A new dating show, Hold My Hand, is believed to be the first series conducted entirely in British Sign Language (BSL), to challenge misconceptions about deaf relationships while celebrating BSL as a language and culture, producers say.

The show is broadcast on Lumo TV, a deaf-led streaming platform for sign language users and sign-presented content. “For too long, the use of British Sign Language has been treated as an afterthought in mainstream entertainment and reality TV,” said Lumo TV CEO Camilla Arnold. “With this series, we’re flipping that on its head,” she told the Guardian.

Hosted by deaf identical twin presenting duo, Hermon and Heroda Berhane, it features contestants who are either deaf or children of deaf adults (Codas) who would have used BSL to communicate with their parents.“People have never seen our culture, our identity, the way we discuss things. So it’s a dating show, yes, but it’s not just about dating; it’s also revealing our identity and our culture, and that has never been seen before,” said Heroda Berhane.

The twins also hope the show will help challenge misconceptions around BSL, with research suggesting 71% of 18- to 24-year-olds would not feel confident dating someone who uses BSL as their main method of communication. Berhane describes BSL as “just another language”, and encourages greater openness and curiosity from hearing audiences.

Across its first three episodes, which includes an instalment featuring LGBT+ singletons, contestants take part in light-hearted games that foster open conversations about relationships and intimacy.

We have to learn from one other. You speak the language that I cannot hear, and I speak a language that you don’t understand

“I really hope that hearing people realise, ‘Gosh, deaf people, we’re the same. There’s no difference. We’re all the same. We’re human.’” said Heroda. “There is love, there is sex, there is joy, there is flirtation, and there’s vulnerability as well. We’re exactly the same.”

Hermon adds that we have to learn from one another. “You speak the language that I cannot hear, and I speak a language that you don’t understand,” she tells the Guardian.

Representation is also expanding in children’s television. In a forthcoming storyline in Peppa Pig, Peppa’s younger brother George will be diagnosed as moderately deaf and fitted with a hearing aid, following consultation with the National Deaf Children’s Society to ensure an authentic portrayal.

Advocates say such visibility matters for the more than 50,000 deaf children in the UK.

Donald Trump joked that his mom used to have a “crush” on King Charles III when he was a young prince, drawing an awkward chuckle from the British monarch.

The president said that his mother had seen the King as a child on television and used to remark that he was “cute.”

“Any time the Queen was involved in the ceremony or anything, my mother would be glued to the television and she’d say, ‘look Donald, look how beautiful that is,’” he said.

“She really did love the family, but I also remember her saying very clearly, ‘Charles, look young Charles, he’s so cute.’ My mother had a crush on Charles. Can you believe it? I wonder what she’s thinking right now.”

In response the King laughed and waved his hand, in a somewhat embarrassed manner.

The bizarre remarks came as Trump reflected on the special relationship between the U.S. and the UK, leading him to recall his Scottish mother, Mary Macleod, and her affinity for Britain and the Royal Family.

Macleod was born in the Outer Hebrides, in Scotland, in 1912. She immigrated to America in 1930 and became a naturalized citizen in 1942.

There she met her husband, real estate mogul Fred Trump, and the pair raised five children together in New York City. Donald Trump was the fourth youngest out of the five.

Macleod died in August 2000, at the age of 88.

Back in Washington D.C., King Charles and Queen Camilla were officially greeted with a state ceremony by Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the second day of the historic state visit.

Later Tuesday the King is set to give a historic address to Congress, the second time a British monarch has done so after Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.

He is expected to say that while the UK and the US have not always agreed on everything, they have “always found ways to come together” amid strains to the “special relationship” from the Iran war.

Indrid Hysembelli, Xhoi Kasaj and Romeo Tosca were found hiding in the loft when officers raided the huge drug den

Posing for photos over huge piles of cannabis, they had no idea what was to come. The pictures with the mounds of drugs would soon become evidence in a court case. And the men would soon be put behind bars.

Specialist police burst in to a ‘heavily secured’ industrial building on Bilsley Street in Oldham. Inside they found a massive ‘cannabis cultivation operation’.

Around 889 cannabis plants were found inside the building. At street value, the drugs would be worth almost £1m.

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Indrid Hysembelli, Xhoi Kasaj and Romeo Tosca were found inside. They were found hiding in the loft but there was nowhere for them to run.

Police launched a probe and uncovered pictures of the men posing with the drugs. In another photo, the three men posed around a table as they enjoyed a beer.

All three are now behind bars. The cannabis farm was uncovered by officers on June 17 last year.

Alongside the massive cannabis farm, police found a ‘small living area’ inside the building, with four bunk-beds, a cooker and a fridge.

A TV was found which displayed live CCTV footage from cameras outside. An inspection found the electricity supply had been illegally bypassed and connected directly to the mains at several points, resulting in a substantial amount of electricity being drawn unlawfully.

Hysembelli, Kasaj and Tosca, who are all of Albanian decent, were all jailed after being convicted of the production of Class B drugs at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Hysembelli, 26, was jailed for three years and seven months on Monday (April 27). Kasaj, 30, was sentenced on March 23 to two years and three months. Tosca, 26, was jailed on March 23 for two years and eight months.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Christopher Brown, from GMP’s Oldham division, said: “This was a significant and highly organised cannabis cultivation operation, producing drugs valued at almost £1m and posing a serious risk to the local community. Drug dealing is not a victimless crime.

“It is closely linked to violent gang activity and the exploitation of vulnerable people – serious issues that impact communities across Greater Manchester and remain a key focus of our ongoing enforcement work.

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“These sentences reflect the seriousness of the offence and send a clear message that those involved in the production and supply of illegal drugs will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

“We will continue to act on intelligence, execute warrants like this one and disrupt organised criminal activity wherever it operates across Greater Manchester.”

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez has announced his departure from the BBC show after 10 years, with his exit becoming the fifth pro dancer to leave the series this year

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Gorka Marquez has departed Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the fifth professional dancer to exit this series. He revealed his decision to step away through Instagram.

The dancer posted a black and white photograph of himself walking away from the camera, dressed in a suit and dance shoes, heading towards a studio door. His caption read: “After last year’s decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain, I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.

“I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity-over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful.

“Although I’m stepping away from the dance floor, I can’t wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continue being part of this incredible family.”

In a cryptic reference, Gorka appeared to allude to his role as a judge on Dancing With The Stars Spain, or perhaps hinted at a potential judging position on the BBC programme. Gorka added: “Now it’s time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey. Keep dancing.”

Gorka joined Strictly in 2016, where he was partnered with Tameka Empson. Over subsequent years, he danced alongside Alexandra Burke, Katie Piper, Maisie Smith, Katie McGlynn, Helen Skelton, Nikita Kanda and Dr Punam Krishan. Despite his popularity with viewers, he sat out last year due to scheduling clashes with his Dancing With The Stars commitments, reports the Mirror.

In his second series, Gorka met his partner and mother of his children, Gemma Atkinson, who was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec. Gemma responded to his post with: “Thank goodness you were on the show in 2017! Exciting times ahead”.

Numerous other Strictly stars left comments on the post. Johannes Radebe wrote: “Oh papi, all the best.” Nancy Xu added: “Georgeeeeee let’s make the most of it you are amazing.”

Some celebrities simply posted heart emojis, including Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, who are amongst the four professional dancers confirmed to be departing Strictly this year. Nadiya, Luba, Karen Hauer and Michelle Tsiakkas were all rumoured to have been dropped alongside Gorka and Neil Jones. Their departures have been confirmed, meaning that with Gorka’s announcement, Neil remains the only reportedly axed professional dancer still associated with the programme.

Addressing Gorka’s departure on Instagram, Strictly said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years. Since joining the show in 2016, Gorka has been a hugely popular member of the professional dancer line-up, known for his passion, charisma and exceptional choreography.

“As well as being part of our Strictly family, it’s been heartwarming to see him start his own family during his time with us and that journey reflects the same warmth, commitment and character he has always brought to the show.

“We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series over the years and are so proud to see him shining in his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain. We wish him continued success and happiness in everything that’s to come.”

Strictly Come Dancing looks set for a significant overhaul ahead of its next series, which is scheduled to air in the autumn. In addition to alterations to the professional dancer line-up, the programme will also welcome new presenters, following the announcement by long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman of their departure in 2025.

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Kerry Katona is leaning on boyfriend Paolo during a tough time for her family – as the pair celebrate a major milestone

Kerry Katona is leaning on boyfriend Paolo amid a tough time for her family.

The TV star is about to celebrate a whole year of love with her partner Paolo Margaglione after the pair met on Celebs Go Dating just under 12 months ago. It has been a tough time for Kerry, whose mum is currently in hospital.

Heaping praise on Paolo, she shared: “Paolo is just my safe space. He calms me so much. I can’t express enough what a beautiful soul he is. He’s just the most beautiful, beautiful man. This has been the most amazing year of my life.

“I’ve met Paolo and I’ve worked so hard on myself. I’m in a really good place, but it’s like my body’s got trapped trauma from the past because I’m not in fight or flight. I feel very safe and secure. I can’t believe I met him on a TV show. It’ll be a year in two weeks time.”

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She wrote in her new magazine column: “It’s been a really tough week. My mum’s been taken really poorly. She’s got a broken back. Her bones break really easily. I rang to see how she was and the doctor said, ‘Can you come in straight away because she’s coming in and out of consciousness,’ and they didn’t know why.

“It’s been horrendous. They asked me that if the worst happens if I want to resuscitate her? I was in bits. When the doctors are asking those kind of questions, it’s very heavy on your shoulders. I’m all my mum has so it’s not nice seeing her like that.”

Kerry has since shared an update on social media to reveal once her mum came out of consciousness, she found it very difficult as it wasn’t her mum how she knew her.

“I left yesterday, after being there from Wednesday. It takes a toll on you and drains you. It was very hard to watch,” she said, before revealing that her mum is now doing better and she has now come home to her own house.

Just weeks ago, Kerry herself was rushed to hospital over stroke fears. She had been in London watching her eldest daughter Molly in a new play, when she started to feel unwell midway through the performance.

She said at the time: “As the day went on, I didn’t feel well. I went to the toilet and noticed my face wasn’t right. And Heidi was like, ‘Mum, what’s wrong with your face?’ I started panicking. I discreetly left, went to my hotel and asked to see a doctor. I told the staff, ‘Something’s not right.’”

After needing to take a taxi to hospital, Kerry said: “I got there, and they said, ‘We’re treating this as a stroke,’ so they blue-lit me in an ambulance from St Thomas’ to King’s College Hospital. They were shining lights in my eyes while my face and speech were getting worse. It really, really scared me.”

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Locals said they were concerned about potential noise and antisocial behaviour if the plans are approved

Plans have been submitted for a former Halifax bank to become a 24-hour ‘adult gaming centre’. Luxury Leisure submitted an application to Fenland District Council to change the use of a bank on Wisbech’s Market Place into an entertainment centre.

The building at 28 Market Place is currently a former Halifax bank premises which closed in January 2025. The application is to establish the change of use with the adult gaming centre operating on the ground floor level.

A covering letter states: “Internally, there will be no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under 18’s [sic] and has an impact on amenity. Unlike an ‘amusement arcade’ which is noisy to attract passing customers of all ages, there is statutory obligation to exclude under 18’s from AGC’s.”

The proposed 24-hour use plans to ensure footfall to the town centre operating seven days a week. Luxury Leisure say they have never had a licence reviewed or revoked and are a “socially responsible national multiple operate with an excellent covenant”.

Comments on the Fenland District Council planning portal expressed concerns about the entertainment centre including a potential rise in antisocial behaviour. One resident wrote: “The potential for increased noise from patrons entering and leaving late at night, combined with the ‘clustering’ effect of similar venues nearby, could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.”

They added: “The Market Place is a primary thoroughfare for families and students. Placing a gambling venue in such a high-traffic area for minors is socially irresponsible.”

“Wisbech already possesses several gambling and betting establishments. Granting another license creates an over-concentration of these uses, leading to a ‘tipping point’ where the town centre feels dominated by gambling rather than sustainable retail or community-focused businesses,” the comment continued.

“There are no adverse impacts and there is no evidence of any anti-social behaviour being exacerbated by such use”, the applicant said.

Councillor Steve Tierney said he believed the proposed entertainment centre posed “serious consequences for addicts” and possible “noise and nuisance”.

Riley, 13, was last seen in the Regent Court area of Gateshead town centre at about 3pm on Tuesday, April 21.

He was last in touch with his family on Friday, April 24.

Extensive enquiries have been ongoing by Northumbria Police to locate him.

The 13-year-old is known to frequent the Chester-le-Street area of County Durham and the Stockton area of Teesside.

Riley is described as a white boy, 5ft 6in tall and of slim build with mousy brown short hair.

He wears glasses and is believed to be wearing a grey Berghaus jacket, black pants and black trainers.

Anyone who knows where Riley is should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the force’s website.

For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101 and quote reference number: NP-20260421-0796.

A hearing found that the officer committed gross misconduct

A police officer has been given a final written warning after a misconduct hearing. The officer, referred to as PC A, faced three allegations and was found to have committed gross misconduct by a misconduct panel.

On June 13, 2024, the officer is alleged to have recorded body worn footage onto their phone, showed it to a witness, and tried to show the video while in a pub.

Between January 1, 2024, and March 1, 2024, the officer allegedly gave information and details about an investigation involving a child. Both of these allegations were found to be proven at the misconduct hearing.

It was also alleged that between February 1, 2024 and October 18, 2024, the officer recorded body worn video onto their phone and showed the footage to a witness. The panel was not satisfied with the evidence and found this allegation was not proven.

The panel determined that the officer acted contrary to orders and instructions, processed and/or disclosed information otherwise than in accordance with a proper policing purpose, and acted in a manner likely to bring discredit upon the police service.

The officer’s hearing concluded that they be given a final written warning to last three years. This decision was made considering the seriousness of the conduct, the circumstances that gave rise to the misconduct, the public interest, and the mitigation offered by the officer including previous record of conduct.

NFL legend Monte Coleman has died at the age of 68, two of his former teams have confirmed.

Tributes began to emerge on Sunday, with both Washington and Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions leading the way with the kind words. No cause of death has been announced as yet.

Coleman was a central figure in Washington’s most successful ever era, playing his part in three Super Bowl-winning teams. Across 16 seasons, the 6’2″ player became one of the most dependable names on any NFL team sheet.

His back door route into the NFL didn’t quite hint at what was coming for the man. Washington selected him in the 11th round of the 1979 Draft with the 289th overall pick.

Players taken that late don’t usually hang around in the sport for long, let alone go on to define an era. Coleman did both. He stayed with Washington for his entire 16 year career and became a mainstay in their defence. His consistency helped underpin those three title-winning sides.

Coleman made more than 200 appearances for Washington during that spell. giving the team a level of stability that stretched across more than a decade.

Recognition followed long after he stepped away. In 2015, Coleman was inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame. It cemented his place among the franchise’s most important ever figures.

The Commanders (who were – rather controversially – known as the ‘Redskins’ during Coleman’s playing career) paid tribute shortly after news broke. ‘We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the Burgundy & Gold, Monte Coleman,’ the team posted on X. ‘Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones’.

Managing partner Josh Harris expanded on that message, chipping in personally to pay his respects, saying: ‘Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history. He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.’

‘Monte played all 16 seasons in Washington and ranks second in games played and fourth in sacks all-time earning him a place in the Washington Ring of Fame. Named the Washingtonian of the Year in 1996, Monte made a major impact in our community with his philanthropic work and community service.’

Harris finished his tribute with something of a personal note: ‘Monte will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Coleman family, his friends and all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.’

Before joining the National Football League, Coleman had already made his mark locally. He stood out at Pine Bluff High School before moving on to the University of Central Arkansas. By the time he reached the draft, he’d built a strong foundation to launch a career in the sport.

He stepped away from playing in 1994. Football didn’t stay away from him for long though, even if there was a gap before his almost inevitable return. In 2003, he re-joined his hometown side Arkansas-Pine Bluff as a linebackers coach.

Within three years, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. His influence within the programme grew quickly.

In 2008, Coleman became head coach. He remained in the role for a decade and led the team to the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012. It was the standout achievement of his coaching career.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff also confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday. The university described him as a ‘revered leader whose impact on the game of football and countless lives will be felt for generations.’

The statement also reflected on his wider contribution to their setup. Coleman was called a ‘cornerstone of excellence both on and off the field’ who ‘leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, leadership, and championship success.’

‘Beyond wins and accolades, Coleman was a mentor, father figure, and role model to his student-athletes, instilling values that extended far beyond the game,’ the statement went on. ‘His influence helped shape the lives of countless young men who wore the Golden Lion uniform.’

The football legend’s old university side also ended their message with support for Monte’s grieving relative: ‘The UAPB family extends its deepest condolences to the Coleman family, former players, colleagues, and all who were impacted by his extraordinary life and career.’

Funeral details have not yet been confirmed. The school said information on memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.

Former players have also been sharing their memories of the man. Gabe McDonald, who played under Coleman, posted photos of them together on X. His tribute focused on the opportunity he was given…

‘Only coach that believed in me and gave me the chance to live out my dream of playing D1 ball, an opportunity I’m forever grateful for,’ he wrote. ‘Fly high, Coach Coleman. You’ll be truly missed’.

Chris Robinson, UAPB’s Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, highlighted the same theme. ‘Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,’ he said.

‘His legacy is not only written in championships and honours, but in the lives he changed every single day.’

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