Stephen Mangan has been a staple of British TV for years, but the Green Wing star has suffered great personal tragedy.

Stephen Mangan has spoken candidly about a significant family investment made in the wake of two losses.

Love Your Weekend With Alan Titchmarsh returns this morning, Sunday, May 3, with the host welcoming actor and comedian Stephen Mangan alongside his artist sister Anita.

Despite enjoying a flourishing career, including a role in Charles Dance‘s forthcoming film The Inn At The Edge Of The World, Mangan has endured tremendous heartache in his private life.

In 1991, when he was just 22-years-old, his mother was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away merely six months later.

Then in 2005, his father died of a brain tumour at 63-years-old, also six months after receiving his diagnosis.

“You feel so helpless when something like that happens to someone you love,” Mangan told Metro. “A lot of people live in denial and don’t want to think about what might happen because it’s depressing.

“I find being aware the clock is ticking makes being alive feel more special. You can’t go around thinking you’re going to die all the time but life is precious because there isn’t that much of it.”

He further commented: “It’s a source of tremendous sadness to me that my parents never got to meet my children. It feels wrong but what can you do? You have to get on with it.”

Following their father’s passing, Mangan and his two younger sisters Anita and Lisa combined their resources to purchase a £800,000 country house in Wiltshire.

Speaking candidly about the lavish acquisition, the star revealed to Lauren Laverne on Desert Island Discs: “I think it’s always there because we were so close as kids.

“When dad died, we bought a little place in the countryside, all three of us, that we could use and go to as a family because you no longer have a family home or a place that you can gather so we got somewhere.

“They are the people who made me, my mum, my dad and sisters. From that little family unit everything in my life has sprung.”

The redevelopment could see new offices, labs, retail, and leisure offerings alongside a new home for a popular events venue

The potential sale of Cambridge Leisure Park could see a major redevelopment of the site including offices, labs, retail, and leisure opportunities. Cambridge Leisure Park currently hosts a hotel, car park, restaurants, cinema, and bowling alley.

According to a sales brochure by real estate company JLL, it is the city’s “only multiplex and drive-to leisure destination”. A proposed masterplan shows how the 8.4-acre site could be redeveloped.

The brochure explained: “The proposed master plan would comprise of massing ranges from 2 stories to 10 storeys. These buildings would comprise a mixed-use estate for Office, Lab, Retail, F&B, the Junction, Creative Workspace, Leisure, Car Parking and Energy centre.”

This includes a “new sustainable home” for the Cambridge Junction, which hosts a variety of events. The repurposing opportunities also suggest that a “big box retail warehouse space” could be explored to draw in shops such as M&S, TK Maxx, Next and Superdrug.

“Whilst the masterplan leans heavily on offices and lab space the current commercial environment and local need would also position this site favourably for the massing of multi-family, Co-living and senior living on those areas of the site currently designed for offices and labs, complimented by further retail and leisure uses,” the brochure continued.

The site currently has a 611 space multi-storey car park but the proposed plan has 145 spaces. Cambridge City Council is the freehold owner of the site and Land Securities is the leaseholder.

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Why aren’t Democrats more popular, given the president’s low approval ratings in significant areas such as the economy? And what do Americans really think of Donald Trump?
In this special episode of Americast, recorded live at Maida Vale studios in London for Castfest (celebrating some of the BBC’s best loved news podcasts) we look at recent polling for both Donald Trump, and the Democrats. Why has the president lost support, and how worried should the Republican party be, given the possibility of losing control of Congress in November’s midterm elections?
Justin, Sarah, Anthony and Marianna also hear why former Trump loyalist Tucker Carlson who is now apologising for helping to get Donald Trump elected, and the wider impact this may have on Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) base.
We also take a closer look at polling for the Democrats and why the party is not more popular. What should Democrats be doing ahead of the presidential election in 2028 to increase their support?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
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• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Purvee Pattni. The technical producer was Robbie Hayward, the video producers were Grace Braddock, Sophie Millward and Jem Westgate. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

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The Team Relay consists of 5 legs, of varying distances, with changeover points across the route:

• LEG 1: Stormont Estate – Montgomery Road, 4.2 miles.
• LEG 2: Montgomery Road – Boucher Road, 6.8 miles.
• LEG 3: Boucher Road – Falls Road, 4.5 miles.
• LEG 4: Falls Road – Duncairn Gardens, 5 miles.
• LEG 5: Duncairn Gardens – Ormeau Park 5.7 miles.

See the exact points in the post below…

How to get to Belfast City Marathon Relay starting points

A shuttle bus service will run 8:00am – 10:00am from Annadale Embankment at Dunnes Stores to drop runners off at their designated relay changeover point:

• Montgomery Road – 08:00 – 08:30
• Boucher Road – 08:30 – 09:00
• Falls Road – 09:00 – 09:30
• Duncairn Gardens – 09:30 – 10:00

Getting back to Belfast City Centre – a shuttle bus will transport participants from Ormeau Embankment to Belfast City Centre. This service will run from 11:45am – 4:00pm.

Getting back to Stormont – every 3rd shuttle bus leaving Ormeau Embankment will transport spectators back to Stormont

All buses are free to spectators and participants on race day.

These are the latest significant developments planned across Greater Manchester

The transformation of a burned down nightclub in Wigan is one of a number of significant developments planned for Greater Manchester.

Jak’s on Wigan’s King Street, popular with revellers, was ravaged by a fire in November last year. Emergency services were called at around 10.30pm in November, when several late night bars in the area were busy.

Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter

The nightclub was destroyed by the fire, but now plans to transform it into 18 apartments have been tabled.

Here is a breakdown of each borough’s recently submitted public notices…

Bolton

Plans for ‘gated’ estate of five-bedroom townhouses in Bolton

Details of a new ‘gated’ housing estate on elevated land overlooking a brook have been published.

Outline permission has been granted for the development to the back of Irlam Street North and Eckersley Road, in the Astley Bridge area of Bolton. A planning report said the ‘sits in an elevated position to the south of Astley Brook’. Currently the land is used for the storage of agricultural vehicles and equipment.

The site consists of hard landscaping and outbuildings in various states of condition and use.

Plans for funeral centre for pets to provide ‘a quiet space for viewing’ beloved animals

Plans for a ‘funeral centre’ for pets in an outbuilding in Bolton have been submitted.

The retrospective plans, by Serenity Pet Funeral Services, seek to formalise the use of the outbuilding to the rear of a property on Tonge Moor Road. Plans submitted to Bolton council in the past week state the use of the building as providing ‘small-scale pet funeral services’.

A planning statement in support of the plans said: “The use has been operating since 2021 and provides a sensitive appointment-based service to bereaved pet owners, including the collection of pets, preparation of pets for burial or cremation elsewhere, a quiet space for private family viewing and the preparation of memorial keepsakes.

Manchester

Gorton pub staff accused of ‘deliberate attempt to hinder police investigation’ and being ‘involved in serious crime’

Staff at a Gorton pub will be questioned by police who believe a ‘deliberate attempt to hinder a serious ongoing investigation’ was made by ‘removing’ CCTV footage.

Greater Manchester Police visited The Angel, at 37 Wellington Street in Gorton, multiple times in early April to ask for CCTV recordings as they investigated a ‘suspected kidnapping’ in the area, council licensing papers say. GMP believe there was a ‘deliberate attempt to hinder a serious ongoing investigation by removing or destroying CCTV footage’, documents add.

The pub’s premises licence has been temporarily suspended by Manchester council pending a full review.

Salford

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Electric GoKarts and bowling arcade confirmed as part of £16m Quayside refurb in Salford

A GoKarting track and bowling alley are part of the £16m changes coming to the Quayside shopping mall in Salford. Peel Retail and Leisure, who own the mall, have confirmed Hyperdrive Karting and Hollywood Bowl are moving in.

The site was recently slammed as a ‘ghost town’ after a series of closures left many retail units shuttered and abandoned. But as part of a £10m refurb plan approved by Salford Council last week, developers intend to ‘transform the waterside destination into a leading regional leisure hub’.

The plans involve knocking through walls in the ‘mostly vacant’ food court on the building’s mezzanine level and empty retail units and offices on the upper floors. These will be reconfigured into three large commercial units.

Stockport

Stockport council launches legal challenge over plan for 540 homes near A555

Stockport council has launched a legal challenge against a developer’s plan to build 540 homes near the A555 Airport Relief Road. Redrow Homes (Harrow Estates division) proposes to expand Woodford Garden Village by building on green belt land in December 2024. The firm later accused Stockport council of ‘prolonged delays’ in making a decision on the planning application. Nearly a year later, in September 2025, Redrow lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspector and was successful, with permission given to press on with the work.

Tameside

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The transformation plan for Droylsden Marina

Droylsden Marina has been vacant and underused for years, but it could soon be regenerated as new plans for 192 new homes have been unveiled.

Developers, True North Partnerships and CERT, want to build three apartment blocks on the land adjacent to the Lock Keepers site, behind the old library. All the homes would be affordable and of a high quality design, according to developers.

In addition to the apartment blocks, the scheme also includes a series of duplex homes at ground level. The duplexes would be arranged to maximise views across the marina, Ashton Canal and towards the Pennines and Manchester city centre.

More demolition work planned for giant food factory in Dukinfield

The giant food factory in Dukinfield is in the process of being bulldozed, but now plans for further demolition work have been tabled.

Pilgrim’s UK, one of Britain’s largest pork providers, shut down operations at the Bow Street site back in 2023. Plans to demolish the vacant factory, on the border of Dukinfield and Ashton, have already been approved by Tameside council. Demolition work was due to start last month and take 14 weeks to complete.

Now OREP Fund Propco 1 Limited intends to scrap the metal bridge, which connects the warehouses on opposite sides of the River Tame. It is hoped that once approval is granted by the local authority, this demolition work can be started on May 18.

Wigan

Former Wigan nightclub building gutted by huge fire could become flats and commercial units

A fire-ravaged former nightclub building could become 18 flats if conversion plans are approved.

The Jak’s nightclub building, on King Street in Wigan, is the subject of a planning proposal from Atherton based applicant CLS-UK. Documents on the council’s planning portal say the development would contain 18 flats on the upper levels and three commercial units on the ground floor.

On the evening of November 22, a huge fire ripped through the former nightclub. Emergency services were called at around 10.30pm, when several late night bars in the area were busy.

Mikel Arteta hinted he has made a mistake with Myles Lewis-Skelly this season after the Arsenal youngster impressed in his side’s 3-0 win over Fulham.

The Gunners heaped the pressure on Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title by opening up a six-point gap at the top of the table and establishing goal difference advantage.

With the second-leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid finely poised, Arteta opted to make significant changes to his starting line-up on Saturday evening the most notable of which saw Lewis-Skelly make a first start in central midfield.

The Hale End Academy graduate made a stunning breakthrough last season as a makeshift left-back with his performances in that position rewarded with senior England recognition.

It has been a different story this term for the 19-year-old who has been forced to play a bit-part role following the arrival of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen who has shared the left-back role with Riccardo Calafiori.

Martin Zubimendi’s consistency, meanwhile, has meant Arteta had been hesitant to hand opportunities to Lewis-Skelly in his more natural position until yesterday evening when his gamble was rewarded with an eye-catching display.

And after watching the teenager impress against seasoned Premier League opposition, Arteta admitted he may have made an error in holding back a player whose lack of game time has seen him linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer.

‘He fully deserves it,’ said the Arsenal manager reflecting on Lewis-Skelly’s performance in a new-look engine room. ‘I’ve been tough on him.

‘He had a spectacular season last year when he jumped into the first team. He had some difficult moments after that, but he stayed very humble, very focused, very aligned with what we wanted to do, and I knew he was ready.

‘He’s been showing in training every day the opportunities that he had to play. He’s done it and today he really stepped up and I thought he had an incredible performance.’

Asked why it had taken him so long to give Lewis-Skelly a chance to impress in midfield, he added:’Because probably I don’t have a clue and maybe I should have done it earlier, I don’t know.

‘But I have to do things when I believe that the player is ready, the team is ready and the opponent is the right one to play with him in that position. We’ve done it today, it’s the first time.

‘It was a big risk because I knew what was going to happen, if he wasn’t this great, we would have lost the game.

‘How do you play a kid at this age, in this scenario, in a position that he hasn’t played all season? I knew that but I had the feeling that it was the right game for him.’

Reports last month claimed Arsenal were looking to net a combined total of £100million for Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri who has spent the second half of the season out on loan at Marseille.

While there might be a measure of conjecture about his future, Lewis-Skelly hardly gave the impression of a player discontent with life at his current club after he played such a key role in a vital win.

He said: ‘Honestly, I was buzzing. Being back in that midfield, getting the trust from the gaffer and the players again, just allows me to play my game and play it simple but also be effective, which was really good today. 

‘It’s hugely important for me to set that tone. When you’re in midfield, there’s a certain rally you have to attain, which is to set the tone, get the engine of the team going. I thought I did a good job of that today.

‘It’s a credit to all our players because when we’re all on the same wavelength, we’re really feeling it, playing with synergy, playing with that energy together. I feel like we’re one.’

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Dog lovers across Bolton are once again in for a treat next month as Smithills Hall prepares to host its lively “Fun Dog Show” packed with wagging tails, friendly competition and plenty of local charm.

Taking place on Sunday, May 10 from 12pm to 4pm, the fourth event is being organised by Bolton Library and Museum Services, who promise an afternoon celebrating the unique personalities of the town’s four-legged residents.

Rather than a traditional pedigree show, this event leans fully into fun, with eight light-hearted categories designed to get both dogs and owners smiling.

During judging for best puppy (Image: Newsquest)

Among the classes are Most Handsome Boy, Prettiest Girl, and Happiest Dog, alongside more playful entries such as Dog That Looks Most Like Their Owner and Waggiest Tail.

There’s also space to celebrate every stage of a dog’s life, with awards for Best Puppy (under 12 months), Best Veteran (over eight years), and Best Rescue—a category that’s expected to pull at the heartstrings.

Mark Robertson with Chloe and Theo (Image: Newsquest)

Each class will run every 30 minutes throughout the afternoon, with winners going head-to-head in the final Best in Show round at 4pm, where one standout pooch will take home the top prize.

Organisers say the event is about more than just competition.

A spokesman said: “It’s a great way for the community to come together, enjoy the grounds of Smithills Hall, and celebrate the joy dogs bring to our lives.”

Advance booking is available online, with discounted entry for those who plan ahead at £3.50.

On-the-day entries will still be welcome, costing £5 per class, though visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

With scenic surroundings, a relaxed atmosphere and dozens of dogs showing off their quirks and charm, the Smithills Hall Fun Dog Show is shaping up to be one of Bolton’s most feel-good events this spring.

The schedule is noon- Most Handsome Boy, 12.30pm – Prettiest Girl, 1.00pm – Happiest Dog, 1.30pm – Dog That Looks Most Like Their Owner, 2.00pm – Waggiest Tail, 2.30pm – Best Rescue, 3.00pm – Best Puppy (Under 12 months), 3.30pm – Best Veteran, and 4.00pm – Best in Show.

The spokesman added: “Don’t be ruff, book your spot in advance on Eventbrite to avoid disappointment! Places are £3.50 per class (plus fee) and only a limited number will be available on the day for £5. Get your paws on those tickets at Eventbrite under Fun Dog Show at Smithills Hall – 2026

I sold our Edinburgh weekend to my mum as a gentle staycation: nice hotels, good food, a bit of fresh air.

What we actually got was a five‑star hotel that floats, food fit for a royal, and the discovery of a hidden city.

By the time we’re back on the train, she has already decided Edinburgh is her new favourite destination in the UK.

The cherry on top? It’s made me Son of the Year. Here’s why.

Old world glamour

Edinburgh has that rare mix of feeling like a proper city break – architecture, history, great restaurants – without the chaos or scale of somewhere like London.

It’s compact enough to explore on foot, but varied enough that every corner feels different. And from London or any of the UK’s major cities, it’s an easy journey by rail or by plane that still makes you feel you’ve ‘gone away’.

We start our trip somewhere that feels like a destination in itself: the Fingal Hotel.

A short cab journey from the station to the Port of Leith leads us to the gangway. Since 2014, this ex-lighthouse vessel has been transformed into a five-star floating hotel.

Greeted at the door, you’re immediately transported to the bygone days of old world luxury.

The ship features 23 cabins, from standard rooms to multi-room suites, a double-height ballroom and a restaurant that not only has 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, but has wined and dined a familiar face from The Royal Family: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who made a surprise visit onboard in 2019. 

Our twin room is small but comfortable, and beside the quirky curvature of the flooring and a porthole for a window, you quickly forget you’re floating on water.

Each room is named and inspired by Fingal’s rich history. Ours ‘Muckle Flugga’, after a small island north of Unst in the Shetland Islands which is also home to a lighthouse. 

Outside, the historic port of Leith has evolved into one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, packed with independent cafes, boutiques and buzzy bars. It’s relaxed on the surface, but peek inside a window and you’ll find it’s anything but. Full of energy, conversation and an unmistakable hum of a place people genuinely enjoy being.

Even if you’re not staying at the hotel but are in the area for dinner, I can’t recommend The Lighthouse restaurant enough.

If the double Rosettes and the royal approval haven’t yet won you over, the service and menu absolutely will. Order the parsnip soup. I’ll say no more.

Taking the city in style

After an indulgent night onboard Fingal, we swap sea views for a two-night stay at The Rutland Hotel, checking into one of its ginormous two-bedroom apartments.

Right at the west end of Princes Street, the location is hard to beat, with Edinburgh Castle one way and George Street the other.

But it’s the apartment setup that really stands out. It really is abnormally large, stylish and genuinely practical, with a full kitchen, open-plan living area and two proper bedrooms — a welcome sight after a night in a ship’s cabin.

The ultimate Edinburgh itinerary

Even if you’re here for a day, there is much to see and do to get a taste of the Scottish capital.

Start the day with breakfast at The Huxley, which is partnered with The Rutland Hotel and makes for a stylish first stop.

From there, head to the city for shopping. The mix of high-street names, boutiques and gift shops is impressive enough that my mum immediately suggests coming back for her Christmas bits.

For Scotch lovers, go to one of the many stores on the Royal Mile, and take home a small-batch bottle as a souvenir.

After that, make your way to Edinburgh Castle. Although we’re only seeing it from the outside, it still makes for a great selfie spot with an iconic backdrop.

From there, stroll down towards Victoria Street and the Royal Mile, where the cobbles, colourful shopfronts and medieval surroundings make the whole area feel like a living postcard.

The standout attraction

A stop at St Mary’s Close is a must. The underground tour (£25pp) gives you a fascinating glimpse into the city’s hidden past and is one of the most memorable and unique activities to do.

As you descend beneath the Royal Mile, the atmosphere shifts instantly — it’s darker, colder, and steeped in stories that feel eerily close.

The guide brings centuries-old tales to life, from plague outbreaks to the cramped, hidden lives of former residents, making it feel less like a history lesson and more like stepping into another world.

Keep an eye out for the room of dolls and the story about the King’s security dogs (IYKYK), both of which add an extra layer of intrigue, and just the right amount of unease, to an already unforgettable experience.

If you’re visiting in daylight, you can also walk past Holyrood House and take in the exterior, which adds another royal touch to the trip.

Once the sun goes down, head for dinner at Badger & Co, where the food and service are incomparable. Not to mention, the Pinot Noir was so good my connoisseur mum took a snap of the bottle.

And, for the nocturnals among us, squeeze in Monkey Barrel Comedy Club; one of Edinburgh’s beloved local spots for both upcoming and seasoned acts, it’s the perfect low‑key way to send off a really good weekend.

In the end, it wasn’t the floating hotel or the royal‑approved restaurant that sticks with me.

It was the way Edinburgh wraps everything around a simple idea: a relaxing, funny, lightly boozy weekend with my mum that still feels like a proper holiday.

A few landmarks, a lot of laughs and one very photogenic bottle of wine was all it took to make it stick.

And that Son of the Year award? It should be in the post any day now… 

Chris Buswell was a guest of The Fingal Hotel and The Rutland Hotel, but don’t expect us to sugarcoat anything – our reviews are 100% independent.

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