Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the fourth and final day of the Cheltenham Festival as we build up to the Gold Cup at 4pm.

Overnight rain has made the going good to soft, soft in places, but with a drying breeze and only light showers forecast today there cannot be any excuses. It remains good National Hunt ground.

What we could call the King George triumvirate – The Jukebox Man, Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie – are jostling for favouritism at the top of the betting, but the money this morning has come for Jango Baie, 7/2 from 11/2.

Last year’s Arkle winner is stepping up in trip, but could be the classiest type in the contest and Nicky Henderson’s horses have generally been running well. Nico De Boinville is on board, and is looking to win his second Gold Cup having won as a conditional jockey on novice Coneygree in 2015.

Harry Redknapp’s The Jukebox Man finished in front of Jango Baie and Gaelic Warrior in the King George and is four from four over fences. He has every chance, but the price is looking a little skinny. Kempton is not always the best gauge for the Gold Cup, but many believe the stiffer track will suit him; The Jukebox Man was beaten by a whisker by Stellar Story over three miles in the Albert Bartlett two years ago, suggesting he should come up the hill.

Gaelic Warrior beat Fact To File in the John Durkan at Punchestown this season, before the positions were reversed in the Irish Gold Cup. Like Jango Baie, Gaelic Warrior is an Arkle winner so he has a turn of foot. The question mark might be whether the Irish Gold Cup run has left him with enough in the tank, given the heavy ground at Leopardstown.

A contender who has taken a different route is Welsh and Irish National winner Haiti Couleurs, trained in Wales by Rebecca Curtis. The nine-year-old could be in the mould of Gold Cup winner Native River; an out-and-out stayer who will look to make all from the front and make this a test of stamina. Front-running has been a fruitful strategy this week, but one or two of these might have a touch more speed.

Last year’s winner Inothewayurthinkin has had awful preparation, running three stinkers in Ireland. However, following reports of more positive work at Fairyhouse, he was backed in from 18/1 to as short 6/1 a few weeks ago. The defending champion has softened in the market since then, and it would require a hell of a revival and training performance by Gavin Cromwell to keep his crown.

Before the main event, we have Festival highlights such as the Triumph Hurdle, the County Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett, which have a recent history of producing winners and placed horses at fancy prices. 

Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) paid a visit to Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) in Emmerdale this evening, but he had quite a surprising request.

Beloved Bear has been spending time in a mental health unit to recover from the ordeal he suffered on the farm. He was so deeply traumatised, Bear knew in his heart that being admitted there was the right thing to do.

Shortly after Paddy returned home from dropping Bear off, he discussed the investigation into Ray Walters’ (Joe Absolom) murder. Paddy had managed to prevent Bear from getting re-arrested by taking him to the unit, but DS Walsh (Amanda Ryan) explained that once he’s discharged, he will go back to prison.

Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley) and Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) grew curious and suggested to Paddy that if Bear spends enough time in the unit, the CPS may deem him unfit for trial, and drop the charges.

This was the only thing on Paddy’s mind in tonight’s episode, as he headed to the hospital to see Bear.

The former pro-wrestler was looking a lot better than a few weeks ago. He was still sporting his beard of course, but the way Bear held himself was more than enough to confirm the therapy was really helping.

He explained this to Paddy, but he was puzzled when his son said that the doctors cannot find out about the brilliant progress Bear is making. Paddy told him that if he gets released, DS Walsh will soon arrive and then he’ll have to face a murder trial.

But Bear’s clear head meant that he could finally speak for himself and understand what he wants. He told Paddy that he’s not going to back down from a fight, before heading off for his next session.

Hours later, Bear was home. The family sadly didn’t have long together, as DS Walsh was back and ready to take Bear to the station.

Paddy, Mandy and Dylan were devastated, but Bear was ready to face his next battle.

Will this be one he ends up winning though?

MORE: All Emmerdale spoilers for next week as three fates are sealed

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MORE: Paddy’s emotional last goodbye in Emmerdale as the end arrives

Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) was in a complete panic in tonight’s episode of Coronation Street in the aftermath of Jim McDonald’s funeral.

Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) received the shocking news that Jim had died earlier this month, and had sought out support from his new friend Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker).

Ben was more than happy to accompany Steve to the funeral, though Maggie wasn’t thrilled by the idea.

It later transpired that she had a good reason for this: She’d had an affair with Jim over 40 years ago and had kept it a secret all this time!

Unfortunately for Maggie, she had to finally face her demons when Steve and Ben returned to the Rovers with two of Jim’s old army mates in tow and one of them recognised Maggie as Jim’s lover.

However, that seemed to be the least of her worries in tonight’s episode, as the flustered landlady raised eyebrows from loved ones and punters alike with her unusually erratic behaviour.

It was son Ben who kicked off her panic when he revealed that he had missed his appointment for his heart condition due to the dire parking situation at the hospital.

Viewers will recall that Ben had a serious health scare several weeks ago and was rushed to hospital after suffering heart palpitations.

In tonight’s episode, Maggie lectured him for not taking his health more seriously, and it later became clear why she was so affected by the incident.

Having spent the day lashing out at customers, Maggie paid Steve a visit and began to question him about his dad’s diagnosis of Myotonic Dystrophy.

Steve had brought up the condition while drinking with Jim’s friends after the funeral, and it had clearly been weighing on Maggie’s mind ever since.

When Jim was diagnosed with the condition, which causes muscle loss and weakness, it caused a great deal of stress for Steve when he discovered that he had a 50% chance of inheriting it. If he had, then his children would also be at risk.

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Fortunately, neither Steve nor brother Andy had the condition.

This was no comfort to Maggie, however, who is terrified that Ben may have inherited the condition.

In upcoming scenes, it is set to be revealed that Ben is actually Jim’s son, and therefore Steve’s brother.

Knowing this, it is understandable why Maggie is so concerned about Ben’s health and so keen for him to attend his appointments. But will she be able to convince him to take his health more seriously without exposing her huge secret?

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The voting will shortly get under way to choose Hartlepool’s next Youth Representative, offering teenagers a chance to shape the future of their area.

The Youth Representative will work with councillors, youth groups, and key decision-makers to champion the issues most important to young people.

The role involves attending local and regional meetings and contributing to a wide range of projects, campaigns and events.

Councillor Melanie Morley, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “Our young people care passionately about Hartlepool and its future.

“Voting to elect their Youth Representative is a powerful way for them to have a voice in helping to shape local decisions – so if you’re a young person in Hartlepool, please make sure you use your vote and have your say.”

The four candidates standing for election are Mayowa Carew, Oliver Dixon, Freddie Minton, and Libby Swinbourne.

Each has outlined a manifesto reflecting their vision for improving Hartlepool.

Freddie Minton’s campaign focuses on employment, transport, and promoting local pride.

Mr Minton said: “I want to promote local pride and showcase what it truly means to be from Hartlepool.

“By creating a campaign to showcase how amazing our town is, we can change perceptions and give Hartlepool the recognition it deserves.”

Libby Swinbourne is calling for more youth clubs and better education about cultural diversity.

Ms Swinbourne said: “I believe that we should be proud to live in Hartlepool, which means we need to take care of it.

“I believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure that our town is held to a good standard, especially if it also helps us to care for the natural environment too.”

Mayowa Carew’s manifesto centres on inclusivity, fun activities, and personal development.

Ms Carew said: “Your vote can make real change happen, and I’d be grateful for your support.”

Oliver Dixon’s manifesto emphasises ‘sport for all, better buses, fair pay’.

Mr Dixon said: “I’ll fight to protect school and community clubs, improve access to pitches and make it easier to get to games and training.”

The full manifestos are available on the council’s website at hartlepool.gov.uk/youth-representative-2026.

Voting is open to 12 to 18-year-olds who live in the borough and will run for two weeks, from Monday, March 16 to Monday, March 30.

Ballot boxes will be available in all secondary schools and colleges across Hartlepool, with candidate information and ballot papers provided on site.

Despite the best efforts from the White House to convince the nation that U.S. trade partners are happily paying for President Donald Trump’s tariffs, consumers aren’t buying it, apparently.

Some 70 percent of Americans believe that Trump’s tariffs have made them pay more for their purchases, according to a Harris Poll survey of 2,138 adults published Tuesday by The Guardian. The sentiment is partisan, too, as 77 percent of Democrats and 64 percent of Republicans said the tariffs made consumer costs somewhat higher or much higher.

The poll confirms what previous studies have indicated – that consumers are paying for a majority of the tariffs, pulling extra dollars from American wallets that are already sparse amid higher-than-desired inflation and gas prices that shot up 50 cents a gallon in the days following the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran.

The retail prices that consumers are paying for imported goods have gone up 7 percent compared to pre-tariff trends, according to a study from the nonpartisan tax policy group Tax Foundation. In essence, consumers are paying $107 for imported goods that cost $100 before Trump’s tariffs.

Though the Supreme Court struck down many of Trump’s levies earlier this year, the president is trying to find other avenues for tariffs. If he succeeds in his latest plan to push global tariffs to 15 percent, it could cost Americans an average of $2,512 in added costs this year, up nearly $800 from 2025, according to a study published Friday by congressional Democrats.

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The tariff-related extra costs Americans have faced so far – and may face in the future – have to do with, in part, foreign countries only paying 4 percent of the tariffs and U.S. consumers and importers fronting the other 96 percent, a January study from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy found.

“The claim that foreign countries pay these tariffs is a myth,” Kiel’s research director, Julian Hinz, said in a statement about the study. “The data show the opposite: Americans are footing the bill.”

Tariffs are piling on added costs for consumers who headed into 2026 already pessimistic about their finances.

Some 39 percent of consumers believed they were either somewhat worse off or much worse off financially at the end of last year compared to the previous year, a consumer expectations survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found in December.

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The overall negativity Americans feel about their finances – tariffs included – could impact Republicans’ chances of winning seats in Congress during mid-term elections later this year.

All 435 seats in the House and 35 of 100 Senate seats are up for grabs when voters head to the ballot boxes this November.

Of the 435 seats in the House, Republicans are projected to win 218, resulting in a razor-thin, one-seat majority over Democrats, according to nonpartisan election and campaign analysis group The Cook Political Report.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Gary Wilmot delighted Death in Paradise fans with his return as journalist Anton Busette

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Popular drama Death in Paradise has confirmed the comeback of one cast member, much to the delight of viewers.

The 15th series of the enduring detective programme is presently broadcasting on BBC One, with DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his colleagues investigating more puzzling deaths in Saint Marie.

After following Mervin, Naomi (portrayed by Shantol Jackson) and Selwyn’s (Don Warrington) escapades in Antigua, the penultimate instalment returned to Saint Marie, with the protagonist attempting to process his abduction and the truth about his brother.

Mervin swiftly resumed his duties following the death of the local newspaper’s agony aunt, Hortense LeRoux (Anna Savva). At the beginning of the episode, the Commissioner and Mayor Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine) were shown attending Hortense’s retirement celebration. Regrettably, the festivities concluded in disaster, as Hortense was poisoned the following morning, whilst reading her final advice column, reports the Express.

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Audiences also recognised a familiar figure at the celebration, with journalist Anton Busette (Gary Wilmot) prominently present. This isn’t the first time that Anton has featured in the programme.

Viewers will remember that he generated considerable controversy earlier in the series through his attempts to undermine the police force and damage the Commissioner’s reputation. The character swiftly emerged as a suspect during Friday’s (March 13) episode, as he was the former spouse of the murdered agony aunt.

Offering her assessment of Anton, Mayor Bordey remarked: “Men like him [are] hungry lions, looking at you like you’re a tasty steak at a buffet.”

Despite his character’s shortcomings, Death in Paradise enthusiasts were thrilled to witness British legend Gary Wilmot reprise his role, with numerous viewers expressing their delight on social media. “Ooh! Gary Wilmot back on #DeathinParadise!” one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter), whilst another contributed a string of celebratory emojis.

A third commented: “Keep thinking about how my dad has played football with Gary Wilmot and seeing him as Anton is so weird,” whilst another admirer voiced apprehension about Gary’s character, stating: “I’m sensing bad vibes from Gary Wilmot’s character.”

Later in the episode, Mervin and Naomi persuaded Mayor Bordey to go undercover and extract information from Anton, with the journalist promptly divulging some of his secrets.

Disclosing that Hortense’s daughter, Esme (Emma McDonald), wasn’t her biological child, Anton revealed: “She took her from Paris when she was a baby. Her mother wasn’t able to take care of her, a drug addict I believe… Hortense couldn’t have children.”

Anton subsequently revealed that Hortense relocated to Saint Marie and falsified Esme’s birth certificate to present her as her own child. The atmosphere quickly changed when Anton discovered he was being recorded, with the journalist cautioning Mervin: “This won’t be the last you hear of me, I’ll be calling your Commissioner.” Was Anton responsible for his ex-wife’s death?

Death in Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

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A licensing application has been lodged to sell alcohol from the building Savers is set to expand into in Front Street.

The application would see the store licensed for off-premises sales during its opening hours from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and until 5pm on Sundays.

It comes after City of York Council planning officers approved the expansion of Savers into the neighbouring vacant Ordsal House in February.

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Ordsal House was previously home to a Farmfoods which closed in December 2024.

The application from the chain, which is owned by Superdrug, stated the works would uphold the general character of the area.

The conversion of the vacant building is set to see its shopfront redecorated, a staircase installed outside at the back and roller shutters fitted.

Savers branding including signs would be installed at the front of the shop.

The vacant Farmfoods and Savers in Front Street, Acomb, York. Picture is from Superdrug/York Council’s planning portal

Plans stated the modern additions would be in keeping with the unit which was built in the 1970s.

They added fixtures and fittings inside the shop would be rearranged but otherwise remain largely unchanged.

A council report on the plans stated: stated: “The use of the building will remain as a shop therefore it is not anticipated there will be any additional noise and comings and goings.”

Drivers parking in South Shields town centre will soon be offered one hour of free parking at council-run car parks, with a new £1 per hour rate for subsequent time.

The changes, approved by cabinet last November as part of the South Tyneside Council’s annual review of fees and charges, replace the previous 1p-per-minute tariff for the first hour of parking.

Councillor Jim Foreman, lead member for governance, finance and corporate services, said: “We’ve listened to feedback and simplified our parking charges to make it easier and more attractive for people to visit South Shields town centre.

“Offering a free hour of parking is a practical way to support our high street and local economy while still ensuring we can manage demand and maintain services.”

The new parking charges are expected to take effect from Wednesday, April 1. (Image: Google Street View)

The new tariff will apply to all council-operated car parks in the town centre, including Mill Dam.

The council said the scheme is designed to support local businesses, increase footfall, and make parking more affordable and convenient for both residents and visitors.

Subject to the completion of legal processes, as well as the installation of updated signage and payment systems, the new parking charges are expected to take effect from Wednesday, April 1.

As part of the same review, the council has approved an increase in foreshore parking tariffs along the seafront, to bring South Shields in line with other coastal areas in the region.

The new charge will be £1.60 per hour or £8 for a full day, while the Foreshore Permit will rise to £170 per year.

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This increase reflects a previous cabinet decision.

The council has aimed to maintain some of the lowest parking fees in the region, but said this has contributed to financial pressures.

Through the review process, it has opted to retain subsidies across as many areas as possible, ensuring that services remain accessible and targeted toward those most in need.

Officers say the tent appeared to have been lived in for around nine days.

Police are hunting the occupants of a campsite found in a wooded area in Dumfries and Galloway as temperatures plummet.

A tent was discovered in an area in Castle Kennedy and New Luce that appeared to have been lived in between Monday, March 2 and Wednesday, March 11.

Officers want to ensure the occupant is safe and urge anyone who can indentify the person or who have have seen any vehicle in the area to come forward.

The camp appears to have been abandoned as the mild weather was replaced with heavy rain and wind in the middle of this week.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers have located a tent that appears to have been lived in between Monday 2nd of March and Wednesday 11th of March in a wooded area between Castle Kennedy and New Luce, approximately 3 miles from Castle Kennedy.

“Our primary goal is to ensure the occupant is safe and well. We are appealing to anyone who can assist in the identification of the person living in the tent or may have seen anyone or any vehicles acting suspiciously to get in touch via 101.”

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He’s now been jailed

A banned driver who sped away from police 80mph in a bid to escape the police and who later did the same again with kids in his car has been jailed. ‘Incredibly reckless’ Christopher Marshall, 40, twice made off from officers as they tried to stop him in Gorton.

In December 2023, a local neighbourhood officer recognised Marshall, who was disqualified, and pulled up behind him. He then drove off and hit speeds of 80mph whilst ‘overtaking traffic, mounting a pavement, and running red lights’, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Officers who were pursuing him discontinued the chase due to the circumstances. However they later tracked him down, arrested and charged him.

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However after being granted court bail, Marshall offended again. In January of last year he was again spotted by a patrol and once again drove off. This time he had two young children in the car, GMP said.

“He mounted a kerb and clipped a member of the public’s car, while also causing an officer to slam their brakes on to avoid being hit” the force said.

Due to the presence of the children they decided not to pursue him, however he was again arrested two days later, and charged.

Marshall, of Lunn Avenue in Abbey Hey, Gorton, pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving, two counts of driving whilst disqualified, and one count of handling stolen goods.

He was this week sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Manchester Crown Court.

In a statement issued after the case, PC Mohammed Ditta, from GMP’s City of Manchester neighbourhood policing team, said: “We see the consequences of dangerous driving every day across the force – from minor scrapes to serious injuries and deaths.

“Marshall’s decision to drive so dangerously while young children were on board was incredibly reckless, and we are fortunate that there were not more serious consequences.

“The local neighbourhood team regularly proactively patrols the areas of Gorton and the surrounding areas, and we are constantly looking to tackle criminality wherever we can find it.”