Mum Marine Rousseau, 41, and stepdad Marc Ballabriga, 55, were said to be ‘relaxing’ at a café when they were arrested on suspicion of deliberately abandoning their childen

A mum and stepdad accused of abandoning their children in the woods after telling them they were playing a ‘game’ were sitting ‘calmly’ in a café when they were arrested, it has emerged.

Marine Rousseau and Marc Ballabriga were detained by police on Thursday, two days after allegedly leaving five-year-old son Barthélémy, and three-year-old Zacharie to fend for themselves in the Portuguese countryside.

The children had appeared “distressed” and were clutching just a water bottle and some fruit when they were discovered on a rural road near the town of Alcacer do Sal on Tuesday.

After police launched a manhunt, their car was spotted yesterday outside a café in the city of Fátima, about 112 miles north of where the kids were found.

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READ MORE: Key new detail emerges after parents accused of abandoning children in woods during ‘game’READ MORE: Heatwave to trigger super busy bank holiday getaway – all you need to know

Now, detectives have revealed how the couple were sitting in a café and had made little effort to avoid being spotted on the day they were arrested.

Military police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Canatário told Portuguese television that Rousseau, 41, and Ballabriga, 55, had spent hours “relaxing” at the café terrace enjoying their drinks before police arrived at the scene.

He added that the two suspects – who were arrested on suspicion of child abuse, endangerment, and abandonment – “have not been very cooperative”, describing them as “reserved”.

The children’s father, who had reported them missing from their home in France 10 days before the incident, is already on his way to Portugal to claim the two boys after they were placed in temporary care.

On the day of the incident, Rousseau is reported to have told her two sons that they were going to play a game to find a ‘hidden toy’, which involved leaving them blindfolded as they dug in the ground with their hands.

When the children finally removed their blindfolds and opened their eyes, the mother, stepdad, and the car had allegedly vanished.

Several hours, later they were found by Alexandre Quintas, a local baker and father-of-nine who was driving to work at the time.

He took the boys to the bakery to look after them, telling Portuguese news site Observador: “We asked them if they liked ice cream. And we gave them something to eat and some toys to keep them occupied.”

Alexandre and his mother Eugénia Quintas were finally able to communicate with the boys after finding a local doctor who spoke French, and the five-year-old explained that they had been left alone in the “forest” by their parents. Eugénia said: “On them they had an orange, a pear and a bottle of water each”.

An incredible £91 million jackpot is up for grabs in tonight’s Euromillions draw. The Euromillions draw takes place every Tuesday and Friday and a ticket costs £2.50. That includes automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker draw which creates new UK millionaires every week. The overall jackpot can rise to €190m (approximately £167m).

If you bought a ticket you can check your numbers below. Good luck!

The Thunderball game also takes place tonight. The winner will claim £500,000 if they match five numbers from one to 39 as well as the all-important Thunderball number from one to 14.

How many numbers do you need to win?

If you have got two numbers or one number and two lucky stars or better then you are a winner. Players must match all five main numbers and two lucky star numbers to claim the jackpot. The Thunderball draw is also made tonight and the results will also be displayed below. The Thunderball draw takes place at 8pm and the Euromillions draw takes place at around 8.15pm.

In May 2022 Joe and Jess Thwaite, from Gloucester, became the UK’s biggest-ever Euromillions winners after netting £184m with a lucky dip ticket. Their record did not last long, though, after another UK winner came forward in July 2022 to claim a jackpot of £195m. However they have not gone public.

Prior to Mr and Mrs Thwaite’s win the previous record was held by an anonymous winner who scooped £170m in October 2019. On June 4, 2021, a ticketholder in the UK scooped the £111m jackpot in the Friday-night draw, matching all seven numbers to become the country’s ninth-biggest lottery winner ever at that stage.

In June 2019 a single ticketholder in the UK won £123m in the Tuesday night Euromillions draw. It was the third-biggest Euromillions jackpot in the UK since the draw launched in 2004. It meant they instantly became as rich as Fifty Shades of Grey author EL James (£127m) and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page (£125m). June 2023 was a lucrative month for UK players with a ticketholder bagging a £117.1m jackpot on June 2 while another winner scooped the £55m jackpot on June 20. Euromillions is played in nine European countries.

Get the results:

The trio are preparing to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the BBC dancing competition

The new Strictly Come Dancing presenters Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe have made their first public appearance at a star-studded event.

Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe will preside over the Strictly ballroom in spectacular style this autumn.make first public appearance

Following months of rumours on who would replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as presenters, the BBC revealed on Tuesday (May 18) that there will be three hosts for the first time ever. The trio are the fourth, fifth and sixth ever Strictly hosts, with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth presenting the early seasons with Tess.

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Love Is Blind and The Voice’s Emma said of the news: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.

“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges. Fingers crossed for a 10 from them!”

Johannes, who has been a pro dancer on the series since 2018, added: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.

“To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me. Love Jojo.”

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Comedian Josh stated: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”

To date, Strictly fans have had to make do with the initial announcement as well as some videos from behind the scenes of their photoshoot. The videos saw Emma noting that it’s likely they won’t be able to stop laughing due to getting on so well.

However, on Friday (May 22), the trio stepped out for their irst public outing at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Held annually by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea, London, it’s one of the most glamorous events of the year.

Posing for the cameras, Emma wore a cream top and matching pants as part of a stunning two-piece ensemble. Johannes sported a back sheer top with a rose design and mustard pants, while Josh wore a light blue suit shirt and black pants.

Launched in 1912, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, formally known as the Great Spring Show, features a range of avant-garde show gardens designed by leading names with Floral Marquee at the centrepiece. The show also shines a light on smaller gardens such as the Artisan and Urban Gardens.

Other famous faces to appear at the show this year include The Masked Singer’s Davina McCall, Dame Joan Collins, theatre star Vanessa Williams and even Manchester United legend Sir David Beckham.

Best Bark has rounded up some great things coming up over the next two weekends

The Bank Holiday weekend is upon us and it seems we are finally getting the good weather we deserve.

As the sun can be hard to come by in Northern Ireland, we hope that everyone gets out and enjoys it this long weekend while it is here!

Those who enjoy the nice weather as much as ourselves is our furry friends, so why not treat them to a fun day out this Bank Holiday weekend.

READ MORE: Disney On Ice to return to Belfast for magical new show this yearREAD MORE: Belfast Spring Market opening hours as preparations get underway at City Hall

While you may be thinking about heading to a dog park, one of our gorgeous beaches or on a sunny walk, there are a number of dog-friendly events happening to check out with your pup.

Best Bark, Northern Ireland’s first dedicated dog-friendly directory and verified dog services hub, has rounded up a number of dog-friendly events happening this weekend and next weekend for those looking a fun day out with their pets.

Best Bark co-founder Amée said: “More dog owners are planning their weekends around places they can bring their dogs, especially over bank holidays when people are looking for easy days out.

“What matters is clear information. Owners want to know if an event is genuinely dog friendly, if dogs are allowed in the main areas, if booking is needed, and whether the setting will suit their dog.

“Some dogs love a busy event, others need a calmer option, so we always encourage owners to check the details before they go.”

Here are some paw-some events coming up in NI:

The Rabbit Hotel May Bank Holiday BBQ

Sunday 24 May, 12.30pm to 4.30pm

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Templepatrick

Free entry. Dogs are welcome, with live music, face painting, a balloon artist and magician. Best Bark will also be there with Barkley.

Saintfield Saturday Market

Saturday 23 May and Saturday 30 May, 8.30am to 2.30pm

The Courtyard, 66 Main Street, Saintfield

A free outdoor market with fresh produce, food, crafts and doggie themed stalls most Saturdays. Dogs are welcome.

Doggy Danders

Sunday 24th 1:30pm – 2:00pm

Falls Park, West Belfast

Free event

A free weekly dog walk and social bringing dog owners and their pups together for a friendly community dander around Falls Park. Founded by Jim Deeds, the group is all about getting people outdoors, meeting other dog owners and making regular walks feel more social.

The Big Native Weekender

Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May, 11am to 4pm

Native Coffee, Queen’s Quay, Belfast

A free long weekend event at Native Coffee, with workshops and more details to be announced.

BEEZER Events x Wild River: Big Dog Day Out 2026

Saturday 30 May, 10am to 4.45pm

Wild River Dog Park, Ballynahinch

A paid dog and family friendly event with live demos, expert talks, scent work, mantrailing, a local makers market, food, coffee, dog tasting stations, competitions and quieter sessions for nervous or easily overwhelmed dogs.

East Block Bazaar Monthly Market

Sunday 31 May, 12pm to 4pm

Banana Block, East Belfast

Free entry and dog friendly. The monthly market includes local artisan producers, makers, growers, vintage and curios, with food, drink and music.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

The first UK deliveries of the new RS 5 are scheduled for the summer.

In this instalment of Drive Time, John takes a look at Audi’s sensational new RS 5 models, which offer stunning performance at a price well below supercar money., and finds out the popular Grenadier range has introduced a new flagship model.

Audi Sport has updated its superfast RS line up with the brand’s latest electrified powertrain technologies in the new RS 5 saloon and Avant – its first ever plug-in hybrid RS models.

Available to order in the UK now and priced from £89,400 and £91,300 respectively, the new top-tier models combine a 2.9-litre, 510ps twin-turbo V6 and a 130kW electric motor for breathtaking performance and the potential for an electric-only driving range of up to 52 miles.

The first UK deliveries of the new RS 5 are scheduled for the summer.

With their characteristic flared wheel arches, striking detailing and sizeable wheels the latest RS 5 models make no secret of their tremendous performance potential.

At the front, the hallmark RS honeycomb Singleframe grille is linked by a dark mask to pronounced Air Curtains that streamline air flow, while vents in the wings add drama to the profile in conjunction with blisters in the shoulder line that pay homage to the iconic Audi Ur quattro.

Below the tailgate with its integrated spoiler, the trademark big-bore RS oval tailpipes are centrally positioned within a diffuser featuring aerodynamically optimised vertical fins and a motorsport-inspired red reflector.

In the UK, the RS 5 Saloon and Avant models will be available with a choice of three specification options: RS 5, RS 5 Carbon Black and RS 5 performance Vorsprung.

At the entry point to the range, the RS 5 models ride on 20-inch six-twin-spoke alloy wheels finished in dark Galvano silver and feature a black styling package taking in elements including the spoiler, window trim, door mirror surrounds, door handle inserts, RS badges and Audi rings.

READ MORE: JOHN MURDOCH’S DRIVE TIME: We try out the new Mazda CX-5 and examine Design version of Skoda Karoq

As part of the upgrade to Carbon Black specification, the RS 5 gains larger 21-inch alloy wheels in the twin-spoke design in Neodymium grey matte, along with a high gloss carbon finish for the rear spoiler, mirror housings, front air intake blades and side skirts.

In the RS 5 Saloon Carbon Black the lipped rear diffuser surround is also trimmed in high gloss carbon.

At the very top of the range, the RS 5 performance Vorsprung models have exclusive RS performance bumpers incorporating further enlarged air intakes at the front and an even more distinctively styled rear diffuser, which houses matte black tailpipes.

These not only differ visually from the dark chrome-plated pipes fitted elsewhere in the range but also produce an even more evocative RS sound as part of the top model’s RS sport exhaust system upgrade.

The RS 5 performance Vorsprung models are unique in the range in featuring an upgrade from LED to second-generation Digital OLED taillights offering selectable digital light signatures, including a chequered flag signature that is unique to the RS 5.

They also incorporate an innovative communication light that can display integrated warning symbols to alert other road users to hazards.

Inside, the RS 5’s cabin’s sporting focal points are the exceptionally supportive sport seats plus with their massage and ventilation functions and honeycomb quilting, and the heated RS sport steering wheel with its flat top and bottom, motorsport-inspired 12 o’clock marker and integrated RS drive mode satellite controls. Interior accents with a Vanadium-effect finish and inlays in a black-painted aluminium design.

Whether on road or track, the power and torque output of 639ps and 825Nm delivered jointly by the 2.9-litre V6 TFSI and 130kW motor enables the RS 5 Saloon and Avant models to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds.

The driver can activate a boost function to enjoy maximum acceleration in ten-second phases, optimising overtaking capability.

Where conditions allow, a top speed of 155mph is achievable in RS 5 and RS 5 Carbon Black versions, while RS 5 performance Vorsprung models – priced from £107,485 – feature an elevated 177mph top speed.

READ MORE: JOHN MURDOCH’S DRIVE TIME: We get behind the wheel of the BMW Electric SUV and find out how Mazda is using biofuel on new CX-5 launch

During braking and coasting, intelligent recuperation technology harvests energy for the upgraded battery, and when plugged in, the RS 5 can charge at up to 11kW, meaning the battery can be restored from 0 to 100 per cent in 2.5 hours.

Meanwhile, Ineos Automotive has launched a new elite specification for the Grenadier in the Trialmaster X – aimed at those who demand the best straight out of the box.

The new flagship unites the most rugged Trialmaster specification with the added convenience, style and more refined interior appointments of the Fieldmaster.

It’s the most capable and well-equipped model in the Grenadier line-up and is available on both Station Wagon and Quartermaster pick-up.

Dominating the Grenadier line-up, the adventure-ready Trialmaster X is priced at £75,195 for a Station Wagon and £75,010 for a Quartermaster.

Key features that make Trialmaster X peerless off-road include front and rear locking differentials, BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyres fitted to its 17-inch alloy wheels, high load electrical preparation and a raised air intake.

Safari windows, privacy glass, and a spare wheel lockable storage box add convenience and security.

Inside, premium comfort and refinement steps up for those touring or adding adventure to the everyday, with black or two-tone grey/black leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium sound system and carpet floor mats. An incredible feature list for the price.

The Grenadier’s load-hauling versatility is assured, with a standard-fit tow ball backed by a seven tonne gross train weight.

Additional equipment includes an extensive range of expedition-proof accessories, the 5.5-tonne capacity integrated front winch, and contrast roof in either Inky Black or Scottish White.

The petrol fuel filter and diesel water separator remain available for regions with poor fuel quality.

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First the good news: drag queen and trans Broadway star Jinkx Monsoon has an astonishing voice, a huge presence and has got Judy Garland’s vocal and physical mannerisms down pat, in this revival of Peter Quilter’s play about the star’s infamous last London appearance, months before her death in June 1969. The bad news: her performance is over the top and indulgent, bordering on caricature. This Judy is a honking, bleary pastiche, from which triumphant renditions of Get Happy and Over the Rainbow emerge.

Samay Mahata, from Cambridge, died aged 20 in May 2025

The parents of an “optimistic” 20-year-old student who died in 2025 want to raise awareness about the “stigma” that surrounds mental health. Samay Mahata, from Cambridge, was studying for his A-levels at Hills Road Sixth Form, and had applied to study at Durham University before his death on May 6, 2025.

His parents Bidesh and Jhuma Mahata, described their son as “optimistic” and a “positive” 20-year-old. In tribute to him, they added: “Our beloved son and brother, Samay, was just like any other boy you know – curious, brilliant, funny, kind. A mathematician who saw beauty in numbers. A voracious reader who carried books everywhere. A quiet poet who wrote about home, love and safety.

“A loving elder brother who would do anything for his sister Emma. He dreamed of becoming one of the finest mathematicians. He was on his way. But life was unfairly, unbearably cruel. Samay never saw his 21st birthday. His most profound journey wasn’t solving equations—it was trying to understand the invisible illness that stole his future, shattered our family, and broke our hearts.”

Following his death, his parents are now calling for the stigma around mental health to “improve”. The couple feel awareness and research into mental health is “neglected”. Jhuma said there is a “big stigma” around mental health, and believes people with mental health illnesses are “discriminated against”.

She added: “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it should be treated that way by all of us.”

Bidesh said: “In primary education and higher education the message is missing. Mental health is a priority and we need to raise general awareness about it.”

Bidesh and Jhuma believe doctors and nurses are not doing enough research into treating people with mental health illnesses. They believe it needs to be treated the same way a person with a cardiac problem would be treated.

Bidesh added: “Many people give them [people with mental health issues] the stigma. But they are real people, fighting a very real illness, one that simply has no visible physical form.

“They deserve dignity, they deserve life, and above all, they deserve genuine empathy from the community around them. I don’t want to say the system is broken. But it is under-resourced, and we need more research.”

Bidesh and Jhuma continue to raise money to support further mental health research via a Just Giving page. A pre-inquest into Samay’s death is due to be held next Thursday (May 28).

Some of the most powerful interventions to slow or improve frailty are also the most ordinary: regular movement, adequate nutrition and meaningful social connection.

It almost sounds too simple for a condition now recognised as one of the strongest predictors of hospitalisation, disability, poor recovery from illness or surgery, nursing home admission and death in later life.

Older adults living with frailty have less physiological reserve: the body’s spare capacity to cope with illness, injury or stress. A relatively small event, such as a chest infection, a medication change or even a few days in bed, can trigger a sudden loss of independence. Meanwhile, a more robust older adult may recover quickly from a more serious illness.

How we age can vary greatly, even between people of the same age. One 82-year-old may stay active and independent, while another struggles to rise from a chair and becomes increasingly dependent after a short hospital stay.

The growing recognition that frailty, rather than age alone, shapes how people age is changing the way clinicians and researchers think about later life. While living longer is one of society’s greatest achievements, frailty and its evidence-based management have become increasingly important public health and clinical concerns.

Checking for frailty is now routine in many healthcare settings for adults aged over 65. Assessment increasingly focuses on how robust or frail a person is physically, cognitively and socially.

Frailty assessment

There are two main ways frailty is assessed. The first sees frailty as a physical syndrome marked by weakness, exhaustion, slow walking speed, unintentional weight loss and low physical activity. People with one or two of these features may be considered “pre-frail”, while those with several are considered frail.

The second approach views frailty as the accumulation of health problems over time. In this model, chronic illnesses, mobility problems, memory difficulties, hearing or vision loss, poor nutrition and social isolation all contribute to a reduced ability to cope with a stressful event for the body, such as a fall, infection or hospital stay.

Frailty is often spoken about as though it is permanent, something a person simply becomes. You are either robust or frail, independent or dependent, strong or declining. But research suggests the reality is far more fluid.

Frailty exists on a spectrum from robustness to pre-frailty, mild frailty, moderate frailty and severe frailty, and people may move in either direction over time. Although frailty often progresses, it can sometimes be delayed or improved, depending on the underlying cause and the support available.

Frailty isn’t always permanent

A large review involving more than 42,000 older adults found that, over an average follow-up period of almost four years, around 14% of people improved their frailty status, nearly 30% became more frail, and just over half remained stable. The findings suggest frailty is dynamic and, for some people, potentially reversible.

Rather than simply asking whether someone is frail or not, clinicians are increasingly looking at where a person sits on the frailty spectrum and what supports might help build resilience. Early signs such as slowing down, fatigue or unintentional weight loss are now recognised as an important opportunity for intervention through relatively simple lifestyle changes.

Regular physical activity that includes resistance-based exercise, such as using weights, elastic bands or body weight to build strength at least twice per week, can help improve frailty or slow its progression. The benefits can be even greater when exercise is combined with nutrition or cognitive interventions, such as memory, attention and problem-solving activities.

An Irish trial of a home-based frailty programme delivered through primary care targeted older adults living with mild frailty or less. The programme combined strengthening exercises, regular walking and dietary protein guidance. Frailty rates in the intervention group fell from 17.7% to 6.3% after three months, while they slightly increased in those receiving usual care.

Recovery also appears to depend on more than physical health alone. In a study of more than 5,000 adults aged 75 and older, nearly one-third of those who were frail at the start of the study recovered to a less frail state within two years. Recovery was more likely among those who took part in exercise-based social activities, rated their own health more positively, trusted their community and regularly interacted with neighbours.

Activities that challenge memory, attention and problem-solving can support cognitive health and may help reverse frailty. Psychological resilience, the ability to adapt to stress or difficult life events and recover from them over time, has also been linked to better frailty outcomes.

Frailty is now recognised as more than an inevitable part of ageing. While it remains a powerful predictor of hospitalisation, disability and death in later life, growing evidence shows it can often be prevented, slowed or improved. Everyday choices, including how much we move, who we spend time with and the activities that give us purpose and connection, can help support healthier ageing.

Diana Henry is the Telegraph’s much-loved cookery writer. She shares recipes each week, for everything from speedy family dinners to special menus that friends will remember for months. She is also a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, and her journalism and recipe books, including Simple and How to Eat a Peach, are multi-award-winning. A mother of two sons, Diana can satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.