Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid spoke to the director and actor from a new factual drama based around Madeliene McCann’s disappearance

Susanna Reid revealed that Madeleine McCann’s disappearance profoundly affected her.

The Good Morning Britain presenter was co-hosting the ITV programme with Ed Balls on Tuesday, May 19 when they interviewed the star and director behind the new Kate McCann factual drama.

Actress Laura Bayston portrays Madeleine’s mother in Channel 5’s Under Suspicion: Kate McCann, which examines the high-profile case surrounding three year old Madeleine’s disappearance from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal in May 2007.

Kate and her husband Gerry McCann, who were exonerated of any involvement in 2008, became wrongly implicated in a cover-up. Kate experienced the agonising balance between cooperation and self-protection while enduring relentless hours of police interrogation.

Speaking with director Paula Wittig, mother-of-three Susanna acknowledged the case’s profound impact on her as a parent of young sons at that time, reports the Mirror.

Questioning Paula about her aims for the drama, Susanna stated: “This is such a high-profile case, I think it’s one we all remember about how it effected you personally when you found out.

“I remember I didn’t sleep for two weeks after Madeleine McCann went missing because one of my children was exactly the same age as Madeleine. I mean it was just devastating. So what do you want to convey through this drama?”

Paula replied: “We weren’t intending to retell the whole story or reinterrogate the whole case. We were very much foicused on this particular point in time and when I read the source material and when I looked through everything I felt that it had been hugely misrepresented and misunderstood and I saw an opportunity to really tell the truth about what happened also to look at it through a very human emotional lens.”

The factual drama picks up three months into the hunt for Madeleine. Portuguese police are without significant leads, concrete evidence, or any arrests.

As global scrutiny intensifies, they call in Madeleine’s mother, Kate, for questioning. In stark contrast to previous amicable exchanges, this encounter takes a confrontational tone from the outset.

When Kate questions why she is being treated in such a manner, officers inform her they do not believe her account. The drama draws upon official statements and recorded testimony, depicting Kate McCann’s interrogation as Portuguese investigators face mounting pressure to produce results.

Public sympathy has given way to suspicion as the world’s media seizes upon forensic evidence, leaked by police, which appears to implicate the McCanns. Kate now finds herself designated as an official witness.

Following eleven hours of questioning, Kate is informed that she will be formally named “arguida” – a formal suspect – the following day. Police then applied further pressure for a confession, warning that without one, she could face charges of murdering her own daughter. This bombshell not only puts Kate’s liberty at risk, but also extinguishes any remaining hope of locating Madeleine. With detectives convinced of her guilt, Kate fears the search for the true perpetrator will be abandoned.

During her final police interview, Kate rejects every accusation, responding “no comment” on the advice of her solicitor. The drama unfolds as she departs the police station, bringing viewers back to the story’s core — a mother desperately searching for her missing child.

Good Morning Britain is on ITV1 weekdays at 6am and ITVX. Under Suspicion: Kate McCann will air on Channel 5 on Wednesday May 20 at 9pm

A Co Antrim school has said that their doors will remain locked and pupils kept indoors until they receive further guidance from the PSNI after a sinister email was sent to a number of schools in the area.

In a Facebook post, St Benedict’s College in Randalstown said that “the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our highest priority”.

An email was sent to a number of schools overnight claiming that pipe bombs had been left inside and outside their premises and that the sender would be travelling to every school it had been sent to “armed with multiple guns and knives to attack and hurt as many people as possible”.

In their social media post, St Benedict’s College said: “You may be aware of social media reports regarding a security threat received by a number of schools in the Antrim area this morning.

“The PSNI has been informed and, at this stage, the matter is not being treated as a serious threat. However, it is being addressed at a senior level, and we will continue to follow all guidance provided.

“As a precaution, school doors will remain locked throughout the day as normal. Pupils will remain indoors until we receive further guidance from the PSNI.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We will keep parents informed and will notify you immediately should the situation change. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Cllr Leah Kirkpatrick said: “A number of schools across the area have received a security threat this morning. The PSNI are aware and are not treating it as a credible threat.

“Schools have activated security procedures and are keeping doors locked throughout the day as a precaution. I understand this will undoubtedly cause worry and concern for parents. I want to reassure parents that PSNI are dealing with this and are liaising with local schools. Please check your school’s communications for updates.

“I cannot get my head around why anyone would feel the need to do something like this.”

SDLP Antrim Councillor Roisin Lynch condemned the threatening email sent to schools in the area.

Councillor Roisin Lynch said: “This threatening message and reports of a hoax attack have caused understandable fear and anxiety among school communities and families across Antrim. It was a deeply sinister act clearly designed to cause disruption and distress and it is difficult to understand what could motivate someone to target children, parents and school staff in this way.

“I welcome the swift response from police, emergency services and schools to reassure pupils and parents and ensure people’s safety. No parent should have to fear for their child’s safety when sending them to school and no young person should have their education disrupted by threats of this nature.

“I would encourage anyone with information to cooperate fully with the police investigation. I hope this incident is confirmed to be a hoax as soon as possible, the person behind this is apprehended and that school communities can return to normal without any further disruption or concern.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received reports today, Tuesday 19th May, of an email having been sent to multiple schools and businesses in the County Antrim area.

“Officers are investigating the contents included within this email, and are conducting a number of enquiries. Reassurance patrols have also been increased in the areas affected, in order help keep our communities safe. We would urge anyone to report anything suspicious to police on our 101 number, always 999 in an emergency.

“Police will also be engaging with anyone affected including schools, businesses and our partner agencies throughout the course of today as our enquiries continue.”

A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) added: “We are aware of an email that a number of schools in the Co Antrim area have received a threatening email.

“The PSNI are investigating the contents and are conducting a number of enquiries. They have also stepped up reassurance patrols in the area.

“The EA will continue to work to liaise with local schools and PSNI and would encourage everyone to continue to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

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Passengers are facing disruption on Salford’s Metrolink line due to a ‘failed tram’.

TfGM says there is no service between Pomona and Eccles.

It is due to a ‘failed tram’ on the line at Anchorage, near Salford Quays.

The issue is affecting services which run through MediaCity UK and Salford Quays.

Metrolink tickets are being accepted on several Bee Network buses as an alternative.

Updates will be posted in this blog.

It is said to represent a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’

Cambridge Science Park has unveiled major plans that could create up to 20,000 new jobs. The science park has submitted plans to increase its space from 2.8 million sqft to 8 million sqft.

By increasing its space, the Park of Science will be able to open to tenants, schools and families. It is proposed to feature an open air museum, and aim to make STEM activities more accessible and fun.

Jane Hutchins, director of External Relations at the Science Park, said: “Cambridge Science Park’s success has long extended far beyond the city, and this masterplan ensures the communities closest to the park will continue to share in its future growth.

“This masterplan represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to refresh and reimagine the park, delivering greater benefits for local communities in Cambridge and beyond. Our first step is to understand the future needs of the region, so we can maximise our impact.

“The result will be a vibrant science park, remaining open to the public, helping to nurture and inspire the next generation of innovators.

“New infrastructure and buildings will support high-quality local jobs, alongside sustainable growth through improved bus links, cycling routes, flood resilience, and biodiverse landscaping, going well beyond planning requirements.”

If approved, the expansion would create up to 20,000 new jobs, as well as triple the park’s economic output from £1 billion to £3 billion. Rebecca Porter, CEO, Cambridge Science Centre, said: “We are incredibly excited by the opportunities that the continued growth of Cambridge Science Park presents.

“Growth means more than just physical expansion, it represents a unique chance to further support our work at the heart of one of the UK’s innovation powerhouses. Since Trinity College supported our move to the park, we have transformed our scale, reaching over 30,000 people in 2025 alone – from our Cambridge centre to dedicated outreach with nearly 1,400 pupils in Wisbech.

“What makes this location so vital is its proximity to world-leading research, which cannot be replicated elsewhere. We aren’t just interpreting science at a distance; we are translating real-time innovation into accessible experiences for families and schools. This unique ecosystem allows us to act as a living interface between industry and community.”

The science park was founded by Trinity College in 1970. Since then, it has created jobs and opportunities across the city and country.

With the growth plans, the college hopes it can encourage more children and young people to become interested in STEM. Dame Sally Davies, Master of Trinity College, said: “We are immensely proud of the Cambridge Science Park and the remarkable way it has impacted the lives of billions around the globe since its foundation by the college over five decades ago.

“That ambition remains. We know that if the Science Park is to continue to serve the needs of people around the world, it must continue to grow.

“That is why we are submitting a masterplan for the next half century of growth, as a vibrant, collaborative and inspiring place to learn, to work and to enjoy. This plan will see as many as 27,000 people working at Cambridge Science Park, whilst opening up the new Park of Science to the young people and families of Cambridge and the towns and villages around.”

My morning ritual is …

A double espresso – straight to the veins – then a run or to the gym, before a little NTS radio. Then it’s about making some eggs and journaling. All in that specific order.

I feel optimistic about …

The future of music. There is so much amazing music coming out right now. People are really holding on to art and creativity during these complicated times.

What makes me angry …

Being stuck in standstill traffic is the truest source of my rage. That is when I need to put on a podcast to chill myself out because it drives me nuts. It happens a lot, especially where I live in Los Angeles. 

If I wasn’t a singer-songwriter, I’d have liked to become …

A teacher. My dad’s a teacher, and I’ve always loved the idea of spending time with kids. My English teacher was such an inspirational, formative part of growing up. 

The habit that has served me best in life is …

Is being in the mindset of controlling the controllables. I’ve been able to navigate the ebbs and flows of everything by knowing that there are some things that are outside of my control. Now I try to focus on the things that I can change. 

The habit I’ve successfully kicked is …

I used to be an apple juice fend. I genuinely think I used to have litres of apple juice everyday. It was a fixation. I’ve slowly managed to wean myself off that over time.

My sources of joy are …

Cooking, especially for big groups of good friends. Sunsets and nature. Being in the studio until late at night, sparking off, coming up with new ideas. 

When things get tough I …

Spend time around the people I love the most. Being around my best friends and my partner and my family just really grounds me. I got to the point previously where I’d pushed myself too hard.[In 2022, Parks took a mental health break after experiencing burnout and exhaustion following long periods of touring.] I felt really lucky to be in the position I was in, and that led to me overextending myself quite a lot. When I came home after that, I wanted to boil it down to the simple things, like cooking meals, being with people I love, taking trips out to nature, journaling, coming back to myself and becoming a person again. 

Doing good and being a positive force in the world is what motivates me the most

The book I wish everyone would read is …

Bluets by Maggie Nelson. She’s one of my favourite authors. This book is a mix of poetry and prose. It’s about her fascination with the colour blue, and an exploration of a love affair falling apart. It’s a meditation on suffering, happiness, desire, and it’s such a beautiful book. I love it so much. 

What keeps me awake at night …

Ideas. I’m a ruminator. I feel like I’ve suffered from insomnia for so much of my life because thoughts are always whizzing round and round. 

The thing that motivates me most of all …

Doing good and being a positive force in the world. For me, it’s about making a difference on the scale that I can, either through the music and art that I make, or on a smaller level with the people around me. Just doing my best to be a good friend, a good partner, somebody that people can depend on, being open, and trying to do good.

My parents taught me …

To show up for people consistently and do small acts of kindness as much as possible.

I have this theory that …

Dogs always understand what you want them to do and they actively choose not to. I just dog-sat my friends’ dog, and anytime I would tell her to sit she knew exactly what I wanted her to do but she looked at me and refused.

I’d like to tell my younger self…

To keep going and to keep being me. Even in the moments where I felt lost to know that I was on the right track and that everything I was going through was all just part of the process.

Arlo Parks will be touring the UK to support her new album Ambiguous Desire, which is out now on Transgressive Records.

Main image: Sully 

Channel 4’s chief executive has given a statement after BBC Panorama revealed allegations that two women were raped, and a third was the victim of a non-consensual sex act, during the filming of Married at First Sight (MAFS) UK.

Priya Dogra expressed “huge sympathy” for the women, but said she could not comment on the specific allegations, which she noted that the men deny.

She said she believes Channel 4 has not failed in its duty of care to some of its contributors, and “based on what we knew at the time, we acted appropriately, quickly and with sensitivity”.

Asked if she would like to apologise to the women involved, Dogra said, “I’ve said everything I can in the statement,” and walked away from the interview.

Read more on the BBC Panorama investigation into MAFS UK here.

Pensioners, Universal Credit recipients, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Child Benefit, and other regular payments could all see earlier payments.

Government departments are reminding claimants to check their payment dates so they’re not caught off guard by early deposits over long weekends.

The two May Bank Holiday payments

For many households, this will be the second time payments have arrived early this month.

Payments due on Monday May 4 2026 (including pensions, Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, and other DWP support) arrived on Friday May 1 2026.

Now, payments due on Monday May 25 are scheduled to arrive on Friday May 22.

HMRC and DWP explain that bank holidays mean banks are closed, so payments are brought forward to ensure claimants still have access to funds.

Why do we have the Spring Bank Holiday?

The Spring Bank Holiday, also known as the Late May Bank Holiday, was originally tied to Whit Sunday (Pentecost), a Christian festival marking the descent of the Holy Spirit and traditionally celebrated seven weeks after Easter.

The holiday was once known as Whitsun Bank Holiday and moved each year with Easter.

In 1971, it was fixed to the last Monday in May, removing its direct religious link but keeping its timing as a key early summer long weekend.

Summer and autumn changes

Later in 2026, further adjustments apply depending on location:

• 3 August → 4 August (Scotland only)
• 4 August → 5 August (Scotland only)
• 31 August → 28 August (all UK)
• 28 December → 24 December
• 29 December → 30 December (Northern Ireland only)

Regional public holidays in Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee) and Northern Ireland can also affect payment timing.

Which pensioners are paid on Mondays?

The day your pension is paid depends on your National Insurance number. Your payment day is based on the last two digits of your National Insurance number.

State Pension payment days by National Insurance number:

• 00 to 19 — Monday
• 20 to 39 — Tuesday
• 40 to 59 — Wednesday
• 60 to 79 — Thursday
• 80 to 99 — Friday

How to check your payment

• Look at your bank statement – payments normally appear with references like “DWP Pension” or “HMRC Child Benefit”
• For those on Universal Credit, check the online account for exact payment dates
• If a payment seems late, check with your bank first, then contact the DWP or HMRC if necessary

“Knowing when payments will arrive helps households manage their budgets, especially around busy bank holiday weekends,” a DWP spokesperson said.

Andreescu was plagued with injuries – issues with her abdomen and ankle kept her away from the court, and her 2025 season was delayed by appendectomy surgery.

Her form suffered and she has failed to go beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam since her US Open triumph, with her ranking tumbling from a high of world number four in 2019 to 228 earlier this year.

At the start of 2026 she decided to return to an environment where she hadn’t played since 2018, swapping life on the WTA Tour for that on the ITF.

The tournament rankings work from W15 – the lowest level – up to W100. Andreescu was competing in W35 and W75 editions, with the total prize pot for a W35 tournament about £26,000.

The make-up of the ITF tour tends to be youngsters who are trying to make their mark on the sport, women who were unable to break on to the WTA Tour or players who are using it to regain previous form.

The crowds might be tiny and line judges rare, but competition on the court is fierce.

“The hunger the women had that I was playing against, every match was so difficult, and I feel like maybe on the WTA Tour, the athletes are maybe a bit more comfortable with certain things,” Andreescu says.

“Certain things are getting paid for [on the WTA Tour]. But on that [ITF] level, nothing’s getting paid for, and you’re barely breaking even. I was there too at one point, so I know how it is.

“I don’t want people to get the idea that the ITF tour is Mickey Mouse compared to the WTA Tour, because that’s not the case.

“I feel a lot of admiration and respect for the women that continue to grind on the tour, because it’s not easy, even on the WTA Tour, it’s just not easy.”

Vemic, who joined Andreescu’s team in September 2025, echoed those thoughts.

“Every player there needs to prove themselves and everyone is hungry and they’re not bored of playing many years on tour,” he says.

“They’re all driven by their dreams and passion because a lot of them are younger athletes.

“So sometimes it’s a transitional part or stage of coming from juniors into professional waters and some of them carry a lot of confidence.”