Helen Flanagan shared a heartbreaking family update, revealing on Social media that a recent holiday mishap left her little girl in tears.

The former Coronation Street star who played Rosie Webster on and off from 1990 to 2018, admitted how her eldest child Matilda broke down in tears after she couldn’t get an emergency passport in time to go on holiday.

Last year, the former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! contestant decided to take Matilda on a mother daughter getaway to Italy’s picturesque Lake Como for some quality bonding time.

Unfortunately, Helen realised too late that her daughter’s passport was out of date, and despite her best efforts, was unable to renew it on time. The soap legend took to Instagram to express her disappointment on camera.

‘So I went down to Scotland, I fly to Lake Como on Thursday, to try to get Matilda an emergency passport and we’ve not been able to get one.’

‘I just thought I’d try it because it says a week, but you never know.’

Turning to her daughter in the emotional video, Helen addressed Matilda directly. ‘Mummy tried her best, didn’t she? Mummy has tried. Love you.’ In the caption of her post, Helen added: ‘My little girls cried on my shoulder, she was so looking forward to our trip.’

Adults are usually able to receive a replacement passport using the Passport Office’s one-day premium service, subject to appointment availability. Typically,passports can be available to collect within a few hours. Unfortunately, the service does not apply for new passports, or for those under the age of 16.

The fastest service available to get a new or replacement child passport takes one week. An appointment is still needed, along with trip to a passport office but since it all still relies on availability, nothing is guaranteed.

Helen is best known for her onscreen drama as Rosie Webster, the precocious wild-child daughter of the queen of Weatherfield’s aspirational middle-class Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor).The character earned a place in viewers’ hearts and memories when she was seduced, groomed and kidnapped no less than three times by her twisted tutor, one of the most unhinged villains to ever tread the Cobbles, John Stape (Graeme Hawley).

The actress is refreshingly open about her personal life online and loves to share updates with fans. She has previously used her platform to call out men who ghost women after sex, as well as share her difficult split from partner Scott Sinclair, with whom she has three children – Matilda, Delilah and Charlie.

Earlier this week, Helen revealed she had recently taken her daughter to the doctors due to concern regarding skin discolouration due to sun exposure.

Speaking on Instagram, she said: ‘So it’s back to everything being manic, even though I’m really stressed with the kids, I’m so much better because I don’t have time to think when I’m with the kids because all I get is ‘Mum, mum, mum!’ I don’t have time to think about myself because I’m so busy thinking about the kids. And I love that.’

‘Also, my little girl has basically…it’s not permanent, apparently it goes, but she’s had…in the sun basically there’s more discoloration in her skin. I took her to the doctors, I don’t know the correct name of it, but it is something that actually goes. But she’s getting more self-conscious of it and I wondered if anyone could recommend a good foundation.’

Fans hoping for more on-screen drama from Helen on the Cobbles may have a wait on their hands, as the actress has previously spoken about her desire to return to that iconic street where her career began.

She told the Liverpool Echo ‘Honestly if they want me to come back, I’d love to, but [show bosses] just haven’t spoken to me. Everybody always asks me, ‘When are you going back to Corrie? And it’s like, ‘They haven’t called me’. If you want to call me, that’s great. But they haven’t.’

‘I just really want to concentrate on my acting now. I feel really lucky. All my children are now at school so I want to concentrate on my career.

‘I’ve been very lucky. I’m just a normal northern, down to earth mum. I’ve been very lucky to have opportunities in the career I’ve had.’

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and its region have killed over a dozen people and wounded many others.

BANGKOK (AP) — China announced a series of economic measures Wednesday against the United States, including controls on exports of drones to the U.S. and a ban on dealings with six American entities, in response to recent restrictions imposed by Washington.

Tensions are simmering between the world’s two biggest economies ahead of an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.S. in September, despite signs of warming ties during his meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing in May.

The Commerce Ministry said the sanctions are in response to recent moves from the U.S., including a ban by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission on imports of Chinese drones, and the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to add 43 Chinese companies to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list to prevent imports of goods made with forced labor.

The “measures seriously violate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and severely damage China’s legitimate rights and interests. China has no choice but to take necessary countermeasures in response,” the ministry said in a statement.

It emphasized that China was acting with restraint and urged the U.S. to scrap its measures against Beijing and cease its “erroneous practices.” It also warned of further sanctions if the U.S. rolls out new restrictive measures against China.

Beijing is requiring reviews on a case-by-case basis of exports of unmanned aerial vehicles, their key components and related technologies that are on a list of export-controlled dual-use items that can serve both civilian and military purposes.

Six U.S. entities, including Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. and the non-governmental group Human Rights in China, were banned from engaging in trade or other activities with entities in China.

The ministry also said it was investigating the possible impact on national security of imported printing software and office equipment, but it did not name affected companies.

The State Administration for Market Regulation announced that companies in the U.S. that conduct follow-up factory inspections on behalf of Chinese entities for CCC certification can no longer provide these certifications.

CCC certifications are meant to ensure electronic products meet a basic safety standard. The new rule will oblige U.S. makers of certified electronics to hire auditors based outside of the U.S. or to rely on other non-U.S. designated bodies for such certifications.

Police were called to reports of an assault on Yewdale Avenue

Police are continuing to question a suspect in a murder investigation in Bolton following the death of a woman.

Officers were initially called to Yewdale Avenue in Breightmet at around 3.15am on Tuesday morning (August 4) to reports of an assault. They raced to the scene and found a woman, aged in her 30s, who was ‘unresponsive’ and ‘who had sustained injuries’.

Sadly, despite the efforts of police and paramedics, she was pronounced dead. A murder probe was launched and a house on the street was cordoned off.

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Forensic officers were pictured working outside of the property. A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, Greater Manchester Police confirmed yesterday.

Today (August 5) he remains in custody to be quizzed by detectives. The force previously said the incident was believed to have been ‘isolated’.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Platten, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said previously: “My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim at this incredibly tragic time. We understand how troubling this news will be, and whilst formal identification has yet to take place, the believed family are being supported by specialist officers.

“A scene will remain in place as officers continue the investigation and we will have an increased police presence in the area. I’d like to reassure you that this was an isolated incident that is not believed to pose a wider risk to the public, and we currently have a man in custody in relation to the incident.

“I urge anyone who may have information to support our enquiries to please come forward”.

Anyone with information can contact GMP on 0161 856 2270, quoting log 321 of 04/08/26. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A British mother of three has died and her partner remains fighting for his life after they were engulfed by a wildfire in Spain.

Lisa Fryett and Simon Batchelor, from Essex, fell victim to the deadly Almería blaze that ripped through the Los Gallardos neighbourhood of southern Spain on July 9, when they were staying near Bédar on holiday.

The next morning, authorities found at least 13 people dead and several injured – including Lisa and Simon, who were discovered in a critical condition on the mountainside.

The Almería wildfire was Spain’s third deadliest ever, claiming the lives of another four Brits who were found dead in their burnt-out car after trying to flee through the mountain roads. Most of those who died were foreigners.

Despite their devastating injuries, the couple clung to life – and begged rescuers to save them so they could be reunited with their children.

Lisa’s sons, Alfie and Charlie, and Simon’s daughter, rushed out to Spain to be with their parents – alongside Lisa’s identical twin sister Carly, her fiance Mark Witt, and his daughter Mia.

The family were able to join the couple at their hospital bedsides throughout Lisa’s final days.

Tragically, on July 28, Lisa succumbed to her injuries and passed away.

Her son Alfie, 20, paid tribute to his mother online, writing: ‘Words genuinely can’t describe how upset I am right now writing this… but yesterday we said goodbye to my beautiful mum.

She was found in a critical condition alongside her partner Simon Batchelor after the deadly Almería wildfire 

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The hillsides of Los Gallardos were decimated by the fire in early July

‘The best person ever you was my world I’m so grateful to be able to call you my mum and I will forever love you and I will cherish every memory I have with you.’

Mia Witt, daughter of Carly’s fiance Mark, set up a GoFundMe to raise money to help the family, which has so far attracted over £65,000.

She said they were facing significant costs that were not covered by insurance. 

Giving the heartbreaking update after Lisa’s death, she wrote: ‘It is with the deepest sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beautiful Lisa passed away on the 28th of July 2026, surrounded by her loving family in Spain.

‘Our hearts are completely broken, and there are simply no words to describe the pain we are feeling. Lisa fought so incredibly hard, and we are so grateful that her loved ones were able to be by her side, surrounding her with love until the very end.’

Some of the funds donated would help the family to give Lisa the ‘beautiful send off she truly deserves’, Mia said.

But she added that Simon remains in a critical condition, so asked for continued ‘love, support and prayers’.  

Mia concluded: ‘From the bottom of our hearts thank you. Every donation, every share, every message and every prayer has meant more than words can ever express.

The Almería wildfire became Spain’s third deadliest ever after it killed at least 13 people

Cars on the mountainside were found completely burnt out – in one case with four Brits inside who had died while trying to escape

‘Your kindness has carried us through the darkest days of our lives, and we will never forget the love and support that has been shown to our family.’

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.’

The Almería fire that engulfed Lisa and Simon resulted in at least 13 deaths, 17 injuries, and 1,300 evacuations.

It is the deadliest in the history of the province of Andalusia, and the third deadliest ever in Spain.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but witnesses reported that a downed power line sparked a fire that quickly spread to nearby trees.

Andalusia’s health minister said after the fire first broke out: ‘Unfortunately, the decision of some people to take evacuation routes that weren’t those indicated by the emergency services and take an alternative route became a mortal trap.

‘There were two scenarios like that specifically. One was a vehicle in which four people died, with everything pointing to them being of British origin.

‘Then another seven people died in another scenario. They were walking and had abandoned their cars and were probably looking for a way out. But they had taken a route which wasn’t the one indicated by the emergency services and the consequences have been terrible.’

Live departure boards this afternoon showed several holiday flights running significantly behind schedule, with some departures delayed by more than two and a half hours.

Among the worst affected services are Jet2’s flight LS1065 to Palermo, which is currently showing a delay of 155 minutes, and Ryanair flight FR3441 to Palma de Mallorca, delayed by 160 minutes.

EasyJet’s service to Alicante is running 65 minutes late, while a KLM departure to Amsterdam is delayed by 40 minutes.

Earlier today, another KLM flight to Amsterdam was delayed by 48 minutes, while an EasyJet service to Las Palmas was running 75 minutes behind schedule.

Two upcoming departures from Terminal 2 have also been cancelled.

Lufthansa flight LH2503 to Munich, scheduled to depart at 5.55pm, has been cancelled, while Jet2 flight LS911 to Heraklion, due to leave at 7pm, has also been called off.

The disruption comes during the busy summer holiday period, with thousands of passengers travelling through the airport each day.

Airport data indicates around a quarter of departures have been affected by delays today, with flights leaving between 15 and 22 minutes behind schedule on average.

Passengers due to travel later today are advised to check the latest status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport.

The driver of the vehicle, Henry Long, received a 16-year sentence and is not eligible for early release.

Speaking on the Today programme, Thames Valley Police chief Jason Hogg urged the government to reconsider its position.

Only prisoners convicted of murder, rape, grooming, and serious child sex offences will be excluded from the scheme in England and Wales – while those convicted of manslaughter remain eligible.

“I fully understand the challenges around the crisis in the prison system,” he said.

“But the decision made and where that line has been drawn, I do not believe that people responsible for taking the life of another citizen in our country should be released early.”

He said on Wednesday: “I was informed yesterday that the Police Federation are considering legal action, I am in discussions with the Police Federation with regards to this matter”.

Asked whether this meant he would join them, he said: “I think we need to get some legal advice in relation to this. This is something I certainly would consider.”

After campaigning by PC Harper’s wife Lissie following his death, Parliament passed “Harper’s Law”, which gives mandatory life sentences to the killers of emergency services workers. It doubles the maximum penalty from 12 months to two years for those who assault police or other emergency workers.

But the new rules – introduced in 2022 – did not apply in the sentencing of the police officer’s killers, and so do not prevent them from being released early.

Hogg said: “The law isn’t retrospective and we all understand that, but the fact that they are released early simply seems perverse.”

Aileen O’Connor, branch chair of Thames Valley Police Federation also told the BBC her organisation was considering legal action.

“We are in talks this morning, I’ll get an update this afternoon whether that is an avenue that we can explore and if it is an avenue we can explore then I’ll get behind that 110%,” she told BBC Breakfast.

As for what shape a potential legal challenge might take, she said: “Ultimately that’s for the specialists, the barristers and those in that legal sector to make that decision whether there is a challenge there.

“If there is a challenge then we will look to take that challenge.”

Sentencing Minister Jake Richards told the BBC it would be wrong to pick out individual cases and block two of PC Harper’s killers from early release.

Although the government had reviewed what sentences would be excluded from the early release scheme, he confirmed “manslaughter is not one of those offences”.

Richards said: “It would be wrong to pick out individual cases within different offending cohorts. That wouldn’t be right. It wouldn’t be lawful either.. So it is correct that those two individuals will be subject to the new regime from October”.

On Tuesday Justice Secretary Alex Norris warned a prison capacity crisis would be likely if fewer prisoners were allowed early release.

Norris apologised to families who would be affected by the early release scheme and stressed that the government wanted to go further “but we cannot”.

“We have to make this decision, we’ve been able to make some changes to it, but we have to have the rest of the sentencing act changes otherwise we run out of prison places in November and that can’t happen,” he said.

The justice secretary said 5,000 extra releases will take place in 10 batches from October.

Approximately 1,000 prisoners will now not be released early following the revision to the scheme, he clarified.

The government also announced an extra £10m will go to front-line victim support services, including a new national helpline.

After reaching the summit of Ben Nevis, mental health professional, Scottee was overcome with emotion – but couldn’t help vent his frustration over what he found

A man who climbed Ben Nevis this week has admitted he was left baffled after finally reaching the top. Mental health professional and writer Scottee documented his climb of the UK’s highest peak.

He began an Instagram video at 5am from the foot of the site near Fort William, claiming he had “nothing better to do” on the day. Scottee soon spotted a memorial on a bridge and declared: “Well, that’s not a good omen, is it?”

As he made his ascent, he issued a series of warnings to other potential climbers. He said: “If you’re thinking about hiking a mountain this summer… be prepared for how long it takes. And take layers with you… it’s going to be cold – it’s like Antarctica up here.”

Scottee went on to vent his frustration that, after navigating a hill, he was met with another straight after. He joked: “I’ve just had some chocolate-covered Brazil nuts because something about this has to be enjoyable.”

WARNING – explicit language in Instagram video below, viewer discretion advised

Scottee went on to quip: “I think Ben Nevis must be a simulation. I think the Scots must have put it here to see if anyone was daft enough to walk up it.”

But daft enough he was – as he approached the summit, he commented about how “smug” those heading in the opposite direction appeared.

Upon reaching the top, Scottee’s playful demeanour changed. He tearily confessed: “I did it and I feel weirdly emotional. I don’t know why… I don’t want to be one of those people who cries on top of a hill.

“I spend most of my life trying to keep sanity close and I rely on a lot of people to help me with that, and sometimes it’s nice to prove to yourself that you’re still capable.”

Despite having a sentimental moment at the peak of Ben Nevis, Scottee was soon brought back down to reality when he looked out at the view.

Admitting it was all a bit of an “anti-climax” on a foggy day, he said: “Just look at the view. There’s not even a f****** shop! I guess I’ve got to walk down the f****** hill again.”

Scottee’s hilarious video has garnered 403,000 likes – and many liked his brutally honest thoughts on the hike.

Writing in response, one Instagram user pointed out: “That’s the thing about hill walking…. you have to come down again (which is tougher on your knees!) I’d hill walk a lot more if I could be choppered off the summit!”

A second person informed Scottee: “You should climb Snowdon. There’s a shop and cafe.”

A third praised: “Well done you! I didn’t manage it because the weather changed to F’ing freezing, so we decided we’d had enough. When we got back down the sun was out and it was boiling.”

While a fourth declared: “I had a whole mental breakdown on that mountain! It was horrible! 0/10 do not recommend.”

I was recently party to the world premiere of Russian stand-up comedian Sasha Nezlobin’s show I’m Фine (spelt with a Cyrillic “ф”, pronounced “f”), previewing ahead of a month-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe. The expectant crowd had gathered to support Russia’s answer to Michael McIntyre in Nezlobin’s first full-hour set performed in English since fleeing Russia in 2022.

Nezlobin moved with his wife and daughter to Los Angeles after falling foul of the Putin regime for supporting LGBTQ+ rights and speaking out against the war. As one of a handful of well-known comedians on the relatively new and booming Russian stand-up circuit, Nezlobin doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to return home. Earlier this year comedian Nurlan Saburov was banned from entering Russia for 50 years. Another comedian, Artemy Ostanin, was sentenced to nearly six years in a penal colony for a joke about a war veteran.

Since the early 2000s, I have been travelling to Russia most years to study or research in the archives. However, since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Russia.

I used to proudly state that Russia felt like my second “rodina” (homeland) but now, like many, I am nervous of speaking Russian in public or admitting the extent of my Russian interests. The darkened room of the Pleasance Theatre studio felt like a safe space for us all, something akin to attending group therapy, or “laughter therapy” as Nezlobin himself calls it. As often happens in challenging times, dark humour proves an essential coping strategy in the face of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

As an English translator of Russian drama, it was fascinating for me to observe a Russian stand-up comedian operating in English. Drawing on his experience of being forced to leave Russia, live in the US and perform to new crowds, Nezlobin offers jokes for Russians, Brits and Americans alike that can be appreciated on different levels. He warns about the growing parallels between Putin’s Russia and Trump’s America, with both starting down the slippery slope of authoritarianism with attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.

Much material hinges on Nezlobin hamming up his self-described “poor English” with the biggest laughs for gags about him sounding “like your Uber driver who talks too much” and having the “most deportable accent of the family”. The audience in London were mostly Russian speaking, but I assume this may not be the case for the 20+ shows in Edinburgh, so it will be interesting to hear how it lands there.

My fellow literary translators currently trying to justify their existence against AI would have appreciated the line that ChatGPT “can’t do humour” and so was responsible for anything in the show being unfunny.

One of my favourite jokes was Nezlobin’s description of transporting the family dog from Moscow to Los Angeles as a “special operation”. It’s a riff on the euphemism “special military operation” that Putin coined having banned the word “war” to describe the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Another gag for the linguists – any issues with “language barriers” in the show were deemed appropriate as Russia has always had a “problem with its borders”.

Many organisations are understandably nervous of showcasing anything associated with Russia, and the priority right now must be supporting Ukraine and combating Putin. The levels of propaganda and indoctrination by Russia, particularly of Ukrainian children in Russian occupied territories and in Russian schools as documented by the Oscar-winning documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin, are extremely concerning.

Although it is challenging to counter the spread of misinformation within Russia itself, we can at least support the progressive Russian diaspora now installed across the world. This is why I have chosen to translate contemporary Russian drama into English as a way of continuing to share culture at this time of conflict and mutual suspicion. Hats off to the Pleasance Theatre for giving this opportunity for Russians and Brits to laugh together.

For a comedian who seeks to call out the malice in Putin’s actions, it is fitting that Nezlobin’s surname means “good-natured” (literally “without malice”) in Russian. When leaving the show, I heard a woman ask her friend in Russian – “So, are you ‘фine’”? – followed by a telling silence. Judging by the post-show queue for selfies and the number of poignant hugs I witnessed, I hope that Nezlobin has someone to trauma dump on about the pain he must be absorbing from his fans.

Sasha Nezlobin’s I’m фine is on at The 10 Dome at ⁠Pleasance Dome in Edinburgh from 5-31 August, 2026

Netflix viewers have been raving about a series that they think is really good. Many admit they binged it in a day as they simply couldn’t stop watching once they’d started

If you’re looking for a series to watch, you may want to pay attention, as people are raving about a particular show on Netflix. It’s a TV drama you may want to focus on as some think it’s one of the best offerings Netflix has available.

It was highlighted on Reddit, when a TV viewer was seeking recommendations for their next watch. A lot of people quickly started championing the same programme, with numerous viewers confessing to binging the entire series in a single sitting, as they were completely unable to stop watching.

This isn’t the first programme to have seized viewers’ attention in recent times, either. Previously, it was noted a BBC drama featuring Ruth Jones is also super captivating.

The social media user posted: “Looking for a show to get really pulled into and binge-watch for the night.” Suggestions flooded in rapidly; though one particular series appeared to dominate the recommendations.

What did people say?

One commented: “Dept. Q was excellent on Netflix. Just started Slow Horses and loving it, but it’s on Apple TV.”

Another responded, stating: “Dept. Q I binged in a day! Definitely agree.”

A third contributed: “I came to recommend Dept. Q as well. I’ve recently started watching more British detective shows like Shetland and Broadchurch. They are really enjoyable.”

Meanwhile, a fourth remarked: “I finished Dept. Q a few hours ago. Watched it straight through. Excellent show.”

Another viewer remarked: “Dept. Q was really good. Have to agree with you on that one!”

It’s clear the programme has captivated numerous people, with several confessing they became completely hooked. For anyone who hasn’t yet watched it, the series could be well worth including on your viewing list.

What’s the storyline?

For the uninitiated, Dept. Q is a British crime thriller drama series. Created by Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani, it draws inspiration from the Department Q book series by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen.

The show launched on Netflix in 2025 and has already secured a second series commission. Consequently, those yet to discover it have ample opportunity to get up to speed before its return.

Essentially, it centres on a talented yet tormented detective who’s tasked with heading up a newly established basement department tackling unsolved cases. The team supporting him might best be characterised as “misfits”.

The central figure, Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, portrayed by Matthew Goode, is exceptional yet unpopular amongst colleagues. Audiences witness his battle with trauma and remorse following a brutal workplace incident that left his partner paralysed and claimed another officer’s life.