as a number of Corrie stars are filming what appears to be Sarah’s court case, having been spotted filming on location at Bolton Crown Court, he continued to search the data scrubbed from Gary’s phone after getting a favour from a mate.

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After he and Bethany Platt trawled Gary’s GPS data, he planned to search the waste ground for the metal pipe used to kill Theo. Later, Kit found Gary in the Rovers, where Kit told him he’d had “an interesting day” and to pop over to his and Sarah’s flat later.

When he did, Kit told Gary he knew where the murder weapon was and that the GPS data he found would be enough to place Gary there, even if the mental pole didn’t carry his DNA. Gary tried to fight back, but in the end, Kit issued him an ultimatum – he either confesses to Theo’s murder, or Kit will hand over what he knows.

And Corrie fans have made their feelings clear that, despite Gary’s dodgy past, they seemingly don’t want to see him go down for Theo’s death. @sam_fletcher78 said: “Team Gary! Kit needs to be brought down a peg or two!” @julie49parkinson commented: “Kit needs to do one. Team Gary!”

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@anoif_9090 posted: “Kit needs to be found out and punished!!” @bigabiggsy argued: “Kit n Gary together would be an unstoppable duo. Need as mates not rivals.” @riojuniperj wrote: “Can’t stand Kit! Please send him off with Jodie . Team Gary any day.”

@NoniFlax101 shared: “Kit thinks he’s so clever, but I doubt Sarah will forgive him for this – his vendetta against Gary is fuelled by nothing but jealousy. And Sarah would never betray Gary. #Corrie.” @SouthernCazza1 added: “Disliking Kit more and more. Liking Gary more and more. Praying that Bethany’s going to go to Gary and Sarah and snitch #Corrie.”

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