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Lee Mack reveals the secrets of Not Going Out – from nearly marrying Catherine Tate to co-star fallouts and the ‘upsetting’ Bobby Ball episode he yanked off air – as Britain’s longest-running sitcom turns 20

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Lee Mack revealed the secrets of Not Going Out in a one-off documentary to celebrate the show turning 20 (pictured with Sally Bretton and Katy Wix)

Not Going Out is the longest-running British sitcom currently on air, with 106 episodes – and counting – spanning two decades. 

Created by Lee Mack in 2006, the BBC show followed unambitious layabout Lee (Mack) and his best friend’s sister Lucy (Sally Bretton), who is also the landlady of his London flatshare.

A will-they-won’t-they romance between the two unfolded over several series, until the unlikely couple married in the season seven finale.

The eighth series then jumped eight years into the future, with all subsequent instalments following their chaotic family life with three children.

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Now on its 15th season the series shows no signs of stopping and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. 

To mark the milestone, the cast and crew opened up about the show’s behind-the-scenes secrets in a one-off documentary, 20 Years Of Not Going Out, which also features classic clips, exclusive archive material and never‑before‑seen outtakes.

Lee Mack revealed the secrets of Not Going Out in a one-off documentary to celebrate the show turning 20 (pictured with Sally Bretton and Katy Wix) 

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Lee revealed that in the unaired pilot, Catherine Tate took on the female lead but she dropped out to focus on her eponymous sketch show (pictured filming another pilot – The Smiths)

Lee revealed that in the unaired pilot, Catherine Tate took on the female lead but she dropped out to focus on her eponymous sketch show (pictured filming another pilot – The Smiths) 

Discussing the show, Lee mused: ‘After 20 years of Not Going Out we are delighted to finally give a warts and all peep behind the curtain of how it’s made. 

‘Thankfully we have hoovered behind that curtain, but unfortunately the warts have not cleared up.’

Speaking in the upcoming documentary, Lee explained the idea for Not Going Out first came from his 1999 sketch show, Lee Mack’s Bits, which he performed at Edinburgh Festival with Catherine Tate and Dan Antopolski. 

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He revealed that during the writing process he came up with several jokes that didn’t work as skits, but he jotted them down with the hopes of one day using them in a show. 

That day came sooner than Lee imagined, and he was commissioned to develop a sitcom script for the BBC, creating a pilot that was never aired. 

Not Going Out has boasted a stellar rotating cast over the years, including Hugh Dennis, Miranda Hart, Timothy West, Bobby Ball, Abigail Cruttenden, Deborah Grant, Tim Vine, Geoffrey Whitehead and Katy Wix. 

Yet in that unaired pilot, it was Catherine Tate who took on the female lead, and she was selected to star in the series before she dropped out to focus on her eponymous sketch show.

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Insisting that there were no hard feelings about her withdrawal, Lee mused: ‘Catherine was really successful and she wanted to do her own thing.’ 

However, he revealed that while Catherine’s involvement was fleeting, she had a lasting impact on the show, with her appearance resulting in changing the sitcom’s name from its working title, Number 17.  

‘A few people said to me they didn’t believe me and Catherine were a couple,’ Lee recalled. ‘So I said we’ll not being going out with each other, we’ll just be landlady and tenant. 

‘And there might be a spark of romance there but if people say “I don’t believe you’re a couple,” we can say “well, we’re not,”  hence the name, Not Going Out.’ 

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While the name stuck, Catherine didn’t, and she was soon replaced by American actress Megan Dodds for the first series, with Sally then taking over as Lucy from series two onward.

Catherine was replaced by American actress Megan Dodds for the first series (pictured with Tim Vine and Lee) with Sally then taking over as Lucy from series two

Catherine was replaced by American actress Megan Dodds for the first series (pictured with Tim Vine and Lee) with Sally then taking over as Lucy from series two 

The format was changed by the departure of Tim Vine, with his decision to quit the show causing a fallout with Lee. Yet he was swiftly replaced by Hugh Dennis

The format was changed by the departure of Tim Vine, with his decision to quit the show causing a fallout with Lee. Yet he was swiftly replaced by Hugh Dennis

Another star who quit the show after hitting the bigtime was Miranda Hart, who made an impression with her role as an acupuncturist in series one, so was brought back to play Barbara the cleaner for the next two seasons. 

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Yet like Catherine, she too was offered her own programme, and left the series in 2009 to work on Miranda, making way for Katy Wix’s character, Daisy. 

By which point the series was a fan favourite and pulled in regular viewing figures between three and four million per episode. 

So Lee explained that he was left blindsided when the BBC suddenly cancelled the show halfway through season three.

The fans were also shocked, starting an online campaign and driving strong DVD sales until the Beeb reversed their decision, commissioning two more series nine months later. 

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Yet while it was clear the public appetite for the show was still strong, Lee feared the show’s format was getting a bit stale. 

Lee mused: ‘If you fancy your landlady and you constantly want to tell her you like her but you haven’t got the confidence to do it, I think it’s mildly amusing in your early 30s.

‘But in your early 50s it suddenly becomes a bit creepy…’ 

The format had also been changed by the departure of Tim Vine, with his decision to quit the show causing a fallout with Lee. 

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‘I fancied a change really and it’s not really a great reason perhaps,’ Tim mused.

‘But we’ve made up about it now, me and Lee. It came as a shock to the system when I first said it to him.’ 

Lee then explained he didn’t want to make a big fuss about Tim leaving so it didn’t alarm viewers, explaining why they wrote him out of the show with just one throwaway scene referencing his character had moved to Germany for work.  

Tim was then replaced by Hugh Dennis, who said it was presented to him as being the last series of Not Going Out, and that he had no clue the show would still be going. 

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Yet Lee continued to play around with the format and series seven saw him make the decision to put an end to the will-they-won’t-they storyline. 

The Christmas special showed Lee finally confess his feelings for Lucy and the pair tying the knot, which Lee considered a fitting end to the show. 

Lee explained: ‘There was a possibility we’d get married and that would be the end of it – either the BBC didn’t want anymore of it, or I didn’t want to do anymore of it. 

‘At the end, they go off into the distance, just married on the back of the van, it could have been the end.’

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While it was clear the public appetite for the show was still strong, Lee feared the show's format was getting a bit stale so he decided to put an end to the will-they-won't-they storyline and propel them into the future when they were married with children

While it was clear the public appetite for the show was still strong, Lee feared the show’s format was getting a bit stale so he decided to put an end to the will-they-won’t-they storyline and propel them into the future when they were married with children

Tragedy struck in 2020 when Bobby Ball, who played Lee's father Frank, died. Lee revealed they filmed a funeral scene as tribute but it was deemed too sad to air so they scrapped it

Tragedy struck in 2020 when Bobby Ball, who played Lee’s father Frank, died. Lee revealed they filmed a funeral scene as tribute but it was deemed too sad to air so they scrapped it 

Instead of airing the episode they filmed a new, humorous tribute, in which Lee's mother-in-law Wendy [Deborah Grant] painted an awful picture of him a year after the funeral

Instead of airing the episode they filmed a new, humorous tribute, in which Lee’s mother-in-law Wendy [Deborah Grant] painted an awful picture of him a year after the funeral

It was at this point that Lee was cast to appear with former co-star Catherine in a UK reboot of Everybody Loves Raymond, entitled The Smiths.  

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‘I sort of realised you can’t do both, which one do you want to do?’ Lee recalled. ‘And I thought, why don’t I not do Everybody Loves Raymond and just do this and get it to become a family sitcom.

‘So we missed out the formative years but we showed the episode where the baby is born – then cut to seven years later.’ 

Co-star Sally shared: ‘He didn’t want to do any of the newlywed romance, he wanted to get straight to the aggravation.’ 

It’s a format that has allowed the show to continue. 

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Yet tragedy struck in 2020 when Bobby Ball, who played Lee’s father Frank, died at the age of 76 after testing positive for Covid.

Reflecting on his passing affecting the show, Lee mused: ‘People often say the best comedy is a comedy that makes you laugh and makes you cry. 

‘That’s just not true, that’s the best comedy-drama. The best comedy is one that makes you laugh, that’s why it’s called a comedy. 

‘After Bobby died we did an episode where it was his funeral. We just couldn’t find a way of not making it really sad. 

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‘So we said, “you know what, we’ve never done this before, let’s just drop the whole thing”.’ 

Instead of airing the episode they filmed a new, humorous tribute, in which Lee’s mother-in-law Wendy [Deborah Grant] painted an awful picture of him a year after the funeral.

Not Going Out is currently in its 15th season, making it Britain’s all-time second longest running sitcom behind Last of the Summer Wine. 

‘The idea of me doing it 20 years on from now, when I’d be 77, seems like insanity,’ Lee said. ‘But then it felt like that 20 years ago!

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‘Not Going Out has highs and lows, hard work, good laughs, screaming and shouting, all sorts of emotions with it. But it’s the show I’m most proud of.’ 

20 Years Of Not Going Out airs Wednesday, September 23 at 9PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The series 15 launch episode airs directly after at 9.30PM.

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Two pilots injured after RAF jet crashes in Wales

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Two pilots injured after RAF jet crashes in Wales

Two pilots have been injured after an RAF jet crashed in Wales.

Emergency services are at the scene in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey on Tuesday afternoon following the crash involving a training jet near the RAF Valley training base.

North Wales Police warned people to avoid the area until further notice and confirmed the two pilots are thought to have “minor injuries”. It is understood they were both able to eject from the jet before the crash.

The incident took place near the RAF valley base in Anglesey
The incident took place near the RAF valley base in Anglesey (AFP/Getty)

There have been no reports of any wider damage or injuries, police said.

North Wales Police said in a statement: “Local officers are currently in attendance to reports of an incident involving an RAF training aircraft in the Pencarnisiog area of Anglesey, alongside colleagues from the Royal Air Force, North Wales Fire and Rescue Services, Welsh Ambulance Service University Health Trust and Helimed.

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“Two pilots are being treated for what are thought to be minor injuries and at this stage there are no reports of any wider damage or injuries.

“Please avoid the area until further notice. Updates will be issued when appropriate.”

RAF Valley sits on the Welsh island of Anglesey and is a training base for the air force’s fighter pilots.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for more information.

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Sunderland Starbucks drive-thru plans could create 45 jobs

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Sunderland Starbucks drive-thru plans could create 45 jobs

Plans were submitted for the new coffee shop at Houghton House on Doxford International Business Park in Sunderland, including a drive-thru lane, reconfigured parking, and electric vehicle (EV) charging bays.

If approved, the development would see part of the office building extended to accommodate the drive-thru window.

A planning statement included with the application said the project would create up to 45 full-time equivalent jobs and support the gym within the same building.

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It described the coffee shop as an “attractive facility” for business park employees, nearby residents, and commuters.

Developers said they expect “minimal queues” at the drive-thru and believe the site would not pose a “significant adverse impact on the safety of road users travelling on the surrounding road network.”

The statement continued: “There are no adverse impacts that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposals and there are no specific policies which indicate that development should be restricted.”

The proposed layout includes 32 parking spaces to the east of the building, four of which would be accessible bays.

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The addition of EV charging points was described as an improvement to existing infrastructure, offering a convenient place for drivers to recharge.

A decision on the application will be made following a consultation.

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Stirling attractions welcome visitors as popular ‘Doors Open Days’ event returns

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Daily Record

The annual weekend will see an exciting line-up open their doors – including the 19th Century historic buildings within Plean Country Park, the historic Leighton Library in Dunblane.

Attractions across Stirling will throw their doors open to welcome visitors this weekend, as part of an annual celebration.

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Doors Open Days is returning to the city as local attractions and landmarks welcome visitors to celebrate the region’s history, people and heritage.

On this coming Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, visitors are invited to step inside buildings and spaces across Stirling that are usually closed to the public.

As the country’s largest free festival dedicated to architecture, history and culture, Doors Open Days is a national invite to explore Scotland’s built and cultural heritage, and to see it through fresh eyes.

Stirling’s Doors Open Days feature an exciting line-up of venues and events, including the 19th Century historic buildings within Plean Country Park, the historic Leighton Library in Dunblane and a new walking tour of the historic tenement buildings of Stirling city centre.

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Each building or site opens not only its doors but also a window into the past, present and future of the community.

These are the places where stories were lived, art was created, and history unfolded, with the public invited to step inside during the festival.

Finance, Economy and Culture Convener, Cllr Gerry McLaughlin believes the event will give people a major insight into history and culture.

He said; “We are privileged in Stirling to be the home to some of the most storied historical sites in Scotland, but we also host some incredibly unique built history and heritage which can sometimes be overlooked. “Doors Open Days is an excellent and unique opportunity for residents and visitors alike to take a deep dive into the history, culture and architecture that has shaped Stirling over the past decades and centuries.”

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Director of The Scottish Civic Trust, Doors Open Days national coordinator, Joe Traynor, said: “The National Doors Open Days encourages everyone to explore what’s often right in front of them. The festival is a chance to see familiar places with fresh eyes, to learn, and to make memories with friends and family. We’re delighted that Stirling is taking part in this year’s programme and helping to celebrate the places that shape Scotland.” Earlier this year, Stirling topped the list of places to visit in the UK in 2026 by TimeOut magazine due to its packed cultural calendar, breathtaking scenery and travel links to the remainder of the country.

Since its launch in 1990, Doors Open Days has become a beloved tradition that now reaches all 32 local authority areas.

It brings together thousands of volunteers, organisations and visitors every year with one common goal: to make Scotland’s heritage accessible, engaging and open to all.

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Tributes left for woman and three children who tragically died in Merseyside house fire

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Manchester Evening News

A fifth casualty was found outside the house and taken to hospital with burn injuries

Tributes have been paid to a woman and three children who tragically died in a house fire in Bootle, Merseyside, on Tuesday morning (September 22).

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Flowers, balloons and soft toys have been left at the scene of a house fire on Stone Square, where the “intense” fire which “spread very rapidly”.

The four victims were found in the upstairs bedroom of the house in Bootle, Sefton, on Tuesday morning when firefighters entered the property, and a fifth casualty was found outside the house and taken to hospital with burn injuries.

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On Wednesday morning, a number of floral tributes had been laid next to a police cordon closing off access to the road. Candles had been placed on the pavement, along with pink and blue star-shaped balloons.

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Soft toys, including Minecraft and Star Wars characters, were also laid at the scene.

One card had the message: “God bless you all. Heartbroken to hear about the devastating fire.” Another said: “Sleep tight. Forever in our hearts.”

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service crews were called to the blaze just before 3.45am on Tuesday and found the semi-detached house well alight, a spokesman for the fire service said.

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Chief fire officer Nick Searle described it as an “intense fire which spread very rapidly”.

A joint investigation with Merseyside Police is being carried out to establish the cause of the blaze. Next of kin have been informed but the victims have not yet been formally identified.

Fire service area manager Kevin Longshaw said: “This is a devastating incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives and been injured.

“We will work closely with relevant colleagues to ascertain the cause of the fire, but in the immediate term, we again extend our sincere condolences to those affected by this tragic incident.”

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In a statement, Bishop of Liverpool the Right Rev Ruth Worsley and Bishop of Warrington the Right Rev Simon Robinson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating incident in Bootle, in which several people have tragically lost their lives.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time. We pray, too, for all those affected by this tragedy and for the emergency services who responded to the fire.”

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Cancer sufferers endured years of chemotherapy they did not need at the hands of ‘rogue’ doctor – as lawyers prepare to sue NHS trust over 40 cases

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Andrew Whitehead was just 29 when he underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his neck at a hospital in Coventry in 2010

A man who endured 13 years of chemotherapy after being told he had an aggressive, life-limiting tumour has spoken of his devastation after learning the treatment may never have been necessary.

Andrew Whitehead was just 29 when he underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his neck at a hospital in Coventry in 2010.

He was subsequently told that he had a high-grade aggressive tumour and that chemotherapy and radiotherapy were his only options.

Now 45, Mr Whitehead says he was effectively told to prepare to die – and spent more than a decade organising his life around repeated cycles of chemotherapy.

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The treatment only stopped after a new oncologist took over his care in 2024 and his case was reviewed.

Independent medical evidence obtained by his lawyers has since indicated that his tumour was a much lower grade and that he should not have received chemotherapy at all, according to law firm Brabners.

His case is among more than 40 being investigated by lawyers over claims of prolonged or allegedly unnecessary chemotherapy treatment at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust of patients all under the care of Dr Ian Brown.

It comes as an interim review by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has found serious failings in the care of patients who were prescribed prolonged courses of the chemotherapy drug temozolomide at the Coventry trust.

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Andrew Whitehead was just 29 when he underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his neck at a hospital in Coventry in 2010

His case is among more than 40 being investigated by lawyers over claims of prolonged or allegedly unnecessary chemotherapy treatment under the care of Dr Ian Brown (above)

His case is among more than 40 being investigated by lawyers over claims of prolonged or allegedly unnecessary chemotherapy treatment under the care of Dr Ian Brown (above)

The RCP examined 20 cases and found 15 were ‘unsatisfactory overall’, with none judged to represent good practice. Its preliminary findings said patients had been prescribed extended courses with ‘little or no evidence of benefit’ and described the failings as a ‘betrayal of patient trust’.

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The full review is expected to be published later this autumn.

Reflecting on the revelation, Mr Whitehead told the Daily Mail: ‘I believed I didn’t have long and was going to die. I hoped the treatment would extend my life, but I didn’t honestly know how long that would be.

‘It was just a case of taking one day at a time and seeing what happens. The treatment became my life, really. Taking the chemotherapy as I was told was my one and only focus, because that was the thing I hoped would keep me alive.’

Mr Whitehead was given 30 sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the beginning of his treatment.

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For most of the next 13 years he took chemotherapy tablets for five days, followed by three weeks off, before starting another cycle.

‘You don’t just recover straight away. You have to slowly come out of it and, by the time you start to feel OK, it’s time for the next cycle again.’

Eventually, the routine became so entrenched that he could scarcely remember life before it.

‘After a few years it just became normal. It sounds stupid, but it just became my life. I didn’t know anything else. My old life had disappeared and this was the new life that I had to lead to stay alive.

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‘There was a constant monotony of taking the tablets, going for a scan, hoping the scan was fine – which it usually was – and then you breathe a little bit and think, “OK, I’ve got another six months now; I need to do the best I can to get to the next scan”.

‘That was how I lived my life, from scan to scan.’

Then came the news that turned his world upside down.

He was told that the tumour was actually low-grade and that his original diagnosis had been wrong.

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‘I was shocked and I was relieved, because being told you have a low-level cancer is not as stressful.

‘I was told I was coming off my tablets, and that was causing me a lot of stress because I had been told the tablets were keeping me alive.’

A Freedom of Information request showed that between 2007 and 2023 Coventry had spent £3.6million on temozolomide ¿ around ten times more than any other neuro-oncology centre they examined

A Freedom of Information request showed that between 2007 and 2023 Coventry had spent £3.6million on temozolomide – around ten times more than any other neuro-oncology centre they examined

Reflecting on the revelation, Mr Whitehead told the Daily Mail: 'I believed I didn't have long and was going to die. I hoped the treatment would extend my life, but I didn't honestly know how long that would be'

Reflecting on the revelation, Mr Whitehead told the Daily Mail: ‘I believed I didn’t have long and was going to die. I hoped the treatment would extend my life, but I didn’t honestly know how long that would be’

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It was not until he drove home that the enormity of what he had been told began to sink in.

‘Since finding out what I’ve found out, every time I look back I feel anger and sadness. All those years were taken away from me.’

Mr Whitehead says he had been forced to abandon almost every part of his former life.

He left a job he had worked at for around four-and-a-half years, gave up weight training, saw friends less often and stopped going out.

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‘I had to stop everything just to concentrate on taking the tablets and trying to keep myself alive.’

He says he continues to suffer from stomach problems, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

He has also been diagnosed with depression and illness anxiety disorder during assessments carried out for his legal case.

‘I still live at home, unfortunately, because I haven’t been able to move on with my life and be able to work or look to a future.

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‘Everything has been put on pause. I’m still not working; I’m still struggling through life and I’ve got other things to deal with.’

His case is part of a much wider investigation by lawyer Fiona Tinsley and colleagues at Brabners.

Ms Tinsley said the first patient who approached the firm had taken temozolomide for 17 years after being told the drug was keeping him alive.

When a new consultant reviewed his case in April 2024, he was told there was no scientific or medical evidence supporting chemotherapy for anything approaching that length of time.

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His family complained to the trust.

According to Ms Tinsley, the trust subsequently acknowledged that the treatment should not have happened and was not in line with national or international guidance, apologising to the patient and his family.

Crucially, she said, the trust referred to a wider ‘cohort of patients’ who would also be contacted.

That prompted lawyers to investigate.

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Since January 2025, Ms Tinsley said her firm has identified around 40 patients with concerns about prolonged temozolomide treatment – and believes there could be many more.

National guidance generally recommends six cycles of temozolomide following radiotherapy for the relevant brain tumours, with prolonged treatment requiring clear clinical justification. 

The RCP review found repeated instances in which the drug was continued for years despite limited evidence of benefit.

A Freedom of Information request showed that between 2007 and 2023 Coventry had spent £3.6million on temozolomide – around ten times more than any other neuro-oncology centre they examined. 

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Ms Tinsley says the investigation has also uncovered concerns about the original diagnoses in a number of cases.

In some patients, she said, independent experts reviewing tissue samples have concluded that the tumours were lower grade than originally diagnosed and that the patients may never have needed chemotherapy.

In Mr Whitehead’s case, his lawyers say independent expert evidence indicates the correct diagnosis should have been made in 2010.

His tumour samples had been sent from Coventry to Birmingham for pathology analysis.

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The lawyers are now pursuing claims involving both University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire and University Hospitals Birmingham in cases where they allege diagnostic errors occurred.

The wider RCP review has raised questions about how such treatment could continue for so long without being challenged.

Its interim findings criticised the consultant at the centre of the review, who it referred to as ‘Dr Y’ but who the Daily Mail understands to be Professor Brown.

The report said he did not participate in the review and did not attend an interview with investigators.

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It also raised concerns about the role of a former clinical nurse specialist, saying patient care was primarily managed by him while the consultant had limited direct involvement.

Pharmacy teams were also criticised for failing to question the use of an oral chemotherapy drug continuously for ten to 15 years.

The review said there had been ‘multiple opportunities for scrutiny and challenge’ and described a failure to recognise the prolonged prescribing as highly unusual.

It also recommended consideration of independent reviews of living patients who had been treated by the consultant.

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The trust has said that all patients receiving temozolomide at the time of the consultant’s retirement had been reviewed by senior clinicians and appropriate care plans put in place.

It has also said it is conducting an independent review of its ‘speak up’ processes and will assess the full RCP report before taking further action.

The legal cases are now being pursued against the NHS trust, with the lawyers seeking answers, accountability and compensation for patients who they say suffered physical, psychological and financial consequences. 

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Inside the John Lewis 2026 Christmas shop as new festive decorations and gifts now on sale

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Manchester Evening News

The department store as unveiled its new Christmas range for 2026

John Lewis has revealed its new Christmas shop for 2026, with new festive decorations and gifts.

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The retail giant announced that Christmas has officially started in its UK stores, just a little over 13 weeks ahead of the day itself. John Lewis Christmas shops – selling trees, lights and tableware to decorations, gifts and wrapping – are now up and running across all stores.

The department store said it has already seen early demand for some festive items, including gift wrap, charity Christmas cards and Christmas crackers.

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Cydney Ball, head of Christmas at John Lewis, said: “After months of planning, creating and bringing our vision to life, it’s incredibly exciting to finally open the doors to our Christmas shop and share it with our customers.”

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She added: “Christmas at John Lewis is about so much more than finding the perfect gift or ornament for the tree. It’s about the anticipation, the nostalgia and those little moments that make the season feel magical. We can’t wait for our customers to step inside and start their Christmas story with us.”

John Lewis said its shoppers appeared to be seeking out “retro classics”, with sales of the Native Union Pop Phone spiking by 186 per cent last week alone.

Retro Christmas decorations on sale include a 70s disco mouse, a miniature arcade game, a cassette tape, and a classic sketch toy. Classic characters such as Miffy and Snoopy also feature within the Christmas shop.

The John Lewis Santa’s tea party is returning to selected stores this festive season, with 28 per cent more tickets on sale than last year. The retailer said this year’s tea parties will be “more immersive and enchanting than ever before, with a special storytime hosted by Santa and his elves accompanied by hot chocolate, festive treats and a special gift”.

All stores will also be holding talks covering a range of themes, such as how to build the perfect winter capsule wardrobe, a ‘treetorial’ on how to style and decorate the tree, and tips on how to set the perfect table for Christmas.

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John Lewis is not the only department store to have already opened its Christmas shop, with Liberty and Selfridges having transformed significant areas in store into dedicated festive-themed spaces.

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The Voice winner says ‘I’m back’ as they address brain tumour diagnosis

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Wales Online

Ava Mannings says she was diagnosed with a brain tumour about a week after viewers learned she had won ITV’s The Voice.

Following a two-year absence from social media, The Voice champion Ava Mannings has revealed the reason behind her disappearance after winning the ITV programme. The performer, who uses the professional name AVA, secured victory in the competition aged 21 under the guidance of McFly vocalists Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones.

Yet just a week after the public witnessed her crowned as champion, Ava was given a life-altering diagnosis. On Instagram, the now 23-year-old posted a video acknowledging it was ‘a little hard’ for her to discuss.

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She said: “I’m not sure how to put it into words. So unfortunately, Miss Ava here was diagnosed with a brain tumour back in October 2024, about a week after everyone found out that I had won The Voice. So that’s why I disappeared so quickly.

“Yeah, I’m not going to get into that whole experience because it’s still something that, you know, it’s quite life-changing.”

The vocalist revealed she had undergone ‘major surgery’ and received an encouraging outcome. Later in the footage, she expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she’s been shown, reports the Express.

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Ava assured her supporters she would ‘never’ abandon music despite the ‘tough ride’ she’s endured over the last two years. Describing the considerable effort required to reach her current position, she hinted that fresh material is forthcoming.

She continued: “So, catch me on a journey that I had no idea how to experience. One thing to know about me is that I still go with the flow. The main thing is, thank you so much, everyone. I don’t really know what to say because obviously this is quite a hard video for me to make, but I’m back, so watch out, everyone.”

Supporters were quick to rally around Ava, among them Giovanna Fletcher and Harry Judd. The McFly star wrote: “Sending you loads of love and I cannot wait to hear you sing again!” while Giovanna added: “So much love for you Ava.”

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One follower wrote: “I see strength, passion and real courage in this video. It is such a privilege for all of us to get to be a part of your journey. Immensely proud of you! Cannot wait to hear the new music.”

Another commented: “Aw, Ava, I’m proud of you for having the courage to post this, and I’m so excited for your music. I loved you on The Voice, so I’m very excited to hear your own stuff, take it day by day and don’t overdo it. We’ll be here waiting and supporting you through it all.”

A third shared: “Thank you for sharing this Ava, I’m sorry that you’ve been experiencing. I hope that you’re doing better and that you are healing. We can’t wait to hear more from you soon.”

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While another wrote: “I’m so glad to see you’re back, sending all my love to you.”

The Voice is available to watch on ITVX.

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Traitors star Maya Jama says the BBC have ‘done her dirty’ as she and Rob Beckett poke fun at their new headshots for show

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Maya Jama and the cast of the Celebrity Traitors have already discovered a non-faithful in their midst - the BBC show's photoshop department

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The cast of the Celebrity Traitors have already discovered a non-faithful in their midst – the BBC show’s photoshop department.

Maya Jama, 32, and Rob Beckett, two of the 21 stars of the upcoming series, have been left outraged after the BBC released their official headshots for the show this week.

Comedian Rob, 40, took umbrage at his portrait, which features him with a bemused smile on his face. 

Sharing the snap to Instagram, Rob declared: ‘I think there’s a traitor in the photoshop department…. what the f**k has happened to my face.’

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The post prompted his co-star Maya, who is perhaps more used to her glam Love Island photos, to reply with a string of laughing face emojis as she told him ‘they did us all dirty tbh’. 

Rob’s wife, the writer Lou Beckett, saw the funny side, telling him: ‘Our wedding photos are about to get a glow up. I’m using AI to replace you in every photo in the house with this one.’ 

Maya Jama and the cast of the Celebrity Traitors have already discovered a non-faithful in their midst – the BBC show’s photoshop department

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Maya and Rob Beckett, who star on the upcoming series, have been left outraged after the BBC released their official headshots for the show this week

Maya and Rob Beckett, who star on the upcoming series, have been left outraged after the BBC released their official headshots for the show this week

Rob’s close pal and fellow comedian Lloyd Griffith meanwhile decided: ‘you look like you’ve found God’.   

The new series of Celebrity Traitors will begin on October 1, the BBC revealed last week.

Joining Rob and Maya and host Claudia Winkleman in the Scottish Highlands for the second series are Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny and Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

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Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Myha’la, Professor Hannah Fry, Richard E Grant, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney complete the line up. 

A new explosive trailer released last week showed the stars meeting each other for the first time at the iconic castle as host Claudia declared: ‘The game is on!’

A trailer hinted at the difficult tasks the group had to endure with an exploding pirate ship as the stars have to try and build up the £100,000 cash prize for a chosen charity.

The new trailer showed the players arriving to the castle in their swanky cars before heading to a church as they all take their seats for the first task. 

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Maya then quipped to her fellow players: ‘If this is the last time we are all friends, then good luck!’

The teaser then cut to the first tense Round Table as Claudia told them: ‘I have chosen my Traitors. The game is on!’ 

Comedian Rob took umbrage at his portrait, which features him with a bemused-smile on his face, prompting Maya to comment about her photo

Comedian Rob took umbrage at his portrait, which features him with a bemused-smile on his face, prompting Maya to comment about her photo

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Rob's wife, the writer Lou Beckett saw the funny side, telling him: 'Our wedding photos are about to get a glow up. I’m using AI to replace you in every photo in the house with this one'

Rob’s wife, the writer Lou Beckett saw the funny side, telling him: ‘Our wedding photos are about to get a glow up. I’m using AI to replace you in every photo in the house with this one’

The new series of Celebrity Traitors will begin on October 1, the BBC revealed last week

The new series of Celebrity Traitors will begin on October 1, the BBC revealed last week

She added: ‘There are now killers among you. People are out there to deceive. Fame won’t save them.’

The series will begin with an extra-long opening episode and the launch night will also see a new bonus special airing. 

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Traitor or Faithful? Claudia Decides will be available on October 1 from 9.15pm on BBC iPlayer. Viewers will find out how Claudia chooses her Traitors in the one-off special. 

The regular series episodes will air two nights a week on Thursday and Friday evenings at 8pm. 

The Celebrity Traitors line-up 2026

 

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 Jerry Hall

Jerry Hall, 70, rose to fame in the Seventies and became one of the era's most recognisable fashion icons

Jerry Hall, 70, rose to fame in the Seventies and became one of the era’s most recognisable fashion icons 

Richard E Grant

Richard E Grant, 69, celebrated for his roles in everything from cult classic Withnail & I to modern flicks such as Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Richard E Grant, 69, celebrated for his roles in everything from cult classic Withnail & I to modern flicks such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie 

 James Blunt

James Blunt, 52, shot to global fame with his debut album and the hit single 'You're Beautiful'

James Blunt, 52, shot to global fame with his debut album and the hit single ‘You’re Beautiful’

 Ross Kemp

Ross Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, is said to be wanting to 'challenge himself'

Ross Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, is said to be wanting to ‘challenge himself’

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 Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen, 57, is celebrated for his incredible performances across stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen

Michael Sheen, 57, is celebrated for his incredible performances across stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen

 Rob Beckett

Best friend of fellow Traitors star Romesh, comedian Rob Beckett, 40, is known for his high-energy and booming laugh

Best friend of fellow Traitors star Romesh, comedian Rob Beckett, 40, is known for his high-energy and booming laugh

 Sharon Rooney

Sharon Rooney, 37, is best known for her breakout role as Rae Earl in the acclaimed series My Mad Fat Diary

Sharon Rooney, 37, is best known for her breakout role as Rae Earl in the acclaimed series My Mad Fat Diary

 Joanne McNally

Joanne McNally, 43, is known for her brutally honest humour and hilarious takes on dating, chaos, and modern life

Joanne McNally, 43, is known for her brutally honest humour and hilarious takes on dating, chaos, and modern life

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 Amol Rajan

Journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, has carved out a successful career across major UK media, including radio and television

Journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, has carved out a successful career across major UK media, including radio and television

 King Kenny

King Kenny, 29, is a content creator known for prank videos and street-style social experiments

King Kenny, 29, is a content creator known for prank videos and street-style social experiments

 Sebastian Croft

Sebastian Croft, 24, is best known for his breakout role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper

Sebastian Croft, 24, is best known for his breakout role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper

  Maya Jama

Maya Jama, 32, is quickly becoming one of the UK's most popular stars and famously fronts Love Island

Maya Jama, 32, is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most popular stars and famously fronts Love Island

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 Miranda Hart

Miranda Hart, 53, broke through with her hit sitcom Miranda which became a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legend

Miranda Hart, 53, broke through with her hit sitcom Miranda which became a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legend

Romesh Ranganathan

Romesh Ranganathan, 48, has been taking British TV by storm in recent years is known for his deadpan delivery

Romesh Ranganathan, 48, has been taking British TV by storm in recent years is known for his deadpan delivery

 James Acaster

Comedian James Acaster, 41, is good friends with Ed Gamble who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu

Comedian James Acaster, 41, is good friends with Ed Gamble who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu 

 Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey, 22, rose to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones and gained global acclaim for their leading role in The Last Of Us

Bella Ramsey, 22, rose to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones and gained global acclaim for their leading role in The Last Of Us

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 Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, is known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, who found fame on The X Factor in 2011

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, is known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, who found fame on The X Factor in 2011

 Joe Lycett

From TV stunts to clever public pranks, Joe Lycett, 38, has built a reputation as one of Britain's most inventive comics

From TV stunts to clever public pranks, Joe Lycett, 38, has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most inventive comics

 Hannah Fry

Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, 42, is known for turning complex data into content which is engaging to viewers

Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, 42, is known for turning complex data into content which is engaging to viewers

 Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, is best known for her long-running role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street – the first transgender character in a British soap opera

Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, is best known for her long-running role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street – the first transgender character in a British soap opera

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 Myha’la

Myha'la, 30, is known for her striking portrayal of brutal fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry

Myha’la, 30, is known for her striking portrayal of brutal fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry

 

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Oasis announce four additional shows for 2027 tour

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Oasis announce four additional shows for 2027 tour

Due to high demand from fans for tickets for Oasis Live 27, extra shows have been announced at Knebworth on September 25 and 26, Rome’s Olympic Stadium on July 26 and Munich’s Allianz Arena on July 6.

Alongside this, Oasis will now play Paris on July 20 and 23 because of railway engineering works near the Stade de France venue on July 24.

With the additional dates, Oasis Live 27 will see the band play 42 shows in Scotland, England, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Italy, the US and Ireland.

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There will be no further dates added to the tour.

Registration for fans wanting to purchase tickets is now closed.

Successful applicants who have already signed up will be sent a unique, non-transferable code to access an allocated on-sale window.

In the UK, ticket sales will take place on September 25, 26 and 27, with three selling windows each day.

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Fans will be informed directly which window they can access, and at what time.

The registration process is the only public way to buy tickets. There will be no general sale or other public presales.

Last week, Oasis Live 27 promoters announced a new approach to live music at Knebworth.

There will be additional transport and accommodation provisions at the Hertfordshire venue, including rail and coach options, as well as a purpose-built campsite village.

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Fans are advised not to drive to Knebworth and to instead consider the transport options provided.

The band played two concerts at the venue in August 1996, to an audience of more than 100,000 each night.

Noel Gallagher has ruled out making new music, despite the latest tour.

He told Talksport: “There won’t be any new music, no.”

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Asked again about new music, he replied “nah”, and then replied “I don’t know” when questioned whether the band would continue beyond the tour next summer.

Asked when the band decided to do another tour, Gallagher added: “It was after about the second Wembley show.

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Netanyahu calls Macron’s West Bank comments in UN speech ‘grotesque’

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French President Emmanuel Macron addresses the UN General Assembly in New York (22 September 2026)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned French President Emmanuel Macron after he criticised Israel’s actions in the occupied West Bank during his address to the UN General Assembly.

“Look at what’s happening in the West Bank, where day in, day out, we are seeing violations. And in the name of what? Hamas was never very active in the West Bank,” Macron said in French, according to the UN’s interpreter.

Netanyahu called the remarks a “grotesque absurdity” and said members of the Palestinian armed group there “carry out attacks against Jews almost every day”.

There was no response from Macron’s office, but one French diplomatic source said there had been a “misinterpretation”.

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The source told the Jerusalem Post, external that the meaning of the French sentence spoken by the president, “Le Hamas n’a jamais sévi en Cisjordanie,” was, “Hamas has never governed the West Bank.”

Macron also rejected US President Donald Trump’s assertion that he had ended the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Violence there has continued despite last October’s ceasefire, including almost daily Israeli strikes, while humanitarian conditions remain dire

“Some boast of a supposed peace. But that peace has not reopened humanitarian access for a single second,” he said. “Are we simply to stand by and watch this spectacle that should shame us all?”

After the address, the Israeli prime minister’s office said in a statement: “The grotesque absurdity of Emmanuel Macron’s statement is staggering.”

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“On Sunday, the eve of [the Jewish holy day of] Yom Kippur, just two days ago, Netanel Shukrun – a French citizen and father of six – was murdered in his car by a Hamas terrorist in Judea and Samaria,” it added, using a biblical term for the West Bank.

“Hamas terrorists carry out attacks against Jews almost every day. They have murdered countless Israeli civilians in Judea and Samaria.”

The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, also denounced Macron’s remarks as “out of touch with reality”.

Shukrun, 36, was shot dead when a Palestinian opened fire on a group of Israelis at a spring near the West Bank settlement of Neve Tzuf, according to Israeli police. The suspect was arrested later at a hospital in the city of Ramallah, they said.

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Hamas praised the attack but did not say it was behind it.

The group – which is designated as a terrorist organisation by Israel, France and other countries – is a rival of the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank that are not under Israeli control.

Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem – land Palestinians want, along with Gaza, for a hoped-for future state – during the 1967 Middle East war. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live alongside them.

The settlements are illegal under international law.

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