The global governing body had also previously informed the ECB any footage shot in the PMOA must not carry audio or be released before the conclusion of a match.

Speaking at the close of the fourth day, Stokes explained why the public announcement was made during play, detailing it was a plan between his agents and the ECB.

“I just said, ‘You guys work with Michael Lumb and Neil Fairbrother, who work with me, and you guys just come up with a plan’,” said the all-rounder.

Stokes was in the middle of a bowling spell at the time of the announcement and, with his first delivery after news of his retirement spread, took the wicket of New Zealand’s Zak Foulkes.

The Test, and Stokes’ international career, did not end until the following day.

The ICC adopted what it described as “minimum standards” for the PMOA in order to support its anti-corruption code.

Neither the ECB nor the ICC have commented. The letter from the ICC was sent the day before the Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s, when ECB chair Richard Thompson met with Jay Shah, chairman of world cricket’s governing body. The ECB has yet to respond to the ICC.

Stokes’ retirement has left England looking for a new Test captain in time for the three-match series against Pakistan in August.

Vice-captain Harry Brook has said it would be an “honour” to succeed him, but England are understood to be taking time over an appointment.

A factor in the decision could be uncertainty over the futures of other figures in the England management after a run of poor results in Test cricket and a string of off-field controversies.

Head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key were both backed in the spring following a review into the Ashes series, which England lost 4-1.

The ECB are now reflecting on the situation around the men’s team, but may wait until the conclusion of the ongoing white-ball series against India before making any formal announcements.

Neither Key nor chief executive Richard Gould have spoken publicly since Stokes’ retirement.

Young visitors to Vue at Palace Grounds have the chance to win a £25 gift voucher.

Young film fans can win a cinema gift voucher in a summer passport promotion as Hamilton’s cinema screens family movies throughout the school holidays.

Vue has launched a summer passport book for children to collect stamps when visiting the big screen, and families can share their movie adventures on a dedicated Facebook page for the chance to win a £25 gift card.

The cinema at Palace Grounds is also introducing new discounted children’s tickets in partnership with the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

It is currently showing a series of summer blockbusters including Toy Story 5, and Minions & Monsters – which launched last week and sees “everyone’s favourite henchmen conquer Hollywood, become movie stars and accidentally unleash monsters upon the world”.

Also lined up for showings during the holidays will be Disney’s live-action Moana, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, parts of which were filmed in Glasgow.

Vue is also running Mighty Mornings screenings aimed at youngsters aged between four and 11, and the Big Shorts series for younger pre-school children in a relaxed environment with dimmed lighting.

Hamilton Vue general manager Tracy Wanless said: “There’s something for everyone to enjoy – from live-action reimaginings to animated adventures, it’s the perfect destination for families to escape, unwind and get lost in great stories on the big screen.”

* Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!

A leading domestic abuse charity warns that cases of violence between couples or family members almost double during big World Cup matches.

Women’s Aid say there are some very uncomfortable statistics when it comes to England matches with incidents increasing by more than 38 per cent when the nation loses.

Emily Beven, a Senior Associate at Stowe Family Law, says: “It’s important to understand first and foremost that domestic abuse is not caused by the World Cup, or by England losing a game. Domestic abuse is caused by a perpetrator choosing to exert control over a victim, and this can manifest in any number of ways, from physical violence, to gaslighting, coercive control, financial abuse and far more.

“However, the fact that cases of domestic abuse increase by 38 per cent when England plays and loses a game compared to days when they do not play, highlights how heightened emotions can impact the experiences of victims and at times cause further risk of harm.

“It takes an average of 7 attempts for a victim of domestic abuse to leave a perpetrator. It is not an easy step to take, and the threat of post-separation abuse can easily prevent survivors from seeking support. It’s hugely important to know that there is support out there.

“A football tournament is never an excuse for abusive behaviour. But it may provide an opportunity to raise awareness about the support that is available to survivors.”

In the largest group of royals at Wimbledon so far, Queen Camilla was joined by Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling for the couple’s first appearance at The Championships since tying the knot last month.

Her Majesty’s plus one today was her sister Annabel Elliot, with Camilla’s private secretary of more than a decade, Sophie Densham, also in the Royal Box today.

Beloved TV star David Suchet – best known for his portrayal of Agatha Christie’s detective Hercule Poirot – also joined with his partner Sheila.

Elsewhere, enjoying the most coveted seats at SW19 were Hollywood stars Elle Fanning, Jason Isaacs and Dominic West.

Survival enthusiast Bear Grylls was in attendance, along with his wife Shara, and political VIPs including Alastair Campbell and Tristram Hunt were also in the mix.

Read on to learn who’s who in the Royal Box on the tenth day at the Championships…

1. Queen Camilla 

Queen Camilla cut an elegant figure in a blue midi dress, which she also wore to Royal Ascot last month, as she arrived for the quarter-final matches. 

Her Majesty, 78, was given a tour of the All England Club with Chair Debbie Jevans, before taking her seat in the Royal Box overlooking Centre Court. 

Wednesday marks Camilla’s first appearance at The Championships this season, after the Queen was praised as a ‘real character’ during a visit to Plumpton, East Sussex yesterday. 

The 78-year-old visited The Half Moon Pub, which serves British classics and also doubles as a campsite, in the village where she grew up.

Camilla was raised at Plumpton’s The Laines, the seven-bedroom property she once described as ‘perfect in every way’.

‘Lovely to have Queen Camilla for lunch today,’ the Facebook post read, before a later comment added, ‘A real character and lovely to welcome her. Such a lovely lady!’

King Charles’s wife, dressed in a bottle green floral dress, stood smiling in the pub alongside two staff members in the image.

2. Annabel Elliot

Annabel Elliot, 77, is Queen Camilla’s younger sister and the mother of former Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party Ben Elliot.

An interior designer and antiques dealer, Annabel lives in Dorset, where her business Annabel Elliot Interior Design, is based.

As attendant to the Queen, Annabel had a highly visible role in the Coronation of King Charles in 2023.

3. Sophie Densham 

Advertisement

The Queen’s right-hand woman, Sophie Densham, accompanied Camilla and Annabel today. 

Sophie has served as Camilla’s private secretary for over a decade and is considered a key player in the King and Queen’s tight-knit group of aides. 

4 and 5. Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling 

Advertisement

Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling only had eyes for each other as they arrived at the All England Club in west London after exchanging vows in an intimate ceremony in the Cotswolds last month. 

Princess Anne’s son, 48, was dapper in a light grey blazer and navy trousers, while his NHS nurse wife Harriet, 45, stunned in a £1,330 checked lime and blue ensemble from Emilia Wickstead.

It’s been a busy social calendar for the couple – who tied the knot in June – as they also joined the King and Queen for Royal Ascot last month.

6. Bear Grylls 

British adventurer Bear Grylls swapped treacherous and remote conditions for the comfort of the Royal Box today.

Grylls, 52, is an Eton College alumnus – the same school attended by Prince William and Prince Harry. However, being eight years older than William, Bear did not share classes with either of the princes.

Despite this, Grylls is said to be close friends with the Prince of Wales and has collaborated with him and the Duke of Sussex on various wildlife conservation projects throughout the years.

While the TV star looked dapper in a navy suit, Shara opted for a lovely, floaty black dress. 

7. Elle Fanning

Hollywood star Elle Fanning, 28, stood out from the crowd in a colourful shirt dress which she paired with black and white accessories.

Elle was joined by her music executive boyfriend of three years, Gus Wenner, who dressed up in a suit and tie for the occasion.

8. Jason Isaacs 

Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs, 56, looked decidedly more formal as he returned to the All England Club after last week’s appearance. 

Jason, who played Lucius Malfoy, attended day one of The Championships wearing a denim-style blazer with matching trousers and a white shirt. 

However, the British actor donned a navy suit, which was much more fitting for the Royal Box, today.  

9. Sir David Suchet 

Advertisement

Actor David Suchet, 80, is most famous for playing Hercule Poirot in ITV’s long-running series of whodunnits featuring Agatha Christie’s Belgian sleuth, a role he championed for 25 years (1989-2013).

David was approached to play Poirot in the late Eighties, by the trustees of Agatha Christie’s estate – her daughter Rosalind and son-in-law Anthony Hicks.

They had watched him as Sigmund Freud in a TV mini-series, as the blackmailing gardener Blott in a Tom Sharpe comedy, and in the Poirot movie Thirteen At Dinner – playing Inspector Japp, opposite Peter Ustinov’s Poirot.

Acclaimed actor David is an avid tennis fan and even played at Wimbledon in the junior tournament, where he got through to the second round as a teenager.

10. Nicola Walker 

Nicola Walker was also on today’s list of VIPs, as the Unforgotten star was spotted in the second row of the Royal Box. 

Since making her screen debut in Richard Curtis’s Four Weddings and a Funeral, Nicola has thrilled TV audiences with roles in top BBC and ITV dramas, with her first big gig in spy drama Spooks.

After the roaring success of the suave spy drama, which ran for a total of 10 seasons on BBC One, Nicola was cast in Last Tango in Halifax, playing the role of sheep farmer Gillian.

The Daily Telegraph hailed Nicola’s role in Sally Wainwright’s comedy/drama as a ‘game-changer’ in her career.

In 2015 she landed herself the lead role in gritty ITV drama Unforgotten as DCI Cassie Stuart. 

While Nicola has made a name for herself playing spies and cops, she said she wouldn’t rule out taking on more similar roles in future, as long as the script was right.

She said: ‘I’d play another detective. But I can’t believe I’d ever find one I loved as much as Cassie.’

She was most recently seen in Alice and Steve alongside Jemaine Clement. 

11. Dominic West 

Advertisement

Dominic West was all smiles as he arrived for a day of tennis action, with the actor opting for a cream-coloured, double-breasted blazer and matching trousers. 

The Wire actor, 56, married landscape designer Catherine in 2010, and they have four children together; Dora, 19, Senan, 17, Francis, 14, and Christabel, nine.

The couple now split their time between London and her family’s ancestral home, Glin Castle in County Limerick, Ireland, which has been in the FitzGerald family for more than 700 years.

12. Richard Krajicek 

Dutch former professional tennis player, Richard Krajicek, who won the men’s singles title at Wimbledon in 1996, was also in attendance today. 

13. Tristram Hunt 

Advertisement

Former Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, Tristram Hunt, 50, served as Shadow Secretary of State for Education between from 2013 to 2015.

Hunt has been director of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum since 2017 and is a senior lecturer in History at Queen Mary University of London.

He is also a broadcast journalist who appears regularly on the BBC.

Hunt attended Wimbledon with his wife Juliet Thornback – the couple share one son and two daughters.

14. Armando Iannucci

Scottish satirist Armando Iannucci is best known for creating whip-smart political comedies such as The Thick of It and Veep. 

The Glasgow-born writer and director, 62, was made CBE in the King’s Birthday honours in 2024 for his service to film and TV. 

The inclusion of the honours for Iannucci may come as a pleasant surprise for fans of his popular TV show.

The writer and satirist was given an OBE in 2012 – the year The Thick Of It aired its last episode.

He then created a spin-off film called In the Loop, diverting his attention to the US.

15. Alastair Campbell

Best known as Tony Blair’s former right-hand man and the Labour Party’s maverick spin doctor, tennis fan Alastair Campbell was back at SW19 and in the Royal Box once more on Wednesday. 

Attending with daughter Grace Campbell, whom he shares with long-term partner Fiona Millar, the Government man-turned-author wore a cobalt blue suit with a pair of smart navy trainers for his day watching the Wimbledon quarter-finals. 

16. Deborah Jevans 

As Chair of the AELTC, Deborah Jevans was sat front and centre of the Royal Box.

The British former tennis player Ms Jevans CBE has been at the hallowed location numerous times, as a former junior Wimbledon champion.

She also played ten times in the women’s singles (between 1979 and 1983). Her best result was reaching the fourth round, when she lost to fifth-seeded Virginia Wade.

Ms Jevans also played in the doubles event, reaching the quarter finals of the mixed doubles event in 1978, playing with her future husband and Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett.

She became the first chairwoman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Board in 2023, succeeding Ian Hewitt.

In 2013, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours due to her services to Sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when she served as director of sports for the event.

17. Brian Vahaly 

Brian Vahaly is the former world 57 in tennis, reaching his career high in March 2003.

The sporting star, 44, began playing tennis at just the age of two with his parents. Clearly the practice paid off, and he claimed wins against the likes of Juan Carlos Ferrero, Michael Chang and Fernando Gonzalez.

In 2017, he came out as gay, a decade after he was forced to retire due to a shoulder injury. He had been dating a woman for two years while on the ATP tour.

The following year, he was described as a ‘gay tennis trailblazer’ by The Telegraph, due to very few players in the sport being openly out.

Vahaly is happily married to his husband Bill, and the two are raising twin boys, Parker and Bennett.

He told The Telegraph previously: ‘My exposure to the gay community had always been very limited and what I knew of it I didn’t connect to. Until I retired I just didn’t allow myself to explore my sexuality.

‘No one would have known what to do with me. It could have potentially impacted sponsorships.’

He added: ‘I heard homophobic comments all the time in the locker room – to my face, behind my back. That was just a part of the culture.’

18. Mark Precious 

Another athlete sitting in one of the sought-after spots in the Royal Box today was Mark Precious, a former student at University College in Oxford.

The former field hockey player won the bronze medal with the British team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

19. Roy Colabawalla 

Roy Colabawalla is the Corporate Partner at Sydney Mitchell LLP and president of the Lawn Tennis Association.

The Sydney Mitchell partner was appointed youngest president in Lawn Tennis Association history earlier this year.

20. Chris Harrop 

Previously Bain & Company adviser partner and company veteran, Chris Harrop is a self-proclaimed ‘tennis nut’; who took on the role as chair of Tennis Australia at the end of last year, succeeding Jayne Hrdlicka.

Within his role, he seeks to help build participation and support for tennis across Australia.

21. Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock 

Baroness Louise Casey was among the dignitaries at Wimbledon today. 

She led the independent review of the Metropolitan Police in the wake of Sarah Everard’s kidnapping, rape, and murder. 

The damning review found that the ‘institutionally racist, sexist, and homophobic’ force was ‘failing women and children’ in March 2023. 

The crossbench peer also led an investigation into Rotherham Council in 2015 after a separate report found more than 1,400 children were sexually exploited by gangs of mainly Asian males in the town between 1997 and 2013.

Earlier this year, she admitted there is still a ‘sense of denial’ over the ethnicity and religion of perpetrators after the issue ‘hit national headlines’ again. 

22. Gubby Ayida

The chief executive of Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Gubby Ayida has been pictured with the Princess of Wales on several occasions. 

The pair were seen together when Catherine opened the day surgery unit at the hospital near Westminster in December 2023, before Ms Ayida welcomed the future Queen back to the facility earlier this week. 

Catherine has been a patron of the children’s hospital, which works with some of the capital’s sickest youngsters, since 2018. 

Speaking of Catherine’s visit, Ms Ayida later said: ‘She’s brilliant with the children, she always lights up the place for the children when they come in.

‘And some of them are quite sick, because we are a specialist hospital, so a day like this is really very special to them.’

23. Sir William Browder

American-born British financier and political activist Sir William ‘Bill’ Browder was also a guest in the most prestigious seats at the All England Club on Day 10.

Sir William was once the largest foreign portfolio investor in Russia and is currently head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign. He recently published Red Notice, A True Story Of Corruption, Murder And How I Became Putin’s No 1 Enemy. 

24. Sir Geoffrey Cass 

Former tennis professional Geoffrey Cass is in familiar territory on Centre Court. The now 93-year-old starred in the opening match of the 1954 Championships on what is perhaps the world’s most famous showcourt. 

Sir Geoffrey was also a member of the Wimbledon Championships Management Committee for 12 years and served as LTA President in 1992. 

25. Jon Davies 

Managing Director of Levy UK, one of the UK’s biggest sporting and hospitality businesses, Jon Davies combined his company’s two major interests by taking his place in the Royal Box this afternoon. 

Levy UK is one of the Championships’ official partners in 2026. 

26. Melanie-Antoinette de Massy 

A trusted confidante of the Monaco Royal family, elegant Melanie-Antoinette Costello de Massy heads up another classic sporting institution herself – in her role as President of the Monte Carlo Country Club. 

The 41-year-old is the daughter of Prince Albert’s cousin Elizabeth and granddaughter of the late Princess Antoinette of Monaco. 

27. James Fairclough  

James Fairclough was appointed as Chair of BBC Children in Need in 2025, after his work as an Angel investor, advising companies and start-ups on scaling up. He has in past worked as CEO of Financial Services and AA Cars. 

28. Dame Katherine Grainger

Advertisement

Olympian Dame Katherine, who won a gold medal in rowing at the 2012 London games, is now Chair of the British Olympic Association having also served as Chair of UK Sport.

The Scottish former athlete carried King Charles’ specially-made sword at a ceremony in Scotland to mark his Coronation in 2023.

29. Lewis Moody 

Advertisement

England rugby icon Lewis Moody enjoyed the sunshine in SW19 with his wife Annie amid the sporting legend’s battle with Motor Neurone Disease. 

The World Cup winner wore a grey jacket with beige trousers, while Annie was elegant in a white skirt and a cropped jacket.

Last month, Lewis – who starred for Leicester, England, and the Lions – received a hero’s welcome at Twickenham after completing a 500-mile charity cycling challenge ahead of the PREM Rugby final.

The Lewis Moody XV Challenge, which began in Newcastle on 14 June, visited all five of his former clubs, including Leicester Tigers and Bath, before reaching the home of England rugby on Saturday.

MND – which he was diagnosed with in September – is a rare neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, and can impact a person’s ability to talk, walk and breathe. 

30. Emily Mortimer 

Actress Emily Mortimer, 54, looked to be in high spirits as she sat in the Royal Box this afternoon.

The star, known for being on HBO’s The Newsroom as well as the 2021 series The Pursuit of Love, has been married to American actor Alessandro Nivola since 2003. He joined her at Wimbledon today.

That same year, she also won an Independent Spirit Award for her performance in Lovely and Amazing.

31. Simon Patterson 

Advertisement

Simon Patterson is Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Royal Foundation, which is known for its philanthropic and charitable work for the Prince and Princess of Wales – and has been in the role since last year 

32. Joseph Root 

Joseph Root, MBE is a British cricketer who captained the England Test cricket team from 2017 until 2022 when he stepped down.

The 34-year-old batter is from Sheffield and has had an outstanding career to date which has seen him play 155 test matches scoring a total of 13,115 runs.

He was also shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2024.

Joseph is accompanied in the royal box by his wife, Carrie Cotterell who he wed in 2018 in his home town after proposing to her two years prior.

Global markets and oil prices have lurched again after the United States and Iran traded new strikes and U.S. President Donald Trump mused that fragile negotiations between the countries might be “over.”

At stake are the lives of Iranians and others throughout the region, including Israel and Lebanon, along with foreign residents of Gulf nations, U.S. military personnel stationed in multiple countries and thousands of mariners on ships still hoping to exit the Strait of Hormuz.

Here’s a brief timeline of the war and efforts to end it:

Feb. 28

Israel and the U.S. attack Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials, sparking the war. Iran quickly responds with strikes against Israel and across the Gulf region and asserts control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and natural gas supplies from the Gulf.

March 2

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon enters the war by firing rockets at Israel.

Israel retaliates, leading to an invasion that will occupy large swaths of southern Lebanon.

March 8

Iran names one of Khamenei’s sons, Mojtaba, as the new supreme leader. He still has not been seen in public and is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being hurt in the war’s opening strikes.

April 7

A tenuous, two-week ceasefire deal is reached. Israel is not included in the discussions.

April 12

The U.S. and Iran end hours of historic face-to-face talks in Pakistan’s capital without reaching an agreement.

April 13

Trump says the U.S. has begun a blockade of Iranian ports in an attempt to pressure Tehran to give up its grip on the strait.

April 14

Lebanon and Israel hold their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington.

April 17

Iran says it has reopened the strait to shipping, but that doesn’t last.

April 21

Trump says he is indefinitely extending the ceasefire.

May 3

Trump announces a U.S. effort to guide ships through the strait. That, too, doesn’t last.

May 31

Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon makes its deepest incursion in over a quarter-century as Hezbollah continues to target northern Israel.

Israel and Lebanon say they agree to renew their fragile ceasefire and create security zones that exclude Hezbollah.

Hezbollah and Israel quickly resume firing at each other.

June 7

Iran fires at Israel in the first such bombardment since the ceasefire took effect in early April. Israel fires back.

June 14

Trump says an interim deal has been reached with Iran and will be signed within days. Iran insists the deal means an end to fighting in Lebanon as well.

June 17

Trump signs an agreement with Iran that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on the country, immediately allowing Iran to sell its oil freely.

June 22

Vice President JD Vance says new talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland created a “good foundation for a successful final deal.”

June 26

Israel and Lebanon announce a U.S.-backed framework agreement that is described as a first step toward peace.

July 1

Host Qatar says U.S. and Iranian negotiators meet separately with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, with “positive progress made.”

July 2

Iran’s joint military command warns that all oil tankers moving through the strait must use its approved routes or face a “forceful response.”

July 4

Iran begins a dayslong funeral for the late supreme leader, Khamenei. Talks with the U.S. toward a final deal on the war and Iran’s nuclear program are expected to resume after it ends.

July 7

Iran is accused of striking three ships in the strait after traffic slowly increases, the most in a single day since late April. The U.S. responds by striking dozens of targets in Iran and reinstating sanctions on Iran’s oil sales. Tehran’s lead negotiator declares that “The era of bullying and extortion is over.”

July 8

Trump declares the ceasefire is “over” but says negotiations can continue, raising fears that the war could ignite again.

He made his Centre Court debut against Dimitrov on Monday, and emerged victorious in a marathon five-set encounter, which he rounded off with a championship tiebreak victory at the death having been two sets to one down. He faces the ninth seed Cobolli today, after the Italian saw off Alex de Minaur, the fifth seed, in his fourth-round clash.

Going to the football has been one of the rites of passage in my life. As a boy, I went with my dad and my brother to watch my beloved Luton Town. It was where we shouted, laughed, cheered and, more often than not, came home mildly disappointed.

As I got older, football became something I did with friends, a Saturday built around the game, but never just about the game. A place to talk, to share and to celebrate. Now, as a parent, I find myself doing what my father did before me, taking my own boys along and watching them learn the strange, hopeful, occasionally punishing rhythm of supporting a team.

I’ve never been someone who watches much football on TV. For me, the pull has always been the people I’m with and the chance to be together, away from work, school runs, phones, stress and all the small pressures that build over a week. Sport gives people permission to shout, sing, jump up and down, talk nonsense for a couple of hours and, on a good day, believe everything might still turn out well.

That feeling is not unique to football, or to the UK. Across the world, sport has long given people somewhere to belong and be part of something larger than themselves. But in many places, elite sport has drifted further from the people and communities that built it. Tickets have become too expensive for many families, clubs and competitions have been drawn deeper into the machinery of money, and too many stadiums still echo with the racism, sexism and homophobia that should have been left far behind.

So it is no surprise that many people are looking to grassroots clubs, community teams and local sporting groups instead, not just because they are more affordable, but because they often feel closer to what they were looking for in the first place. They are places where volunteers hold everything together, children can get near the action, newcomers can find a way in, and people can truly belong to a club.

Elite sport has drifted from the communities that built it. So it is no surprise that many are looking to grassroots clubs

In the new issue of Positive News magazine, we look at that shift through football, community and the people rebuilding sport from the ground up. We meet those using the game to support physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection, and we see how minority communities are not simply being invited in at the edges, but helping shape what sport can become.

As the World Cup continues amid some controversy in North America, it is worth remembering that football is not only about rivalries and tribalism. Like so many of the stories – from Syria to Italy to Brazil – that you will read in this issue, it is also about what happens when communities come together and build something of their own.

Again and again, the most meaningful change begins close to home – on a pitch, in a street, around a table – among people who know that community is something made together.

Cover photograph: Sam Bush

William ‘Bill’ Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the ITV soap, is the longest-serving cast member in the series.

He is also a world record holder for the longest-serving television star in a continuous role, having appeared in the show continuously since its first broadcast on December 9, 1960.

Now, the iconic Corrie actor, who turned 94 this year, is set to have a celebratory spin-off show to recognise the achievement.

Coronation Street legend Bill Roache to get spin-off show

The one-off show has the working title Bill Roache: Life On The Street, The Sun reports.

It is expected to be shown later in 2026 or early 2027.

An insider told the publisher: “This is a very celebratory programme marking the huge achievement of being on Corrie for the past 66 years.

“The production company behind the documentary have been working closely with both soap bosses as well as Bill himself for the past six months.

“Very few cast members get an honour like this but then very few can boast the incredible career that Bill has had.

“He’s a Weatherfield icon.”

The documentary reportedly has Bill’s full backing after producers approached him with the idea, and he is said to feel honoured at the prospect.

It will be made by production company MultiStory, who are part of ITV Studios.

William Roache has been on Coronation Street since it first aired in 1960 (Image: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod has already stated that Roache would never be written out of the soap as long as he’s alive and wants to continue working.

“William Roache has been in the show since episode one,” he told The Daily Star in January.

“William has a job for as long as he wants it, absolutely.

“It would be a brave producer [who takes] the decision to axe him.

“William [is] a miraculous individual.

“Whatever you give him, even now, he’s on point, he’s on his dialogue…

“He’s the most professional member of the cast.

“I don’t think anyone could dispute that.”

Which actors have been on Corrie the longest?

Bill Roache has appeared on the show for the longest time, but several other actors have also been on the soap for many years.

Barbara Knox appeared on the show in 1964, playing the character of Rita Littlewood for one episode.

She returned to the show as a full-time cast member in January 1972, playing Rita Tanner, and is the second-longest-serving cast member in Coronation Street.

Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey Roberts, has been on Corrie for more than 40 years.

First on the show in 1979, her appearances were more sporadic in the years up until 1985, but since then, she has become a regular.

Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster, is another Corrie stalwart, having appeared on screen for more than 40 years, too.

His first stint on Corrie was from 1983 to 2013, before taking a break for a year and returning in 2014.

Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe) has been on the ITV soap since 1986, with Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) having featured since 1989.

Helen Worth is another long-standing actor, having played Gail Platt for 50 years from 1974 to 2024 (with a guest appearance in 2025).

The now-retired actress was appointed an MBE in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to drama.

Who is your favourite character on Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments.

A neo-Nazi who was plotting a gun attack has been jailed for 13 and a half years after being caught in an MI5 sting.

Agents lured Alfie Coleman, 22, to a car park in east London and swooped on him as he collected a Makarov pistol and 200 rounds of ammunition in September 2023.

The supermarket worker, from Great Notley in Essex, was described in court as a “militant accelerationist” who had been radicalised online from the age of 14.

He was convicted of preparing terrorist acts at the Old Bailey in April, where jurors heard he had dreamed of fighting a race war.

Judge Richard Marks KC described Coleman’s views as “virulently racist” and branded him a “dangerous offender”.

Coleman appeared tearful and wiped his eyes with a tissue as the judge made his remarks.

The sting operation involved undercover agents engaging with him on the encrypted messaging app Telegram, where he was seeking to buy a firearm.

The 33-year-old will be climbing three peaks in memory of family members he has lost to ill health

Meet Ryan McConnell who is taking on a brand-new adventure challenge in the Mourne Mountains later this year in memory of family members he has lost to ill health.

Ryan, from Belfast, is picking a peak and pushing his limits this September to help others to mark Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke’s (NICHS) 80th anniversary of supporting and improving the lives of people across Northern Ireland.

The 33-year-old explained: “I’ve lost three loved ones over recent years. My mum, Bernie, passed away from uterine cancer. My mother-in-law, Cathy, had COPD and passed away. My dad, Paul, passed away at the start of May last year after having a few strokes.

“It has been a tough few years and I thought a good way to deal with the grief and pain would be to try and turn it into a positive, make some sort of difference, especially for a worthwhile cause.”

He added: “I was familiar with Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and the great work it does and when I saw the Mighty Mournes Challenge it really appealed to me. It is something that will be a test of my endurance, but it will also be enjoyable and raising money to help NICHS at the same time makes it even better.”

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and the Mighty Mournes Challenge is part of a series of events planned to mark this significant milestone. The charity was founded on June 14, 1946, in response to the tuberculosis crisis at that time.

Over the past eight decades the charity has adapted and evolved to meet the changing health needs of the population and today focuses on chest, heart and stroke conditions and illnesses – the leading causes of death and disability in Northern Ireland. Something Ryan sadly understands all too well.

Ryan added: “My dad and my mother-in-law were affected by stroke and chest related conditions, and these are so much more common than people might think. NICHS is currently running a campaign to highlight that 40% of our adult population are living with a chest, heart or stroke condition or illness.

“That is approximately 600,000 people which is a shocking figure. That’s also why I am taking part in the challenge, to raise awareness of how many people here are impacted by these conditions and the fact that NICHS is here to help.

Advertisement

“The work NICHS does is great and very worthwhile. Really, it’s a necessity given the number of people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions here. People need NICHS’s help and support, but the charity needs the public’s support in turn to be able to do all it does.”

The Mighty Mournes Challenge is comprised of two options- a one peak challenge up Northern Ireland’s highest mountain, Slieve Donard, and a three peak adventure taking in some of our most iconic landscapes including Slieve Donard, Slieve Commedagh and Slievenaglogh.

Talking about the challenge Ryan said: “When I saw the three peak challenge it just seemed the right option for me as I am doing this in memory of three people. I also thought about everything my mum, mother-in-law and dad went through and felt the three peaks was a more fitting tribute than the one peak option.

Advertisement

“I want to put myself through a bit more of a challenge in their memories. When I get up each peak I’ll be thinking about them. I’m still dealing with my dad’s death, and the challenge will definitely provide some time for reflection.

“Doing the challenge is helping me deal with the grief of the past few years because if sharing my story and raising awareness or funds for NICHS helps at least one person, that’s a great thing.

“From the physical side of things, I’m not a hiker so the challenge will be something new for me. I do have a decent level of fitness as I play sports, so I train and play matches, and I also go the gym. I try to be pretty active so hopefully that will help and I will do a test run on Donard in the next while so that will be good preparation too.

“I would encourage people to sign up and take part in the Mighty Mournes Challenge as it is not only a great opportunity for a personal challenge, but it will also help such a great, worthwhile cause which is a bonus.”

Advertisement

Someone who is also supporting the call for people to get involved with the Mighty Mournes Challenge is Dawson Stelfox. Dawson is well known as the first person from Ireland to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which he did 33 years ago in 1993.

Dawson may seem an unlikely candidate for experiencing ill-health, but he had an unexpected, life-changing stroke in December 2022.

Dawson also understands first-hand how important Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke’s work is as he completed the charity’s Post Rehab Exercise Programme (PREP) as part of his recovery journey. PREP is a 6-week physiotherapy led, community-based course which helps rebuild people’s lives after stroke through exercise and education.

Advertisement

Dawson said: “My stroke affected my whole left-hand side- my left leg, left arm, I was pretty much immobile down my left side. My speech was also a bit slurred. I spent one month in the Royal Victoria Hospital’s stroke ward and have been working on my recovery since I was discharged.

“I had physiotherapy and occupational therapy through the Community Stroke Team at the Lagan Valley Hospital, and it was they who pointed me in the direction of Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke for further support.

“I attended PREP and what is good and different about it is that you are measuring yourself against time on the activities. If you have any sort of competitive spirit, like I do, you are always trying to do a bit better than the previous week.

Advertisement

“It’s not about competing with other people in the group, it’s about challenging yourself and what you can do. There is a sort of parallel to climbing and mountaineering activities in the sense that with these, you are not in competition with the other people that you are climbing with, you are in competition with the environment that you are in.

“That’s a bit like PREP because everybody is at different stages, everybody has their own particular abilities and disabilities, and it’s all about your own individual journey.

“Also, when you are climbing with somebody there can be times you might need their support and encouragement if you are finding things tough. That is similar to PREP in that there is great comradery at the groups, with everyone encouraging and supporting each other. There is collaboration and teamwork, like in mountaineering. “I attended two sets of PREP, and it was extremely useful. It definitely helped me on my physical recovery journey. I would encourage people to get involved with supporting Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and to sign up for the Mighty Mournes Challenge so the charity can continue its great work and help more people, like me, after a stroke, chest or heart related illness.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Advertisement