EastEnders star Jessie Wallace is taking a break from the BBC One soap.

The actress has played the role of Kat Slater in the show on and off since 2000. Kat and partner Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) currently run the Queen Vic, and their lives are always packed full of chaos.

A change looms for the family in the near future, as Jessie will be briefly saying goodbye to Kat’s iconic leopard print wardrobe and the drama in Walford.

The star, who is 54, will play the role of Captain Hook at the New Wimbledon Theatre’s panto production of Peter Pan.

The show will run between December and January, and will also star Aston Merrygold, Tom Read Wilson and Pete Firman.

A source told The Sun: ‘Jessie will be taking a short break from the soap to appear in panto. Bosses agreed to the short break because it’s over Christmas and won’t hugely affect filming.

‘It’s a huge bonus for Jessie. She’s one of the show’s biggest names and can command huge fees for panto appearances’.

Given the fact panto only runs across the festive period, it’s safe to assume Jessie’s break from the soap will only be temporary.

Metro has contacted EastEnders for a comment.

This development comes just days after the news Jessie’s co-star Michelle Ryan has reportedly been axed.

The 42-year-old actress thrilled fans when she returned to Albert Square last June as Zoe Slater, before joining the soap full-time again in August.

But now it’s been confirmed by the BBC that Michelle will be leaving, with reports that Zoe is set to meet a shocking end and be killed off, making her exit permanent.

Michelle originally appeared as Zoe from 2000 to 2005, before leaving for Hollywood after landing the lead role in the Bionic Woman remake.

The Sun alleges that Michelle requested time off from the soap earlier this year before quitting EastEnders, with writers then deciding her character would face tragedy when written out.

A BBC spokesperson told Metro: ‘We can confirm Zoe Slater will be departing EastEnders later this year. We wish Michelle Ryan all the best for the future.

‘However, we never comment on future storylines as we don’t want to spoil it for the viewers.’

An insider has since revealed to Metro: ‘Michelle’s exit marks the end of a storyline that has been in the works for some time. With such an iconic character, Zoe’s exit is never going to be without drama, but bosses are keeping tight-lipped about how she leaves the Square, but as always with the Slaters, it’s not going to be quiet.’

The actress is thought to have filmed her final scenes in Walford last month, with her departure set to play out over the coming months.

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Essex’s only children’s hospice, Little Havens has worked with the Disney Company to create a Moana-inspired garden to provide joy and comfort for the children spending time there

Little Havens, Essex’s only children’s hospice, has unveiled a breathtaking island garden inspired by Moana.

The space brings together elements based on the beloved film, in an immersive and multi-sensory space created with viral landscaping duo The Green Genie Brothers and The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland.

It opened ahead of the highly-anticipated release of Disney’s live-action film Moana, which sailed into cinemas Friday 10 July.

Among the first to experience the garden was six-year-old Millie, who has been supported by Little Havens since 2021. On her first birthday, Millie was diagnosed with Congenital Myopathy, which is a muscle disorder affecting the muscles inside and outside of her body.

Jay Farr, Millie’s mum, said, “Millie is such a huge Disney fan, so watching her face when she saw the garden for the first time was pure joy. She loved driving round looking at the characters, and particularly liked Tamatoa and his treasure.

“The evening was wonderful, and you could tell that every single person involved truly cared about what they had created.

Millie was joined by Little Havens’ CEO Louise Bryan, Dan Radford, Vice President, Marketing at The Walt Disney Company, and The Green Genie Brothers to cut the ribbon and officially open the garden.

Jay continued, “Millie was made to feel like a star, and it’s a memory that we will never forget as a family. While we were there, they told Millie the meaning behind the shell and rock centrepiece — that it represents a community, a family — and she loved this.”

The Pacific oasis-inspired garden combines hard landscaping with a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Features – include a large bamboo entrance as you step onto the island, with handcrafted fale (houses), lush planting, natural stone features and a bespoke carving of Moana’s rooster friend Heihei crafted from a tree stump.

Part of the installation features a striking pebble manta ray set into the garden floor, paying tribute to one of the film’s most beloved motifs. A dynamic water feature brings movement and life, while carefully designed lighting creates a fully-immersive, sensory experience.

Vital to the families supported by Little Havens, the garden has been built with accessibility in mind, ensuring every child — whatever their needs — can enjoy it to the fullest.

“Millie, and other families like ours, go through so much, so when we sit in the garden, we will be reminded that we are not alone, and that is just beautiful. Millie’s still got a huge smile on her face.”

The garden’s design and build were led by The Green Genie Brothers — Jake and Ethan Thorne — Bristol-based luxury landscape gardening duo known for their outdoor transformations. Jake and Ethan brought their trademark precision and flair to a project unlike any other in their portfolio for a cause close to their hearts.

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Jake Thorne, one half of The Green Genie Brothers, said, “We’ve built some incredible spaces over the years, but nothing has meant more to us than this. Knowing that every stone, every light and every sound in this garden is going to bring something special for families to enjoy, that’s a legacy we’re incredibly proud of.”

“Working with Disney to bring Moana’s world to life for the children at Little Havens has been a huge privilege. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the suppliers and contractors who have helped along the way — we’ve had people travel from all over the country to be part of this and enable us to pull this project off in such a short time. It’s been a huge honour.”

“So often our families miss out on things, whether that’s from having to spend time in hospital or facing accessibility challenges that make everyday experiences harder to reach. To have something so special and unique, designed just for them, is incredible.”

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This is the latest project as part of Disney’s long-standing collaboration with Together for Short Lives, the national charity supporting children’s hospices across the UK.

Since 2017, The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland has worked with the charity to bring joy to seriously ill children and create moments that matter for the whole family. This is part of Disney’s mission to deliver over one million magical moments of comfort and togetherness for children across EMEA by 2030.

Dan Radford, Vice President, Marketing, The Walt Disney Company added: “Creating moments of joy for children and families facing serious illness is at the heart of Disney’s social impact work. This garden is a wonderful reminder of how stories like Moana can be brought to life and provide a sense of escape, comfort, and togetherness for families when it’s needed most.”

The Moana-inspired garden is now open and available for children and families at Little Havens Hospice to enjoy during their visits and stays.

For more see https://www.havenshospices.org.uk.

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A former flight attendant has spoken about the best etiquette for when you find yourself on a flight and feel like reclining your seat or putting a bag in an overhead locker

A former flight attendant has provided some guidance on if and how passengers should recline their seats on an aircraft. As thousands of Brits jet off around the world this summer, it may be tempting for some to recline their seat a little when they take off.

However, former flight attendant Elaine Swann suggested that if they are to do this, then they should be mindful of the person behind them.

She told the Guardian: “Yes, but recline it slowly, so that if someone has laptop or a beverage, they can see you’re starting to come back. Think of the inches above your knees as being shared space with the person sitting in front.”

Elaine also added that it was acceptable to move around people’s things in the overhead locker, but that you should probably ask nearby people first.

She said: “Typically, you’ll find that it is someone within close range, so ask whose bag it is, and then say: ‘I’m just going to scoot it to the side a little bit’.”

While Elaine has been talking about the etiquette behind a common occurrence, another former flight attendant has spoken about something far less common, people who give birth on planes.

Although unusual, it does sometimes happen that a baby may be born mid-flight, posing a major challenge to those onboard.

Speaking to the Independent, former flight attendant Marika Mikusova said it was something they received training for, but that it wasn’t something they were tested on every year.

She told the publication: “Although we do receive training for childbirth on board, it’s not something we’re tested on annually.

“So, if a childbirth were to happen during a flight, our first step would be to immediately ask if there is a doctor on board and contact ground medical support for guidance on how to proceed, to make sure we are doing everything we can.

“If circumstances allow, the delivery would ideally take place near the bulkhead seats. As stated in the manual, we would place the passenger in a comfortable position, preferably upright with knees parted and drawn back against the bulkhead.”

However, if the bulkhead isn’t available, they might move the person to the galley because of the space it has. Whilst they wouldn’t have time to clean the floor before the passenger sat down, Marika explained that a clean blanket would be placed on the floor before the delivery.

She also revealed that aircraft are equipped with an onboard delivery kit for if the situation arises and that the crew would be guided through the delivery from a medical team on the ground. On whether a plane might divert or continue onwards to its destination, Marika said it was dependent on the situation of the birth at the time.

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Prince Harry has opened up about being bullied at school, where he was nicknamed ‘carrot top’ by his classmates because of his ginger hair

Prince Harry has disclosed he suffered bullying during his childhood, despite his privileged upbringing within the Royal Family.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, revealed he was constantly mocked over his hair colour while at school and even earned the nickname “carrot top” from fellow pupils.

Harry shared these revelations during a guest spot on The Joe Marler Will See You Now podcast, after being questioned about the most common misconceptions people have about him, reports The Mirror.

“That I’m not ginger,” he responded.

When former England rugby international Joe Marler seemed taken aback, Harry joked: “People think I’m ginger, but I’m more sort of like, um, sunset auburn.”

He went on to recall the teasing he endured at school, stating: “Unless you want to call me ginge. You know? I got bullied a lot at school, called carrot top.”

Marler remarked it was “not funny”, prompting Harry to quip: “I’m going to need therapy after this.”

Harry was educated at Wetherby School in London before transferring to Ludgrove School in Berkshire and subsequently Eton College. His attendance at Eton marked a departure from royal custom, as earlier generations had been sent to Gordonstoun in Scotland, though his elder brother, Prince William, was also schooled at Eton.

Later in the podcast, Harry was posed the question of whether he’d swap lives for a day with Harry Styles, Harry Kane or Harry Potter. He opted for England captain Harry Kane, but only “on a winning day”.

“You don’t want to be Kane on a losing day, do you?” he said, adding that he reckoned England would go on to lift the World Cup. The Duke also opened up about maintaining his mental health, revealing that keeping physically active is crucial to his overall wellness.

“Going to the gym is an absolute… any form of exercise is great, especially when you’re depressed,” he said.

When quizzed about his profession, Harry responded: “Full-time dad, British Army veteran, Prince of England, Duke.”

The podcast was captured during Harry’s latest trip to the UK in the run-up to next year’s Invictus Games.

Throughout the visit, Harry, alongside his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their youngsters, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reunited with King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the first time in four years at the King’s Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.

It marked the King’s first confirmed encounter with Archie and Lilibet since the family’s appearance at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee festivities in 2022. No additional information about the reunion has been disclosed.

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Emergency services rushed to PGL’s Hindhead outdoor centre after a tree fell, injuring several children, with one airlifted to hospital with a serious leg injury

A number of children have been left injured after a tree came down at an outdoor activity centre in Surrey.

Emergency services raced to PGL on Marchants Hill in Tilford Road, Hindhead, at around 1.40pm on Monday following the incident.

One casualty was airlifted to a London hospital with a serious leg injury, while six others were transported to Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford with less severe injuries.

A further eleven individuals were assessed and treated at the scene before being discharged.

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed that multiple ambulance crews attended, alongside police and fire services, including crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, reports Surrey Live.

The outdoor education provider stated that the safety of children, teachers and staff remained its top priority after confirming an ‘incident’ at the site.

A spokesperson said: “A number of children were injured and are receiving medical treatment as required.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected. The safety and wellbeing of the children, their teachers and our colleagues is our absolute priority.

“We are working closely with the schools involved and emergency services to support those affected and to ensure families receive timely information through their schools.”

The statement added that PGL are “committed to supporting everyone affected”.

Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford confirmed he was aware of the “serious accident” involving several children. He said there were a “number of injuries” but no fatalities had been reported.

Stafford noted that Surrey Police and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service were working in close collaboration with PGL.

The MP stated: “My thoughts are with the children involved, their families, and all those affected.

“I am grateful for the swift and professional response of our emergency services.”

The activity centre offers climbing, zip-lining, and canoeing, making it a favourite choice for school trips.

Back in 2023, the Marchants Hill outdoor centre faced a £1 million fine after two youngsters were left ‘traumatised’ when their fingers became trapped between doors.

The company was ordered to pay the penalty after the children sustained “significant injuries” while staying at the Surrey adventure centre.

Waverley Borough Council brought the case against outdoor education provider PGL Travel Limited.

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The Home Secretary says the murder suspect was not known to the anti-terrorism Prevent programme

Police are continuing to question the suspect being held on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe as the Home Secretary says the man was not known to the anti-terrorism Prevent programme.

It comes as counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death after new evidence came to light.

The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

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A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Police could be allowed to hold him for up to 14 days for questioning under terrorism legislation if needed. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons on Monday the suspect was not known to the Government anti-extremism scheme Prevent.

She said Miss Widdecombe was “one of those rare politicians who was bigger than politics”, and that the circumstances of the former Maidstone MP’s death were “extremely distressing”.

“She was a unique figure in our politics, a distinctive and devoted public servant, the likes of whom we will rarely, if ever, see again,” she added. “Ann had a profound faith. Her journey in this life has ended too soon.”

Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the head of a parliamentary body responsible for politicians’ security amid the party’s concerns about the safety of Reform UK MPs, Ms Mahmood said.

She will also look at security advice for former members of parliament and members of parties that do not have MPs. Earlier, it had been announced that counter-terrorism policing were taking over the investigation from the Devon and Cornwall force.

Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.

“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”

Footage was shared with media outlets, including the Sun newspaper and Sky News, showing a man with no top on being arrested and led away from a house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday.

In cases of this kind, investigators will look through devices owned by the suspect to see if there is any terrorist material, and consider other issues such as their mental health.

If a range of different extremist material has been accessed it can be challenging to decipher one ideology – more than half the referrals to Prevent in the year to the end of March 2025 were for no fixed ideology.

Police believe Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm, shortly before she had been due on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.

ITV News later published a series of WhatsApp images that appear to show that Miss Widdecombe stopped responding to messages from a TV producer after the approximate time police believe the attack took place that day.

Meanwhile, Downing Street stressed the importance of protecting the “integrity” of the investigation. Mr Farage faced calls for restraint at the weekend after giving his thoughts about the case.

Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice and board member Gawain Towler both spoke out after Devon and Cornwall Police initially said the murder was not being treated as terrorism and there was nothing to suggest it was politically motivated.

Mr Towler said: “In a time when trust in the police is at an all time low, this just plays into that they are trying to massage public opinion rather than do the job of investigating a brutal murder.

“We saw it with Henry Nowak, we saw it with Southport. By appearing to rule something out and then a few days later bringing it back in, they look manipulative and that’s a shame.”

Mr Tice said it would be “wise, when considering motivation” for police to keep an open mind “as opposed to ruling things out too quickly that may then end up being ruled back in”.

Miss Widdecombe was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to become an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

We often focus on moments of rapid change, but some of the most meaningful progress happens so gradually that it can be easy to miss. A river returning to health. A neighbourhood brought back to life by dedicated volunteers. Renewable energy becoming an everyday part of the landscape. Mental health being discussed more openly, or LGBTQ+ people finding greater acceptance. Shifts that took years – even decades or even longer – to become visible.

We’d love to hear about the positive changes you’ve witnessed over time. They could be personal, local or global; environmental, cultural or social. Perhaps you’ve seen attitudes shift, a long-term project bear fruit, a community come together, or a place, species or landscape recover against the odds.

Using the form below, tell us what changed, how long it took, and why it has stayed with you. We will publish our favourite answers in the next issue of Positive News magazine. We can’t promise to print them all, but we will read them.

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There are currently 118 chemical elements on the periodic table. The last one added was oganesson, which was first created by scientists in 2002.

Seven-year-old Robyn, from Edinburgh in Scotland, wants to know whether scientists will be able to make any more new elements, and how they do it. He joined our host Eloise to ask biochemist Mark Lorch on The Conversation’s Curious Kids podcast.

In each episode of The Conversation’s Curious Kids, a child joins host Eloise to ask a top researcher their burning question. If you’d like to join in with the experiment in this episode, have a few pieces of lego to hand as you listen.

To listen to season two, follow us wherever you get your podcasts, or listen on the Yoto Player via the Discover section on the Yoto interactive audio platform for kids.

You can also listen back to season one and read lots of answers to questions sent in by children around the world in our Curious Kids series.

Got a question? Pop it in an email, or record it and send us the audio to curiouskids@theconversation.com.

This season of The Conversation’s Curious Kids is supported by the University of Southampton in the UK, a world-leading research-intensive university with a global network of international students and campuses in Malaysia and Delhi.

Disclosure statement

Mark Lorch does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Credits

This episode of The Conversation’s Curious Kids was hosted and mixed by Eloise Stevens. The producer was Katie Flood and the executive producer was Gemma Ware. Credits in this episode to The Tom Lehrer Wisdom Channel and the BBC.

The tragedy unfolded at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool on Sunday, July 12, when what began as a family day out ended in disaster after two children got into difficulty in the water

A dad who died while trying to save his two children from the sea at a UK beach has been named as Wayne Taylor.

The tragedy unfolded at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool on Sunday, July 12, when what began as a family day out ended in disaster after two children got into difficulty in the water. Mr Taylor rushed into the sea in an attempt to rescue them, alongside beachgoer Davey Short and another man who has not been named. Tragically, both Mr Taylor and the second man lost their lives during the rescue attempt.

The RNLI was called to the scene at around 3.45pm and recovered both men from the water. Despite the efforts of emergency services, they were pronounced dead a short time later. The two children were brought to safety and taken to hospital as a precaution. They were not seriously injured.

Mr Short, who also entered the water to help, described the desperate moments as the incident unfolded, The Mirror reported.

He said: “There were three children at the beach with their mam and dad, a boy aged 15, a second boy aged 11 or 12 and a younger girl. The two younger kids were in the sea and started to struggle.

“I saw a second figure next to the boy and he was face down in the water. I discovered afterward the children’s father had gone in to rescue them, was swept away, and didn’t get back out. A second man had also gone in and he drowned as well. He had been out walking his dog with his partner and he ran in to help. She saw the whole thing, it’s devastating to think about that.

“I was the third person to go into the water. The children’s mother was on the beach, she was hysterical and asking if I could help because she couldn’t swim. Her eldest son had gone into the water as well to try to rescue his brother and sister but they were still out there. I managed to swim out and get hold of the boy.”

Following the tragedy, Superintendent Glen Ward, of Cleveland Police, said: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, sadly both men were pronounced dead a short time after being brought out of the sea.

“We are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of what happened today, although the deaths are not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.

“I would like to remind everyone that open water comes with serious risks. We know it is inviting in the hot weather, but we would encourage people to refrain from entering any open water at all. Today we have sadly seen the true tragedy that can happen as a result. Please take extra care and enjoy the warm weather as safely as possible.”

Tributes have since been paid to Mr Taylor online.

One family friend wrote on Facebook: “Wayne Taylor (Tim) as the lads would say, you know what they say god only takes the best and that you was, thanks so much for being the most amazing best friend to my Liam, you really did mean so much to him.”

The tribute continued: “I promise to look after our Jade and be there for them all as much as myself and Liam can, because for only the short two years I knew you, you was definitely one of a kind. RIP mate, absolute hero. And RIP to that other gentleman too, my thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones right now.”

A GoFundMe appeal has also been launched to support Mr Taylor’s family with funeral costs and to help his children. More than £31,000 has been donated so far.