Digital techniques like projection mapping, holograms and interactive performance now define the Eurovision contest’s production values. But this year’s UK act Look Mum No Computer has a more retro approach to technology.

A musician and YouTuber, Look Mum No Computer builds experimental synths from vintage equipment, sometimes even parts from toys and games consoles. His past projects include synths built into Sega Megadrives and Gibson Les Paul guitars, an orchestra of Star Wars robots, and his most popular YouTube video, a Furby orchestra.

Working for the past two years on our book Designing Eurovision: Performance Scenography on an International Stage, we have had the opportunity to track the history of Eurovision design and its current innovations.

Eurovision’s rules on musical performance and on-stage instruments would not always have accommodated an act like Look Mum No Computer, who tours with his own modular synth. In its early days in the late 1950s and 60s, all entries had to be performed by a live concert orchestra – limiting how far composers could follow transatlantic rock’n’roll trends.

The contest’s rules are determined by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which has overseen the annual contest for its member broadcasters since 1956. In 1973, the EBU began allowing prerecorded backing tracks, but insisted all instruments had to appear on stage. This rule allowed bands, like Yugoslavia’s Korni Grupa in 1974, to perform with their guitars and drums or to combine these with orchestral accompaniment like ABBA’s winning 1974 performance.

Electronic dance music was not such an easy fit when it started appearing in the 1990s. In 1996, the requirement for all instruments to be on camera meant Gina G’s UK entry Ooh Aah, Just A Little Bit had to bring PCs on stage.

Phasing out live orchestras altogether after 1998 upset some fans but modernised Eurovision’s sound. This move gave contest producers more space to employ new digital stage technologies, including video walls and LED floors. These made the broadcast more spectacular but dramatically increased its costs and environmental impact. It also caused issues of competitiveness since better-funded nations could invest in high-end digital staging with international creative teams, while those with lower budgets must be much more resourceful to be competitive.

Well before this transformation into a mega-event, however, musical instruments that were likely new to many Eurovision audiences were made focal points in how performances were staged. Switzerland’s 1976 entry by acoustic folk band Peter, Sue and Marc featured a clown playing a barrel organ. The Guadeloupian steel drums on Joëlle Ursull’s 1990 French entry White And Black Blues anticipated the staging of many percussion-driven pop acts that used traditional ethnic instruments in the 2000s.

Since on-stage instruments are played to prerecorded tracks and not wired for sound, Eurovision performances can feel different for instrumentalists than vocalists, who must always sing live – one rule that has endured throughout Eurovision’s history. All backing vocals also had to be live until 2021, when the EBU first allowed recorded backing during COVID.

Instruments on stage today are part of a much more complex scenography, harnessing the latest in lighting and digital design. The Norwegian folk metal band Gåte in 2024 presented a full digital spectacle, including video wall effects of crashing waves, dramatic lighting, and camera angle switches synced to their drum blasts. It also included the physical feat of guitarist Magnus Børmark throwing his instrument two metres into the air.

Eurovision’s “liveness” as a broadcast depends on complex technical programming and weeks of rehearsal to ensure every version of a contest performance is consistent, and meets competition rules. Asking how Look Mum No Computer’s work might translate to the Eurovision stage underlines how the contest’s relationships between musical instruments and digital design can make us reflect on what makes performances live and how technology has helped to visualise sound.

Ospreys host the Scarlets in their final home game of the season this evening, as Wales captain Jac Morgan signs off at the Brewery Field with a west Wales derby.

The penultimate match of the regular season sees the two west Wales sides meet in Bridgend, with this being Morgan’s last home game for the Ospreys ahead of a move to Gloucester next season.

Full-back Jack Walsh will also bid farewell to his home supporters ahead of a move to Montauban in France.

The Scarlets, bidding to avoid finishing as the lowest-placed Welsh side in the United Rugby Championship, are boosted by the return of Wales internationals Josh Macleod and Tom Rogers from injury.

As for the Ospreys, they will lift the Welsh Shield should they win today.

The match kicks off at 5.30pm, with the match being broadcast on Premier Sports 2 and S4C.

Or you can follow the action in the live blog below.

Ospreys: Jack Walsh; Iestyn Hopkins, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Luke Morgan; Dan Edwards, Kieran Hardy; Steffan Thomas, Sam Parry, Tom Botha, Rhys Davies, Ryan Smith, James Ratti, Jac Morgan (c), Morgan Morris.

Replacements: Lewis Lloyd, Garyn Phillips, Ben Warren, Huw Sutton, Ross Moriarty, Reuben Morgan-Williams, Keelan Giles, Evardi Boshoff.

Scarlets: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Macs Page; Joe Hawkins, Dane Blacker; Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Henry Thomas, Jac Price, Max Douglas, Taine Plumtree, Josh Macleod (capt), Fletcher Anderson.

Replacements: Harry Thomas, Josh Morse, Harri O’Connor, Dan Davis, Jarrod Taylor, Archie Hughes, Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, Ioan Jones.

Live updates below:

Peas aren’t often seen as a particularly exciting vegetable. They tend to be treated as a basic side dish or something people eat out of habit, rather than choice. But they’re also cheap, widely available and contain a combination of nutrients that can have a positive impact on our health.

While peas will not transform health on their own, when eaten regularly they can provide a useful contribution to daily protein, fibre and micronutrients intake.

Here are a few reasons why peas are worth including in your diet more often.

1. They’re a source of plant protein

Protein is essential for maintaining muscle, immune function and helping us feel full after meals. While not the highest protein food out there, they contain more protein than most vegetables.

Cooked green peas provide around 5g of protein per 100g, while dried peas contain closer to 8g per 100g. That is less than lentils (around 6g per 100g) or chickpeas (over 7g per 100g), but more than vegetables such as carrots (less than 0.5g of protein per 100g) or sweetcorn (less than 3g per 100g).

Pea protein has a well-balanced amino acid profile, containing all nine essential amino acids. These are the building blocks for protein, which the body uses for growth and repair, as well as to make enzymes, hormones and immune molecules.

However, like other grain legumes, peas are relatively low in sulfur‑containing amino acids – particularly methionine, which plays a key role in protein synthesis and growth.

This means that peas would not be ideal as your sole protein source. But since most people eat peas alongside other plant and animal proteins, this isn’t usually a problem – and peas can be a useful way to increase your protein intake.

Pea protein is also relatively easy to digest and absorb. Research suggests it has good bioavailability compared with many other plant protein sources, meaning the body can make good use of it.

2. Their fibre supports gut and metabolic health

Many people do not eat enough dietary fibre. Peas can help contribute to you achieving the recommended 30g of fibre per day. A 100g portion of cooked peas provides more than 6g of fibre, with dried peas providing even more (around 8g of fibre per 100g). Fibre plays an important role in digestive health, but its effects extend beyond the gut.

Peas contain both insoluble and soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre helps move food through the digestive system, reducing constipation. Soluble fibre dissolves in water to form a gel‑like substance, which slows digestion and helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Peas also contain prebiotic fibres, including galactooligosaccharides. These fibres feed beneficial bacteria in the gut, rather than being digested by the body. Supporting these bacteria helps achieve a more diverse gut microbiome, which has been linked to better metabolic health.

3. Peas contain iron and other beneficial plant compounds

Iron is essential for producing the blood protein haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body. But iron deficiency remains common worldwide, particularly among people who menstruate.

While vegetables are not usually major sources of iron, peas contain more iron than many commonly eaten vegetables such as carrots and peppers. However, it’s important to make sure you’re eating the right type of peas if you’re looking to get more iron in your diet.

For instance, mature peas tend to contain higher levels of phytic acid, a compound that can limit iron absorption in the gut. Green peas, which are harvested earlier, contain iron while having much lower levels of phytic acid. This gives garden peas and petit pois a more favourable iron‑to‑phytate ratio, which is associated with better iron bioavailability.

Peas also contain polyphenols, including flavonoids. These are plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects, helping protect cells from damage and supporting overall health.

Regularly consuming flavonoids has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, better blood sugar regulation, and a lower risk of several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

4. They’re one of the most affordable healthy foods

Cost plays a major role in influencing what people eat. Peas remain one of the cheapest ways to add some extra protein and fibre to meals.

Frozen peas can be bought for around £1 to £1.50 per kilogram at most major supermarkets. They’re frequently cheaper than other frozen vegetables, and much cheaper than many fresh vegetables.

Frozen peas also generate very little waste. You can cook the amount you need, which makes them good value for households trying to eat well on a limited budget.

5. Peas are easy to store, cook and eat regularly

Convenience also has a strong influence on food choices. Peas are easy to keep and use in different ways. Fresh, frozen, tinned and dried peas all have a place, but frozen peas are particularly practical.

Frozen vegetables are usually harvested at peak ripeness and frozen quickly. This helps preserve nutrients and reduces spoilage. Studies show that frozen and canned vegetables are nutritionally comparable to fresh varieties, and sometimes even retain nutrients better during storage.

Because peas require little preparation, they’re easy to add to meals that families already eat. They may even be more of a hit with children. Research suggests that many children are more accepting of vegetables that are soft and slightly sweet rather than bitter or tough, which may explain why peas are often better received than other vegetables.

Keeping peas on hand also makes it easy to add to your and your child’s platess regularly. Research shows that the more children are given a certain type of food, the more likely they are to eat them.

Simple ways to eat more peas

Including peas does not require major changes to eating habits. Keeping a bag of peas in the freezer makes it easy to add them to pasta, rice, risottos or curries, or to serve them as a quick side.

Peas can also be blended into soups, stirred into sauces, or added into pesto. Dried, frozen or tinned peas work well in soups and stews.

Peas may not seem exciting. But as part of a varied diet, they’re a reliable way to add protein, fibre and nutrients without adding too much cost or complexity.

The former government minister is taking over as interim leader

Welsh Labour has appointed an interim leader, less than 24 hours after Eluned Morgan quit when she lost her seat in the Senedd Election 2026.

Ken Skates, the Senedd member for Fflint Wrecsam has taken on the role. The party slumped to an historic defeat in the election, ending up with just nine of the 96 seats. A number of candidates lost their seats, the most high profile of which was Eluned Morgan, the first ever sitting First Minister to fail in a re-election bid.

Welsh Labour has confirmed that following meetings of the Welsh Labour’s Executive Committee and the Welsh Labour group, Mr Skates will be interim leader.

First elected in 2011, he has held several Welsh Government roles including the transport brief and the economy portfolio.

He received unanimous support from the new Welsh Labour group, the statement said.

Mr Skates said: “Today is just the beginning of a process that will help us to understand what we got wrong. Because we did get it wrong.

“There is no reading of this result that endorses every action we have taken as a party, and our task now is to take the time needed and to work out what has happened. It is a task that will require every single one of us to take part in – every member, every councillor, every MS, MP, Lord and all roles in between but it is not a task that is beyond us.

“I believe today, as I always have, that Welsh Labour is at its best when we are the champions of the people of Wales, our role is to serve, to fight for the issues that matter most.

“We are the party that first sent Keir Hardie to Parliament, that created the NHS. We are the Party of devolution, the Party of free prescriptions, universal free school meals, social partnership and the future generations act.

“We are a party with an incredible history of serving Wales and her people, and we have so much more to give.”

Paying tribute to Eluned Morgan, he said: “I would like to thank Eluned for everything she has done over the past two years as our First Minister, and in her 30 years of service to Wales and the Labour Party.

2Her grit and determination in the face of true challenge is something we as a Party will always be proud of. She broke the glass ceiling, and her role in history as the first woman to lead our Party and country is an achievement second to none.”

He will serve as leader until a timetable is set for a full leadership election in line with Welsh Labour rules.

For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

‘You can see the estate at the moment, to say it’s been left to rot is perhaps even an understatement’

Residents on a council estate set to be demolished say they’re living in fear as it has been vandalised by youths “marauding around with golf clubs”. Cambridge City Council voted to knock down the majority of homes on Ekin Road in June 2024 and most now lie empty.

But two years on, residents still living there say bins have been left full and properties unsecured which has made it the target of vandals. Maurice Chiodo ran the Save Ekin Road Campaign which saved 14 of the 122 existing houses from demolition.

He said: “You can see the estate at the moment, to say it’s been left to rot is perhaps even an understatement.”

The 42-year-old pointed to a bin left abandoned against a fence, with plants growing up and into it.

He said: “These have been abandoned here for many, many, months now – I mean how long does it take for that vine to grow into a bin? We’ve asked the council for over two years to remove excess bins on the street.”

‘Living like Lord of the Flies’

In the last two and a half months, he said the bins have been put to use by young people who use them as steps to enter back gardens and first-floor balconies.

Dr Chiodo said: “These are tools that people are using to vandalise the estate, and they’re still here. It’s not just the damage that’s scary – it’s the fact there are children marauding around with golf clubs and swinging them.”

He said the “gang-sized presence” of youths coming out to target the estate, usually just after school hours, has been more than 20 on some evenings.

He said: “This is not two kids having a bit of a laugh – it’s like living in Lord of the Flies basically. There’s a worry that if they break into these abandoned flats and then something happens to them, they’re stuck in there – no one’s going to know if you hit your head and pass out and no one’s coming for you.

“It’s not just for our safety, but for the safety of those coming on the estate and treating it like a theme park, we want them to be safe as well.”

He’s asking for the council to provide security patrols during the peak times for vandals between 3pm and 9pm.

‘Terrifying’

Meg Gadja also lives on the estate, and has been left as the sole resident in a block of flats as she waits for a new home to become available nearby. The 63-year-old said it’s become “horrible” living there and she fears for her safety when walking from her car in the evenings.

She’s been living there for 14 years and said it was “sometimes bad with antisocial behaviour” but “never as bad as it is now”.

She said: “There’s rubbish everywhere and it’s so dangerous – we have a group on WhatsApp and people say they’re not feeling safe. It’s terrifying.”

Chris Workman said he’ll soon be moving from his flat of eight years where he’s the last remaining resident – but fears for those left on the estate.

The 38-year-old said: “I recognise there are challenges for the council in dealing with this because there’s more that could be done. It’s become weekly rather than daily but it’s still an ongoing issue – the last two weeks residents had to call the police, which is taking police resources from emergencies too.”

‘Nothing was not an option’

Cambridge City Council said doing nothing “was not an option” due to “serious issues in the buildings” and residents who had to move out sooner rather than later were supported.

A spokesperson said: “The downside of this is for those who will remain living on Ekin Road, and who are facing the problems often seen on sites with multiple vacant homes. We recognise this is a frustrating and sometimes frightening experience and we are committed to reviewing our security measures as required during this phase.”

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They said they have increased security patrols in the area to five times per day at times when incidents have been reported by residents, added more alarms and hoarding and a “re-deployable CCTV camera on site”.

They said: “The council has a dedicated public safety team who are reaching out to residents and working alongside the police. Residents are encouraged to keep reporting any incidents to the council’s antisocial behaviour team, or any criminal activity to the police. We will continue to review and adapt security measures on the site as needed.”

Bolton Labour Group has elected Councillor Akhtar Zaman as Leader of the Labour Group, with Councillor Martin Donaghy elected as Deputy Leader, following Thursday’s (May 7) local elections.

In a statement, the group said: “Bolton Labour Group has elected Councillor Akhtar Zaman as Leader of the Labour Group, with Councillor Martin Donaghy elected as Deputy Leader.

“We would like to thank Councillor Nick Peel for his leadership, dedication and service to Bolton Labour and to communities across the borough.

“We also pay tribute to all Labour councillors who were not re-elected.

“They have served their communities with commitment and care, and we thank them sincerely for everything they have done for Bolton.

“Thank you as well to every Labour candidate, volunteer and supporter who worked so hard across the borough during a difficult election.

“Following yesterday’s results, the Labour Group understands the need to listen, reflect and rebuild trust with residents across Bolton.

“Akhtar and Martin will lead a Labour team focused on standing up for local people, supporting our communities, and working every day to deliver a fairer, safer and better Bolton.”

Nick Peel (Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

The leadership change follows a result in Tonge with the Haulgh, where Labour’s Nick Peel lost his seat to Reform UK’s Bolton chair Trevor Jones.

Across the borough, 20 of the council’s 60 seats were contested.

Reform UK won the most seats on the night with nine, while the Green Party and Conservatives each secured three seats.

Labour and Horwich and Blackrod First Independents both won two seats, with the Liberal Democrats taking one.

Despite the losses, Labour remains the largest party on the council with 20 seats, but is 11 short of the 31 required for an overall majority.

The count underway (Image: Phil Taylor)

The Conservatives hold 11 seats, with Reform UK on 10 and the Liberal Democrats on five.

The remaining seats are made up of four Green councillors, four Horwich and Blackrod First Independents, three Farnworth and Kearsley First councillors and three independents.

Cllr Zaman said: “It is an honour to have been elected Leader of the Labour Group.

“I want to thank my colleagues for their support, and I also want to pay tribute to Councillor Nick Peel for his leadership, dedication and service to Bolton Labour and to communities across the borough.

“We also thank all Labour councillors who were not re-elected, as well as every Labour candidate, volunteer and supporter who worked so hard during a difficult election.

“The results were clearly disappointing for Labour.

“We have heard the message from voters, and we know we need to listen carefully, reflect honestly and rebuild trust with residents across Bolton.

“People want councillors who are focused on the issues that affect their everyday lives — cleaner streets, safer communities, decent housing, strong local services and value for money.

“That is what our Labour team will be focused on. We will stand up for local people, support our communities and work every day to deliver a fairer, safer and better Bolton.”

Cllr Donaghy said: “Bolton Labour has a serious job to do.

“We need to listen to residents, focus on the issues that matter in people’s daily lives, and show through our actions that we are working hard for every part of the borough.

“Our priority now is to bring the group together, support our communities and focus on delivery.”

The Labour Group said its immediate priority would be to work together as a united team, listen to residents across the borough and focus on the issues affecting local people.

Bean & Bake, based in a shop unit on the corner of Northallerton Town Hall, is run by Steve Hewitt, who previously ran the Joiners Coffee Shop and Kitchen at Ingleby Cross, near Northallerton.

Mr Hewitt said it serves “high-quality” coffee and teas, homemade scones, freshly baked pastries, artisan bread, cakes, and traybakes.

Steve Hewitt in his new business Bean & Bake in Northallerton (Image: Supplied)

Locally-produced bacon and sausage in fresh buns, and bagels with seasonal fillings, are on the menu.

He is working with a number of businesses in the area, including Rounton Coffee Roasters, Acorn Organic Dairy, Thompsons Butchers, Sorcha’s Artisan Bakehouse, and Yorvale Ice Cream.

Bean & Bake also stocks a range of retail items, all sourced from small independent producers in Yorkshire.

There is limited seating both inside and outside, where customers can enjoy the bustle of the High Street and the Town Hall Square, with lots more public seating.

Mr Hewitt said: “We have had great feedback from customers since opening.

“People are enjoying something different and appreciate the provenance of what we are offering.”

Mr Hewitt said he was renting the unit from Northallerton Town Council.

Council staff and councillors had been very supportive, as they have been with his partner Julie Brass’ business, the Yorkshire Scent Co, which is based in a unit on the opposite side of the Town Hall.

This pub offers reasonably priced food and drink across its menu

A bit of pub grub is always a fan favourite for people – and I’m one of them. While on a visit to Cottenham, I decided to see what food establishments they had on offer. There were a few cafes, but as that’s what I usually go for when eating out for lunch, I decided to change things up.

I came across the Waggon and Horses pub and decided to grab some lunch. I got a little bit lost on my way to the pub, as it is nested within lots of small streets. As I expected on a weekday lunchtime, I was the only customer, so I took a seat and began looking at the menu.

I was pleasantly suprised by the reasonable prices on the menu. The most expensive meals on the lunchtime menu were £6.50, and there were a few options available for this price. These options included scampi and chips, burgers, wraps and more. Some other meals priced at £5 included jacket potatoes and loaded nachos.

I decided to go for a basket meal for £6.50, which included chicken tenders and chips. The other option was chicken poppers and chips. I also chose to have melted cheese over my chips. For a drink, I chose an iced latte for £3.80, and paid an extra 50p to get vanilla syrup in it.

The pub itself offered a cosy vibe, with its fairy lights and fireplace. The pub is fairly small, but there is still plenty of space for several chairs and table. Only a few minutes later my iced latte came, and ‘oh my’ was my first thought. I expected a regular sized coffee, similar to a coffee shop.

But boy was I wrong! My latte came in a pint glass – I can’t say I’ve ever had a pint of coffee. Considering I paid the same price, or slightly cheaper than a coffee from somewhere like Costa or Starbucks, this was definitely a bargain latte. It was good too – I could really taste the vanilla and it satisfied my sweet tooth.

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I was also impressed by the portion size of my £6.50 meal. I tucked into the chicken tenders which had a crunchy crisp to them. Just as their name suggests, the chicken was succulent and tender. I then tried some of the chips which were generously coated in cheese.

The cheese was very thick, but made the chips even better. The chips themselves were also very crispy, just how I like them. I must admit I struggled to finish my meal and enormous drink, and I was ultimately defeated. It was however a very satisfying meal, and safe to say it kept me going for the rest of the day.

Ultimately, the Waggon and Horses is an out-of-sight pub that offers great value food and drink. For coffee lovers, the pub is the perfect place to go with its pints of coffee.

All of our food reviews are paid for by the writer. The establishments do not know we will be reviewing their food, allowing us to make fair judgements on each place.

Stockton Council hosted the Foster Carer and Supported Lodgings Awards on Thursday, April 30, to honour the dedication and resilience of foster carers and hosts across the borough who support vulnerable children and young people.

Councillor Clare Besford, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, presented the Long Service and Special Milestone Awards.

Cllr Clare Besford presenting a special milestone award to foster carers Colin Taylor and Pat Bond for 15 years of service (Image: Dave Charnley)

Cllr Besford said: “I’m immensely proud to celebrate our wonderful foster carers and supported lodgings hosts in our borough with these awards.

“It was an honour to celebrate their long and devoted service and hear about the outstanding achievements which they have made in the lives of children and young people in their care.

“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.”

Foster Carer of the Year – Wendy Fowler (Image: Dave Charnley)

Carers and hosts were recognised across several categories, including long service, special milestones, and peer-to-peer support.

Special Milestone Awards were presented to those who reached one, five, 10, 15, and 20 years of service.

Long Service Awards went to those who had dedicated more than 30 years, including Margaret Wren (49 years), Malcolm and Shelley Atherton (33 years), and Patricia and Kenny Leishman (32 years).

Majella McCarthy, Director of Children’s Services with Foster Carer of the Year Wendy Fowler (Image: Dave Charnley)

The Young People’s Choice Award, with nominations submitted by children living with a foster family, was given to Sue and Stuart Reid in recognition of the support they provide to the young person living with them.

Julie and Paul Snowball received the Peer‑to‑Peer Recognition Award, which honours carers who support fellow foster families.

The couple play a key role in the Mockingbird fostering service, an extended family model designed to improve stability and outcomes for children by building a supportive community of carers.

Cllr Clare Besford presenting the 20 years of service award to Supported Lodgings Hosts Christine and Stephen Morgan (Image: Dave Charnley)

Julie Snowball said: “As I said on the night to the people who nominated me, it means the world to me but you are only as good as the people that you are surrounded by, and I’m surrounded by wonderful people, so it’s an honour for me to support them and I thoroughly enjoy doing it.”

Hazel and Wayne Micallef received the Supported Lodgings Host of the Year Award after being nominated three times.

The couple currently care for two teenagers, helping them build the confidence and skills needed for independence.

Foster Carer Julie Snowball, winner of the Peer-to-Peer Award with Louise Hollick, Assistant Director of Early Help, Safeguarding and Children (Image: Dave Charnley)

Supported lodgings hosts offer a home environment and practical guidance to young people as they transition into adulthood.

The Kinship Carer of the Year Award went to Pauline and Colin Poppleton.

Nominated by their grandchildren’s social worker, they were recognised for the emotional warmth, security, and sense of identity they provide, helping the children in their care make positive progress.

Wendy Fowler, who has spent more than 21 years as a foster carer, was named Foster Carer of the Year.

Ms Fowler said: “I was very surprised and quite emotional.

“From a personal level, it’s a great achievement for me, fostering is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

She recently decided to retire due to health reasons.

Ms Fowler said: “I was very upset when I decided that I needed to retire, it took me a long time to think about it, but I thought the time was right because I hadn’t been very well last year.

“Now is the time to retire and spend a lot of time with my grandchildren and my children.”

Many of the children she has cared for over the years have remained in contact with her.

Ms Fowler said: “I’ve got other foster children as well because they stay in touch after all these years, they are still around and remain an important part of my life.

“I’ve loved every minute of fostering, and I would recommend anyone to do it because it gives more positives than negatives, it really does.”

For information on becoming a foster carer, visit the Foster with North East website.

Israel’s Eurovision broadcaster has received a formal warning, just days before the contest kicks off in Vienna, Austria.

Participating broadcaster KAN was found to have violated the competition’s voting rules on Friday evening, as several promotional videos appeared on social media sites such as X.

In the clips, Israeli representative Noam Bettan encouraged viewers to use all 10 of their votes on Israel when he performs in the first semi-final on May 12.

The 28-year-old singer, whose song is titled Michelle, recorded the promo message in the languages of Azerbaijani, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Maltese, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, and Ukrainian.

Now, Eurovision Song Contest Executive Director Martin Green has confirmed that KAN has been reprimanded.

In a statement shared with Metro, he said: ‘We were made aware that videos instructing viewers to vote 10 times for Israel had been published and distributed by the artist representing KAN.

‘Within 20 minutes, we had contacted the Israeli delegation and asked them to immediately stop all distribution of the videos and remove them from all platforms where they had been published. They did so.’

He added: ‘We will continue to closely monitor any promotional activity and take appropriate steps as necessary.’

In response, KAN reported that the campaign isn’t financed by any particular group, claiming that Eurovision fans are the ones choosing to support their entrant.

They insisted that they would always abide by the rules of the EBU (European Broadcasting Union).

Last November, the EBU implemented changes to the voting rules to ‘strengthen trust and transparency’.

In a major overhaul of the voting framework, the new measures followed extensive consultations after the 2025 contest in Basel, Switzerland.

In-depth reviews were carried out in collaboration with participating broadcasters and other event organisers, who offered feedback to help prevent rule breaks and strengthen the voting system.

Green said at the time: ‘We’ve listened and we’ve acted.

‘The neutrality and integrity of the Eurovision Song Contest is of paramount importance to the EBU, its members, and all our audiences. It is essential that the fairness of the Contest is always protected.  

‘We are taking clear and decisive steps to ensure the contest remains a celebration of music and unity. The Contest should remain a neutral space and must not be instrumentalised.’

Green added that, alongside the changes announced, there was a new commitment to ‘strengthening the enforcement of existing rules’ to ‘prevent any misuse of the Contest’, for example, through ‘song lyrics or staging’.

‘We will work closely with members to ensure they fully understand and are also accountable for upholding the rules and values that define the Song Contest.’

In total, there were four changes made. The first was ‘clearer rules of promotion’, forbidding participating broadcasters, such as KAN, and artists, such as Bettan, from ‘actively engaging in, facilitating, or contributing to promotional campaigns by third parties that could influence the voting outcome’.

The EBU stated that ‘any attempts to unduly influence the results will lead to sanctions’.

Secondly, Eurovision bosses reduced the maximum number of votes. For 2026, fans will only be able to vote through phone calls, SMS, or online 10 times, reduced from 20.

‘Fans will be actively encouraged to share their support across multiple entries,’ the changes stated.

Thirdly, the return of professional juries of music experts for the semi-finals was confirmed for the first time since 2022. This creates ‘a roughly 50/50 split between jury and audience votes’ in the final.

The EBU explained that this change ‘is intended to encourage the optimum musical balance and diversity in songs that qualify for the grand final, ensuring that high-quality entries with broad artistic merit are recognised alongside those with popular appeal’.

In turn, the number of jurors has been increased from five to seven, and the pool has been expanded to include journalists, critics, teachers, choreographers, and stage directors.

Each jury must now also include at least two jurors aged 18 to 25.

‘All jurors will have to sign up to a formal declaration to confirm they will vote independently and impartially, will not coordinate with other jurors before the contest, and will be mindful of their social media use,’ organisers stated, which means not voicing voting preferences online before the end of the contest.

Finally, technical safeguards have been ‘enhanced’, meaning the EBU will ‘work closely’ with its voting partner to prevent fraudulent or coordinated voting activity and to closely monitor suspicious patterns.

Green further stated that the new measures are ‘designed to keep the focus where it belongs – on music, creativity, and connection’.

Israel’s involvement in Eurovision has been a point of contention for several years now, which has led many devout fans to boycott the event entirely. It has also resulted in fellow countries, including Spain, one of the Big Five, withdrawing in protest.

Chair of RTVE José Pablo López said in a statement: ‘As joint organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest, we share a collective responsibility. While Israel has regularly participated in the competition, the current events and the genocide currently taking place make it impossible for us to look the other way.

‘It is not accurate to claim that Eurovision is merely an apolitical music festival. We are all aware that the contest carries significant political implications. The Israeli government is equally aware of this fact and leverages the event on the international stage.’

For the past three years, despite outside pressure following the Gaza conflict, the EBU has allowed them to remain in the contest.

This sparked particular fury given how, despite proudly declaring to be ‘apolitical’, the contest banned Russia from taking part in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine. This was decided after other participating nations threatened boycotts.

There has been much speculation about why the EBU has refused to ban Israel, including the fact that one of Eurovision’s most prominent sponsors is the Israeli beauty brand Moroccanoil.

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